Vic/Tas Fishing Monthly July 2017

ABT BARRA TOURNAMENT ANGLER GUIDE INSIDE

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Guide to swimbaiting gear • Surf spinning for salmon • Beating the bream blues • Melbourne’s freshwater secrets •

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July 2017, Vol. 12 No. 9

Contents WEST COAST West Coast

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14

16

38

42

Warrnambool 16 Cobden 16 Apollo Bay

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CENTRAL Geelong 21 Port Phillip West

22

Port Phillip North East

24

Port Phillip North

26

Mornington Peninsula

28

Western Port North

29

Western Port South

30

Phillip Island

32

EAST COAST Gippsland Lakes

38

Marlo 39 Lakes Entrance

40

McLoughlins Beach

42

Bemm River

42

NSW SOUTH COAST Bermagui 44 Eden 45 Mallacoota 44 Narooma 46 Merimbula 47

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Horsham 76 Ballarat 77 Robinvale 78

From the Editor’s Desk...

Location: Florida, USA. I’ve decided to start publishing the places I’m writing my monthly welcome to the magazine. This month it’s from Florida, USA. Last month it was from on the road from the BREAM Australian Open road trip and the month before it was from Port Phillip Bay in the pelting rain.

Yep, I seem to get around.

I know what you’re thinking as you’re reading this.

Possibly from the only place you get any peace and quiet at home - sitting on the toilet.

“You lucky bugger!”

But if you said that, you’re probably commenting without getting the full story.

Incidentally, plenty of readers say that’s exactly where their Fishing Monthly gets read – on the throne. Takes a month to get through it all there and yes, there is something wrong with using a phone or tablet in this sacred place.

I’m not clad in fancy fly

fishing gear trying to catch a tarpon-of-a-lifetime – although I want to. And I’m not swanning around the pool drinking cocktails - although other people are.

I spent 30 hours travelling one way to a global launch as the guest of an outboard motor company to report on some sort of new product. You’ll see the editorial in these pages – although I don’t know what it is yet.

The big reveal is tomorrow.

Unfortunately, there is also an embargo on the release date, so readers will just have to wait...

As usual, Fishing Monthly will make videos, we will write stories and these will be published in print and online and form the basis of your research when it comes to serious purchases over the next four or five years.

I mean ‘serious purchases’, too. My opinion is that we’re allowed to bemoan the money we spend on rent, power bills

and parking tickets.

That spending sucks.

The ‘fun money’, however, is serious business and it’s our business to let you know what options you have there when it comes to spending it! After all, the fun money buys us the freedom to adventure further, more, safer or more efficiently.

The last trip I did to Florida I was waiting to get on a boat for testing. A 100lb Atlantic tarpon rolled beside me, gulping a little air and was gone moments later, leaving only a trail of bubbles.

To the locals it wasn’t worth a second glance. Maybe it was like a metre-barra chopping in your prop wash while retrieving your boat at the local barra lake?

I was kind of speechless.

Fish-of-a-lifetime, no rods close. No opportunity to hook it.

Probably 20 of his mates sitting under the dock…

The suffering is real.

And that’s the pain we put up with at Fishing Monthly to get you the story.

Well, that and the 30-hour trip back home after a couple of days in the outdoor office.

AFTA TRADE SHOW LIVE SHOWS Back on home soil, we’ll be broadcasting live TackleJunkie shows again this year from the AFTA Trade Show on the Gold Coast at the end of the month.

Incredibly popular in 2016, you’ll see Simon Goldsmith and I in front of the camera, backed by a big team behind the scenes to present what we think is the best-ofthe-best new tackle arriving for the coming season.

To watch, just Like the TackleJunkie page on Facebook, or sign-up to the email list on www.tacklejunkie. fish and we’ll let you know the broadcast schedule.

Of course, if you want it old-school, there’ll be mountains of pages in the subsequent issues of your favourite FM magazine.

Mildura 78 Yarrawonga 79 Wangaratta 80 Shepparton 81 Jindabyne 82 Eildon 83 Bonnie Doon

83

Central Gippsland

84

Bendigo 84

BOATING AND KAYAK

99

REGULAR FEATURES Camping and 4WD

66

Back to Basics

68

Chappy’s Hotspot

81

VICTORIA FISHING MONTHLY Business Office: Unit 1, 11 Knobel Court, Shailer Park, Qld, 4128 Phone: (07) 3387 0800 Fax: (07) 3387 0801

Dam Levels

105

Managing Editor: Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

Fun Page

102

Editorial Manager: Jacqui Thomas

Spearfishing 67 Tasmanian Lake Levels

73

Tournament News

90

Sub-Editors: Bob Thornton Nicole Penfold Cordelia Adams

Track My Fish

94

Field Editor: Kelly Hunt

Trade and Services Guide

96

Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall

Victorian Tide Times

114

What’s New Fishing

86

What’s New Boating

100

SPECIAL FEATURES Guide to swimbaiting gear

8

Subscriptions: Kym Rowbotham

TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 103 FIND THE COASTAL BLACK LOGO COMPETITION PAGE 50 Victorian and Tasmanian Fishing Monthly magazine goes on sale the last week of each preceding month (latest sale date 31st of the month).

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Make cheques payable to Queensland Fishing Monthly PO Box 3172 LOGANHOLME QLD 4129 SUBSCRIPTION HOTLINE FREECALL 1800 228 244

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Advertising Enquiries: Peter Jung ads@fishingmonthly.com.au

Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Pty Ltd

A Brad Sissons image.

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Jason Linardos shows off a handful of beautiful southern calamari.

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Melbourne’s best kept freshwater secret

Production: Karen Millward Jenna Milburn Keith Hawley

OUR COVER

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2017 ABT Barra Tournament Angler Guide

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Advertising Sales: Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au Phone: (07) 3387 0800

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Surf spinning for salmon

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Beating the bream blues

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

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MEMBER

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“I managed to blow away my PB on King George whiting when I was using the DX Point hooks. This fellow was pinged right in the corner of its mouth. The DX Point penetration is incredible.”

Black Magic hooks are point loaded during batch testing to ensure maximum strength and performance.

RELIABLE HOOK UPS. MAXIMUM STRENGTH. MADE IN JAPAN. “I have been using your C Point hooks for the past 2 years with a lot of success on Jewfish, with solid hookups in the jaw bone.”

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Swimbaits – the experts’ tools of the trade

BRISBANE

Simon Goldsmith

The emergence of the swimbait trends in Australia in the last 12-18 months has been an angling revolution in many ways. This bait and technique genre has bubbled away quietly under the sportfishing industry surface for many years, but its popularity has now exploded. The increased availability of overseas swimbaits, the proliferation of information via social media channels and the exponential uptake of the technique by anglers has seen it emerge as one of the most exciting developments in lure fishing for quite some time.

The arrival of swimbaiting on such a large scale has opened people’s eyes to new possibilities, both in terms of the size of lures that fish will eat, but also the size of fish that are out there to be caught.

The spike of XOS cod pictures across social media can be attributed to the increased number of swimbaits hanging from rod tips throughout the country.

These new baits and new frontiers have delivered a new landscape in tackle design, with big baits delivering big demands of tackle and equipment. When it comes to swimbaiting, only the right tackle will do. Anything less just doesn’t cut it.

A man who has spent plenty of time with a swimbait in his hand is Australia’s bass export Carl Jocumsen. Carl understands the role having the right tools for the job plays in the swimbait game.

“Throwing swimbaits is like nothing else,” he said.

“The lure and technique is insanely hard on tackle, and to do it correctly requires a whole new tackle system. I like to see my swimbait set-up as a complete system that includes the rod, reel, line, and of course the lure. Each piece

of the system is important, and they are all as important as each other.”

When Carl talks we should listen, and in this article we’ll break down each piece of the swimbait system and look at the options available for Aussie anglers when it comes to choosing the tools for the swimbait trade.

ROD RAGE When it comes to swimbaiting, not all rods are created equal. While one rod can cover many techniques and lures if you’re throwing small to mid sized topwaters, crankbaits, or soft plastics, it’s a different story for swimbaits.

Only a rod made purposely for the job will do. Australia rod design guru Ian Miller knows this well.

“When it comes to swimbait rods it’s important to keep in mind that it’s all about the lure,” he said. “The main job of the rod is to cast a potentially big, heavy lure so it can be presented in the strike zone, and because swimbaits

The Tatula Swimbaits live up to the Tatula name offering looks and performance that’s second to none.

Australian designed rods like the Samaki Zing Extreme and Wilson Venom series more than hold their own against the overseas offerings.

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JULY 2017

come in many sizes and weights, the rod must match the lure weights you intend to use. Don’t get too confused by line breaking strains for the rod, just check rod specifications for recommended lure weights to make sure your swimbait rod is suitable for these lure weights (what you’ll likely be using). If you want to throw really ‘big baits’ then you’ll need a more powerful rod, and that will be a completely different animal... because one rod won’t do it all.”

With Ian’s philosophy at the centre of rod selection, the next question is what rods are available for the Aussie swimbait. One angler who has been truly bitten by the swimbaiting bug is Daniel Clancy, and he has a duo of rods that he reaches for on a regular basis.

“Millerods are my weapon of choice,” he said, “And there are two that I use above anything else. For my lighter swimbaiting, lures between 170 and 230mm, I’ll use a BeastFreak. It’s 7’10” long and is designed for throwing lures 30-150g in weight and is one of the most versatile rods going around.”

However, what really gets Clancy’s casting arm twitching is XOS swimbaits. Those big, 250mm-plus baits demand a lot from both angler and tackle.

“Throwing big baits can be a real challenge, and you want a rod that will happily load up when you make a big cast and is able to control the lure in the water and through the air,” he explained. “The Millerods DreamFreak is made to do this with ease, and will handle baits

Main: Harry Watson loves his cod and swimbaits.

Above: The Shimano Tranx are a workhorse reel for throwing XOS swimbaits. up to 225g in weight.”

Luke Parsons is another swimbait cod addict who favours Millerods, and Luke has three in his quiver of rods that cover his swimbait needs.

“I use a SwimFreak for the lighter stuff, a BeastFreak for the mid stuff and the DreamFreak for the big stuff,” Luke said. “Regardless of which one I’m using, they offer the same benefits and traits: the ability to throw a bait a long way, and do so without placing undue pressure and effort on the angler. Fatigue is a serious issue; it can be flat out exhausting launching a 6.5oz glidebait over and over for three days straight.

The long butt of the Millerod swimbait rods allows for good rod leverage, and a smooth, natural two-handed casting

action that greatly helps minimise angler fatigue.”

When it comes to swimbaiting in Australia, one name features more than many: Adam Townsend. A committed swimbait junkie and an angler who has muscled many swimbaiteating cod to the bank or boat, Adam favours the Dusk Custom Rods for his big bait work.

“My favourite rod is a 7’0” fast, medium/light Dusk rod,” he said. “It can throw lures up to 5oz, and it’s a rod that I use on both the lakes and in the rivers.”

Dusk offers two models in the Swimbait Range – a 7’10,” 3/4-3oz, moderate/ fast action, heavy power model, and a 7’10,” 3/4-4oz, moderate/fast action, extra

heavy power model. Built with the Australian angler in mind and with impressive styling and build quality, the Dusk Swimbait Range is certainly worthy of your attention.

When it comes to swimbaiting there are no hotter baits at the moment than those from the Jackall stable, and Jackall Australia’s Harry Watson is one guy that’s revelling in the swimbait trend at the moment. It’s no great surprise when it comes to selecting a rod for hurling his swimbaiting long and hard, he opts for G.Loomis branded rod. A user of G.Loomis products since he was a boy, Harry favours the models in the

G.Loomis Swimbait Series.

“Some anglers like a fast or ultra fast rod for throwing their swimbaits,” he said.

“However, I like to use a medium/fast action rod, and it’s the G.Loomis 904 that I use more often than not. It’s an awesome rod and I use it for throwing lures up to 70g in weight.”

Daiwa have a rich history of providing anglers with design and performanceleading products, and the swimbait rods available from the Daiwa Australia stable are true to that trend. The Tatula name has become famous since it was added to the Daiwa line-up a few years

Left: A true power reel with a tonne of drag and line capacity, the 13 Fishing Concept A3. Right: The Daiwa Tatula HD is setting the standard when it comes to power, performance and value for money. ago, and the Tatula rod range features two specific models for swimbaiting – the 76H and the 76XH. Featuring a unique

One of Carl Jocumsen’s favourite swimbait outfits a Millerods DreamFreak and Shimano baitcaster.

telescopic butt that allows the rod to collapse to a shorter length for improved storage capability, the Tatula Swimbait rods are both light and crisp in the hand, yet equally powerful and strong. For those anglers looking for a more economical priced swimbait rod, the Tatula range is well worth a look.

Fans of the Daiwa Black Label range also have their swimbait needs catered for, with the 77H Swimbait Custom featuring cork grips, two-piece construction and Fuji SIC guides.

The famous Wilson name occupies an enviable position on the Australia tackle landscape, and are designed with the needs of the Australian angler in mind, along with attention to detail and performance. This focus is evident in Wilson’s Venom rod series, and in particular

their 7’6” Venom Swimbait rod. Designed specifically for swimbaiting for Australian species, the Venom is a true workhorse.

“The rod was designed to cast lures, and not just to lob lures but to actually load hard and power cast lures a long way,” explained Wilson Fishing’s Troy Dixon. “It does that and it will throw swimbaits up to 180g with ease. It also has the strength to muscle fish, which is something not every swimbait rod is designed can do.”

The US is famous for swimbaiting, and one brand that occupies a good footing in the swimbaiting market over there is Storm. Aussie distributor Rapala Australia has taken advantage of Storm’s proven performers to bring one of their newest releases to the Australian market.

“The Storm Arashi Swimbait rod offers both excellent performance and value,” explained Rapala Australia’s Tom Slater.

“It features 30 ton blank construction, measures 7’6” in length and is capable of throwing lures up to 120g in weight. They’re also great value for money, with a recommended retail price of $150.”

Another US brand with a rich and proven rod design history is 13 Fishing, and they have many swimbait options available for the Aussie angler.

“We have two ranges, the Defy Series and the Muse Black Series,” explained 13 Fishing Australia’s Andrew McKinstray. “They are ergonomically designed for optimum angler comfort and performance.”

Both series feature the 13 Fishing aesthetics and styling that have helped make the brand famous, with the Muse Black featuring six swimbait models, from the 7’9” heavy power model all the way up to the big dog of the range, the 8’6” extra/extra heavy model. The Defy series offers two models, and features an impressive recommended retail price of $149.99.

Dobyns Rods have a strong following in Australia, particularly with the tournament and high-end lure To page 10

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From page 9

fishing fraternity. For those anglers who love their Dobyns, there are many swimbait models to choose from. The Fury and Champion XP series both feature models ideal for the Australian swimbait fan.

The Champion XP Series features nine swimbait models which are built on ultra-sensitive, high-modulus graphite blanks with Fuji Alconite guides, Fuji graphite reel seats, and AA grade cork grips. The Fury Series is designed with budgetconscious angler in mind, and features two swimbait models, the 795SB and the 806SB. Samaki fans are also catered for when it comes to swimbait tackle, with the Zing Xtreme Series offering anglers two rod models to choose from. The lighter model in the range, the Zing Extreme SZX-792BSBH, is 7’9” in length, designed for 15-30lb line and lures 1-5oz in weight. The second and heaviest model in the range, the Zing Extreme SZX-802BSBXH, is 8’0” in length and will cast lures 2-8oz. Both models feature Fuji K guides, custom super-hard EVA camo grips, premium Toray carbon fibre blanks and AA cork grips.

“I use a 8.5:1 Shimano Metanium MLG for throwing lures up to about 140g, and once I go heavier than this I use a 5.6:1 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400,” he said.

A slow down in reel retrieve ration is another thing that Luke does when he starts to go big.

“Big baits mean big fish, and a slower reel provides you with more cranking torque and more pulling power when trying to winch out giant fish,” he explained.

Daniel Clancy follows a similar path when it comes to reel selection – low-profile for the lighter stuff and a barrel reel for when things get big.

“I use either a Shimano Core or Curado for the small stuff, and then swap it for a Calcutta Conquest 400 when throwing big baits,” he said. “I’ve recently added a new Shimano Tranx 300 to my big bait line-up and it’s absolutely awesome.”

Harry Watson is another angler who is a fan of the new Shimano Tranx.

“The Tranx is strong, smooth and holds a ton of line,” he said. “It also handles the rigors of throwing swimbaits all day long.”

Daiwa offer swimbait fans a host of reel options

Top: Storing swimbaits in kitchen storage is a great way to house plenty of baits with little fuss and cost. Above: Looking for top shelf storage for your swimbaits then look no further than the Versus range.

REEL IT IN When it comes to selecting the reel to use, not just any reel will do. Carl Jocumsen has his own preferences.

“The demands a swimbait places on a reel is like nothing else in light tackle lure fishing.

If you use the same reel you use for throwing 1/2oz spinnerbaits or crankbaits you’re going to wear it out and eventually destroy it,” he explained. “While low-profile baitcasters will do the job with small swimbaits, when you start throwing the big baits a barrel style baitcaster is the only way to go.”

Luke Parsons agrees.

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as well, with the famous Zillion name hard to go past.

It has outstanding casting performance that put its ahead of the pack, courtesy of the Zillion’s T-Wing System.

Additionally, its bulletproof construction and reliability make it the ideal choice for those looking for a low-profile swimbait baitcaster.

The Daiwa Tatula HD is the perfect accompaniment to the Tatula swimbait rod range.

The HD is available in two retrieve ratios (6.3 and 7.3:1) and features large neoprene handle knobs, making it one of the more ergonomic and comfortable reels to use.

those in the Jackall stable, have the facility to add extra weight, and it’s this addition of extra weight that is becoming very popular amongst many swimbaits fans.

Jackall Australia’s Harry Watson is a big fan of this.

“I chin weight my lures a lot of the time, mostly with tungsten weights,” he said. “Doing this allows me to change the running depth of my lure.

“For example, at night when fishing shallow I might use a 1/4oz weight, while during the day I might use a 1/2oz weight and fish the lure 15-20ft down. I also make sure I split ring the weights on rather than clip them on. Barra and With a RRP of $149.95 the 13 Fishing Defy swimbait is outstanding value for money. cod can have a tendency to throw the weights off if they’re Daiwa also have your with 40-60lb Sunline FC100 that I think all lure anglers have just clipped on.” large reel needs catered for, fluorocarbon leader.” in the tackle storage set-up – a For those anglers looking with the Ryoga Shrapnel big Daniel Clancy also Sistema plastic tub from Coles. for a locally available, in looks, performance and goes with a braid/fluoro “The Sistema container off-the-shelf option when it power. The Shrapnel carries leader setup. is perfect,” Adam said. “It comes to chin weights, the 13 bearings, a 6.2:1 retrieve “I fish 40lb Power Pro fits perfectly in my Berkley Mustad Fastach X-Weight ratio, 10kg of drag and will Super Slick Braid with a 40lb backpack and can hold lots is hard to go past. Troy accommodate 195m of PE5 Sufix Super 21 fluorocarbon of big baits, covering both the Dixon from Wilson Fishing line. This is one stunning leader for my light set-up, rivers and dams.” understands the importance of looking and performing then I bump it up to a 50lb Daniel Clancy is guy adjusting weights. swimbait reel. mainline/50 leader set-up who’s often looking for a “The Fastach connection The 13 Fishing Concept for my heavy outfit,” Daniel better way to do things, and his makes it easy to clip and on A3 baitcaster offers a host explained. “I favour the Power approach to swimbait storage and clip off the weight. With a of different options for Pro because it’s smooth, strong, is no different.

1/4, 3/8, and 1/2oz weights to the swimbait angler, and is not too chunky and has proven “When it comes to choose from its easy to match available in both left and right itself trip after trip. I also like swimbait storage, I am the weight to the depth you models. The A3 is available the Sufix Super 21 leader yet to find a good solution want to fish,” Troy explained. in four different retrieve ratios because it’s more supple than in the fishing industry,” he Daniel Clancy is another (5.3:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1, and 8.1:1). a lot of other fluoros, and has said. “Instead, I use storage guy who likes to add some It weighs in at under 200g, but excellent shock resistance.” solutions available from weight to his baits. However, although this reel a lightweight Luke has a similar line Bunnings. They have a variety Dan prefers the stick-on variety. in body weight, it’s anything set-up as Dan, with only a of storage options for tools and “I carry a range of weights, but a lightweight when it slight difference. hardware that are similar to a mostly stick-on ones, that I put comes to performance.

“Dan and I use the same tackle box, but they have way on the lure rather than clipping “The A3 has 22lb of drag lines but I use 30lb for my more options to fit big baits in on hanging chin weights,” he pressure, seven ball bearings small swimbaits, then step it a practical and organised way.” said. “I see a lot of guys using and casts big baits all day long up to 50lb and 40lb leader For those anglers who are chin weights, but I’m not a with absolute ease,” explained on my mid sized swimbaits, less inclined to look outside of real fan. I prefer to use the Andrew McKinstray. “It’s then 50lb and 50lb on my big the fishing market for storage stick-on ones.” a low-profile baitcaster baits,” he said. options, proven brands such Dan doesn’t just carry that punches well above Adam Townsend is a as Bass Mafia and Versus sticky weights though – he its weight.”

Yamatoyo fan when it comes have options suited to housing has a trick bag of goodies that Another reel that’s to line selection, and opts swimbaits. Jon Millard is Bass he always brings with him famous stateside is Lews, and for 45lb Yamatoyo Super Marfia’s distributor. when fishing.

Australian anglers have many PE mainline and 40-45lb “The 3700 DD Coffin is “I always carry various little to choose from at home. Lews Yamatoyo fluorocarbon leader. ideal for swimbaits,” Jon said. bits and pieces for on-water Australia’s Craig Simmons “The Yamatoyo is “It has removable dividers, is alterations,” he explained. “I is the man behind Lews in bulletproof,” Adam said. “It’s fully waterproof, is deep so it always upgrade the hooks Australia. super abrasion resistant, wears can accommodate big lures, and rings before using a bait, “Lews are famous in the incredibly well over time and and is virtually bulletproof.” and swap the stock terminal US for their ability to cast is trouble free through the Versus have two standout for VMC components. Wire hard, cast long, and outlast guides and when it comes to models, with the VS-3070 an harnesses and multiple rigging the others,” he said. “When tying knots.” ideal briefcase-style storage harness options are always in it comes to swimbaiting, it’s STOWED AWAY option, while the VS-3043 is the box pre-done, as well when hard to go past the Lews When the lures you’re an ideal deep stowaway-style soft swimbaits are been used.”

Super Duty Speed Spool. It’s throwing are worth anything storage case that will fit plenty Luke Parsons also perfecting for throwing big between $20 and $400, you of big baits. upgrades his hardware before baits all day long.” want to make sure you keep Flambeau offer many he throws a lure.

THE LINE UP them in top-notch condition. options as well, with the “You’ll find that 99.9% of Big baits require big line. However, when it comes to Tufftainer and Ultimate the swimbaits we have here in In the US and Japan, most storing swimbaits up to 30cm Tufftainer two of the best. Australia are not designed for anglers throwing swimbaits in length, it can be no easy Featuring Flambeau’s Zerust our fish, and the hooks will be opt for 20 or 30lb fluorocarbon, task finding a box or tray that technology, which minimises below par 9/10 times,” Luke but on Australian soil our will house them. Some of our corrosion, the Tufftainer’s rigid explained. “Owner STx3/x4 swimbait fans run PE and anglers opt for a makeshift (but construction will keep your series hooks are solid as a rock braid nine times out of ten. effective) approach, but if you swimbaits safe and secure. and have not let me down yet.”

Harry Watson has been a like a bit more structured order The Ultimate Tufftainer is the THE WRAP long time user of Platypus line in your life there are some standout of the two models, So there you have it – and, as expected, it features purpose-designed options with its silicone gasket keeping a run-down on the tools of heavily in his line-up when available. your lures waterproof and dry. the trade on the market for swimbaiting.

Harry Watson is one of THE TERMINAL those anglers looking to tie on “Cod are not a line burner the anglers who opts for the Lure anglers love to tinker a swimbait and get started in but there’s a lot of structure simple storage option. with their tackle, and it’s no this highly addictive pursuit. like granite rocks where I do “There’s nothing special different when it comes to Rest assured we’re only going most of my swimbaiting, so about it,” he said, “I just use swimbaits. For those looking to see more swimbait tackle I like to go a heavy line,” a cheap sandwich container to tune their stock standard become available as the year Harry explained. “I run either from the supermarket.” baits, there are a few options rolls on, and the momentum 50lb Platypus Super Braid Adam has a similar available. Many of the latest of this trends gathers even or P8 mainline and match it approach and uses a container baits to hit the market, such more speed.

D U O

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Bream

Beating the mean bream blues GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

Sick of your mate hooking all of the bream on lures?

It has happened to all of us. You spend a day on the water with a good mate and they releases a whole swag of bream. Meanwhile, you have a terrible day and land a few little ones, or maybe nothing at all! Even worse, you use the same

of the bream. This is stranger than you think, because I’m talking about very keen, skilled bream anglers that really know their stuff.

Just recently I watched mates totally outscore me on a hot bream bite. Hot for them, at least! I have joined a swag of top local anglers including Joel Petzke, Jason Deenan, Justin Dingwall, Anthony Havers and Mick Dee recently for about eight sessions searching our local Gippy Lakes.

and were scoring 20-40 big bream every trip. Meanwhile my efforts were dismal! One day I lifted in just a single bream! Other trips saw me struggle to score 10 fish and only once I had a good day with 21 bream released.

What did I do different?

That was a strange day, because I also got the biggest bream with two at 44cm, one at 43cm and about six 42cm bream. For the record, the other boys still outscored me, Jason with 24 bream and Mick with 38! During most other days I struggled to get fish, while Havo, Jason and Mick were getting hit or hooked up with about every third cast.

Here’s the real strange twist though, I tried the best I could to imitate everything

all of us at times.

SWAPPING RODS On another day, my mate Joel had my problem, as once again we watched Mick haul in fish with his usual incredible ease. After hours of trying to fix the problem we came to the conclusion that there was something about Mick’s outfit. The two anglers simply swapped rods. Surely that would do the trick.

Mick grabbed a rod and lure that he had never used and pulled a bream up in seconds. I don’t need to tell you the dismal result for Joel, so what’s going on? For me, I’ve just come to accept that tiny and seemingly insignificant tweaks of a lure can be the difference between a swag of fish or Mark Ramsay buys heaps of cheap blades and then pimps them up with stinger hooks and repaints them with a heap of different colours. He hooks more bream than most and always seems to catch fish without any trouble. Some anglers have a winning technique that is hard to copy. that causes failure. These obvious things are fixed within seconds.

THE LURE Is it all about the lure?

Short answer: absolutely not. It’s even less about the colour. You’d be forgiven for thinking that all you have to do is tie on the gun lure. In all the years I’ve

It took every trick in the book to get bream on that day.

Putting stinger hooks on a micro vibe was the winning move for the author. Or was it a better technique? lures, identical rods and even the same length and size of leader.

This heartbreaking scenario has happened to me quite a lot and I’ve been on both sides of the equation.

This article is not about how to lure fish for bream – it’s all about those awful and perplexing days where one angler smashes the fish while the other fails dismally. It goes way beyond the right lure, leader and where or how to fish. Those things are easy to change.

What about when two or three boats are all out together and between, say, eight very experienced anglers, just one of them smashes the fish while the rest look on dumbfounded?

I just know this has also happened to you and if it hasn’t yet, be prepared! Can we turn such dreadful and demoralising days around?

The answer is never easy.

One angler gets all the bream – how can it happen?

Short answer is I don’t know. I fish for bream a lot and share the water with plenty of very keen, hardcore anglers. More often than not, one of us hooks the bulk of the fish while the others struggle along. Lures and techniques are quickly changed by all, but still, one angler gets most, if not all, 12

JULY 2017

Most days, three of us are out together. For nearly two months we have been catching the heck out of these big bream and it has been incredible sport with hardly a fish under 36cm and heaps of 42-45cm trucks. It has been a real blade-fest and sometimes working metal blades means tweaking them in just the right way.

Havo and Mick got the technique fully mastered

on an angler’s catch rate.

Some people will swear their success is all about using the higher priced or even most expensive lures on the market. It’s true that not all lures are created equal and undeniably a few exceptional brands are out there, but I’ve caught literally thousands of bream on some really rough

Mick Dee has pulled in dozens of bream recently.

The author thought it was all about the lures he buys, but then he tied on his home-made blades and started getting twice as many. Please explain! they did and I still struggled!

Even worse, I actually showed each one of those blokes how to blade up bream. They were catching heaps more fish than me, by using my technique. That stung! Weird, I know, but I’m sure this sounds familiar to you and it can happen to

almost none at all.

I fail to comprehend the logic at times, but this much I can tell you. The difference between success and failure is sometimes so minuscule it becomes impossible to measure. Other times it is a blatant wrong lure or silly technique mistake

Mick Dee used a Stik 40 lure and caught some cracker bream and perch. The author tried the same lure and technique and got nothing!

Blades are deadly lures on bream. Joel Petzke lands a good fish while slow tweaking a Hurricane lure. But get the technique slightly wrong and you will end up fishless.

chased bream with dozens of different anglers, I’ve rarely seen a single standout lure, even with small differences in lures.

It’s not like smashing bream on a soft plastic fished deep while another angler fails with a surface lure. That difference is too extreme and obvious. I’m talking about a 35mm blade against a 37mm blade, or a slow sink lure against a heavier one, a fast medium retrieve versus a slightly slower one. In all my years of experience, those small differences have hardly ever made any impact

looking homemade lures. In fact, I’m always joking about how I will only catch fish on the ugliest lures I can make! I’ve used the best and dearest lures on the market as well as the cheapest eBay fodder, so I’m qualified to comment. Always dismiss lures as being the primary or only explanation of an angler’s success.

USING LIGHT LINES While fishing with dozens of different gun anglers over time, including some of the best bream nuts around, I’ve always wanted to prove that light leaders are

Bream better. I mean, if it were true, how good would that be?

Just go light and catch a heap of bream – easy! I’m going to, once again, blow this myth right out of the water before I even get started.

I’ve done the homework on this subject and the proof goes back years and years.

I’ve made too much noise over the years about how I fish up to 8kg leaders when chasing bream. Some of you will be utterly bored with my rhetoric but I’m gonna tell you once more, I’m totally sick of watching and hearing about big bream getting busted off by so many other anglers! Why won’t anyone be brave and upgrade their line classes and stop the silly angling with cotton-like lines? If you never use heavy leaders, how can you prove them good or bad?

Sure I’ve been out-fished at times, but that was probably due to the other guy being a superior angler or having a better technique on the day. Over time I have more than held my own and I can promise you that I hook plenty and hardly ever lose really big bream. Over more recent years I’ve been happy to use 8 or 10lb line all day, every day.

When fishing deep water of 3-4m+ with blades, lighter lines may indeed get more hook-ups. In fact, the deeper you fish, the lighter you should go, apparently.

This may have merit, so I’m still experimenting with the idea. I will admit that lighter leaders convey more subtle knocks, bumps or taps up the line, but getting back to the amazing number of bream that Mick and Havo have been getting on blades for months now, you should know they are fishing 10lb leaders or bigger! End of subject.

THE REAL ANSWERS How can one angler dominate the catch while others fail wretchedly? I’d be a very rich angler if I knew

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Matt White with a stonker black bream and he is one of a few anglers that can tweak lures and catch a heap of bream while others, doing the exact same thing, go fishless. just one of the answers. What I’m really talking about here are extreme delicate technique subtleties. To put a fine point on it, the angler catching all the fish can’t even explain their success.

It’s sort of like a natural, hidden or innate ability and maybe just more luck.

Sounds like rubbish?

Until you find me a better answer I’m going to run with that theory, because I know you have also seen this many times over. All too often one angler gets most of the fish.

I forgot to mention, there’s something even worse that happens! The harder the fishless angler tries to emulate his successful mate, the more convincing his failure!

It’s a discussion all of us have and rarely find reliable answers for. The solution just might be out of reach for my brain. That doesn’t mean I accept defeat or resign to

disappointment, because on most days I hold my own. I will always study others who have more success than me and be happy to learn from them, but it’s hard to enjoy watching somebody else get all of the fish!

I’m just letting you know that this scenario is fairly common. Don’t ever let it beat your head in. And while it is nearly impossible to figure out, the angler having all the success can suddenly stop catching fish.

It’s hard to keep achieving something you’re not even aware you’re doing! Sadly I’ve hardly unveiled concrete answers to this puzzling riddle, but this I can assure you of: your day in the sun will eventually return. Many years of perseverance and strength of mind has shown me that we all shine in due course. The extreme ups and downs of fishing are what fuels our addiction!

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A hard plastic vibe was working a treat during this session and resulted in some thumping yellowfin bream for the author. Two other anglers used the same lure but failed to score all day.

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Bruiser bream will now be on the move WEST COAST

Shane Lowery

July sees the cold of winter keeping some anglers off the water, but for those who are keen enough to get out and brave that cold weather, the rewards can be fantastic.

Late June and into July will see the usual seasonal behavioural patterns for winter beginning in the Glenelg River. Bream start to school up in numbers in the deeper water around 2-4m, which is their usual spawning

behaviour in winter. Lower water temperatures of around 12-14° can make them a little finicky, but using your sounder to mark aggregations of fish and targeting them with soft plastics, vibes or deep diving hardbodies will usually account for some quality blue-nose bream. Baits like crab and pilchard are a great option for the bait fishers.

It’s very important to take note of tides and major bite periods so you can plan your trips around those times to give yourself the best chance of catching some of

Big winter bream are common in the South West. those big winter bream we see at this time every year.

Estuary perch are on the move and start to turn up in the lower estuary in winter. Perch also begin to recruit and school up in large numbers, which is also a spawning behaviour, and they are best targeted with the same techniques used for the bream in the deeper water. Often schools of EPs and bream can be found quite close together in winter

and it’s not uncommon to be catching both species in the same areas. Generally, it pays to stay on the move, using your sounder to mark fish, giving them a little while, then moving on to find the next school. If you can’t seem to tempt them into taking a lure or bait,

there should be plenty more schools to try.

Late May and into June saw some great mulloway captures for both bait and lure anglers, and this should only improve through July.

The lower estuary has been holding good numbers of small to medium sized

mulloway, with those putting in the effort with live baits and lures regularly catching good numbers of fish. The Donovans to Dry Creek area has also seen plenty of fish, with the average size being from 50-90cm, and the odd bigger fish being caught by those putting in the long hours and effort required to bump into those better fish. Soft plastics and vibes are the pick of the lures and live baits like mullet slow trolled or under a float are almost irresistible to mulloway, with live baits often accounting for the aforementioned bigger fish.

Winter often provides some of the best fishing for quality bream, estuary perch and mulloway in our rivers here in the South West, and after the flush of water from rains earlier in the year all our waterways are in great condition. Braving the cold and those early morning starts can be hard, but well worth it, so get out and soak a bait or throw some lures around and you will be well rewarded for your efforts.

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Estuary perch are on the move to the lower estuary through winter.

Calm conditions will keep the fish coming WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

A sensational bout of late autumn weather meant anglers had plenty of different species to target before winter.

Days of northerly winds created ideal conditions for targeting fish off the local beaches and there have been plenty of salmon around to keep everyone happy.

In these calmer conditions, wandering along the beach with a casting rod and a metal slug style lure is fun and a very productive technique. The rippling water of a school of salmon or the baitfish trying to escape them can be easily spotted when the sea has been flat. Find this and it won’t take long to get some action – usually about one cast!

Salmon are around throughout July, they just won’t be a shorts and barefeet option like they have been recently.

These same flat conditions have been perfect for local divers to get amongst the crays and some impressive crustaceans have been taken. From 1 July 2017, Fisheries Victoria will introduce a three-year

pilot program in which all recreational fishers will be required to tag the rock lobsters they catch and keep. Check the Victorian Recreational Fishing page on the Fisheries website for more details if you are into procuring a feed of crays.

There have also been

plenty of salmon and barracouta cruising around the Warrnambool Breakwall recently. When a school comes past it can be action stations and provide plenty of fun for anglers there at the time.

The calm conditions have also helped anglers

Xav Ellul and Luke Gercovich with a sample of the salmon that have been prolific recently.

access a good run of school sized southern bluefin tuna that have been in the offshore areas towards the shelf region. Hopefully some of these fish will have moved in closer to the coast, as they often do at this time of the year.

Mulloway reports seem to have quietened off a little bit over the past month, but the bream fishing in the Hopkins continued to be solid. Plenty of 1kg+ fish have been taken lately, particularly by lure anglers fishing grub style plastics.

Trout fishing the local rivers also fired up with a couple of decent rainfalls that broke up the bouts of fine weather.

Many quality fish over the 2kg mark have been taken. Bigger lures have worked well for us with the schools of big galaxid minnows the fish have been feeding on. Many areas of the local rivers remain closed during July, but the following areas remain open and provide a great cold weather fishing option. These are: the Merri River (downstream of the Bromfield Weir) the Hopkins River (downstream of the Hopkins Falls), the Moyne River (downstream of the Toolong Bridge) and the Gellibrand River (downstream of the Great Ocean Road Bridge.)

Quality trout like this make braving the cold in July worthwhile.

The mouths open up options for winter anglers COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

The Hopkins River last month was experiencing a run of winter mulloway, and it appears that plenty of fish are being caught using a wide variety of

methods and tactics.

I was recently in a large chain tackle store in town and while waiting at the checkout a report came in of a legal fish just caught by a land-based angler who was fishing with bait off the Mahoneys Road pontoon, which is adjacent to the boat ramp.

Meanwhile two other land-based anglers were stocking up on specialty frozen bait, such as baby bottle squid, as they had already been in the thick of the action and wanted more.

The Hoppies is also producing a few solid bream around the 40cm mark.

A solid bream taken near the river mouth of the Curdies on a greyback minnow.

After dark and in low light conditions some fish have been found feeding in the shallows and over the mud flats, but most fish are being taken on metal vibe lures in depths around 3m and deeper. Working the channel edges adjacent to any mud flats or reefs has seen some excellent fish taken.

The coral bommies that rise up from a flat bottom in and around the institute and the Bay of Biscay, have also held fish. A sounder is invaluable in locating the bommies, otherwise it’s just chuck it and chance it.

Fishing the depths is the go over the winter months 16

JULY 2017

with either vibes or soft plastic crab imitations.

Hard baits are also catching plenty with live crab and brown shell the pick of the bunch.

The Curdies River is also firing for bream, with the lower reaches of the river just before to the entrance to the lake being the prime spot.

Thanks to recent heavy downpours of rain, the whole system is filling and a decent flow is happening in the river. If the rains keep up, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t, it will only be a matter of time before the mouth opens to the sea.

This is usually done via the

local council once a critical mass has been reached.

This is due to the massive sand bank that exists at the river mouth.

The best baits have been frozen packet prawn (shell left on), live crab, shrimp and greyback minnow. Drags should be backed right off or let with the bail arm open, as the bigger bream are hitting like freight trains, but once they feel any weight they tend to drop the bait. The fish are simply grabbing the bait and running with it, before swallowing it some seconds later.

Lure enthusiasts are doing well fishing in the depths out from the riverbank with metal vibe lures gently hopped along the bottom. The fish seem to be holding in around 4m depth.

Both estuaries are performing well for winter bream, and this should continue if we don’t receive a massive rain event, which would put both systems into flood.

The Hopkins mouth is open, which explains the mulloway in the system and hopefully soon the Curdies will follow suit.

Bonkers for barrel tuna APOLLO BAY

Wayne Diffey

Things have gone a little quiet along the local beaches lately with only a few small salmon being caught. There have been some very decent gummies

caught off Johanna Beach at night; one local hooked into two gummies around 5ft long in the space of an hour. He was using a fresh salmon fillet on a running sinker rig.

Out wide there have still been good catches of gummies, snapper and

flathead off the Bald Hill and Blanket Bay reefs in 40-50m of water. The gummies have been mainly caught on the change of the tide again using fresh salmon fillet or squid.

The southern bluefin tuna have been getting most of the attention out

Recently anglers have been bagging out on southern bluefin tuna pretty fast.

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These anglers put in the hard yards to pull up this whopping 116.5kg tuna. of Apollo Bay lately. Large schools of 10-20kg fish have been seen and many have been caught. Con from Hit-n-Run Charters has told me that they have quickly bagged out a few times now.

There have also been several fish weighing in at 88-94kg. The most recent barrel weighed in at 116.5kg. Most of the fish have been caught around the Nine-Mile and Eleven-Mile reefs off Cape

Otway, and predominately on 8-10” skirts. Lumo green, black, purple and fluoro pink seem to be the best colours.

The local rivers and streams have still been fishing pretty well for bream. Try using 4cm hardbody minnows or scrubbies. Just remember though, trout season is closed until September 1.

On 22-23 July, the Victorian Game Fishing Club is hosting the

SIMRAD Victorian Tuna Classic competition here in Apollo Bay. It was held here last year and was a big success, so it’s on again.

All the details are on the Victorian Game Fishing Club’s Facebook page.

• If you’re coming to Apollo Bay for a fish, be sure to pop in to get all you bait and tackle needs, as well as an up to date report.

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JULY 2017

Local rivers and streams have been fishing well for bream and trout.

Just remember though, trout season is closed until September 1.

Redfin numbers are set to improve for July GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

The last month has seen an increase of trout and larger redfin activity out west while the salmon appear to be moving into the white water down the Surf Coast with a little more frequency.

The Barwon River in Geelong has had its seasonal discolouration and turned a coffee colour due to the rainfall run-off, which pretty much negates lure fishing. The best bet if you have to fish it is to use big scrub worms and hope that a carp or redfin gets it before an eel!

Wurdiboluc Reservoir near Moriac is starting to produce some big redfin to 44cm with a little more consistency since the cooler weather has set in.

Michael Evans has been casting and retrieving lures out at Wurdi Buloc Reservoir near Moriac and catching a few big redfin.

Michael says that it has been hard work with lots of casts. If you put in the hours, your patience will be rewarded. Dawn and

dusk have been best, while overcast and light winds are ideal conditions to hit them up during daylight hours.

Michael has been using 3” Ecogear Power Shad soft plastics in green and brown colours and Nories Wasaby spoons in black, silver, gold or white colours with a slow constant retrieve. Small brown and rainbow trout have also been making an appearance at first and last light as well. Michael says that the lake margins from the rock walls or along the sandy banks have been good and anglers should cast out amongst the large weed beds.

Hugh Hanson has fished Stony Creek Reservoir a few times over the last month where he has caught a few redfin and trout casting bent minnow lures.

Hugh saw a few trout rising to duns, so flyfishing could be a good option here.

Anglers drifting for flathead inside Corio Bay have enjoyed captures of fish from legal length to 45cm with a few giving 50cm a nudge.

Australian salmon have been smashing baitfish on the surface well within

Michael says to work the weed edges in July for big redfin. casting distance for landbased anglers near Geelong waterfront and St Helens.

Calm mornings have been best and the schools are easily spotted as they approach. For boaties seeking some salmon fun, Point Henry and Avalon have both seen schools cruising about.

Pinkie snapper from legal length to 35cm have been caught by anglers flicking soft plastics along the Geelong waterfront. I’d expect these to taper off over this month, so give it a go sooner rather than later.

Garfish have been a popular target for landbased fishos in Corio Bay

over the last month with a few quality fish caught under a quill float when the wind allows. They’ll take almost any bait and can be worked into a frenzy using berley. They aren’t great mates with cormorants though, so if you see one of these birds nearby, there won’t be too many garfish!

My neighbour Adrian had a ripper few hours one night fishing off Limeburners Boat Ramp with two mates. The lads got stuck into a stack of gummy sharks including one on a whiting rod baited with pipis! They spent a lot of time catching and releasing small gummy sharks and kept a couple for a feed. Adrian said they did hook one ripper, but it got off after a smoking run.

Danny Skene took Leigh Cherry and Bradon Szponer out off Portarlington last month hoping for a snapper. In cool conditions the lads managed five beauties including a personal best for Bradon using pilchards as bait.

Calamari were about the Bellarine Peninsula in good numbers in the weeks leading up to the start of the month. The size has moderated a tad, but they are well worth a look. Key locations last month were Clifton Springs and St Leonards and I’d expect them to remain a viable target over July.

Brendan Brown often drives down from Ballarat to fish Corio Bay and often

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gives me a call to see what’s biting. I replied with a few options and he chose to fish Clifton Springs. Brendan ended up with his bag limit of calamari caught drifting

over the shallow weeds nearby and was out of the water mid-arvo!

The Barwon estuary has seen a few silver trevally, yellow-eye mullet

Stoney Creek Reservoir produced this beautifully marked brown for Hugh last month.

and juvenile salmon caught close to the mouth on an incoming tide. They love raw chicken and pilchard fillets and bite best when the water is clean, so give it a go about two or three hours after the tide has started to move back in.

The hot tip for Bass Strait fishos is to keep an eye out for southern bluefin tuna this month. Fish over 100kg were caught out off Apollo Bay and Port Fairly last month. Let’s hope they pay the Surf Coast a visit!

The beaches and rock ledges along the Surf Coast have been coughing up a few quality salmon around the 1.2kg mark.

If you fish after dark near a bit of reef, you have a chance of catching a gummy shark or pinkie snapper too.

• Fish HARD – Die Happy! Catch a few around Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast to Lorne recently? Send in a report to slaterbunch@ optusnet.com.au with “VFM” in the subject field or give me a call on 0408 997 348. Please include where (without giving away your secret spot!), when, what on and who caught the fish. Pictures are always great, but please make sure they are at least 1mb (file size).

Leigh and Bradon got amongst a few snapper with Danny.

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21

Prime time at the metro rivers PORT PHILLIP WEST

Andy Smith andy@ebbtidetackle.com

Cold weather is here and that’s no reason to pack away the gear. If you want to target a trophy-sized fish locally, the next few months are prime time!

Melbourne anglers hold their waterways close to their hearts. This can resonate strongly with many anglers who have targeted the much sought-after mulloway in our metropolitan rivers.

The vast majority keep their hard-earned tactics to themselves, holding them in higher regard than any other locally targeted species.

Tactics and lure choices vary across many of the latest must-have lures and the marketed arsenal from numerous tackle companies out there. One thing remains true: these fish ambush and

can’t resist a lure or bait with vibration. Whether the lure is 30mm or 300mm long, match the fish the mulloway are feeding on!

One technique that

has delivered success is to target mulloway on lipless vibes. This technique can be replicated with many lures that have a heavy vibration, such as paddle-

tail soft plastics. These lures are an effective way to probe deep water and structure, particularly when fished in the dirty water we find throughout the lower

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reaches of the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers during the winter months.

While many fish can be pigeonholed as feeding around dawn and dusk, mulloway are like many other estuarine-based fish; the tidal cycle seems to be the incentive to feed.

The bulk of the action regularly occurs two hours either side of a tide change and often strategic anglers focus their effort around these times.

Now, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s pointless to fish any other times. Our metro rivers, loaded with artificial influences and developments provide ideal structure for mulloway,

It’s pretty easy to see why bream hang out at Werribee South. How’s the food? serving up a gourmet home delivery service!

Fish can lay in wait for an unsuspecting meal around the many pylons, rock walls or concrete structures.

These provide an area of diminished current where they can also rest between food offerings. These areas make easy targets to cast a lure to a waiting predator.

Embracing the superb technology that anglers have at their fingertips nowadays can provide

a sensational edge; side scan, down scan and 3D sonars lead anglers to the best areas with ease. Find the bait hanging near the structure and there is a fairly good chance will be a mulloway or three lurking!

Like all fish, the key to chasing mulloway in the metro rivers is to be prepared. Make sure your gear is up to scratch – these power players will find any weak point in your armour.

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Nathan Wright with a lovely 95cm metro mulloway.

dispensing of a seemingly solid hook set; they will run you back across structure and never give up. Fish will find the nearest underwater shopping trolley or piece of river junk that you don’t even know exists.

Most of the mulloway landed in our metropolitan rivers are up to 8kg in weight, but some true horses pushing in excess of 20kg have been landed and are not a totally uncommon capture. The beauty of

chasing mulloway on lures in our local rivers is there is always an option for by-catch, depending of course upon your lure choice! Don’t be surprised if a decent pinkie snapper or a horse-sized bream takes a liking to a wellpresented lure that you normally wouldn’t consider throwing at them.

If our mulloway aren’t playing the game, there is always a backup option.

Throughout July the

numbers of pinkie snapper that move into the lower reaches of the Yarra grow.

Ideal locations to target them are anywhere from Williamstown, through the ‘Warmies’ and even into the lower end of the city.

Princess Pier is a favoured haunt for many boat and kayak lure anglers.

Regular metro bandit, Dale Baxter has continued his productive Thursday morning sessions with some solid bream and snapper

A solid pan-sized bream from Werribee South for Matty Calleja.

Never rule out small lures for mulloway; elephants do eat peanuts!

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catches throughout the lower reaches of the rivers.

Winter is a great time to target the Werribee River. The little cousin to the larger Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers, the Werribee can often take a different approach to fool a resident fish. The river contains large amounts of weedy areas, often fouling lures or making a clean bait presentation difficult. Tubeworms are a well-recognised bait for anglers fishing the river.

Scrubworms are also

a good bet when fishing higher in the system around the ‘Cliffs.’

The shallow flats of Werribee South around the river mouth entrance to the bay can often produce some sensational fishing opportunities that everyone can access. It’s an ideal location to take the kids with a park area and open sandy beach to fish from.

Matthew Calleja recently headed down after work and landed six bream in a quick session then headed home for dinner!

Tubeworms fished rigged on a long shank hook proved the best bait. When you head down and fish this area, take the time to observe the amount of food around around the weed beds and washed up shells.

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23

Excellent squid are here Wayne Friebe wfriebe@bigpond.net.au

CU

The cold and dull days of winter that seemed so far away for so long, especially over the past few months, have well and truly set in on the bay.

While many anglers are more focused on football and other local activities, and also other species farther afield at this time of year, there are still plenty of bread and butter fish to sink your teeth into. It may be cold, but we get some ripper

conditions for fishing and boating at this time of year, so rug up and get out on the bay to have a crack.

While the winter months aren’t the traditional time for snapper in the bay, there are still plenty of resident fish to target for the dedicated few.

At the risk of banging on about it again, good quality snapper can be caught right through the winter months if you know where to look.

It’s well known that good numbers of snapper move up into the Yarra River during the winter months to feed on the mud banks. In our part of PPB they tend to congregate

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around the southern shipping channel and the wide mud banks nearby. The western side of the shipping channel south of Safety Beach and Dorman seems to be a very productive area as well.

One of the other big draw cards of devoting time to the deeper mud banks and channels down south is the great fishing for gummy sharks in the same areas.

Often snapper and gummies will be taken in these areas at the same stage of the tide, and they will also respond to the same baits.

Oily flesh and fillet baits are preferred by most anglers, especially fresh Australian salmon, slimy mackerel and yakkas. I reckon the snapper taste a whole lot better during the winter months – nearly as good as a fresh feed of flake! Be prepared to spend a bit of time on your sounder to locate the right areas. Be patient while fishing, as bite windows are often short and normally around a change of tide or light.

The shallower bays and inshore areas have been producing plenty of bread and butter action of late.

Even though it probably won’t excite some anglers, some great flathead have been reported by anglers drifting through these areas with baits and lures, and also trolling small bibbed minnows as well.

Typically the size range is 30-50cm. While they might not be the world’s greatest sportsfish, they are fun to catch and make top class tucker. Nice garfish have also been reported in similar areas lately; they seem to be here one day and gone the next. They’re not in very big numbers.

Big schools of salmon are moving up and down the eastern shoreline at the

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Land-based and boat anglers have been enjoying excellent squid fishing over the last month. The rocky shores from Mornington to Safety Beach have been especially productive. moment and will continue to do so right through the winter months, especially with all the food on offer in the bay.

Frankston, Mornington and Seaford piers, as well as the mouth of the Patterson River and Martha Cove are all great land-based spots, especially during rougher weather.

During the calmer days they can be effectively targeted from a drifting boat and they’re also fair game from the bays, beaches and shorelines, especially at first and last light. Canadian Bay and Daveys Bay have been producing some of the bigger salmon, while most of the schooling fish seem to be hanging around Mornington at the moment.

The squid fishing has been sensational over the past few months and doesn’t seem to be slowing down as the water temperature drops. Squid will often be less active during the cooler months and sit closer to the bottom. During a recent session we found them sitting in mid-water over a 5m reef and they were spread out like rabbits, so be prepared for anything and keep your eyes open!

Reports of whiting in the local areas have been very patchy of late. This also seems to be the trend further south at the moment as well.

Traditionally the southern shallows are the place to go

over the winter months, so expect this to change in the coming months, if last year’s winter whiting fishing is anything to go by.

Lastly the fishing in the Patterson Lakes system has been pretty good, especially after a good flush of recent rain, which always gives the food chain a good shot in the arm. Well presented plastics and hardbodied lures

around boat hulls, pontoons and jetties are the choice of the boat and kayak anglers, and the bait fishers have been doing well using scrub worms, yabbies and local shrimp. There haven’t been many mulloway reports in recent weeks or estuary perch, but I reckon we’ll hear more in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for next month’s report for more.

Some big salmon have been taken from the bay’s beaches recently. This 2kg+ fish was caught at Daveys Bay.

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Short and sweet fishing sessions this month PORT PHILLIP EAST

Lee Rayner info@fishingfever.com.au

With cold water and cold, short days the bay is still offering some great fishing options for July.

Over the coming weeks it really becomes a matter of getting onto the fish when the weather allows you to get on the water. While the timeframes may be a bit more limiting, on the upside the short sessions in the good weather windows tend to produce great fishing.

MORDIALLOC TO BLACK ROCK In Mordialloc Creek the mullet will be in full swing this month. July generally produces the best numbers and also the bigger models.

Among the mullet there have also been a good bream and even the odd trevally to about 500g.

Out on the pier itself garfish have been around in reasonable numbers too. Some days the mullet have been into the action, especially on the first half of the pier.

Off the end in the deeper water there have been pinkies some evenings. Along the north side of the pier, when

the weather is calm and the water clear, squid have been around in decent numbers.

Out in the boats the pinkies have been going reasonably well all along the shallow reefs between Mordialloc and Parkdale.

While the sizes haven’t been great over the past weeks, the number of pinkies in the 25-35cm size has been great.

Adding to this the squid numbers through this area and up through Mentone and into Beaumaris Bay have been great with loads of smaller calamari around and some bigger models being

taken out in the deeper water.

Up at Beaumaris Pier and the surrounding rocky shoreline, now is the time to get out and get into the calamari with plenty of them on offer during the dawn and dusk periods. If you’re in a boat then it’s even better, as there are endless patches of reef you can drift over for both squid and pinkies.

Up off Rickets Point and along to Black Rock pinkies are in full swing with plenty of smaller fish to be found over the past weeks. If you’re after a few better-sized pinkies, cast either a larger

The squid numbers through this area and up through Mentone and into Beaumaris Bay have been great with loads of smaller calamari around.

Some bigger models have been taken out in the deeper water. soft plastic or try using bigger baits. I’ve also found over the years that not using berley when bait fishing often keeps the smaller fish from moving to your area in droves. This allows the bigger fish time to get hold of your baits.

The shoreline to the north of the marine park heading to Half Moon Bay Boat Ramp is also a great area over the coming weeks to walk along the rock wall chasing squid, especially if you can get a high tide late in the afternoon, as the calamari will move into these areas to feed.

SANDRINGHAM TO ST KILDA Great land-based fishing options are on offer in this area for July with the Hampton Rock Groynes producing pinkies and flathead of an evening. Over the past weeks the daylight hours have had some regular catches of garfish and squid for the anglers fishing over the

Now is a great time to get into some calamari.

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weed beds.

Of an evening there have also been quite a few boats fishing the area just out from the rocky groynes known as the ‘Gully.’ While I haven’t had any reports from this area, the number of boats fishing in there would indicate that there is some good pinkie fishing on offer.

Further along towards Brighton the breakwall and its surrounds have been producing decent pinkies up to 45cm and a few nice flathead for the land-based anglers.

While out in the boats there have been some great catches

of pinkies of 40-45cm for anglers using fresh squid out in 6-8m of water, especially when it has been a bit rough.

Further up around North Road Boat Ramp it’s the perfect time to chase calamari on the abundant shallow reef that runs through this part of the bay. With the cold, clean water it’s also the prime to time to chase the red mullet that seem to love this area.

The best technique on them seems to be using pieces of peeled prawns or a small soft plastic.

ST KILDA TO PORT MELBOURNE Cold water has slowed the fishing in this area a bit over the past weeks. If you have a boat and enjoy chasing bream then there is some great fishing to be had over this month with some really big fish on offer for lure anglers casting soft plastics and hardbodied lures at moored boats. Best of all, some of

James experienced some quality fishing from Western Port fishing the Middle Spit and Tyabb Bank. James managed a lovely bag of squid on Evergreen jigs. the most productive fishing is had during the day when the sun warms the surface of the water a little to get the fish really active.

If bait fishing is more of your scene then the cunjevoi beds out in 6-10m of water between Kerford Road Pier and Lagoon Pier are producing

pinkies. At times you can also find solid winter snapper in this area. If a bigger snapper or even a big winter mulloway are a target then it’s also worth putting in the hours out the front of the old Princess Pier, as this area tends to attract big fish, especially during the winter months.

The author is always playing around with his sounder and found in this case there was loads of small bait and clutter in the water. Check out the two big fish sitting in the middle of the bait. With 200khz in this instance he was running a low gain for a very good picture.

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More land-based opportunities MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Luke McCredden www.thelongline.net

The cold has set in and there has been an emergence of landbased anglers along the peninsula. The beauty of land-based fishing opportunities along the Mornington Peninsula, in the cold weather, is that we can still catch good

numbers and, as soon as it gets too cold or wet, we can hop straight back in the car and go find a warm fireplace and hot coffee!

It’s not just the keenest of anglers that are braving the elements and having success. The gummy shark fishery continues to be strong for boaties fishing the south channels. Symonds Channel is producing a mixed bag of gummies,

flathead and whiting.

SQUID Once again, land-based captures are as frequent in numbers and size as the boat anglers at the moment.

Probably based on more land-based anglers actually fishing. Mornington Pier has been a consistent spot for calamari so far this winter, as well as the rocks along Mt Martha and Portsea Pier.

Don’t be afraid to use large jigs even in the

Squidding has been very consistent over the last few weeks.

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pilchard or pipi to really give it some scent is the perfect combination.

AUSTRALIAN SALMON Aussie salmon are patrolling Port Phillip Bay in a big way. The salmon are moving in large schools all the way around the bay.

Frankston, for whatever reason, is a holding spot for them. While they may not be there daily, the schools that move in to that area tend to hang around for a couple of days at a time.

Key to finding these fish is all about the visual aspect. Keep your eyes on the surface of the water, and/ or birds. These salmon are

on the move in hunt mode 24/7. They are following bait schools as they move through the bay. While there haven’t been many reports of huge bust ups per say, there are some really good reports about finding the salmon schools and having epic sessions on them.

Metal slugs are a must, but don’t count out small poppers and stickbaits for some visual and aerial fun!

Another little tip, if you are in between squid drifts or whiting moves, while underway, slowly troll some small skirts or hardbodies and you just may come across these schools.

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shallower parts of the bay. These squid are still going to be feeding, but sometimes need the jigs presented as clear as day and often right in front of their noses. I really love the browns and red jigs at this time of year. Nearly always, there is going to be cloud cover and these darker reds and browns really come into their own.

Another little tip when the squid are being picky is to attach a small clip to the end of your line, ensuring the easiest of changeovers when you want to swap jigs.

Changing colours and styles of jig fairly frequently has been a constant through winter. Getting the right combination of jig, size and colour is crucial to finding the bite. And let’s face it, we want results quickly when we are fishing in freezing temps!

KING GEORGE WHITING There has been a slight dip in whiting numbers recently. This could be a combination of less angling, cold water, fish spreading out a bit, or all of the above.

Nevertheless, there are still plenty of fish in the area.

As mentioned in previous reports, don’t be afraid to move around and make many drops. This could be after 10-15 minutes of fishing per spot.

The fish at the moment are seemingly in smaller schools and spread out a little. More work is required, but results are still highly achievable. Best baits are proving to be really fresh baits with lots of scent to them. Fresh calamari strips are hard to beat, but then having said that, a pinch of

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Five retail outlets are being investigated after a Fisheries Victoria operation targeted the sale of recreationally caught fish.

Fisheries Victoria Senior Officer David Burgess said Operation Cord was run in the week leading up to Easter.

“This Operation involved 27 officers and investigators covering 50 retail outlets (fish and chip shops and fish processors), across the Geelong and South West region.

“Operations such as this are run around the state from time to time to ensure that seafood outlets are sourcing legally caught fish,” he said.

“It will be alleged that at one retail establishment

in Geelong, Fisheries Officers located over 70kg of recreationally caught King George whiting that was being kept for sale.”

Mr Burgess said recreational anglers must not take fish for sale, barter or exchange.

“Selling recreationallycaught fish undermines the legitimate commercial fishing industry and threatens the sustainability of the resource.”

He said recreationallycaught fish are not subject to any of the food safety measures required under the Food Standards Code.

Buyers of illegal fish are placing their customers’ health at risk, and the reputation of the business.

Under fisheries and food safety legislation, fish retailers and wholesellers

must only buy seafood from a legitimate commercial source and are required to keep a record of the purchase transaction, including the name and address of the provider.

People caught selling or buying recreationally caught fish face significant penalties, such as fines and imprisonment.

Convicted offenders may also face prohibition and confiscation orders.

“There is plenty of safe and legal seafood available in the Victorian marketplace, so there is no reason to risk buying illegal product.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report fisheries offences to 13FISH 24 hours a day, seven days a week. – Fisheries Victoria

Squid city central WESTERN PORT NTH

Adam Ring

We are well into winter and, boy, the calamari have decided that this is their time to shine. The amount of squid reports over the last month has been nothing short of insane! They really provide a legitimate target when everything else winds down for the cooler months.

run-out tide and on a fresh piece of couta ended up with a massive snapper that weighed in at 7.5kg! Lovely work Andrew!

The whiting still continue to switch on and off like a light but the most consistent reports are coming from the Middle Spit. Plenty of moves and plenty of berley is a must but the rewards are still there. Squid strips are working well and you can’t go whiting fishing

Kye and a sample of his Hastings squid.

THE OTHER SPECIES Before I get to all of the squid spots, it’s worth mentioning a few of the other species still finding their way to a few of our baits.

The gummies continue to bite fairly well but we have noticed the size drop off just a tad. There are loads of fish up around Bouchier and Boultons Channel but it can be frustrating at times wading through undersized fish to get a keeper. It is worth sitting it out but I would go easy on the berley and fish slightly bigger baits.

Nice chunks of trevally or a nice fat fillet of salmon will hold long enough through the pickers to hopefully tempt one of the bigger fish.

The odd snapper continue to show their bumpy heads but big fish at this time of year tend to be by-catch to those targeting the gummies, we will certainly still claim them though! Andrew Ketelaar was sitting out the front of Boultons and stumbled across one if these big winter reds. Andrew sat through the

without pipis!

One of the more interesting captures of the month goes to Trent Dickinson. While fishing in 13m of water out from Warneet for gummies he did end up with quite an unusual capture for this depth of water. A massive 3.5kg cuttlefish took a liking to one of the gummy baits and for those who have never seen a cuttlefish, they are insane, especially at that size.

CALAMARI Squid are everywhere!

It’s like someone found the great squid switch and smashed the hell out of it!

Pat Ellaby out in some hours on the Quail Bank and dominated. Not only did he find the squid but also managed a cuttlefish on the jigs as well. The bigger squid were nudging 45cm in hood length and there were plenty of that size around.

The charter boats have been up on the Tyabb Bank and they may as well change it to ‘Cephalopod Bank’.

Shaun Furtiere has been smashing it and he has found any jig with a red foil has out fished the rest.

Hastings has been the other hotspot for the calamari. Local gun, Kye, set up a nice drift in 2m of water and no drama at all catching himself a feed of Western Port’s finest squid rings and Kane Zienkiewicz headed out from Hastings in order to catch his first squid ever! Kane, with a little bit of local advice from the boys at Tackle World Cranbourne, not only managed to catch his very first calamari, he ended catching his first eight

Trent Dickinson caught this 3.5kg Warneet cuttlefish. calamari! Well done Kane, it’s always a wicked feeling nailing a few on the first crack, well done mate!

I get asked a lot about what colour squid jigs to use and there is a very simple philosophy behind it. In murky, dark water and low light conditions, tie on your darker jigs. Black, red foil, purple etc. These colours create a great contrast in

darker conditions and make it very easy for the squid to identify them in the discoloured water.

On the clear days with cleaner, crystal clear water it’s time to tie on the transparent, natural colours.

White, gold foil and pink are the standouts and they are the sort of colours that I would be tying on first.

Of course there always

exceptions to the rule but this will definitely point you in the right direction to get started.

Thank you all for the reports and even though it’s getting very cold there are still plenty of fishing options throughout the top end of the port.

Keep the reports coming and good luck on the next trip!

Andrew Ketelaar and 7.5kg of winter snapper.

JULY 2017

29

Surf kicks into gear WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Despite the wintery blast we have been blanketed with these past few weeks, there has been no chance of the fishing slowing up.

The surf fishing scene has well and truly kicked into high gear now with salmon invading the surf beaches right along the coast from Phillip Island to the Ninety Mile Beach.

Some of the most consistent fishing has been at Anzacs Beach, Cape Woolamai and Kilcunda.

Don’t disregard those more secluded beaches in between, such as Kitty Miller Bay, Berrys Beach and, of course, Cemetery Beach just past Kilcunda. Often the main beaches become

overcrowded, especially during the weekends. These secluded beaches tend to see less fishing pressure.

Berley is an essential key in surf fishing success. While there are plenty of salmon about, you still need to attract them to your fishing location. An onion bag filled with chook pellets and some pilchards will send enough fishy stench into the water to bring them to your fishing location, given you have the berley bag laying on the sand just out of the shore break.

Most of the fish so far have been in the 1-1.2kg range with the odd bigger fish being caught. While there have been fish as large as 3.3kg caught from the Mornington Peninsula beaches, it’s humbling to see fish of this size in our waters.

That’s not to say that the Phillip Island beaches don’t

harbour such monsters – it all comes down to picking a beach, casting out a bait and waiting to see what takes it.

Inside the Port, things are continuing to fire. With the sudden drop in water temperature, the winter species have come on the bite in a big way. Calamari have been in abundance in the shallow weed beds scattered throughout the Port.

The larger ones have been holding around Flinders and Cat Bay. Flinders has been a little inconsistent, mainly due to the rain stirring up the bottom and causing the water to turn a milky colour.

Although it only takes a few days to clear up, waiting for this is vital if you want to catch sizeable calamari.

The most consistent fishing for calamari has been during the night hours and on an incoming

Winter storms may brew over Bass Strait, but that doesn’t deter the salmon from biting at Cape Woolamai. tide. There has also been a substantial amount of small baitfish in the area, which is undoubtedly the reason why the calamari are also about.

Artificial jigs in the 3.0 size have been working well.

The run of calamari isn’t just confined to the bottom end of the Western Entrance either. Boaties can work the inshore reefs along the Phillip Island coastline in the Western Entrance, especially around Flynn Reef, Tyro Reef and Hen and Chickens reefs. In calm weather McHaffies Reef also yields good numbers of calamari.

Land-based anglers can also reap the benefits of the healthy calamari population and often underestimate

many land-based locations.

Even though it’s common to just head to a pier and try your luck, fishing from the beach at Ventnor and Cleeland Bight using a baited jig suspended under a float.

Both the aforementioned beaches are quite shallow with extensive weed beds within an easy cast from the shore. You need to keep the distance between the float and the squid jig at 1m or less, otherwise it’ll constantly become snagged on the bottom. Thinking outside the square can also lead you to some productive grounds. If you don’t mind a walk, walking the rocky shoreline from McHaffies Reef to Tyro Reef will

produce some nice models.

Be careful – the rocks can be slippery.

It’s not just about calamari at the moment, but it is nearly all about landbased fishing. Fishing from the shore at Settlement Point, Lang Lang and Stockyard Point has been producing nice gummy sharks for those with the patience to stick it out. The lead up to the full moon has been the most productive fishing time for the month and while the gummies have been good table fair, larger models are possible. These tend to be caught from the southern end of the Port.

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Justin Blythe displays a nice land-based gummy shark.

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the sand than on the couch and has certainly nutted out the prime times to catch a good feed of Western Port gummy sharks. Fishing the stretch of beaches from Somers to Point Leo, Justin has caught and released some very nice gummies on

a variety of baits. If you are up for a land-based gummy mission, keep a close eye on the moon phases and tides and head out to try your luck. Nothing is easy when it comes to land-based gummies. Putting the time in will bring rewards.

Boat anglers have also seen good gummies caught with the larger models coming from the Western Entrance. Areas such as Buoy 5, 11, 12, 13 and 15 are good locations to sit out a tide and try for a big gummy. These areas are light

A cold early morning at Flinders doesn’t stop anglers from trying their luck.

highways and if you look on a GPS Map of the contour lines, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. Set anchor, pitch out a bunch of baits and wait during the run out tides, as this is when the action will occur.

Despite many anglers hibernating during the dead cold of winter, the fish know no different. When the sun is shining or you’re just desperate to get out to wet a line, do a little research, rug up and enjoy what Western Port has on offer throughout the winter months.

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Preparation is the key in the cold weather PHILLIP ISLAND

Craig Edmonds

Winter time on Phillip Island means extra jumpers, the occasional need for a rain coat and a little bit of thought when it comes to your fishing.

It also requires a change to how you fish. Look more at the tides and wind direction. It’s colder at this time of the year and no one wants to be standing on a beach or sitting in a boat for hours, so concentrate more on that hour or two before and after the tides.

Study the weather a bit more as well. We are in the unique situation of having two islands, so it’s not often you can’t find a sheltered

spot to make your fishing more enjoyable. I will be the first to admit the quantity of fish caught during the colder months isn’t great, but the quality is generally much better. We see more of the colder water species like draughtboard sharks, cod and ling. We also see every other species that you could expect to catch in the summer time.

There are several things you can do to have a successful fishing trip during the colder months and they are simple things that you should also do in summer.

They seem to make a bigger difference over the colder months. Use fresh baits, present your baits correctly, position your boat on the drop-offs, fish the beaches

on the gutter edges and fish the tides.

With a good run of salmon from the beaches lately several customers have been out collecting baits for the upcoming snapper season and to chase the winter gummies over the next few moons. This is a pattern that hasn’t changed over the time we have been in the shop.

The Kilcunda beaches are getting a build-up of weed with the windy conditions, making fishing frustrating at times. Perseverance generally pays off and there have been some quality 2kg models over recent weeks.

The Woolamai beaches have been much cleaner and produce more fish.

These fish are smaller in size and are up to 1kg in weight. Both beaches have been successful for those using lures, especially if there is a lot of weed.

White and silver are the best colours. Bluebait on a 2/0 or 3/0 O’Shaughnessy hook on a paternoster rig with a surf popper is the most popular combination and the one that has been working best.

I have had a few reports

Colder water means big, powerful seven gill sharks. beach. The other areas worth trying over the next month or so are around the Bass River and the top channel light in the main channel at Newhaven.

During the cooler months try fishing deeper up to 10m for your whiting

Calamari will get better just in time for the snapper season.

Tim Franke with a decent Lakes Entrance gummy shark.

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from other land-based spots.

The Cowes and Newhaven jetties and the rocks at Smiths and Sunderland Bay have the fish, but not in the same numbers as the beaches.

Whiting customers that are thinking outside the box bring back a feed most times they head out. In Cleeland Bight it has been a battle between the whiting and the couta with the couta winning most times and ending the session. The smarter fishers haven’t just headed back to the ramp, they have gone to the San Remo side of the channel and near Footes where they have found quality whiting and very few couta.

The other spot where whiting have been caught from below the bridge is out the front of the Newhaven car park. Kayak customers have been successful off Cowes and Ventnor just fishing – as one customer said – a few paddles off the

and use bigger hooks and baits. It works for many of my customers and just takes a bit of a change in your rig.

A single paternoster rig with a long sinker and hook leader should do it. The best spot for those without a boat has been Sunderland Bay, on the low tide only, where I regularly see 40cm whiting caught.

Anglers picking the right days are managing quality flathead from offshore and this will continue right through winter. It’s getting favourable conditions that can be difficult. For some reason flathead stay in a lot closer during the winter months and can be found in 25-40m of water, generally closer to 25m, and just outside the eastern entrance.

If you head offshore over this time of the year, have a rod ready with a lure setup, because you’ll see the odd school of salmon swim past.

Before you know it, the new season will be here and we will be talking about snapper again. Like all other species that we catch around the island, the odd reports will come in over winter too. We generally see at least one big snapper every week over the winter months. Lately it hasn’t been any different with the best just under the 8kg from the boats and 6.5kg from the jetty at Cowes.

Over the last few years many customers have left it too late to chase their snapper and missed out of the bigger fish, both land-based and boating. In recent years we have started getting reports as early as mid-August with the peak of the fish numbers in mid to late October. We have found that the pinkies have been moving in earlier and staying later, well into April.

FISHERIES NEWS

Toxins in Venus Pipis

Fisheries Victoria is advising people that pipis harvested from the Venus Bay area should not be eaten due to potentially high levels of toxins found in the shellfish.

Laboratory analysis of a recent sample of pipis detected okadaic acid, a naturally occurring seafood toxin that can cause Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) in humans.

“Okadaic acid is a naturally occurring marine toxin produced by microscopic algae. Pipis eat these algae and can retain the toxin, sometimes at levels that can make people sick,” Mr Dowling said.

Mr Dowling said the consumption of pipis from the Venus Bay area should be

avoided while further testing of the shellfish continues.

“Pipis bought from retail or wholesale seafood suppliers are safe to eat as they are regularly monitored for contaminants, and commercial harvesting is not permitted when conditions lead to unsafe levels of toxins.”

“Any pipis harvested from the Venus Bay area within the previous three months should be discarded by placing them in your regular rubbish bin as DSP is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.”

“People who have consumed pipis should watch out for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea which generally

occur within 24 hours of consuming shellfish containing the toxin.”

The Department of Health and Human Services advises that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek advice from their doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

A coordinated response between the relevant government agencies is currently underway to determine toxin levels in the pipi population at Venus Bay and surrounding areas.

The public will be notified when it is determined that pipis from Venus Bay are again safe to eat.

– Fisheries Victoria

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Spinning the surf for salmon WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Catching Australian salmon might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially when they are predominantly caught in winter along the surf beaches of Victoria. Each year before the onset of winter, huge schools of salmon make their way into our bays and inlets before heading out to infiltrate the surf zones.

During this time, anglers begin to arm

day they can be caught at beach number one, the next beach number four and then somewhere else on the third day. This is just a characteristic of the species. For anglers, locating them is half the battle.

Throughout Victoria we have a good hundred or more beaches, all with plenty of salmon at one point or another throughout the winter period. The best part is that all the beaches are quite similar in their physical attributes.

The most commonly fished beaches throughout the

five beaches), Waratah Bay, McLoughlins, Manns Beach, Loch Sport, Lakes Entrance, Marlo and the rest of the coastline to the New South Wales border.

Despite the long list of beaches, these are the more known ones. Between them is a host of other nooks and crannies that produce

prime times, especially those around a tide change.

This is no different when spinning a surf beach.

Low tide will only see the fish move back out into deeper water where at some beaches they become unreachable.

When the tide begins to push in, the continual

Having the ability to work each gutter will lead you to finding better classes of fish.

Surf casting in calm weather can be difficult to locate fish but finding the gutters is where you’ll find the fish.

crashing of the waves pounding the shoreline digs out the soft sand creating the gutters. This also exposes any potential foods that the salmon may find when swimming around in these areas. The higher the tide, the closer the fish will come to the shoreline.

This is almost like a natural berley and brings the fish into the surf zones.

THE TACKLE Whi l e spi nni ng

When surf casting, graphite rods will make the task a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. themselves with the necessary fishing gear to hit the surf. While most are content with casting baits out into the deep gutters, the younger generation have taken to lure fishing and are certainly reaping the rewards.

Spinning for salmon brings a sort of hunting quality to the technique.

Spinning the surf allows

state are Logans Beach at Warnambool, Johanna Beach, Apollo Bay, Wye River, Bells Beach, Jan Juc, Thirteenth Beach, Ocean Grove, Portsea Back Beach, St Andrews, Gunnamatta Back Beach, Anzacs, Woolamai, Kilcunda, Cemetery Beach, Williamsons Beach, Baxters Beach, Inverloch, Venus Bay (all

When casting into the surf, always find the gutter and concentrate your efforts there. That’s where the fish will be holding.

It’s fish like this that keep the addiction alive. you to cover a greater area of the surf beach, and while one angler might stand and fish the one gutter for the best part of the day, an angler spinning can fish a dozen or more gutters and locate where the fish are holding.

THE LOCATIONS Salmon are not known for holding in one location on any given day and they really do love to move around a lot. Take Venus Bay and its encompassing beaches for example; one 34

JULY 2017

does warrant the use of specialised tackle to get the most of the technique, there are always exceptions to the rule. Of course, we all know there are no set rules in fishing, but the more you adapt your gear to suit the style of fishing you do, the better and easier the fishing will be.

Some anglers prefer to stick to what they already have. If it’s a 12ft fibreglass 8-12kg rod, then you’re definitely in for some back and shoulder pain at the end of the day.

Alternatively, you might just give up entirely after a few casts. Casting small lures with such a heavy rod won’t just hurt your body, it will also prevent the lure from gaining greater distances. It will also be dragged across the surface rather than retrieved with a finesse approach.

Ideally, spinning outfits should consist of a specific 9ft graphite lure casting rod, which you can comfortably pick up for the best part of $50, a 4000 series reel and 10lb braid. While you might be out of pocket around $100, you’ll be happy for it after catching a few fish.

I’m certainly not one for lavish gear when it comes to spinning the surf, mainly due to the impact the salt has on gear. My

salmon throughout the season. All it takes is a few dozen casts to find where the fish are.

FISHING THE TIDES Most anglers know the importance of fishing the

Replacing the treble hooks with single inline hooks will prevent losing fish during the fight.

Even with a stomach this full, a salmon can’t resist chasing down a lure retrieved at high speed.

outfit consists of a Wilson Magnum 9’ Spin 8-15lb rod coupled with an ATC Valiant SW 4000 reel. This is loaded with Mustad Thor 10lb line and a good length of 8lb fluorocarbon leader

1-2kg with the rare 3kg model in the mix. Unlike northern species – tuna, kingfish and the like – taking metal lures of 60g and heavier, Australian salmon tend to be more

going hook you a fish. As with many species, the saying ‘match the hatch’ still applies when fishing saltwater. Colours can vary a lot, but you really can’t go wrong with silvers, whites, blues and greens.

When casting for salmon, gaining distance is very important, as this allows you to cover more of the water on the retrieve.

Lures come in different weights and the ones with more of their weight on the rear, will go further.

TECHNIQUES To find salmon in any numbers, an angler needs to do the research and find the gutter in which they’re

holding. The only way to do this is to begin casting in a gutter. Before doing this, always make sure you know where the gutters are along the stretch of beach you’re fishing. You can do this by picking a high vantage point on top of a sand dune and peering along the length of the coast, or look for pockets of coloured water where the waves are not breaking.

These are the deepest sections of the beach and are commonly referred to as a ‘rip’ if you’re a swimmer or surfer. It is these sections where the salmon will school up and hold, providing there is a

The areas where waves aren’t breaking are a dead giveaway that there is a gutter there, and there could possibly be fish holding in it. for abrasion resistance against the seaweed you might encounter.

THE LURES The word ‘spinning’ can mean many different things, but at the end of the day it simply means casting with a thread line reel.

Throughout Victoria most of the salmon caught realistically weigh in at

content with smaller sized bait. The casting weights on most 9’ rods range from 20-60g. For salmon, lures in the 25-40g weight range are ideal.

Of course, there is a myriad of metal lures available that can be used to cast for salmon. It can be a daunting task when choosing which one is

While your typical Victorian salmon will average a kilo, they are still fun targeting with lures.

Even on the roughest days, there is still some great angling to be had spinning lures in the surf for salmon. food source to hold them there. Although bait anglers can set a berley trail and attract fish to their location, spinning anglers need to do the hard work and walk the beach, concentrating on casting into the gutters to find them. Although it is a little hard work, it’s certainly very rewarding.

When casting into a gutter, don’t just make a dozen casts and head off to the next one. Put in a good 30-50 casts before making the decision to move. Vary the retrieve, too. Don’t just cast and wind flat out, cast and wind at a moderate pace, then change to a fast

wind or cast and let the lure sink then retrieve it at a moderate speed. Doing this, you’ll find that the fish prefer a certain retrieval speed before they strike.

If you can remember the retrieve for the next cast, you may well find continual success.

With the surf season upon us and some days too windy to head out into our waterways by boat, hitting the surf is a lot more fun than sitting back on the couch on a frosty morning flicking through Facebook.

Now is the time to be flicking a lure, so get your gear ready and start casting.

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Hot Spot

Better off at Bemm CRANBOURNE

Mitch Chapman

Bemm River is situated in East Gippsland along the shores of Sydenham Inlet, which is only a short 5-hour drive from Melbourne. It is famous for its exceptional

salmon also patrolling the surf beaches and the mouth of the inlet push weights in excess of 4kg, which sure gets anglers forgetting about the cold and the heart rate going.

THE GEAR With the large variety of species on offer a standard bream/estuary type outfit

down the front, as well as bent minnows in the shallows. The ever-reliable 80 and 100mm Squidgy Wriggler in bloodworm is still the all time best plastic at Bemm River.

BEST METHOD Drift the lake and channel and cast vibe style

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Gerard Hawthorne with a plastic-crunching bream fishing the edges of the lake. fishing in both the lake and the river, where anglers target big bream and estuary perch along with tailor, salmon, trevally, luderick and some very big and healthy flathead.

PRIME TIME The warmer months from November through to March offers very good lake and river fishing for most species that you are likely to encounter. The bream push up into the shallows and can be caught on a variety of methods.

As the weather cools and the icy cold mornings approach in winter, this is when the fishing really heats up. Large numbers of bream school up in the lake that can make for some exceptional fishing up there with the best in the country.

The large number of

will be more than capable of getting the job done. A light 2-4kg rod with 6-10lb braid will knock over anything that’s lurking in the lake and the river.

THE RIG Depending on what species you want to target, the rig will change ever so slightly. A rod length of 4-8lb fluorocarbon leader tied to your braid with a double Uni knot is a very good start to ensure best results. All you have to do now is tie your ‘go-to’ lure on, and cast away.

BAIT AND LURES All fishing methods work well at Bemm River. While sandworm and live prawns are gun baits, which can be collected there, the lure fishing is what has really taken off in the past decade.

Lucky Craft Bevy Shads are deadly in the lake and

lures into 2-4m of water and work them back to the boat with a slow lift and drop retrieve. Fishing the flats, work the edge’s and cast soft plastics and hardbodies and work them back to the boat with lots of pauses. Trolling in the channel is a great method if you want to chase tailor and salmon.

MOTHER NATURE Remember that some of the bream and perch in the system may be older than 40 years of age. So put the big breeders back and take a few smaller fish for the table to preserve future stocks for years to come.

HOT TIP Always fish the wind blown banks as the bream and other species tend to be not far away, taking advantage of an easy meal that has blown into the shallows.

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Hardbodied lures, like the Lucky Craft Pointers, are one of the ‘go-to’ lures for a lot of bream anglers.

JULY 2017

37

Brilliant black bream blading GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

It’s a bream jackpot! The last four weeks have been extraordinary when it comes to luring up big black bream and the action should get even better as we get further into winter. There have been no significant rain events of late, and that means clean salty water has filled Lake Wellington and brought a whole heap of fish with it.

There’s also a stack of flathead, and the tailor this year are thicker than ever. As you will read below, some unbelievable surprise species of fish have also turned up like trout, mulloway and even yellowbelly!

BLADING BIG BREAM Since about April we have tracked the movement of large bream from the Lake

King areas of the Mitchell and Tambo river mouths, up through Lake Victoria, the McLennan Strait and finally into Lake Wellington.

It coincides with the lack of flow down the Avon and Latrobe rivers and the fishing has not been this good since the drought years back around 2006.

I’m talking big bream, and lure anglers are getting plenty of them between 42-46cm.

Lake Wellington is roughly 150 square kilomatres and it has been fishing the best I’ve seen it in 10 years. The edges around Tuckers and Poddy Bay have given up stud bream for those throwing hardbodies and lightly-weighted plastics, and the Marlay Point area is just as good.

Over the other side of the lake in Disher Bay has been even better. The water is very clean at times and the bream have no trouble smacking

hardbody lures when they’re slowly twitched. Most anglers I’ve either fished with or anglers that have sent me reports, have scored between 10-40 bream a session, and the average size would be about 38cm.

Between all of us we have hardly seen a bream under 34cm. The stand out lure is once again a black blade, and yes, they are dynamite in deeper water, but as a few locals have found out, shallow water blading is just as good.

It’s been an amazing run of big fish. The best day out between three of us saw some cracking bream released. Our final tally for a seven-hour session was 83 bream and we dispatched a couple of ugly carp around 4kg as well. There was one 45cm bream, two fish went 44cm, one at 43, about 16 bream at 42cm and nearly all of the rest between 36-40cm.

It’s been an outstanding run

Black blades are a must when fishing for bream over winter.

of quality bream on lures, and this hot fishing has been going on for over six weeks now. I expect this sort of action will last to the end of winter, and hopefully into early spring.

OTHER HOTSPOTS Paynesville has once again been a great place to base yourself and you will always find bream and a stack of trevally in there. The mouth of the Tambo has turned up some cracker bream and so has Duck Arm. A lot of big salmon and tailor have moved in around Metung and Mick Edwards says it has been exciting sport using surface lures. Strangely, the Nicho and Mitchell rivers have been slow for now, but I anticipate this to change very shortly.

Mark Ramsay pulled in some thumping bream to 46cm in the Straits and flathead to 60cm. He’s got that place figured out! Yellow-eye mullet are starting to run and we are seeing huge schools from Paynesville right up to Wattle Point. Get ready for them to really start biting this month!

SURPRISE BY-CATCH I bumped into Gippy Lakes professional fisher Matt Jenkins a few times recently and I was gobsmacked when I saw some of the fish he’s been getting of late. It is mindboggling some of the species we anglers rarely target that are living on our doorstep and some are very big fish! He’s worked the western areas of the Gippy Lakes to get away from tailor down closer to Lakes Entrance. Amazingly, he’s averaged about two large brown trout each day, the odd kingfish, small gurnard, EP, large flathead, big salmon, plenty of yellow eye mullet, a 58cm bass, and a single mulloway. The real blowout fish were a couple of whopper yellowbelly. All of these fish

Mick Dee has found big bream in just about every corner of the Gippy Lakes. are swimming in amongst the hundreds and hundreds of carp he hauls out of the area each time.

FISHING BUDDIES Just a quick shout out and a big thank you to some top fishing buddies who supply me with a lot of info and pictures for these reports. I probably fish the best when I’m alone with not a soul in sight. The solitude recharges me and it’s the best rehab and therapy going when this crazy, busy world gets my head spinning. But now that I’m on holidays, sometimes the greatest joy in fishing is all about being around good mates. Over the last few

weeks we’ve been laughing at and with each other while pondering all things funny and fishy. Joel Petzke, Mick Edwards, Rambo Ramsay, Donald Gned, Jason Deenan, Dinga, and Mickey Dee are all part of the crew. The real highlight was catching up with my good old buddy Havo for about ten or so outings.

It’s been a couple of months on the water with a lot of giggles and tomfoolery, not to mention catching the hell out of nice flathead, heaps of big stonker bream and the odd thumping estuary perch.

Grouse fun, mint weather and, big fish. I’m lucky to have such good mates.

There have been crazy kingfish captures MARLO

Jim McClymont mcclymont@net-tech.com.au

Our estuary system rebounded and is fishing well again. Plenty of bream are being taken along the Snowy River all

the way up to the highway bridge at Orbost, making the fishing platforms that have been erected prime fishing spots along both sides of the river all the way down to the Marlo Road causeway turn-off.

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many other species are also being taken. Mullet are in good supply and luderick, trevally and tailor are on the chew. The Brodribb is also fishing well with all the mentioned species being caught all the way up to Lake Curlip.

Down in the estuary close to Marlo, the fishing is also very good. Marlo is a prime spot to catch all the species that come into the estuary and it’s ideal for casting metal lures for tailor and salmon. Further up around the islands is an ideal spot for luderick. Anglers are getting good results fishing the rock groins that surround the islands and along the river banks.

The surf beaches are still firing. Anglers have reported To page 39

Pauline Connelly with her 9kg+ monster kingy.

From page 38

getting plenty of salmon and tailor using light gear and spinning metal lures.

Other anglers have had good results using surf gear and a paternoster rig with a popper on top and bait on the bottom hook. Gummy sharks are still in good numbers with many anglers getting their bag on most outings.

Offshore the fishing is still very good. Big schools of kingfish have reappeared and are stretching the arms of all the anglers targeting them. Anglers have reported captures on live baits, cast

lures, trolled diving lures and surface lures as well as knife and flutter jigs.

Joe and Pauline Connelly from our local Game Fishing Club managed to bag a couple of good-size kings; Pauline landed one over 9kg and Joe another almost as big. As well as the kings there are plenty of flathead, gurnard, squid, barracouta, pinkie snapper and gummy sharks.

Recently a visitor from Queensland came into the shop to inquire about beach fishing and I explained the rig and bait he would need

to catch salmon. He told me he didn’t need any fish as the person in the next camping site at Marlo Camping Park had caught a huge swordfish fishing out from Cape Conran and was sharing the flesh with all the campers.

The fishing further out has again exploded, making our area the premium gamefishing spot in Victoria with four broadbills from 180-250kg, a marlin, bigeye tuna and a huge thresher shark weighed in over a couple of days. Lots more action isn’t reported. The word is out and things will only get better.

Kingies going nuts at the back of the boat – a sight to get the heart racing.

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Joe Connelly caught this whopper kingfish, almost as big as Pauline’s.

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Following the winter patterns LAKES ENTRANCE

Steven Pryke

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The winter blues have begun to settle in with frequent days of horrid weather. Fishing has still been reasonably productive with large schools of silver trevally haunting the tidal channel in search of white bait and other food sources. The jetties and deep channels are holding schooling bream, but locating them has been hard.

Use a quality depth sounder to help locate the schools.

Our local town wharves have schools of silver trevally and mullet, which are frequently being caught.

Anglers targeting these fish have been getting great responses bait fishing with a weighted float and either peeled prawns or pilchard fillets. Fish close to cover and allowing the current flow to move the bait naturally.

Our local bream have started their usual winter patterns of schooling in deeper water usually around some form of structure like a moored boat or jetty. Anglers have found consistent results

With the colder water settling in, large schools of luderick have started to school around the town. Keen anglers have enjoyed the tricky art of catching these smart fish. keen anglers have enjoyed the tricky art of catching these smart fish. The most productive method lately has been to fish some fine green weed suspended under a float. Locals call this ‘horse hair’ as it comes in long thin strands. A big tip is to fish

a bait rig as close to the pylons as you dare when there’s good tidal flow, so your bait drifts and covers more ground.

LAKE TYRES With the lake beginning to quieten down, the fishing has become patchy. Many

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Local bream have started their usual winter patterns.

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on a combination of heavy weighted grub style lures and blades in a range of colours.

Natural olive and black colours have been the go-to choices.

For good results at this time of year it’s important to cover a large amount of water in search of these productive schools. Once located, these schools can see an angler pull at three or four bream from the same area before moving on. At this time of year it is a great bonus to be in a kayak or boat fitted with quality depth sounders, as they make it easier to locate schools. This means you have more time fish in productive areas.

With the colder water settling in large schools of luderick have started to school around the town and

anglers have to work very hard to locate schools of active fish in the lake.

Areas such as the channel markers have held schools of mixed species – mainly bream and trevally. These shut-down fish have been hard to provoke, but a small blade will produce results worked with a combination of hops and pauses along the lake bed.

The higher reaches of Lake Tyers in areas such as the Devils Hole and further upwards of the Nowa Nowa Arm have held plenty of fish which have been more active in the slightly warmer water. The timbered edges are still holding quality bream. These fish are scattered and a great deal of moving is important to locate feeding fish.

HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING? If you have been out for a fish lately and have a great pic, please send it to stevenprykefishing@gmail. com with a short description and you could be in the next edition of Victoria Fishing Monthly.

Our local bream have started their usual winter patterns of schooling in deeper water, usually around some form of structure.

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Late season fishing looks up MCLOUGHLINS

Will Thompson allwaysangling@bigpond.com

It was a mild autumn with relatively stable weather patterns throughout May. South Gippsland fishing remained consistent for species such as pinkie snapper, flathead and even yellowtail kingfish.

I’m amazed that every year a lot of anglers throw in the towel by April, but again May showed us that this is when we get the most

stable weather patterns and the water temperature is still good enough to catch our favourite summer species.

OFFSHORE The biggest surprise for everyone has been the amount of kingfish offshore recently. The fish aren’t very big with most of them being undersized to around 65cm.

There have been stacks out there and at certain parts of the tide they have been feeding like mad, taking all sorts of lures from jigs to poppers and also squid baits or trolled skirted lures.

The reefs have been amazing with plenty of pinkies out on the Ovals and various reefs off the Prom in anywhere from 24-32m.

Squid and pilchards have been successful and the fish seem to be going better closer to the tide changes.

For a gummy, do a drift with a big bait or anchor up and berley.

There are good-sized gummies out there to around 10kg and plenty of sevengill sharks mixed in now as well. Over the next month expect to get some

massive gummy sharks to 20kg as the water cools, then we will be left with mainly large flathead on the 30-40m line.

INSIDE With a big water temperature drop in early May, most of the good fishing has been offshore.

The whiting went very quiet and only a handful of anglers have been catching them. Even the Welshpool anglers have been coming over to fish Port Albert for the whiting, as the numbers seem better here than in Corner Inlet for some reason.

Anglers finding the whiting aren’t bagging out, but they are getting up to a dozen big whiting each session on the run-out tide using pipis and squid. The whiting have been up to 46cm and averaging 41cm.

There are still good numbers of calamari inside Port Albert and they’re biting best on the slack tide. There are garfish everywhere

Domonic Barnes with a big salmon of around 5lb. and these are pretty great, averaging 35cm. Gars can be caught during both tides.

You’ll need berley to get them behind the boat.

There are still good numbers of sand flathead inside but you’ll need to berley to catch them now with the cold water.

You can still get a bag of 30-45cm flathead inside with the aid of berley, and don’t be surprised if you snag a good-sized gummy shark, at least until that water temperature drops below 13°C. Towards McLoughlins Beach the salmon have been hit and miss, with some weeks producing big salmon up to 2kg, while other times they are only up to around 0.75-1kg. Soft plastics and metal slugs have been the go-to lures.

The good locations have been both McLoughlins and the Manns entrance. The odd school of salmon has been coming back into the mangroves as well.

• For more information, contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 5174 8544 or check the website on www. allwaysangling.com.au.

You can still get a bag of good flathead inside with the aid of berley. This catch came from 8m and in 14°C water.

Entrance closed again BEMM RIVER

Robyn Sturgess

Recently the entrance has only just closed. It opened late in May and only stayed open for a week. The water level dropped considerably during this period.

Recent reports confirm that quality bream are being caught on frozen prawns in approximately 2ft of water near the storm hut.

One angler even reported catching some perch in this same area.

Sandworm has been difficult to get due to the water level being so high for so long.

A lot of anglers travelling to Bemm were pre-ordering it in Bairnsdale and collecting on their way past.

The Pelican Point and Siberia areas have been a popular spot for quality bream. The entrance end of the channel is producing trevally and tailor.

The surf beach at Pearl Point has abundant salmon and tailor. The flathead remain quiet due to the cooler conditions. The river

remains quiet.

The saga with the jetty continues. Hopefully with onsite consultation with the residents and stakeholders of Bemm River we can now resolve this issue and offer anglers a much better and upgraded facility that will lead us into the future without the wind problems and congestion.

• For up to date reports, please view the fishing report on our website, or alternatively, our Bemm River Holiday Accommodation and Boat Hire Facebook page.

Andrew Wright with a nice gummy shark caught offshore of Port Albert past the 20m line.

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Mallacoota is slowing down in the cold climate MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

After a long, busy tourist season the town is once again quiet and the big caravan park is nearly empty. There has been very little rain recently. This winter the cold weather is showing its head.

The fishing is starting to slow down with the water

temperature in the lake already down to around 15°C. Along the beach the temperature is around 16°C with warm water still moving out wide. Looking out from Bastion Point, it’s common to see whales moving up the coast letting us know the real cold water is not far away.

Fishing from the local beaches has seen anglers catching salmon. Good gutters on the main beach

Plenty of whitebait are in the lake, so the Squidgy Flick Bait has been working well.

and around at Tip Beach are holding fish. Yellowfin bream are still being caught around the lake entrance along with a few sand whiting. Beach worms are the best bait.

The entrance is nearly closed and with the way it’s going, I wouldn’t be surprised if it closes over the next few weeks. It’s going to take good rain to create a good entrance. The lake shutting is nothing new. It being closed off to the ocean for a few years at a time is not uncommon. Unfortunately, there are not big numbers of yellowfin bream in the lake at present. Luckily there are plenty of small snapper that will grow to a good size if trapped in the lake for any length of time.

Out wide, broadbill are still around with a number of fish caught each month.

Closer to shore, out around the Star Banks, there has been some good fishing for yellowtail kingfish. One group of anglers had a ball catching a number of fish to 90cm. Sand flathead have been caught, but with the water cooling the fishing is slowing right down. It has been tough to catch a feed with no tiger flathead caught over the past month.

The dusky flathead in the lake are still being caught. It’s a lot tougher to catch a feed now than it was a month ago. Slowly worked blades and soft plastics have worked well with plenty of moving around needed to find fish. Fish have been caught as far upstream

as Gypsy Point, in the bottom lake and out around the entrance.

Silver trevally are also right through the system with fish being caught in the rivers above Gypsy Point and throughout the top and bottom lake. Those fishing for bream with fresh baits, nippers and beach worms have been catching good bags of bigger-than-average fish with good numbers of smaller fish caught by anglers using lures, blades and soft plastics. Once again, fish are being caught in both the top and bottom lake and upstream towards Gypsy Point.

This mullet ate a blade and put on a great fight.

The entrance to Mallacoota Lake is almost closed and is only a stone’s throw wide.

Eden fishing set to improve in cool conditions EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

As with the rest of the South Coast, the Eden area has quietened right down. With winter happening, it’s a long time until summer when the visitors will be back once again. The area has just received its first drop of rainfall over the last few months and it’s much-needed. This will

be good for the fishing over the coming months.

Fishing-wise there has been plenty to report.

Offshore the water temperature is starting to drop, but at the moment it is still warm enough to have the sand flathead and tiger flathead biting. Good numbers of quality fish have been caught. Good sand flathead are also being caught throughout Twofold Bay, which is great, as it means you don’t have to go far to get a feed.

Kingfish have been caught along South Head and around North Head. As long as the big schools of baitfish are around, the fish will be here. Cold water moving up the coast will shut the fishing down. This year has seen some good catches of bonito. Bonito show up some years and not others. Snapper and morwong have also been caught on the inshore reefs and the fishing should only improve over the coming months.

Out wide on the shelf there has been little to report. Fingers crossed the yellowfin tuna make an appearance followed by the southern bluefin tuna.

Big schools of salmon have been moving along the beaches in the Eden area with some of the fish up around the 3kg mark.

Walking the beaches tossing a lure into likely gutters is the way to find the fish, as they are constantly on the move.

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the water in the estuaries for a short time. This cleared up quickly with the water temperature dropping. As it’s winter, the fishing is starting to slow down.

Before the rain, good fish were being caught like the sand whiting and yellowfin bream caught towards the entrance of the rivers.

Dusky flathead are still being caught, however, it’s not as easy as it was in the months past. In cooler water this is one fish that slows right down. Silver

trevally are about in good numbers and good size fish to 1.5kg have been caught. Over the past month, there have been decent tailor caught. You can expect some big fish to put in an appearance.

Black bream have been caught by anglers fishing upstream with fish along the rocky edges and around structure.

This fishing should only improve, as the fish will be working there way upstream to spawn.

NSW South Coast

Southern winter blues are on BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

July is proving to be the month for chasing those famous and often very large southern bluefin tuna. Winter blues now takes on a completely different meaning.

When, if or how close these fish may come to shore is never really known until it happens. You’ve just got to be ready to go.

Heading out wide over the 1000 fathom line you are likely to encounter fish ranging from 30-200kg+ with most fish averaging in the 90s. They are likely to be taken on a wide range of lures. More often than not, every lure in the pattern can be eaten with explosive strikes resulting in multiple hook-ups. Whether or not we see this action again this July remains to be seen.

All indications are there for another great season and hopefully more records will be broken.

There are other gamefish that are also likely to be around. With water temperatures staying up, yellowfin, albacore and mako sharks are definitely be on the short list. Long

This was the first of a few winter bluefin to hit the deck.

Morwong make for a tasty meal and are easy to come by in the winter. liners have encountered numbers of broadbill this season, so for those that wish to stay out at night, you may find yourselves attached to one of these elusive fish.

Winter is a great time for bottom bouncing. You need not go out early; let the sun warm things up. As it does, usually the fish warm up too. You will be able to have the pick of the days to do so, as calm weather is a regular occurrence. Most reef species for this area are available with nearly all the well-known areas producing. Snapper have been particularly good this season with plenty around.

While the sizes haven’t been extreme, they are still very tasty.

With the calm

conditions try anchoring and berleying to bring up the bigger fish. Even using those soft plastics over the shallow close-in reefs will produce. These calm conditions will also allow you to fish very wide with the aid of electronic reels.

The very deep water over the Continental Shelf will produce some of the best table fish our waters have to offer in the form of blue-eye trevalla, ling, hapuka, perch, cod and many others.

Back closer to shore there are plenty of flathead to be found for those with

smaller boats. Out from most beaches the sand flatties will dominate while the tigers will be found wider.

Cold, wet sand doesn’t appeal to most people in winter, so beaches often don’t get the attention they deserve. There are ways to make them more appealing that will also produce fish.

Most of our winds are offshore at this time of year and there is very little break to contend with. These calm conditions allow anglers to sight fish schools of salmon that patrol the beaches.

A handful of lures and a light spin rod are all that is required to provide any seasoned fisho with hours of entertainment. Another method is to bring the fish to you with berley. Striped tuna are the best for this.

Australian salmon also works well and if you find a deep gutter close to adjacent rocks, many varied species will appear. Even in the middle of the day, these fish will feed, especially when daylight hours are short.

Rocks are another popular place to fish when conditions are calm. Those hard-pulling drummer are top of the list. There are some nice groper, quite a few bream and trevally. You can also use lures for tailor and salmon.

In the estuaries, luderick and bream are the main species available with the luderick hanging around the rock walls, the river boat ramp or the bridge pylons. Most are taking green or cabbage weed, while nippers may produce over the sand. Bream react well to berley whether in an estuary or on a beach.

The yellowfin bream are still here in numbers and will enjoy a well-laid berley trail in the lower parts of the estuaries, providing great winter angling.

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45

Great offshore options NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

Offshore anglers, particularly those fishing the bottom, have done extremely well with snapper, morwong and flathead making up most bags. The fish have been moving around a bit, so trying a number of locations until you find them has been the key to success. The reds have been close to shore with the cuttlefish run, with water depths of 15-20m being ideal.

I’d be concentrating north of Narooma with the close-in reef at Brou Beach holding a lot of snapper.

The tide and current will determine whether you anchor or drift. Anchoring here seems to be best.

Using a little berley with fresh pilchards or squid will work, as will soft plastics

on occasion.

You can expect some solid models with fish to 5kg on the cards. Most will be pannies around 1.5-2kg – a great size for the plate. If the conditions are calm, you may have to go deeper. If this is the case, head a little further north and concentrate around Potato Point in 35-40m. This water depth always holds fish in winter and drifting is certainly the go.

If you’re after a feed of flatties, the 35-40m line straight off Dalmeny has been excellent, with some of the sandies pushing 60cm.

That’s huge for this species.

You don’t need many for a great feed. At Montague Island the kings have been up and down like a yo-yo – one day you get them and the next two, no joy. If you’re there on the good day, expect some awesome fishing.

Some of the kings are big with models pushing 16-18kg on the cards. These fish are usually an early

morning proposition when they’re up on top smacking bait. The inside edge of the Fowl House Reef has been consistent. Slow trolling slimies or bigger deep divers will get the desired results.

If you get close enough to them when they’re on top, bigger style soft plastics or jigs will catch their fair share too. You won’t get heaps, but they will be big and awesome fun. If all that sounds too hard then jigging in 30 fathoms on the northern end of the island may get you a few fish. Whether they eat or not will depend a bit on tide and current. If the conditions suit, they will chew.

Further offshore, ‘tuna’ is the word. There’s a few of them. There has been a mixture of yellowfin and bluefin with the latter species being a long way offshore. I know of a few local boats that have travelled 60-70km to find the bluefin. The rewards justify the long distances travelled.

Dazza with some of the estuary dwellers that can be expected over coming weeks.

Your first mulloway on a plastic is always a challenge, but it’s even more rewarding when it nearly hits the metre mark.

Trolling has certainly been the method of choice, as you cover the miles to find the fish.

A mix of bibbless minnows and skirted pushers have worked. Every day is a little different. We should see the berley/bait brigade getting amongst it once the fish are found, especially fish in the 40-60kg bracket.

We had a pretty short season last year on the tuna, so let’s hope this season is a little better.

In the estuaries, Wagonga Inlet has slowed up with the cool 15°C water. There are fish there, but you have to work for them. Anglers that are doing okay are fishing smaller soft plastics and blades in the deeper water (6-10m) and fishing them very slow. It can be like pulling teeth when this happens. When it’s cool, slow everything down, fish lighter leaders and gelspun and you will catch fish.

I’d be looking around

the weeded margins while fishing artificials. The southern side of the inlet from Ringlands Point to the power lines upstream just before the four knot area is the place to fish. If this isn’t for you, then the lower sections in the channel should be good for trevally, bream and luderick. Both bait and lure casters will catch fish.

The last three hours of the draining tide is best.

On the beaches the salmon numbers have certainly increased with the colder water. These supercharged bruisers are great fun in the suds on paternoster rigs fished with a bait/popper combination, or casting metal slugs on lighter gelspun outfits. It really doesn’t matter how you target them, you will catch them.

Most beaches are fishing well with Narooma main and Brou the standouts. If the salmon aren’t for you, then bream and winter whiting

are on the cards. Both these species bite freely through winter and few anglers target them. You’ll find you don’t get huge numbers, but the quality of fish definitely increases. Look at beaches that have some sort of rocky formation nearby and fish quite shallow, just past the shore dump. Use with either live beach worms or pipis as bait.

Off the stones, it’s bread and butter time with drummer, luderick, bream and the odd groper all succumbing to fresh baits like cabbage, crabs or cunjevoi. Look for ledges that have a fair bit of whitewater present and use a little berley. Don’t use too much, or the pickers will drive you nuts.

The better places to try include the golf course rocks, the southern breakwall on the incoming tide or Dalmeny Headland about 5km north. All these areas fish well during winter.

NEWS

Streaker Marine takes Quintrex National Dealer of the Year

Victorian Quintrex Dealership Streaker Marine has won the Quintrex National Dealer of the Year and Quintrex Sales Excellence Awards for 2016-2017.

In 1973, Leon and Paul Savage Senior started Streaker Fibreglass boats before opening Streaker Marine in 1993. Streaker Marine became a Quintrex dealership in 2005 and the business has since been passed down through two generations of the Savage family.

The collection of awards under their belt, including previous Quintrex Dealer of the Year awards in 2010 and 2011, exemplifies Streaker Marine’s commitment to improving their business.

46

JULY 2017

Dealer Principal Sean Savage said their secret to success and winning the Quintrex National Dealer of the Year Award is ensuring every customer leaves the dealership with a smile on their face.

“Customer service is number one for us and after 44 years of being a retailer and manufacturer, our reputation keeps growing.

“We have had huge growth in 2016 and 2017 due to a young sales team that have embraced the digital world we live in and where the customer is number one,” Sean said.

On winning the Quintrex Sales Excellence award Sean added that the entire team at Streaker Marine plays a part in their success.

“We strive to represent

the best products as professionally as possible and make sure our service department has the highest customer satisfaction in the country,” Sean said.

Quintrex Account Manager Drew Jackson said Streaker Marine go above and beyond for their customers and have set up a boat delivery system like no other.

“Streaker Marine has a designated beach themed delivery area inside their showroom complete with a jetty to enter the boat where customers can get an awesome photo with their new purchase.

“The new owners then receive champagne, chocolates, hats, keyrings, a Quintrex wash kit and a personalised plaque

is adhered to the dash embossed with the customer’s name.

“If that’s not enough, all deliveries are offered a half day on-water experience; It’s added touches like this that exemplify Streaker Marine’s exceptional customer service,” Drew said.

Streaker Marine will be attending Melbourne Boat show this June and displaying some of the newest Quintrex releases including the revolutionary Apex Hull.

Visit the Streaker Marine showroom at 461 Mountain Highway, Bayswater VIC 3153. Or, visit their website at www. streakermarine.com.au. For more information on the Quintrex range visit www. quintrex.com.au. – Telwater

Left to right: Quintrex Account Manager Nathan Shaw, Paul Savage Junior, Paul Savage Senior and Quintrex Account Manager Drew Jackson.

NSW South Coast

Bustling black bream bonanza stuart@ausfishing.com.au

It’s tuna time along the far South Coast of NSW with anglers fishing offshore from Merimbula getting amongst them. Recently we have seen favourable weather with flat seas making the journey to the tuna grounds that much more comfortable!

Most crews heading wide have had success, with southern bluefin tuna up to 80kg being taken. There have

been yellowfin tuna to 40kg and bigger fish lost. A handful of solid albacore have been making up the remainder of the bag. The talk is not only about the size, but the sheer quantity of SBT that are being seen and caught. The average fish seems to be around 50kg, but some boats are getting upwards of 10 fish per day, which is quality angling in anyone’s books.

Most of these fish are being tagged and released or simply cut off beside the boat. Only a few are kept for eating purposes. The fish

A cracking black bream from the top lake in Merimbula with another hook-up in the background – awesome stuff.

are having a go are getting good trevally and salmon in the top lake with the channels below the main wharf in town producing some nice fish too.

Anglers using smaller soft plastics are faring best and the flooding tide is definitely better. There should be a few luderick and bream fanging for those targeting them with fresh weed and tuna cubes. Use a little berley for both these species and you shouldn’t have too many worries getting a feed. The channels are the place to fish.

On the beaches salmon are everywhere and any beach with a half decent gutter is producing. All methods are working; paternoster rigs with bait/popper combination, casting chromed slices and even soft plastics on larger jigheads have been effective.

If you’re after a bit more sport, try using a bream outfit with 4-6lb gelspun and a 20g shiner. You can cast these things a mile.

You lose a lot of fish with the trebles, so try changing them to a single hook. You will certainly get a better hook-up to landed ratio with this method. Mixed in with the sambos are some reasonable tailor to 1kg.

Smoke these up and they are

•A

great on the plate. The better beaches include Tura Main and North Tura. Both these beaches have great gutters that are deep.

Winter off the rocks fishes very well with blackfish, drummer, groper and bream all possible targets. There’s the chance of good snapper especially after a blow, and they will come in close after a feed with Tura Head the ideal place to fish. This platform

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is deep and many a good snapper has come from here.

If after the pelagic species, salmon, tailor and bonito are all catchable with whole pilchards on ganged hooks a great way to target them.

With the bread and butter species cunjevoi, cut crab, cabbage and fresh prawns should suffice with Short Point and the rocks on the northern side of Merimbula bay well worth a look.

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are responding to almost all methods with a lot of crews trolling first then reverting to a cube trail once they are hooked up. This is a great method that works particularly well, though you do need an organised crew to get the best out of it.

If the weather stays good and the water doesn’t turn over, this action could continue for a few months yet. Let’s hope so. Closer inshore the snapper are in full swing with Long Point, White Cliffs and Horseshoe reefs all holding fish at times.

The average size is a kilo – a good eating size. There are plenty of them and there is the odd model to 4kg being caught too.

Anglers drifting have done well with fresh squid, cuttlefish and tuna strips.

Mixed in with the reds are morwong and the odd kingfish. Those trolling close to the rocks are catching plenty of bonito and big salmon. These are good fun on lighter outfits and with the flat seas a few locals in small boats are having a ball. It’s well worth the effort.

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47

Bushmaster 4000: real value for money BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Korr has an enviable reputation for gear that’s spot on in its application, and reliable as tomorrow’s sunrise. Interestingly, the company started with lighting and electronics, but as a result of their love for outdoor life, it was a pretty natural progression when they also branched into top end camper trailers.

this one, it has ‘take me to the Cape’ written all over it.

The tare weight is 850kg, the unit is braked, naturally, and it rides on 235/75/15 wheels and tyres to provide ample ground clearance for both bush and beach work.

The dimensions (in its packed up travelling state) are 4000mm long, 1800mm wide and 1900 high with the folded tent compartment sitting atop. The attractively coated and painted steel body has many very useful features and compartments.

or team members on their camping trips.

Even a cursory glance reveals that this camper trailer has the storage capacity to neatly package virtually everything that would make it a home away from home. It’s a dust-free environment, thanks to the terrific automotive rubber standard seals on each compartment’s doors.

A CLOSER LOOK Fixed onto the massive galvanised draw bar of the Bushmaster is a mesh

The massive dimensions of the drawbar speak of this unit’s ability to be taken well off the beaten track. for a fuel container while the left is a dedicated 9kg gas bottle storage space, as the bottle services the two burner stove in the kitchen compartment. There is also a hand operated water pump here (note there’s a pressure pump in the kitchen slide out compartment) handy for

quick wash ups after cleaning a feed of fish or gathering some fire wood to put into the dedicated mesh floor storage box atop this area.

Looking at each side of the Bushmaster’s main body there are three under-bed paired storage compartments on the left side and on the

right. They differ in use depending where they are situated. Note that all of these compartments are rubber sealed and equipped with dual lock up handles for the best weather and dust proofing.

The hinges are particularly robust and in keeping with the solid feel of the doors.

Sturdy, compact and ready to go anywhere – that’s the HKC 4000 Bushmaster camper.

NEW BUSHMASTER HAS THE LOT Their new HKC 4000 Bushmaster is the current showpiece. It’s an attractively eye catching and well-built camper trailer with capacity for a whole family to enjoy. It’s also compact enough to be towed by an SUV or a family wagon in lieu of a big 4x4. And it’s strong. No lightweight bitumen-only camper trailer

A Foxwing style awning sat neatly furled within a sock on the left side ready for deployment and it was good to see that the awning actually extended out and around the entire unit as far as the bed area. Should more weather-protected space be required, walls are provided to attach to the awning on all sides as well. I could see a lot of couples putting beds in there for extra family

stone guard to protect the investment. Immediately behind is a large tri-compartmented storage space. The central section has a hatch that’s strut equipped (same as all the other top opening compartments on this unit) and would be ideal for items that need to be kept handy like tackle boxes or a fish smoker.

The right hand compartment would be ideal

Strong slides allow items such as a Weber and generator to be easily accessed from this big compartment. Note the shelf up top for poles and other items.

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JULY 2017

Three compartments sit behind the stone shield with the central enclosed section – ideal for general storage duties.

On display, some the Bushmaster’s slide out components.

Outside the camper, the space from the front to the rear on the left side would be the main work area, being well protected by the Foxwing. This space has the first of four wide under-bed compartments; this one is accessed from either side

The next storage compartment was resplendent with the Bushmaster’s camp kitchen components: a stainless sink with a 12V pressure pump (linked to a 65L bash plate protected water tank), a Smev 2 burner gas stove

cutlery area. It was large enough to be very useful and was, once again, well protected by good dust seals.

Right at the rear of the Bushmaster was a massive upper storage drawer capable of swallowing up a big collapsible table and

The Bushmaster’s electronic control panel was well protected from weather, yet easily accessed by an owner to see how things were going.

A look at the food prep area, even the kitchen sink is here! in fact, set up to show its storage capability with an optional Weber Cube on the left and a Honda generator on the right.

For ease of use, the Weber

and a work bench. These were all on a very strong slide arrangement for ease of access. I noted plenty of areas to prepare tucker and clean up afterwards

A large elevated drawer at the back of the camper was ideal for swallowing up a table and chairs. was on a roller slide extension bed. Making the best use of the space, a dedicated holding area was above the Weber for poles and other kit to brace the Foxwing when it was to be deployed.

in the drain-equipped sink. All items were at a convenient height.

The third row of compartments on this side was virtually all cupboard space with a dedicated

several chairs. Lower down there was provision for the Bushmaster’s refrigeration.

In this case it was a 12V Waeco fridge displayed on it’s own independent roller slide system. All fridges can be attached via an Anderson plug to link to paired 12V batteries in series; these are easily charged by Korr’s brilliant new 200 watt lightweight (4kg) solar panels.

MORE STORAGE AND A BED The right side of the unit was virtually a mirror reverse of the left with storage space taking the place of the BBQ and kitchen areas. One thing of note was the compartment housing the unit’s electronics. This was located just below the paired deep cycle batteries that powered the fridge and water pump.

Easily accessed fuses for the HKC 4000’s various electrical components such as an optional Waeco or other fridge, solar system and water pump were visible along with displays

A Waeco fridge, as shown here, would be set up on a very strong slide assembly for ease of use.

to reassure users as to electrical health.

Looking aloft, the unit’s tent-covered double bed was set up by simply undoing strap restraints and then the cover. The bed, in it’s folded away state, has dimensions of 1400x1200x450mm, but extended for use it’s 2500x1450x1300mm – it’s obviously large enough for a couple to enjoy comfortable sleeping.

To set the bed up, the cover’s removed to allow access to a light and very strong ladder which is pulled down to extend the bed into it’s full double size. Then, with the ladder simply locked into place as a rigid support, the bedroom’s ready for use, the mattress remaining in situ at all times.

There’s a tropical weather-proof over fly which is fitted into position over the main bedding area to keep out foul weather if required.

When things are balmy, the fly can be extended out wide on simple props. With the bedroom tent’s windows opened (but well protected by midge proof screening) that lovely night breeze can be allowed to do its soothing thing, which is so very important if camping up the Cape or virtually anywhere in the tropics for that matter.

Of definite interest, there is also a tent section that attaches under the bedroom section to provide a sleeping area for more of the crew.

All side wall sections are of quality ripstop cotton canvas material which should give years of trouble-free use.

Setting up the camper as we see in this article

facilities would then be required, or, just put down a table and chairs and enjoy the ambience.

To have the Weber in action, or perhaps other sections of the camp kitchen, would only take moments for them to be accessed and slid out for use. As a very efficient and easy to

Bed coming out! It’s as easy as undoing the fastenings and cover and pulling down on the ladder. (including the bed, of course) would take around five minutes. Putting on extra walls on the awning would naturally take a little longer.

Once the awning is in place, users can select exactly which of the Bushmaster’s

use camper trailer, the HKC 4000 Bushmaster would be hard to beat.

Like to own one? Who wouldn’t at a price of around $17,990? Contact tony@ hardkorrcampers.com.au for more information.

Set up and ready for enjoyment. The HKC 4000 Bushmaster also has walls that can be attached to the Foxwing’s outer edge.

JULY 2017

49

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FREE GUIDEBOOK

BARRA TOURTournament

Guide

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Zerek BARRA Tour

14 The Metre Man

Australian Bass Tournaments

ABT.ORG.AU

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Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

2017 zerek barra tour calendar Get your barra fix in 2017 with the Zerek BARRA Tour. Returning to the barra filled lakes of Kinchant, Teemburra and Peter Faust Dams, the Zerek BARRA Tour will hit the north on the peak barra bite, the full moon in November.

Having emerged from their winter slumber and in full spring bite mode the barra should be primed to wreak havoc and deliver anglers the ultimate BARRA Tour experience.

The Tour kicks off at Kinchant Dam, home to some of the biggest and fattest barra in the north.

Teemburra Dam is the next challenge for anglers, with the influx of water early in the year set to test anglers

both old and new. Peter Faust is the third and final location, with the 3rd and 4th event of the tour sure to see anglers battle the XOS fish of Faust. Rookie teams are in for a treat on the 2017 Zerek BARRA Tour with

a Rookie Pack presented to each team at their first event of the tour. To find out all the details on the Zerek BARRA Tour visit www. abt.org.au.

BARRA Tour Entry Fee $250 (per event)

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Getting into the Zerek BARRA Tour experience SYDNEY

Tom Slater

Since its inception almost fifteen years ago, the Zerek BARRA Tour has been on the bucket lists of keen anglers all across the country. The allure of giant barramundi charging through the weed and timber-filled bays of some of Australia’s best impoundments is too strong for many to ignore.

Every year we see an increasing number of newcomers to the tour who are met with open arms, plenty of stories and most importantly, a buckled over rod and braid screeching off their reels. With the tour again set for the waters of Kinchant, Teemburra and Peter Faust Dam this year, let’s dive in and take a look at the benefits of immersion into the Zerek BARRA Tour!

Barramundi can be a tricky species to capture at the best of times, and figuring this species out on your own at locations as large and diverse as Peter Faust can have you quickly buckled at

the knees begging for a sign of life. Luckily for those now adopting this foetal position of angling horror, there’s an experience like the Zerek BARRA Tour. You won’t find a more full on, thorough and rewarding experience than learning the intricacies of angling barramundi, and I’ve experienced this firsthand when I went on tour in 2015.

WHAT TO EXPECT Barra, boats, beers, bustoffs and bragging! That pretty much sums up the time you’ll spend on the BARRA Tour. The atmosphere is brilliant and perfectly climaxes as the tour winds up with the last two events at Peter Faust. This venue allows all the anglers to be in one place, centralized at Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat. It’s a perfect time to talk strategy, what has and hasn’t worked throughout the tour, maybe learn a new knot or two and harass Craig Griffiths for how he modifies almost every lure under the sun to catch barramundi better than the next one.

In my experience as a southerner travelling to the

BARRA Tour for the first time, I was blown away with how welcome I felt when I backed the boat into Teemburra for the first event of the 2015 tour. Everyone was quick to say g’day and offer some words of encouragement. For a guy like me who hadn’t chased a barra since I was a spritely little kid on the verge of becoming a teenager, it was a nice way to get rid of the pre-tournament nerves.

With the intense weather patterns northern Australia has experienced so far this year, the dam levels have risen dramatically. Both Teemburra and Kinchant are full to the brim and Peter Faust rose to 78% recently.

That’s a stark contrast to the water levels we’ve faced over the last few seasons. In some ways 2017 will be a new experience for even some of the experienced anglers who have been getting used to the lower water levels of the past few years.

The increase in water levels should definitely help the fishing, as a higher water level gives us even more space to explore. BARRA

Another happy customer.

Tour veteran Steve Morgan recalls one of the first tours where Teemburra Dam was at capacity and saw some of the most insane closequarters barra fishing he’s experienced in all his years attending.

“It was maybe the first year or possibly even the WEB LINK

Scan the QR code to view the 2016 BARRA Tour Guide

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first trial event, the dam was full and myself and Kerry Symes were catching barra pitching soft plastics into flooded lantana bushes with rods more typically seen in US bass tournaments at that stage. I remember breaking one off on straight braid that might have been 60 or 80lb breaking strain and it was like a gun shot going off in your ear.”

While we may not be lucky enough to be able to flip up a few metre fish like Morgo did way back

then, a full dam means more opportunities and more places they can hide, and that’s only a good thing.

LET’S TALK TACKLE A common misconception is the successful barra angler has more tackle than one could dare dream. The fact is over the history of the tour, the list of everyday smokers isn’t that long. In fact, I could happily grab a small duffel bag with three Bait Coffins, a binder of soft baits, some terminal tackle and leader and be content with my options.

We spoke about lures in more detail in last year’s BARRA TAG, which you can read by scanning the QR code on this page. The short and sweet version is this, use deep and shallow jerkbaits from 80-120mm. Think Zerek Barra-X and Tango Shad 89, Rapala X-Rap 10-14cm, Jackall Squirrel or Smash Minnow and Lucky Craft Pointers.

Grab yourself some soft vibes like the Zerek Fish Trap, Jackall Transam or Storm SX Vibe. Squidgy Slick Rigs, either 110 or 130mm in black and gold are always hard to beat. Then for some more niche stuff pick up something you can fish weedless, like the Zerek Flat

Shad or another large profile soft body swimbait.

Arm yourself with the right terminals like VMC 8527s and some weighted worm hooks, like the VMC 7346WT and you’re good to go. Connect your baits with 40-80lb fluorocarbon leaders.

To ease the wallet you can get quality monofilament leaders, but up the poundage to 60-100lb as mono is softer and less abrasion-resistant than fluorocarbon. That’s the short and sweet. Scan the QR code for a more in depth guide to filling your tacklebox.

The long and short of it is you’re going to need at least a couple of rods. Two rods would be the minimum I’d suggest arming yourself with: one baitcast rod if you’re comfortable casting one, or two spin outfits if you prefer the underslung spinning reel thing. Have one outfit geared towards close quarter fishing. Both Teemburra and Peter Faust are littered with standing timber, so a shorter rod is going to allow for more accurate casting and more manoeuvrability in confined spaces.

Look for something 6’6” to 7ft in length and capable of fishing 30-40lb braid to its limit. Your next rod is

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what you’ll use if the fish are holding on those long tapering points and long casts are the norm. You really want 7ft or more in these instances. I’d recommend something around 7’6” in length to maximise casting distance.

This rod doesn’t need to be as powerful as your short stroker, so feel free to bring along that snapper plastics setup that you got from Auntie Judie back in

abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au the Christmas of ‘05. As long as it can handle having around 4kg of drag over it you’ll be laughing and cuddling barramundi for a photo in no time.

Now the tackle’s been sorted, we should look at what you’re actually going to fish out of!

BARRAMUNDI BOAT BLING The Zerek BARRA Tour is unique in a lot of ways, but one of the hardest things to

get used to for someone like me, someone used to fishing the BREAM and BASS tournament series, is the session times. The BARRA Tour is timed to perfection to take advantage of peak bite periods and that means fishing under the cover of darkness. Night fishing is exhilarating and nervewracking. There’s something about not being able to see so well that makes the jolt of a barramundi inhaling your

Peter Faust has delivered the goods for many years and 2017 should be no different.

It can be hard work on the BARRA Tour, but the rewards are definately worth it.

lure 3ft from the rod tip even more awesome.

Outfitting your vessel for the purpose of night fishing is well worth the time and effort and will save you lots of headaches and probably a few choice words with your fishing partner over the course of the tour. A well-lit boat hides nothing when it comes time to deal with a thrashing barramundi in the net. You don’t want to be fumbling in the dark for that pair of pliers you know are in there somewhere. Cheap 12V LED strip lighting is a wallet-friendly option, or if you’re more inclined

to splash out, waterproof, colour changing LEDs like those from KORR Lighting will have you decked out in style.

The other thing to think about is how you’re going to set up your anchoring system. It’s quite common during BARRA Tour events to spend long hours concentrating on a particular spot or point in the dam. Fish tend to roam freely under the cover of darkness and these points act as highways for big barramundi. Anchoring yourself on these spots is often the winning technique and the ticket for filling a

scoresheet and memory card.

One of the more advanced and convenient ways of anchoring is something like a Minn Kota Talon. These electric anchor spikes mount to the transom of your boat and propel downwards into the bottom in up to 12ft of water, quickly and silently securing your boat right on the spot. Trust me when I say that once you’ve had either a Power Pole or Talon, there’s no going back.

For the BARRA Tour on a budget, a quick-release system on a traditional anchor is perfect. Take five To page 6

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Tournament Angler Guide

From page 5

minutes to set your anchor properly the first time and then simply clip your boat onto a rope equipped with a crab pot float. If you hook up and need to chase the fish into and around timber, you can simply unclip and the float will remain on the surface with the clip ready to reattach once the capture is complete.

While more time consuming to set up and re-deploy should you want to change spots, it is a lot friendlier on the hip pocket.

But I think you’ll find enough uses for this in everyday fishing, so a shallow water anchor will quickly become one of the best purchases you’ve ever made.

GOAL! Nope, we’re not here to debate whether it’s called soccer or football. We’re here to talk about some realistic goals for a new Zerek BARRA Tour angler.

ABT rolled out the BARRA Tour Rookie Team of the Year as the perfect goal for new anglers to aspire to. Last year’s Rookie Team of the

Year of Omar Hamid and Chase Bursnall were thrilled to receive the rewards in the form of a tackle pack worth hundreds of dollars from tour sponsor Zerek/ Wilson Fishing.

While the Rookie Team of the Year was brought on for new anglers to aspire to, growth and learning should really be the number one thing you take out of a trip north on the tour. There is absolutely no doubt that the Zerek BARRA Tour offers the best opportunity to learn tricks of the trade from some

abt.org.au

of Australia’s best and most accomplished barramundi fishers, not to mention some of our best BREAM and BASS anglers too!

People quite often think that tournaments are reserved for only the best and brightest anglers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s a reason ABT’s motto is ‘Who shares wins.’ Spending almost two weeks travelling with this great bunch of anglers is a sure-fire way to speed up the learning process for not just barramundi fishing, but

sportfishing in general.

Whether you’re a southerner looking to experience barramundi for the first time, or a local angler looking to unlock the secrets of these often perplexing lakes on your doorstep, the Zerek BARRA Tour offers you that opportunity. Where else could you share a beer with Australia’s best and have them show you the best lure or the best knot? You wouldn’t find Jason Day at the local range helping you sink those three footers, but you’ll definitely find

Craig Griffiths and Karim De’Ridder hunched over their tackle boxes fiddling at the BARRA Tour and that’s often the best part!

WE’LL SEE YOU THERE! If you’ve successfully scoured this BARRA TAG and aren’t frothing at the bit to jump online and send in your entry then maybe go take a look at some of the pictures from last year’s event on the Australian Bass Tournaments Facebook page.

Maybe those will help make your decision a little easier!

FULL THROTTLE TOWARDS THE FISHING GROUNDS. ONCE THERE...OH YEAH.

Big swimbaits are a gun lure on the Zerek BARRA Tour.

The full moon in November is prime barra time.

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Impoundment barra are a fish for all seasons BRISBANE

Bob Thornton

In the last decade, our understanding of how impoundment barramundi behave throughout the seasons has improved immensely. These days, we see anglers reliably able to

fish for them all year round, but it’s not just a matter of going to a dam full of barra and chucking a lure in.

Sometimes, it’s not even enough to be throwing the most popular bait in the number one spot! There are a lot of subtleties to these magnificent slabs of chrome that seldom go hungry, and

sometimes, something so small can be the difference between success and failure.

Tournaments have pushed anglers to learn more about these fish. Hours spent on the lake, as well as trial and error, have seen some incredible techniques pioneered.

I had a chat to two of the top impoundment barra

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guys in the country to find out how their angling changes throughout the year with the different seasons, and how they make sure they’re always maximising their time on the water.

SWEET SUMMER CHILD The summer months at the very beginning of the year in North and Central Queensland can quite literally see some of the hottest temperatures on Earth, and this can make finding active fish difficult. On top of this, it also sees some of the biggest weather changes, with cyclones and monsoonal rain events all part of life up north.

Impoundment barra fishing always demands the angler to be versatile and flexible, and in summer what needs to be flexible more than any other factor is your timing.

Sudden weather changes along with rises and falls in water level can turn the fish on and off like a switch.

Anglers need to be ready when an opportunity arises.

Bite windows may only last a few hours, and time on the water is the best way to familiarise yourself with these times.

Jono Clark from Mackay knows this well, and his home waters of Lakes Kinchant and Teemburra are both very affected by the constantly changing summer weather.

“The wetter months see a lot of fast rises and falls in dams, particularly Kinchant, so it makes the bite specific from week to week,” Jono said. “If Kinchant is rising, they’ll usually be up in the flooded grass. It’s then just a matter of finding them and fishing that area.”

Lindsay Dobe runs charters on Lake Proserpine, and his understanding of weather patterns and seasons has to be almost perfect.

“I like to break summer up into two parts – the build-up and the run-off,” Lindsay said. “The build-up tends to start in late October and goes through usually until late December and sometimes January, and then we tend to get run-off until autumn.”

“A lot of fish school up in the main basin during the day as if they were going to spawn, which they can’t,” Lindsay explained. “Full and dark moons tend to see them moving up into shallow water to feed at night.

“I also find that any tide change in the salt gives you a short bite window for some reason.

“With tide changes, it’s not a case of ‘is it’s true or not’ anymore, I know they get the fish firing.

“At the very hottest parts of the year, these bite windows don’t seem to have as much effect as they do at other times of the year.”

While Jono tends to fish the way he wants to catch them, which is in shallow water, Lindsay prioritises putting numbers of fish into the boat for his clients.

“We usually find them sitting in or on the edge of the old river bed during the day, and we only go shallow at night during summer, so we tend to troll when the sun’s up,” he said. “Once we find some, we sit on them, and during the day they’re not usually moving a lot, so it’s easy to stay on top.

“Big plastic swimbaits and paddle-tails sunk down and rolled slowly through the school get us consistent bites, but some days you have to wait for a bite window.”

But there are more subtle changes rain can bring,

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Timber and weed lined banks are happy hunting grounds regardless of the time of year.

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abt.org.au and anglers who’ve fished for impoundment barra in summer will understand this.

“A major influx can change the water temperature, so this can mean fish that were sitting shallow may now be sitting deep, and vice versa, so it really pays to be open to anything,” Jono explained.

Lindsay finds that rain activity causes fish to scatter in his home waters of Lake Proserpine as well.

“The second half of summer sees large floods and the fish often scatter, with some staying deep and some moving up shallow,” he said. “Some will push into feeder creeks, so casting to the mouths of these areas

with paddle-tails gets us a lot of bites.”

“Sometimes they will sit on the edge of timber lines, and this is where I’ll prefer to use floating hardbodies, particularly ones that rise slowly, so they will bounce over the timber, but also stay in their faces on the pause.”

In an environment where fish are constantly moving around, it pays to own a good sounder, preferably with sidescan capabilities, and know how to use it.

SHE COMES IN THE FALL Autumn will usually see temperatures dropping to a more comfortable temperature, and there’s usually more stability in the

weather. Even so, the wind remains a constant factor for success, and Jono always makes sure he knows which way the wind is blowing.

“Stable weather and a northerly breeze are favourite conditions for my local waters, as northerlies are usually a warm breeze,” Jono said. “Southwesterlies can turn the fishing off, as they’re generally a cool breeze.”

Lindsay agrees that finding warmer water is the key to finding the barra in autumn.

“It’s always a bit tough in autumn and the fish can be very fickle,” Lindsay explained. “Light winds are good for autumn at [Lake Proserpine], and you want

those days where the sun is warming the water.

“A change to overcast weather and southerly winds will make it tough, as this will drop the temperature.

“If the wind picks up, you just have to slog it out and rely on your sounder to find fish.

“I tend to think of it like Glen McGrath’s bowling – just line and length, line and length – keep casting and you’ll be rewarded.”

As far as finding fish goes, our anglers look for different things, as their priorities are again different.

“I find myself targeting trees that line the main river bed, creeks and gullies, sometimes trees in as much as 40, 50 and even 60ft!”

Lindsay said. “But I tend to target the tops of these trees, where the sun is warming the top few metres of the water column, and this works best once the sun is up, and even better if you’ve got a calm day.”

Jono prefers to fish for maximum excitement, and chooses to target weeded areas where the fish are likely to be actively hunting.

“In early autumn

particularly, [Teemburra and Kinchant] can have lots of leftover run-off, and this can get the fish feeding in areas where the water is running into the dams,” Jono explained. “In the run-off I like to throw 120mm swimbaits, hard and soft, as well as the ever-faithful 5-7” paddle-tail plastics.

“Fishing surface around the weed is also very deadly in autumn, particularly at low light, and there’s nothing like watching a metre barra boof your offering off the top!”

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From page 9

storm activity hold off until autumn, like we had this year with cyclone Debbie. In this instance, it pays to fish around newly flooded areas, like you would in summer, before fishing the run-off areas as the water recedes.

COLD WEATHER BLUES Winter will normally see the least amount of action in terms of anglers on the lake, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the fish aren’t catchable when the temperatures drop.

Anglers have learnt to refine their search in winter, and knowing where the fish tend to hang out with the thermometer drops is the key to finding fish.

Lindsay will continue to guide on the dam during winter, and despite the sometimes testing conditions, he regularly finds fish.

“Winter can be similar to autumn, as you’re always trying to find the warmest water in the dam,” Lindsay explained. “Like always, they’ll usually arc up around full moons, but one difference I’ve noticed with winter is that overcast weather during the day seems to bring on a bite!

“You always have to find the fish in winter, that’s a must, and once you find fish on the sounder, it pays to stay in that area until they decide to bite.”

Like most anglers, Jono tends to fish the dams less during winter, but when the itch is too strong, he needs to put together a plan before going out. Jono has also discovered the need to find the warmest water possible.

“During the day, those fish will always be in the warmest water they can find, and in winter, that’s usually a windblown, sun-warmed shallow bank,” Jono explained.

“When the sun isn’t on the water, they tend to go deeper where I fish, and then it’s just a matter of finding them with your sounder.

“When there’s no sun, I like to troll around the edges looking for bait, and when I find some bait, either with barra eating it or hanging out close by, I like to start dropping lures into them.

“Sometimes it can be like bass fishing, where you’re just cycling through lures in your box, trying to find something they’ll eat.

“Soft vibes in the 100mm range are a good starting point when targeting these shut down fish.”

IT MIGHT AS WELL BE SPRING Spring is undoubtedly the pick of the seasons for most impoundment barra tragics.

Even then, they can be far from easy to fool. Just like any other time of the year, there are things to factor in

An assortment of different baits will keep you in the game regardless of the season. when planning a trip.

Angling pressure is one thing anglers need to take into consideration, and Jono knows his local waters are popular locations for anglers from all over the country. “[Spring is] definitely the best time for me, and I always try to put in some solid trips in over August and September to try and get a few ideas as to what’s going on before the masses,” Jono explained.

“The fish are coming back online, and they usually aren’t as fussy about what they eat.”

“They’re hungry, and they even can look a bit gaunt after the winter.”

Lindsay favours spring as well and finds some of the most exciting fishing is available at this time of year.

“Spring is when the dam comes good, and it’s when

I do most of my topwater fishing,” Lindsay explained.

“Nice still mornings are good for topwater, and early starts are very important.

“You can also fish topwater in the afternoon, but I often find the wind can get up by the afternoon, and this can make topwater fishing harder.”

Spring can give an angler a bit of freedom with what they want to fish with, but again, this doesn’t mean it’s easy work.

“I like big aggressive presentations in spring,” Jono said. “I like throwing 9” soft swimbaits, surface walkers, 110mm vibes, and slow hardbodies too, particularly on the edges of weed and around those weedy points.

“When it’s go time, it doesn’t really matter what

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you throw, as long as you’re fishing in an area where you know fish are, and you fish to them until you come across a bite window.”

Lindsay also likes to mix up his presentations a bit in the springtime.

“Apart from throwing topwater in the morning, I also like fishing tree lines like I do in autumn, and again, I like to use slow rising hardbodies that go through timber fairly well,” he said.

“Sun-warmed bays also attract fish in spring, and if you find fish in a bay, stick to it like glue.

“Channels in and along the weed beds are great for casting at, and these are areas where I’ll throw surface and subsurface.”

As far as presentation goes, both anglers like to mix it up as much as possible.

Having multiple anglers fishing in different ways is a great way to find out what the fish want, and this can be applied to just about any fishing situation.

“Retrievals are important in spring, so it pays to vary your retrieve,” Jono said.

“Trial and error is the best way approach it, and it helps to have a range of lures, setups, and different spots you want to fish.”

Lindsay agrees with Jono, and is always willing to change up what he’s doing to

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find what the fish want.

“It’s definitely a game of trial and error with retrieves,” he said. “With clients, I like to get them doing different stuff; one might try a burn and kill type retrieve while the other will fish super slow with plenty of pauses.

“A good example is with plastics, as some days they’ll only eat them if they’re moving really slowly, and other days they’ll chase them and eat them when wound really quickly.”

GET YOUR CASTING ARM READY As you can see, the dynamics of an impoundment barra fishery change, quite literally, like the weather.

By hearing it from the guys who’ve produced consistently good results, I hope this info gives you more confidence when you pull up at the ramp of a barra impoundment.

Fishing our barra impoundments can get challenging, but it doesn’t have to be something to put in the ‘too hard’ basket. The hours spent searching, casting and retrieving are all worth it when a metre long silver slab is lying on the brag mat in your boat.

Good luck to anyone looking to target impoundment barramundi this year, and we hope to see you at this year’s Zerek BARRA Tour!

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Hooked-up – an insight into rigging barra plastics TOOWOOMBA

Jason Ehrlich

Seasoned impoundment barra anglers are known to suffer from an addiction.

Rarely will you find a stockstandard, store bought soft plastic tied to one of their rods. Modification to create the ultimate fish enticing morsel with an enhanced ability to hook barramundi is their goal.

It is no easy mission.

Impoundment barra can be frustratingly fussy. They’re also good at dislodging hooks and finding any weakness in the system as they carry on with their aerial antics and demonstrate bursts of sheer power.

On arriving at a barra dam, getting lures into the water as fast as possible and casting like a madman may seem like a good idea.

Putting that first fish in the boat is the goal. Before we rush into the fishing, let’s take a few steps back and make sure we are as prepared as we possibly can be.

Unless you’ve already done this preparation, the odds are in the fishes’ favour.

Time spent tricking up your

soft plastics prior to making the first cast can make all the difference. Barra gurus have experimented with all types of lure modifications.

Plastics can be made to swim better by cutting, burning and even boiling. What about the pointy parts which make the bites stick?

FALLING FOR THE TRAP A couple of years ago I was told about a congregation of bigger Monduran barra.

The fish were in around 3m of water and the bottom had a coating of slimy snot weed.

If you drag a hook through this rubbish, the only way to remove it is to pull it off with your fingers. So annoying!

Rather than taking the time to experiment and learn how to keep our lures just above this weed, we opted to remove our belly stinger hooks, which were responsible for hooking most of this slimy vegetation.

Big mistake! That night, we had a run of bad luck. At the same time we could have improved our hook-up rate by sticking with stingers and adapting our retrieve. All up we had eight hook-ups and boated only two fish. This is not to mention the other

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The black and gold Slick Rig 130 is a proven performer. Using a DIY jighead with so much hook exposure, the odds were in my favour once this barra was hooked. dozen or so half-hearted taps, which we didn’t convert into hooked fish. Running a stinger can make a huge difference and I can now only wonder how well we would have went that night if we did.

MAKING THE BITES COUNT Few are the days when barra come easy. Missed

bites and jump offs are the frustrating part about chasing these creatures. Knowing you’ve done enough to get them interested but not enough to catch them always leaves an angler wondering what else could have been done. Fancy rod work or tweaks in the retrieve can help the cause a lot, but let’s take a look at some soft plastic enhancements that can make the difference.

ADDING SOME STING The use of stinger hooks is no secret. Barra anglers love them because they catch more fish. A treble placed under the belly of a soft plastic accounts for many more fish and often picks up barra, which nose bump or head swipe at the lure without the intention of eating it.

There are a few ways to rig a treble under a plastic.

A solid swivel or linked split rings can be pushed through the belly of the lure. With some manipulation, one end of this can be passed over the main hook point and pulled back through the belly while working it around the hook bend and onto the shank.

I like to use a pointy nosed pair of pliers to reach through the plastic and grab the swivel or ring to thread it back through the soft plastic.

The stinger hook can then be added below the belly of the plastic and a plastic keeper (piece of old drink bottle) or glow bead can be placed on the main hook to keep the rig intact.

This style of rigging is the neatest and produces the most hook-ups. It’s hard on soft plastics as most tear quite easily. When you want to make the bites stick, it is the way to go. If you are tossing and destroying $8+ plastics, there are other rigging options.

A fast way to attach a stinger to your jighead is to use a short piece of

multistrand wire. One end is looped through the jighead eye and crimped. The other end is measured, looped and crimped before adding a split ring and treble. Once installed, one point of the treble can be tucked into the bottom of the plastic to hold it in place.

Hard to find jigheads are available and these sport a second eyelet on the underside of the head or along the hook shank just before the bend. Split rings can be used to attach a treble to the underside of the lure.

From this position, the hook can be left free swinging or have one point tucked into the bottom of the plastic.

STINGER HOOK SIZE AND TYPE The stinger hook is so beneficial most serious anglers prefer to lose a few lures to snags rather than miss bites. Not just any hook will do the job either. Most fishers have their own opinion on which hooks work best. There are now more choices of hooks available that are up to the

task of handling big strong fish. Brands like Owner, Decoy, BKK, Gamakatsu and VMC all make heavy-duty hooks, which provide a better chance of landing fish.

I asked Craig Griffiths which hook he likes to use and what advice he could offer. He responded, “If you pick a hook that looks right for the size of the lure, go up one size from that.” The big hook theory seems to work for him. Barra have big mouths and you can’t beat that extra gape and hook exposure when it comes to producing a more secure connection to the fish. Craig likes to use Decoy Y-S21 hooks. For Slick Rig 130 plastics he’d be attaching a size 1/0 hook. It pays to carry a range of hook sizes to suit different soft plastic sizes.

THE NEXT LEVEL Bigger paddle-tails (or swimbaits) are growing in popularity. These lures are heavy and require specialized tackle to throw them. Rigging these bigger lures or even custom rigging smaller ones is also a growing trend. To develop a homemade jighead or weight system requires quite a bit of planning and preparation before the making and testing phases.

While not simple to make, they are very worthwhile and can be fashioned to suit different plastic styles. With attention payed to the finer details like hook exposure, strength and gauge, you can feel comfortable knowing more bites will stick and the hook will be up to the task.

DIY JIGHEADS CHOOSING WEIGHT Study an existing jighead or sinker to calculate how much lead will be needed to achieve the desired weight.

Using this as a guide, make the same size and shape out of modelling polymer clay or epoxy putty. Polymer clay like Fimo or Sculpey is available from art and craft

A selection of rigged plastic ready for barra action.

The top two plastics have been rigged by using two split rings to attach the treble. The Powerbait Mullet (second from bottom) is rigged using the swivel through the belly method for a strong connection. The Big Willy on the bottom has the stinger attached to a piece of solid stainless rigging wire. This is a fast fix if you are struggling to find parts to rig any other way. The treble swings free on hook-up and prolongs the life of the soft plastic.

stores. Epoxy putty can be purchased from a hardware store. These materials are suitable and can be sanded and drilled for further shaping once hardened.

Polymer clay needs to be baked in an oven to make it harden. Epoxy putty cures once the two parts are mixed together. It is a great product allowing plenty of working time before it starts to get too firm to continue moulding into shape. Once the original head is finished being moulded onto your selected hook with eyelets added, it’s time to make a mould from it.

SELECTING HOOK TYPES Barra demand big strong hooks. I like heaps of gape

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Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au to ensure they protrude well from the plastic. Barra have bucket mouths so a bigger hook isn’t a problem and will often produce a more solid hook-up. DIY jig hooks are available. It’s hard to find one exactly the right shape, strong enough and with enough gape.

I prefer a straight shank pattern hook like those used for rigging skirted lures for gamefish. While ideal for use, this style of hook isn’t made for jighead moulding and lacks the right angle bend near the eye. To compensate for this minor setback, you will need to form stainless wire to the shape of the mould around the hook or incorporate figure eight

HOW TO RIG A STINGER ON A PRE-RIGGED SOFT PLASTIC • You need a plastic to be rigged, a suitable swivel, split ring, treble and tools.

• Insert pointy nose pliers through the belly to where the hook exits the plastic.

• Place a swivel over the hook point and work it back through the plastic by pulling it with the pliers.

• The swivel should sit right at the belly of the plastic. If it’s too short, add an extra split ring.

• Holding the swivel in place, add the split ring and treble.

• When rigged, a small piece of plastic or big glow bead holds the swivel onto the hook and prevents it from coming back off past the barb.

eyelets into the mould.

Such eyelets are available from lure making suppliers. I use size 12-14 eyelets from Fishing Unlimited who are based on the Sunshine Coast.

These eyelets can be added to the original hook from which the mould will be made by cutting them down and then drilling and glueing to secure them.

MAKING THE MOULD Silicone moulding rubber is perfect for the job. For a quality two-piece mould, high-temperature silicone is the go. It’s stiff and made for pouring low melt alloys into and therefore reproduces a high quality finish. A more flexible silicone like Pinysil is a fast-setting product, which can be used to create a one-piece mould.

The article is suspended in a container and the Pinksil is poured around it and allowed to cure. It is then cut out to remove it from the mould. For a fast alternative to hi-temp silicone, this is the product I recommend if low scale production is your aim. If I am in a really big hurry I have even made two part moulds from car bog and poured lead into that.

There are plenty of instructional videos available online for making silicone moulds. While they won’t be specifically for

jigheads, some extra thought and planning should see you on the right track. Search ‘How to make a silicone mould’ in the YouTube search bar and you’ll soon be in business.

POURING JIGHEADS – ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTION! If you have ever made sinkers before, you’ll already have a head start. Making a complex jighead like those used for barra is a bit fiddlier and time-consuming though. You’ll need some way to melt the lead in a well ventilated area. A fast and effective way is to use an old ladle to hold it while applying the flame from a handheld propane burner.

The lead needs to be hot to ensure the heat isn’t lost once it makes contact with the hook shank and figure eight eyelets. I prefer the Propane torch method as it allows me to directly heat the hook shank and eyelets with a few quick passes of the direct flame over them before I pour the lead. This heat will help the molten lead form a neater and stronger finish around them.

Pure lead can do the job, but it is quite soft and this will allow the moulded components to move and weaken over time. Try melting old tyre weights

Parts ready to start making a jighead (propane torch, Pinkysil mould, ladle and lead, hooks and eyelets. as they contain antimony and low amounts of other metals, which make your moulded parts much stronger. Don’t confuse the lighter, shiny zinc weights for lead ones though.

I have never seen any other fish make anglers tinker with tackle the way impoundment barra do.

Perfecting lures and hook combinations may help better the bite to landed fish ratio. In my opinion, it is time well spent. In a tournament situation, every bite counts.

For the average fisher, the next bite that sticks could be a new PB or the fish of

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a lifetime. If nothing else, presenting what you believe is the perfect offering will see you fishing with more confidence and we all know a confident angler catches more fish.

TRIM IT AND SWIM IT Once moulded, the finished product can be removed from the mould.

Trim off the excess around the pour point. It is now ready for rigging and swimming. While DIY jigheads may not be for everyone, handy fishers can put their talents to good use.

A well-made jighead can be fashioned exactly the way you want it.

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The man behind the metres BRISBANE

Elliot Fooks

Barra are known as a species that comes in metres, but to master these metres it all comes down to millimetre details, and one angler who has mastered the millimetres to catch more metres, is Rolleston’s Craig Griffiths.

Most anglers will associate Craig Griffiths with trophy barra and tournament victories, but his knowledge and results are the outcome of what can be described as a hundred-thousand-hour apprenticeship and not an overnight success. While as a whole Griffiths’ growth as an angler looks like a mammoth journey, he believes every angler can master his domain.

It’s just a matter of being prepared to make the time and being able to accept the failure that comes with trying to master any sportfish.

BEFORE THE BITE Griffiths’ love for barra started from his first fish and persists to this day, but it was not his first foray into fishing.

The signs of his dedication were evident even from his first trips on the Murray River

in Victoria. Griffiths spent his early holidays fishing for cod with his father. While most kids would be ready to head to bed early after a big day of fishing, Griffiths’ dedication was on show even from day one. His family would go to sleep in the cabin, but Craig couldn’t sleep and would stay out on the boat to keep fishing through the night.

“Once I could drive the boat, I would stay out while dad would sleep in the cabin.

I would occasionally sleep on the boat, but I really just couldn’t sleep when I could be fishing,” said Griffiths.

While these early trips

to the Murray River were an introduction to fishing, it wasn’t until 1993 when Griffiths got his first taste of barra fishing and really got hooked. Having moved north to Rollestone in 1992, it wasn’t until a year later when he decided to head out for a fishing trip to catch his first barra. Craig recalls the story like it was yesterday.

“We went on a trip for two weeks of fishing in the Northern Territory. I fished for nine days before I got my first barra,” explained Griffiths. “I caught my first barra on a 70mm RMG Scorpion and it measured 82cm. I went on

Many of Craig’s formative early years were spent chasing Murray cod in Victoria.

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to catch two more fish for the trip.”

This extraordinary memory is one of the keys to Craig’s success, and his ability to remember events has allowed him to remember both successful and unsuccessful patterns, thus allowing him to make key changes and stay on the fish.

Now living in an area that gave him access to these trophy fish, Griffiths was hooked on barra fishing and began to expand on those early trips. During the early days, Griffith focused on trolling.

“I would look for what I thought was a good bank and if I caught fish I would work out why they were on a particular section of the bank and then try and repeat the process,” said Griffiths.

In 1997 Craig’s style of fishing and attention to detail stepped up a gear when he started focusing on casting and retrieving. Having refined his ability to catch fish trolling, moving to this new method of fishing birthed Griffiths’ core goal of being able to catch barra at any time of the tide, on any day, on any body of water. While it’s an easy thing to say, it is an incredible task for anyone to complete, and as Griffiths says, you need to put in the time to make it happen.

EARLY TOURNAMENT DAYS In 2003 Craig stepped out of the shadows and decided to try his hand at the Rocky Barra Bounty. Having never fished the system before, Craig looked left, then right from the boat ramp and started looking for familiar structure and situations that had been successful on other waterways. While most anglers on new waterways tend to focus on what the local anglers are doing or saying, Griffith focused on what he had stored in his memory bank and used his accumulated knowledge to take the win.

While many anglers have come to a river and taken a win on their first visit to the waterway, Griffith was able to repeat his success in 2005, having not fished the system since his 2003 victory. He then went on to return to the top step of the podium in 2008!

While early victories in tournaments confirmed that he was on the path to achieving his core goal, he still felt some of the parts of the puzzle were missing.

Living in Rollestone provided Craig with the opportunity to fish for both fresh and saltwater barramundi.

“I believe, to be the best angler, you can be much better off learning how to catch saltwater barra. They will teach you much more than barra in the fresh. To

Craig discovered barramundi in the early 1990’s and has been transfixed by them ever since. be successful on both types of water, you need to know how to adapt to their specific feeding habits,” explained Griffiths.

In 2005, ABT had built on its barra trial event and expanded to a two week BARRA Tour, encompassing some of the best impoundment barra fishing on offer. While success didn’t come during his early entries into BARRA Tour events, it did allow him to build on his archives of stored knowledge and give him motivation seeing where he could get to.

“It was really eye-opening to see the Taylor brothers dominate the scene. They put in the time, they were focussed and they caught fish in all conditions,” said Griffiths.

THE SECOND COMING For most anglers, Griffiths’ string of top tens and podium places from 20092010 would be a successful career in tournament fishing, but feeling he was on the cusp of more, Griffiths knew he needed to keep refining his skills for better results to come. In 2011, his persistence and eye for detail started to show, with strong tournament results, winning the BARRA Tour Season opener at Peter Faust Dam, and he also returned to his winning ways at the Rocky Barra Bounty, which he has won every year since 2011!

Having taken numerous event wins in the saltwater, by the end of 2012 the only event win missing for Griffiths was a ABT BARRA Tour victory, and at the season opening event of the 2012 BARRA Tour, Griffiths took his first win at an ABT event. Griffiths had again stepped up to a new level over the tour and remarked that he had his boat set up perfectly and was beginning to refine his tackle.

Despite this, he still failed to have a consistent finish and failed to win the AOY. With the tour changing to a teams format for 2013, and the disappointment of inconsistent finishes still fresh in his mind, Griffiths knew he needed to change his strategy and find a partner that he could work with. Partnering with Trent Short was the perfect choice and he was able to win his first Team of the Year title.

“Even before the

tournaments were scored as a teams event, you have always needed a partner you could trust on the boat, and someone that was willing to fish different techniques and help to unlock what the fish wanted. It was an easy fit to fish with Trent in 2013. We could work together and we got the win,” Griffiths said.

With a first, third and a fourth place finish for the pair, it was a successful week of fishing.

With Trent Short unable to return for the 2014 Barra Tour, Griffiths was on the hunt for a new partner and was looking for someone he could fish a range of events with across the year.

“Craig fishes hard all the time, and it takes a strong angler to keep up with him.

Karrim De Ridder was the perfect match for him,” explained long time friend John Millard. The first season was below par for anglers’ expectations and both anglers walked away feeling they had missed their opportunities in the tournament.

“It takes time to build trust on the boat and to know how the other angler works, whether that’s catching barra in a social environment or tournament. It’s all about teamwork and we just had not clicked yet,” said De Ridder.

The following season, the pair clicked and almost had the perfect season, accumulating 299 out of a possible 300 points for the Team of the Year, with event wins at Teemburra and Peter Faust dams.

“It was a great way to return to the BARRA Tour and a good way to cement our partnership,” said Griffiths.

After the 2015 win, the partnership has gone from strength to strength, with the team winning events across both fresh and saltwater. They are currently are on track for a hat trick of TOY wins, but they are not done yet.

“I still have a few events that I would really like to win, and winning three TOY in a row would be a special achievement,” Griffith said.

INSIDE THE MIND While the story and results of Craig Griffiths are awe-inspiring, the keys to his success come down to his attention to detail, commitment and his

abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au willingness to grow and adapt.

“Barra are a tough fish and you need to put all the pieces together to work them out, and Craig works harder than anyone else out there,” explained Millard.

As we all know, if you want to get good at something it takes time, and in Griffiths’ mind it’s all about making time. Working seven days on then seven days off, Griffiths sets aside four days during his down time to go barra fishing.

“I can’t sleep much before I go fishing,” he said. “My mind races and I just want to get out there, so I leave home around 1-2am in the morning

and try to get back home by 5pm when I go fishing.”

While for most anglers that is an unrealistic amount of time, Griffith believes it is about making time, not developing a mindset that you don’t have the time.

“Regardless of whether it’s fishing or anything else in life, it’s about structuring your time. I also have a great wife and family, and they understand my passion,” says Griffiths.

Even when he’s not on the water, Griffiths has barra on the mind, and both Karrim and John regularly talk to Griffiths about techniques and

tackle selection on an almost a daily basis.

“When Craig’s off work we would talk both morning and night about techniques, things we have seen or how we can improve our fishing,” explained Karrim. While it may seem like a lot of talking, the pair don’t get much face time to fish together, and this understanding has been the key to their success on the tournament trail.

“I have a good group of guys that I can bounce ideas off and we all challenge each other to keep learning,” said Griffiths. While the group are able to keep challenging

each other to learn, Griffiths’ commitment to fishing has also helped push the other anglers to keep growing at a faster rate.

“He’s hard to keep up with, and when you have to fish against him in a tournament you know he is working his arse off, so you need to commit the time or he’ll kick yours!” said Millard. “To give you an idea on the speed he can learn at, he started fly fishing a year ago, and now he is out there catching 5-10 barra on fly every trip, so he just doesn’t stop pushing his understanding of these fish.”

While wins are great, Griffiths always reminds anglers that it is not about wins. It’s about catching barra anytime, anywhere.

“Tournaments are a great way to push yourself as an angler, but six hours goes quickly and you really feel the reward when you catch fish in those high-pressure events,” said Griffiths. He went on to explain that lots of anglers seem to get fixated with sponsors and notoriety, forgetting that it’s about catching fish.

When asked about how they would sum up

Griffiths as an angler, both De Ridder and Millard remarked about his ability to set up both his boat and tackle perfectly, willingness to learn and steel-like focus when on the boat.

These skills have allowed him to remain at the top of tournament barra fishing for over 15 years now, which is unprecedented in Australian fishing tournament history. With the 2017 BARRA Tour fast approaching, it will be interesting to see whether Griffiths will be able to dominate another tour.

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The man of metres, Craig has set the standard in recent years when it comes to chasing impoundment barra.

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TAG 2017

15

Getting around Gabo Island WEST COAST

Brett Illingworth

Not a lot has been happening recently. The vagaries of the weather and swell, combined with the coming of winter, seemed to have the effect of nullifying any interest in getting wet.

to dive all day Saturday, and then make the return journey on the Saturday evening.

Mallacoota is the furthermost eastern town in Victoria and is a good six hour drive from Melbourne.

The recent addition of a new breakwall and launching facility into the ocean at Bastion Point has been a

basis and needs to be tackled at speed. It used to make for spectacular viewing, watching the abalone divers get plenty of air. Those days are past and things are a lot safer now. On the jet skis, we are rarely troubled by bar crossings; in fact, they’re quite fun, but why do things the hard way?

Gabo Island is located

of granite, is quite large and is dominated on the eastern extremity by a large lighthouse.

The island is studded with rocky bays and outcrops, which offer excellent terrain for numerous species of reef fish. There is one sandy beach near the loading pier, which is a great place to pull up for lunch or a stretch

Recently there have been a handful of good days where the ocean flattened and the visibility cleared. an easy 13km run along the coast toward the Victoria/ New South Wales border.

The border is a further 8km.

The island is composed

of the legs. There should always be one protected side to allow for comfortable spearfishing.

In the summer months

Gabo Island is composed of granite, is quite large and is dominated on the eastern extremity by a large lighthouse. you may come across schools of yellowtail kingfish or even the odd tuna or bonito.

We tend to favour the tasty reef fish and target these exclusively. Kingfish will be dealt with if they make an appearance, but they are usually not our focus, particularly at this time of year when they are almost non-existent anyway.

Black drummer, blue morwong and trumpeter are high on the list. Large leatherjackets, boarfish and goatfish also feature prominently.

It’s also possible to secure eastern lobsters if you’re willing to scour the cracks way up in the shallows. In other words, there is plenty to keep you

The author was very excited to catch a queen snapper – a fish that isn’t common in Victoria.

Recently I decided it was time for a red-eye run.

The weather was looking good enough for a foray to the far east of the state.

Mallacoota was selected as the launch point, with Gabo Island the target to rekindle our appetites. Six divers on five jetskis made the last minute commitment to head down one Friday evening,

real game changer for those who work and recreationally fish from Mallacoota. Once upon a time the ocean ramp was very exposed and not much fun.

The other option is to chance launching from the inlet itself and cross a most treacherous bar. This was always difficult as the channel moves on a daily

The cooler months can be a bit of a drag, but there is still good diving to be had. Take every opportunity to dive as it comes.

Lobsters like this are a good reason to get excited about winter fishing.

occupied with spearing, or simply sightseeing and photography. On this trip, two of our divers were visited by a pair of manta rays. This is most unusual at this latitude and it will surely be a treasured memory.

Some may say that it’s a long way to travel for a single day’s diving, but it sure beat the alternative of dealing with the awful conditions at home. We must have brought some of the goodness back with us, for more recent conditions managed to serve up four of the best days we have experienced so far this year.

The ocean flattened and the visibility cleared. The sun shone and a little warmth was wrung from it. Full advantage was taken of this small window. I managed to hit the Peninsula ocean beaches and was rewarded with crayfish and also my best fish of the year so far.

Queen snapper are not a common capture in this neck of the woods, but during a competition I came across a nice specimen in around 18m of water. I was armed with a polespear and it took around fifteen drops over an hour before I was able to lure it close enough for a shot. I was ecstatic.

The cooler months can be a bit of a drag, but there is still good diving to be had. If you are willing to travel a little and take every opportunity to dive as it comes, you’ll enjoy the sport much more. The warmth will return before you know it.

The island is studded with rocky bays and outcrops, which offer excellent terrain for numerous species of reef fish.

JULY 2017

67

Don’t be a fool with fuel NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Too many people take the safety aspects involved with handling boat fuel for granted… potentially at their peril!

I don’t mind admitting that I’m quietly terrified of petrol, especially in and around boats. I think about the potential for catastrophe almost every time I turn the ignition key or refuel my vessel. Yet the explosive and highly flammable

dangerous properties of boat fuel represent a subject area we all need to take more seriously, particularly when dealing with a petrolpowered craft. Diesel fuel is, by nature, considerably safer and less volatile than petrol, and there’s some truth in the old chestnut that you can actually extinguish a burning match in a cup of diesel, at least at room temperature. It’d be a very brave (or stupid) person who’d try the same trick with a cup of petrol!

Petrol-powered boats with built-in, below-floor

The right (or wrong) mix of air and petrol vapour is an extremely explosive cocktail, even more dangerous and unstable than the liquid form of the fuel.

The fact that these same areas below decks or inside closed compartments also typically house batteries, wiring and other electronic components compounds the issue.

I’ve witnessed a relatively minor demonstration of this explosive phenomenon and it’s something I won’t easily forget. Some years ago, a mate and I were Boats with built-in, under floor fuel tanks present special challenges and dangers.

Filling up in remote locations not only hurts the hip pocket, it can also present an increased risk of fuel contamination. Fitting a quality in-line fuel filter with good water separating capabilities to your vessel makes very good sense. properties of volatile fuels and their invisible vapours pose a threat that I believe far too many boaties fail to consider. Some people may regard my extreme wariness in this regard as something close to paranoia, but the fact remains that you rarely get a second chance if something goes badly wrong in this critical department.

I firmly believe that the

68

JULY 2017

fuel storage, or even portable tote tanks placed in holds, bilges or partially sealed compartments, present particular risks. Spillages, overflow and fumes vented from these concealed tanks, but constrained within the hull or superstructure of the vessel, can create what is effectively a powerful time bomb just waiting for a spark in order to ignite.

competing in an ABT BREAM tournament on Sydney Harbour. Unknown to us, there was a small fuel leak under the cowling of his 90hp outboard. This tiny leak would likely have gone unnoticed and not caused any problems, were it not for the intense heat of the summer day and the fact that we fished in one particularly still

and sheltered bay for well over an hour. The fact that the motor was fitted with a heavy cover may have compounded the issue by limiting natural ventilation.

As we stowed the bow-mounted electric motor and made ready to move to another spot, I casually reached across and turned the ignition key. The resounding bang that resulted from the instantaneous combustion of a small cloud of fuel vapour launched the heavy fiberglass cowling and its canvas cover at least 25m into the sky and had waterside residents rushing onto their balconies in alarm.

A small blaze was also ignited on the exposed powerhead of the outboard, but a quick squirt with the chemical fire extinguisher took care of this. My mate and I were shaken but unhurt. Had the vapour build-up been larger, or occurred in a closed compartment below decks, the outcome may have been very different indeed.

These days, if my boat hasn’t been used for a while, I always lift the hatches, smell for fuel and allow some airflow before switching over the battery isolator and cranking the motor for the first time. It’s a good habit to get into.

There are other wellestablished protocols for dealing with fuel in and around boats, including strong advice about not filling tote tanks or other portable containers while they remain within the vessel. Always lift them out and place them on the ground to earth these containers, greatly reducing the risk of tiny sparks that might be caused by static electricity.

For the same reason, make sure the nozzle of the fuel hose or funnel remains in constant contact with the lip of the filler throughout the fuelling procedure. Of course, you should also avoid using mobile phones and other electronic devices

while fuelling. It goes without saying (or should!) that smoking anywhere within a 20m+ radius is a complete no-no!

to the very real risks of fire and explosions on board.

Think about the juice in your tanks, and don’t become a fuel fool… or a statistic.

The safest way to top up a tote tank out on the water is to go ashore, move a short distance away from the boat, place the tank firmly on the ground and make sure that the pouring nozzle is in constant contact with the lip of the tank throughout the process.

You’ll find plenty of great advice about all of this stuff online. Maritime Safety Victoria have a very handy video on the subject.

You can track it down via their website at www. transportsafety.vic.gov.au or by using the QR code.

The fuel that drives our boats is something we all tend to take for granted, but there are so many things that can go wrong in this department, from contaminated fuel that can stop or even damage motors,

QR CODE

Scanning this QR code will take you to a great video on handling boat fuel, produced by Maritime Safety Victoria.

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Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Floundering around in Tasmania TASMANIA

Kelly Hunt

It’s July and it’s cold – damn cold. The state has shut down to a certain degree as the weather

makes life go from hard to real hard. This doesn’t mean that we have to run the white flag up and completely give up.

While July has a bit of a bet on with June about who is the coldest and

OFFSHORE It’s not all doom and gloom in Tasmania at this time of year. There are some shining lights. One such species is the revered stripy trumpeter. These fish are sensational eating and when captured yield a good amount of useable eating flesh from their frames. When they appear from the depth as a shimmering golden nugget there are normally hoots of happiness and excitement.

Finding a stream of them can be like searching for gold as well. You will bring up a gurnard and flathead and be off the pace. Then you will come across a few morwong

and you will be close. Next minute – boom! You will have the telltale bite and fight that will be a striped trumpeter – pay dirt!

The smaller fish are in closer around the inshore reefs from 20m or more, while the bigger units are normally found in 100m all the way to 300m. If you have some time on your hands and there is good, calm weather building then you can go and find a patch. A lot of people will rely on other people’s marks or fishing spots to find these fish, but you can quite easily find some ground of your own. The great spots

Winter gar are abundant and very tasty.

NORTH TASMANIA A fish that can be targeted in winter in and around sheltered bays on the North West Coast is the garfish.

These fish love a quiet bay and are very susceptible to a bit of berley. These fish are happy on the surface, so a berley that will sit on top and slowly work down into the water column works well. Bread soaked in tuna oil is a good start.

If you are land-based, there are some really good spots in and around Ulverstone to the west. There are some rocky points that have sheltered bays between them. It can be quite a tricky walk to get to them, so be careful. Get your berley in nice and early while you set up your rigs and baits.

The way to really target gar is with light line and the use of a float. Small long shanked hooks suspended under a float with a piece of prawn or small fish strip will bring them undone should they come into your berley.

If you are looking to draw them in and can’t get your berley out far enough 70

JULY 2017

by hand, get one of those plastic tennis ball throwers.

You can ball up some bread and oil mix. Chook pellets soaked in oil work quite well. Don’t ball it up too tight and then launch it out high so on impact with the water it breaks up a bit. Early on get it out as far as you can, then just lob it halfway, and then resort to laying it out by hand.

At this stage you should see some fish breaking the surface and it is go time.

There are other species that will come in for a look during this winter ritual. Australian salmon will cause you some strife should they take your gar rig, so have another rod out with a bigger bait and hook. There will be some berley that makes its way to the bottom, so you can also have a rod set up with a rig designed to take down flatties and gummy sharks.

The Port Sorell estuary is another spot where you can try fishing land-based or in a boat. In the boat you can

most miserable, we can take comfort in the fact that daylight hours are increasing. They will continue to do so until October 1.

While we are in the darkness of winter we will

talk about the pastime of floundering where we can put all this darkness to good use. This month we will also be talking about the battles we can have with certain species here in Tasmania in July.

to search are the waters off Bicheno and Schouten Island.

Bicheno has some very good bottom for this type of activity and the water to the north holds treasure. Long Point off Seymour has ground in 50m and beyond that holds striped trumpeter and at this time of the year you can find fish schooling up to spawn.

Set up to drop and drift and take note of anything that may give you an idea of the bottom. Braid these days can give you an insight into what’s going on down there in regard to bottom.

Of course, what you’re catching will as well. Big tiger flathead are a by-catch while searching for a good stripy spot in these parts.

If you aren’t getting stripies, just move a little further out and drop again.

It will be a hit and miss sort of approach. I tend to go in 10m stages; if I start in 50m, the next attempt is in 60 then 70 and so on out to the edge of the shelf at 120m.

Fresh squid and fish flesh are excellent baits and if you start to pick up a few banded morwong, you’re close to the vein of yellow gold. One trick I have used when onto some mowies is to send down a heavy slab of one on a big hook. This can have you

battling a school shark in no time. While it’s not the prize of the day, it’s a really good consolation.

Sounders are your friend, of course. If you pick up a little bottom movement or some fish arches, always have an inspection. The bottom off here is pretty flat and unexciting, so don’t expect to see anything amazing.

The ground off Schouten Island, however, has a bit more contour to look at and search. The water drops away pretty quickly and you can see some nice drop-offs with bait and fish action showing on the sounder.

In this area, try the water as it drops away off Cape Baundin and Cape Sonnerat.

There is also some ground to the south of Tallefer Rocks that goes from 40m quite sharply to 60m and flattens out. This ground can be searched for some very nice fish. Bait and circle hooks are best, as is braided line to help with hook-ups.

Setting the boat up for a search mission is good fun.

The skipper needs to put a crew together that is aware of the game at hand and that there will be a bit of sounding about and taking time to look for promising ground. The skipper shouldn’t leave the

anchor up and get your surface berley working and going out on the last of the outgoing tide. The tide will turn and your berley should combine and draw fish straight to you.

The latter half of the incoming tide as it slows is when the gar will really come on and you should find some to play with. This area has also been fishing well for King George whiting, so pick a spot that could have you working the bottom for those and you should also see some gar come on with the tide.

The sheltered bays westward of the Sisters Beach Boat Ramp hold some nice garfish and can be accessed by boat. Anglers here can throw soft plastics in the shallows while they are waiting for their berley to work and draw in the gar.

Sisters Beach is also a great spot to try for deep winter calamari. There has been a trend by the squid gurus to try some different techniques to find squid in the colder months. This has seen reef and bottom worked over in 30-40m with great success.

This sort of squid fishing

Understanding fish and their habits is the forte of Dwayne Evans. helm and should back any decisions about where the crew goes. The crew need to understand that they are the workhorses here and be ready to go on the call.

This is when the crew will have already set up and have three baited hooks rocketing for the bottom. Teardrop shaped snapper sinkers are the go. In 50m I would start with a single 5oz sinker. As depth and drift increases, so does the lead needed. Once out over 70m, I would be looking at an 8oz.

The bait board should be prepped with a range of fresh baits cut into hook-sized pieces ready to go quickly and smoothly. If you happen to bring a stripy up from the bottom, you need to get down quickly and get another one.

When a vein of gold is found the skipper needs to put a

Flounder are super fun to find and catch and are very nice to eat.

WEST TASMANIA It’s no secret in Tasmania that Australian salmon are very common in our waters throughout the year. This time of year you can take some very good fish while casting off the stones. The West Coast of Tasmania has some awesome spots to find these bigger, more powerful units. Sinking Rock in the Marrawah area is a popular destination, but there are

many more.

You might like to try the rocky outcrops in and around Nettle Bay, Couta Rocks and the rocky shores around Temma. The best time to try your hand at fishing it is when there is a reasonable amount of swell and chop working. The weather at this time of year is often settled with no chance of that pesky afternoon breeze that springs up in the warmer months.

waypoint down immediately.

If the system allows, name it something that doesn’t require an enigma machine to understand.

Simple things like direction of drift can even have a bearing on how a particular spot fishes as well.

Once you have found another target fish on the same spot, you should also note the tide at the time and even the moon phase. This all sounds like a lot of wacky advice and a waste of time, but if you want to spend time in the area building up some information, it can mean the difference between a good trip and an excellent one.

A net or a smaller gaff is a good idea. Finding a patch of striped trumpeter and getting them boat-side is great success. Dropping one off the hooks is a disaster! calls for heavy jigs to get to the bottom zone and stay there. Working two rods you can throw one out and let it sink. If that rod hooks up, throw the other one out to sink as you play the first one up.

This can lead to a very busy session of stirring up a herd of big calamari off the bottom and boating them.

The rods can be a little heavier, but they still need a soft and supple tip. Ugly Stik have a heap in the range and you can match them to a 3000 sized reel for some heavy calamari slaying.

If you look at the BOM website and it shows a calm spell, it’s often great all day.

It is Tasmania, though, and there will be some really good swells and storms that hit the West Coast of Tasmania at this time of year. This is what you are looking for when chasing the big West Coast sambos.

The salmon get hard in along the shore and hunt in the white water created by the bigger sea and swell.

To page 71

Go Behind the Scenery From page 71

They love a bit of froth and bubble and will be quite brave looking for a feed.

Jarvis Wall and Jamie Harris have been doing well and offer this advice: position yourself to cast parallel with the ledge about 10-15m out using medium to large stickbaits (100-150mm) and poppers.

Larger soft plastics also go well, but can’t beat the surface take. Surface lures attract the bigger salmon.

I agree that some surface disturbance increases catch rates and gets the salmon

to strike. It seems to trigger an instinct in fish that says “Quick – get it before it gets away!” This instinct is strong in Australian salmon.

You will need stout casting gear to get the lures where you need them. Use an 8-9ft rod and a sweet reel to send the poppers and stickbaits as far as you can.

Learning to cast strong and hard allows you to cover more area where the fish are swimming and also reach a spot that is trickier to get to.

The temptation is to get closer to the spot by getting closer to the water’s edge,

but that can be dangerous.

It’s far better to have a sweet setup that casts a mile effortlessly. A 5000 size reel topped off with some 30lb braid will top it off nicely.

White is my preferred colour for lures, closely followed by silver, but they’ll take most. Jarvis says that tides are unimportant for him, but the white water needs to be there. On a recent winter trip, Jarvis and Jamie found some brilliant fighting fish in the 3-5lb range with the odd one at 6-7lb to keep you on your toes.

kayaks or land-based from its shores. The river has many fish-holding features. Every bend has different structure to navigate and target.

I’ve lived here for around eight years and have only fished between a third and a half of it. It is my

be targeted in July, although we know very little of their travels and habits in this system. Get out in clear, still conditions and have a berley trail going for a great day out.

Once you are at anchor with your berley out and working, you can get the footy on the radio and settle in. Get some whole pilchards out over the back on a strayline rig and

SOUTH TASMANIA The Derwent in the state’s south is a massive waterway and holds some real angling treasures. These can be found even in the chilly July conditions you find here in Tasmania. Don’t despair if you wake up in the south and there is some

Tasmania

With high tide and plenty of places to try, the Derwent will reward keen anglers. snow on Mount Wellington, as there is still some very good fishing to be had.

This month I asked super keen angler Arron Colgrave to give his thoughts on this great fishing waterway and tell us what he does to find fish, and this is what he said: The Derwent River is a fabulous waterway and the list of species this famous river holds is quite surprising. Even locals are unaware what lurks below its busy bridges. Some of these include sevengill sharks, gummy sharks, school sharks, draughtboard sharks, skate, southern eagle rays, smooth stingrays, elephant sharks, kingfish, snapper, tailor, silver trevally, spotted trevally, Australian salmon, Atlantic salmon (the odd escapee), resident trout, sea-runner trout, barracouta, long finned pike, yellow-eye mullet, sand flathead, bluespotted flathead, flounder, eel, cod and likely its most famous inhabitant, the southern black bream.

Also frequenting this system are dolphins, seals and the occasional orcas and humpback whales. The river is an enormous system over 40km long with a mix of open bays around the mouth and narrower winding upper reaches. The Derwent River offers a plethora of options for anglers in boats and

belief that the Derwent is one of the most accessible and least pressured fisheries anywhere. I target its famous and trophy-sized black bream for the most part and it never ceases to amaze me with its abundance of life and beautiful surrounds.

Many traveling anglers are daunted by its size and often don’t know where to start.

Like all fisheries around the country, targeted species change throughout the year depending on the season.

Many of the species listed above are juvenile, but with local knowledge and persistence, some bigger sized specimens can be found and caught.

The Derwent River is a shark and ray sanctuary and any caught as a by-catch must be released. The elusive kingfish is a tough nut to crack here. Fleetingly entering the river mouth during our summer months, it can be a ‘right place at the right time’ deal. Usually only a few are caught each year around the Tasman Bridge and Bellerive Bluff.

They’re often out of casting range from the shore and the numbers differ greatly from year to year.

Snapper are also quite elusive with only a handful of anglers finding the grounds of these excellent table fish. These fish can still

you never know.

Flathead are abundant throughout the lower reaches. Most fish caught are up to 40cm with a few getting closer to the 50cm mark, if you know where to look. Try the sandy bays down and around the casino and over the eastern shore.

Some of the bigger fish for those chasing them on soft plastics are found near a bit of water inflow. These inflows are fresh, but they bring activity and food that bring small fish and in turn attract the larger flathead.

Trout come in two species: the resident trout (a brown trout born in a brackish mix of salt and freshwater – quite elusive and a rare by-catch while targeting bream) and the exciting and ever-popular sea runner. These fish move into the system around July and August. They start to arrive as early as late May or early June in smaller numbers. I believe I caught the first one of the year.

Sea-runners are a highly sought-after sport and table fish. They are great fighting fish on light tackle and more often than not show brilliant airborne displays of acrobatics. Many of the river shores offer an opportunity for shorebased anglers or boating enthusiasts alike.

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JULY 2017

71

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Tasmania SOUTHERN BLACK BREAM Now for one of my favourite sportfish – our beloved southern black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri).

Among bream fishers Australia-wide, Tasmania is well known for housing the largest number of big black bream. The East Coast of Tasmania, including St Helens, Scamander and particularly the Swansea area, could be the premier bream fishing spot in Australia. The surface bite that is available at certain times in this region is second to none.

Even with the absence of that exciting style of topwater bream fishing, the Derwent River would tower above all others. The abundant availability of large trophy bream for longer periods throughout the year outweighs any other fishery I know. The ABT BREAM Series, which sees Australia’s best anglers compete around the country, has had many of its records broken at this fishery. In fact, the Derwent has broken its own record multiple times. It also holds the record for the heaviest average fish weighed in, close to 1.1kg.

There are reasons why the Derwent’s resident bream are so big. One of those reasons would be that it doesn’t suffer from angling pressure or commercial fishing. There are a good number of local bream gurus around that chase these trophy-sized fish, but the angling pressure is minimal compared to more populated areas on the mainland.

Sadly, another reason is pollution in the river from days past. It has a high mercury content, which many believe may have contributed to the local bream population having the inability to spawn or breed

for many years. As a result, the bream inhabiting these waters without angling pressure or commercial fishing all grew to large sizes. There was a time, around eight years ago, when every single bream caught here was 38cm to the fork or bigger.

Thankfully, pollution of the river stopped years ago and the system improves every year. Now a healthy breeding ground again, the river is absolutely full of young bream of all sizes. To a bream angler, that is probably not the best news in one respect.

We don’t want to catch smaller fish. We have become accustomed to our large pets.

We are always on the hunt for the 40cm+ trophy fish that the Derwent River is so famous for. However, these are great signs of a healthy system and for the future of this species.

The good news for fellow avid bream anglers is those big brutes are still here. They’re just a little harder to find or get past the smaller fish. And it’s harder still to fill your bag of five.

Only a few weeks ago, I hauled in a bag of 6.2kg of the Derwent’s finest on a relatively tough bite. Recently on a cold afternoon after plenty of fresh water flooded the waterways, a friend and I bagged several big blue-nosed brawlers. I’ve caught around 25+ 40cm fork fish this year with at least another 60 close behind them in the 37-39cm range.

Some of the readers may be wondering, what’s all this talk about measuring fish to the fork? It’s a Tassie thing, born from how commercial fish are measured here, I believe. In saying that, on average you could easily add 4cm to these measurements. My PB in

the Derwent is 43cm to the fork. That’s right – a 47-48cm bream! I’m sure there are a few bigger ones around too.

A bream of this size is most likely to be over 30 years old. As the age of these fish has become common knowledge these days, a growing respect of this species has formed. With the promotion of sustainable fishing within many areas of professional and recreational fishing, bream have become a catch and release sportfish.

Slogans like ‘fish for the future,’ ‘catch and release’ and ‘let them grow’ are everywhere at the moment, especially throughout social media.

Education about sustainable fishing within the fishing communities of this country has always been difficult.

Social media has become the greatest platform for it.

I should now help the traveling angler or locals alike by giving some advice on how to target these bruisers. The most popular and favoured

style of lure used by locals is a suspending hardbody minnow.

It’s a baitfish imitation. The river is full of many species of baitfish from 1-3” in size. A suspending hardbody minnow is the best representation of the food in the system and lends itself to the rocky shores as an artificial bait that is less likely to get caught up. This is especially good if you are shore-based. Let me elaborate.

Until recently, when I bought a small tinny, I spent all of my fishing time wading or walking the shores of the Derwent. Some of the best spots and my favourites for big bream are rocky shores strewn with large underwater rocks.

Some are almost bare with small barnacles, while others are covered in mussels. This poses a few problems. One is constantly getting hooked on these underwater obstacles with any type of sinking bait. Then you’re not able to retrieve them. Waders are essential for this alone. Lastly, trying to land fish in amongst

Your first port of call is a light, because if you can’t see anything, you can hardly spear it. You can go a few ways here. I like the idea of a big strong light powered by a 12v battery. Back in the day this was a small car battery or a motorbike battery. I liked the car battery, as it meant more light for longer.

Now you can head down to the local Battery World and let them know what you are up to. They will have a heap of modern options and batteries that are light and manageable in a backpack or bum bag. They can be lithium lipo sealed lightweight bad boys.

You can still whip the battery out of mum’s car and head out for the night towing it behind you with some wild device made out of an old car tube and a few bits of wood. Just remember to reset the clock in the car...

The lighting is as varied a choice as any in the fishing world. You can go old school with a sealed beam

halogen or try some of the new LED lighting available.

There are some cordless lights available, but they are designed to make you furious and stranded in the dark out on some sand spit with a rising tide.

Now you can see the fish, you will need something to spear it. Growing up making spears and playing with all sorts of materials and wild design ideas was a heap of fun. Now I just like to buy something aluminium handled and stainless in the prong… or prongs. If you are a deadeye Dick, the single spike with a small barb is what you’re after. If you take a while to get your eye in, the three prong spearhead that looks like King Neptune’s trident is for you. If after a few trips you find yourself to be hopeless, buy a rake and straighten out the prongs, sharpen ‘em up and come at them with that.

The remaining kit you will need is a good-sized bag you can sling over your shoulder to hopefully put your catch in. A head torch is

a very good idea, so you can sort stuff out without having to turn on and waste your underwater light. Clothing at this time of year is easy. The warmest stuff you have is a must. Neoprene waders or a wetsuit is the only way to fly when wading about looking for the little flat fellas.

We have a great Tasmanian company at Goodwood in Hobart that makes some awesome gear just for the job. Give Anchor Wetsuits a ring and they will send you to the closest local stockist. Footwear needs to be stout, as stepping on a sharp rock or oyster shell will put a real damper on your evening.

It may sound silly as you are walking the flats, but if you have a life jacket, I would wear it. The modern jacket style and yokes are not uncomfortable and the jacket will keep you warm. I say this because I have often stepped into a deeper trough or gutter and gone bum up.

WHEN TO GO There are a few things that must be taken into account when going flounder

THE WINTER SAVIOUR As mentioned earlier, it’s super cold and the weather isn’t so good here in Tasmania. It’s dark, too.

This falls right into the hands of fishos who want to try a bit of ‘floundering’ (flounder fishing). This should be all fishos, because it’s great fun and you can learn a lot about your local waterway by wandering around knee deep in water with a light. If you have never been flounder fishing then you need to have a long hard look at yourself.

It is fun and relatively easy.

All you have to do is walk around, find a flounder and spear it… right?

Like all aspects of fishing, there is as much fun in gearing up as there is in actual fishing, floundering is no exception. The good thing for those that like to make things and tinker with stuff is there is a lot to do. Luckily, if you are the sort that hasn’t the time or interest, you can buy it right off the shelf.

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Aaron Colgrave can find bream in the Derwent at will.

this territory is difficult.

These are one of the best brawling light tackle sportfish you’ll ever encounter. They fight hard to return to structure and will bust you off in the process. No matter how much of the territory I know (I know every inch of some places) these fish still win the fight. I’ve lost many lures to this river and these fish.

After hearing a tale of the one that got away the locals say, “Welcome to the Derwent” and laugh. That speaks of experience.

Some of these lures can be $20, if not more, and you need to give yourself the best chance of landing that trophy fish. A few techniques have worked for me, especially land-based. Try holding the rod up high during the fight to lessen the angle of your line.

Also walk or wade towards the fish as quickly as possible to reduce the fight time and reduce the chances of being busted off on one of those many menacing submerged rocks. It’s easier to steer these brutes away from structure while fishing from a boat, but they will still occasionally win.

Techniques that will get the bite while retrieving this style of lure are quite simple.

A rip and pause retrieve is often all that is required. I emphasise the pause. Most of my catches have hit the lure either on the pause or during a slow roll between rips, which I tend to do in lower light conditions or faster current.

Some days, the fish are just loaded up on the shores, seemingly in any direction you cast. Other days your cast must be tight against structure – a structure you know is there and can’t always see – otherwise you’ll miss the bite. It’s a good idea to go and study an area at low tide

and really work out where the snags and hidey holes are where the fish will sit. This is good to foil the fish and allows you to avoid snags and lost lures. Sight fishing is available in some locations, although seeing a tailing fish is quite rare.

For me it’s always been about using a search bait like a hardbody minnow. I apply lead tape to the belly of floating lures, between the trebles, so they suspend. This keeps the lure at its running depth and in the fish’s face.

I try to cover as much ground as possible quickly to find the fish. Then I concentrate my efforts on those areas and find similar ground to find more fish.

Another great bonus about this system is that, having so many different structures, fish can be found and caught on almost any tide. I favour those few hours after high tide.

I could continue writing about my beloved Derwent River, as I’ve barely scratched the surface. On every trip I find new ground, while often revisiting specific locations.

These fish definitely have favoured stomping grounds and are also constantly on the move. This is one reason that keeps me going back for more. It’s an ever-changing challenge in these waters to land your own big, blue lipped Tassie brawler, one I hope you may experience.

I said at the start that the Derwent River is a great year-round fishery and this is just as relevant in July.

Get out and wet a line when the weather permits. Rug up and take your kids or a few friends. Nothing is better than the great outdoors. It’s half of the adventure. – Aaron Colgrave

fishing. You don’t want there to be any wind stirring up the water’s surface and making it hard to see in. A lot of flounder fishing is done in sheltered estuaries, but if you have had a few days of calm weather and there is very little swell, you can walk the edges of most beaches.

Areas with sand and weed patches are great places to find flounder.

They like to sit and wait for some food on shale bottom as well. The other thing that is crucial for a successful flounder session is tide.

Generally the best time to

Floundering is a sensational pastime for winter evenings.

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arrive is on the turn of the tide and fish the two or three hours of the run-in.

Also plan your session so you start upstream of the direction of tide flow.

You don’t want the sand and mud stirred up and flowing in the same direction as you’re wading.

You want to be going into the direction of tide and keeping the ground out in front clear and not stirred up. Any sand and mud stirred up will be going out behind you from where you have come.

Flounder fishing is not a fast paced activity. You must walk slowly and keep your eyes peeled. You are stalking them and they are hard to see. Once you see a few and have tuned into what you are looking for, you’ll be right. You will know when you are close to a flounder as you will see a flutter and a puff of sand. Walk slower and look harder. Go slow and steady and walk quietly. The sound travels underwater.

FLOUNDER FACTS The bag limit for flounder is 15 and the possession limit for flounder is 30 per person. The size limit is 25cm and can be hard to judge underwater. You can make yourself a flounder shape out of some thin sheet metal at 25cm and put it in the water before you start to give you an idea of what you are looking for.

There are two common species of flounder taken in Tasmania. The Greenback flounder and the long snout flounder seem to be available all year in the coastal estuaries around Tasmania. The flounder are in these estuaries looking for a feed and will be digging for polychaete worms and small crustaceans in the sand and mud.

The places to try are anywhere that has shallow water most of the time.

Kelso and Beauty Point in the Tamar area are excellent. So too are the upper reaches of the Port Sorell estuary right down to the ski beach area. With

very good weather and no wind or swell the area off Bakers Beach is good, too.

I have managed some stonkers off Sandy Cape Beach on the west and there are some great spots on the east and southeast. Further south and as far as Southport are great areas to try as well.

The secret here is to get into a tackle store in your area and ask where you could try your luck.

BIG SUPRISES In the still of a dark winter’s night you will be surprised by what you will see swimming around just out of spear range. Garfish are common and if you are quick enough and they are the legal size, you can whack the water and stun them. You may encounter trevally, big bream, elephant fish and all manner of rays.

You will also see just about every toad fish ever to have swum in Tasmania, ever.

One surprise you don’t need is to turn around three times and not know where you have come from or where the car is. You don’t

want to get caught on the wrong side of a channel or sand bar on an incoming tide either. If you have come in a car or used a boat to get there, it pays to hang a low power light in a tree or in the boat. This can give you a good sense of direction while walking about and have you quickly find your starting point when you need to.

After a while you will wonder why you hadn’t tried flounder fishing before. It’s a good bit of fun and a great night out with a mate. There is also the added bonus of catching a few, as they are very good eating, simple to clean and easy to cook.

TROUT SEASON Trout season opens up again for all waters on the first Saturday in August.

Yes, it’s a month away and I will be talking about the season opening at length next month, but it’s never too early to start planning.

The opening weekend is a traditional time for a lot of Tasmanian anglers to

get away with mates and have a ball.

If you don’t have a shack and you want to get to a specific waterway, book accommodation early. Grab some new gear, head into your local tackle store and get chatting. They may not have what you need, but if you let them know, they can order it in. Waders need to be checked, as a leak in a set of waders early on in the season can be a real disaster.

It’s not good in the warmer months and terrible when you are crunching ice as you walk to the water’s edge.

Last season fished very well around the state, but the northern rivers really fired. The resident browns were in good numbers and good condition. The number of keen young anglers from the coast really took the bit between the teeth and caught some sensational fish. The amount of water flow will tell you where to fish and how to fish waters like the Mersey and the Forth. The Leven will be one to keep an eye on early and so to will

the Inglis River as it comes down through Wynyard.

Bryce Purton and his brother Eythan get out and really pit their skills against the fish and reap great rewards for their efforts. Their cobber Aaron Bissett also knows his way around a trout haunt or two. These are only a few of the younger crew that are heart and soul into their fishing and it really shows when talking to them and seeing what pops up on their Facebook feeds.

An angler that is not so young, but loves to plan and execute a trout fishing mission, is Dwayne Evans.

Thinking like a fish to outwit and outsmart them is something that Dwayne is very good at.

The common key to these anglers’ fishing success is planning and some solid forethought on where to go and when and what technique to use. Take a leaf out of their book and start to get ready now.

this month, as next month is trout opening and we start all over again.

Life jackets can be serviced and it is crucial you either do it yourself or take them into a service agent.

Most manufacturers have the self-service details on their websites, but if in doubt, get it done by someone with experience. If you head into a tackle store or boat dealership, they’ll know where to send it or may do it in-house.

Boats need a lot of love, as they operate in arduous conditions. Even freshwater vessels can still suffer from corrosion on some level.

An experienced eye to head

issues off before they happen and prevent misery is crucial.

This can be said for wheel bearings and electrical issues.

With a sea-going vessel the salt air and water can cause issues with wiring and controls, as can the constant jarring and vibration of travelling even in mildly choppy conditions. Don’t think for one minute that your pride and joy boat that only ever sees freshwater duty is immune from issues.

The start of summer is the worst time to try and get your boat serviced, so why go through the headache?

Dealerships are always busy and have no time for people wanting to book a boat in on Thursday to have it ready for the weekend.

Reels are always getting some love, but never the rods or the line on the reels. Look over rod tips and the eyes on the rod. A damaged eye on a rod can be doing small damage to your line under normal use. When a good fish is hooked it will end in misery. The line needs to be run off and inspected for any issues. If the mono or braid has been on for a couple of seasons, change it out. Braid is awesome stuff, but it hates abrasion and the general wear and tear over a few seasons can weaken the castable section quite badly.

A tackle box clean out is always a good idea on a wet winter’s day. Get rid of any shoddy bits of bait or soft plastics that have shrivelled

and stuck someplace hard to see. Reorganising the tackle box and clearing out any damaged or rusty gear is awesome, as it’s a great excuse to get to a tackle store and replace some stuff.

Retail therapy is a great way to clear up a bit of winter blues!

Reels will need a bit of a service and mostly it’s easy to do yourself. If there are no real apparent issues, you just have to take the side plate off and check for moisture and make sure there is ample grease on the gears. If you have one that is a bit jerky or making a little noise when the handle is worked, get it into a tackle store and have it serviced properly.

During winter I find

a super wet weekend is good for doing some brain maintenance as well. You can sit down and practice a few knots you haven’t tied for a while and even learn a few new ones. YouTube is awesome for knot tying, as there is always a slightly different way to do each knot and you can work out which one is best for you.

This is also a really good time to do some research on an area you have not fished, but have always wanted to.

Have a look on Google for how to get there and the best way to fish it when you do. Google Earth is so good nowadays that a bit of study of the area before you get there will have you getting around like a local.

MAINTENANCE This time of year can be the best time to look at doing some long overdue inspections of gear and carry out some maintenance.

Everything that we use outdoors in our pursuit of fishing needs attention at some stage. Some of the items are very important like life jackets and outboards, but maintenance can come right down to waterproofing footwear. Winter is the time to address all these items and make sure they are shipshape and ready to go for another season.

When the season is on in full swing, there’s no time around fishing and going to BBQs. Let’s get busy

Tasmania

HYDRO TASMANIA WATER STORAGE INFORMATION Water Storage Information as at 9th June 2017 Lake/Lagoon

Metres from full

Comment

Lake Augusta....................................3.34...................................................................

Arthurs Lake.....................................1.19...................................................................

Great Lake........................................13.28.................................................................

Trevallyn Pond..................................2.95...................................................................

Shannon Lagoon...............................0.3.....................................................................

Penstock Lagoon..............................0.28...................................................................

Lake Echo.........................................7.89...................................................................

Dee Lagoon.......................................0.27...................................................................

Bradys/Binneys/Tungatinah..............2.27...................................................................

Bronte Lagoon..................................1.7.....................................................................

Pine Tier Lagoon...............................1.75...................................................................

Little Pine Lagoon.............................1.01...................................................................

Laughing Jack Lagoon.....................7.48...................................................................

Lake St Clair.....................................1.57...................................................................

Lake King William.............................8.44...................................................................

Lake Liapootah.................................3.21...................................................................

Wayatinah Lagoon............................0.52...................................................................

Lake Catagunya................................0.47...................................................................

Lake Repulse....................................0.46...................................................................

Cluny Lagoon..................................................................................................Spilling Meadowbank Lake...........................0.32...................................................................

Lake Pedder......................................1.38...................................................................

Lake Gordon.....................................28.3...................................................................

Lake Burbury....................................6.44...................................................................

Lake Plimsoll....................................1.61...................................................................

Lake Murchison................................17.34.................................................................

Lake Mackintosh..............................7.67...................................................................

Lake Rosebery..................................0.54...................................................................

Lake Pieman.....................................2.65...................................................................

Lake Mackenzie................................6.56...................................................................

Lake Rowallan..................................10.27.................................................................

Lake Parangana................................1.32...................................................................

Lake Cethana....................................3.27...................................................................

Lake Barrington................................2.47...................................................................

Lake Gairdner...................................7.55...................................................................

Lake Paloona....................................3.48...................................................................

Woods Lake......................................1.33...................................................................

Whitespur Pond................................6.6.....................................................................

Lake Newton.....................................4.1.....................................................................

Lake Margaret..................................7.47...................................................................

These levels are provided for an indication of lake level only and can vary from day to day. For more up-to-date lake level information please visit www.hydro.com.au/home/Tourism+and+Recreation/Lake+Levels.htm JULY 2017

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Yarra River: Melbourne’s best freshwater secret MELBOURNE

Reilly Pitts

Sometimes overlooked, the Yarra River is one of Melbourne’s best freshwater fishing places to visit. Simple techniques such as drowning a worm by the bank can give surprising results.

While other ‘secret’ techniques can mean that you may just have one of the best days you’ll ever experience fishing, all just an hour east of Melbourne’s CBD. This may be surprising to some, but the section of the Yarra between Heidelberg and Chirnside Park is home to a diverse range of fish species all accessible to anglers.

In my own experience fishing this section of the river I have managed to catch carp, roach, goldfish, eels, redfin, Macquarie perch and Murray cod. Yes, I said it, Murray cod!

The Yarra cod is something that has been in discussion for a long time now, however some may not believe that Murray cod exist in the Yarra. I’m telling from experience, they do! These fish were introduced along

EUROPEAN CARP Unfortunately, these fish are fairly abundant in these waters and are most common around the Warrandyte to Wonga Park section of the river. They are a huge pest, as they suck the muddy bottom and destroy the habitats of native fish. However, they make for great sport and are quite easy to catch with simple techniques.

If I want to target carp within the Yarra I look for deep holes and slow

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them on warm days during spring and summer, as this is when they are most actively feeding. Casting your worm into slow flowing deep pools, much the same as for carp, gives you the best chance for a redfin. If it is one of these fish, you’ll know pretty quickly, as they pick at the bait. This means they can be hard to hook. If you wait until you see weight on the rod and then strike, you will hook more than you lose.

These stunning fish are also quite underrated in my

If you catch a cod in the Yarra it’s better to release them. They are a delicate resource and are important for the whole ecosystem. If mostly catch and release takes place, this fish will be around for many future generations.

The common European carp is quite an overlooked and underrated sportfish. The Yarra River is a great place to fish for them close to Melbourne all year round.

Redfin aren’t overly common in the Yarra, but they are in there! with Macquarie perch in 1857 and are a thriving, yet delicate population. I will go into more detail of how to catch these elusive fish later.

For now, I will discuss some of the other species and how to go about fishing for them.

rod at a length of 6’6ft to 7ft matched with a 10002500 size spin reel spooled with 6-10lb braid with an 8lb fluorocarbon leader attached to the main line.

I often use a about a size 1 light running sinker straight to the hook. If the current is flowing hard I will use a size 2. For hook size I use a size 6 baitholder and a very simple and accessible bait – corn kernels. After the corn is placed on the hook I cast it out into the deepest, slowest section of where

moving water. They are sometimes found feeding in the shallows, but they are a lot harder to catch and spook very easily. By fishing deeper holes the fish have a lower chance of seeing you. In terms of tackle and rigs I use either a 1-3kg or 2-4kg

I’m fishing, rest the rod on a forked stick and just sit back and wait.

If you do get a bite you may see the rod bounce; this is the carp sucking the bait.

Wait until you see the rod start to bend over and then strike for the best hook-up rates. You may also see the rod just completely bend over, then you don’t even need to strike, just hold on!

The common European carp is quite an overlooked and underrated sportfish in my opinion and the Yarra River is a great place to fish for them close to Melbourne all year round.

Make sure you dispose of these fish humanely, as they are not to be placed back in the water.

ENGLISH PERCH OR REDFIN Redfin aren’t overly common in the Yarra, but they are in there! These fish are also an introduced fish from Europe. Even though they are not as damaging as carp, they are still classified as a noxious species. I don’t often target redfin in the Yarra, because they aren’t a reliable fish that you know you can catch on most sessions in this waterway. The best techniques for these beautiful fish are with the same rig and gear as for carp, using worms or tiger worms for bait.

I also like to fish for

opinion, as larger models fight hard and they taste great (although I haven’t been game enough to eat a reddy out of the Yarra just yet).

MACQUARIE PERCH This may also come as a surprise to many: Macquarie perch are a fairly common species within the Yarra and this population is considered to be one of the strongest in Australia. They are quite rare anywhere else and are

only found in small pockets throughout Victoria and New South Wales. As explained earlier, they were introduced into the Yarra in 1857 and have thrived ever since.

In terms of angling, they are a simple fish to target. I like to use the same rigs and gear as I would for carp and redfin with a slightly lighter 6lb fluorocarbon leader. They are a very tentative fish that spook easily, so I use the lightest leader I am able to get away with.

Furthermore, medium to large scrubworms are the only bait I use, hooked

A lovely deep hole like this is perfect habitat for most target species.

with the tail of the worm dangling to make it look more appealing to the fish.

Deep pools within the Wonga Park/Warrandyte area just after rapids are by far the best areas to target these secretive fish, as this is where they wait in ambush for any food to come past.

Cast just below the rapids so the bait drifts into the deep hole, place your rod in a holder and wait.

‘Maccas’ love to play around with the bait and suck it in and out for a long time; this is why a slightly slack line should be used so the fish can’t feel resistance in the line.

If this occurs, they may spit it out and not come back for another inquiry. I like to make sure I know when the fish has the bait in its mouth before I strike. This is usually indicated by the line tightening and moving out or the line coming back towards me. In terms of the time of year, warm and muggy summer evenings are the best times to target these fish, as this is when they begin to feed and are most active.

These native fish are a delicate resource and should be released back into the water unharmed.

We are very lucky to have such a rare species so close to home and they shouldn’t be taken for granted.

MURRAY COD Yes, Murray cod are in the Yarra and are a lot more common than some may think! They aren’t native to this system, but they

have sustained a healthy population here for 160 years and have adapted well to the system. This shows in reports of anglers catching Murray cod for many years.

If you use the right techniques in the right places, you will have a very high chance of landing one of these majestic fish.

To catch the iconic Murray cod, first of all

Murray cod are in the Yarra and are a lot more common than some may think!

find the deep, slow moving holes. Cod are a lazy fish and don’t like to work against current, so they will almost always live in the places with less current.

I use a 4-7kg baitcaster for lures, spooled with 20lb braid and 30lb fluorocarbon leader. The lure choices are quite vast for Murray cod: spinnerbaits, deep divers and soft plastics are all options. A size 2 StumpJumper (in any colour, as Murray cod aren’t too fussy in terms of colours) cast as close as possible to the opposite side of the bank and slow rolled all the way to your feet gives you a great chance of landing a Murray cod on a lure in the Yarra.

If you are more of a lazy fisher like myself, bait fishing is probably the best and most accessible way to fish for Murray cod.

As explained before, slow moving, deep holes are the best habitat for these fish. Soaking a bait in these areas is a must. Once again, medium spin gear of around a 4-7kg rating and 4000 size spin reels are perfect for bait fishing for Murray cod spooled with 15-20lb braid and 30lb fluorocarbon leader. A size 2 running sinker is also essential for holding your bait on the bottom straight to an

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I’ll let you in on a bit of a secret; raw chicken strips are by far the best bait and have resulted in some good fish up to 80cm within the Yarra for me. Cheese cubes also work, but the cod seem to love chicken more than any other bait in this system.

Once you cast your bait, sit it in a secure rod holder, and I mean secure!

Big fish can easily take your rod into the water if it is only sitting on a stick.

Smaller fish will play with the bait, so wait until the rod starts to bend over before striking. Big fish will often just inhale the bait in one big bang, so there is no need to strike then!

If you do catch cod in the Yarra, I implore you, release them. They are a delicate resource and are important for the whole ecosystem.

People are within their rights to take home a feed within the size limit, however if mostly catch and release takes place then this fish will be around for many future generations to come.

DIVERSE FISHING OPTIONS If you’re looking for a great freshwater fishing option close to Melbourne,

Macquarie perch are a fairly common species within the Yarra and this population is considered to be one of the strongest in Australia. the Yarra is the place to visit. Although access may be challenging in some areas to find the best spots, it is all

worth it when you do; these areas hold awesome fish and aren’t all that hard to catch if you do the right things.

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Fish feeding and easy to spot HORSHAM

James Perry

The lakes are cold and the big reds are on the chew.

Trout are smelting, thus giving away their location and making your lure or fly selection that bit easier. Stealth is the key to winter fishing these great lakes, so leave the radio at home, keep the outboard off and go electric. Take the time to drift into your desired spot.

Lake Toolondo has really fired up this month with plenty of action from both trout and redfin.

Normally I would only talk about monster brown trout in this fine pond, but the increased biomass from last year’s above average rainfall and the water transfer from Rocklands Reservoir has done wonders for growth rates. The average size redfin of late has been solid to say the least, with it being more common to catch fish in the 30-40cm range than smaller models.

There has been no shortage of larger ones either. The best method for fooling these big fish has undoubtedly been large minnow style plastics fished low and slow in the water column. Weedless rigging your plastics will make it

easier. If there is no wind, the floating weed can be frustrating at times when you’re not used to fishing weedy waters.

Trolling until you find a school is the easiest method, then sit on the school and flick. If the bite drops off, return to trolling to locate another school. For the land-based angler, a good set of neoprene waders will get you in the right spot, with some redfin coming from weed beds close to the shore. Local gun angler

Trevor Holmes has been doing extremely well with 4” Fish Arrow J Huddles and J Shads with many fish nudging towards the 50cm mark.

If you’re more interested in catching trout, keep your eyes peeled for smelters.

Overcast days will see good smelting activity throughout the day. It can be a simple affair. For the lure angler it’s hard to go past the everpopular bent minnow styles or Rapala X-Rap series.

Neutral colours seem to be

fine lake, your success will come down to your weedless techniques. Don’t even bother looking for an arch on your sounder, Just search for structure changes.

Plastics are the number one choice at the moment closely followed by microsized chatterbaits. Look to purples, browns and blacks.

Fish them deep and slow with the occasional twitch and pause.

Pink Finesse StumpJumpers have continued to be a go-to lure

Kailan and Harper Roos with a solid pair of redfin.

Like a dog with a bone, this Fyans redfin couldn’t resist a Finesse StumpJumper.

Luke Preston with a typical winter Toolondo redfin.

performing best followed by white and silver. Sometimes just parking the boat and waiting quietly for activity is the best method, then cast towards the action.

If this isn’t your style, trolling wing style lures is always a smart option.

Be sure to run your lures a long way back, also stagger them too. Often it will be the last lure that gets the fish, so sneak out a bit more line while your buddy isn’t looking. As for colour choice, pink and silver variations have been accounting for a few trout.

Lake Fyans has continued its fine form with some monster redfin still being caught. In recent weeks it has been common to see catches nudging 50cm. It’s equally common to not locate a plate-size fish. As always with this

for trolling over the top of the weed when chasing trout. Expect some by-catch of redfin too. Small Rapalas have also been a great option with the rainbow trout and spotted dog colours are a standout. If you’re more of a traditionalist, Blue Fox Spinners have been accounting for more than a few fish too.

The Glenelg River has also been fishing well. With the good flows fish have

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been able to make their way along the river to better waters. A few bass have been caught recently, which would indicate they have finished their spawning run in the brackish water downstream.

Equally, some good-size redfin have come from around Harrow. Fishing for redfin is a whole new game in running water and one that is well worth the effort. Soft plastic curl-tail grubs would be my choice of offering.

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Trout love winter in Ballarat BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

The big chill has set in around the Central Highlands Region of Victoria, including Ballarat. Freezing cold, wet and windy days have set in.

Snow is coming down to low levels – that’s all part of the deal living in and around Ballarat during the winter months.

Trout love these

are feeding on.

Select lures and flies that represent smelt or minnows to gain the best results. The bait fishers using worms and salted baits fish them on a running sinker rig, as the fish will be foraging around looking for food; there will be no surface activity for them to feed on.

I have been mentioning Moorabool Reservoir quite a bit over the past few months, and I will probably keep doing this. It will be

A magnificently coloured Stony Creek Reservoir brown trout caught by the author on a white Bent Minnow. conditions. This is when the true hardy fishers put their winter woollies on, battle the elements and reap the rewards for their time and effort. We deserve to catch fish when it’s freezing cold and we’re out, instead of sitting at home in a nice warm house watching the footy.

Waters in the Ballarat district have certainly fired up with the excellent catches being reported by those who have battled the elements. Angler numbers are up for this time of the year, compared to other years. There have been a lot more reports filtering through from waters like Moorabool, Newlyn, Wendouree, Tullaroop and Stony Creek Reservoir.

On a disappointing note, I have fished at all these waters recently and the amount of rubbish that has been left behind is appalling.

Anglers must remember it is a privilege to be able to fish these waters, not a right. The water authorities can shut down or close off access to our fisheries if we don’t obey the rules and regulations that are set, so let’s do the right thing.

Most anglers who target the winter run of fish seem to use artificial lures and flies, with most baits being hard to get, except for the good old garden or scrubby worm, salted and smelly baits, or PowerBait. During the cooler months the main food source for trout will be minnows or smelt, so anglers need to think about this and match what the fish

during the winter months, especially when he can find the trout feeding on the local smelt or small baitfish. This can be very exciting fishing and also very frustrating, especially if the fish are in a feeding frenzy. They move so fast while chasing these small baitfish that they can be at your feet one minute and then 50m up the shoreline the next minute. If you get your fly – in Kiel’s case, a fly pattern called the Green Machine – in front of them, they’ll grab it with gusto.

Upper Stony Creek Reservoir is not water I had mentioned or ever fished until recently. It is located approximately 50km from Ballarat on the Ballan Anakie Road.

Stony Creek is managed by Barwon Water and was only reopened to recreational anglers in December 2016.

Stony Creek has been stocked by fisheries with rainbow and brown trout.

The browns are two-year old-fish, some around the 2.5lb mark. Stony Creek also has a resident

a Bent Minnow. For anglers who are going to fish Stony Creek, overcast days are the best as the water clarity is crystal clear. Again, please obey the regulations when fishing this water.

Newlyn Reservoir has proved itself to be an everreliable winter fishery for anglers who like to brave the elements during the winter months. The main food source as I mentioned is smelt. Small baitfish are what the trout and redfin feed on. Tom Nguyen is one keen angler who doesn’t mind rugging up during the cooler days and heading out to catch a fish. On one of Tom’s recent trips to Newlyn he scooped the pool with a day that he will never forget.

Tom likes to cast lures as a general rule and this day was no different, until

Kiel Jones landed this lovely Moorabool Reservoir rainbow trout on a Green Machine fly pattern.

Photo courtesy of Kiel Jones.

The author nailed this lovely Wendouree brown casting a Spawning Rainbow Bullet.

Tom Kulczynski with a couple of cracking big Wendouree redfin caught on vibes.

Photo courtesy of Tom Kulczynski.

the number one fishery in the district for the next few months and into spring. The reason is that Moorabool was heavily stocked by fisheries last year and the high water level that was maintained over the summer months has meant there was an abundance of food. The fish have packed on the weight and are constantly feeding.

Kiel Jones likes to fish the Moorabool Reservoir

population of redfin. The reservoir is a shore-based fishery with designated fishing areas. The shoreline is very easy to walk around for fishers casting lures, throwing plastics, flyfishing and bait fishing.

The trout are certainly on the chew there at the moment. I had a quickfire little session recently landing two lovely gold coloured brown trout and missing a couple as well on

the rain came and the fish turned on. Tom bagged five lovely brown trout on a Pontoon 21 green and yellow lure in no time at all.

Just like a switch, the fish went off the bite and the rain stopped as well. Was that coincidental? Anglers who will be fishing Newlyn over the next few months should do very well. It’s a very good winter fishery, whether you fish fly, lure or bait.

At Lake Wendouree the fish are still biting for those who are prepared to brave the winter chill. There has been a very noticeable drop off in angler numbers over the past month.

Quality redfin are still being caught. Tom Kulczynski is one keen angler who puts in the hard yards all year and gets the results. Tom has recently started to target Wendouree for the big redfin that he had heard so many reports on. He was not disappointed and landed a couple of big reds of 1.8kg and 2.1kg on one trip and a bag of six on another. Tom found that the Wendouree redfin took a liking to vibe lures cast and retrieved very slowly.

The trout in Wendouree have slowed down over the past month. They have turned their attention to spawning

instead of just feeding.

They will take a lure out of aggression, though. On a recent trip I was casting lures in the main rowing channel when I had a follow from a lovely brown trout who swiped at my lure and did not connect. I then decided to change the lure, put a cast into the same spot and whack! The brown smashed my Spawning Rainbow Bullet lure. I landed and released the lovely 4lb brown to fight another day.

The trout are not totally on the bite at the moment.

A lot of fish, both rainbows and browns, are following the lures in and not grabbing them. This will happen a lot over the coming months, as they are not totally focussed on feeding.

Tom Nguyen bagged out landing five brown trout casting a Pontoon 21 green and yellow lure.

Photo courtesy of Tom Nguyen.

JULY 2017

77

Right time for winter casting ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

As the crisp chill of winter bites at the skin it seems time to don the scarf and beanie and hit the water in hopes of a bite.

Along the Murray, irrigation demands have ceased and the river’s high

excellent fishing with most lure fishos catching a cod or two on each and every outing.

While there are a lot of cod in the 55-75cm range, it’s the larger models that are starting to draw interest from anglers keen to travel.

Several fish over a metre have been taken in this area over the past month with many others in the mid to high 90cm range. These

Winter is the season of clear water where the giant snags can be easily made out as they jut headlong into the river. turbid flows have fallen away leaving a picture of jutting snags that spear headlong into the clearing water. While many have packed the gear away in wait for the warmth of spring, those who love the crunch of green fish jaws are out and active in the cool of winter.

Winter is the season for casting and from past experience it’s also when many of the biggest cod are landed. Holding fast in the shallow flows these larger fish are eager to feed, especially when the pressure rides high.

Good water clarity betrays the angle of the snags making it easier for anglers to position and retrieve their lures along the timber in order to tempt the strike.

An easy meal is now lost to these fish as smaller crustaceans like yabbies and shrimp are now hidden in the mud. In our local waters the bite continues along the Murray River upstream of the road bridge at Swan Hill.

This past month has seen

are good fish by anyone’s standards and it’s great to see this stretch of the Murray River fishing so well. Golden perch have been a regular catch too, but the bite has slowed a little in the cooler water conditions.

Downstream along the Murray to Robinvale, other than a few golden perch and a squillion carp, the river remains very quiet. It’s a similar story right through Wemen, Hattah and into Mildura and beyond with hardly a whisper of a cod other than the occasional small fish. Not all is lost; I have it on good authority that several cod between 85-95cm and a single metre fish have come up through the loch at Wentworth.

It has been almost five months since the black water came through this area – enough time for these fish to have swum up in the high flows from some of the lower lochs that did not cop the full brunt. While it’s only a drop in an ocean, it does

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provide some chances of perhaps catching a decent cod in this area soon. Until then there are still good numbers of perch being caught on bait and lures.

My cod fishing this season has led me a merry dance into unfamiliar waters where the catch rate is indicative of a healthy, vibrant waterway. Untouched by the black water, every snag holds a chance and the expectations ride high with every cast. My cod fishing has come down to one simple fact: in order to catch good-sized fish I need to travel.

On the subject of travel, I recently had the opportunity to fish the Murray River with a couple of notable Singaporean anglers. While their journey was a little further than mine we found ourselves on the Murray River trying to tempt a giant cod to the surface.

Isaac Tang is the Market Manager for Mustad hooks, the biggest manufacturer of fish hooks in the world, and his fishing mate Ng Yam Pin is notable in his own right and recognised as Malaysia’s most famous angler. Together they were on a mission to land a monster Murray cod.

It was still dark as we boated our way down the Murray River to catch the early bite. A thick fog hung like an impenetrable curtain cutting visibility to mere metres as the torchlight reflected off a wall of white. Our speed was almost idle but fast enough in the current rich waters as numerous giant snags passed

within feet of the gunnel.

Out of the darkness another would appear, not unlike a scene from Titanic played on a much smaller scale.

I had picked a bank the previous evening that hung heavy with old snags and looked for all it’s worth a prime location for big fish.

The plan was to be in position at first light and work the area with large surface lures – a ploy that has worked well recently.

Neither of these anglers had caught a big Murray cod before and the excitement was only overshadowed by the sound of chattering teeth in the morning chill. Used to the tropics, the icy cold predawn temperatures were somewhat of a shock to the boys who were slightly underdressed in light clothes and crocs.

We arrived at our chosen spot right on cue. With just enough light to make out the snags, the big lures were cast into the semi darkness landing

Mustad field tester Ng Yam Pin and the monster cod he landed on a surface lure in the pre-dawn light. with a heavy splash. The lures paddling sound amplified in the early morning still was broken by the bird song that signals the start of dawn.

Time and again the popping tune of the lures would return to the boat unscathed only to be recast to the next likelylooking hold.

Midway back to the boat Pin’s lure was engulfed.

The waters churned as the unseen giant rolled beneath the surface and the rod loaded tight. This is high-octane

The Murray River at Swan Hill has fished well for Murray cod this season on lures. The StumpJumper still remains a favourite for cod and anglers alike.

fishing where an explosive take instantly takes your mind from other distractions like the numbing effects of the morning chill. Heart in your mouth, the fight is on and you know it’s a big fish simply by the take and the water the fish moves.

Pin handled the large fish with the skill of a seasoned angler. Within minutes he was holding his first-ever giant Murray cod. A field tester for Mustad hooks, Pin has travelled the world catching all manner of big fish and loves the thrill of the unexpected. A lot was learnt from this catch, he said.

Later that day as the sun slipped below the horizon, Isaac too hooked and landed a monster cod from the surface.

Both have promised to return as they are now hooked on our most iconic native fish and would like to catch an even bigger one. Perhaps one day we can wet a line closer to my local haunts, but until then, just like these visiting anglers we will continue to travel in order to catch good fish.

Natives still lurking in the cold MILDURA

Darcy Scherger

The ice-cold mornings and chilly days are forcing anglers to stay inside huddled around the wood fire heater at this time of year. We all know the struggles of waking up and getting your body into gear at this time of year is hard, though with those monster green fish out there to be caught, you just have to knock yourself into first and get out there amongst it.

You need to push those thoughts to the side, brush off the dust from the rods and reels and rip into one of the most iconic freshwater fish, the mighty Murray cod.

This time of the year is different to any other time for fishing along the Murray and around the Mildura region.

The winter months require a different approach and strategy for catching a monster Murray cod. This approach includes working the open shallow water of the river channel with your standard diving lures.

This might seem weird and unusual to do, but metre plus Murray cod will be on the hunt within these areas chasing a feed of bony bream.

Standard diving lures that dive to around 6m will be the go-to lures throughout the winter months. Instead of working your lures hard on structure, crank them up and hold on. Murray cod will be on the move and chasing a feed at the moment, with little food on the menu due to the cold-water temperatures.

I recommend trying a natural coloured lure, such as a white or silver that represents a bony bream. This will put you in the game. The next step is putting your lure in the right spot, and that can either be done on the troll or on the cast, and putting it in the right area will entice a monster Murray cod to absolutely destroy your lure within seconds.

Casting at this time of year can produce good results, and by putting your lure hard up against the bank and fluttering or cranking it down to an appropriate depth, you’ll be in

Gareth Collinson with a golden perch on 100mm JD Python. the game. Koolabung Codzilla 6m, Koolabung Cod Baits, JD Python 140mm standard diver, 24ft diving ACs and Bassman Spinerbaits have been working in recent weeks when chasing the metre plus Murray cod.

Large surface lures will also be a go-to over the winter months, with big surface presentations starting to prove themselves recently with good reports.

The cod have been much quieter recently around the Mildura region, taking time

and repeated casts to entice.

Mildura anglers have been doing the miles to get the smiles, with recent reports of local anglers getting smoked by several metre plus Murray cod within a session. Golden perch have still been caught, with many reports of very reasonable size specimens caught. Don’t let the cold weather keep you off the water this winter, there’s still plenty of fish to be caught.

Expect more of the same great fishing in July YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

With regular reporter Tony Bennett on holidays, this report has been supplied

by Kyle Dalrymple, Mat Rogers and Mal Stone.

KYLE DALRYMPLE Lately I have been fishing the river between Bundalong and Cobram, and have had plenty of action on the yellowbelly.

A lot of them have been between 50-55cm, and most fell to the 100mm Kuttafurra Mud Honey.

The cod are playing the game as well. On a trip with

my mate Jamie Beer recently, he managed a 94cm cod, and then 10-15 minutes later a 1.25m fish! In the clear water we actually saw it eat the lure.

We also got a couple of yellas and dropped a few others.

Lately most of my cod have come on Gangsta Outcast spinnerbaits. The majority of fish are have been 60-70cm, and there have been plenty of them.

In July we can expect more of the same. The river is nice and clear now, with plenty of visibility. It’s just a matter of chipping away and waiting for those big ones to come out to play.

MAT ROGERS Despite the cold weather

Jamie Beer with a solid cod taken on a 100mm Kuttafurra Mud Honey. Image courtesy of Kyle Dalrymple.

setting in, the cod bite continues to be hot around Mulwala. There have been some really good catches in recent weeks. Jeremy Bryce from Jerilderie has also been getting in on the action, recently catching two cod over a metre (one measured 1.18m) casting large surface lures on cold nights.

Dale O’Meara had a couple of good days out as well, picking up multiple cod and some oversize yellowbelly casting spinnerbaits towards the banks around the Bundalong area.

Lake Mulwala itself has continued to fish extremely well, with hardbodies cast in the shallows the way to go. Recently Ron Crossman landed a 120cm cod in the middle part of the lake.

Around Albury there have been a few quality cod caught in the Murray River.

There have also been some good reports of solid trout and redfin being landed spinning from the banks.

In July there will be plenty of frosts that should see the bigger fish start to become a little more active.

Again, your best option is to cast large surface lures in the lake and in the rivers, or

use extra large hardbodies.

My picks are the Kuttafurra Mud Honey and Therapy, the Jackall Gantarel and any of the big wakebaits. We can also expect good cray catches – just make sure you know the regulations before heading out on the water.

MAL STONE The fishing has been pretty good in recent weeks, with quite a few metre fish taken in the lake and the river down below. Trolling dark native colours around the lake at the moment is the best approach, with the favoured lures being Koolabung Wake Snakes, 100mm Oar-Gees, No 1 size StumpJumpers and 85mm Codgers. On the surface, try Mudeye Snakes, Jackall Pompadours, Gidgee lures and buzz baits.

1 June marked the start of the Murray cray season, and the best baits are chicken carcasses, ox liver and pumpkin. Check your local NSW rules and regulations on Murray crays.

Down below the weir wall, the river is running at winter levels so it’s quite low, so be careful navigating the river. In the Bundalong area, anglers have been picking up a few yellowbelly

There are plenty of yellowbelly around. around the willow trees on worms and shrimp bobbed up and down.

In July the lake levels will be lower, and the cooler water temps will start to put some fish off the bite.

Still, determined anglers who put in the time and effort are often rewarded.

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Excited about trout stocking light periods of the day.

Once the sun gets higher in the sky, I like to swap my trolling lures for a small 7g blade. With blades, you can allow them to sink or you can work them shallow. They can be worked anywhere in the water column. I believe that blades are one of the most

in Wangaratta. I am unsure of exactly how many fish will be stocked, but it will be a significant number.

Merriwa Park Lake is in Merriwa Park, a stone’s throw from the main street.

The lake that is earmarked to be stocked is the larger pond behind the tennis courts.

Holly Alexander with a yearling rainbow trout caught last winter at Stanley Ditch Dam on a Strike Tiger Nymph. Stanley Ditch Dam is a favourite with many young people during the winter school holidays. placed into the wrong pond.

This year they will be going into the larger pond behind the tennis courts for a number of reasons. The larger pond is much deeper and was the Wangaratta

The river and creeks are off limits to trout fishing during the winter months and are set to re-open on the first Saturday in September. sessions up there.

If you’re hoping to catch a winter redfin in North East Victoria this year, my first stop would be Lake Buffalo followed by Lake William Hovell. In both lakes, try

underused and underrated trout lures on the market.

At the end of June, Victorian fisheries stocked yearling rainbow trout into the many family-friendly waterways in the Ovens

This lovely trout cod took the author’s Koolabung Cod Cracker surface lure after dark, only five minutes from the Wangaratta CBD. Last year there was a surprise stocking of trout into the Merriwa Park Lake, but due to a technical glitch they were

Swimming Pool up until 1953. I have sounded it out finder and it is 9ft deep in the middle. The water

Harvey Norman Wangaratta

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River catchment in time for the winter school holidays. As with previous years, Fosters Lake in Glenrowan received 200 ready-to-catch rainbow trout, Lake Sambell in Beechworth 400, everybody’s favourite Stanley Ditch Dam 350, and, very excitingly, the brand new family-friendly fishery Merriwa Park Lake also received a stocking!

MERRIWA PARK LAKE This year will see the very first official stocking of ready-to-catch rainbow trout into the Merriwa Park Lake

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fishing with small yabbies and soft plastics and fish down very deep where the water is likely to be a bit warmer than it is closer to the surface.

Trout fishing in July is confined to lakes and the many family-friendly waterways around the region. If you’re after a wild trout, head to Lake William Hovell. The trout fishing can be fantastic up there in July. I like to troll winged lures like Tassie Devils or small minnow-style lures, focussing on the low

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Nothing says winter trout fishing like a hot pink Tassie Devil lure, a foggy backdrop and a beanie! This trout was caught in Lake Dartmouth last winter. This lure is ideal in Lake William Hovell, and so is the beanie.

Ovens River are backed up by the waters of Lake Mulwala.

If you are heading down that way in July, try trolling with huge hardbody lures – the bigger, the better. Try and play on the Murray cod’s aggressive nature rather than tempting it to strike for a feed.

Redfin are a largely unpredictable fish at the best of times. Some years they are really prolific and other years they are as rare as anything!

This autumn we have seen some truly amazing redfin fishing in North East Victoria,

quality is much better, as the pond on the other side of the park sits underneath banks which have had buildings on them for over 150 years. Lastly, it is a bit out of the way from people walking their dogs, feeding the ducks, family picnics and more.

This is a very exciting time for Wangaratta.

I strongly encourage everybody to pick up their rubbish and take it home.

Look after the newly created fishery to ensure that we continue to get fish put in there every winter.

Just to put icing on the cake, this Merriwa Park Lake was stocked with 2000 silver perch fry earlier this year. With very few predatory fish in the pond since the stocking, their survival rate will be great.

Once the trout are there a few may disappear, however I am confident that we will be catching silver perch in the Merriwa Park Lake next summer.

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July is a tough time of the year to fish in North East Victoria. There are still fishing options available for the keen Murray cod and redfin angler, however, trout really dominate the fishing during July for a number of reasons.

Let’s start with Murray cod. Winter Murray cod fishing in the Ovens River catchment is usually slow at best. Whether we can actually go fishing during July is largely dependent on the weather. If we get too much rain, the entire catchment might be too high and dirty.

If we don’t get a lot of rain, the river may well be in a fishable state, however the Murray cod fishing will most likely be very quiet.

If the river looks good, by all means it will be worth fishing. Just don’t go down there expecting to catch good numbers of cod.

Lake Mulwala is a much more consistent Murray cod fishery in the winter months than anywhere in the Ovens River catchment. The Bundalong area can be well worth a look during July as the far lower reaches of the

with Lake Buffalo being the standout fishery.

During July it will still be worth heading to Lake Buffalo to see if you can catch a redfin. I have had some great redfin fishing sessions up there in winter in the past and I have also had some very poor winter fishing

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Robbie Alexander

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WANGARATTA

A map of Merriwa Park showing where the amenities are, as well as which pond is due to be stocked with trout during the winter school holidays.

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Quiet season kicks off with a good stocking SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

The fishing has been very quiet over the past month and that’s no surprise.

Winter months are usually the quietest time for our region.

One positive is the successful release of 560 fish into four local waterways.

The fish have been moved from an irrigation channel in Shepparton to nearby waterways to improve family fishing. The fish salvage operation was a partnership between Fisheries Victoria, Goulburn-Murray Water and local angling clubs.

Using electro-fishing methods, the fish were removed from the channel before aquatic weed treatment commenced.

There are a lot of different organizations that had to tick off on this program to rehome these fish. It took one simple email to local Fisheries Officer Andy

local school students. It was great to see so many kids interested in fish and hopefully this helps grow participation numbers.

The fish were relocated into waterways in Numurkah, Nathalia, the Goulburn River and the Shepparton Lake. There were 432 cod, 121 blackfish and seven golden perch released with 24 cod exceeding 75cm.

Back to the local fishing, as I previously said it has been reasonably quiet, but there has been the odd report float in. Bait fishing in the Arcadia area using bardi grubs, scrubworms, and cheese is working best. There have been trout cod and small Murray cod caught in this area recently.

Murchison is fishing better than the Shepparton area, with good numbers of yellowbelly and cod caught on small hardbodies like size 2 StumpJumpers, 85mm Codgers and Old Mates.

Lure and bait fishing towards Undera have been quiet and bait fishing will

hours for a couple of bites and the odd fish. Casting surface lures or big spinnerbaits has worked best for lure fishers. Bait fishers have reported bardi grubs as the best form of bait.

Just like in the Goulburn, crayfish have been feeding on bait and legal-sized crays have been caught on bait while fishing off the bank.

WARANGA BASIN The basin still fishes well over winter and if you get onto a school of fish, you’ll be in for an actionpacked day. One report came in of a local catching over 100 redfin with more than 30 being 30-40cm.

Over winter there will be plenty of crayfish being caught in the Waranga Basin with no real hotspot.

This makes dropping nets nice and easy. With limited snags you can usually have trouble-free cray fishing sessions.

If you’re not looking for redfin, you can apply big cod tactics in the Waranga Basin; there have

School kids involved in the fish relocation in late May. is great for the fishing sustainability. The recent inclusion of silver perch will make bait fishing more viable, as they will be all over a big bunch of worms.

If you can cast your worms around some open water pockets or float them above the weed beds, you should have some luck.

Legal-sized cod released into the lake are a real game changer. We also talk about how fishing is hard with the weed, but walking the lake at night casting surface lures may work well. Banks are easy to access with lights from the town, making your lure easy to watch.

Fishing platforms add some

structure around the edges to target.

KIALLA LAKES Catch rates of native fish in the lakes have quietened recently due to the cold conditions. Bait fishers have reported carp and the odd catfish around the weed banks in lakes Two and Three. There has been the odd yellowbelly caught in Lake One. There have been no consistent reports.

The winter months are always tough at Kialla, but I would probably lean towards bait fishing the two smaller lakes on the edges of the weed banks.

LOCAL CHANNELS With the Main Eastern Channel being lowered the

fishing becomes more difficult.

Those who have been fishing the channels have reported success using small lures around bridges and concrete walls. Plenty of smaller cod have been caught out towards Karramomus Road.

Fishing downstream off Lemnos will be almost pointless, as these areas are the ones that have been electro fished with 560 fish relocated.

There have been decent redfin caught closer to Nagambie on small spinners and yabbies.

Anglers using lures should target any type of structure.

Bridge pylons have been the most successful over the past month.

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This yellowbelly was caught in the Main Eastern Channel as part of the big fish relocation.

Beaton for him to kickstart the entire process. The fast action from Andy shows that our fisheries are doing a great job and our fees are being invested wisely.

These fish were relocated to minimize the risk to them once the channels were drained and sprayed for weeds. The sprays are classed as safe to native fish, but all parties involved agreed there was no need to take the risk. The relocation of fish also gave fisheries the opportunity to educate hundreds of

only get harder now that the crayfish are more active.

While the Goulburn River is not well known for its cray fishing, the last two seasons have been very consistent.

Many locals leave the area in search for crays but it’s worth putting in the time locally. There are plenty of nice, deep bends near the Broken River junction and this is an area that has produced some big males in the past.

The Broken River has been slow with reports of anglers putting in massive

been reports of many cod caught over 100cm. Target any form of structure like drop-offs and points while trolling these big lures.

The two main channels, Punt Road/Tatura and Rushworth/Murchison Road areas are still producing plenty of good yellowbelly and small redfin on bait. Scrubworms and small yabbies have been working the best.

SHEPPARTON LAKE The lake has had plenty of fish released over the past three months, which

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

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

LAKE/DAM

Mulwala

Cairn Curran

April May June 79

79 76

(Yarrawonga) 95 91 92

Dartmouth 77 77 77

Newlyn

Eildon

66 65 65

Nillahcootie 81 78 77

Eppalock

89 91 90

Rocklands 37 36 36

Fyans

68 73 73

Taylors

60 57 57

Greens

59 64 65

Tullaroop

79 72 71

Hepburn

59 65 66

Upper Coliban 90

Hume

61 60 66

Waranga

26 30 33

Lauriston

88 91 90

Wartook

72 67 68

Malmsbury 13 12 10

65 64 63

William Hovell 73

91 92

75 83

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

JULY 2017

81

Snowy Jindabyne delivers JINDABYNE

Steve Williamson steve@swtroutfishing.com.au

Welcome to July and a very wintery Jindabyne.

By now snow on the top of the mountains is attracting plenty of people to come to the Snowy Mountains area and this makes getting accommodation in town difficult. There is plenty of accommodation nearby in Cooma if you want to come up for a trout fish.

Winter is the very best time to fish for trout from the shore of the lake. Already this winter season we have seen some huge fish caught on both lures and bait. Winter fishing is always good, as there is less terrestrial food about for the trout and so the fish are more likely to be cruising all day looking for something to eat.

There are also those very big ex-brood Gaden Trout Hatchery Atlantic salmon and brook trout that were released late last May still to be caught.

With lots of winter fishing still ahead, grab a good pair of boots and a warm jacket and come down for a winter trout fishing experience.

Spinning from the shore of the lake is a method that works well during winter. Try lures in the middle of the day in pink, yellow and brown with

a slow retrieve. This is also the time of year that big minnow lures will attract big trout, as winter spawning trout are very aggressive towards each other and the bigger lures are better.

A variety of soft plastics also work well. It’s best to use natural or gold colours when fishing plastics around the inlets and weedy bays. Orange or pink colours are better for open water.

Bait fishing is a very productive method of fishing in winter and simple rigs work best. Worms and artificial baits have always been favourites for winter fishing and they always brings results. When worm fishing, use plenty of tiger worms or a single scrubworm and fish them off the bottom using a running sinker. You can also suspend a bait under a float. If you want to use artificial bait, try a little split shot on the hook to keep the bait down.

As the fish move about the lake so much over winter, there is no particular spot that stands out. A hint is to fish shallow water early and late, and slightly deeper water in the bright sunny parts of the days. Don’t go too deep; a few metres of water is as much as you want!

Trolling is one of my favourite ways to catch trout in winter. Sit back, relax and wait for the fish to bite. It’s a bit like

marlin fishing; some days it’s fantastic in winter and some days it can be slow.

If you’re out in a boat on the lake over winter, trolling lures a lot slower than you would in summer is the way

changes before heading out in a boat. It only takes minutes for the lake to go from mirror flat to 1m+ high waves and 100km,/h winds.

Just remember that when you’re on a boat all rugged

Matt Peterson with a rainbow trout caught trolling.

Gabriel Baker, nine years of age, with an awesome brown trout and a rainbow trout caught trolling a yellow wing Tasmanian Devil from his dad’s kayak.

before hyperthermia gets you.

Trolling flies off fly lines (harling) is also very productive in winter and trolling flies on lead core lines during the middle of the day produces some big browns, if you stay just over the weed beds.

We have some flies in my shop that are designed for trolling and can be dynamite over the weed beds on the lake.

The good areas for trolling this month are Creel Bay at Waste Point, the Snowy Arm, East Jindabyne Islands and Hayshed Bay.

A well-presented fly, something like a brown nymph, a Mrs Simpson or a well-presented shrimp pattern will get good results during the winter months.

The best areas for winter polaroiding in Jindabyne are Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay, Sids Bay and the Kalkite end of the lake.

Good areas to try at this time of the year after rain are also the Snowy Arm, Creel Bay and Wollondibby Inlet.

• Best of luck with your winter fishing and if you’re

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to increase the number of trout you catch. The best lures to use when trolling the lake for big trout in winter are the big minnow lures, even as big as 13cm.

July is also the time when we get most of our snow on the mountains and the weather can change very quickly, so always check for any major

Guided tours at 10 am and 2 pm. Feed the large fish.

Open 10–4 daily. Gaden Rd (off Kosciuszko Rd) Jindabyne P 02 6451 3400 CLOSED DAYS: ANZAC, CHRISTMAS, BOXING. SMALL ENTRY FEE. dpi.nsw.gov.au/ fisheries/info/ gaden

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JULY 2017

up, sometimes with waders on, you’ve got a death wish if you aren’t wearing a life vest. If you were to fall into the water, which is getting colder by the day, once you get wet there is a very good chance that you will die. If not by drowning when all your wet clothes drag you to the bottom, or your waders fill with water, you won’t last long

Flyfishing has been very good and you will see fish cruising if you have your polaroid glasses on.

Polaroiding trout is best done on the sunnier days. That’s when I like to flyfish the lake anyway. I’ve never done much on flyfishing when it’s snowing or during the cold winter nights.

coming down to Jindabyne over the next few months, why not call in and get the latest fishing information at Steve Williamson’s Trout Fishing?

It’s shop 1 at the Snowline Centre, Kosciuszko Road (next to the Shell Servo). My shop is also open seven days a week during winter with extended hours over July and August.

Big trout are on the move BONNIE DOON

about the Snowy’s most important trout hatchery.

• Learn • See how four species of trout and salmon are bred.

• Find out where and how Gaden’s juvenile fish are released.

Learn how trout stocking benefits recreational fishing and • local economies.

• Find out about kids fishing workshops.

• Enjoy the beautiful picnic-BBQ area.

Bait fishing with local scrubworms or artificial baits.

Tasmanian Devil in pink 55 or big minnow lures up to 13cm.

Orange and pink soft plastics or big minnow lures up to 13cm.

Waste Point and Creel Bay. Use a fly that represents the food the fish are feeding on. *The rivers are all closed to fishing until October.

Andy McCarthy

I wasn’t wrong when I said last month that the trout season was going to be a cracker, with reports coming in thick and fast and punters taking advantage of the sheer numbers that are up and about and on the chew.

It’s quite interesting that some of the fish that have been caught appear to have already spawned and are back trying to get

some condition on already, while other fish are still pre-spawn.

This happens down this way and the actual closed season might be a little late for our fish, but let’s face it, it’s been a very strange past 18 months or so with the weather.

It’s great to see the trout going off like they are. A lot of anglers were concerned that there hadn’t been enough stocking of trout, as the natives were seemingly taking priority, To page 83

A lovely trio of trout caught by Donovan Wilson.

Plenty of mixed bags as the mercury drops EILDON

Daniel Piazza

The trout population has taken a fair hit in recent years with all the Murray cod stockings, but this year’s trout breeding cycle has started off very brilliantly, with some great days fishing being had by persistent and

avid anglers.

The areas you want to look for and fish are near the Big River arm and Goughs Bay. As I mentioned in the last article, flat lining pink lures seems to be the go for trout. Tassie Devils and StumpJumpers in 50-70mm sizes are perfect.

Frazer Boat Ramp is still producing a good mixed bag of fish the trees,

and the area directly out from the boat ramp is still producing good numbers of natives and redfin.

The rock walls near Frazer are a great place to try your luck on yellas in winter. This time of year I like to target them with single arm spinnerbaits.

Make sure you don’t go too big, as it could spook the school. Spinnerbaits in 1/2

Mick Caulfield with a 1.2m cod caught on a big surface lure.

What a catch! Get a load of this 16.5lb brown trout that ate a metal lure.

From page 82

which is the way it should be in my opinion.

Sheer numbers this season vindicates the strategy that our good mates at Fisheries have taken in turning Eildon into a better all round fishery.

On a cold Saturday arvo recently, good mate Daz went out for a quick session with about half an hour of light left and armed with his clown pattern Tassie Devil, picked up a lazy

five browns for his trip in quick succession. It seems that right across the board that a majority of fish being caught are between 38-42cm, with some bigger models coming in as well.

The humble old StumpJumper is another stand out of late as well, particularly in colours with big contrasts in colour such as black with green, black with hot pink, brown with white and so forth.

Donovan Wilson had a trip recently with his young daughter and trusty family

Check out this 16lb brown from the Pondage!

and 3/4oz sizes are plenty big enough in around 12m of water, and drifting and jigging the spinnerbait up and down off the bottom should entice a bite. I like to count how long it takes for my spinnerbait to reach the bottom, and adjust my sink time depending on where the fish are holding.

It’s a little difficult to start off, and getting your drift right while jigging can be challenging, but trust me when I say, this works.

You should try drifting the whole rope swing wall, as

this holds the most fish during winter. You can even throw baits such as worms and yabbies. These are good choices because of how natural they look drifting through the water.

Howqua River arm is producing big numbers of trout, as it has one of Lake Eildon’s great feeder rivers. When trout do their yearly spawn run, the best approach is get right up near the mouth, but remember not to go too far up, as you don’t want to disrupt fish that are spawning.

Remember trout closures are in play at the moment, so get all the dos and don’ts from the fisheries website so you don’t incur any avoidable fines.

Back down the main part of the lake and in the vicinity of the dam wall, trolling deep diving hardbodied lures is doing the damage at the moment, particularly in around 20-30ft. Another handy tip on the dam wall is to line up the boat ramp and the

tower, and if you’ve got a good sounder there is some good structure down deep where some big green fish love to hang out!

A little further down are the transmission power lines, and good numbers of trout have been getting caught around this area.

I’m not sure why this is, as there’s no feeder rivers near this part of the lake.

It’s possible that some fish from the Delatite River Arm and some from Goulburn River arm come down every year and just hang out for a few months.

I hope everyone has fun at lake Eildon and I’m looking forward to bringing you more Eildon updates.

Tight lines, stay safe on the water, and rug up as it’s really cold at Eildon in winter time!

Eildon township is a great place for a family outing during the winter months, with plenty of regular trout stockings and some great accommodation at one of the many caravan parks.

Reece DeRee with a nicely coloured brown from Bonnie Doon. dog, and they picked up five. It’s great to see a father and his daughter having a fish together, although I think her and the pup did a bit of sleeping up the front of the boat as well… So get yourself up here and take advantage of the great trout on offer.

There have also been a few cod getting picked up as well, but they have tapered off slightly with the frosty mornings being more common.

Some of the big bangers should come out for a look over the next month or so, so keep your fingers crossed.

The mornings have been ridiculously cold, sometimes down to -2° and plenty of 0º days, so rug up and stay safe.

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality.

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83

Redfin fishery still the jewel in the crown CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

We are now in the grip of winter and the temperature is decidedly chilly. The salmonoid fishing is now in full swing.

Just pick a day where the wind isn’t blowing a dog off its chain and the rain has held off. Believe it or not there have been plenty of benign days lately. It’s simply a matter of rugging up and getting out there on the water.

The jewel in the crown

to locate clouds of redfin rising up from the bottom is easy and indicates to the boater where to carefully drop anchor or hold station and work the bottom jigging.

Chinook salmon averaging around 8lb and the odd brown to 12lb have been caught trolling minnow lures, flat lining down to depths from 5-8m.

The catches of these trophy fish are now becoming more common.

Lake Bullen Merri continues to fish extremely well for Chinook salmon,

This is what redfin inevitably do to soft plastics, especially when you’re catching heaps. and fishing well into the night. Live, local gudgeon minnows presented under a bubble float in the shallows or fished unweighted on the

bottom have been the trick.

With the rain falling on a fairly regular basis Lake Elingamite’s water level continues to rise. Without

a doubt those in kayaks and small duck punts can now launch without too much difficulty.

This month flat bottomed bass boats up to 4m in length (like mine) should have no trouble.

Using an electric motor in shallow drive should be a viable option. If you don’t own an electric, I suggest poling out until the minimum depth to run the outboard in shallow drive has been reached.

There are plenty of browns and rainbows that should be fast approaching a kilo in weight on offer, not to mention those trophysized redfin that easily exceed 1kg in weight.

Weather permitting, it’s all looking good.

These two fish could be considered average for Purrumbete. continues to be Lake Purrumbete. The redfin fishery is still performing well with schools of fish being found in depths around 10m and roughly the same distance from the bank. Using a sounder

with fish averaging 1-3kg. Flat line trolling medium diving minnow lures are catching fish. I recommend red lures for this area, Purrumbete and Elingamite. The by-catches have been rainbows up to

2kg and the fish are being caught around the 4-6m depth – very close to the bank indeed.

The current gossip is that browns to 12lb have been caught by bank anglers braving the elements

This is what 30 keeper redfin caught in a two hour jigging session look like.

Each waterway is feeling the changing conditions BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

The waterways around the Bendigo region have experienced a significant change in conditions over the last couple of months. Bendigo received record rainfall for April. This resulted in some significant inflows into local river systems and the water clarity deteriorated in these systems.

Rainfall during May was below average and therefore the water clarity has again improved in the local river systems. If the trend of below average rainfall continues, water clarity will continue to improve. Most of the 84

JULY 2017

catchments in the region are wet, so it will only take a couple more significant rainfall events and the river systems will be running dirty again.

LAKE EPPALOCK The productivity in the fishing continues to be good. Water levels are currently stable and the lake has been holding around 90% of capacity recently. Water clarity is still very good around the lake and in previous years the productivity of the redfin fishing would have slowed up by now.

The good news is that this is not the case at this stage and the productivity of the redfin fishing remains very good.

How long this will last is hard to predict, but while the going is good anglers

should make the most of the opportunities. The best concentrations of redfin are currently holding in the depth range between 5-7m of water. As always,

this season anglers must be prepared to move around a lot in order to find a good concentration of fish.

The trend this season has been find the bait and find

the fish.

Deep diving hardbody lures are terrific for catching redfin while deep water trolling. If a good concentration is located,

This Murray cod was caught casting on a Custom Crafted Mega Minnow.

then casting soft plastics has been working well.

My preferred jighead weight lately has been 10g. I also prefer to use coloured jigheads.

As with any lure, different jighead colours will be preferred by the fish on different days.

There are a huge range of soft plastics which are effective on the redfin.

Recently the more natural colours have been working best. The numbers of golden perch and Murray cod being caught at this location continue to be very low and we will not see any significant improvement in the catch rates of native species until spring.

CAMPASPE RIVER The productivity of To page 85

Can’t catch fish on the couch MELBOURNE METRO

Dylan Brennan

The gritty days of winter are upon us, with sideways rain and wind that seems like it will never pass. While this is what we can expect in Melbourne, for the short while ahead, the common phrase “you can’t catch fish on the couch” could not ring truer.

The diehards and fishing desperados won’t have this problem, as they’ll be out casting in rain, hail or shine. While our stream trout options are off the cards for a while yet, there are a good number of lakes close by to suburbia that we can all get our fix from.

With plenty of surrounding parkland and facilities, Karkarook Lake in Moorabbin is a great option for a land-based fish

during winter. The lake itself is made up of silty shallows dotted with reeds, which hold plenty of insect life, and some good weed growth further out along the drop off. The lake is quite deep out further, and this area sustains a cold temperature all year round and keeps the trout happy.

Speaking of trout, the lake usually receives a top up stocking of yearling trout just prior to each school holidays, so taking the kids down to the lake in between rain showers is a good idea.

By far and away the most productive way to target these lake trout is to bait fish. Sure, the odd angler will catch a trout or two by simply casting out a natural bait of scrubworm, yabby or mudeye, but the dough style baits like PowerBait or Dynamite Baits will normally out fish these five to one when set

up correctly.

These baits should be fished on small size 14-18 short shank ‘stinger’ style hooks, and normally a bait the size of your little fingernail is perfect. A running sinker style rig with leader of around 6lb is ideal, with the sinker swapped to a feeder or berley cage.

Berley cages are available at most good tackle stores and for those unfamiliar with them, they are basically a small cigarette lighter sized cage with holes designed to be filled with berley, and also act as casting weight. The last piece of the plan for successfully catching stocked trout is to use the correct berley.

There are lots of recipes that will work, but again, most quality tackle stores will carry a small brown pellet form berley that is basically the same as what

these fish are fed in the hatchery.

The same form of fishing can also be very effective in other local stocked lakes, and one such lake is Devilbend Reservoir down on Mornington Peninsula. Devilbend has fairly recently received a top up of stocking of both brown and rainbow trout, which will respond to this form of bait fishing. The only trick to using this method here is to get your bait in a small clearing in the dense weed that fills the lake. The main fishing jetty or second jetty towards the gorge are the better areas to try.

If you are more into lure and soft plastic fishing, there have been some very nice redfin coming from the lake recently. Small ‘buggy’ looking plastics have accounted for most reddies, with ZMan grubs and Strike Tiger Hawgs the

Eden Barlow with one of many nice redfin she has caught recently.

Photo courtesy of Eden Barlow. standouts when fished over the weed.

• For any of the latest metro reports and information, pop into Compleat Angler Dandenong at

241-243 Princes Highway, Dandenong, give us a call on 03 9794 9397 or jump on to the ‘Melbourne Metro Freshwater Fishing’ page on Facebook.

Blue Rock is still in business WST/STH GIPPSLAND

Steve Haughton steve@habitatcreations.com.au

The stream trout season is now closed and will re-open on the first weekend of September, leaving local anglers with few stream options.

River blackfish and

eels can be a lot of fun on light gear and are a good alternative when the stream trout season has closed. Blue Rock is still fair game for anglers looking to chase trout in the region with many fish trolled up in recent months on lures on a flat line.

Amongst the typical pan-sized brown trout some surprisingly healthy rainbows

Paul Macfarlane recently caught this healthy tagged 45cm Australian bass from the shoreline at Blue Rock. The Drouin Angling Club held an event targeting the waters of the Baw Baw region and many nice bass were caught at Blue Rock for the event.

From page 84

the fishing in the Campaspe River has been low. The most productive fishing has been in the section from Barnadown upstream to the bottom of the spillway at Lake Eppalock. In this section the water, clarity has been the best. Small numbers of golden perch and Murray cod have been caught. The occasional Murray cod is still being caught by anglers fishing with surface lures. Anglers casting spinnerbaits and

medium-sized hardbody lures are also producing results. At this stage the numbers of redfin being caught in the Campaspe River have been low.

If the water clarity remains good then targeting the resident redfin population during winter can produce some quality fish. Anglers should continue to look at the water levels in Lake Eppalock.

With Lake Eppalock water levels recently holding at 90% there is a very good

have been caught, which is very exciting. Bass are still active and plenty are caught on lures and bait presented deep amongst structure. We should also see some goodsized redfin being caught over the coming months using the same techniques for winter bass.

Targeting river blackfish and eels over winter is only for the game, as they are best targeted on dusk and well into the night. You’ll need to rug up, as once that sun sets it can get very chilly and damp, but the hunt and sense of adventure can be a lot of fun.

The key spots to look out for along any stream are dark pools and deep holes, which provide river blackfish and eels the perfect habitat to snare their prey. They are ambush predators and can take their time before seizing a well-presented garden or scrub worm. Occasionally, river blackfish have been known to take lures, but this is very uncommon.

Key rivers holding river blackfish and eels include the Lang Lang River from Hallora right down to Lang Lang, Bunyip River at Labertouche flowing down to Koo Wee Rup, the Tarago River and the Latrobe River and its tributaries. The season for river blackfish south of the Great Divide closes on 1 September until 31 December. Eels can be targeted all year round.

Blue Rock presents anglers with land-based, boating and kayaking options over winter. No matter what you do, check the weather and dress appropriately.

Blue Rock gets very cold over winter as it sits below the foothills of Mount Baw Baw. The wind can pick up very quickly too, so ensure you are aware of what the weather is doing for the day before heading out.

The walking track from the Tanjil Arm Boat Ramp to Blue Rock Road provides anglers with a large area to easily access the southwest

banks of the lake, ideal for fly casting, lure casting and bait fishing. The other boat ramp near the dam wall also has plenty of access to the lake and depending on what the wind is doing on the day, you can usually escape it from either boat ramp.

Feel free to send me a report or photo, particularly if you have any success stories out on Blue Rock Lake or if you have been targeting eels and river blackfish. Please email me any questions, too. Happy fishing!

chance we will see the spillway start running over in the next few months. If this does occur, there will be some very good fishing below the spillway while the water continues to spill.

CAIRN CURRAN Water clarity continues to be average. Despite the poor water clarity the productivity in the redfin fishing has been good.

The redfin are starting to move a little deeper. The best concentrations are currently being located

in the depth range of around 3m. Trolling small hardbody lures has been working well. If a good concentration is located, casting soft plastics and blades has been a good option.

At this stage I still have not received any significant report of trout being caught. It’s not that they aren’t moving, it’s just that only a few anglers are out targeting them. If you have been having some success targeting the trout and

would like to share your report, I can be contacted at codhuntertours@ bigpond.com.

LODDON RIVER Water clarity was poor in the Loddon River last month. The good news is that the water clarity is now starting to slowly improve.

With the improved water clarity we have seen an improvement in anglers’ catch rates. There have still been reasonable numbers of both golden perch and Murray cod being caught in

this system.

The most productive lures on the golden perch have been lipless crankbaits and hardbody lures. Dark colours such as black and purple have been working well and white coloured lures have also been good.

The most productive lures for the Murray cod have been spinnerbaits with dark coloured blades such as black and purple. Quality Murray cod measuring up to 80cm are still being caught on surface lures.

Luke Vandeligt with an impressive winter river blackfish, caught on a little hardbody lure. River blackfish, like eels, are generally targeted over the winter months using worms fished in the dark, so you can imagine the surprise when this river blackfish took the lure just before the trout season closed.

JULY 2017

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING SAMAKI EGI INKED

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The length of any egi rod must be right on the money. You want a perfectly balanced rod for casting those enticing jigs, and it must have power for distance casting, finesse for lure retrieval and sensitivity for the angler to feel the strike.

Samaki Egi Inked stretches 8’6” in length which is absolutely perfect for long lifts or wacky whips – the type of squid fishing you could encounter anywhere around the world.

Egi Inked also indulges the angler cosmetically with a custom painted VSS reel seat, gold trim detail, carbon cross weave wrap and a Samaki foiled logo. On the functionality side of things, it features low rider silicon guides, split butt design and hardened EVA grips.

Samaki Egi Inked has line weight of PE 0.5-1.2 with a cast weight of 2.0-3.5, allowing you to throw a variety of squid jigs in all conditions.

For more information, including the location of your nearest stockist, visit the Samaki website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. www.samaki.com.au

STORM RIP SEEKER JERK

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The big bait trend is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Anglers chasing XOS Murray cod and barramundi for the past few seasons have been living the ‘bigger is better’ lifestyle to the extreme. This year, international lure brand Storm will unveil two new big baits aimed at Murray cod and barramundi in Australia.

The new RIP Seeker Jerk has unique hybrid construction in more ways than one.

This 20cm (200mm) jointed jerk bait is a combination of hardbody and soft plastic. It’s a big profile bait that you can fish shallow or deep, and fast or slow to entice a big predator to bite. Its hard, hollow head section controls the vertical descent of the lure, allowing it to be fished more like a suspending hardbody.

Then the soft plastic outer ‘skin’ makes this bait more realistic than any other. Designed to be fished like a traditional bibbed jerkbait, this lure responds remarkably well to erratic twitches, darting from side to side and gliding on the pause.

Keep an eye out for the RIP Seeker Jerk from August 2017. www.stormfishing.com.au

DAIWA D’MAGNET

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You’ll never get caught short looking for nets, pliers or tools with the Daiwa D’Magnet 1.5kg and D’Magnet 3.5kg.

The D’Magnets feature a highly powerful magnetic release that is rated up to 1.5kg or 3.5kg, and an alloy carabiner. The magnet holds the item firmly in place and with a stern pull it comes apart. To put back in place simply place the magnets near each other and they automatically stick together.

The D’Magnet 1.5kg and D’agnet 3.5kg are ideal for items that are constantly needed or easily misplaced. They’re ideal for nets, pliers, line snips, keys and more. www.daiwafishing.com.au 86

JULY 2017

GEECRACK SUGURI 60

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Looking for the ideal small shad bait?

Check out the Geecrack Suguri 60, which is now available in Australia through Dogtooth Distribution.

Designed and manufactured in Japan by leading tackle company Geecrack, this little guy packs a massive punch and features all the quality and attention to detail we have come to expect from this prestigious brand.

For its relative size (60mm and 4.7g) the Suguri is a fine example of precision lure design. With an excellent centre of gravity, the Suguri 60 is able to hit some of the harder to reach casting areas where many other lures fear to tread. When slowly retrieved, it sdives quickly to a depth of approximately 2m, making it an excellent lure for chasing those Australian fresh and salt water predators.

With eight realistic colour combinations, and two deadly and durable treble hooks, there’s a Suguri to suit every angling situation.

Price: SRP $19.95 www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

ARDENT DIGITAL SCALES

PRODUCT GUIDE 1

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Whether you’re a tournament angler working out how to get the biggest bag possible, or just a weekend warrior wanting to brag to your mates, it’s worth having a set of Ardent Digital Scales in your kit.

These highly accurate scales will measure up to 25kg, and the Mode button will change the scale from pounds, to kilograms and to ounces. This button also controls the temperature modes, and the unit has an automatic shut-off to help save the battery.

This scale is compact so it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your tackle box.

Ardent Digital Scales are distributed by Tempt Industries, who are most famous for distributing Tempt Powder Paints for DIY anglers to colour their own jigheads.

Tempt also distribute products specifically for tournament anglers, such as the Smart Cull System and the Tempt Balance Beam. For more information on the range, visit the Tempt website.

Price: SRP $49 www.temptindustries.com.au

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BERKLEY POWERBAIT 6 GOTAM SHAD

Berkley has expanded its lifelike Powerbait stable of soft plastics with the introduction of new Powerbait Gotam Shad.

The Gotam Shad’s translucency, married with the inner Mylar foil, give it the appearance of a real live baitfish. The flash of the foil looks very lifelike, and is a trigger to draw predators in for a closer look. The lure’s firmness has been carefully studied to get the best vibration from the paddle tail, and a set of 3D eyes and micro sparkles complete this effective shad.

Available in 3” and 4” sizes and eight killer colours, the Gotam Shad is perfect for a large variety of situations. For more information, and to view the full range of colours, visit the Berkley website. There’s also a lot to see on the Berkley Facebook page – just search for Berkley Fishing Australia.

Price: SRP $8.95 www.berkley-fishing.com.au

6 visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

SCAN THE QR CODE!

PRODUCT GUIDE

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING INSANITY SPRING SPINS

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The team at Insanity Tackle has made another exciting lure development, with the release of the Spring Spins.

These weedless hooks have a gold or silver willow blade attached to the bottom which spins, reflecting light and throwing out extra vibration on the drop and on the retrieve.

Spring Spins are great for fishing those weedy margins or fishing the thickest of timber that you just know holds the biggest fish in the system. There is no such thing as too snaggy or too weedy when it comes to Spring Spins.

Target fish species include but are not limited to Australian bass, barramundi, golden perch and Murray cod. These are also are dynamite hooks for targeting estuary and reef species in the salt.

Spring Spins are available in 1/0, 3/0 and 5/0 hook sizes are sold in packs of three, and are exclusively sold via the Insanity Tackle website.

Price: SRP $11-$13 www.insanitytackle.bigcartel.com

MUSTAD KAIJU ALUMINIUM PLIERS 8

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The Mustad Kaiju Pliers are a 7.5” heavyduty plier built to work in the harshest and toughest environments found in fishing.

Featuring a heavy-duty split ring opener that is designed for use on large saltwater lures used for GTs, mackerel and wahoo, these pliers will also enable freshwater anglers to handle the larger split rings found on the recently released mega surface lures and swimbaits for barra and cod.

The pliers also feature interchangeable tungsten carbide cutters to ensure the cutters can always be relied upon. This is a great feature as it allows you to keep your pliers when these cutters become blunt, unlike other pliers that need to be replaced.

Striking in appearance, form fitting to your hand and coming with a corduroy sheath, lanyard and carabiner, the Mustad Kaiju Pliers are ultralight and ultra tough. www.wilsonfishing.com.au

JACKALL GIGANTAREL 11

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The Jackall Gigantarel is the biggest in the Gantarel line-up. In recent years, big Murray cod have been caught on lures 8” or more, so the making of a bigger Gantarel was inevitable. The Gigantarel truly is gigantic!

The natural movement created by the Gigantarel’s three joints triggers a monster cod’s predatory instincts. Its pectoral fins allow this lure to dive to around 1m with a smooth, S-shaped action. Just like his smaller brothers – the Gantarel (160mm) and Chibitarel (130mm) – this lure also can be jerked on slack line to turn this bait 180 degrees to mimic a wounded bait fish, and trigger a reaction bite.

This new floating swimbait is a huge 8” (200mm) long and weighs and 5.4oz (153g), making it one of Jackall’s biggest lures to date. Check it out in the video below (from 1:40 to 3:14).

Price: approx. $85 www.jackall.com.au

EUREKA ENFORCER

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Eureka Enforcer lures are built and rigged super tough for all saltwater sportfish!

Enforcer lures are made from a high strength polycarbonate body and feature a wire-through body construction for added strength and durability. These lures are a great choice for southern bluefin anglers down south, and also for anglers targeting all manner of pelagic species up north!

The Eureka Enforcers also feature heavyduty rings and come rigged with Mustad 10121NP-DT inline single hooks, which deliver more solid hook-ups than trebles do.

These lures can be trolled at speeds up to 10 knots and dive to depths of 25ft or more.

Enforcer lures measure 18cm long, weigh 90g and are available in six natural baitfish colours. They are deadly on tuna, mackerel, wahoo and other fast-moving pelagic predators. www.jurofishing.com

ROD ARMOUR

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Transporting fishing rods can be a challenging task. Modern high-quality graphite rods are susceptible to scratches, nicks and bumps which can cause the rod to break under load without warning.

Rod Armour tackles this issue with an affordable and effective solution: rod sleeves.

These sleeves give customers peace of mind, secure in the knowledge that their quality fishing rods are protected. With the high prices of quality fishing rods these days it makes sense to protect your investment when travelling in the car, boat, or even just in your storage racks at home. They’re also useful for tournament anglers, allowing them to colour code their different set-ups.

Rod Armour sleeves slip on and off easily, and they’re available in an assortment of colours and patterns. Rod Armour also has plans to expand the range even further.

For more information visit the Rod Armour website, or check them out on Instagram at @ rodarmour.

Price: RRP $14.95 www.rodarmour.net

ATC VALIANT CF

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At last, a super lightweight threadline that has all the features that ATC technology provides has landed in Australia.

The Valiant CF is a full carbon fibre reel that is ultra-light and has a host of features. Three models are in the range, each coming with its own neoprene travel bag. The 800, which weighs just 165g, holds 100m of PE 1 line. The 2000 weighs 183g and holds 200m of PE 1 line, and the 3000 comes in at 217g and swallows up 140m of PE 2 line.

The two smallest reels in the range have tournament grade carbon drags that can handle up to 4kg of drag pressure, while the 3000 has been ultra-tuned to handle 7kg of drag pressure.

The reels all feature 10+1 stainless steel ball bearings to ensure the ultimate in smoothness and performance, and each reel features a high grade aluminium and carbon reel handle. www.wilsonfishing.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au JULY 2017

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING ATOMIC HARDZ VIB 50

STORM RIP 13 ROACH

The updated Atomic Vib is smaller than its 60mm cousin, making it the perfect new lure for freshwater and estuary fishing.

The 50mm Vib is carefully balanced to move at all speeds for anglers who want the versatility to work in slow or fast waters. Inactive feeders such as yellowbelly and bass will go for it naturally. Even at slow speed, it has a vibrating action and a seductive, lifelike drop. It also works at high speed for fast flowing rivers, so it’s ideal for bream and flathead. At high speeds, this lure has the same vibration – it moves straight, displaying a tight wobble, and doesn’t dart and curve.

The 50mm Atomic Vib is available in 17 colours. Black beauty creates a silhouette on an overcast day, and has orange UV stripes. Gold wolf has a gold shine and splash of an orange belly. Muddy prawn is translucent with purple stripes and a muddy tinge that fish are naturally attracted to. www.atomiclures.com.au

NEW MEGASTRIKE FLAVOURS

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Megastrike is adding three new flavours to its popular line of scientificallydeveloped fish attractants: Squid, Shrimp and Crawfish. The Squid and Shrimp scents are infused with a UV glow that draws fish on an extra sensory level.

Unlike most catch scents, which are oil based, Megastrike creates fish attractants based on the daily diets of all types of fish. Over 25 years of research and development, Megastrike Inc. has performed many tests to understand what fish will search for and eat and what will quickly send them away. Fish have highly specialized chemo and olfactory senses, and Megastrike’s sophisticated formulas act as a bite trigger by mimicking the nutritional make-up of all the goodness that fish are feeding on anyway. And the potent pastes smell and taste like he real thing.

Megastrike Squid, Shrimp and Crawfish formulas are long lasting gels that don’t need to be reapplied to the lure every cast. www.frogleysoffshore.com.au

STUMPJUMPER MEGA

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StumpJumpers have been around since 1986, and this lure has proven its worth time and time again on Aussie natives. The latest addition to the StumpJumper series of lures is the new Mega StumpJumper – a plus sized version of its smaller brothers.

This specialty lure is a serious piece of kit for those chasing fish at specific depths.

With the quality of fish finding technology evolving and features like side scan and almost TV quality pictures in sounders, this lure allows anglers to hit specific depths with ease and slow troll in the strike zone for longer and for better results.

A patented removable bib system gives anglers every advantage, rather than relying on the fish to be over active and chase a lure at a depth that they aren’t.

For those serious about locking horns with big natives, make sure you add the StumpJumper Mega to your arsenal. www.jmgillies.com.au 88

JULY 2017

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Over the last few years, anglers chasing oversized Murray cod and barramundi have been increasingly favouring oversized lures. This year, international lure brand Storm is unveiling new big baits aimed at cod and barra in Australia.

One of these new offerings from Storm is the RIP Roach, which is a real behemoth.

This whopping 21cm (210mm), 127g soft plastic is designed to be used with Storm’s range of Multi Depth Screw System rigging harnesses. However, it can be fished with a standard jighead as well.

The RIP Roach’s broad, V-shaped tail exhibits a strong kicking action which tremors through the entire length of the body, to give the head section an enticing shimmy as the angler reels it back through the water.

Perfect for the growing Murray cod swimbait scene, this soft bait is available in a number of fantastic colour patterns.

Both of these baits will be available in August 2017. www.stormfishing.com.au

SAMAKI TORPEDO V2 SPINNERS

PRODUCT GUIDE

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The all-new Samaki V2 Spinner has some serious attitude. With sizes now ranging from 10g to 85g, these spinners hit the bullseye with each cast.

You can throw them into a school of baitfish and attract every predator swimming around in anticipation, or alternatively you can re-rig them with an assist hook and drop them into the depths to attract the more aggressive species.

The Samaki V2 Spinner has an elongated bullet design, which allows you to cast further. Other features include lifelike colour combinations, a 6X strong treble hook, natural eye, and an extra hard external coating. There’s also the added bonus of UV colours and glow properties.

For more information on the range, or to locate your nearest stockist, visit the Samaki website. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Price: from SRP $4.95 www.samaki.com.au

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STRIKE PRO CYBER 18 CRANK DD The Strike Pro Cyber Crank DD is a double deep version of the popular Cyber Crank Deep.

The DD version dives to approximately 8ft, and it suspends in saltwater, which allows the lure to stay in the strike zone for longer. While it suspends, you can impart small twitches and give long pauses to entice strikes.

The DD version is the same size as the original Cyber Crank (3.7cm), but it is heavier at 5.2g so it casts like a bullet. This lure is a great choice on windy days when you want to cover more ground – or in calm conditions when you want to cast some distance from your boat to those spooky fish.

The Cyber Crank DD is very effective on bream, bass, yellowbelly, trout and redfin.

This versatile lure comes in eight proven colours, and comes fitted with either Owner or Decoy trebles. www.jurofishing.com

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visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

Rapala Floating Aerator keeps your catch happy Keeping fish alive in your boat can be a costly and fiddly exercise, but it doesn’t have to be!

Whether you’re keeping bait alive, hoping to upgrade a fish destined for the dinner table or doing your best to weigh in a big bag of fish in a tournament, the guys at Rapala have you covered with this very handy and very affordable floating aerator.

With a reputation for quality that is renowned the world over, Rapala has been making just about every fishing product imaginable for almost a century, and with each year they add some impressive lines to their catalogue. The 2016 Australian Fishing Trade Association show on the sunny Gold Coast saw Rapala unveil this aerator among a host of other products, and it was no surprise when it was announced as the winner of the best Fishing/Boating Accessory category by the tackle retailers attending the

AFTA Show.

The clever folks at Rapala have put plenty of time and effort into the design of this device. It floats easily across the top of the water, and penetrates deep enough to distribute the air thoroughly and evenly, but not so deep that it becomes obstructive to the fish you’re trying to preserve. It’s compact as well, measuring approximately 10cm wide by 18cm long, and has stainless steel fittings for saltwater use.

Inside the watertight housing you’ll find a fairly simple mechanism and one switch.

You can set it to continuous flow or on a 15-minute interval setting where it will run for five minutes every 15 minutes. This is the mode I went for.

The on/off switch itself is triggered by immersion in water, which completes the circuit between two nodes on the outer casing. It’s clever technology, but also

Above: After Cyclone Debbie left Hinze Dam looking like a giant muddy puddle, this bass seemed happier in the livewell with the Rapala Floating Aerator bubbling away.

Top right: This aerator is tough, lightweight, compact and easy to operate – everything you want to help make your time on the water a rewarding experience.

kept alive a multitude of species.

Retailing at under $60, this little ripper is a fantastic investment for any angler looking to keep their fish healthy, whether that’s a live mullet for your jewie bait or a donkey bream or bass in an ABT tournament. We all know that keeping your catch happy either leads to a successful release or, if you intend to keep them for a feed, better quality flesh when it hits the table. If you’d like to get your hands on a Rapala Floating Aerator, visit www.rapala.com.au to find your local Rapala stockist. - Rupe

incredibly simple to use and hard to get wrong. I make enough complications for myself without my gear making it harder for me.

The unit’s sleek, modern design is only enhanced by its actual performance. It’s able to run for up to 36 hours on three ‘C’ sized batteries blowing 1.5L of air per minute, and it’s much quieter than I had expected. That’s not something you can say about some of its competition in the market.

As soon as these units became available, a few of us here at the Fishing Monthly office put orders in and eagerly awaited their arrival.

In the six weeks or so since the aerators arrived on our doorstep, we’ve put them through their paces on a mixture of fresh and saltwater situations, and have successfully

That’s the result you want – a healthy fish.

US brand Cinnetic gives plenty of bang for your buck Until recently, the brand Cinnetic wasn’t one that I was familiar with.

When the guys at Dogtooth Distribution approached me to try out some Cinnetic gear, I jumped at the chance to try something entirely new.

A nice surprise when chasing flathead. It was a solid test for the Cinnetic Crafty outfit.

I was given a Cinnetic Crafty Lagos Light game 2.10m rod and a Crafty CRB4 FD Hybrid 3500 reel – a combo that retails for a touch over $300. My plan was to target, bass, bream, flathead and other estuary species with it.

ON THE WATER After spooling the reel with 8lb braid, it was time to hit the water and get a feel for what the Cinnetic outfit had to offer. It is clever to match the Crafty Hybrid reel with

this rod. Weighing in at a meagre 197g, the lightness of the reel compensates for the rod being a little heavier in the hand than you would expect for a full graphite rod, and provided for a nicely balanced outfit. This is a must if you intend to cast lures for hours at a time. I knew it wasn’t going to be an issue with this Crafty combo.

CRAFTY LAGOS LIGHT GAME I find it amusing that people put so much emphasis on the ‘wiggle test’ when they pick up a fishing rod. How often have you heard the words “that feels good” being uttered after a quick wiggle of a fishing rod? Other than feeling the weight of the rod, it really doesn’t tell you anything. Get somebody to load the rod up for you, as it would if you had a fish on, and you’ll learn a lot more about what’s in your hand.

In the case of the Crafty Lagos Light Game rod, you have a medium to fast tapered rod that’s surprisingly powerful.

There is no variation in the taper resulting from its two-piece construction, and because of the taper it has the ability to cast quite light lures through to heavier ones that weigh almost an ounce.

CRAFTY CRB4 FD HYBRID REEL I’ve always been wary of reels that are super teched up without a matching price tag. Some claim to have all the right things, but don’t deliver.

On paper, the Crafty CRB4 has plenty to it: nine stainless steel bearings, ultralight carbon CRB4 alloy body, high-tensile HSG graphite rotor, 10kg multi-disc drag system, 6.1:1 retrieve ratio and much

TESTED

more. It is beautifully smooth and the drag adjustment offers you plenty. At full lock I couldn’t pull any line from it.

However, I knew the only true way to see whether it could go the distance was to fish with it.

SIX MONTHS ON After six months of using the Cinnetic Crafty outfit I am pleased to say that I am impressed. The surprise packet has been the Lagos rod. Although I wouldn’t generally use a rod with this taper, it has some serious sting in the bottom third of the rod, and dealt with everything I could throw at it. Although not all the fish have been big, a few memorable fish have hit the deck – plus a rather large stingray that tested the Lagos out to the nth degree. Its

also has a hook keeper, which automatically gets big tick from me.

The Crafty Hybrid reel has also done the job. It remains as it came out of the box – beautifully smooth to wind, with good castability. The stand-out on the reel is the drag; it is silky smooth and has impressed me when fighting the bigger fish. I don’t think mister stingray liked it much though.

TESTED

It was given the full drag treatment of ‘break the line or come here’, and it made it to the net.

Bear in mind that some care is required when hopping plastics for long periods, just to ensure that you minimize those loose loops of line to avoid wind knots.

But with a little angler care this isn’t an issue.

As a combination, this rod and reel are well suited, and I’m now keen to explore more of what’s on offer from Cinnetic.

To find stockists and learn more about the range you can go to w w w . dogtoothdistribution. c o m . a u .

– Peter Jung

The combination of the Cinnetic Crafty Lagos Light Game rod and the CRB4 FD Hybrid reel is a nicely balanced outfit.

JULY 2017

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TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2017

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

1 Jul

Rnd 4 Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series Torrumbarry

David Nelson 0418 378 944 roundy@cvlcss.com

5-6 Jul

Lake St Clair BASS Pro Qualifier #4 Lake St Clair

www.abt.org.au

8-9 Jul

Glenbawn BASS Pro Qualifier #5 Glenbawn Dam

www.abt.org.au

15-16 Jul

Richmond River BREAM Qualifier #6 Richmond River

www.abt.org.au

22-23 Jul

Round 9 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9 Gold Coast

hobiefishing.com.au

22-23 Jul

SIMRAD Victorian Tuna Classic Apollo Bay

Facebook: Simrad 2017 Tuna Classic

5-6 Aug

Round 3 Central Vic Pro Series Eildon

David Nelson 0418 378 944

13 Aug

Round 10 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9 Mooloolaba

hobiefishing.com.au

19-20 Aug

Gold Coast BREAM Qualifier #7 Gold Coast

www.abt.org.au

26-27 Aug

Round 11 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9 Swan River

hobiefishing.com.au

2-3 Sep

Clarence River BASS Pro Qualifier #6 Clarence River

www.abt.org.au

16 Sep

Rnd 5 Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series Eildon roundy@cvlcss.com

David Nelson 0418 378 944

16-17 Sep

Round 12 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9 Forster

hobiefishing.com.au

30Sep-1 Oct

St Georges Basin BREAM Qualifier #8 St Georges Basin

www.abt.org.au

7-8 Oct

Round 4 Central Vic Pro Series Lake Hume

David Nelson 0418 378 944

14-15 Oct

BASS Pro Grand Final Richmond River

www.abt.org.au

30 Oct

BARRA Tour Round #1 (Evening Event) Teemburra

www.abt.org.au

31 Oct

BARRA Tour Round #2 (Evening Event) Kinchant Dam

www.abt.org.au

3-4 Nov

BARRA Tour Round #3 (Evening Event) Peter Faust

www.abt.org.au

6-7 Nov

BARRA Tour Round #4 (Night Championship) Peter Faust

www.abt.org.au

16-19 Nov

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9 Championship Western Australia

hobiefishing.com.au

25 Nov

Rnd 6 Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series Lake Eppalock

David Nelson 0418 378 944 roundy@cvlcss.com

25 Nov

Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series Final TBA roundy@cvlcss.com

David Nelson 0418 378 944

1-3 Dec

Lake Macquarie BREAM Grand Final Lake Macquarie

www.abt.org.au

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours.

Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

90

JULY 2017

Marlo turns it on for Classic The weekend of 29-30 April saw a capacity field of 57 teams head to Marlo for the Maria Lures Sunline Bream Classic. The reports in the lead up to the tournament were patchy with low water levels reported two weeks prior to the event.

By the time pre-fish day rolled around, the conditions for the weekend were nothing short of perfect.

we marked large amounts of fish on pre-fish day, we fished tight to the edge using Atomic 65mm suspending jerkbaits, OSP Dunks and paddle-tail soft plastics. We had five fish in the well for over 4kg in the first 45 minutes before the bite in the shallows shut down. From here we were able to use the day to further explore the estuary and also venture out into the lake. With fish

6.07kg, and secured them the Maria Lures Best Bag for the weekend and had them sitting in first place going into day two.

Another standout capture on day one was the 1.82kg thumping bream that Team SAD’s Dean Gamble and Shane Barling landed. This secured them the JML Anglers Alliance Big Bream.

With the top six teams all weighing in over 5kg and

Team JML Anglers Alliance (Daniel Kent and Phil Partington), Second place Team Berkley (Brad and Mikes Hodges) and the winning Team Colac Tackle Samurai Rods (Dan Mackrell and Steve Parker).

With whispers of a few good fish kicking about on pre-fish day, the anticipation was high that Marlo would finally produce the quality of fishing that its renowned for.

For Team Colac Tackle Samurai Rods Steve Parker and Dan Mackrell it would be a very short trip to their first hotspot and with most boats pushing up into Lake Corringle, they had relatively no pressure fishing the first island some 300m from the start.

“Starting around the first island on day one where

caught in most locations and numerous upgrades it was obvious to us that the place was fishing well and it was going to take big bags on both days to be in the hunt,” Dan said.

‘Big bags’ was an understatement, as after weighing in 5/5 bream for 5.70kg, the boys were only sitting in second place.

The talk of day one was the huge bag weighed in

by Team JML Anglers Alliance Daniel Kent and Phil Partington which went a massive 5/5 bream for

with the top 20 teams all weighing in over 4k,g day two was set for a huge finish.

Marlo was turning on some of the best fishing the Vic Bream Classic Series has seen in many years.

On day two anglers awoke to weather that my almost too perfect for fishing with no wind and bright blue skies. With these conditions the bream could potentially become super spooky and much harder to catch. For Team Colac Tackle Samurai Rods it was back to the productive day one spot,

only a short distance from the start line. Having to make up some 300g on the lead team, they knew they had to secure a quality bag again on day two to take the victory.

Using a combination of Samurai and G-Loomis rods, Daiwa reels, Unitika braid and fluorocarbon tied to a variety of lures, including Atomic 65mm jerk minnows, OSP Dunks, ZMan Slim SwimZ and Atomic 2.5” paddle-tails, the boys set about getting that winning bag.

“Day two [we] started in the exact some place as day one. How could we not?

We landed three fish really quickly in the shallows, but then that bite shut down. A quick move out a bit deeper put the next two fish in the well and we would have had about 3.5kg, so it was time to look for upgrades.

“With the still conditions and sun rising fast we moved to a deeper rock wall where we caught two, 39cm fork length fish in quick succession, substantially increasing our bag weight.

Again, this edge bite died out pretty quickly. Using the sounder we were able to locate smaller schools of larger fish sitting underneath large baitfish schools. Using a heavy 1/8oz Atomic Seekerz jighead, it was important to get to the bottom and stay there to avoid being bitten off by tailor. Bream were happily picking up the plastic on long pauses resting on the bottom. With 30+ legal fish landed for the session we headed back to the scales and weighed our fish fish for 5.27kg,” Dan said.

With 10/10 for 10.97kg the wait was on for Team JML Anglers Alliance to weigh in.

When their bag hit the scales and only managed 4.22kg, it was official that Steve Parker

Daniel Kent and Phil Partington from Team JML Anglers Alliance with some of the bream that helped them take out the Maria Lures Best Bag for the weekend with 5/5 bream for 6.07kg. and Dan Mackrell from Team Colac Tackle Samurai Rods had taken out the 2017 Maria Lures Sunline Bream Classic in style with an almost 11kg total haul.

There was a lot of movement on the leader board on day two with some teams finding new fish and others dropping right away when their day one spots failed to produce.

Team Sniper Bro’s Ray and Chris Dorman took out the Hurricane Monster Movers prize when their day two 5/5 bream for 4.37kg shot them

25 places up the leader board to finish in 16th place.

The next stop for the 2017 Atomic Bream Classic Series is Million Dollar Metung for the Club Marine East Gippsland Bream Classic.

Being the last qualifying round before the Grand Final and the last round to earn points towards the 2017 Club Marine Team of the Year race, it’s sure to be a hotly contested event. If you’re interested in entering please visit www.vicbreamclassics. com.au for all the entry details. – Vic Bream Classics

Dean Gamble from Team SAD with the 1.82kg thumping bream that handed his team the JML Anglers Alliance Big Bream Prize.

2017

JULY 2017

91

Cannizzaro conquers the Manning

THE FUTURE IS HERE Self-contained Electric Outboards

STORM

Ross Cannizzaro can do no wrong it seems as the Sydney-based angler took out consecutive ABT Qualifiers across two different species in the space of three weeks.

Wind back the clock to the end of April and Cannizzaro sealed the deal on the upper Hawkesbury River at the BassCat BASS Pro Qualifier. Now just three weeks later and a few hundred kilometres north, he’s proven to be one of the sport’s greatest with a convincing win at the Mercury Manning River BREAM Qualifier.

The Mercury Manning River BREAM Qualifier was the first time the Costa BREAM Series had been to the central coast estuary in six years. In the lead up to the event, much speculation surrounded the state of the fishery, but Cannizzaro smashed those thoughts out of the water with a breakthrough 4.56kg bag on Saturday’s first session.

During his interview with ABT Tournament Director Simon Goldsmith, Cannizzaro said, “I knew the fish of that calibre lived in this river, but you don’t expect to get a bag of them in one day.”

Saturday set it up for Cannizzaro but it all started

His go-to technique for the day was to slow roll a crankbait in the form of a Berkley 3B Fat Dog deep along the walls, paralleling the rocks so that his lure was always in the strike zone.

“That bait was definitely key in getting me the bites I got during this tournament.

It dives quick and deflects brilliantly off cover and that’s quite often when I’d hook up, just as the bait hit a rock and deflected to the side.”

Once hooked, Cannizzaro was up to the challenge of extracting the powerful fish from the wall. “These fish are absolute athletes; they fight so hard in the clean running water of the seaway mouths.

I relied upon a slightly faster retrieve ratio spinning reel to get line back quickly.

Cranking with the current means you need to work hard to keep up with your lure, and the new Abu Garcia ALX spinning reel was definitely a game changer for me in that department.”

Bringing 4.56kg to the scale was always going to stand Cannizzaro in good stead of leading after Saturday’s first session. With almost 500g separating him from second place angler Ross Lamonte after day one, Cannizzaro put the pressure on himself to back

Ross’ victory was anchored by his 4.56kg bag on day one. up his performance from the previous day. “I think today I backed it up, no one really expected someone to pull 4kg out of this river and for two people to do it shows how strong this river actually is.”

There was never any doubt with Cannizzaro again bringing one of the biggest bags of the day to the scales and smashing the field by over 2kg. “I think weighing over 3.5kg

on Sunday showed that this was by far the dominating pattern over the weekend,” said Cannizzaro.

The outfit of choice was, as typical for Cannizzaro, a complement of Abu Garcia and Berkley products. He used the Abu Salty Fighter Origin combined with the new Abu Revo ALX spinning reel. Cannizzaro spooled the outfit with Berkley Exceed Braid and Sensei fluorocarbon leader.

R

BIG BREAM Mike Nelson secured the Big Bream prize at the Manning and the $500 payday with his 1.48kg day one kicker fish. Caught at Bohnock Bridge the prize winning fish fell to a spotted crab coloured Cranka Crab fished on 13 Fishing Envy rod.

WINNING TACKLE Rod – Abu Salty Fighter Reel – Abu Revo ALX Line – 4.4lb Berkley Exceed Braid Leader – 4lb Berkley Sensei Flurocarbon Lure – Deep Berkley 3B Fat Dog (red eye express colour), 3lb Berkley Gulp Minnow Grub (camo colour) rigged on 1/8th Berkley Dam Deep jighead (camo colour).

Mike Nelson’s 1.48kg bream was the standout fish, and the Big Bream at the event.

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

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during Friday’s all-important pre-fish day where he located better than average sized fish on the seaway walls at the mouth of the river.

“I actually bumped into Warren Carter on the pre-fish day and he was fishing the walls and I asked if I could jump in and have a look.

“He obliged and immediately I caught a solid fish, then I boated another two 800g fish within a few hundred metres and I knew then that this was the area I was going to focus on.”

Having identified his primary location, Cannizzaro looked to work it thoroughly to extract the big bream from the rock walls lining the mouth of the Manning River.

RESULTS – BOATERS Place

Angler

TF

TW (kg)

Payout

1

2

3 4 5

6

7 8 9 10

Ross CANNIZZARO

Russell BABEKUHL

Mark HEALEY Peter MACOR Ross LAMOTTE

Todd RICHES

Kristoffer HICKSON Craig SIMMONS Jamie MCKEOWN Neil CHEGWIDDEN

10/10

10/10

10/10 10/10 8/10

10/10

10/10 10/10 10/10 8/10

8.23

6.18

5.94 5.86 5.72

5.69

5.64 5.02 4.94 4.85

$3300 + Duffrods Big Bag (4.56kg) $1800 + 1st Mercury Bonus ($250) $1,300 $1,100 $850 + 2nd Mercury Bonus ($150) $850+ 3rd Mercury Bonus ($100) $650 $650 $500 $500

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

Babekuhl back in the racks Taree local and pre-tournament favourite Russell Babekuhl again proved why he’s one of the best at structure fishing as he rode an oyster rack pattern to runner-up position with a 10/10 tournament limit weighing 6.18kg.

For Babekuhl, it all revolved around one set of floating oyster leases he found on Thursday night on a late night Google Earth reconnaissance. “I found one set of floaters that I thought may get overlooked in such a big field of 51 boats. They’re tucked away in a little backwater that is 4 knots to get into and I thought not many would put the effort into actually going back there to check it

out,” said Babekuhl.

It was the right call, with the Taree breamer catching two solid fish along with three upgrades late in Saturday’s first session when he finally entered the area.

“Sunday I went straight back in and caught fish almost at will as the tide drained out of the leases. I would target the individual poles of each lease and try to get my lure tight to the structure on the down current side of the pole where the fish would be sitting in the eddy.”

Babekuhl employed his tried and trusted structure fishing bait to tempt the bream. His go-to bait was the Berkley Gulp Crabby, in camo colour. “I worked out quite quickly these fish

were pretty leader shy. The water was clear and we had fairly calm conditions at times, so I dropped back to 4lb Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon leader and that definitely made a difference to the bites I was getting.”

As any remnants of Saturday’s blustery conditions vanished halfway through Sunday’s session, Babekuhl swallowed his pride and went down the front of the system, to target fish in the deeper water around the mouth of the river.

Changing to a Berkley Gulp 3” Nemesis soft plastic, Babekuhl targeted the fish on the deeper rock walls and managed a few critical upgrades to end his tournament and complete a

climb up the leader board to the runner-up position.

Like tournament champion Cannizzaro, Babekuhl relied on the new Abu Garcia REVO ALX spinning reel on a number of different matching Abu Garcia Salty Stage light rods. Like Cannizzaro, these were also spooled with Berkley Exceed Braid and matching Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Leader. As always, Babekuhl rigged his plastics with the latest and greatest jigheads from Nitro.

For his efforts, Babekuhl walked away with the $1800 runner-up cheque and an automatic qualification into this year’s Costa BREAM Grand Final on Lake Macquarie in December.

Russell Babekuhl claimed a podium finish taking out second place.

DUFFRODS BIG BAG Event winner Ross Cannizzaro added value to his event winnings by claiming the Duffrods Big Bag for the tournament. Ross took the prize for the heaviest limit for the event with his 4.56kg limit caught on day one.

Current

3lb Berkley Gulp Minnow Grub camo, rigged on 1/8oz Berkley Dam Deep jighead

Berkley 3B Fat Dog Deep red eye express

Wilson comeback one of the best!

After weighing only one fish on Saturday’s first session, Simon Wilson conjured a comeback of epic proportions after bringing a 5/5, 3.2kg bag to Sunday’s final weigh-in to be crowned champion by almost a kilo to cap off one of the most comprehensive comebacks in ABT non-boater history.

Sunday’s stars aligned

for Wilson, starting his session towards the mouth of the river fishing heavy Cranka Crabs on the deeper rock walls and submerged reefs that scatter the system. After catching three solid fish for the morning. Wilson and his boating partner moved up slightly. While his boating partner was re-rigging some rods, Wilson took full

advantage and filled his bag with two quick fish to have him happily on a 5/5 limit on day two.

“After I got five I felt a lot better, but I knew I had one fish in the bag that was just barely big enough and I really wanted to upgrade it.

Late in the session I hooked a fish and actually thought it was a mulloway, but as it came up it was the right

RESULTS – NON-BOATERS Place

Angler

TF

TW (kg)

Payout

1

2

3

4 5

6 7 8 9 10

Simon WILSON

Glen STURROCK

Michael THOMPSON

Jeff BRUNSDON Jonathan THOMPSON

Jason MARTIN Mark KING James HICKSON Stuart WALKER Tanya KONSUL

6/10

5/10

5/10

5/10 4/10

3/10 4/10 4/10 4/10 4/10

3.7

2.73

2.55

2.49 2.46

2.39 2.37 2.3 2.19 2.18

Costa Sunglasses & Prize Pack, 1st Hobie Bonus ($100) Costa Sunglasses & Prize Pack, 1st Pro ($400) JML Alliance Rod & Prize Pack, 2nd Hobie Bonus ($50) Prize Pack Prize Pack, 3rd Hobie Bonus ($35) Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack Prize Pack

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

shape and turned out to be my kicker fish, a 34cm fork bream that really gave me the leg up in what was a brutally tough weekend of tournament fishing for most of the non-boaters.”

Wilson relied on one of the new JML Perfection Series of high-performance graphite rods and couldn’t sing anymore praise for his new favourite rods. “I’m just in love with these rods, the model I used mainly was the cranking and twitching model. I like the softer action for the treble hooks of the Cranka Crabs; it helps to avoid pulling hooks and the sensitivity is fantastic.”

Wilson secured his place in the Costa BREAM Grand Final on Lake Macquarie later in the year along with a host of prizes from ABT’s amazing list of premier sponsors.

Now all attention turns to Ballina and the Richmond River for the next round of the Costa BREAM Series in mid July.

For more information on the series, head to www. abt.org.au.

Grafton breamer Simon Wilson secured the nonboater title in the Mercury sponsored event.

Ross was a happy man with his Manning River win.

JULY 2017

93

How to win in the ABT BREAM Series SUNTAG

Stefan Sawynok

In this article I want to bring a little sports science discussion to the ABT BREAM Series. As part of that I am going to try to give some hard goals you need to aim for if you want to move higher on the leader board.

I was going to compile data from the ABT BREAM Series this month, but something happened that was so mind bending to me that I ended up discovering a new way to look at the ABT data that forces me to go back to scratch. I want to focus on the thing that forced me to scrap everything and start again; that revelation has important implications for anyone that wants to win

understand the world. Pareto is a beautiful contradiction when it comes to being a mathematician in that he first developed a mathematical explanation of a phenomenon, then set about trying to invalidate it through social sciences. There is truth to the adage of looking too long into the abyss.

Pareto was born in 1848 in Paris and died in 1923.

He graduated from the University of Turin in 1869 then became an engineer and director of the Italian railway. He was a student of economics, philosophy and social sciences. His most famous work revolved around income distribution and why it concentrates in the hands of the few, which he believed was not random, but something that was in fact quite predictable. He then set about working out how to change that predictable outcome through social engineering of a sort.

FIG. 1 SUNTAG DROPOUT No fish Count 1 4107 2 1554 3 953 4 554 5 455 6 351 7 285 8 266 9 185 10 200 big in the ABT events.

Steve Morgan zero bagged recently and it freaked me out – zero is a very important number.

Apologies to Steve, I’m not dissing his ability. Trying to understand the significance of this event, I ended up discovering a 19th century Italian Engineer – Vilfredo Pareto. This article is my attempt to explain how he broke my understanding of ABT stats and why you need to pay attention to him if you want to win at anything.

Pareto is famous for his economics work and is responsible for what is known as the 80-20 rule, which was based on the observation that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by just 20% of the population.

The 80-20 rule has been quoted many, many times without any understanding of it. I think this is because it’s a close approximate of things we observe in life and nobody really likes detail anyway. However, the devil is always in the detail and it’s in the detail that we unlock certain truths about fishing.

Who was Vilfredo Pareto? I know that nobody else finds mathematicians sexy, but I do because mathematics helps us 94

JULY 2017

Steve Morgan recording a bream using the Track My Fish app.

In life, there is a force multiplier in being good at gathering a resource that gives you a big advantage.

What most people fail to

RATE FOR 10 FISH Cumulative % of all Suntag fishers 4107 32% 5661 45% 6614 52% 7168 57% 7623 60% 7974 63% 8259 65% 8525 67% 8710 69% 8910 70%

Did he fish? Once again, historians fail us, as they seem to always skip over such important details in favour of boring lists of achievements and controversies.

WHY PARETO IS IMPORTANT TO FISHING Have you ever played

appreciate is how they can become good at gathering resources.

To use a fishing example, the first fish is always the hardest, closely followed by the second and third. Once you have caught ten fish, it’s easier to catch the eleventh. If

I will use Suntag data (Fig. 1) to illustrate the force magnification of being good at something, as it has a sample of 12,000 fishers over 30 years. The most anyone has tagged in Suntag is around 25,000 fish, give or take a few.

To put that in perspective, one person is 25,000 times better than the anglers that bring in one fish. That’s like bringing a tank to a knife fight.

How this works out in the case of Suntag is 32% of people make it to one fish, a further 12% make it to two fish and a further 7% make it to three. That means 52% of people make it as far as three fish and stop. Extrapolating out, 70% of people have given up by 10 fish and 80% by 20. What that says is it’s unbelievably hard to make it to 20 fish for most people.

That is a staggering fail

FIG.2 BARRA BOUNTY PARETO DISTRIBUTION Category All barra No. of fish to qualify for top 10% of fishers 29 No. of fish to qualify for top 20% of fishers 12 Percentage of fishers that make it beyond 3 fish 45% Percentage of all fish tagged by top 1% 14.5% Percentage of all fish tagged by top 10% 41.1% Percentage of all fish tagged by top 20% 73.6% Monopoly? Monopoly is a great example of how the Pareto distribution works because no matter what you do the wealth always ends up in one player’s hand. Now the thing that makes Monopoly fun (depending on how much you like the people you play with) is that it’s sufficiently randomised that if four people play the game non-stop for a week, everyone will win around the same number of times. In other words, the randomisation gets around just how unfair it all is.

Life is not as fair as Monopoly and we don’t get to play the game over.

you hang in there until you have caught a hundred, then it’s starting to get very easy.

Whether you make it to 100 depends largely on how much you enjoy catching fish and how much grit (staying power) you have.

Note that there is a big difference between enjoying fishing and enjoying catching fish. Only one of these two things will make you a better fisher.

Legal barra 7 4 19% 21.3% 59.4% 79.0%

rate if 9966 people out of 12681 give up at 20 fish.

What it means, though, is if you can stick it out to just 75 fish, which is not a large number (hell, even I have managed that) then you end up in the top 10% of all fishers in Suntag.

I am in the top 10% of Suntag fishers!

I mentioned above that tagging is involved and I’m sure there will be

some people going ‘Aha – that changes everything.’

It turns out the opposite is true. If tagging changed things then we would not see a Pareto distribution.

If you look, for example, at the number of papers published by researchers across the globe, you get a Pareto distribution. If you look at the number of runs scored by test cricketers, you get a Pareto distribution.

While the Pareto distribution has been used in a range of applications, in humans it is effectively a measure of productivity; that is, the top 1% of people are ridiculously more productive than everyone else. In our Suntag example, the top 1% of fishers have tagged a staggering 59% of all fish tagged. The top 10% have tagged 89% and if you expand to the top 20, you end up with 95% of all fish tagged.

What I will say about adding the tagging element in is that tagging (clearly) is not for everyone and that is okay. For Suntag, focusing on people who can pass 20 fish means they have 95% of all tagged fish covered. From a workforce point of view that means they can focus their support on those that pass the 20-tag mark, as they are more likely to be larger contributors. To put that another way, if you have tagged more than 20 fish, you’re something special.

LOOKING AT A COMPETITION The next question I asked was ‘do competitions have a Pareto distribution?’ and anyone who has been

FIG. 3 DISTRIBUTION BARRA BOUNTY VS. ABT BASS Categories % of fish by top 1% % of fish by top 10% Legal barra (Barra Bounty) 21.3% 59.4% Based on no. of fish 21.2% 61.8% Based on total weight 22.3% 63.6% ABT Bass 16.0% 55.5%

around sport will know that answer is yes. Before I jump into the ABT BREAM Series I will stay with tagging for a little longer to provide a frame of reference to compare when looking at the ABT BREAM data.

The Rocky Barra Bounty is held every year around October and is a tag and release event focusing, unsurprisingly, on barramundi. While there has been changes in the field over time, the last 10 years have been relatively stable and the river fishes well enough that people have a real chance to get fish.

When I generated the Pareto distribution for the event (Fig. 2), I got some surprising answers. Keep in mind we are talking a 10 year spread that is around 30 days of fishing.

It’s at the top end that things get even more interesting. The Barra Bounty uses a points system that rewards longer fish, so every legal fish is a bonus.

You would expect the top guys to make catching legal barra a priority and they do. The one big difference is in the 1%: the top 1% of the Barra Bounty are less dominant than in Suntag overall. File that one away for the moment.

Now we get to the thin end of the wedge. If the Pareto Distribution is not complete rubbish then the prediction is that the Barra Bounty and ABT stats should look similar. I had to compare apples with apples, as ABT only has legal fish (see Fig. 3).

Just to confirm, I compared the Pareto

% of fish by top 20% 79.0% 78.5% 80.1% 75.1%

Distribution based on total number of fish and total weight, just in case weight made a big difference.

The ABT BASS Circuit is a little different, but that is because of the two bass limit, which limits the efficiency of the top fishers. It is still a Pareto Distribution.

THE LINK BETWEEN PARETO AND PERFORMANCE I want to return to the core principle that the Pareto distribution is a measure of productivity.

Does that mean there is a link between productivity and success? To look at success I mapped the results of fishers based on their position in the Pareto Distribution (Fig. 4).

The top 1% of resource gatherers win more than 40% of the time. They have less top 10 placings, but that is simply the weight of numbers. There are less people in the 1% than the 10%. Just to hammer home the force multiplier of being a good resource gatherer, though, let’s compare four bands – the 1%, the next 9% (the rest of the top 10%), the next 10% and the bottom 80% (see Fig. 5).

Here is something very interesting: you double your chances of making the top 10 just by jumping between bands. I have a long reading list of scientists and psychologists who have looked at the attributes of exceptional people. Talent plays a part, but chances are if you are in the bottom 80%, you could in fact be the most talented person in the field,

FIG. 4 DISTRIBUTION ABT BREAM VS. ABT BASS Categories BREAM 1st place BREAM top 10 Percentage of fish by top 1% 42.2% 33.5% Percentage of fish by top 10% 78.9% 67.6% Percentage of fish by top 20% 91.3% 85.4% new element isn’t catching fish but competing to catch fish. Here is where Pareto exposes an important (if uncomfortable) truth about human nature. If you build a Pareto distribution for the number of tournaments fishers attend, you’ll find that 61% of fishers are done by three events and 80% are done by 10.

PERSISTENCE IS YOUR SUPERPOWER Let’s say you have never played soccer before, would you expect to star in your first game? Your second, or third? I have done enough new things in my life to admit to myself that I generally suck when I start out at something. I’ve also learned that if I persist then I improve.

Humans have a superpower in giving up. In my research, 1480 competitors ‘gave up’ or decided that the ABT was not for them by 10 events.

I looked at the success of resource gathers and the number of events they entered and these line up very well, which makes sense if you think about it.

If you only attend 11 events, your chances of success double by the 11th event. If you stay in for 15 events, your chances of success double again.

That is borne out by the outliers that sit somewhere in that boundary.

Steve Morgan getting

fisher. Almost everyone below that mark has won tournaments and those that haven’t have high numbers of top 10 finishes.

THE HARD NUMBERS What should you aim for if you want to get better? This was not as simple a question as I thought it might be. Weight, for example, is not a great measure. Fish differ in size depending on where you are fishing in the country.

Also, ranking based on resource ability is also not

a zero bag freaked me out. This is partly because he was catching fish, so I didn’t expect it, and because he was very cool about it. Steve was talking during a livestream and commented that he hadn’t done anything different.

When I asked later in the week, he indicated that he felt it was a function of the weather on the day.

I asked the most logical question, “How often does this happen?”

As it turns out, it happens at a ridiculously low frequency. In 207 fishing days, he has managed only 13 zero bags (6.3% of days fished). This statistic more than any other defines the elite anglers – even on the bad days they manage to find fish. If you can get your zero bags on less than 8% of your fishing days, keep doing it, because you’ll be a very successful

it better. This will get you ahead of the game faster.

Money and how the ability to learn affects performance are huge topics in sports science. The sports scientist in me, and I have spent a lot of time working with sports scientists over the past 10 years, says that to the top 9% money papers over the weaknesses.

Better equipment can boost performance, but if that comes at the cost of improving skills and resource usage then at best you will

BASS top ten 27.3% 73.7% 87.1%

I think is a more useful way of looking at the Pareto distribution.

• 80% of people only have a social interest in the activity, give up, or accept their level and don’t progress. In fishing terms, they have low impact and larger numbers.

• 19% of people push on and learn how to do things better. In fishing terms, this group has a big enough impact to create change or detect change in the fishery.

• 1% of people work out how the fishery works

have a natural inclination for fishing that goes beyond mere effort. They are ‘natural talents’ and while I’m confident that talent is mostly mental, not physical, there is some serious voodoo to these anglers. They are people that inspire awe in others, as well they should.

This is important if you want to know what is going on in a fishery, because the experience of the 1% is so different from the 80% that you may as well be fishing on another planet.

That is why I need to redo my analysis of the ABT results, to see what that difference looks like in the real world.

What does this mean for

FIG. 5 COMPARING PERFORMANCE BETWEEN BANDS ABT BREAM Band No. of fishers Wins: events entered How often band member makes top 10: doesn’t Top 1% Next 9% Next 10% Next 80%

ABT BASS Band

Top 1% Next 9% Next 10% Bottom 80%

28 164 174 1434

1:22 1:65 1:114 1:319

1:3 1:7 1:8 1:19

No. of fishers

Wins: events entered

How often band member makes top 10: doesn’t

14 93 98 793

quite useful, as you want to get places, right?

I noticed another element of the Pareto distribution that is somewhat paradoxical: there are Pareto distributions within each of the bands, so the top 1% is not uniform. There are super achievers amongst the top achievers and that is true for all bands. In other bands that just leads into the transition between bands.

FIG. 6 MINIMUM GOALS TO IMPROVE Goal No. top 10 placings Zero bags Top 20% 1 <=30% of the time Top 10% 2-12 <=25% of the time Top 1% 13-30 <=15% of the time Elite 30+ <=8% of the time but just not want to exploit that talent.

There is something even more important than talent exposed by Pareto and again, I will get to that.

THE DIFFERENCE Why is the ABT distribution different to Suntag? Hint: it’s not.

Coming back to the lower end of the ABT field, based on number of fish caught it looks like there is a difference at the low end.

That is, ABT fishers get past one and two fish much more often than Suntag.

This is misleading. There is something else with Suntag – tagging a fish.

The biggest barrier to success in Suntag is not if you catch fish, so much as the act of tagging a fish. It’s easy to understand why – not everyone wants to stick a needle in a fish.

The ABT stats are no different, but in this case the

BASS 1st place 41.9% 75.8% 90.3%

Five bags >=25% of the time >=30% of the time >=50% of the time >=60% of the time

There are minimum goals you should aim for in order to improve (see Fig. 6), depending on where you believe you are now. Every tiny bit of improvement above each goal improves your chances of success a lot.

HOW MUCH DOES MONEY MATTER? At some point, I will do an article on the finer details of the practical, on-water elements that separate fishers in each of these bands. I’m starting to put together a lot more data on that, but I can’t say anything definitive right now.

What I can say is if you are in the 80%, you won’t learn much from the 1%, because they are too far ahead in their ability. That is not to say you should ignore them or not try to replicate them, but instead focus on doing what the next level is doing and do

1:22 1:99 1:125 1:333

only ever make the ranks of ‘could have been a contender.’ Lures do matter, so having a wide array of lures helps, but it’s more important to learn how to use them and when to use them than to have a thousanddollar rod.

If you perform out of your skin with crap equipment then better equipment will make a difference. The same isn’t true if you rely on your

1:3 1:7 1:13 1:26

and win big. These anglers probably don’t impact the fishery (unless they are commercial fishers), because they are few in number. On the other hand they are the ones you actually want to talk to if you want to know what is really happening on the water.

• There is also a super elite subset of the 1% that, at this point, I really don’t understand. They seem to

you as a fisher? The Pareto distribution tells us is the world is unfair. Unless you are willing to stay in the game in the face of that unfairness, the chances of you achieving anything are near enough to zero as to make no difference. Pareto predicts you won’t turn up (physically or mentally), but rewards you if you do.

Suck it up, stay focused and stay on the water.

Avg. no. of fish/day 2.3 2.6 3.5 4 equipment for performance.

In my view, if you make it to the 9%, set yourself tighter and tighter time constraints during practice and practice for the different phases of the day. Practise how you approach the start, the key bite period and the last hour.

That will force your brain into problem solving mode, which is where you need to be to get to the top.

Tr y d i ff e r e n t environments, as there is no good being a one-trick master if you want to make it to the top. If you track yourself and find improvements in results in those periods, you are well on your way to putting yourself on the podium. If not, think about what you can do different.

A REVISED 80-20 RULE FOR FISHING The 80-20 rule is an oversimplification of what Pareto observed. Here is my revised 80-20 rule that

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95

EAST COAST

BAIT & TACKLE

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CENTRAL

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MARINE ACCESSORIES

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ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS

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EAST COAST

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HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

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CENTRAL

EAST GIPPSLAND

Chelsea Yamaha (03) 9772 1212 Kris Oakley Marine Services (03) 9794 5524

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JV Marine World Braeside (03) 9798 8883 JV Marine World Laverton (03) 9368 7100

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This section in V&TFM Fishing Monthly consolidates the trades and services in your area that are relevant to your fishing and boating. Whether you’re a local looking for more options or a travelling angler fishing around the state, this guide will direct you to reputable businesses in the area you’re searching.

96

JULY 2017

NSW SOUTH COAST

CHARTER BOATS

Reel Affair, Merimbula freecall 1800 233 247

EAST GIPPSLAND

Espirit Charters, Bermagui (02) 6493 4104 or 0407 260 110

East Gippsland Charters 0400 564 032

Freedom Charters, Eden (02) 6496 1209 or 0415 602 446

WEST COAST

Headland Fishing Adventures, Merimbula (02) 6495 1134 Island Charters, Narooma (02) 4476 1047 or 0408 428 857

Portland Fishing Charters, Portland (03) 5523 3020

K9 Fishing Charters, Merimbula (02) 6495 1681

CENTRAL

Merimbula Marina, Merimbula (02) 6495 1686 or 0427 951 080

South-West Fishing Charters, Portland 0418 306 714

Narooma Charters, Narooma 0407 909 111

Gone Fishing Charters 0409 007 068

O’Brien Charter Service, Bermagui 0407 214 124

Able Fishing & Charters, Williamstown (03) 9502 3777

HOT PRICE!

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ACE Fishing Charters, Bonbeach (03) 9773 4183 Adamas Fishing Charters, Barwon Heads (03) 5254 3320

NSW SOUTH COAST

Big Red Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 1800 805 587 Wilderness Fishing Tours, Mallacoota 0424 625 160

Blue Magic Fishing Charters, Rowville (03) 9759 5301

Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures (02) 6495 9902 or 0400 062 504

Calypso Fishing Charters, Tootgarook (03) 5985 8463 Geelong Charters & Fishing Trips, Geelong (03) 5275 7107

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FRESHWATER Angling Expeditions Victoria, Tawonga (03) 5754 1466 Highland Trout Lakes, Ballarat (03) 5368 9574 Millbrook Lakes Lodge, Ballarat (03) 5334 0404

TASMANIA & FLINDERS ISLAND

TRADES AND SERVICES ADVERTISING Line listing from $90 + gst 6 months* 2cm x 2 from $195 + gst 6 months* 5cm x 2 from $320 + gst 6 months* 8cm x 2 from $590 + gst 6 months* Rates exclusive to Trades and Services Directory *Conditions apply Call (07) 3387 0835 or email pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

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CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES

Flinders Island Adventures, Flinders Island (03) 6359 4507

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Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au JULY 2017

97

Industry Profile

Australian Lure Expo back again for 2017 Whack the dates in the diary, on your phone or up on the wall in the shed – you’ll want to make sure you’re at Queensland’s Ipswich Showgrounds on the 8-9 July for the 2017 Australian

Lure, Fly and Outdoors Expo (or as we all fondly call it – The Lure Show!).

What started six years ago as a celebration of Australian lures and luremaking has rapidly grown to

an event which satisfies all anglers whether they be fresh or salt water focused.

Unlike every boat show you’ve ever been to that leaves you wondering, “Where’s the tackle?” The Lure Show will completely satisfy your need to add to your tackle collection.

tackle store around. You are guaranteed to find things that you don’t yet know you can’t live without You won’t want to miss the lure demonstrations at the casting tank. Here you will find the lure makers themselves giving guidance on how their lures have been

DETAILS What: 2017 Lure Expo When: Saturday 8th and

Sunday 9th July 2017 Where: Ipswich Showgrounds, Ipswich Time: 9am – 4pm each day Web: www.lureshow.com.au Tickets: Adults $10, Kids Under 16 FREE (when accompanied by an adult).

Pre-purchase tickets online to avoid the lines.

It’s two days of non-stop fishing focused action. With Australia’s biggest collection of lure makers under one roof, the expertise on offer is unparalleled. Carving, painting and lure swimming demonstrations and general lure making advice is as thick on the ground as the tackle bargains.

Everyone is selling.

The Lure Show turns the Ipswich Showgrounds into the biggest, most diverse

8 -9 July th

th

designed to swim and how to get the most out of them.

The presenters hub is where you’ll be able to pick the brains of some of Queensland’s most knowledgeable anglers.

You’re likely following them on Facebook, watching their YouTube videos or checking out their tweets – now is your chance to meet them face to face and talk all things fishing.

Got some old wooden

Lure Fly & Outdoors

TICKETS

SWI

THE

IP

When’s the last time you paid $10 to get into a show?

Combine this with FREE parking and you get in and out of The Lure Show for less than half the price of any boat show on the east coast!

Tickets are available online now. Group discounts available for fishing clubs, get in touch at www. lureshow.com.au.

Don’t forget to ‘like’ The Lure Show on Facebook ( w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / AustralianLureExpo) and stay up-to-date with all the 2017 Show news.

2017

The Australian

BUY YOUR S TICKET E ONLIN

Australian lures lying in the garage that need a new home? Bring these to the show as you won’t find a hungrier pack of collectors any where in this wide brown land. These guys are also keen to help you sort your own collection out and are more than happy to help with identifying any lures you’re not quite sure about.

Love an artistic lure or new design? The Lure Show Award entries are always a crowd favourite and seem to get better and better every year.

EXPO

CH SHOWGROUNDS

-

IC W S P I

H

O P X E E R U L Y L N O D N ES A R U L E L L N E O BUY & S GAINS

2017

The Australian

s Lure Fly & Outdoor

EXPO

Elt] er 16 = [WFithRanEadu d n U s id K 0 1 $ = s Adult

AR TACKLE B XPERTS EE MEET TH SITE FREE ON PARKING AUSTRALIAN LURE EXPO

www.lureshow.com.au 98

JULY 2017

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat 101 Life after 2-strokes Inside story...

Stessco is an Australian owned and operated family business. With a love of fishing and boating, Stessco has built a wide-ranging network of dealerships, with the goal of providing customers with dependable, value-for-money aluminium boats. Stessco prides itself on the wide variety of options available which can be added to the already wide range of different vessels.

Made for...

Anglers who are after a reliable tinny that can be customised to suit their individual requirements and fishing style.

This month...

Editor Steve Morgan climbs into the Breezaway 480 with Yamaha’s F70 on the transom.

Gary Fooks looks at what boating and fishing will be like after the emissions standards commence in mid-2018.

104 Back to school

Kayak tragic Corey Gallahgar visits a small lagoon behind one of Australia’s most famous schools.

106 Kitting up in the yak Before you head out for that first yak fish, make sure you read this article by Justin Willmer!

108 Downsizing glass

Let Wayne Kampe tell you why he chose to sell his other two boats and buy a smaller fibreglass rig.

110 Whittley CW2510 Steve Morgan gives Whittley’s latest offshore fishing rig a run across Port Phillip Bay.

JULY 2017

99

WHAT’S NEW BOATING WHITE LIFE CELL

1

BLADE MASTER PFD

4

The Life Cell is designed to reduce the amount of lives lost at sea by keeping all safety equipment in one place when abandonment is the only option.

Now available in white, Life Cell is made from closed cell PU foam and constructed from UV-resistant, flame-retardant polyethylene (PE), and is supplied with a PE mount bracket. The Life Cell is designed to automatically float from the bracket in the event of being submerged.

Unlike grab bags, Life Cells float, acting as a secure hand hold to keep all crew together.

They also act as stable platforms to assist in the deployment of flares and other safety equipment.

The EPIRB is mounted externally on the side of the Life Cell, and the internal compartment will fit all mandatory safety equipment (not included). There are three models: the Trailer Boat (assists 2-4 people), the Yachtsman (4 people) and the Crewman (8 people).

Price: SRP $365-$646 www.lifecellmarine.com.au

Blade Master PFDs are designed for canoeing, kayaking and watersports activities where manoeuvrability and comfort are essential, and the women’s range has now been expanded to include a hi-vis fuchsia version.

These PFDs feature fully-adjustable side closure and adjustable padded webbing shoulder straps, plus retro tape for safety.

Features include two front pockets (one mesh, the other zippered nylon), both with pocket inserts; two ‘D’ ring attachments; and back hydro pack pocket. Blade Masters are constructed from layered foam, providing flexibility and body comfort. The compact design provides excellent freedom of arm and shoulder movement when seated, and they are approved to AS4758-50.

Available sizes are women’s 8-16. To view the full Blade Master range, which covers men’s and children’s sizes, visit the BLA website.

Price: SRP $95.30 www.bla.com.au

CASHBACK FOR HDS GEN3

AFFORDABLE FUSION 5 EL SPEAKERS

2

Lowrance has announced a cashback promotion across its HDS Gen 3 range of multi-function displays, with $100, $150 and $200 cashbacks on offer for 7”, 9” and 12” displays respectively. The offer is available for HDS Gen3 units purchased from 1 May to 7 August, and can be redeemed at www.lowrance.com.

HDS Gen3 combines a fast processor with enhanced built in fishfinder and chartplotter technologies. Superior target separation is achieved through CHIRP, StructureScan HD and StructureScan 3D sonar imaging.

A multi-touch display and full keypad operation offers fingertip access to all features, with easy to learn, icon-driven commands. The user-friendly features extend to scrolling menus, cursor assist, snap-to setting markers and preview panes with quick touch side bars, with operation similar to a smartphone or tablet.

HDS Gen3 displays network together, so multiple units may be employed. The system also offers full boat integration, with electric motor, outboard, and electronics control achievable through one networked HDS Gen3 system. www.lowrance.com/en-au

SIMRAD RS20 VHF RADIO

3

Simrad’s new RS20 VHF radio is Class D DSC Approved and NMEA 2000 compatible. It’s ideal for a wide variety of boats, and is designed to match the low-profile style of modern Simrad Glass Bridge displays and accessories.

The RS20 features a dot white matrix LCD screen with inverted night mode, four backlit mic buttons and an easier frontmount installation with snap-on edge bezels.

A replacement for the RS12 VHF Radio, the RS20 has a new Startup Wizard for easier radio set-up, improved scanning features, a favourites shortcut for customizing your favourite settings and a My Channels list, enabling users to only scan desired channels.

The layout of RS20 controls are designed for left-hand operation, allowing for right-hand control of the helm.

Other features include: intuitive rotary and keypad controls; four-button fist microphone, dedicated channel 16 keys, tri-channel watch function, multiple scan modes, easy bracket or flush-mount installation, IPX7 waterproof, and a 2-year warranty.

Price: SRP $379 www.simrad-yachting.com/en-au/ 100

JULY 2017

PRODUCT GUIDE 1

2

Fusion has expanded its award-winning line of marine audio entertainment systems with the release of the new Fusion EL Series speakers.

Designed to offer quality audio reproduction, combined with the aesthetic functionality of the full spectrum of red, green and blue LED lighting, the EL Series speakers allow boat owners to customise the look and feel of their vessel to fit any boating style. Suitable for both internal and external installations, the new speakers are available in a choice of Classic and Sports grille configurations, with LED lighting available on the Sports grilles. The lighting can be controlled with an RGB controller that is sold separately, for easy adjustment.

Offered in 150W 6” or 180W 6.5” sized speakers, the powerful EL Series houses a polypropylene cone and PEI flush-profile tweeter in a water-resistant chassis for maximum performance and durability. With a compact basket assembly, these speakers have a mounting depth of only 41mm for simple and versatile installation. www.fusionentertainment.com

GARMIN QUATIX 5

3 4

6

Paired with onboard Garmin marine electronics, the rugged Garmin quatix 5 can stream NMEA 2000 data such as speed, depth, temperature, wind information and more. Further, when paired with a GHC 20 autopilot control unit, it can be used to control the autopilot to change heading, engage heading hold, steer to an active GPS route and initiate patterns.

The quatix 5 also makes it easier than ever to mark and save a waypoint from anywhere on the boat, transmitting it to your chartplotter. You can also use it to control compatible onboard entertainment systems.

The quatix 5 gives boaters up-to-date tide data downloaded through a smartphone, and provides access to that data for seven days.

It also has an anchor alarm and an anchoring calculator. For tournament fishing, there’s a competition timer and fish catch log.

Other features include: sunlight-readable colour display with LED backlight; water resistant to 100m; and directional stainless steel EXO antenna and high-sensitivity GPS with GLONASS support.

Price: SRP $799-$949 www.garmin.com/en-AU

5

6

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

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Advertorial

What happens when 2-strokes are gone?

BRISBANE

Gary Fooks

When I’m looking for an outboard for a small tinnie or a tender, I think of convenience first and reliability is a close second.

But I don’t usually spend a lot of time thinking about it.

When small engine emissions standards commence mid-2018, the carby 2-stroke imports will

we have now will be about it.

I’ve listed hereby the 3hp options available now, including the eight options we soon loose – leaving just nine models.

The story is not so dramatic when it comes to larger engine sizes, as the market has already turned to cleaner engines, not just to be green, but the fuel savings, less smell and less smoke … you know the advertising blurb. They have a point!

When looking at clean 2-strokes; the Direct Injection 2-strokes are too top heavy with technology and just don’t make it down to the smallest size range. The smallest E-Tec, TLDI or Optimax we see is about 25hp. Even the direct injection leader, Evinrude, fills the small lend of their catalogue with 4-strokes.

The first complaint I hear about 4-strokes is “they are twice the weight!” But the

By mid 2018, the carby 2-stroke imports will cease and dealers will have a year to clear stocks. facts often spoil a good story.

Have a look at the table hereby. Not only do we have the dry weights written, but I have added a column with a realistic weight, adding a standard 1.4L of fuel to the transom.

The first thing I noticed is that the 4-stroke offerings from Tohatsu and Suzuki are in the same weight class as the 2-strokes they replace.

The Tohatsu, an older proven

product, and the Suzuki, a newer technology, make the choice tough.

To put the weight difference in context, the difference between the lightest 2-stroke and the heaviest 4-stroke is 6kg.

That’s less than the weight of two six packs of beer, and less than the weight I promised to lose before my next birthday.

The Torqeedo electric

are hard to beat, and that’s why I predict that they will become a common sight on the waterways.

Everyone is accustomed to charging a mobile phone, so charging an electric outboard is easy.

By comparison, think about buying a fuel can, taking it to BP, filling the 5L, spilling a little, the fumes filling the boot and car, taking it to the boat, filling the 1.4L fuel

When emissions standards commence in mid-2018, setups like this should become more common.

ENGINE COMPARISONS Make hp Model Mercury 2.5 M Mercury 2.5 M Parsun 2.5 T2.5BMS 2C Parsun 2.6 F2.6MBS 4C Suzuki 2.5 DF2.5S Tohatsu 2.5 MFS2.5AS Tohatsu 2.5 M2.5A2 S Yamaha 2.5 F2.5AMHS Torqeedo 3 Travel 1003 s Yamaha - premix 3 3AMHS Mercury 3.3 M Evinrude 3.5 E3R4 Mercury 3.5 M Tohatsu 3.5 MFS3.5A S Tohatsu 3.5 M3.5A2 S Tohatsu 3.5 M3.5B2 S Parsun 3.6 T3.6BMS 2C cease and dealers will have a year to clear stocks. With an 8hp pre-mix 2-stroke pushing out more measured emissions than a 150hp 4-stroke, it’s no wonder they won’t pass the new standards.

Some will scramble to buy the last carby 2-strokes on the shelf, but frankly I would be concerned about how hard parts will be to find, and I can forget about resale value. So, what options will there be?

The world’s biggest outboard markets, the USA, Canada and Europe have had small engine emissions standards for up to 20 years, so the engines for a regulated market have already been developed. In fact, they are already in Australian dealerships. Australia is only 4% of the world market, so don’t expect there to be a rush of new models – what

Technology 4c 2c 2c 4c 4c 4c 2c 4c E 2c 2c 4c 4c 4c 2c 2c 2c

Kg (dry) 19 13 16 18 14 13 12.5 17 13.4 16.5 13 18.4 19 19 12.5 13 16

Kg + 1.4L of fuel 20 14 17 19 15 14 13.5 18 13.4 17.5 14 19.4 20 20 13.5 14 17

As an angler himself, the author understands that convenience and reliability are the two major considerations before any outboard purchase.

Electric powered alternatives like Torqeedo are becoming more and more popular.

outboard, even with its heavy, built-in battery, is the lightest in its class and a clear winner when we do a fair comparison, and add just 1.4L of fuel to the petrol outboards.

The low weight will win some loyalty, but I suspect that electric outboards are going to become a common sight. Not that I think for a minute that we are all turning green, but we do love convenience.

I also predict we are going to see more. I was in my local mower store yesterday and saw that STIHL, the German chainsaw manufacturer, has just released a wide range of battery powered garden tools. Clearly electric power products are for serious users. The German Torqeedo is designed and built as an electric outboard. For most tender applications, they

tank, spilling a little more, the smell on your hands spoiling the bait and losing a bite. It’s a smelly, messy process, even without trying to work out how to mix in 2-stroke oil and calculating a 1:50 ratio.

Just like battery power is making huge inroads into the power tool and garden tool sectors, so too will purpose-built electric outboards. And I don’t mean a petrol outboard with its hefty leg, converted with an electric powerhead.

Small engine emissions standards won’t bring the end of the world as we know it. Nothing you own now will be banned, and there are plenty of quality 4-strokes and clever electric options to fill the space left when two strokes leave the scene.

JULY 2017

101

FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS FISHING SONG NAMES

LONG RAY TO THE TOP

OVER THE RAINBOW

ALBRIGHT EYES BACK IN BLACKFISH

RAYLA

CAST SAID THE BOY

SOLID ROCK COD STAIRWAY TO REDFIN

DART SHAPED BOX FISH YOU WELL GO YOUR PRAWN WAY

SHORE THE VOICE

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BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

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102

JULY 2017

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: King George Whiting

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103

Back to school in the yak MELBOURNE

Corey Gallagher

Many of us, myself included, who live in our larger coastal cities often travel far and wide to remote and exotic locations in search of that ultimate fishing spot, often ignoring what is right under our noses. The metropolitan cities of Melbourne and Geelong are littered with

is predominately made up of shallow weed flats with the deeper sections home to the Lagoon Boat Club and a large number of swing moored yachts. It’s in and amongst these yachts that most of the action happens.

There are a couple of different launch options for kayak anglers, but my preferred launch site is a small beach located near the jetty west of the boat club, which provides almost

considerably more fussy than their red cousins and take a more considered approach.

Silver trevally, flathead, mullet and salmon also regularly move into the lagoon.

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES There are a number of effective techniques anglers can use to successfully catch fish at the Grammar School Lagoon. As always when chasing fish in structure, casting and retrieving a combination of soft plastic and hardbodied lures is by far the most productive way to entice a bite. Soft plastics are

UV reactive. Generally speaking, in periods of low light such as dawn and dusk or when there is significant cloud cover, I prefer to use UV colours such as motor oil. During the middle of the day when the sun is high and conditions are bright, I switch over to more natural coloured grubs such as bloodworm and watermelon.

Jigheads are another important consideration, and as a general rule, I always go as light as possible to effectively allow the grub to sink to the bottom, but of course wind and tide movement will effect how the grub

Catch and release plays an important part in managing our fisheries. Dale Baxter returns a chunky bream that took a liking to his Cranka Crab.

Photo courtesy of Darren Weda.

Micro Vibes again fished in a similar way can also produce the goods.

When fishing the lagoon, I have often found

Another hook up, this time to a solid pinkie pulled from a boat hull on a Cranka Crab.

Photo courtesy of Darren Weda.

many excellent kayak fishing opportunities, all within a short distance from the centre of town. This month’s kayak hot spot is a perfect example, located less than 10km as the crow flies from downtown Geelong, providing safe, protected water with easy access. It’s a kayak angler’s dream location!

ACCESS Grammar School

instant access to the swing moorings. There is also a small concrete boat ramp located further to the west in Limeburners Bay. TARGET SPECIES One of the major draw cards to fishing a location such as Grammar School Lagoon is the variety of species on offer. Pinkie snapper are plentiful and available all year round, as they come into the lagoon

Perfect table fare! There’s plenty of opportunities to put together a nice feed when fishing the lagoon.

Photo courtesy of Darren Weda.

The author hooked up to hard fighting pinkie snapper taken on a ZMan Slim SwimZ cast in between to hulls targeting roaming fish.

Lagoon, so named due to it proximity to Geelong Grammar School, is a small bay located at the northern tip of Corio Bay’s inner harbour. The lagoon itself 104

JULY 2017

to feed on the plethora of baitfish that seek shelter under the boat hulls.

Similarly, bream are a common catch in the area, although they are

commonly used at the lagoon and to great effect.

Grub pattern plastics are a great place to start.

I prefer to use a range of colours, both natural and

sinks, so adjusting your jighead is often required.

A good starting point is 1/16 or 1/20oz. The water in the lagoon is shallow and usually you’re fishing in less than 2m.

The fish will be holding where the bait is, so I’ll cast your grub in tight against the boat hulls, then I’ll lay my braid on the surface of the water, allowing the grub to drop to the bottom as naturally as possible. When fishing boat hulls, often the bream or snapper will be holding high in the water column just below the boat hull, so the initial drop is often when the action takes place. Watch your line for any indication of a bite. Once on the bottom, hop your grub with a few subtle lifts of the rod tip followed by a long pause, this technique can be particularly effective when targeting bream.

Similarly, casting hardbody crab imitation lures worked in an almost identical way to the grub can be dynamite. Small vibes such as the Strike Pro

that the bream, trevally and snapper will move out from under the hulls and feed on the large amount of bait fish that school up in the area. During these times, you will be able to see the fish moving under your kayak, and casting small baitfish profile plastics and retrieving them slowly can bring these roaming

fish undone.

SAFETY The waters at Grammar School Lagoon are well protected and therefore the lagoon is a great place to fish when the weather prevents you from fishing other locations. I would recommend taking care when leaving your car, as unfortunately cars are regularly targeted by thieves in the areas, so making sure your car is parked in a visible position and leaving nothing of value in your care is well advised. As always, wear an Australian standards PFD and keep a bailer on board as required by Victorian law.

CONCLUSION Often when time is short, I find spots like Grammar School Lagoon the perfect location to spend a quick few hours on the water. With its close proximity to Victoria’s second largest city and the large variety of species available, it is a great spot to have up your sleeve on those occasions when time is of a premium.

A quick splash and dash mission can often result in a good feed of pinkies or flathead, or even just the exhilaration of pulling big blue-nosed bream out from under a heavily encrusted boat hull is more than enough to convince me to hit the Grammar School Lagoon in the yak!

Dale Baxter surveys the swing-moored yachts looking for a likely looking hull.

Photo courtesy of Darren Weda.

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Kitting up for cracker kayak fishing sessions BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

This issue I thought I would walk you through one of my kayak setups from tail to tip, outlining the kit that I carry on my kayak, what I use it for and any tips associated with that piece of equipment. Your kit may vary depending on your kayak and the fishing adventure that you’re undertaking, so I have opted to describe my larger

C-Tug trolley. Its features include a kickstand that keeps the trolley in position while you load up, materials that won’t corrode (even when used in salt water) and a simple strap system to secure the kayak on the trolley. The C-Tug also dismantles so that it can be stored in larger hatches.

B: ICEBOX An icebox allows you to take a feed out or bring a feed home, while keeping your catch in optimum condition for the table. The size of your rear well will dictate the size

reels can get wet. I’ve also seen too many end up in the drink after being lifted out of the rod holder accidently with a paddle.

Rod holder extenders are a simple addition and these pieces of pipe slot into your existing flush mount rod holders to position your

kayak I carry a double-sided tackle tray loaded with my favourite fishing tackle, along with a soft plastic wallet loaded with my go-to plastics. At times I carry additional tackle and leader items for longer sessions or new environments and these are stored in a dry bag that is

A trolley (A) makes it easy to transport your kayak to and from the water, especially when the kayak is rigged with gear. rods and reels further from the water.

I prefer adjustable rod holders, like those from Railblaza, as I can have additional mounts on the kayak and move the rod holders around as required to suit trolling, storage behind the seat or horizontal storage if I’m paddling under low bridges or overhanging vegetation.

I have invested in a Railblaza TracPort Dash that attaches to the kayak using two StarPort mounts and allows me to then attach four Railblaza Rod Holder II adjustable rod holders.

A camera mount (S) will allow you to capture much better images of you holding fish, with less chance of lost cameras or phones. pedal kayak kit, allowing you to trim back the gear to suit your requirements.

Winter is a time when being kitted out and prepared makes your adventures safer, more comfortable and more productive. For those that have the kayak off the water during the cooler months, it’s a great time to fit out your kayak and prepare your gear for when the weather warms.

A: KAYAK TROLLEY A trolley makes it easy to transport your kayak to and from the water, especially when the kayak is rigged with gear. Some kayaks, including Hobie and Native Watercraft, have specific trolley options designed to suit their hull shape, while for many kayaks a more generic trolley option is suitable.

Some kayak trolleys are designed to insert into scupper holes, while others have the kayak simply sit on top, strapped securely in place. Once I have launched I simply secure the trolley to the rear of the kayak with a couple of octopus straps.

One of the best options I have seen and used is the 106

JULY 2017

of the icebox you can carry, with 20-26L a popular choice.

Iceboxes generally feature better quality insulation than cheaper coolers, including insulation in the lid, and they are also often more robust.

I generally use a few ice bricks, stored in a large ziplock bag to keep them clean, while other anglers prefer ice or frozen bottles

kept behind my seat.

I have found that the dry bag allows quick and easy access, keeps the gear in top condition and floats if anything goes wrong.

E: CAMERA CASE I carry a waterproof camera in my pocket that is ideal for taking photos on the fly, especially if you come across some wildlife or a brief photo opportunity.

A digital SLR allows you to take some amazing photos though, so I opt to carry mine in a waterproof camera case behind the seat and I will take it out to capture sunrises and sunsets, scenery,

The author’s whole kayak fishing kit.

The author stores scents (J) in the centre console’s drink holder, applying scent every 20-30 casts.

of water that they can then drink as they thaw. I set up my icebox with the lid opening facing my back so I can reach around and access it. I also leave it unlatched so I can swing a fish around on the lip grips, lift the lid and unclip the fish into the box. Being insulated in the lid, the icebox lid has more weight and will close itself, resisting any escape attempts of a lively fish.

C: ROD HOLDERS Most kayaks come fitted with a few flush mount rod holders and these are ideal for storing landing nets, lip grips and other tools. I prefer not to store my rods in these holders as they are too close to the water, where the

Iceboxes (B) generally feature better quality insulation than cheaper coolers, including insulation in the lid, and they are also often more robust. Rod holders (C) are ideal for storing landing nets, lip grips and other tools.

This means I can securely lock in four rod and reel combos behind my seat for easy access and switch out a rod holder for a Railblaza Extenda Pole and light for night fishing, or remove the whole unit when transporting the kayak.

D: DRY BAG – FISHING TACKLE In the cockpit of the

wildlife, other kayak anglers and fish photos when there is an opportunity available to get quality images. It’s important to regularly check the seal on the camera case to ensure it’s free from dirt and objects that may cause a leakage point. I leash my camera case to the kayak using a T-Reign retractable gear tether.

F: COOPER ANCHOR I use a Cooper poly anchor. It’s lightweight, extremely effective and inexpensive. I attach it via a thin rope to the front

tuck it beside my seat or store it in a rear flush mount rod holder without it acting as a sail. You will quickly learn to leave enough line outside the rod tip to guide the fish

and flathead. I store these in the centre console’s drink holder, applying scent every 20-30 casts.

K: BOOMERANG TOOL It’s a good idea to keep

Lip grips (H) are ideal for safely and securely handling many species of fish. If your kayak doesn’t come fitted with a kayak paddle holder (L), there are solid clip and bungy models available that can be retrofitted at a later date.

Don’t forget to take a ruler (I). There are foldable compact options that you may like for storing on your kayak. connection point on the anchor, with the rope running back along the anchor shaft and zip-tied to the attachment point at the end of the anchor shaft and from there to the floating, timber winding spool. This setup allows the zip tie to be broken and the anchor retrieved in reverse, should it snag on the bottom.

If you loop the zip tie through twice before zipping it up, it should remain in the attachment point for disposal in the bin. On my anchor rope I have two stainless steel rings tied into the rope, one at a common rope length for shallow water anchoring and one at a common rope length for deep water anchoring. This allows me to quickly and easily let out enough rope and then attach the stainless steel ring to the tag line on the anchor running rig.

G: LANDING NET A short handled landing net with a large enough opening to handle your target species makes landing fish simpler, safer and less stressful, although you’ll still lose a few yakside. I prefer a short handled net, as I can

into the net.

H: LIP GRIPS Lip grips are ideal for safely and securely handling many species of fish. I generally net my fish then attach the Boga Grips for handling and releasing fish.

The grips also make it easy to transfer fish from the cockpit area to the icebox if you’re keeping a couple for a feed. As with all accessories, leash it or lose it.

I: RULER I keep my ruler in the cockpit area, attached to a T-Reign retractable gear tether and tucked under my seat, out of the way. It’s hard to go past an Alvey ruler or their longer folding ruler for a ruler that is compact, durable and easy to use in the kayak.

J: SCENT I’m a believer when it comes to adding scent to my lures and it has proven itself time and again, whether switching on a bite or turning tentative taps into more aggressive strikes. I generally carry a couple of flavours. Mullet and pilchard flavour are my favourites on the bream

allowing you to stow your paddle out of the way when fishing. Remember to leash your paddle onto the kayak.

M: ANCHOR RUNNING RIG I have written about

The author prefers a short handled net (G) that he can tuck beside his seat or store in a rear flush mount rod holder without it acting as a sail. some line snips handy for rigging and I will either attach my Boomerang Tool Snips to my shirt or to the mesh pocket on my kayak, using their retractable leash when rigging. I always know where they are and it’s not on the bottom of the ocean!

L) PADDLE / PADDLE HOLDER If your kayak doesn’t come fitted with a kayak paddle holder, there are solid clip and bungy models available that can be retrofitted at a later date,

anchor running rigs (anchor trolleys) before and there are plenty of videos and articles on how to set one up, so I won’t go into great detail. If

and safely. I transfer my running rig between kayaks.

On the longer kayak I use Fasty Straps from the pulleys to mounting points on the kayak to pull the anchor running rig tight, so it operates effectively.

N: TACKLE TRAY A double-sided tackle tray slid under my seat holds all of the lures and terminal tackle that I use regularly. If you don’t have access under your seat, this can be stored under your legs, in a side pocket that can be fitted if not included on your kayak, or even behind your seat.

O: SOFT PLASTICS WALLET I also keep a range of soft plastics handy in a wallet under my seat. Again, this can be stored under your legs or in a side pocket if you don’t have under-seat access.

A leash can be added to assist in retrieval from your rear well.

P: WATER BOTTLE Drink plenty of water. I

R: SOUNDER / GPS Although not essential, a sounder and GPS has many applications for anglers, including locating and marking fish and fish holding structure. I run Railblaza mounts for my sounder and transducer, as it makes it quick and easy to remove the unit when transporting the kayak, store the unit or switch it from one kayak to another. A small 7 or 18amp battery stored behind the seat provides me with plenty of power for a session on the water.

S: CAMERA MOUNT A camera mount attached within reach and a waterproof camera will allow you to capture much better images of you holding fish, with less chance of lost cameras or phones while attempting to hold them upside down at arm’s length taking selfies.

T: DRY BAG – CLOTHES / FIRST AID A dry bag containing additional clothing and your safety kit can be inserted in

A sounder and GPS (R) has many applications for anglers, including locating and marking fish and fish holding structure.

A double-sided tackle tray (N) slid under the seat can hold all the lures and terminal tackle that you use regularly. You can also keep a range of soft plastics handy in a wallet (O) under the seat.

you are going to anchor, an anchor running rig is a loop of rope attached to a pulley toward the front and a pulley toward the rear of the kayak, with a tag of rope coming off the loop where you attach your anchor line.

It allows you to move the anchor from the front to the rear of the kayak and retrieve your anchor easily

like to keep a smaller water bottle under my seat or under my legs out of the sun, and refill it from a larger bottle stowed in my icebox.

Q: SUNSCREEN Take a tube of sunscreen with you and re-apply when you change locations or stop for lunch. I keep it handy in a side pocket, so it’s visible and not forgotten.

your front hatch or attached with bungy cord to the front of your kayak.

This is a quick overview of my kayak kit and how I have everything laid out for a fishing adventure. I hope it helps you set up your first kayak, gives you a few ideas for your current setup or just fires you up to get out on the water and onto a few fish.

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A smaller, more versatile fibreglass fishing rig BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

In the last few articles I have emphasized the need for potential boat owners to have a very close look at their fishing needs prior to making a decision on a new boat. As part of the last article, I discussed the pros and cons of owning both alloy and glass craft and, in fact, I was actually drawing upon my own fishing life.

Unable to decide exactly which boat would suit us

as the money tree remained in fresh foliage. And even though I tried to overlap their usage, it was as fanciful as it was impractical.

The smooth riding glass Galey with its 90hp E-Tec was a bullish boat for impoundments – less is more in small waters – yet the centre console setup was a top treat when travelling for hours on the bay or moving out through the seaway for a sunny morning’s billfish trolling. On the other hand, the tiller steer alloy TABS Bullshark punt with it’s 40hp E-Tec was top dollar for

One boat for both scenarios would see fishing needs best satisfied with a craft somewhat around the size of the punt – fibreglass if possible – with enough freeboard and sea keeping ability for work in the bay and even the largest impoundment, and with enough fishing room for my wife Denise and I to enjoy things without being in each other’s way. This latter requirement can also be translated as ‘not hitting each other with big barra flies!’

Those criteria needed to be enhanced by ease of

The new craft’s 80L fuel tank is firmly within its capsule to ensure it cannot rub or chafe throughout the boat’s life. best, we had two – glass and alloy!

A typical week might mean a Monday morning bay run for some pelagic or sub surface action in the 5.5m Galeforce centre console followed by a fast Friday foray to a favoured bass or barra dam for some fun with the fly rod, where the 4.3m TABS tiller steer would be in a starring role.

Owning two boats, naturally, is not very practical.

It was fun at the time, so long

dams and creeks, but hardly the best boat for a run to Tangalooma’s beacons at daylight.

Still, the impracticality of owning two boats saw me frequently speculating how good it would be to have just one boat for our fishing.

These thought processes always accelerated when it was time to pay dual boat/ trailer registrations and insurance policies.

ONE BOAT FOR BAY AND IMPOUNDMENT

launching and a size small enough to see us sneaking into subtle sections of dams or corners of creeks for our beloved barra. All boats involve compromises, but there was no disputing that ride quality and sea keeping were high on the list, along with some storage room and a practical layout.

THE 4.5 GALEFORCE A conversation with Kev Youngberry of Galeforce Boats, Maryborough, on an entirely different matter,

PROVEN WORLD LEADING

The author’s former 5.5 Galeforce centre console. Watch this space for a photo of the newby in another issue. rekindled my interest in a smaller glass rig. Kev and I spoke of perhaps adding a 4.5m Galey to his line up.

For the record, I have owned three Galeforce craft – a 4.8m and two 5.5s – and with over two decades of boating reviews for this and various other magazines in my wake, I figured I knew a good thing when I was aboard it.

I regarded the Galeforce ride as top shelf. The handling was spot on and stability at rest from the deep vee hull was never an issue, as large reversed outer chines and a central planing plank imparted excellent degrees of stability at all times to the 21° vee hull.

The plank also enhanced low speed travel as well.

A usually dry ride, courtesy of plenty of above water flare in the bow area and 800mm high sides, was par for the course in all three of my centre console rigs.

A 4.5M CENTRE CONSOLE Can the 4.5 be a centre console? Why not? From the dimensions Kev gave me, I considered the 4.5 Galeforce to be small enough for dam work, yet big enough for the bay. And, best of all, it wasn’t going to ring-bark the money

tree to get it home.

Our boats left for new homes in due course and during the construction time some solid liaison between Galeforce and myself sorted out all those things that can make a good boat even better.

I couldn’t have chosen a more agreeable or accommodating boat building team. Kev and Meth were right on the ball during our initial discussions, which covered a lot of ground, mainly sorting out what I wanted to use the boat for and how we could best accommodate those plans.

SUCCESS IS IN THE DETAILS A white hull with blue bottom was mandatory, as I firmly believe that matching the sky’s colour under the hull had allowed us to sneak very close to feeding pelagics in the past. At times I actually had macks hit the hull of the 5.5 Galey with its sky blue bottom. You just don’t get closer to feeding fish than that!

Moving on to more of our requirements, a moulded bracket and associated wiring for the Mercury Xi5 electric motor would cater for our stealthy dam work, a double console (with screen

and rails) provided handy storage plus some slipstream protection underway.

Add an 80L under-floor fuel tank, thanks! I wanted it set up for hydraulic steering with paired floor seat spigots and a 20” transom to accommodate a 75hp Evinrude E-Tec. A Keel Shield on the bow will protect the bow’s gel coat on boat ramps and gravel dam verges.

When I later turned up with a stainless steel leaning post for the forward casting platform, Kev immediately discussed where he could source spigots to take the two upright lower sections. No argy bargy – let’s do it!

ONLY A COUPLE OF COMPROMISES One item for major consideration was whether we would have a self draining floor or opt for a big sump at the transom and a 600 GPH bilge pump to take care of any rain water. We decided on the sump/pump combo as the way to go. Raising the interior floor level so that a self-draining system would be viable did not appeal to me. I opted for an interior freeboard of 500mm instead.

One item removed from the list was the seat

ANCHOR DESIGNS

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JULY 2017

Massive box sections under the Galey’s floor ensure hill rigidity at all times.

(containing a storage compartment) in front of the centre console. It would be nice to have it, but for a two person fishing team, it would be superfluous. Its removal would allow the console to be moved forward to better balance the craft.

THE CERTAINTIES The front deck escaped compromises. It sported an anchor well up front and two opposing storage compartments with watertight hatches. Further back at the rear of the deck was a full width foam-lined ice box

large enough for mackerel and tuna with a floor tilted skilfully to the drainage bung to facilitate cleaning out after the catch was removed. A little thing like that can sure make a good boat better!

The screen and shelf equipped centre console would house the Lowrance Carbon 12 sounder. Forward controls for the 75 E-Tec were side-mounted on the console. All Denise and I needed to enjoy travel time would be a couple of swivelling pedestal seats. And some windcheaters too!

As I saw it, we would have a near-perfect rig for our main fishing requirements: launching at a bayside ramp at sparrow chirp and mooching around Moreton Bay to look for some surface action would be as easy as snugging the Dunbier trailer to the tow bar and towing the rig to a barra or bass dam for a few days of freshwater action.

There is a lot to like about this boat and further down the track, we’ll have a closer look at just what makes our smaller fibreglass fishing rig fun to own and fish from.

Settling onto the Dunbier multi roller trailer. The sky blue toning is just the ticket for a stealth approach to pelagic fish.

FISHING NEWS

Chloe ‘She Fishes’ Laurence switches to Mercury Chloe Laurence is having a great time – breaking down stereotypes while doing what she loves.

A talented fisher with numerous tournament wins to her name, Chloe is helping to eliminate the myth that fishing’s just ‘a bloke’s sport’ while encouraging everyone to try throwing in a line.

“It started out fishing occasionally on the weekend but I got bitten by the bug and now it’s developed into a full-time passion,” said Chloe, who also works as a fishing journalist and photographer, and has her own website “She Fishes”.

With a focus on inshore sports fishing as well as game fishing for marlin and tuna, Chloe spends as much time as she can out on the water – propelled by a brand new Mercury 150 FourStroke.

“My husband Tom and I have had two stroke engines on our Seydelcraft 520R for the last five years and have done nearly 3,000 hours

in that time, but decided to upgrade after fishing with friends with four strokes.

“The boat is very sensitive to weight, so the Mercury 150 was an obvious choice being the lightest engine in its class.

“I admit I was a little concerned about losing that two stroke ‘grunt’ that really helps with some of the river bar crossings that we have here on the East Coast.

“But our initial test runs put those concerns to rest instantly. The power, that instant acceleration of the 150 Mercury FourStroke is just incredible.”

Chloe, like so many others, has also been amazed at how quite the engine is.

“It’s often hard to tell whether or not it’s actually running when it’s in idle, and you can comfortably have a conversation even when running at high revs.

“I also really like the troll control option and being able to increase our RPM in small increments below 1,000 rpm with the push of a button.

“It’s a great feature when live-baiting for marlin and just makes life that bit easier out on the water.” – Mercury

The perfect boats

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Whether you’re a tournament pro or a weekend warrior, Nitro boats will ignite your passion and pack more fun into your day. Just getting there is half the fun!

For more than 20 years, Nitro have continually refined and delivered serious fishing boats for serious anglers.

Nitro boats are foam-filled to exceed US Coast Guard survey requirements.

This gives you the safety of level floatation, security and comfort – and additional fishing stealth – all backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The world’s #1 aluminium fishing boats!

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

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

Contact dealer to arrange a test drive today Hopefully it will be rough, as you’ll be stunned by the performance of these boats when the weather gets challenging!

VICTORIA’S AUTHORISED DEALER

3 SATU WAY, MORNINGTON VIC PH: 03 5976 4622

www.wesfrostmarine.com.au JULY 2017

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Whittley CW2150 with Yamaha F150hp 4 stroke - SC

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Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

It’s not every day you get to test a boat that can be made into a configuration that allows the installation of a bow mounted machine gun. Granted, it’d be great for when you get to the secret snapper spot and your so-called ‘mate’ that you took fishing last week is anchored up, hooked up and pretends to not speak English.

I did check with Alan Whittley, however, and that version went overseas. You can’t get it locally.

What you can get is an outboard powered version of this popular sized hull that’s eminently suitable for both inshore and offshore fishing.

Built in Australia and refined from decades of feedback from Australian boaties, the CW2150 is a popular model in the range, boasting the walk-through configuration to give access to the bow of the boat without having to crawl around the gunwales.

Powered by Yamaha’s stalwart F150 four-stroke outboard, which is at the lower end of the range suitable for this hull, fuel economy mirrors the fact that it’s working hard to push the hull. Not that modern fourstrokes don’t like the load – in fact there are thousands of Yammys on the water that cherish the workload.

Regardless, expect around 1.5km/L of unleaded burned for this rig.

From the cockpit, you’ll see that this is a beamy boat with high gunwales. You feel safe in this boat out on the SPECIFICATIONS Length................ 6.5m Beam................ 2.48m Boat weight....1020kg Max hp..................230 Fuel.....................205L ocean. It’s only 2cm narrower than the maximum legal width (without having to tow with an oversize sign) and it has gunwales as high as anything I’ve tested in recent times.

The rear lounge seats are

PERFORMANCE RPM Speed (km/h) Economy (km/L) 600..................................4............................... 2 1000................................7.............................2.3 2000.............................. 13.............................1.8 3000..............................22.............................1.1 4000..............................44.............................1.5 5000..............................57.............................1.5 5500..............................65.............................1.0 *5.4 seconds to plane with Solas 17” propeller 110

JULY 2017

Main: At 6.5m long and just under 2.5m wide, the Whittley CW2150 is a big, deep, beamy boat that’s just as comfortable offshore as it is inshore.

Above: On the plane in 5.6 seconds, the Yamaha F150 fourstroke pushed the test boat to 65km/h at 5500rpm. fully removable, allowing you to change from ‘family mode’ to ‘fishing mode.’ In fact, this version of the hull does both pretty well. The front cabin is well designed and spacious and honours the Whittley heritage of making comfortable cruising boats.

Looking back from the helm, its fishing chops become evident. The bait station is large and simple. There are three ways to store rods: vertically and horizontally in the side pockets and up in the rocket launchers.

Bait tanks in the transom corners solve your live bait storage problems and a big kill tank under the floor deals with the issue of icing down your catch.

You know what else I like in a boat? Somewhere to put your keys, wallet and mobile phone without fearing that they’ll be lost or drowned.

You could fit 50 of each in the open glove compartment storage on the passenger side of the helm, along with a couple of coldies in the drink holders.

Driving from the helm is comfortable and there’s space to flush mount all necessary electronics. For me, that’s a must in a 21st century boat.

For more information on the CW2150, visit a Whittley dealer or www. whittleymarinegroup.com. au online. You can also Like Whittley on Facebook and make sure you scan the QR code on this page to watch the full video test on this boat.

The 2150 is high sided. Peter Jung and Alan Whittley are both tall guys, even if unable to catch snapper on demand.

Top: Economical cruising speed is between 4000 and 5000rpm. The best fuel economy delivered is around 1.5km/L of fuel burned.

Below: This is one good looking boat.

You won’t be feeling any of that boat ramp jealousy with this beaut.

Top: All Whittleys are delivered with a five year hull warranty for peace of mind.

Below: The passenger helm station has a massive dry space for your personal electronics and drinks.

Radio and stereo are also mounted this side.

The split windscreen and lift-up cabin hatch allow the walkthrough access to the anchor.

The entire rear lounge is removable, allowing you to swap between a family-friendly layout and a fishing-friendly layout.

Top: Spacious side pockets are made even bigger by the high gunwales.

This one has both vertical and horizontal rod storage and a deck wash.

Left: Rarely do we test a boat of this size without an anchor winch.

Right: The canopy, clears and rocket launchers all work together nicely to free up space and provide shade – a must in Australian conditions.

If it takes a Porta Potti to get the family out on the water, then there’s a receptacle for one in the 2150. And the cabin is big enough to ensure that there’s plenty of shady room for the family.

We’re seeing these Relaxn seats more and more in Australianbuilt boats. They’re good looking and comfortable.

Top: The CW2150 is easily towed by any of the twin cab utes that are so popular amongst anglers. Left: Considering Whittley’s heritage, it’s not surprising that the 2150 boasts a flash, functional cabin.

Right: Clever use of the available storage space is a Whittley hallmark. See here what you can fit under the cabin seats.

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Stessco Breezaway 480 with Yamaha F70hp - SC

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Main: Stessco’s Breezaway 480 is a really easy to use rig, whether you’re downsizing from a bigger boat or opting for a more comfortable option than an open tinnie.

Above: At cruising speeds and pulling 4000rpm, you can expect nearly 3.5km/L of fuel burned. design. With four cylinders and four valves per cylinder, the F70 gives awesome power-to-weight that’s applicable across a whole range of popular hulls.”

And we can’t argue the point. The F70 is a very common and popular motor.

With the Stessco carrying a duckboard and fold down aluminium steps, getting into and out of the boat is easy for the whole family. The hull draws so little water that you can just swing the transom

around to the beach and load up that way.

The test package had an optional bait board and bimini top, which helped set it up nearly perfectly for whiting fishing. Anchored in the channel and with a couple of rods hanging over the transom with live bloodworms – who can see themselves in this picture?

The front seats swivel around to watch the rods, you sit in the shade of the bimini and there’s a mile of cockpit

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What do you get when you cross arguably Australia’s most popular mid-range outboard with an aluminium hull configuration that’s favoured by recreational anglers Australia over? You get the Stessco Breezaway 480 powered by Yamaha’s sensational F70 outboard.

Cheap to buy, cheap to maintain and cheap to run, runabouts in this size class are a favourite of anyone who likes to drop the anchor, set a couple of fresh baits, relax and wait for the fish to find you. Stessco’s Breezaway does all of this in comfort and style.

We took the 480 out on the water on Queensland’s Jumpinpin recently and you can watch the boat test video by scanning the QR code on this page or by jumping on the FishingMonthly YouTube channel.

Starting at the transom, we cornered Yamaha’s Will Lee to explain just why the F70 was one of the most popular Yamahas on the market.

“The F70 is the lightest 70hp outboard in its class – that’s two-stroke or fourstroke,” Will said, “and the reason that they’re so light is the single overhead camshaft

be on your shopping list when you’re after a craft of this ilk. Packages start at around $30,000 – the test boat weighed in at $31,500. You can get more information from www.stessco.com.au, or like Stessco on Facebook.

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space to work in. You just need to convince your spouse that it really is their job to pull up the anchor when you’re moving spots. And that you need to move, because you had no bites in the last 15 minutes.

The bimini top on the test boat is an optional extra, but I’d argue that it’s virtually a mandatory option no matter where you are in Australia.

“The Breezaway is a boat that we sell to anglers both downsizing their bigger boats or upsizing from a plain tinnie,” said Russel Tippet, Stessco Sales Manager.

Indeed, with its ease of use and user-friendliness for anglers that like to slow the pace down a little, it should

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Performance of individual boat/motor/trailer packages may differ due to variations in engine installations, propellers, hull configurations, options, hull loading and trailer specifications.

SPECIFICATIONS Length....................................................... 5.18m Beam......................................................... 2.18m Depth........................................................ 1.16m Bottom........................................................3mm Sides...........................................................3mm Max hp............................................................80 Capacity........................................ Five persons Hull weight............................................... 480kg Fuel...............................................................70L

The Breezaway is eminently suitable for laying a few baits out the back and fishing at a relaxed pace.

Duckboards either side with handrails and a fold-down aluminium ladder make transom boarding easy.

The helm is simple – here it holds the Yamaha LCD gauge and a small fishfinder. The test boat was fitted with mechanical (rather than hydraulic) steering.

The helm seats swivel 360° to be useful for fishing and driving. The bimini top is an optional extra that can be ordered and fitted at the factory.

The anchoring system is simple and manual. Drop it in the well while travelling and tie it off to the cleat when it’s deployed.

Like all good boats, there’s a place for your phone, keys and wallet.

It’ll even stay dry under there.

The Breezaway draws nearly zero water and allows you to get into the tightest fishing spots.

It’s also easy to launch and retrieve.

Lean through the windscreen to deploy and retrieve the anchor. Or at least get your mate or partner to do it. They’d pay money at the gym for a workout like that.

Now that’s a lot of workspace for a 4.8m boat. The rear lounge folds over as required and the transom door makes loading from the stern pretty easy.

An underfloor kill tank solves the problem of where to store the catch. It drains into the bilge.

The Breezaway can handle a little chop, but it’s probably not the Stessco I’d choose for long trips offshore.

You don’t know that you need a transom door until you have had one.

All of Stessco’s accessories are factoryfitted, giving the owner peace of mind that they have been installed correctly.

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Victorian Tide Times

2017 2017 Local Time

POINT LONSDALE – VICTORIA POINT – 144° VICTORIA LAT LONSDALE 38° 18’ LONG 37’

JANUARY Time m MAY Time

Time 0305 0300 0850 0855 SU 1452 1558 MO2050 2127 0343 0345 0928 0944 MO 1534 1645 TU2125 2213 0419 0432 1004 1032 TU 1615 1734 WE2200 2300 0455 0523 1042 1119 WE 1657 1826 TH2237 2349 0530 0621 1118 1208 TH 1740 1920 FR2317

11 22 33

44 55

m 1.61 1.60 0.63 0.17 1.37 1.81 0.27 0.57 1.64 1.58 0.57 0.20 1.39 1.76 0.27 0.57 1.65 1.55 0.52 0.27 1.40 1.69 0.29 0.59 1.63 1.49 0.47 0.36 1.41 1.61 0.32 0.61 1.61 1.42 0.43 0.47 1.40 1.53 0.38

Time 0344 0301 0920 0903 MO 1537 1548 TU2130 2133 0427 0338 1009 0936 TU 1627 1623 WE2215 2208 0506 0415 1054 1007 WE 1715 1700 TH2257 2243 0543 0455 1135 1039 TH 1801 1738 FR2335 2317 0616 0538 1214 1114 FR 1849 SA 1819 2355 0014 0629 0649 1156 1251 SA 1906 SU1938

16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19

20 20

1.57 0045 0.64 660607 1157 0.39 21 0733 1.36 21 FR 1827 1.39

SA 1300 2016 0000 0147 0645 0848 1238 SA 1400 SU1921 2114

77

0.58 1.47 0.45 0052 0.65 0040 1.52 0724 1.34 0730 0.35 1329 0.68 SU 1248 MO 1.37 2030 1.42 1959

22 22

18’ of High LONG 144° TimesLAT and38° Heights and Low37’ Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY JUNE JULY Time Time m m Time m Time m

m 1.70 1.48 0.47 0.38 1.49 1.69 0.20 0.68 1.69 1.46 0.41 0.41 1.48 1.67 0.26 0.68 1.66 1.43 0.37 0.44 1.46 1.63 0.33 0.69 1.61 1.40 0.35 0.48 1.42 1.59 0.41 0.70 1.54 1.37 0.35 0.53 1.37 1.54 0.69 0.50 1.34 1.48 0.59 0.36 1.49 1.32

0.58 0.67 1.41 1.34 0.38 0.67 1.29 1.46 0.67 0.64 1.34 1.37 0.41 0.75 1.26 1.44

Time 0359 0419 0945 1015 WE 1603 1719 TH 2147 2250 0435 0515 1023 1103 TH 1646 1807 FR 2229 2341 0511 0617 1102 1150 FR 1730 1855 SA 2310

11

22 33

m 1.62 1.56 0.44 0.35 1.46 1.74 0.30 0.59 1.62 1.50 0.37 0.45 1.48 1.66 0.33 0.59 1.61 1.45 0.31 0.56 1.49 1.59 0.38

Time 0437 0355 1031 0940 TH 1658 1637 FR 2236 2221 0510 0436 1108 1014 FR 1738 1715 SA 2312 2257 0540 0520 1143 1053 SA 1816 1753 SU 2347 2335 0611 0611 1216 1137 SU 1854 MO 1834

m 1.60 1.45 0.32 0.47 1.50 1.67 0.37 0.68 1.56 1.43 0.30 0.51 1.47 1.64 0.43 0.66 1.52 1.41 0.30 0.57 1.44 1.60 0.49 0.62 1.47 1.40 0.31 0.63 1.39 1.56

0023 0018 20 0644 20 0712 MO 1251

0.56 0.58 1.41 1.41 0.33 0.72 1.35 1.52 0.63 0.54 1.35 1.44 0.37 0.80 1.31 1.48

16 16 17 17 18 18

1.58 0033 0.26 0.60 19 44 0546 1143 0728 1.48 1.40 19 SA 1817

1238 SU 2353 1944 0625 0129 1224 0834 SU 1909 MO 1330 2033 0038 0228 0706 0938 1308 MO 1430 TU 2009 2124

55

66

0.67 0.44 1.52 1.53 0.61 0.23 1.39 1.45 0.77 1.46 0.52 0.60 1.48 1.40 0.23 0.85 1.41 1.41

1229 TU 1936 1922 0101 0108 0719 0821 1328 TU 1327 WE 2024 2015

21 21

0328 0.61 0.59 22 0142 0206 77 0126 0754 1038 1.42 1.44 22 0800 0934 1358 0.25 1408 TU WE 1540 0.90 WE 2116 2215 1.39 1.39

1435 TH 2119 2116

m 1.54 1.52 0.45 0.49 1.49 1.68 0.35 0.53 1.58 1.47 0.35 0.59 1.56 1.61 0.35

0410 0012 3 3 1000 1637 FR 0706

1.60 0.53 0.26 1.43 1.60 0.69 0.37 1.54 1.60 0.54 0.20 1.40 1.61 0.79 0.41 1.47 1.57 0.56 0.17 1.40 1.58 0.87 0.46 1.41 1.53 0.56 0.17 1.41 1.53 0.93 1.37 0.53 0.55 1.48 1.45 0.21 0.96 1.47 1.35

11

WE SA

22 TH

SU

MO 1211 2215 1902 0447 0058 1042 1722 SA 0806 TU 1256 2259 1945 0525 0146 1125 0903 SU 1808 WE 1346 2342 2031 0605 0240 1207 1000 1858 MO 1447 TH 2121 0026 0339 0647 1056 1252 TU 1558 FR 1954 2215

44 55 66

77

Time 0330 0420 0923 1600 TH 0959 2138 SU 1650 2239 0403 0505 1000 1637 FR 1040 MO 1727 2214 2317 0434 0556 1035 1711 SA 1125 TU 1806 2247

16 16

17 17

18 18

m m 1.54 1.47 0.34 0.51 1.56 1.65 0.43 0.55 1.54 1.47 0.30 0.56 1.57 1.61 0.46 0.50 1.52 1.46 0.29 0.64 1.56 1.57 0.49

Time 0343 0631 0932 1625 SA1140 2200 TU 1815

11

0323 2 0019 0918 2 0723 1611 SU

WE 1221 2144 1854 0404 0100 1004 1658 MO0816 TH 1306 2228 1936 0447 0147 1049 1746 TU0911 FR 1359 2313 2027 0533 0244 1135 1007 WE 1840 SA 1503 2124 0000 0348 0627 1103 1224 TH 1617 SU 1940 2226

33

0504 1.49 0000 19 1108 0.46 0.29 44 19 1744 1.46 1.53 SU 0654 WE 1214 2322 1851 0536 0047 1142 0800 1817 MO 1307 TH 2357 1943 0610 0143 1215 0912 1855 TU 1410 FR 2044 0032 0247 0646 1023 1248 WE 1524 SA 1938 2154

20 20 21 21

22 22

0.72 0.53 1.53 1.46 0.43 0.31 1.46 1.49 0.80 0.57 1.49 1.41 0.40 0.34 1.49 1.45 0.87 1.46 0.62 0.38 1.36 1.53 0.38 0.89 1.39 1.45

55 66

0052 0732 7FR70452 1156 1318

MO 1726 2044 2327

m Time m m 0259 1.49 1.59 0542 1.44 0900 1.51 0.32 0.19 0.67 1543 0.61 1.64 1.73 SU1113 1.51 2123 1.54 0.58 0.47 WE 1741 2342 0.34 0331 1.48 1.59 0.47 0637 0935 1.48 0.33 0.15 1.40 1615 0.68 1.62 1.72 MO1159 0.75 2158 1.49 0.60 0.48 TH 1826 1.44 0405 1.46 1.57 0.49 0028 1008 0.34 0.35 0.15 1.37 1647 1.45 1.59 1.68 TU0741 0.83 2231 0.76 0.63 0.51 FR 1249 1.38 1918 1.44 1.53 0441 1.42 0.52 0122 0.19 1040 0.36 0.38 1.36 1.61 WE0851 1724 1.44 1.55 0.89 0.56 SA 1349 2306 0.82 0.66 1.33 2023 1.40 1.48 0518 1.38 0.53 0229 0.26 1112 0.38 0.43 1.37 1002 1.53 1804 1.45 1.50 TH 0.93 SU 1503 0.84 2342 0.69 1.30 2140 1.38 0.61 0600 1.33 0.53 0347 0.38 1.41 1145 0.47 1.40 1110 1.50 0.35 1850 0.80 1.44 FR1626 0.93 MO 1.46 1.29 2258 1.41 0.66 0020 0.36 0.72 0.50 0503 1.34 0649 1.56 1.28 1.45 1211 0.46 1226 0.71 0.53 SA 0.89 1739 TU 1942 1.40 1.40 1.32 0.69 0107 1.46 0.73 0.47 0006 1.30 0750 0.34 1.26 1.51 0608 0.55 WE 1317 1.62 0.60 SU1306 0.81 1.38 2041 0.60 1.37 1842

16 16 17 17

18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21

22 22

0112 8 0436 0737 1147 WE 1340

0.60 0.52 1.41 1.50 0.27 1705 0.94 SA 2058 1.35 1.41 2308

0157 0110 0.35 0.68 80546 23 0401 0850 0727 1.60 1.30 8 1130 1242 SA 1426 TH 1324 0.42

0203 9 0529 0836 1233 TH 1436

0316 1.36 0.68 0205 1.53 0.72 0151 0.31 0.74 90022 24 0514 240107 1008 0.44 1.31 24 0904 0.33 1.27 0815 1.67 1.25 9 0702 1231 0631 SU 1545 0.60 MO 1422 0.66 FR 1405 0.48

0445 0441 0316 0505 0.72 0.54 0344 0.82 0.49 0602 0.76 0.46 0529 10 1119 0915 0939 100240 25 10 1203 1.37 1.49 25 1110 1.23 1.55 10 1307 1.31 1.62 25 1105 1251 1728 0.31 1708 1517 0.28 1558 0.44

0307 10 0000 0951 0615 1547

0434 1.41 0.62 0313 1.57 0.66 0242 1.51 0.78 100112 250202 25 0015 1118 0.42 1.36 25 1024 0.35 1.35 0916 0.28 1.21 10 0616 0712 0751 1701 0.62 1538 0.70 1459 0.53

0029 0554 0.77 0.48 0450 0.86 0.38 0036 1.46 1.42 0032 11 110350 260426 11 0045 1023 1041 0607 1254 1.35 1.57 26 1214 1.20 1.67 11 0645 0.71 0.43 26 0600 0629 1630 0.26 1705 0.43 1217 1233 1.34

0430 11 0047 1112 0657

0346 1.56 0.78 0538 1.46 0.54 0423 1.59 0.56 110158 260253 26 0116 1030 0.28 1.21 11 1221 0.41 1.44 26 1135 0.38 1.46 0714 0749 0836

0117 1.52 1.44 0130 0036 1.48 1.43 0002 1.34 1.51 0122 12 0144 120001 270021 12 0723 0.61 0.41 27 0705 0726 0637 0.78 0.43 27 0552 0.84 0.29 12 0545 0510 0717 1418 1.69 1438 1336 1.63 1311 1.78

0019 12 0132 0735 0553

0500 1.58 0.73 0034 1.50 1.44 0527 1.59 0.43 27 0212 120242 270340 0916 0805 0827 1150 0.30 1.26 12 0629 0.42 0.46 27 1236 0.43 1.60

0157 1.58 1.46 0224 0115 1.56 1.45 0058 1.40 1.56 0209 13 0236 130105 280113 13 0800 0.51 0.41 28 0754 0819 0715 0.72 0.39 28 0648 0.78 0.22 13 0816 0626 0651 1452 1.71 1527 1412 1.67 1404 1.84

0118 13 0215 0811 0701 1504

0424 0325 0039 1.55 1.51 0038 1.59 1.38 0116 1.53 1.47 28 0305 13 28 0955 0854 0906 0623 0.49 0.32 0614 0.35 0.63 13 0712 0.44 0.40 28 1626 1.58 1548 1.75 1550 1.65

0236 1.61 1.47 0315 0150 1.63 1.47 0150 1.47 1.60 14 0321 140202 290159 0835 0.43 0.42 29 0910 0753 0.64 0.37 29 0743 0.70 0.20 14 14 0906 0730 0743 WE 1527 1.71 TH 1614 SU 1445 1.70 MO 1455 1.87

0209 14 0257 0845 0757 FR 1540

0407 0505 0129 1.51 1.56 0130 1.57 1.45 0153 1.54 1.48 29 0357 0939 0946 1032 14 29 0715 0.55 0.23 0712 0.42 0.50 14 0750 0.48 0.35 29 SA 1628 1.70 MO 1626 1.62 TU 1659 1.52

0315 1.62 1.47 0409 0226 1.68 1.48 0240 1.54 1.61 15 0401 150256 300241 0908 0.36 0.44 30 0959 0829 0.55 0.37 30 0835 0.62 0.22 15 15 0951 0828 0826 TH 1601 1.70 FR 1658 MO 1516 1.70 TU 1544 1.85

0253 15 0338 0920 0843 SA 1615

0452 0546 0215 1.46 1.59 0217 1.53 1.51 0227 1.53 1.49 30 0447 1021 1030 1109 15 30 0805 0.62 0.17 0800 0.50 0.37 15 0826 0.54 0.33 30 SU 1705 1.65 TU 1701 1.59 WE 1732 1.46

0133 0259 0.53 0.64 0133 880048 0801 0729 23 0843 0959 1.47 1.36 23 SU 1324 0.32 MO 1411 MO 1512 0.75 2025 2210 1.37 1.40

TU 1351 2125 2057

0229 0425 0.69 0.55 0313 88 0219 0850 1135 1.36 1.50 23 0851 1045 WE 1455 0.28 TH 1455

0.70 0.48 1.29 1.50 0.41 0.87 1.27 1.47 0.77 0.42 1.23 1.58 0.45 0.89 1.26 1.48

Time 0252 0504 0837 1045 1505 1740 2050 2326 0331 0604 0918 1128 1552 1821 2133

Local Time APRIL Time Time AUGUST m

TH 1649 0.91 2229 2305 1.38 1.38

FR 1550 2222 2222

0328 0220 0406 0.63 0.60 0236 0.75 0.57 0516 0.75 0.51 0422 99 0325 990140 1000 0817 0845 24 1104 1.42 1.42 24 0959 1.28 1.44 1225 1.32 1.56 24 0953 1151 TH 1607 0.31 FR 1555 MO 1416 0.30 TU 1459 0.43 TU 1627 0.79 2138 2304 1.38 1.40

WE 1504 0.81 2223 2159 1.26 1.44

TU WE 1733 0.78 WE TH 1622 0.82 2251 2323 2353 1.42 1.41 2301 1.29 1.47

WE TH 1826 0.76 TH FR 1735 0.80

FR1137 1.35 SA1146 1.21 FR TH 1909 0.22 0.73 1836 0.40 0.75 1810 1745

SA1246 1.38 SU1248 1.24 FR SA 1946 0.19 0.71 1930 0.36 0.70 1851 1903

SA 1348 1.43 SU 1343 1.30 2023 0.17 0.69 2020 0.32 0.66 1950 1949

SU 1445 1.47 MO 1432 2059 0.17 0.68 2110 2043 2030 0329 0320 0926 0906 1631 WE 1519 TU 2200 2108

31 31

1.36 0.62 0.30

1.60 1.59 0.27 0.53 1.80 1.42 0.60 0.29

FR 1748 0.88 2339 2352 1.41 1.40

FR SA 1836 0.85

SA SU 1344 1.66 1839 1918 0.29 0.81

MO 1338 1.39 SU 1957 0.27 0.77 1939

TU 1435 1.45 MO 2034 0.27 0.74 2031

TU 1528 1.49 2111 0.29 0.72 2117

WE 1615 1.51 2146 0.33 0.70 2159

0.82 0.35 1.19 1.67 0.87 SA 1705 0.48 2328 2330 1.28 1.51

0.83 0.29 1.18 1.75 0.81 SA SU 1811 0.48

1.33 1.55 0.78 0.24 1.81 SU 1346 1.22 MO 1822 1909 0.45 0.74

1.59 1.40 0.24 0.68 1.84 TU 1321 1.30 MO 2003 0.41 0.67 1919 1.60 1.48 0.27 0.57 1.83 WE TU 1415 1.40 2057 0.37 0.61 2007 1.60 0.32 1.80 2148 0.57 1.57 0.40 1.75 2238 0.54

0.67 0.48 1.34 1.55 0.34 1802 0.90 SU 2207 1.37 0.72 1.38 1.29 0.45 0.41 FR 1315 1.60 MO 2315 0.84 1.37 1850 0.72 1.41 1.28 0.43 1710 1.65 0.44 SA 1352 TU 1931 0.79

1.44 1.40 0.42 0.66 1225 1.68 1.32 WE SU 1429 2011 1824 0.73 0.44 1.46 1.45 0.42 0.57 1.40 TH 1330 1.69 MO 2049 1926 0.68 0.42 1.47 1.50 0.44 0.47 1.47 TU 1428 1.69 2126 2016 0.64 0.41

1.48 1.53 0.46 0.39 1.53 WE 1516 1.68 2201 2100 0.59 0.42

SU 1641 0.87 2028 1.47 1.34 2308

MO 1752 0.79 2127 1.30

SA 1328 1.72 TU 2232 0.70 1.30 1854

1606 1.76 0.56 SU 1418 WE 2338 0.61 1.32 1950

1724 1.77 0.57 TH 1505 MO 2043 0.54

FR TU 1259 1.36 2132 1840 0.48 0.54

WE 1358 1.49 2217 1939 0.45 0.50

TH 1450 2300 2029 0539 0300 1100 0847 1741 MO 1538 FR 2340 2115

31

1.61 0.44 0.48

TU 1821 2146

23 23

WE 1323 1.57 2248 0.73 1.38 1906

MO1401 1.62 TH 2345 0.65 1.41 1946

1804 1.65 0.60 TU1439 FR 2024 0.57

TH 1355 1.66 2145 0.50 1.37 1935

TU1439 1.67 FR 2248 0.42 1.40 2024

1659 1.66 0.69 WE1517 SA 2346 0.38 1.45 2108

1315 1.66 1.52 SU 1807 1.63 0.66 SA WE1515 TH1553 2148 0.36 2101 1855 0.50 0.59

SU FR 1331 1.72 TH 1400 1.59 MO 2226 2139 1903 0.36 0.63 1937 0.44 0.58

FR 1438 1.63 2218 2014 0.39 0.57

SA 1512 1.64 2259 2048 0.36 0.57

1.48 1.56 0.58 0.27 1.58 1.69 0.45 0.46

CopyrightCommonwealth Commonwealth of of Australia Australia 2015, 2015, Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology Copyright Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Timesare areininlocal localstandard standardtime time (UTC (UTC +10:00) +10:00) or or daylight daylight savings savings time Times time (UTC (UTC +11:00) +11:00) when whenin ineffect effect New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon

SA 1422 1.80 2302 1953 0.37 0.60

SU 1511 1.83 2338 2040 0.40 0.58 0630 1.40 1147 0.68 TH 1808 1.40

31

Last LastQuarter Quarter

Tide predictions for Port Phillip Heads have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct. It is supplied on the condition that no warranty is given in relation thereto, that no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions should not be used for navigational purposes. Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to include acceptance of the above conditions.

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