Vic/Tas Fishing Monthly July 2018 by Fishing Monthly

TOP TIPS FOR WINTER FISHING SUCCESS

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Winter fishing techniques • Where next for RFL?

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July 2018, Vol. 13 No. 9

Contents WEST COAST West Coast

Portland 15 Warrnambool 16 Cobden 16 Apollo Bay

CENTRAL Geelong 18 Port Phillip West

Port Phillip East

Port Phillip North

Mornington Peninsula

Western Port North

Western Port South

Phillip Island

EAST COAST Lakes Entrance

Marlo 36 Gippsland Lakes

Corner Inlet

Bemm River

NSW SOUTH COAST Bermagui 42 Eden 42 Mallacoota 43 Narooma 44 Merimbula 45

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER

From the Editor’s Desk... It’s been a busy time at the Fishing Monthly offices in the lead up to this magazine going to print and we are excited to be launching a new magazine in an environment when most publishers are a bit negative about their future. West Australia Fishing Monthly will deliver its first issue in September this year and although that’s not particularly relevant to you, it does show that this format is popular and there’s a need for it in parts of Australia that don’t have it yet. You may not know that all Fishing Monthly titles come out of the head office in South East Queensland. From there, we assemble the teams of contributors who provide the up-todate information that lets you know what’s biting and where. West Australia will be the same. We have some

great guys on the ground over there to get the work done and we will present our unique mix of reports and predictions to motivate the readers to get out there and into ‘em. Welcome to the family, West Australia! PRIZE WINNERS DRAWN There was another amazing response to the Gamakatsu Find the Logo competition for the last 6 months. We’ve drawn the winners and they are published in here. Like always, we filmed the draw and published it on our Fishing Monthly Magazines Facebook page. Head over and give it a

Like if you want to be notified when these things happen. Congratulations to the winners, who shared in $1750 worth of Atomic and Gamakatsu gear. The next version of the comp? Look for the Daiwa logo in these pages. DIGITAL PLATFORM AVAILABLE Although 99% of you consume your Fishing Monthly in the printed form, there is a digital version available for those who like a paperless environment. It’s on www.issuu.com and there’s detailed instructions in the magazine on how to do it if

you want to give it a crack. Best thing about the digital version? You get to read it about two hours after it gets submitted to the printers. And that’s about a week and a half before the printed version hits the newsstands. LURE SHOW A SELLOUT Even though the Lure Show was in Queensland last month, at the time of printing it was a sellout (from the exhibitor side), so this popular fishing tackle event was growing quickly. A real grass roots event with local manufacturers who put together their unique lures for cash sale on the weekend. There’s nothing like it anywhere else that I’ve seen. For me, the take home message is that there’s still a great market for locally produced products – lures, magazines – we know you love ‘em all!

Horsham 52 Jindabyne 53 Robinvale 55 Mildura 54 Wangaratta 57 Shepparton 56 Ballarat 58 Eildon 60 Eildon Rivers

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Tasmanian young gun Nathan Huizing took this beautiful elephantfish off Bruny Island on a strip of freshly caught squid. A Dylan Loh image.

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The lowdown on leaders: choosing the right one PART II NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Leaders are an oftenoverlooked part of our sport, but they provide a vital link between angler and fish. Last month in this column, I explained why it’s essential to add a leader of nylon or fluorocarbon whenever using multifilament, gelspun polyethylene (braided or fused) main lines. To

in the past about what I call the ‘finesse conundrum.’ Put simply, this states that the lighter and finer you go with your gear selection, the more fish you’ll hook. But as you go lighter, you’ll also lose more fish. Eventually, a point is reached where most or even all of the fish you hook will probably get away. This conundrum is a phenomenon that definitely applies to leader selection. Basically, using thick, tough, hard-wearing leaders made from wire or some other very strong material

Bream are a great example of a species that responds better to lighter, finer leaders, but how light can you go before you begin to lose unacceptable numbers of fish? It’s a balancing act. briefly recap, there are three compelling reasons for this: firstly, braid is prone to abrasion under pressure from fish teeth and other sharp surfaces; secondly, being opaque, braid is arguably more visible to fish than clear nylon or fluorocarbon; thirdly, the stretch inherent in a nylon or fluorocarbon leader adds a handy shock absorber or spring, which can be a bonus, especially in the closing stages of battle, when there’s only a short length of line between angler and fish. If we accept that the use of leaders is essential when running braided main lines, how do we pick the optimum leader set-up for each fishing scenario? How long should that leader be, what should it be made from, and how is it best connected to our main line? I’ve written many times

would greatly reduce your chances of being chewed, rubbed or bitten off by a hooked fish. The use of such heavy and obvious leaders will also dramatically decrease the number of bites or strikes you get in most situations. For example, a shop-bought wire trace tied to the end of your main line may seem like a convenient option, meaning you’ll never be chewed or bitten off by another flathead or tailor. But in many practical fishing situations using a thick wire trace will result in almost zero bites, especially from highly desirable target fish. At the opposite end of the spectrum, a very long, very fine leader of transparent, low-gloss nylon or fluorocarbon will definitely increase your strike rate, but might not provide the insurance and abrasion resistance necessary to stay connected to any decent fish you hook. Because of this conundrum, leader selection represents a constant balancing act between strength and durability at one end of the scale and subterfuge or subtlety at the other end. Suffice to say that you’ll need selection of clear, non-coloured leader materials (nylon, fluorocarbon or both) in a range of thicknesses and rated breaking strains to

Murray cod have small, fine ‘scouring pad’ teeth that would easily wear through finer braided lines under load, making the use of a leader almost mandatory. match the various styles of lure fishing you undertake, particularly if you opt to go with GSP main lines. For most of the common forms of freshwater, estuary, beach, rock and inshore fishing undertaken around the country, leader materials from 2-35 or 40kg breaking strain will easily cover all the possible bases, but if your tastes run to bluewater game fishing, you’ll need a few spools of heavier material, perhaps up to 200kg, especially if marlin are on

the menu. Obviously, if you chase sharks, big mackerel, wahoo and other toothy critters, you’ll want some wire in your leader kit, too.

Barramundi are a species that demands the use of relatively heavy, abrasion-resistant leaders. Most barra anglers choose 25-35kg nylon or fluorocarbon leaders on these fish, and anything lighter than 20kg represents a real gamble on bigger fish.

Line to leader connections need to be compact and smooth enough to allow unhindered casting. There are several very good knots for this purpose. The author likes the FG, Slim Beauty and (in lighter lines) the Double Uni, but you should pick one or two that work for you.

As a very rough guide, 2-4kg (4-8lb) nylon or fluorocarbon will cover most of your needs on trout, redfin, bream, whiting and the various other smaller targets. A 3-8kg leader is a good starting point for bass, golden perch, flathead and so on, while 8-18kg covers your bases on snapper, mulloway, jacks, Murray cod and the like. If you target barra and big threadfin salmon, add some 18-35kg leader material to your collection. As for leader dimensions,

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JULY 2018

around a rod length is a very good starting point for most styles of fishing with either baits or lures, and this obviously means you’ll need

to use a knot to connect your leader to your braid, rather than a swivel or ring. There are plenty of proven connections for this purpose including the Double Uni, FG, Slim Beauty, Albright and several others. Learn one or two strong connections thoroughly and practice them until you’re proficient enough to really trust your knots. Leaders are something that not enough anglers think about, but they represent a vital connection between you and the fish.

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Mulloway and bream are solid options now WEST COAST

Brett Carson

It’s that time of year when freshwater is starting to flow into the system from winter rainfall and the way we fish is starting to change. I know it’s starting to get cold and hard to get motivated, but fortune can really favour the brave. The mouth has remained open all year after last year’s good winter flows ripped the sand out of the estuary. This

means that the system is super healthy with plenty of bait and predators getting in from the ocean. Winter fishing for mulloway, bream or perch can mean staring at masses of fish on the sounder that just won’t play the game. Be patient, because when the bite periods come all hell can break loose. When vibing a school of mulloway, it’s not uncommon for every boat in the area to go from nothing for hours to everyone being hooked up. The smart fisho takes note

Buck Saunders with a nice 70cm mulloway.

of what happened to change the bite - was it the top of the tide? What’s the moon phase? Dawn, dusk or maybe the introduction of berley? It will most likely be a mix of all these. Once you start to build a picture of what works you will start to increase the ratio of action to time spent. Keep mixing the colour up with vibes and plastics, as often the water down deep can be a different colour to the surface water you are looking at up top. Mulloway fishing has been consistent with large schools of fish starting to show up through Taylors Straight and around the poles in the estuary. Fish are still coming in plenty of sizes from Dry Creek, the Caves and above, but this will change if the inflows increase, as they should this time of the year. Vibes are the go for the lure fishers; hop them through the tight packs. Heavily weighted Jerk Shads and paddle-tails are also deadly worked through the bottom 1m so of the water column. Keep an eye out for large bait schools, because mulloway are simple creatures – they hang with the tucker. Buck Saunders and Kobi Rothall recently hooked up to a 1m+ beast for two and three-quarter hours only to get dusted in the end. These boys

Gordon’s mixed bag taken on fly. catch plenty of fish, so it’s fair to say the fish was a monster. Bream and perch have still been playing the game up against the edges, but I imagine the fish will start to move to deeper water and school up as winter rolls on. Perch sizes are improving in the lower reaches and while there’s been plenty of fish up to 30cm below the caves the bigger fish have been coming from upstream. Gordon has been doing well on his fly gear around the mouth on the tide, it’s a great place for the land-based lure fishers to cover ground in a set of waders. Vibes are starting to be the

go-to lure upriver for bream but be careful casting them too close to the edge unless money is no issue. Soft baits like pilchards and pod worms come into their own at this time of year and often work as well as the ever-reliable crab. Make sure you cut the crabs in half or at least pop the small ones at this time of year to get the scent out. Plenty of big school sharks are coming from inshore this time of year so make sure you have the wire trace on when you put the surf rod out. The dark of the moon has been the go for both gummies and schoolies with plenty of

by-catches of mulloway and elephant sharks on offer. If the weed is working you over, a short shift can be the answer to your troubles. • Good luck and feel free to come and see us at Nelson Boat Hire for the latest info. We have the local ‘live bait licence,’ meaning we stock live mullet, crabs and podworms along with all the frozen bait, tackle and lures you need for the area. We’ll do our best to give you some local knowledge and get you on the fish quicker. Remember you can hire any of our boats without a boat licence, including our very popular houseboat.

Expect hot fishing for this July PORTLAND

John Johnstone

As winter is upon us the fishing is certainly hotter than the days. The run of southern bluefin tuna continues to keep anglers on the water. Fish from the small school tuna up to the real barrels in excess of 100kg continue to grace the tables. The usual areas from Bridgewater Bay to east of Lawrence rocks are the best bet. The area straight out from the lighthouse in 40-60m is always a good place to try. Trolling skirted lures or hardbody lures fitted with single hooks is the preferred option for those after one of these great fighting fish. As with all fish, these fish need to be treated with respect. If you take them for food, they need to be looked after by bleeding and gilling them. Have them gutted and in an ice slurry as soon as possible to ensure the best possible eating quality. If they’re not required for food, release them; this is best done by leaving the fish in the water and if possible getting the hook out. If the fish is hooked

too deep to easily remove the hook, cut the trace as close to mouth as possible. This ensures the best possible chance for the fish to survive. Studies have shown a better than 80% survival rate for

tuna if they are handled and released correctly. This is despite the beliefs of some who say tuna don’t release. How has data been collected if the fish don’t release? Good bags of snapper

Andrew Demicoil, James and Mitchell Cauchi with a 97kg bronze whaler.

have been taken by those fishing the waters from 50m out to 120m in depth. Gummy and school sharks have also been taken with fish up to 20kg, providing entertainment for those venturing out. Other catches have included morwong and large flathead along with flying gurnard. The shelf area has had blue-eye trevalla, pink ling, gemfish, and blue grenadier for those targeting them. The local beaches will now be holding schools of Australian salmon and great bags can be caught with the usual bait on a two-hook paternoster rig, or by casting metal lures. The by-catch when using bait can include gummy or school sharks with a mulloway a possibility. The Lee Breakwall has had catches of whiting, snapper, barracouta, salmon and sharks for those willing to persist. The inshore grounds from Danger Point to the north shore will have whiting for those targeting them. The ever-reliable bait of pipis or squid on a two-hook rig or even a fillet of pilchard is a tried and true method of getting a feed. Overall, Portland doesn’t stop producing the goods with the best facilities and all weather access to some great

A solid 141kg tuna caught on charter. fishing. It’s a real fishing Mecca for both local and visiting anglers with plenty of accommodation available at this time of year. • Portland Bait and Tackle is family-owned and operated stoking fishing tackle, bait and marine accessories. They are open 7 days a week from 7 to 7. Portland’s one stop fishing tackle shop, we cover everything from chasing redfin and trout in fresh water to blue eye and other deep sea fish over the

continental shelf. The new owner John Johnstone has extensive fishing experience for both fresh and saltwater. He has fished most areas of Australia, from chasing trout in the high country to the jumbo tuna down the West Coast – the chances are John has done it. To get the latest advice on what’s been caught call Portland Bait and Tackle on (03) 5523 5213 or drop in and see them at 111 Bentinck Street, Portland. JULY 2018

Exceptional fishing for trout WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

July may be the depths of winter but it is a time that can turn on some exceptional trout fishing locally, and this season is even more eagerly anticipated than usual. Winter is closed season in most of the state’s trout waters, but here in the South West we have had small portions of some rivers remain open as designated sea run fisheries, so trout anglers can still fish at the prime time for the species local, specifically when it’s cold and the rivers are running hard. This year the entire length of the Hopkins and the Merri are remaining open all season as part of a new Fisheries Victorian initiative. The smaller regions that used to remain open did cop a bit of a hiding as the season progressed, but now anglers can spread out over a huge amount of water. Even though we haven’t

had a lot of rain at the start of the season there have still been some good trout taken. Fishing natural looking lures in the clearer

water around first and last light has been working well on fish to over 2kg. Daiwa TD minnows, Double Clutches and

An example of the quality trout that will be available with the new fisheries regulation allowing trout fishing to continue in the Hopkins and Merri this winter.

Presso minnows have been working a treat as well as 3” Gulp Smelt plastics. Late autumn and early winter can be a great time for offshore angling locally. This season heavy seas and strong winds have prevailed. Smaller tuna in the 5-8kg range have now joined the larger 15-20kg fish as well as the odd barrel, making life interesting for a few lucky anglers. July can be cold, but if it’s fast there are still usually plenty of tuna or bottom fishing options available if you’re keen. When there are breaks in the weather, plenty of fun can be had around some of the local piers and jetties during the cooler months, particularly on a decent high tide. Port Campbell Pier, the Moyne River near the boat ramp and the harbour area at Warrnambool can all produce a bit of fun for the kids or some good bait with schools of mullet, small salmon, sliver trevally and ‘couta. Light gear and a little berley can help turn a day into plenty of fun

July may be the depths of winter, but it’s a time that can turn on some exceptional trout fishing locally. for everyone. Bream and estuary perch should be schooled up in the lower reaches of the Hopkins River where

they can be easily found using a quality sounder. Heavily-weighted spot plastics or metal vibes work well in these conditions.

Fishing is going right off on the Hopkins COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

The winter blues are certainly upon us, but a bit of cold is well worth putting up with right now because the fishing is going right off. The Hopkins has been firing for hungry mulloway that have been annoying bream and perch fishers of late. Most of the fish are averaging around 70-80cm with a

90cm specimen pushing the current boundaries. Most anglers who have quality outfits matched with a decent setup at the terminal end should have no problems playing and landing fish of this calibre. Some bait anglers are deliberately targeting the mulloway with baits such as cut pilchards, freshly caught mullet and salmon. Just remember that at this size, these mulloway are called ‘soapies’ for a valid reason. When cooked the flesh can

Not all fish are huge. This rather miniscule Hopkins estuary perch was a pleasure to catch and release all the same.

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JULY 2018

go quite mushy. And the taste? Well, I recommend catch, photograph and release, unless the fish is close to 1m in length. Otherwise some serious bream around the 1kg mark are being taken in the shallows on lures and bait, but avoid any area where the water is turbid or discoloured. Apparently these areas are barren for bream. Clear, shallow water is the go, and get there before the sun hits the water or fish a tad deeper in areas such as the channel drop-offs. A few estuary perch are also being caught by bream enthusiasts in similar areas along the river. About now bream tend to switch over

to hard baits so brown shell, unpeeled prawns and crab tend to work well at this time of year. Lurists should now look for patterns that match the hatch, so to speak. Crab-styled soft and hardbodied lures are now the go, as are metal vibes. Darker colours are preferred. The Curdies has been fishing well for bream, with the majority of fish being taken out in the lake by boaters employing baits such as shrimp, greyback minnows and sand worms. Small, baitsized yabbies should also

A 43cm Hopkins bream about to experience freedom. Fish of this calibre are too good to keep for the table.

To page 17

Head out wide for July APOLLO BAY

Wayne Diffey

Things have still been a little quiet along the local beaches lately, with only a few smallish sized salmon being caught. I have been getting reports of some very decent gummies caught off Johanna Beach in the evenings. One local recently told me that he had gone there, took 20 minutes to set up and bagged out with two nice gummies in the next 10 minutes. He was using a fresh salmon fillet on a running sinker rig. Out wide there have still been some 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 squid. There have been heaps of arrow squid around. The southern bluefin tuna have started to make an appearance out of Apollo Bay with quite a few fish around 8-10kg being caught. Matt from Hit-n-Run charter recently came in with seven fish of that size. Most of the fish have been caught around the Nine-Mile and

Eleven-Mile reefs, some further out, off Cape Otway, and predominately on 8-10” skirts. Lumo green, blue and pink seem to be the best colours. The local rivers and streams have still been fishing pretty well for bream and trout, using 4cm hardbody minnows or

scrubbies. Just remember that trout season is closed as of midnight 11 June except for designated sea-run streams, dams and lakes. • If you’re coming to Apollo Bay for a fish, be sure to pop in to get all your bait and tackle needs, as well as an up-to-date report, or call us on (03) 5237 6426.

Some decent tunas caught on a Hitn-Run charter recently.

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be attracting some interest by now. Small spider crabs will also account for a few fish and these are usually picked up by shrimp netters working the channel hugging weed beds. As the weed is now dying off due the colder weather and shorter days, it might pay to make a tea tree bough and sink it alongside the channel not far from the boat ramp and pontoon in Peterborough. The only problem here is that some

unscrupulous fishos have a habit of raiding other people’s boughs for shrimp and spider crabs. A bough is a few smallish branches about 1m in length cut from a tea tree, which are widespread around our district. Anywhere where there is a stand of natural bushland you will find tea tree growing around the outer edges of the bush. Tie these branches tight together and add a brick to the centre of the bough to sink it. Then have a length of rope at least 5m in

length, pick your spot along the channel, don a pair of waders and stake the bough below the water level so it sits on the edge of the channel. This way no one can visibly see your rope – a dead giveaway – and raid your bough. Give it two weeks to start to break down and fill with shrimp and crabs. Quickly pull the bough from the water and give it a darn good shake on the sandy bank and you should have more than enough bait for two anglers to use over a decent session.

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JULY 2018

Good fish coming in the bay GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

During the winter chill Wurdee Boluc Reservoir near Moriac will be worth a look for trout and redfin. The redfin are generally less in numbers, but larger in size with some fish cracking the 50cm mark. Heavier lures such as spoons can cover more water with longer casts and are proven performers.

catch with lures or a bunch of worms on a running sinker rig or float. Just remember that there is a bag limit of five fish and only two of these can exceed 35cm. Stony Creek Reservoir has seen a few brown trout around 1kg in weight caught on mudeye under a float and minnow-styled lures. Hugh Hanson fished there with his brother-in-law Anthony McCarthy where they both caught a couple of nice redfin casting lures from the bank.

up from time to time but have been unpredictable. When they do, it’s pretty much a fish per cast as they climb all over just about any lure you offer up to them. Paul has been using soft plastics combined with a Jigman Allrounder jighead and says it’s best to target these fish in and around the structures such as piers and pylons. Paul also lost a snapper he estimated to be about 60cm that threw the hook boat side. Some of these salmon showing up around Corio

made an appearance inside Corio Bay late last month. They have been a little scarce in the bay over the last few years, so let’s hope they hang around for July. They can be caught near Point Henry down to Curlewis in 2-5m of water with first and last light being best. Lyra Meehan-Valaitis fished out on the Curlewis Bank with her dad Jonny where they managed to a find a few whiting to 37cm, which they caught using pipis for bait. Collan Erard, his sons (Jorran and Brooklyn) and

Collan with one of the whiting he and his brother Malcolm caught in Stingaree Bay.

Paul has caught plenty of pinkies along the waterfront. When targeting these big redfin, keep the lure as close to the bottom as possible. Live minnows are also very effective for both the local trout and redfin as well. Those keen on trout should try a mudeye under a bubble float or casting winged lures with a medium retrieve, as trout are more likely to patrol the mid to upper water column. Victorian Fisheries Authority will stock ready to catch yearly rainbow trout into some Victorian regional and metropolitan lakes for kids to catch during the July school holidays. Lakes around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula that will receive trout include Bannockburn Lagoon, Lethbridge Lake and St Augustines Waterhole on South Valley Road, Belmont. These rainbow trout are normally reasonably easy to

Inside Corio Bay flathead up around the 50cm mark have been caught by anglers drifting about using pilchard pieces, bluebait and glassies for bait. Pinkie snapper remain a popular target along the waterfront with pilchard fillets and soft plastics sorting plenty out. Most fish have been from legal length to 40cm with the odd fish up to 50cm. Paul Mayer has been spending a bit of time fishing the Geelong waterfront over the past month. Using soft plastics, Paul and his mates have had days where they caught over 20 legal length pinkie snapper to 45cm and countless undersized fish. Paul has also been testing out the 2.75” Munroe’s soft plastic paddle-tail in glass monkey colour and he says the pinkies have been all over it! Paul says the salmon have also shown

Lyra caught a few tasty whiting fishing with her dad Jonny off Curlewis. Bay are around 2kg and awesome fun on light tackle. Caillan Keddie and a mate had just caught a nice feed of flathead and were on their way back when they saw the birds diving into the water near Point Henry. They went over and found the salmon smashing baitfish on the surface. Lobbing lures into the commotion, they got stuck into some ripping salmon around the 2kg mark at almost a fish a cast. King George whiting

his brother Malcolm fished Stingaree Bay last month targeting whiting. Using squid and pipi for bait, it wasn’t long before the first one was in the boat with many of the whiting just short of legal size. As the sun got closer to the horizon, the whiting

size increased. They finished with nine around the 35-39cm range, so with that in mind Collan and Malcolm headed out again the next day. They ended up with a few more whiting, leatherjackets, red mullet, and of course toadfish. Good news for snapper fishers – VFA research has shown that 2018 has been a boom year for Victoria’s snapper stocks with record recruitment found in Port Phillip Bay. This year has been the best year class of snapper stock in the past 26-years of sampling by the Victoria Fisheries Authority leading to predications of strong catches in 3-4 years time. Calamari have been going well down around the Bellarine Peninsula with plenty about the shallows. Most of them are around 25-30cm hood length,

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JULY 2018

Anthony spent a few hours spinning before landing this reddy at Stoney Creek.

but there are plenty of them with a few boats finding their bag limit in no time. Whiting have been a little tricky to find but constant moving has seen some anglers boat fish up to 47cm, which is a ripper whiting. Rod Ludlow from Beachlea Boat Hire at Indented Head says there are lots of squid on the bite with several boats bagging out through the month. Governors Reef back to Grassy Point has been producing the best bites but they have been widespread. Rod reckons that the St Leonards Pier is also worth a crack for those landbased anglers keen on squid with mornings and evenings producing the best bite. Anglers fishing in 10-14m around the Prince George Bank and back to St Leonards have caught quality flathead by anchoring and using berley as well as drifting. There are plenty of school fish about like barracouta, slimy mackerel and salmon chasing baitfish at the Bellarine Peninsula too. Those keen on southern bluefin tuna should be looking in Bass Strait now. This time last year, tuna were caught in only 40m of water off Barwon Heads and the Rip, so get on it! 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).

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Melbournites say goodbye to CBD snapper PORT PHILLIP BAY WEST

Alan Bonnici alan@fishingmad.com.au

The winter chill has well and truly settled in and boy it has been cold over the last month! Only the very brave and unbelievably keen anglers have tackled the freezing early mornings to fish around Port Phillip Bay. As always, hard work pays off for those willing to get out and give it a go and, despite the cold conditions, there has still been plenty of exciting fishing action, especially within the fringes of the Melbourne CBD. Here’s a statement you don’t read every day; “The snapper fishing has been unbelievable in the middle of winter only a short stroll from the CBD.” Yes, it sounds a little ridiculous but that statement has been very true. Every now and again we thank our city of Melbourne

Dale Baxter found some Docklands’ reds. almost in arm’s reach on their commute to and from work on the fringes of the CBD. When the word got out the social media scene went into a frenzy with regular posts of live videos and photos of schools swimming around the area. The social media anglers were in full force releasing

kayak. A kayak is the perfect vessel for a waterway like the Docklands and a great way to access structure that landbased anglers can’t reach. Gun local angler Dale Baxter is one who has ventured to the Docklands in his Hobie Pro Angler with great success. Casting a range of lures and plastics on a 1/12oz jighead right into the structure has worked extremely well, landing Dale snapper and bream. Covering ground on the yak and keeping a close eye on the sounder has helped

Dale find the schools and the results have been amazing. He has been catching plenty of pinkies and some great-size snapper. This is the sort of stuff that inspires other anglers to get out there and give it a go, and makes anglers stuck at work like myself very envious. Dell Reyal is another keen local angler who has also been hitting the Docklands walking around and flicking a range of soft plastics well into the structures and shadows. Dell has mentioned that the pinkies have been unpredictable with hours of casting for no touches, followed by small bursts of crazy action when the schools come through. Patience has been the key to stick out the quiet times and wait for those frantic moments to arrive. By doing this he has managed to land many nice-size pinkies. It’s quite amazing to see an area full of anglers with many of them on at the same time when the schools come through. Lincoln Keith, local producer of Land Fish TV, was quick to get into the action around the Docklands. Lincoln paid very close attention to keeping soft plastics right against the structure with very slow, subtle movements and

CBD during the coldest part of the year; the snapper didn’t stay around for long, but it certainly generated a lot of well-deserved hype. Winter is the prime time of the year for the salmon to fire up. Flathead are a truly underrated fighting fish when using super light gear. They go crazy when you catch them, with strong bursts of movement followed by leaps out of the water. Last week I was driving past Altona Beach and saw many boats amongst

gun James decided to give the tuna and kingfish a break and head down to the local Maribyrnong River in search of some bream. Flicking a range of soft plastics and using live baits such as crabs and yabbies on his new rod combo – a Savage Gear MPP2 and Shimano Nasci 2500 reel – James landed several brutes. His best catch was a beautiful 39cm model, which happily took a live yabby around the pylons. I have been hitting the

Dell with a healthy Docklands pinkie.

James with a lovely bream from the ‘Nong. with an unexpected fishing surprise and last month that thanks went to the Docklands which had snapper schooling up in big numbers around the structure. People walking by have stopped with amazement to see lots of pinkie snapper

videos of themselves jumping onto trains heading into Southern Cross station armed with a spin rod in hand, generating hype, and the Docklands became an overcrowded car park. One way to avoid the crowds is to get out on a

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The author has been targeting bream on hardbody lures.

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twitches. Lincoln targeted the pylons, underneath connecting bridge walkways and moored boats. There’s always a risk of being busted off, but this style of fishing is high risk, high reward and losing the odd brute is to be expected. Lincoln’s gear of choice was his trusty 2-4kg Shimano Catana rod coupled with a 2500 Sienna and a range of 2.5” curl-tail soft plastics, especially Munroe’s soft plastics in caviar colour rigged on a 1/8 jighead. When the bite was on, a simple approach of casting out into open water with a nice, slow roll was good enough to catch a few decent pinkies. Catching pinkies on light spinning gear is great fun. It’s a very strange phenomenon to be reporting snapper in the

the shallows congregated up on one little area. My immediate thought was there must be schools of salmon busting up the area, and what do you know – that evening there were reports everywhere on social media of local anglers bagging out on them. I love targeting salmon in the bay when they’re in an aggressive mood, using the very lightest of fishing gear. Catching salmon between 40-50cm size on a 1-3 or 2-4kg spin outfight is amazing fun and when it’s catch after catch the action can be exhausting and exhilarating. As always winter is a great time to escape the bay and get some cover within one of Melbourne’s river systems and why not? Winter bream fishing is firing around this time of year. Local young

‘Nong going with later starts to avoid the early morning chill. Armed with very light gear and a range of crank lures in different colours and diving depths, the action has been consistently good; I’ve landed several sizes of fish on most outings. The best catch recently was a healthy 42cm bream that I caught by slow rolling a crank in open water. • That’s all from me this month, but I’d love to hear about your recent fishing experiences around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. You can contact me by email at alan@fishingmad. com.au. Also feel free to check out my website at www. fishingmad.com.au, Facebook at facebook.com/fishingmad. com.au, YouTube channel at youtube.com/c/fishingmad and Instagram at instagram. com/fishingmad.com.au.

Lincoln enjoying the Docklands.

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Pinkie fishing hasn’t slowed down a bit PORT PHILLIP EAST

Lee Rayner info@fishingfever.com.au

Cooler mornings have made it that bit harder to get out of bed, but with some calm, sunny days on offer over the past weeks the fishing has been great. In fact it seems a bit of a mystery as to when the fishing will slow down for winter with plenty of options still on offer for anglers who are out on the water. MORDIALLOC TO BLACK ROCK The creek itself is now in full swing for the winter run of mullet with anglers finding good numbers of yelloweye mullet on offer while fishing among the moored boats with a very fine berley trail and small floats baited with dough or tiny pieces of prawn. Some anglers have also reported good success with the Gulp Dough in the chunky cheese colour. On the pier itself the squid are making their mark, literally. Ink stains on the timber indicate where the best action has been. For the best results just head to the pier at

dawn or dusk to fish the change of light period, and for even better results try using large lightly weighted jigs, so you can cast further. This will have you covering more water and catching more squid. My favourites are the Evergreen 3.5XS series jigs – they are that 3.5 size, but sink as slow as a 2.5 and are ideal in water 1-3m deep. Other great options on the pier over the past weeks have been the garfish and even a few big mullet mixed among them, while a bait of pilchard or baby bottle squid cast out into the deeper water on dusk and into the night has been producing good numbers of pinkies to 40cm and salmon to 1kg. In the boats anglers have been getting into some fantastic fishing off Mordialloc and up into Beaumaris Bay. A real mixed bag is on offer with plenty of pinkies on the hard reef areas for both lure and bait anglers, not to mention the run of cracking flathead that are 40-60cm. If you’re after a feed of calamari there have been heaps of them on offer in the same areas with lots of little ones but a good mix of

them up to 1kg. Then finally if you keep your eyes peeled there have still been schools of salmon kicking around. On Beaumaris Pier now is squid season with a daily crew of anglers heading to the pier of an evening to make the most of the squid that move into the shallows each afternoon to feed. Again in this area try using large lightly weighted jigs to find yourself some bigger squid. Up off Ricketts Point and through to Black Rock we are now in full swing for the pinkie season, with anglers reporting that the overall size of the pinkies has been good. SANDRINGHAM TO ST KILDA It’s a great time of year to be a land-based angler in this area with plenty of locations to find yourself in the thick of the action on pinkie snapper and squid, especially in areas such as the end of the breakwall at Sandringham and off the rock groynes at Hampton. These place have been producing plenty of pinkies over the past weeks, and best of all this should only get better as we roll through the month.

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Winter will see a few days like this – blue skies and a calm Port Phillip Bay. Another good option at this time of year is to cast squid jigs over the small patches of reef and weed that are throughout the area. Further up the bay the fishing off Brighton Breakwall has been steady; land-based anglers are finding some pinkies, salmon and squid with all species up to and around the kilo mark, but this month should start to produce some better fish. In the boats we have been getting some great reports of anglers doing exceptionally well on some of the better sized pinkies up to 2.5kg as well as some solid whiting after dark in water that is anything from 5-8m deep. While out wider there have still been some solid late season snapper on offer for anglers fishing the edge of the shipping channel up to and around the Fawkner Beacon. The best bait has been the humble old pilchard. Most of the reds are in the 3-4kg size, but there are several 5-6kg fish among them. While this bite will slow down there are still enough snapper out in

the bay to make it worth getting out to these areas. The key to success is to fish on a high or rising barometer. In the deeper water anglers are also reporting that there are still plenty of solid garfish to be caught while waiting for the snapper to bite. Back in the shallows the area surrounding the North Road boat ramp has been producing squid over the past weeks for both boat and land-based anglers and, as long as we don’t get too much rain to dirty the water, this area should fish really well over the coming months for squid – the reef in this area is looking great. ST KILDA TO PORT MELBOURNE Now can be a great time of year to head to this part of the bay with more northerly winds starting up. It makes for easy fishing with an offshore wind, which for the landbased anglers means better distance in their casts and also the ability to get a good berley trail going as it is carried offshore. For the boat anglers it means that

even if it’s windy, the bay is still flat up in this area, which makes it far more comfortable in the cooler conditions. St Kilda Pier and breakwall have been producing small salmon and flathead over the past weeks and this will hopefully continue this month as they are joined by the pinkies moving in on the shallows to feed. Up at Kerford Road and Lagoon piers some of our customers have still been getting good numbers of pinkies to over a kilo in weight, with the best results coming at night with baits of pilchard tails or squid strips. Some anglers have also reported some great fishing late in the afternoon with soft plastics off these land-based areas. Now is also the month to get serious on the mulloway as they patrol the shallows around Princess, Station and Lagoon piers. If you are fishing there late at night, it really pays to have either a live or fresh dead bait out on a heavier outfit, as you just never know your luck.

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Long hours of discomfort will be rewarded PORT PHILLIP NE

Wayne Friebe wfriebe@bigpond.net.au

The cold and dull days of winter that eluded us for so long have well and truly set in on the bay. Many anglers are traditionally more focused on football and other local activities, and also other species farther afield at this time of year, but there’s still plenty of ‘bread and butter’ fishing to sink your teeth into. While there’s still plenty of good reds out wide on our doorstep, there’s even more reason for local anglers to get a bit excited! It might be cold in the mornings, but we

do get some ripper conditions for fishing and boating at this time of year, so rug up and get out on the bay and have a crack. While the winter months are not the traditional time for snapper in the bay, there have still been plenty of resident fish to target for the dedicated few that are getting amongst the action. The wider areas out from Mornington in 19-21m have been continuing to produce some nice fish over the past month. The majority have been in the 4-6kg size range. And at the risk of banging on about it like I did last year, good quality snapper can be caught right through the winter months if you know

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Mario Pulis proudly displays 17kg of Patterson River mulloway, taken landbased on fly. What an amazing effort! where to look. I’ve also had a few recent reports of anglers catching some nice fish snapper land-based as well, which is unusual for this time of year, but very encouraging indeed. 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, and there certainly has been some great reports coming from this area, and inside the Docklands area as well. But in our part of PPB they tend to congregate around the southern shipping channel, and the wide mud banks nearby. The western side of the shipping channel south of Safety Beach and Dromana is usually a very productive area as well.

JULY 2018

river and canals, but one recent report really raised the eyebrows. Mario Pulis landed a ripper Mulloway in the river on fly recently, land-based, and it pulled the scales down to 17kg! That’s top shelf in my book! After further investigation, I found out that he has caught quite a few mulloway on fly in the Patto, and dedicates some long nights in the waders targeting this iconic fish on fly. Devilbend continues to provide a sheltered option for local anglers over the winter months, and with trout season closed on the rivers, it’s a great freshwater alternative. Expect the larger trout and redfin to become more aggressive and predatory over the next couple of months, and with recent stockings, there will

Pey Ridgley with a solid winter red taken recently in 19m of water out from Mornington. 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. There is plenty of small salmon and herring around the inshore areas at the moment, and both are prime baits. Big schools of salmon have been hanging around the Mornington area for the past few months, and will continue to do so right through winter, especially with all the food on offer in the bay. Frankston, Mornington and Seaford piers, as well as the mouth of 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 reported, while most of the schooling fish seem to be hanging around Mornington at the moment. The squid fishing continues to be very good in all of the normal areas, especially around Mornington Pier, but they will tend to go a little quiet around the full moon. Squid will often be less active during the cooler months, and sit closer to the bottom, but 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! Generally speaking, the fishing in the Patterson Lakes system has been pretty good for the bait and lure anglers right through the

be more competition for food amongst all the fish. There’s no better time than now to have a crack, especially with some nice EPs in the lake as well.

Peter Bentleigh with a ripper redfin from Devilbend Reservoir.

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We’re in for some reasonable winter fishing Blairgowrie and Rye; just look for weed beds in the shallower 2-4m of water. BACK BEACHES Portsea, Rye and the Gunnamatta back beaches are firing up big time, you just need to be there when the schools of fish are moving through. Often the mornings are the best for the bigger fish,

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Julian Frank

We have certainly had some very good fishing over the last month on the Peninsula and with winter in full kick I’d like to think that will continue, but the days have become colder and the weather not always pleasant. Most anglers tend to turn their attention to fishing the surf for salmon and sticking to the piers where you can find a little shelter from the elements. Looking ahead I’d say we are going to be in for a reasonable month with mixed reports but some good fishing is always to be had. MOUNT MARTHA TO ROSEBUD Between Mount Martha and Rosebud the reports continue to flow with salmon being caught around most of the piers. Rosebud in particularly has some good schools of various size fish taking baits and small lures. I find 3” soft plastics ideal for flicking around the shallows to imitate small baitfish and blue bait. Anglers have been getting a few garfish and mullet during the morning around Rosebud and McCrae when

The author with a decent snapper from Mornington. the bay is calm. Chicken and small pieces of pilchard are great bait options fished under a float. We are still getting reports of snapper from Rosebud and Mornington including the odd gummy shark as by-catch. It’s certainly a good option for the keen land-based fisho to fish from the rocks as well.

Fresh squid and pilchards are key baits. RYE TO PORTSEA Blarigowrie has been popular during the mornings, with good numbers of salmon caught around first light. On the calmer days it’s worth throwing a squid jig, as there are some trophy-size calamari about. If you can get the boat

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out, start looking in between the boat moorings for these big squid. There are a few quality whiting being caught around The Sisters, but if you’re looking for your bag of fish, St Leonards is your best bet. Other areas to fish are Portsea and back between

Bernard Abrams with the nice gummy taken of fresh squid.

Smaller salmon can often be taken in close to the shoreline.

The main reasons for this is that you can cover a lot more ground. Sure, you have to put the yards in walking along the beach, but use this to your advantage and look for shadows. Sometimes when it’s really flat and the water is crystal clear you can see the fish moving and this makes it very easy to put lures in front of them for an exciting and visual take. The ideal areas to look for show abnormalities in the surf conditions. Gutters or the edges of rips are worth checking out, as anything that gets stirred up from the bottom will become a food source for cruising salmon. For more info or weekto-week reports, drop into the Compleat Angler Rosebud and have a chat to one of the staff. They can provide you with all your needs and answer any questions you have.

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JULY 2018

Record fish stocking The Victorian Fisheries Authority has set a new fish stocking record by releasing more than 6 million fish to make inland fishing even better. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1 million more fish than the 5 million commitment in the Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million, including $9 million from fishing licence fees, to get more people fishing, more often. The stocking achievement included record numbers of Murray cod, golden perch, Australian bass and silver perch. The 6+ million fish were released into more than 200 waters and consisted of: Salmonids

Species

Number

Brown trout

626,865

Rainbow trout

543,169

Chinook salmon Native fish

Brook trout

3,270

Murray cod

1,629,855

Golden perch

2,515,981

Australian bass

474,000

Silver perch

235,000

Macquarie perch

Total

29,715

17,500

Estuary perch

7,000

Trout cod

3,500

All species

6,086,355

To find out where the trout and salmon were released visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/troutstocking2017 To find out where the native fish were released visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/nativestocking2018

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Fishing smack bang in the middle of winter WESTERN PORT NTH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

We’re right smack bang in the middle of winter but that’s no excuse not to head out and dangle a line. Finding fish through the winter months can be a challenge, but if you have the time to spend on the water, there are plenty of fish worth targeting. The weather has been up and down, so there has been some very reliable calamari fishing to be had along the edges of the weedy banks in the top end. The Quail and Tyabb banks always get a lot of attention from anglers, but continually produce good catches of calamari on the high tides. Although it can be difficult to find them at times, work the edges of the

be a number of boats in one location, it doesn’t mean they are catching. Staying away from the crowds and finding your own water means little disturbance in the area and it could produce some good fish for you. Thinking outside the square is always a good start and when it comes to calamari, it can be as simple as finding a weed bed and continually flogging it with casts. Another reliable calamari location is at the top of the Middle Spit. On the southern side of Crawfish Rock is a weed bed running east to west. Drifting along here on the high tide will see good results. It is quite shallow, only around 1-2m in depth requiring jigs in a 2.5 size to be used. Heavier sized jigs are best used when the current picks up, otherwise they will sink too quick and become snagged on the reef. Shaun Furtiere has been dominating the calamari

throughout winter tends to be focused more on the linepulling species. Gummy sharks are rampant in the top end at this time of year, but catching them can sometimes pose a challenge due to many factors. Although they are always about, the key to catching them is to set

them until you come up tight to a gummy shark. Most of the gummies in the top end are on the smaller scale ranging from legal size to a solid 8kg, however there are still bigger ones to be caught if you persist. Good quality fresh baits are the key. Try silver trevally fillet, salmon

If you’re there at the right time, there are plenty of salmon worth catching in the top end. fillet, cured eel and calamari. Picking a location to set anchor can be daunting, considering the myriad channels, but you can always be confident when fishing in the junction of Bouchier and Boultins Channels. Gummies aside, there is also the possibility of catching a bronze whaler shark if you’re keen on tangling with something sizeable, but you will need game tackle to catch

Working the edges of the channels can lead to some good calamari being caught throughout the winter months. Photo courtesy of Shaun Furtiere.

A typical gummy shark from the top end of the port. If you put the time in, you can be rewarded. weed patches. If you’re still struggling, set anchor, deploy a berley trail of smashed pilchards and set two silver whiting on squid prongs under floats in the trail. Meanwhile, flick some jigs about and in no time you’ll attract some sizeable calamari. Even though there could

with his clients working the channel edges. Shaun said the calamari population is extremely healthy and it only takes a handful of casts to find them. At this time of the year they are a good size too, which makes them worthwhile to target. Most of the top end action

a berley trail. I can’t stress enough the importance of using berley, especially during the winter period. I agree that berley attracts a wide range of species including those tackle-testing rays, but providing your tackle is up to the challenge you’ll have to sift through

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Early mornings mean red foil jigs if you want consistent catches of calamari. Photo courtesy of Shaun Furtiere.

them. Bronzies can exceed 150kg in the top end and are quite a common catch. Fishing for them requires big baits such as a whole tuna like you would use for a mako sharks out the front. If you’re keen on some fast and intense light tackle fun, then you just have to get kitted up and head out after the busting schools of salmon. Schools of salmon have also been seen busting up bait on the surface near Crawfish Rock on the tide changes. Trolling hardbody lures has been effective along with casting soft plastics or metal slug lures into the bubbling mass. Speaking of salmon, there has been a good number of salmon frequenting the Warneet Channel. Anglers fishing from the Warneet Pier have been getting into the action using both bait and lure fishing methods. The fish have been more in abundance on the flood tides and there are more than enough of them to go around. A little berley tossed into the water has helped to bring them in and there have also been some silver trevally in the mix. There is no way to sugar coat it at this time of the year – if you’re keen to get out, you just have to do the miles to get the smiles. In saying that, you can always rely on catching a feed of calamari or the odd gummy shark.

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JULY 2018

Good fish still to be found in tough conditions WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

There is no denying that winter is a testing time for fishing. Almost Antarctic winds, rain and cyclonic winds tend to make you want to sit at home and watch the footy. It really isn’t that inviting but when the weather is at bay there is still no better feeling than having your line ripped off the spool at a rate of knots. You just have to be selective with what you want to target and when, and just because it’s cold and wet doesn’t mean there are no fish about. To kick off, winter is the perfect time of year to hit the surf beaches in search of Australian salmon. After the hoards of fish leave Western Port, they follow the coast and inhabit the surf beaches. In recent weeks, Cape Woolamai, Anzacs, Kitty Miller and Sunderland Bay have all been producing solid salmon. Woolamai has been the most consistent with anglers catching fish ranging 500g

to 1.2kg. Of course, finding a gutter to fish has been the challenge because there have been so many anglers

fishing along this stretch of beach. Berley has been the key to bringing the fish in close to the shoreline.

Paul King had a stellar night on a charter out in southern Western Port and caught a very nice gummy shark. Photo courtesy of Shaun Furtiere.

Phil Specs with both hands full of winter whiting. Photo courtesy of Shaun Furtiere.

Cat Bay is another beach that isn’t really known for producing salmon in numbers, but recently it has been very productive. For some reason schools of fish have been frequenting the area when the weather has been at its roughest. Though it is a snaggy location, it pays to

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have a few spare sinkers at the ready. The best fishing has been during a westerly blow, making the fish push in close to the beach. Still on the land-based scene, there has been some good calamari fishing from the beaches around Phillip Island. During the top of the high tide at night, Ventnor

Beach has been producing some sizeable models. Fishing from the beach with squid jigs is quite difficult due to the depth, whereas bait fishing has been the profitable method. This beach is quite shallow, so you only need to suspend the bait around 50cm from the float

amongst the catch too. Local charter operator Shaun reports that as long as you use berley, you’ll have no trouble catching

fish. Pipi and mussel baits have been the top choice. There has also been a considerable number of gummy sharks in the

Calamari are Western Port’s main staple and there are plenty on offer on the weed beds throughout the port. Photo courtesy of Shaun Furtiere.

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If you put in the effort, there are still plenty of whiting about.

Corinella region, as well as a lot of smaller models in the mix. It’s nice to see such an abundance of small ones about. You’ll have to do plenty of catch and release until a big one comes along. If you’re up for something a little left-field with some relaxing fishing, then have a go at trolling some lures throughout the port. It’s not often a popular technique but it’s very rewarding. During winter salmon, trevally, pike and snook frequent the shallow reefs throughout Western Port and can be a lot of fun to catch. Some of the prime locations are between Tankerton and Tortoise Head as well as down around McHaffies Reef. Hardbody lures around 100mm in length that dive to 2m are ideal. Stick to a low speed, because trolling too fast will result in going home empty handed. Some of the pike and snook are of exceptional size and make great baits for gummy sharks. It won’t be long now until we are on the backside of winter and things will really begin to pick up. In the meantime, there is no shortage of salmon on the surf beaches so enjoy what the middle of winter has to offer.

otherwise you’ll snag up on the weed as the float drifts with the current. This has been the same scenario at Cleeland Bight in the eastern entrance. This beach is a little deeper at around 1.5m and there are plenty of calamari to be caught. Once again, a baited jig approach is the effective method. The local piers are also fishing well and always tend to do at this time of year. With a little berley, fishing for mullet is always a good option, especially if you want to take the kids out fishing. If you’re up for something more challenging, there have been nice calamari caught from the Stony Point Pier as well as from the Flinders Pier. Flinders has always been and will continue to be a reliable winter calamari fishing spot due to its close proximity to Bass Strait. Fishing from here requires anglers to fish during the high tide, which is when the calamari will move in close. Bait fishing and tossing squid jigs works well. Inside the Port the fishing has still been a little tough, but there is plenty on offer. Whiting have continued strong, especially in the Tankerton/ North Arm areas. Some sizeable fish have been

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Land-based fishing improving PHILLIP ISLAND

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Pantera Classic 2018

Craig Edmonds

Winter in Victoria can be a difficult time to drag yourself outside away from the heater, let alone go and stand on a beach with a howling southerly. Thankfully not every day is like that and, while it’s cold, it can be rewarding to head out for a fish. I still see most species caught at this time of the year, just not in the numbers you see through the other times of the year. Most fishing is done on the land in the winter and it wasn’t so long ago that everyone would have at least one longer rod for fishing from the beach or jetty. With more boats around (even if you don’t have one, you have a mate who does and you can jump on) we have noticed a big drop in sales of longer rods over the last 10 years or so. Land-based fishing can be more challenging, requires a bit more thought and generally a lot more effort, but to me that’s part of the appeal of fishing. It’s great to be able to run around in the boat and drop on a school of fish and clean up, but for me it becomes a bit boring. I find many of my good land-based customers are also very good boat anglers too because they will put a little more thought into their fishing. You can set yourself up reasonably cheaply at your local tackle store to go fishing land-based and you’ll find successful landbased fishing comes from learning how to read the area you’re fishing. It’s less to do with the cost of your

gear. Whether it be reading a beach for holes and gutters, best times or tides from the jetties or identifying the best spots from the rocks, it’s all a challenge, and very rewarding when you get it right; it’s also good exercise during those times of the year when we all tend to eat too much. Some favourable patches of weather have seen a few out and about both on land and boating, with even a couple of brave people in kayaks. Calamari and salmon have been the major targets from the land with gummies, whiting and calamari from the boats. While all have been patchy and not in big numbers – except for salmon – the quality of the rest has been excellent, especially the whiting. Whiting have their full winter coat on and are (as one customer described) as round as a Coke can. The island beaches have been better for salmon, because they have been a bit cleaner and easier to fish with a lot of weed on the Kilcunda and Wonthaggi beaches. I have only had the odd salmon over 1kg reported and the majority are around 500-800g – still a good size to bake whole. I had several reports during the month from customers using both bait and lures. Casting a lure or two isn’t a bad way to stay warm while waiting for the bigger fish to come along. Use a bigger bait like a whole pilchard on your bait fishing rod and cast a smaller lure 25-40g in white while you’re waiting. Calamari customers are doing a similar thing using a baited jig under a float while casting an artificial one around. This works either on the

Oli with a decent little gummy. land or in the boat. Don’t forget, if you have a squid take your baited jig, cast your artificial one behind it because there is a good chance there will be two of them together. The jetty at San Remo was best recently, with a few from Cowes and Rhyll. Both Woolamai and Ventnor beaches are producing too. While boating it has been a bit of just fishing where the wind isn’t, so nowhere

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Phone: 0410 173 060 www.basscataustralia.com

James and his son Oli found a calm day and headed offshore to look for gummies and were rewarded with quality catches.

really stood out. Whiting were similar. Anglers have been confined to fishing areas with no wind or areas where they could get the boat to sit right. Tides have been important and while it doesn’t matter which one, the best reports came from about two hours either side of the changes when there was a bit of run in the water. It was difficult to get a pattern on how they were feeding, with one customer telling me they were hitting everything and the next person saying they were extremely timid and they had to change their normal circle hooks back to long shanks to hook the fish. With the effort involved in chasing gummies at this time of the year – spending much of the night in the boat or standing on the beach – most target them on the full moon phase. I get the odd report during the month but the three or four days either side of the moon is the best time and that’s when the bigger ones usually get caught. Fresh baits are the best and account for most of the quality gummies; salmon fillet was the best to use recntly. Some good reports have come from both land and beach with boats like all the rest confined to the best spot out of the wind. Two beaches stood out – the surf at Woolamai and Stockyard Point in the bay.

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Science meets fishing

Where next for the Rec Fishing Licence? GEELONG

Ross Winstanley

The Victorian Fisheries Authority’s 2016 proposal to increase Recreational Fishing Licence fees exposed gross unfairness in the current licensing system, with 36% of adult fishers subsidising the other 64%. With the regulations that define the RFL arrangements – the Fisheries Regulations 2009 – due to expire on 3 February 2019, they must be ‘remade’ during 2018 for the licence to continue operating. This provides an opportunity to make real advances in the areas of fairness and acceptance across all age-groups that if you fish you hold a licence: everyone who benefits from our licence-funded program should contribute to the program. BACKGROUND Victoria’s all-waters, all-methods and all-species RFL began in 1999. It was hailed as a national landmark in advancing the funding of recreational fishing programs. Under the agreement between the Government and VRFish, the new licence gave fishers real influence over investment priorities across research, fish stocking, habitat improvements and education. It also gave fisher organisations access to funding, encouraging them to undertake improvements to fishing. NSW was quick to follow, introducing their own RFL in 2000. Recreational fishers in other states soon grew envious as they saw the benefits flowing from licence-funded programs. While the RFL program has served Victorian fishers well, there are some severe defects that should be remedied and some real added benefits that can and should be secured. Addressing the major defect is needed to clear the way for these benefits. THE MAIN CHALLENGE The RFL fees regulations introduced in 2016 removed a longstanding flaw in the system by increasing fees for the first time since 2008 and setting in place annual increases linked to inflation. Over time, this should result in steady increases in the annual licence revenue available for developing our fisheries, without the need for controversial large fee increases at 8-10 year intervals, as in the past. That’s been a real breakthrough. However, the 2016 fee increases have magnified the major defect in the system: the gross unfairness 34

JULY 2018

of the current arrangements arising from the exemptions that allow the majority of adult fishers to share the full benefits without sharing the costs. What we have is an all-waters, all-methods and all-species licence; we also need this to be an all-fishers licence Last financial year 271,395 licences were sold, including one-year, threeyear, 28-day, three-day and 48-hour licences. Published figures don’t reveal how many licences were bought by non-Victorian residents or by individuals who bought multiple shortterm licences; let’s assume 250,000 Victorian adults bought licences that year. Allowing for the numbers of 3-year licences sold in the two previous years, close to 300,000 Victorians held RFLs in 2016/17. Taking the Government’s estimate that there are at least 838,000 adult fishers, this means that about 36% of Victorian adults were licensed, contributing to the $8 million of RFL funds invested in recreational fisheries programs in 2016/17. The Government’s 2016 licence fees Regulation Impact Statement showed how unfair this is and went on to acknowledge that this unfairness will become even more acute as the population ages. Until we can address the RFL exemptions and non-compliance totalling more than 60% of adult fishers, the only way to increase revenue in future will be to hit the dwindling percentage of licensed fishers with even higher fees. That’s the main challenge: licensing every adult fisher. In an unfinished 2014 review of the RFL arrangements, a working group of Fisheries Victoria and recreational fishing sector members proposed the introduction of concessional-fee licences for adults currently exempt from requiring a licence. Technically, this is an obvious and simple solution; politically it is not so easy. Helping the Government to make the necessary policy shift will be the steepest task before the next VFA-fisher working group tackling the RFL review in 2018. A REDUCED FEE OR CONCESSIONAL LICENCE There are three schools of thought about pricing a concessional annual RFL: free of charge, cost-of-issue only or a significant part fee – say 50% of full fee. Having been closely involved with the development of the RFL in the 1990s, its periodic reviews and discussions of how to solve ongoing

related problems (see below) my strong view is that all concessional adult RFL fees should make a real contribution to funding Victoria’s recreational fishing program. Why? Fairness: on the Government’s RFL-sales and participation figures, every one of us who holds an RFL is paying for the benefits of two other adult fishers. Worse still, the 152,054 who bought one-year and threeyear RFLs in 2016/17 paid the lion’s share – 84% – of the year’s licence revenue. That means that every one who bought those licences paid for the benefits enjoyed by almost four unlicensed adults and short-term licence holders. Consistency: in states that treat licensing seriously, there are no exemptions; if you fish, you make a significant contribution according to your situation. In Tasmania, nobody above 14 years old may fish in inland waters or, above 10 years old, for rock lobsters without holding a concessional or full-fee licence. In fact children under 10 years are prohibited from engaging in at least four licence-controlled forms of marine fishing. Similarly, nobody fishes in WA for rock lobsters, abalone, marron or, in South West freshwaters or from a boat for key marine fish, without holding at least a half-fee concessional licence. Nobody is allowed to fish in NZ inland waters without a licence. Reality: for both regular and occasional fishers, the cost of a licence in Victoria is a small part of the costs of engaging in recreational fishing. It costs a lot to run the VFA’s recreational Fisheries program. In the past, most of these costs were met by Victorian governments – in other words, by the wider community. With fewer than 5% of Victoria’s 5.6 million community fishing regularly, under government policy today, it’s up to fishers to meet most of the substantial ongoing costs of running the program. Government ‘no freeriders’ policy: longstanding government policy is opposed to free riders – those “who derive a benefit at no cost from a good/service that is being provided at a cost to another party.” Victoria’s State Concessions Act (2004) provides the basis for concessional fees for many State and local government utilities and services but nobody gets to enjoy those benefits free of charge. Why should recreational fishing be any different? Australian Productivity

Commission recommendation: in its 2016 Inquiry Report on Marine Fishing and Aquaculture, the commission advised that, “A feature of good licensing design is coverage of all recreational fishers to provide an accurate picture of participation and generate the information used to help manage stocks.” The Commission explicitly recommended that the Victorian Government “should improve the comprehensiveness of existing schemes by removing exemptions.” FREE LICENCES FOR KIDS Whether it happens next year or later, ‘universal licensing’ – where every adult Victorian fisher must be licensed – is inevitable. The increasing unfairness of a smaller and smaller percentage of adult fishers bearing the rising costs of the program is untenable. The whole trend for funding the core program has been away from public funding and towards RFL funding; there’s no chance of that being reversed. The cost of the recreational fishing program will continue to rise and we can’t assume that extra discretionary funding like the Government’s Target One Million initiative will always be there to add the extra benefits. Perhaps the best strategy for ‘conditioning’ adult fishers to accept a universal RFL is to make an immediate start with free licences for kids. This would bring Victoria’s RFL in line with the common practice in other states and overseas. New Zealand: Fish and Game NZ require all children under 12 to hold a free licence, renewed for each season they fish; 12 to 17 year olds must hold a $25 seasonal licence. Canada: every person fishing salt waters in British Columbia must hold a licence. Free licences are issued to those under 16 year and must be renewed every year. Regardless of age, every fisher who fishes for salmon must have a $6 Salmon Conservation Stamp on their licence United Kingdom: the Environment Agency requires 12 to 16 year old fishers in England and Wales to hold licences which it issues free of charge; younger fishers do not require a licence. USA: Most states require 12-15 year olds to hold free licences and require 15 or 16 years olds to hold reduced-fee licences. WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED? The requirement for all RFLs to be sold online has been discussed for many

years; it really is time to act. Online applications are standard practice interstate and overseas, providing a number of benefits and improvements in efficiency. Eliminating hand-written paper licence applications enables direct entry of the fisher’s name, date of birth, contact details, licence type and other required information. At the same time it avoids problems of illegible details, multiple handling of paper records and costly data entry. The combination of licensing for all adult fishers and online RFL applications would result in a data base enabling direct communication with every fisher, the basis for surveys of every fisher’s opinions and preferences and other forms of research. Reporting on the key messages from the 2017 World Recreational Fishing Conference in Canada, the coordinator of the Government’s Target One Million Program, Craig Ingram, noted the importance of “using the fishing licence data as a key tool to improve government engagement and participation in recreational fishing sector” in the USA. LICENSING OF FISHING GUIDES AND CHARTER OPERATORS While nationally Victoria has been at the forefront of licensing recreational fishers, it is at the rear when it comes to licensing recreational fishing guides and charter operators. Other fisheries agencies around Australia require recreational fishing charter and guide operators to be registered or licensed and to regularly report details of their fishing operations, client numbers and fish catches. Victoria does none of this. As a result we have no direct and ongoing measure of participation, catches and impacts on fish stocks by charter and guide clients. Importantly, the businesses of charter operators and fishing guides are being heavily subsidised by RFL-holders while making no direct contribution to the costs of the program themselves. Recognising the importance of including fishing catch and effort data from all areas of recreational fishing, the 2016 Productivity Commission report specifically recommended that the Victorian Government “should introduce licensing for marine fishing charter boat operators.” Fishing guides and charter operators make valuable contributions to quality fishing opportunities

to Victorians and tourists and to the State’s economy. Some also assist fisheries research programs. However, their continued operations while making no contributions to the recreational fisheries program costs are at odds with the Government’s policy on fees and charges. According to the policy definitions, fishing guide and charter operators rank alongside unlicensed adult fishers as free riders. It’s time that these businesses were subject to licensing and monitoring of their fishing operations as a matter of fairness and sound fisheries management. FOOTNOTE: COMPLIANCE Back in 2000/01 when the national survey showed that Victoria had 550,000 recreational fishers above five years of age, we sold 230,000 RFLs. At the time, Fisheries Officers reported compliance levels of more than 90%. If we now have more than 838,000 adult fishers, there are three possible explanations for why we sell only 280,000 RFLs a year: • Victorian fishers’ compliance with the requirement to hold a licence has plummeted, • Fisheries Officers’ enforcement performance has deteriorated substantially, • the numbers of Centrelink pensioners, Seniors Card holders, 70+ year-olds and other exempt adult fishers have increased extraordinarily. A universal licence, with every legitimate adult fisher holding a full-fee or concessional RFL, would clarify the third point and would help to tackle the first two. From my background in fisheries management and my observations as an angler, I don’t believe these ‘explanations,’ singly or combined, provide a credible answer and the mystery is going to deepen. On the current downward RFL sales trend, by 2020 annual RFL sales will be about 250,000, so if the Government succeeds in reaching its target of one million adult fishers, 750,000 of them will be unlicensed. We need to get to the bottom of this. The current situation already presents the Victorian Government with a serious dilemma; the outlook for 2020 is far worse. Revising the Fisheries Regulations 2009 to require every adult fisher to be licensed would provide the financial means and statistical data needed to arrive at a solution.

Science meets fishing

Evolution of change: government and rec fishers GEELONG

Ross Winstanley

For decades, Victorian governments’ consultation and engagement on recreational fisheries matters were focused squarely on fishing clubs and associations. Then from about 2000, recreational fishing business interests began to show a keen desire to participate in these processes. This coincided with fishers’ newfound empowerment resulting from the introduction of the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) and their ability to influence the way licence revenue was invested in a range of new and expanded projects. At the same time, Victorian governments were taking increased notice of the social and economic benefits flowing from recreational fishing. 1950-1995 For several decades, governments had worked closely with recreational fishing clubs and associations. The history of this relationship went back to the introduction of trout to Victorian waters and the tandem operation of State-run and private trout hatcheries, combined with government-angler partnerships in developing stocking plans and fishing regulations. Formed in the 1900s, between the 1950s and 1980s, the Victorian Piscatorial Council (VPC) assumed the lead role in working with Victorian governments and their agencies on behalf of recreational fishers. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Fisheries and Wildlife Division and the VPC co-sponsored regular ‘symposiums’ on topical issues and, between 1950 and 1975, they co-produced annual ‘Anglers Handbooks’ as guides to the recreational fishing regulations. Between 1979 and February 1995, the Ministerappointed Victorian Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (VRFAC) met regularly to consider issues of the day and provide advice to the Minister. The recreational sector members were invariably anglers and one or two underwater fishers; there were no fishing charter, guide, tackle or media members. There was nothing exclusive about this; there just wasn’t a desire by industry to be involved. In the broader areas of consultation and discussion of topical issues, between 1987 and February 1995, Fisheries Victoria convened quarterly consultation meetings with the Amateur Fishermens Consultative Committee of Victoria (AFCCV). Fisheries liaison officer, Charles Barnham, participated on Rex

Hunt’s weekly radio program for many years, providing information and addressing listeners’ queries. He also provided weekly bulletins to fishing clubs and media on the latest fish releases, netting survey results, regulation changes and other news. Relationships among the statewide and regional associations weren’t always harmonious. During the 1980s, generational differences, personality clashes and divergent agendas were part of struggles for power and influence. In 1991, frustration over the lack of a single unified voice to represent fishers’ views came to a head during the all-party parliamentary inquiry into bay and inlet fisheries. Following a Natural Resources and Environment Committee (ENRC) recommendation, successive governments worked with angler groups to develop an independent peak body representing all recreational fishers. In response to the NREC recommendation, in late 1991 most of the major fishing bodies banded together to form a Victorian Recreational Fisheries Council. This council operated until 1994 but never achieved total acceptance as a peak body by all Victorian fishing organisations or by government. In 1992, frustrated by the lack of a unified voice for fishers, Cain Government Minister, Barry Pullen, launched a consultation process aimed at the formation of an independent peak body. Later that year, after the election of the Kennett Government, Minister Geoff Coleman asked Geoff Craige MLC to work with angler groups to develop a peak body. In 1994, after the VRFC disbanded, Minister Coleman set up a joint Fisheries-fisher committee to pull together the earlier consultation work and frame a suitable structure, membership criteria, constitution and funding options for a peak

body. He proposed that the new organisation would be formally recognised as the peak body representing all Victorian recreational fishers and that it would be funded from an all-waters recreational fishing licence (RFL). Overcoming early party room resistance, the Minister then ensured that the Fisheries Act 1995 made clear provision for the licence as well as formal recognition of the peak body. 1996-2007 Working with fishers, the Kennett Government established VRFish in 1995 and provided its annual funding until the RFL commenced in 1999. At the time, this arrangement appeared to be satisfactory to all in the recreational fishing sector and to all Victorian politicians. The VRFAC and AFCCV bodies ceased in February 1995 in recognition of VRFish’s advisory and consultation roles on behalf of all recreational fishers. In 1998 and 1999, in the lead up to the introduction of the RFL, VRFish led the negotiations with Fisheries Victoria and Minister McNamara and the deal was finally done, with widespread support from the recreational fishing community. VRFish had effectively coordinated fishers’ input into consultation on what form the all-waters licence should take – the conditions under which it would be acceptable and the priority areas for investment of licence revenue. In 1999-2000, the RFL began generating $4 million of licence revenue annually, paid into a dedicated trust fund. A joint fisher-government committee advised the Minister on broad program investment areas and specific project funding applications. Under the terms of the 1995 Act, VRFish was consulted on members of that committee, on recreational fisher members on co-management committees and on Fisheries Notices affecting recreational fishing.

The Victorian Fish and Game Handbook.

Some industry members became keen to be involved in the annual RFL project funding decision process. Until then, for a century government ‘engagement’ and ‘consultation’ on recreational fisheries matters had been focused on recreational fishers, clubs, associations and, eventually, VRFish. All that began to change around 2000. A 1996 study had established recreational fishing’s total economic contribution to the State. Coinciding with the formation of VRFish, this raised political awareness of the sector to statewide and regional economies. The 2000-01 National Recreational Fishing Survey further highlighted the economic and social benefits of recreational fishing. All in all, this new appreciation of the economic impact of recreational fishing and the revenue generating capacity of the RFL drew government and recreational fishing industry interests together. The industry saw a need to become part of the engagement processes already operating between recreational fishers and government. Given the privileged position held by VRFish, some industry groups sought to affiliate with VRFish. VRFish’s constitution provided for a ‘kindred interests’ membership category under which the Victorian Yachting Council, Boating Industry Australia (Victoria) and Professional Fishing Instructors and Guides Association joined and remained as members for years. In 2005, the Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation announced their intention to join VRFish “in a concerted effort to enhance the peak bodies weight and performance in the representation of recreational fisheries issues to the Government.” That arrangement did not last long. 2007-PRESENT It became clear that the interests of fishers and the fishing tackle, charter, media and other business interests could not be represented effectively by a single entity. The Labor Government found itself back in the position of having to engage with multiple influential bodies with strong views and differing objectives. Many fishery and allied interest groups became dissatisfied with the somewhat inflexible and exclusive consultation arrangements prescribed by the 1995 Act. In response, in 2006 the Executive Director of Fisheries established the Victorian Recreational Fishing Roundtable comprising members drawn from recreational fishing tackle, media, fishing guides, VRFish, Futurefish, fishing associations and Fisheries Victoria. Since renamed the Statewide Recreational Fishing

The 1958-9 edition of the Victorian Piscatorial Councils Anglers’ Handbook. Roundtable, this inclusive forum has met quarterly ever since. A 2007 Government review of overall fisheries consultation arrangements concluded they were too rigid, with concerns raised in several areas including efficiency, complexity, accountability and stakeholder representation. The Minister did not share the previous Government’s view of VRFish as representing all Victoria’s recreational fishers. In 2009, the 1995 Act was amended removing the exclusive status of ‘recognised peak bodies’ including VRFish. Since then, VRFish has been regarded as representing the members of its affiliated fishing clubs and associations while the Roundtable has been main focus for dialogue between government, the Fisheries agency and the recreational fishing sector. An associated annual series of ‘regional roundtables’ provides information on current programs and gives fishers the opportunity to raise issues of their own. ALMOST FULL CIRCLE? Victoria’s recreational fishers were once represented on a ministerial advisory council and a statewide consultation committee, both solely made up of recreational fishers. Recreational fishers were also prescribed members of statutory co-management bodies between 1996 and 2009, and together with fishing tackle and charter members between 2013 and 2015. Today, of all Australian states, Victoria stands alone in having no such advisory or consultative arrangements. There is no standing body representing all recreational fishers – or the sector as a whole – to advise the Fisheries Minister and the Executive Director of Fisheries on recreational fisheries issues. Their silence suggests that Victoria’s recreational fishers are indifferent, perhaps

satisfied, with the current arrangements. The Statewide Recreational Fishing Roundtable’s purpose is to give recreational fishing sector leaders a forum to exchange and discuss items of interest and to foster relationships among themselves and with the VFA. It was originally formed in 2006 to replace the exclusive Fisheries-VRFish partnership with a broader, more inclusive forum being sought by the industry and some fisher groups. This enabled representatives of recreational fishing industry bodies, VRFish, Futurefish and independent fisher groups to meet and discuss matters of interest with the VFA and other government agencies. Looking at recent Roundtable attendances, it seems ironic that during the past two years fishing tackle, media, charter, guide and Futurefish representatives have been absent. Instead, apart from Government agency members, regular attendances have solely comprised members of VRFish and other fishing organisations. Aided by their early participation in the Roundtable, the absent groups that have dropped out may have done so after having their concerns addressed or by forming alternative communication links with government. Either way, their non-participation on the Roundtable today undermines its effectiveness and places this Government in the position that their predecessors in the early 1990s and, again, in 2006 strove to avoid: dealing separately with disparate groups with separate agendas. In doing so the defectors have, in effect, restricted the Roundtable to something resembling the Amateur Fishermen’s Consultative Committee of Victoria of the 1980s and 1990s – except that the Roundtable has no consultation role. JULY 2018

Get busy hooking big bream and flathead GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

There are two things to really love about winter bream. First of all they are predictable and get easier to find as they move right up into the rivers with some fish on the snags and others schooling up in deep water. The second thing is that it’s the best time of year to find really big fish. The Gippy Lakes haven’t let us down and the big bream are exactly where we expect them to be. I also have plenty of news on some thumper flathead, but before all that here’s a quick reminder about the local size limits and regulations. Bream are only legal at 28cm and have a bag limit of 10. As for dusky flathead, they have a bag limit of five and a slot limit of nothing under 30cm. All duskies over 55cm must be released with care. Just for the record, in my experience, nearly every flatty in the Gippy Lakes is a dusky. Yank, bar-tailed and bluespot flathead have different limits. You can keep 10 luderick that are 23cm or bigger and Australian salmon need to be 21cm or over with a bag limit of 20. There are no size limits on yellow-eye mullet, but you can’t have more than 40. SCHOOLING WINTER BREAM As usual for this time of year a lot of bream head for

Some whopper dusky flathead have been caught recently right across the Gippy Lakes including this 67cm Lake Wellington fish that took a small blade lure intended for bream. deep water and they school up often in their hundreds and even thousands. The real trick is to wade through the vast schools of smaller bream between 22 and 30cm and try

to locate the bigger fish. For instance, Hollands Landing to Seacombe has been flooded with massive numbers of squeaky bream over the last two months.

Nearly every fish is around 24cm and it has been nearly impossible to score a legal size bream. They are at least biting freely because it’s no problem to stack a score of them and it’s quite amazing to see such a healthy stock of bream for the future. You’ll never hear me cursing little bream on the end of my line. Every trophy fish was once a minnow and gently releasing small bream with care is something to be proud of. During a six-hour lure session recently with a mate we got about 40 bream each and only three of them were just over 28cm. This is the first time in 20 odd years of me fishing the Hollands Landing area that nearly every bream encountered was so small. In years gone by, with a bit of perseverance I have nearly always found a whole range of sizes including a few trucks. Sometimes catching small bream was a fairly rare event. With so much saltwater pushing far into the Gippy Lakes it has been no surprise to now find the big bream deep into the western lakes area and right up into all the rivers. A lot of bait and lure anglers have been searching the salty water around the edges of Lake Wellington over the last three months now. Some of the best locations include Marlay Point, Roseneath Harbour, Disher Bay, Andrews Bay and the Tuckers shoreline. I’ve talked to many bait anglers using humble frozen

prawn and to my surprise they all pulled some great bream around 40cm from the shallows during most trips. A few of us continue to search those same areas with hardbody lures or blades. Some days are very slow with hours of little return, but a few new discoveries of different areas around the lake have made it very exciting. Persistence has paid off and during one recent busy session I landed 27 bream on blades with two of them 43cm and the rest of them mostly 36-42cm. I have found these ripper bream a few times now and a few mates have helped me search the vast

expanse of Lake Wellington. It’s quite common to get 10 or 20 bream for the session each time and this year the fish are all sizes from 26cm right up to 44cm. Looking ahead, the best locations for the bigger bream will continue to be Lake Wellington, the upper Nicho River right down to the entrance and the Tambo, where at times you will need to fish in at least 4m of water. The Mitchell downstream of Bairnsdale has stacks of bream of all sizes from around 24-40cm but the water has been so clean and the bream

Many lure anglers are now having better success with very small hardbodies like this Hurricane pink model called a Stik 40 – a slow-sinking lure is deadly in the snags.

Diehard anglers venturing out get the goods MARLO

Jim McClymont mcclymont@net-tech.com.au

The weather has been cold and windy making fishing very uncomfortable. Combined with little rain, the rivers – which are usually flowing with plenty of water – have very little flow at all, resulting in very few reports of fish being caught. But as sure as

the sun will shine the rains will come and flush out the whole estuary and again make our estuary system one of the best in Victoria. The diehard anglers who are venturing out have been getting a few good-size fish on several occasions and when the rains come and the weather fines up and gets warmer, more anglers will get out and about and begin to up their catch rate. The surf beaches are another matter, anglers are reporting good captures

of salmon with many over 3kg being taken on surf rods and reels and using a paternoster rig with a popper or spinning metal lures with light fishing gear. Anglers have also reported getting plenty of tailor almost as big using both methods. The bait fishers are also getting plenty of flathead, rays and sharks. Fishing offshore (weather permitting) is very good, with anglers reporting good mixed bins of flathead. Gurnard, pinkie snapper,

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morwong, barracouta, squid and gummy sharks are being taken on a mixture of baits. Kingfish are still being taken on Marlo Reef, Tamboon Reef and in-between. The biggest capture of the season was a broadbill swordfish caught on 37kg line by local dairy farmer Joe Connelly and crew Geoff Morgan and Nick Trewin on Joe’s boat, a Stabi Craft 609 called Moo Juice. The huge swordfish weighed in at 301kg and fought for seven hours, and it took another hour to haul the huge fish aboard. It took another two and a half hours to come back to port at Cape Conran, load his boat onto its trailer and travel down to Lakes Entrance to get it weighed by an official weigh master. The day was still not finished. They travelled back to his farm at Orbost to clean the boat and then butchered the huge fish into manageable portions to share among their friends. Fresh broadbill swordfish is an excellent table fish and this one was appreciated by many locals.

To page 37

A swordfish caught out from Cape Conran by Joe Connelly and crew.

Spawning runs of bream are moving through LAKES ENTRANCE

Steven Pryke

In the Gippsland region the early hours of the day have been cold and icy. Anglers have had to layer up before venturing out into the elements, but there is still plenty of quality fishing available throughout the winter months in the Gippsland region. NORTH ARM Over the past month plenty of garfish have moved into the arm, so local anglers have been chasing these great fish for the table and for bait. Anglers have mostly From page 36

are very guarded and alert. BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD The flathead continue to amaze us all and they have been ignoring the chilly water temperatures and are still chasing lures. We are regularly finding them at Hollands Landing, the Mitchell River, Lake Wellington and the upper Nicholson River. While searching for bream recently I joined a few mates down at the straits and between the three of us we found

targeted these fish around areas such as the winery and Capes Point in the higher end of north arm. A simple pencil float and a size 12 long shank is all you need. Bait it with live sandworms – these are extremely easy to get your hands on from local tackle shops. With winter here spawning runs of yellowfin bream have made their way through the lakes with places such as Metung Yacht Club holding good numbers of schooling bream. These schools have been hard to locate at times, so making the most of your marine electronics has been critical

for consistent fishing success. Anglers have mostly targeted them fish with either minnow-style soft plastics or stick minnows in natural colours. Cast your offering up tight to structure then allow it to sink under slack line. This allows the lure to flutter deep in the structure where hunting predators sit in wait. LAKE TYERS The lake system has begun to settle into its winter patterns, with large schools of bream in the main lake, especially around areas like the powerlines and other deep water areas of the main lakes system.

a modest tally of 35 bream to 44cm, but the real surprise were the 18 dusky flathead we netted. Most of them were about 45cm but the biggest four were between 52 and 67cm. They took large soft plastics and big heavy blades. It’s been amazing to see the flathead numbers explode this year and after all those years of fishing in my local area, I’ve never seen so many big girls over 60cm caught from Loch Sport right up to Marlay Point. And the mulloway? About

ten of us now regularly try and target the elusive mulloway for at least part of our fishing day out, especially when we fish at Hollands Landing, the Mitchell River or at Metung. So far this year, nobody has landed one. Some very big fish have been sounded up and there have even been a few sightings. Lucas Smith from Bairnsdale told me he’s still chasing a few local brutes that he’s hooked and seen and Justin Dingwal from Sale also pricked a couple but sadly nothing has been landed.

Small jerkbait-style hardbodies are still producing the goods, especially late in the day when the water is at it warmest. These deep water bream and other species such as silver trevally have been targeted with a combination of bait and lures. The most productive baits lately have been fresh whitebait fished lightly-weighted on a small running sinker rig. Nowa Nowa Arm is still producing quality catches of bream and flathead. The sheltered waters of the

Nowa Nowa Arm provide cover and allow the water to stay warmer, making for an all-year flats and edges fishery. Anglers have had great success working the drop-offs in the search for dusky flathead. Small grubstyle soft plastics such as Atomic Fat Grubs and ZMan GrubZ have accounted for most captures, especially when matched to 1/16oz

jigheads and slowly hopped down steep drop-offs. 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 & Tasmania Fishing Monthly.

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One of my favourite little areas is one known as Venus Bay. It’s a very popular fishing destination for all willing to make the drive from Melbourne to get those rods bent. Salmon, trevally, gummies and the elusive estuary perch get people excited to fish here. PRIME TIME Any time of the year is a good time to fish Venus Bay. Winter is especially good when the salmon move in and the EPs make their way out of the rivers and into the channels and weedbeds.

THE RIG If you’re bait fishing then a light running sinker rig is best used when targeting whiting and trevally. If you’re chasing gummies then use the same rig just beefed up with a heavier sinker fished in deeper water. Trolling metal slugs around with a short 15lb leader is a good way to find the salmon if you can’t see them working the surface. BAIT AND LURES Blue bait, pipi and live bass yabbies are some of the preferred baits in the inlet when chasing the main species like salmon and whiting. Use lures for perch further up the inlet

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Joel with a lovely mangrove EP that he caught on his birthday. THE GEAR 2-4kg graphite spin rods and 2000-2500 sized reels loaded up with 10lb braid will cover most things when lure fishing the inlet. Bait fishers like longer soft rods for the whiting, but still need to be able to fish 3-4oz of lead at times if the tide is pumping.

and towards the river then small hardbodies and surface lures are the go as well as Squidgy Wrigglers and Flick Baits from 80-100mm. BEST METHOD Chasing salmon, the best method is to troll metal slugs and hardbodied lures until you find a school of fish. Once the school is located,

the next high tide. HOT TIP Always keep an eye on your sounder and GPS. As you venture further up into the inlet, just be wary of the gutters and sandbars that are scattered throughout, which can be easily ran aground if you’re not paying any attention.

FISHING NEWS

Gippy illegal netting fines Two East Gippsland men have been found guilty, fined a total sum of $17,356.64 and had a vessel, motor vehicle and other equipment forfeited in relation to illegal netting in the Gippsland Lakes. Senior Fisheries Officer Matt Bateson said a Lakes Entrance man pleaded guilty on 25 January in the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court to multiple charges relating to taking fish for sale, using commercial fishing equipment and obtaining financial advantage by deception. The second man from Nowa Nowa pleaded guilty on 31 May in the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court also to multiple charges relating to taking fish for sale,

using commercial fishing equipment and obtaining financial advantage by deception. Mr Bateson said the court heard the men colluded to gain a financial advantage by deception

by posing as legitimate licensed commercial fishermen and consigning their illegal catch for sale in Melbourne. In total, the pair made $11,356.64 from the 3,852.5kg of fish they sold. The pair were convicted and each ordered to pay

a pecuniary order of $5678.32, as well as a further $3,000 each. The pair also had various commercial nets and equipment forfeited including a motor vehicle, vessel with outboard motor and trailer, another trailer and scales. Mr Bateson said the result showed that the courts are taking illegal netting very seriously. “This crime has an impact on the environment as well as commercial and recreational fisheries who share the resources of the Gippsland Lakes.” Anyone with information relating to illegal fishing is encouraged to ring the illegal fishing reporting number on 13FISH (133 474). – Victoria Fisheries JULY 2018

Great fishing at Bemm River BEMM RIVER

Robyn Sturgess

Winter is upon us. We have had two light frosts followed by magnificent days and bream on the chew. Winter in Bemm River always sets a precedent for quality bream as we officially class

it as the beginning of the bream season. The angler who doesn’t mind a frosty morning will certainly be rewarded. The lake remains high but a little bit of rain in the near future will see that change with an opening of the entrance possible around mid to late July. This will then

lead us into a great spring. Even on a blustery day, the anglers who sit on the river bank out of the wind have caught some quality bream,

they had such a good time. The surf has been producing very well, weather permitting, with plenty of salmon, smaller flathead

Bemm River has had some magnificent days recently with bream on the chew. transfer station. This will create problems for our volunteers, as the rubbish trailers will no longer be present at the surf beach sites. So, if you do camp at our surf beaches, please take your own rubbish with you on departure and deposit it at the transfer station for a fee. The Bemm River Progress Association is conducting an exciting Winter Promotion – a raffle for a boat, motor and trailer package. Tickets are $10 and the prize is $8,000. There are only 1000 tickets available and yes, you can purchase

Pidge from the Heathmont Angling Club caught this 42cm bream off the riverbank recently.

Another handful of Bemm River bream for a happy angler.

even the odd luderick close to the river mouth and some very dark duskies. A group of anglers fished for a week in May – they normally visit in October – and it now appears they may even make May trip number two for the year as

and trevally thrown in as a by-catch. There are still tailor in the channel – a 2kg fish was brought in recently. As of the start of the next financial year, our local tip will become a ‘pay as you go’

multiple tickets. Proceeds go towards building better facilities for our community. The Bemm River Progress Association has a Facebook page with the details for how to purchase your ticket. • For on the spot and up to date fishing reports check out Robyn’s website: www. bemmaccommodation.com. au or ‘like’ us on Facebook – Bemm River Holiday Accommodation Phone: (03) 5158 4233/Mob. 0427 584 233 Email: bemmaccomm@ bigpond.com.

Anglers targeting the kingies in winter CORNER INLET

Will Thompson allwaysangling@bigpond.com

Winter is here but that hasn’t scared off one of our favourite sportfish – the yellowtail kingfish. With some relatively mild weather over the start of winter, the water temperatures haven’t fully dropped to their coldest temperatures, so with varying offshore water

temperatures of around 14-15°C the kingfish are still about and feeding. There are good-size fish around 80cm+ and these are being caught by anglers trolling small skirted lures and jetheads. Once you find the kingies, get your knife jigs out and jig them until you can’t move your arms. There has still been the odd bust-up where you can cast stickbaits and poppers. If you can’t find the kingies, there are still stacks of big flatties. Get on the drift in

20m+ of water and there are some good-size fish out the front of Port Albert to 50cm. Other than that, inside the inlets at Port Welshpool or Port Albert is some of the best squid fishing in ages and there are some really big models at 40cm (hood-size) and a stack of small and medium sized models at 15-25cm (hood). There are plenty there and most anglers are getting their bag. This will continue through the season now, so

you should always be able to get a feed of squid. The whiting are still on the chew as well in Lewis Channel and also at the Basket Beacon at Port Albert. They are getting caught during the run-in tide on squid strips and pipis. Another species to target is the garfish and there are plenty there on the flats if you use berley. Moving east to Manns Beach there’s a stack of big salmon in the entrance being caught trolling

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Matthew Jones with two cracking winter kingies caught offshore of Port Welshpool.

A nice winter kingy caught on a GIG stickbait that was cast to a school of kingies busting the surface offshore.

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The lake species will be thriving this winter BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

It’s southern bluefin tuna season along our coastline and now is the best time to get a dose of the blues. Sadly they are not all that easy to find, but when you do it may be on for young and old. It’s always a challenge finding fish, especially at present with those big southern bluefin tuna out over the Continental Shelf. Read the signs like the quality of the water, where

1000 fathoms and beyond to the sea mount. Picking days with the dominant big winter highs will see slight seas where a lot of anglers have been travelling in parties of two or more boats, not only to find where the fish are concentrating but also for safety reasons when travelling large distances to sea. Mixing in with the bluefin have been a few reasonable albacore, the odd yellowfin and striped tuna. You can be assured that wherever there are tuna there are likely to be mako sharks and there have been

allowed anglers with the gear to pursue deep water fish out on the Twelve-Mile Reef and over the Continental Shelf. The Twelve-Mile has seen some nice Tassie trumpeter, plenty of perch and some exceptionally large tiger flathead, while out in the real deep water, hapuka, blue-eye trevalla, alfonsin and gemfish have been making up the bulk of the catch. Back on shore off the stones it’s drummer season, with plenty of lovely big black drummer, quite a lot of luderick and the odd silver trevally and bream taking a liking to cunjevoi floating around in the suds. Those wishing to work a lure or float a pilchard off the stones should encounter reasonable numbers of salmon and the odd decent tailor. These salmon schools are persisting along the coastline providing good angling on the rocks and for those fishing the beaches or trolling along the shores. There are also a few bream off the beaches. On the full moon when the deeper gutters are formed

Luderick are a winter specialty around the bridges of Bermagui. gummy sharks and mulloway are an option. In the estuaries things are pretty quiet with an already exceptionally cold winter. The mainstays around Bermagui at present are luderick around the rock walls, the harbour and the

bridges at both Bermagui and Wallaga Lake. Some of those salmon schools have moved into the estuaries providing an unexpected catch, especially in Wallaga Lake where also schools of tailor are feeding

on white bait within the lake system itself. Don’t expect anything sensational in the estuaries in the near future, as they are only going to getting colder until the spring months start to warm them.

Eden needs rain to fire up again EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Alfonsin are very tasty deep water fish. the bird life is concentrated, even the fish themselves that come to the surface feeding on schools of sauries or other baitfish. Learning this part of the game contributes to the hunt of these fish, which is something I like almost as much as catching the fish themselves. Fish well over the 100kg mark are common with most fish averaging around 80kg. The best areas are out over the Continental Shelf over

some exceptionally large ones around. For the bottom fishos there is plenty of action to be had on most reefs. Morwong (both rubber lip and jackass) and snapper are the dominant catches. Mixing in with them are a few pigfish, ocean perch and leatherjackets. Closer to shore out from most beaches there are plenty of sand flathead to be found. With the calm conditions it has

Eden received a drop of much-needed rain – not much, but just enough to get the rivers that had stopped running flowing again. Prior to that they were only a series of pools. As far as the fishing is concerned a lot more is needed to fire things up. Recent big seas have created some good gutters for the beach fishing, and the water is still warm enough for good catches of yellowfin bream and sand whiting with salmon also being caught. As the water cools the fishing for salmon will only improve. Good-size tailor are also being encountered and fish to around 2kg are common. As usual the problem with these bigger To page 43

The winter weather is seeing the bream come on the bite.

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No complaint about rain MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

The colder weather has seen the visitors to the area head off to the north chasing the warmer weather. This has left the town quiet once again and things won’t pick up until spring arrives. Finally we have received some muchneeded rain. We had only

of fish are being caught out around Gabo Island. There have been reports of snapper being caught on the reefs both to the east and west of Bastion Point too. With the town this quiet and the water cooling right down, few boats will be venturing offshore over the coming months. A few boats are still making the long haul out to the broadbill fishing grounds and from all reports it seems as though there has

the fish, you will have a ball. One group of anglers stayed on the action for the best part of a morning catching these hard-fighting fish. Some big tailor are in the lake; these fish can be caught on poppers or big hardbodied lures. The bigger lures are the go. Giving them more plastic to chew on makes it harder for them to bite you off. The black bream are firing up with the water cooling off and at this point there hasn’t been enough

580

SEAHAWK

WITH

The tailor are getting bigger and popper fishing is the way to get amongst the action. one day of rain over the past five months with just over 50mm of rain and a lot more is needed to break the drought. The entrance area is choked with sand and the whole system needs a really good flush to drag all the sand out to sea. If it is opened at the wrong place or with not enough water behind it, things will look even worse in years to come. The fishing offshore is still providing anglers with some good catches of sand flathead. Good numbers From page 42

fish is they bite you off, so you sould use a wire trace. Then the problem can be that they won’t bite at all. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has experienced this. Those heading outside chasing a feed of fish haven’t been disappointed. Flathead (sandies and tigers) are being caught in good numbers and the best bait is an oily, tough piece of skin. That way it’s possible to catch a heap of fish and only bait up once. The inshore reefs have also been fishing well with plenty of snapper being caught. Fish to 2kg can be expected with the

been a lot of effort put in for not much action. Fishing the local beaches has seen the salmon fishing firing up. With the water temperature dropping more fish will show up over the winter period. The water temperature in the lake is down to around 16°C. This has slowed the fishing right down for the flathead. The odd fish can still be caught, but catching a feed is a lot harder. Some good-size silver trevally are in the lake and if you can find

rain to have the slightest impact on the fishing. The fish can be found anywhere where you can find the whitebait and a variety of blades and soft plastics have been working well. One thing to be aware of when cleaning fish at the boat ramp is the pelicans over the winter months. They get a lot more aggressive than they are over the summer months; with fewer fish being caught and fewer anglers about they will near rip the fish out of your hands.

bigger models up to around 5kg. Fresh baits of squid and cuttlefish are catching fish along with whole pilchards. When fishing the reefs you can expect to encounter nannygai and morwong with the odd kingfish also being caught. Those pesky green leatherjackets are also about. If they show up, move. It’s impossible to catch anything else when they are about and you will lose hooks, sinkers – the lot. Out along the shelf the marlin have slowed down with reports of a few yellowfin tuna being caught. These have been big fish around 40kg+ and with the water cooling the fishing should improve

and albacore tuna should also show up. At this time of year you can expect some of the best weather conditions for heading out wide and fishing, so it’s fingers crossed for a good run of fish. Fish are still being caught in the local estuaries, but the flathead are starting to slow down as the water cools. Good numbers of silver trevally are about and the fishing for them always improves over the winter months. Yellowfin bream and sand whiting are still being caught and the front sections of the rivers are the best option. The black bream can be found further upstream.

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Turn a quiet session into a productive one NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson

July can be a tough month to fish around Narooma and its surrounds but if the hard yards are put in, some exceptional fishing can still be on offer. The local estuaries will continue to produce even with

the water a cool 14-15°C. What you have to do is fish a little lighter with either bait or soft plastics. Remember to fish a little slower and only use the freshest of baits. The fish will still be there, but these little adjustments can greatly improve you’re chances and turn a quiet day into a very productive day. The main basin in Wagonga

Inlet is loaded with whitebait at present. The majority of schools are from the power lines upstream into the 4knot area with salmon, tailor and some very big trevally making their presence felt. The fish are quite concentrated once you locate them; you’ll mainly find them under the bait schools or on the edges

Some thumping big salmon are making both Wagonga Inlet and the Tuross Lake system home.

Big black bream find it hard to resist a Deep Diving Chubby on the slightly deeper mud flats.

JULY 2018

of them. When the pelagic species are having a feed the scraps are acting as a berley trail. This in turn gets the rest of the species active with trevally and some big fish to 50cm playing the game. You can expect a few flatties and bream under these same schools and you’re always in with a chance at a mulloway when these conditions occur. I’d be using no more than

a 7g jighead with grub-style plastics hopped close to the bottom. Expect a few of the bites to be soft, especially from the flathead. They are a little doughy at present. If you’re fishing with bait then fresh slabs of tailor will work well as will striped tuna strips. Fished on a light running sinker rig. If the top of the system is quiet, try the channels in the lower

sections. It has fished well on a draining tide for bream and luderick, so it’s worth a look. On the beaches the fishing has been fantastic and definitely better than last month with the increased swell we’ve received over recent weeks. This has really helped with almost all beaches holding a few decent gutters – some of them very deep and close to shore. Up To page 45

NSW South Coast

A decent variety of winter species biting MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson

Those venturing offshore after a feed of bottom fish are in luck with multiple species chewing at present. Snapper, morwong sand and tiger flathead and some decentsized gummy sharks have all played the game these past few weeks and I can’t see why that would

change anytime soon. Recently the local club had their annual snapper competition and it was a massive success with just about everyone getting amongst the snapper. The reds weren’t huge with the best around 3.3kg, but there were plenty of fish to be caught around 2kg. I know of one boat getting 17 legal snapper for the session, which is solid fishing; throw in a few

flatties and a gummy or two and it’s nothing short of exceptional. The fish were spread out, but the better areas seem to be down south off Haycock Point in 25-30m. Other reefs that fished well included Long Point, Turingal and close in off Tura Head. All these areas should still fish well this month, and Lennard’s Island is another spot worth a look.

Winter time means bream time as Dazza found out. From page 44

at Dalmeny, Brou Beach has been a standout with salmon, tailor, bream, gummy sharks and the odd mulloway all succumbing to anglers’ efforts, which is great to see. I know of several mulloway caught on the recent moon with the best at 14kg, which is a solid fish. The lucky angler was only targeting tailor, so being hooked up for 30 minutes and finally landing this beast was a great solo effort and one he will remember for a very long time. There have been a few others captured too, so a late night on the beach might just be worth the effort I reckon. On the smaller side bream numbers have been good with the mouth of the estuaries seeming to be fishing better. Both the mouth of Tuross Lake to the north on the southern side of the entrance and the mouth of Mummaga Lake are the go-to places, and the flooding tide is best. Try using a mixture of soft and flesh baits, as every day it seems their preference is different. I’d be using live beach worms, pipi and striped tuna strips with a little berley to help things along. Off the rocks the pelagics like

salmon and tailor have also been good with the Golf course rocks and Mystery Bay to the south also producing the goods. Anglers using a mixture of sliced chromed lures and pilchards on ganged hooks are doing quite well. There’s still the odd bonito around, but I expect them to disappear once that water temperature drops a little further. This cold water brings drummer and luderick to the fore. Both species have been excellent. The southern breakwall at the bar entrance and the northern side of the Golfie Rocks around the corner are both holding plenty of fish. The better baits have been crab and cabbage, though a few switched-on anglers are getting plenty of luderick on green-weed flies. I know some will be sceptical, but it’s true. It’s extremely productive and easy to do as you can fish them like normal under a float. Try it – you may be pleasantly surprised at the results. Offshore the pelagic action at Montague Island is a little up and down. Some days the kings are good, then the next it’s like a desert. When they have had a chew the kings are averaging 3-4kg with jigs and squid being the better options to target them. It wouldn’t surprise

me to see a few greenback kings this month, especially around and inside the Fowl House Reef. Over the last few Julys this has happened with a couple fish nudging 25kg and better – quality fish for sure. If they do turn up, try trolling live slimy mackerel as an option. This can work, but a lot will depend on how many seals are around. If they’re a problem, casting large poppers or bigger soft plastic stickbaits might be the go, especially if the fish are on the surface smashing bait. A little further offshore there have been a few yellowfin tuna caught and recently there were reports of SBT down south off Eden, so it won’t be long before they’re on Narooma’s doorstep. It will all depend on weather, so let’s hope the weather gods do the right thing so sportfishers can get out there and get amongst it. Those after a feed of bottom fish will do well with flathead plentiful in 40-45m of water. Try off Dalmeny and Potato Point, as both these areas have been extremely good. If you head a little further east off the point then snapper come into their own. They have been plentiful for weeks now and I can’t see any reason why that will change in the short time.

Further offshore the water has cooled considerably with 18-19°C the norm now. It’s not all bad news though with a few yellowfin tuna and albacore getting caught wide of Bermagui over the weekend. These fish should push south and don’t be surprised to see SBT over coming weeks. There getting a few down wide off Eden when the weather allows, so all looks solid for a bumper tuna season. Inshore the beach goers are having loads of fun on salmon and tailor with the beaches north of Merimbula fishing extremely well. We had a local fella come in store this morning with a glowing report off Tura Beach, which comprised of 22 salmon and three big tailor in a few hours – exceptional fishing in my books. The salmon averaged 1kg or so but on the right tackle they’re still a stack of fun. A few different techniques are working; a paternoster rig rigged with a bait/popper combination with half salted pilchards is the gun bait to use. Casting a range of smaller metal shiners up to 30g has also been good on these mid-sized fish and if a thumper comes along you’re in for some serious fun. If you’re after gummy sharks or mulloway then you’re in luck. Both these species have been around with a few of the gummies nudging 12kg – nice fish and great in the pan. I’d be fishing either Middle Beach or North Tura with fresh slab baits for the sharks or big bunches of live beach worms, which mulloway find hard to resist. Off the stones the action is mixed depending on what you’re targeting. The bread and butter species like drummer and luderick have come into their own over recent days with the

Another pig bream that couldn’t resist a hardbody fished slow amongst the snags. This 44cm fish ate an Ecogear SX40. water temperature dropping and solid wash available on most headlands. Using a float with cabbage weed or fresh prawns will catch you a feed; use a little berley here but not too much. You can expect a few bream and trevally on the prawns and Short Point is the pick of the headlands to fish. There’s still plenty of pelagic action happening off Tura Head – mainly salmon and the odd smaller kingfish. A lot depends on conditions for the results you are getting. Both lures and ganged pilchards have produced results, though the bait guys seem to have the edge at present. In the estuaries Pambula Lake has really fired up this week. The main basin has seen plenty of the action with one local getting some awesome results. He got a mixed bag of no less than nine

legal species for the day, which is pretty remarkable considering he caught them on a mixture of bait and soft plastics. Bream, whiting, luderick, salmon, tailor, flounder, trevally, flathead and mullet made up his bag with a few of the bream nudging the 1kg mark. The key was to fish very light leaders in the crystal clear water and fish light jigheads and sinkers. Casting towards the ribbon weed edges in the basin in 3-4m of water with a little berley was all that was required. With fishing like that it’s time to wet a line. In Merimbula Lake the lower sections in the channel are still firing for jumbo-sized trevally. Fish to 55cm have been common and on bream gear they put up a struggle. Anglers using smaller softies on light jigheads on the draining tide have fared best.

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JULY 2018

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Big offshore fish still biting in cold conditions TASMANIA

Kelly Hunt

We can’t hide from it any longer – it’s winter in Tasmania and it’s not going away anytime soon.

If you think about it, we got through the first month ok and we only have two to go. Then it’s spring again. I think we can do this. We can certainly find enough fishing to get us through and have a lot of fun doing it.

BLUEFIN CONTINUE TO FIRE The southern bluefin tuna were on the chew in June and don’t look like slowing down for July. Some good fish have come from St Helens and the Bicheno area. This time of year is quite often seen as just an Eaglehawk Neck time, but this is not the case. The swordfish anglers are also finding tuna as by-catch off the shelf along the east coast. This is exciting, as you no longer have to listen to the people saying what a waste of time it is to drag lures off these areas. Triabunna, Schouten Passage and Bicheno are all holding tuna schools that want to eat your lures, so if you are in the area and the water conditions allow it, get out there. There are many great accommodation options at this time of year and it’s a great family trip away

with plenty to do if the swell and chop gets up. When the weather comes good and the conditions allow, get across the 100m line, out to the shelf and beyond. The key here when prospecting is a lure spread that makes some noise. By that I mean some froth and bubble. We have settled on skirted lures sizes around 6.5” here in Tasmania and for good reason. Our natural baitfish found off our coast are around that size for the better part. This particular project calls for a few lures that are a little bigger. You want the biggest of your lures up front and the smaller lures to the rear of your spread. Do not under any circumstances think that a 10” lure is too big for Tasmanian bluefin. When the tuna are on and hungry, even a small school-size fish will hit it. The reason we want to run some 8-10” lures in

DEEP WATER TASTY TREATS We are blessed in Tasmania with a giant smorgasbord of delectable fish species at our doorstep. Get your crew together and make sure you put a good trip plan together and you will have great success. Don’t try to do everything at once. Make a plan and stick to it. Set up to fish the bottom and nail it! The still days you can often happen across in July are perfect for targeting those deep, tasty bottom dwellers. Stripy trumpeter are the easiest fish to target as they aren’t found as deep as some of the other favoured species. Good reef and rubble ground from 70-150m are a good place to start. If you can get a nice weather window, the West Coast of Tasmania is quickly becoming known as the horse stripy capital. St Helens is a great place to try to find a few, as is the area in and around Bicheno. When looking to target deeper water species like blue-eye and gemfish, the calmer the conditions, the better, and not just for comfort. It’s easier to maintain the baits on the bottom and locate fish in flat, windless seas. Sounders work significantly better in flat conditions. The picture they can generate from 46

JULY 2018

within their box of trickery is far better with minimal swell. Deciphering what the unit is picking up is also far, far easier in calm conditions. This is where a good sounder is of great use. There has always been great reliance on ‘marks’ when targeting these treasures of the deep. When people talk of marks and waypoints they are

We just have to pick our days and make sure we have enough good, warm clothing to keep us comfortable. Oh, and a thermos of something hot is always good as well. We need to look at the positives and don’t despair,

as the shortest day of the year was on June 21. This means the days are getting longer and longer, little by little and we have more time to fish. Fish for species such as striped trumpeter and

bluefin. For some light tackle fun, fish like bream are around and there are a few trout waters open all year. Fishing in July in Tasmania all comes down to you and how keen you are. You also need to hark back

to a time when people were tough and had a real feel for the outdoors. You have to be a real outdoorsman and not mind the cold if you want to get out and enjoy the treasures Tasmania offers in winter.

a spread at this time of year is to create some attention. Froth and bubble along with a massive bubble trail will mean that any fish in the area will come and have a look at what the commotion is about. In all offshore fishing it is often about raising fish. You need to be able to draw fish into your spread and then they’ll see your lures wiggling and waggling in your boat wake. In setting a lure spread it’s best to run your longest lures out first and that is the shotgun position. For this spot I use the Sacred Saury in 9mm rigged on 120lb leader with a kiwi blue hook. Next is long rigger and for me that is the domain of the redbait Bunga rigged on 150lb and a kiwi blue hook. Next to run out is the short rigger and for me that’s a 6.5” lure on 150lb leader again. Out next is the long corner position and that is a prime spot for an 8” lure. Lastly we have the big 10” lure rigged on 150lb leader

and a kiwi blue hook. If the weather is favourable I would get out wide straight away, wherever you decide to try and get some lures in the water

as close to the continental shelf as you are prepared to travel. Getting a lure spread dragged out over and back across the shelf is favourable. Run down sea and up sea

trying all angles. Then if the weather comes in and starts to get too rough you can troll home, hopefully with a few bluefin tuna. Good luck.

electronically generated points on the ocean floor where the fish being targeted has been encountered before. These marks are either old commercial waypoints that have been passed on over the years or areas where people have seen commercial long lines laid out. These are then transferred into sounder and GPS units on recreational boats and treated like the Holy Grail. These spots over time tend to cop some

heavy fishing pressure and while they still produce, they can slow up. The modern sounder units of today are a fantastic tool and with a bit of forethought and patience they can help you find a great spot of your own. If you get conditions that allow you to do a bit of foraging, take the opportunity. With blue-eye fishing, for example, instead of roaring out to your usual grounds or old mark, find a

point 2-3nm off. Come off the plane and sound the area carefully. Blue-eye will be on the shelf or thereabouts, so use the contour lines as a guide and traverse to the deeper water and back into the shallower transition. Taking the time to sound some likely looking areas may result in you finding some new and productive grounds. If you mark a biomass on the sounder, quickly enter a new waypoint. If the sounding is a large or long sonar return, enter a couple of waypoints. Have the crew ready the gear while you slowly and methodically come back around to your waypoint. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to get a heap of rods over. Have the crew work as a team and use one outfit ready to deploy on your say. Take some time to get back where you want to drop and don’t worry if it takes you a couple of goes from a number of angles. Once you are happy with your position, give the word to drop and keep an eye on the line angle. The line angle will give you good indication on wind and current and what affect it will have on your vessel. More often than not the elements will have your boat leaving the drop point and if need be you can manoeuvre and back up to the line

carefully, keeping it straight up and down. If you don’t do any good, persist in around five drops before moving on. It will take a little time and practice to be able to put the baits into a biomass of fish some 400m from the surface. All things going well, you will load up and have some enquiries in no time. If you find you are doing well on this spot, name the waypoint and come and have a go on it on another occasion. Should you rock up next time and bag out in no time, you can confirm the waypoint as a point of interest and make some notes about it. Take into account tide, time of year and sea condition. What you have now done is found your own mark and you no longer need to rely on old commercial marks. You can keep away from the weekend crowds. The beauty and fun in deep dropping means you never really know what may come up from the depths. This style of fishing generally yields some very tasty and high-valued fish and it’s very satisfying to be able to have found your own hotspot. The electronics available today are an invaluable tool, yet we are all in such a rush to get to old ground. Take some time to learn how to use and how to read your sounder and you will be richly rewarded.

Chloe found a ripper Tasmanian winter bluefin.

Not to be left out, Chloe Hammersley caught some great striped trumpeter as well.

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Go Behind the Scenery GET ON THE TRUMPETS Quite often classed as the best-eating fish in the sea, the striped trumpeter (or ‘Tasmanian trumpeter’) are mainly caught in Tasmania, but can be caught in South Australia, Victoria, New Zealand and South American waters. They are reported to grow up to 1.2m in length and about 25kg, and live for up to 30 years. Around

too wrapped up in sourcing secret spots and GPS marks of mystical fish-producing reefs that other anglers keep hidden away. A lot of good stripy bottom has been found by accident, so don’t discount any good-looking reef you see on your sounder. Every bit of reef is worth a look and some key points to look for are nice high pinnacles that jut straight up

Molly Hammersley has really taken to fishing like the rest of her fishing-mad family.

pull up and try another section or patch of reef. The underwater currents and tides play a very important role in where the fish will be situated in relation to the reef. Obviously it’s hard to gauge what the underwater currents are doing 100m down or more, but as you drift with the tide you will get an idea of the direction. While the tide is running hard, try drifting onto the face and off the back edge of the reef; the fish hold in these areas using the currents – much like a trout in a stream – to maintain a position using the least amount of energy while food items are carried to them by the current. Also try the deeper holes and crevices during this time, as the fish will also hide in them to keep out of the strong current. As the tide slows, drift across the reef proper. Many fish will take this opportunity to move about on the reef hunting out other food items. In order to do this effectively you need to be on the water when there is minimal wind. Being Tasmania, this isn’t always easy, but study the weather forecasts and aim for days where wind of 5-15 knots is predicted. Up to 10 knots is fine, but once it becomes higher the drift rate increases to a point where contact with the bottom is almost impossible. At this point, while sea anchors can work well, having someone on the controls of the boat and driving the boat in reverse to hold station will be the best method. Apart from a seaworthy ocean-going boat, there are a couple of key pieces of equipment that are needed to help locate areas where striped trumpeter will be. These are a powerful high resolution depth sounder and a GPS or chart plotter,

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Tasmania, spawning from reef or on the edge occurs between July and of the reef, good holes and October and typically a sheer drop-offs and reef single fish of about 3kg structure that runs along the can produce 100,000 eggs. edge of a contour line. Females reach maturity Quite often we have at around 45cm or five fished a patch of reef that years old, while males produced good fish last trip reach maturity at around only to be seemingly devoid 53cm or eight years old. of fish this time – a quick Larvae go through an move to more reef nearby extended larval phase of has found fish and a move around nine months before again found even more. The settling on inshore reefs. general rule of thumb is if The inshore reefs are where the reef looks good, give it most recreational anglers a try – if no fish are on the target the smaller fish, but chew within 15-20 minutes, To page 48 we often venture wider to the outer reefs in search NEW RELEASE of the larger specimens. These fish are great fun to catch and are sensational eating. You really can’t go wrong in chasing them in the winter months. During the winter and early spring months the fish come into the inshore reefs to spawn and can be caught in water as shallow as 30-50m. This means you don’t necessarily need to venture too far from shore to catch a feed of fish. The larger fish and good numbers on the outer VELOCITY SPORTS CRUSADER reefs are definitely a better choice. Looking for bottom in the 100-300m depth range will have you on some prime territory and usually away from the pressure of weekend danglers. Dylan Loh loves a good trumpeter session. Also, don’t become

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Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania From page 47

the sounder to locate reefs, structure and fish and the GPS to mark any likely spots to come back to. Being able to use your depth sounder effectively is paramount to finding good stripy bottom. When using the sounder turn all the automatic controls off and run the unit on full manual; this will allow you to constantly adjust the settings such as gain

or sensitivity to suit the depth and conditions. Try using gain and sensitivity on its maximum limit, only tapping it back a fraction until screen clutter starts to disappear and then the unit will be reading at its best. Once a patch of reef has been found, a useful feature that some sounders have is the ability to set an upper and lower depth limit. If, for example, you are fishing in 100m of water, looking at the top 70-80m is a

waste of time, as the striped trumpeter schools will hold within 20m of the bottom. If the unit has this feature, set the upper limit to 80m and the lower limit to 105m and this will allow the sounder to display only the information in the bottom 25m of water and give you a much better picture with more detail of what is on the reef. At this stage, it’s quite common to see elongated arches and constant lines across the screen and

500-1000g of lead to the bottom and systematically winding up 5-7kg fish – quite often 3-4 fish on one rig – is enough to strip the gear teeth and warp shafts of substandard reels. Large spinning reels are another good option and are easy to use, but once again, choosing a quality model capable of handling the job can be difficult. Large spool capacity is vitally important to hold enough braid to be able to fish in depths up to 300m and will rule out many spinning reels, most of which are cheaper surf style reels

with inadequate quality components for the job. As far as line is concerned there is only one choice and that is to use a quality braid, usually between 30-60lb depending on the rod and reel being used. Braid, which has less stretch than monofilament, will allow greater line capacity on the reel, feel the bites better, feel when your sinker hits the bottom and allow you to stay in contact with it. Most importantly it has a finer diameter for its breaking strain than the equivalent mono, so it will have less drag in the water and be less affected by underwater currents and tides.

albeit a heavy-duty version is the basis for this. Mainline breaking strains are always a subject of much conjecture and I have tried anything from 80lb through to 450lb. Some people will argue that a lighter leader will catch more fish; personally I don’t think that in the dark murky depths it will make a whole lot of difference. A lighter mainline will certainly be thinner and will give less drag in the currents but will also be easier to cut through on some reef. It can also be difficult to handle when you are trying

to lift fish aboard the boat and can result in cut hands if you don’t wear gloves. A loop in one end should be crimped with some armour spring or tubing as a chaff guard where the swivel from the braid clips to and then 3-4 Branch Line Swivels should be slid on and crimped into place. The Branch Line swivels work much better than normal cross line swivels, because you don’t have to cut the mainline to put them on. Simply slide them onto the line, position them where you want your spacing (1m apart is good) and crimp them into place. From each of these swivels crimp on your trace material.

WHAT YOU NEED This is one area where skimping on quality gear is not an option. Rod and line fishing for striped trumpeter is hard on tackle and hauling large hardfighting fish from 100m or more of water tests reel gears, line rollers, bail arms and rod guides to the limit. Many cheaper reels just don’t have the quality internal gearing and bearings to cope with the torture of continuous winding under extreme load when stripy fishing, and this is what outfits will spend the majority of their time doing. Dropping between RIG UP THE BAITS Being a reef dwelling fish, the striped trumpeter’s diet mostly consists of octopus, squid, crustaceans and small fish, so using baits found naturally in their environment will produce the best results. Use baits that are as fresh as possible and not just some scrap you’ve had laying around in the freezer for a while – trumpeter can be fussy eaters. As far as bottom rigs go, keeping things simple is the best idea and I use a standard paternoster rig,

these will be individual fish feeding. Also look for masses of bait schools on or near the bottom; where there is bait, there will be stripies. Quite often you will see a bait school sitting just off the tip or the edge of a sharp drop or pinnacle and this is a prime feature to drop a bait onto. Some popular east coast locations to try are Merrick Reef, Middle Ground, Pulfers Reef, Binalong Patch, the Cliff and the

Eddystone Patch. These are all good reef areas to try your hand at catching a few stripy, but are also good base points to prospect around and see what other reef structures come up. Like I said before, there are really no secret magic spots that produce fish all the time – you just need to search around and find good reef and drop a bait down to really get an idea of what’s going on. If no fish come aboard within a short

Johnah Yick with a nice gemfish. Anything from 50lb through to 200lb can be used – once again it’s up to you. I have tried fluorocarbon line for traces with great results and it’s much harder and more abrasion-resistant for its relative breaking strain than normal mono trace. Keep the trace length relatively short. I find 20cm is more than adequate and I crimp a hook on the other end. I also like to put a lumo bead or piece of lumo tube on the trace before I crimp the hook on, just as an added attractant. I get asked all the time what type of hooks are best for stripy fishing and the simple

answer is any good quality heavy gauge hook designed for live baiting or set line fishing. Circle or circle style hooks are a good choice, as they allow the fish to practically self-hook when it takes the bait with no need for the angler to strike. Also they hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, which makes it easier to remove it from the fish. Sizes 4/0-8/0 are ideal, depending on the brand and style. At the sinker end of the rig, simply crimp on a loop leaving about 2m between the last hook and the sinker loop. Very few striped trumpeter are caught in this area just above

THE CATCH When your rig hits the bottom, striped trumpeter are not the only fish that inhabit the reef and you will most certainly feel a bunch of small taps. About 90% of the time this is the gurnard – an ugly looking red googly-eyed fish with lots of terrible spikes that can jab you and have you in pain for hours. Be very careful handling these fish as a simple mistake can ruin a whole day on the water. One way of trying to avoid the gurnard is to wind your rig up a few winds on the reel as soon as the sinker touches bottom. Other fish that you may come across are banded morwong or perch and big deep sea cod, but when a big stripy hits you will know all about it. They aren’t shy about how they strike and they just grab the bait and head for the reef. This is when you need 48

JULY 2018

to have your drag locked up and hold on – quite often if the school is thick, there will be more than one fish on the rig and it’s not uncommon to have a 3-4 hook rig loaded with fish all heading down. Once you have pulled the fish aboard it’s important to bleed them straight away and put them on ice as soon as possible. They are, after all, one of the finest eating fish in the sea and should be paid the respect they deserve. Leaving a top table fish lying around on a deck in the sun for hours will spoil it very quickly and considering it’s worth up to $28-30/kg, taking the extra care at sea will be evident when it hits the table. A few bags of ice placed in a decent ice box with a couple of buckets of sea water will lower the temperature nicely and have the fish flesh firm

time, move on and find another reef. If you are looking to try and find some off the West Coast of Tasmania then it’s as simple as having a good sounder, finding some good bottom and prospecting. The West Coast has a great number of these fish and is well worth the trip down to Strahan to launch. Check your weather window and make sure your boat is in top shape and you will be as safe as anywhere.

Justin with a bit of a suprise by-catch.

the reef and this is where you will mostly be annoyed by gurnard. From this loop tie a short length of lighter mono, around 50lb, and attach the sinker or lead weight to this; in the event you snag the sinker on the bottom, this lighter line will break and you will get your whole rig back minus only the sinker, and that’s cheaper and better than losing the whole rig every time. Basic large snapperstyle sinkers are the best as they sink nice and straight without twisting; 16-32oz sinkers should be kept on board to cover all scenarios of tide, drift and current. by the time you are back at the ramp. Being at sea fishing for striped trumpeter can be one of the more relaxing moments of fishing you are ever likely to experience, especially when you are with a few mates. The conditions that are suitable for drifting the reefs are usually very comfortable for the angler as well. They’re not something we get to have all that often. However, relaxation can quickly turn into intense excitement when a couple of freight train trumpeter hit your rig with the intent on pulling you over the side of the boat. If you manage to win the fight and haul the fish on board, not only have you had some serious fun without too much danger, but you end up with some fantastic table fare that will keep everyone at home very happy. What more could you ask for?

Go Behind the Scenery DOWN SOUTH The south of the state has had some very wild weather in June and also the flash flood in Hobart in May. This has settled down and the conditions are looking to come good during July. The river systems have had a very good clean out with the rain they had all at once. While this caused some localised property damage, it’s always good for river systems to get a solid flushing and clean out. I have was lucky enough to have caught up recently with the store manager from The Fisherman’s Shed in Kingston recently and he let me know what had been fishing well and will continue to do so through July.

Browns River running through Kingston has been fishing extremely well over the last couple of weeks. The recent flooding opened the mouth of the river right up and allowed some big schools of bream to move into the river for winter. This will be fantastic for the winter fishing in July and will see local anglers try their luck on both bait and lures. The standout lures recently have been Gulp turtlebacks rigged on 1/16oz jigheads or Cranka crabs fished slowly along the bottom. The season proper has been closed, but that hasn’t stopped the keen from finding a trout here and there in open waters. Great Lake has been fishing

very well recently, with plenty of healthy fish cruising the shoreline! Todds Corner in particular has been producing plenty of fish and is great for land-based anglers. Another bonus to fishing Great Lake at this time of year is the chance to check out the brown trout doing their thing as they head up the spawning creeks. However, you must not disturb the spawning fish in any way, as it is considered an offence. The ‘Great Salmon Escape’ continues to excite anglers. The thousands and thousands of fish that escaped when their pens were damaged in the big storms are creating a great opportunity for winter fishing fun. Escapee Atlantic salmon have been showing up all over the place! Some hotspots include Cremorne, the Lower Derwent, Browns River and North West Bay. Some lures that have been working well are Gulp Minnow Grubs on 1/8oz jigheads, Halco Slices and Liquid Gold in the aurum colour. It’s getting close to that time of year where the flathead become much harder to catch, so get out and have a crack at them while they’re still in the shallows and feeding! There are still plenty being caught in water as shallow as 15-20ft which makes it ideal for throwing a few soft plastics around. Some of the shallow bays in Norfolk Bay and

Tasmania

Matt Webb and Johnny Valentine with a couple of winter double hook-ups. down the channel have been producing very well! July is a great time of year to chase sand whiting. To find some of these tasty little fish anchor up over sandy bottom and start throwing a bit of berley in and you should be into them in no time. Kingston Beach, Blackmans

TROUT FOR THE DIE HARDS

Justin Rigby managed to find a decent patch of gemfish wide and deep.

The official trout season remains closed in July and won’t open again properly until the first Saturday of August. Trout season has regained a bit of momentum these last few seasons with a lot of young keen fishos really loving getting out and chasing both rainbows and browns. This has been encouraging to see and we look for it to continue for

next season. The good news if you want to keep your trout fix going is that some waters are open all year round. Let’s talk about a few of those. Brushy Lagoon is a small shallow and sheltered lagoon and has regular stockings of brown, brook and rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon to maintain the quality of the angling. This makes it a great fishing destination to take

Bay and Bellerieve Beach are all great spots to try. Some 6-8lb fish are still making a regular appearance, although they have not been seen busting up as much as they were a couple of months back. Trolling Halco slices around the headlands and bays is the best way to cover ground and

find them. Having a good sounder on your boat will help quite a lot too. If you notice a mass of fish on your sounder, try dropping a soft plastic or micro-jig down through them. More often than not you’ll find yourself hooking into Australian salmon one after another!

the kids for a real chance at catching a nice fish. The smiles and pictures will be worth the small winter’s journey. The Lagoon is in close proximity to those anglers in the north and lies 20km north of Westbury. There are two boat launching areas at Brushy: one on the eastern shore and one at the dam wall. The dam wall is a popular location with shorebased anglers and is a top spot for small boats and kayaks.

Craigbourne Dam lies about 50 minutes’ drive from Hobart and was created by damming the Coal River primarily for irrigation storage. The dam covers an area of approximately 200ha when full. It’s an important and popular fishery because of its close proximity to Hobart. The Inland Fisheries Service stocks the dam heavily with rainbow trout, To page 50

HYDRO TASMANIA WATER STORAGE INFORMATION Water Storage Information as at 6th June 2018 Lake/Lagoon

Metres from full

Comment

Trevallyn Pond..................................0.66................................................................... Lake Mackenzie................................7.88................................................................... Lake Rowallan..................................10.39................................................................. Lake Parangana................................1.33................................................................... Lake Cethana....................................0.34................................................................... Lake Barrington................................0.14................................................................... Lake Gairdner...................................7.59................................................................... Lake Paloona....................................1.01................................................................... Lake Augusta....................................3.30................................................................... Arthurs Lake.....................................1.79................................................................... Great Lake........................................14.28................................................................. Little Pine Lagoon.............................0.75................................................................... Shannon Lagoon...............................0.23................................................................... Penstock Lagoon..............................0.14................................................................... Woods Lake......................................1.51................................................................... Lake St Clair.....................................1.54................................................................... Lake King William.............................4.82................................................................... Lake Echo.........................................8.07...................................................................

Dee Lagoon.......................................0.28................................................................... Pine Tier Lagoon...............................1.55................................................................... Bronte Lagoon..................................1.53................................................................... Bradys/Binneys/Tungatinah..............0.24................................................................... Laughing Jack Lagoon.....................6.27................................................................... Lake Liapootah.................................0.37................................................................... Wayatinah Lagoon............................0.16................................................................... Lake Catagunya................................1.22................................................................... Lake Repulse....................................0.00.......................................................Spilling Cluny Lagoon....................................0.62................................................................... Meadowbank Lake...........................0.60................................................................... Lake Burbury....................................5.07................................................................... Lake Margaret..................................0.27................................................................... Whitespur Pond................................7.78................................................................... Lake Newton.....................................4.74................................................................... Lake Plimsoll....................................3.79................................................................... Lake Murchison................................10.87................................................................. Lake Mackintosh..............................2.10................................................................... Lake Rosebery..................................0.26................................................................... Lake Pieman.....................................3.41................................................................... Lake Pedder......................................1.15................................................................... Lake Gordon.....................................24.63.................................................................

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 2018

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania From page 49

brook trout, Atlantic salmon and adult brown trout to provide great fishing opportunities close to Hobart. Trophy Atlantic salmon are a feature of the fishery with larger specimens in the 6-10kg class available at times. Like Brushy Lagoon this fishery is at a low elevation and as such sees some nicer weather to enjoy with the family. Great Lake needs little introduction. This is a massive body of water and if you are a Tasmanian fisher, you will have spent some time up there along its shores or in a tinnie flogging it with lures and trolling. It’s a magical place in summer and winter, just

be prepared for some nasty weather at this time of year. There are still fish to catch, but respect how quickly conditions can change. It’s right up in the central highlands and as such can tear you a new one if it so desires. It can be bitterly cold with some very heavy snowfalls. Shore-based anglers have many options open to them. Set-rod bait fishing is practised along most shores and is often very productive. The best baits are mudeyes, crickets, and worms. In winter the best spots are generally on the leeward side of the large points and bays around the lake and the Tods

Aaron Bissett likes to get his trout on and finds a lot of fish.

Corner area. Trolling on Great Lake is very popular with deep diving lures, downrigging or lead core line used to get lures down into the strike zone just above the weed beds. One of the best spots for this type of fishing is the southwestern region of the lake, in particular Swan Bay. Lake Barrington is one a little close to my heart. I have spent a fair bit of time on this water over summer water skiing and with the kids on the ski biscuit. It’s also a great all-round fishery and the second of three large freshwater hydroelectric impoundments constructed across the Forth River. Barrington has a good population of brown trout, rainbow trout and the often forgotten about native blackfish. The IFS also like to stock the lake with some stonking Atlantic salmon. Most trout range in weight from 200g to 1kg but it is not uncommon to catch larger specimens of brown trout. I find that trolling is the go for the Atlantics. Something big and bright works well. The steep shores to the west often have some water runoff and there is also a waterfall just up from the west side boat ramp. I do okay from time to time hopping soft plastics down into the depths. You

Damian Turner had a great trout season and often gets around the open all-year waters. can try casting hard up against the shore and just hopping and sinking a paddle-tail soft plastic down into the deep water. When the presentation is back in under the boat you can tea bag and jiggle it for a bit until winding in and repeating. Lake Burbury is the big show of the west coast. It’s a place of character and every trip is a memory made. It’s a big lake and takes a lot of exploring. It’s the sort of place that is best taken on in a boat and gives you something different every trip. To get down for a look, travel to Queenstown. The Lyell Highway actually crosses the

centre of Burbury and you can follow signs from there. If you want to get on a lake and rest the mind while trolling a few cobras, this is the lake for you. Rug up warm and get some favourite tunes going and away you go. Clear the mind, put the worries of the working week behind you and cover some water. Deep diving lures are the go here and even the good old-fashioned flatfish are worth a run. There are a heap of fish in here of both the rainbow and brown trout varieties. The weather doesn’t need to dampen your trout exploits. You just need to have a look at

your options and make a plan. Take the kids and get out and find some memories to store away in the brain. The light and weather characteristics can be just as memorable as a bright blue sunny summer’s day. The fishing is every bit as good so there are no excuses. Get out there. WINTER WIND UP It’s cold and windy at times in July in Tasmania, but you can find a window that allows you to find fish. It’s really up to how keen and well prepared you are. There is nothing stopping you from having a great time, so take the challenge and get out there.

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JULY 2018

Trout heating up while the redfin cool off HORSHAM

James Perry Instagram: @James_Perry_Outdoors

Winter solstice has passed and the local lakes have had a while to chill off. While the redfin have slowed down significantly,

this is your best shot at targeting a monster trout in the Wimmera region. Throw a dart at the map as all the lakes are performing well due to the last few years of good water stores. If you’re more of a redfin angler, don’t give up. While the large schools have

dispersed there are still some larger fish to be caught. Just don’t expect to land cricket scores of them. Lake Bellfield has been holding its own this winter with some solid trout being captured so far. As it’s now closed season for flowing waters, be sure not to fish the

Jason Meehan proved yet again he knows how to find the big reds.

Gage Wright fooled this Toolondo brown in less than ideal conditions on the Hurricane Switch 66.

moving water of the creek above the lake. Walking the banks casting spoons and winged lures has proven a reliable method in targeting trout. Lure selection should be based around imitating small baitfish and fishing close to the surface. Tassy Devils, spoons and OSP Bent Minnows are a great plan of attack. Any lure that casts long distances will be the smart choice here, as the aim of the game will be to cover as much ground as possible. If you’re out for a day of bait fishing, try a bunch of worms fished about 1ft under a bubble float. Lake Toolondo has been producing some large trout and redfin of late and should continue to do so. Working the shallows has been a reliable method, however it is well worth slow drifting the weed beds in the centre of the south lake on a calm day. Keep your eyes peeled for surface activity, as at this time of the year it isn’t uncommon to see short periods of increased surface action due to insect hatches. The swallows that call Toolondo home are a great indicator to

the untrained eye. If you see them swooping the water, be sure to target the surface or sub-surface. Bent minnows are by far the favourite lure in this scenario, however walkthe-dogs and micro poppers are becoming increasingly popular. Colour-wise, hues of white through to opaque natural colours in shades of green and brown have been the standout choices. Fly anglers have been doing well with classic patterns like Mrs Simpsons and Woolly Buggers. Bait fishos should look to float some live minnows close to the top of the weed. Lake Fyans has had a bit of a slow start with the trout, however the redfin have been fishing well and it’s only a matter of time before the trout catches outweigh the redfin. Small bibbed minnow lures seem to work better here rather than larger profiles. Trolling is the most productive method if you don’t have a vast knowledge of the lake. Some top pick lures here would be the Rapala X-Rap4 in brown trout pattern, Woolley Morsel and the ever-reliable Finesse StumpJumper. Don’t be afraid to ditch the boat and wade the shallows either. Many fish have been caught this way recently and it’s a great way to get a greater understanding of the lake. If you want to target redfin over trout, try fishing a weedless jig like the Spinwright jigs; this will make working the weed a far more enjoyable

Tim Bullock with another quality Fyans redfin. experience. Fly anglers should be looking to the western side and work the exposed and shallow weed beds while slow drifting with the assistance of a drogue to minimise boat noise. Taylors Lake has been a bit of a quiet achiever with a few good cod and yellowbelly being captured recently. Bait seems to be the most consistent method at the moment. Local anglers have been doing well fishing

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a bunch of scrub worms on a running sinker rig off the bottom. If you’re going to fish with lures here, it’s worth downsizing the overall lure profile, but run with noisy and vibration style lures. Chatterbaits and vibes will be a good starting point. Over the next month I expect redfin catches to slow and trout catches to increase. Now is a great time to get that trophy fish.

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Quality trout prowling the edges Anthony Bentley

Lake Jindabyne is starting to fish well, with more fish starting to come around the edges. It is very low at the moment, at 64% and dropping, while Lake Eucumbene is 31% and steady, and Tantangara 27% and steady. There are good reports of shrimp around the weed beds in the lakes. There have been some really good reports from Tantangara in recent weeks. Flyfishers are doing well with slow drawn nymphs and Hamill’s Killer patterns, and lure anglers are catching plenty on Tassie Devils. Both the browns and rainbows are averaging around 2-3lb and are very healthy, and there are a few big dogs cruising around as well. Lake fishing is only going to get better as the weather cools. The dropping water temperatures will encourage more of the bigger

fish to come around to the edges looking for a feed. When it comes to the time of day, early in

the morning is the least productive time, which is good because it’s bitterly cold and unpleasant. As the

Andy Queck with a nice brook trout caught walking the bank casting Bullet Five-0 Minnows at Waste Point. Jindabyne has had a big run of brook trout captures. Brook trout love colder water and the recent cooler temperatures have them feeding around the abundant weed beds around the lake. They are in full spawning mode and hungry. This fish was caught at Waste Point on a Five-0 Bullet Minnow.

Eucumbene water levels are very low, and the brown trout are waiting for some rain to head up to the spawning grounds. Browns are the main catch at the moment, and most fish caught in the lake are in great condition. Plenty of fish are being caught on scrub worms and brighter coloured minnow lures. This one was caught on chartreuse Rapala CD5 minnow.

day warms up the fishing improves, as the fish come out looking for a feed closer to the edges, where some small hatches may occur over the winter months. FISHING IN JULY There will still be opportunities to catch trout and salmon over the coming month. The broodstock Atlantic salmon and brook trout in particular should still be very catchable over the next moth or so. Now that it’s the closed season for trout and salmon in the rivers, anglers are obviously restricted to the dams for a while. In winter you can fish Lake Eucumbene, Lake Jindabyne,

DAM LEVELS Dam............................... % Full

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

LAKE/DAM

Cairn Curran

April May June 59

Rainbow Lake and Island Bend Pondage; everything else freezes over. The go-to flies at the

56 54

Dartmouth 88 88 88 Eildon

57 54 54

Eppalock

65 63 62

Fyans

69 66 66

Greens

55 53 57

Hepburn

45 43 45

Hume

36 31 37

Lauriston

85 84 80

Malmsbury 14 9 15

April May June

Mulwala (Yarrawonga) 91 87 0 Newlyn 51 48 49 Nillahcootie 67 58 54 Rocklands 33 32 32 Taylors 57 52 49 Tullaroop 55 53 53 Upper Coliban 86 74 73 Waranga 17 13 14 Wartook 54 50 47 William Hovell 54 46 48

(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.)

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Dropping water temperatures will encourage more fish to move into the shallows. moment include Hamills killers, Craig’s Night Time, Mick Hall’s MH53 Clear Water Shrimp, Woolly Buggers, hair and copper nymphs and pheasant tail nymphs. If you prefer lure fishing, try small Celtas around the edges, or use small vibes. Good colours for both lure types are silvers and greens. You can also get good results using Tassie Devils in rowleys riot. High Country Outfitters

budget. Brands include Sage, Rio, Redington, Scott, Simms, Patagonia, Loop, TFO, Vision, Hardy, Riverworks, Scientific Anglers, Airflo and McLean nets. There’s also a big range of flies from Manic, Stu Tripney, Mick Hall and Pisces, as well as waders, boots, vests and outdoor apparel. For all the latest information on what’s biting and where, drop into the store at Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, Jindabyne. You can also call them on 02 6456 2989, like them on Facebook or check out their website at highfly.com.au.

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Fishing will slow down, but cod are still biting MILDURA

Rob Oswin

Over the last month there have been consistent reports of fish being caught, but reports of fish being caught on bait have been slowly down considerably. Fishing with lures has remained the

having set in there have been fewer and fewer people on the river, which has been great for anglers who have been out, giving them an empty river to fish. The fishing for cod has been good due to the cod attacking lures of just about any size. There have been plenty of fish being caught anywhere from Wentworth

the annual event of the bardi moths flying and with the added effect of the continuing decrease of the water temperature. Reports of golden perch have slowed right down and can be expected to continue to fall. With there being fewer anglers on the water and the fishing becoming slower, it’s a great time to ensure everyone who is on and around the river is being safe, as fewer people around means more room for fishing, but also less chance of others being in the area in the case of an accident on the river. Now is also an excellent time to catch up on boat and gear maintenance and to top up on any lost or damaged tackle and lures. Remember to stay safe. There isn’t much better than sitting around the fire after a long day on the river.

The fishing for cod around Mildura has been good recently.

Dream fishing in the drawdown YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

Smaller cod and even cod up to the magic metre are still being caught, mostly on hardbody lures. best approach to catching perch and cod. Smaller cod and even cod up to the magic metre are still being caught, mostly on hardbody lures. Lighter colours such as light greens, pinks and yellows have been much more effective than darker colours lately. With the cold weather

right through to Red Cliffs with the Merbein Common producing some excellent fishing. There have even been some reports of catfish being caught around the willow trees around Gol Gol. The fishing can be expected to slow down rapidly over the next month. This comes after

SEASON

It’s always an exciting time in and around Lake Mulwala during a drawdown and we’re currently in the middle of it. Be it fishing, fossicking or sightseeing, it’s something not to be missed. The primary reason for a drawdown is to kill off the lake’s invasive weed Egeria densa with prolonged exposure to frosts. Along with this, it allows maintenance work to numerous other infrastructure around the lake. For the fishers, it’s a great opportunity to get out and look at things from a fish’s perspective with water levels being dropped around 4.5m (14ft). To see the amazing timber structure that lies on the lake’s bed gives you a new perspective on how to fish this iconic lake for the best results. To say one technique

IS HERE!

Every Saturday 4.30pm on 54

JULY 2018

will always outperform another will bring you unstuck. One day it’s trolled hardbodies, the next spinnerbaits, and the next swimbaits. The most common denominator during this time is that you need to be using

lures that can be worked shallower than usual, with water depths ranging from 1.5-4m on average. The most popular areas are tight to the edges and drop-offs in the Murray River. Boat launching

remains limited with the Yacht Club ramp at the end of River Road being the best and safest option at present. This ramp remains accessible regardless of lake level as it launches you directly To page 55

Barb Hewat along with grandsons Archie and Jack with her 110cm monster Murray cod.

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Anglers need to rug up as fish continue to bite ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

A sprinkle of rain and a few foggy mornings have teeth chattering on those pre-dawn fishing adventures. The first of the cool weather is upon us and from a fishing prospective it’s time to rug up and keep warm. Locally

the fishing continues to be quite productive with both Murray cod and golden perch continuing to bite on bait and lures. In the Murray River above and below the road bridge at Swan Hill Murray cod to 90cm have been landed on trolled lures. It’s a similar story downstream around Wood Wood and Tooleybuc where Murray cod continue to bite on lures

and bait. The Murray River at these locations has fished really well this season and looks set to continue well into the cooler months. The Wakool River has been fishing exceptionally over the past month for large golden perch and a few smaller cod. Anglers fishing small yabbies close to the timber are reporting good catches of perch up to 48cm and Murray cod to 65cm.

Brian Pilon with a Murray cod, which he caught trolling on the Murray River.

StumpJumper lures have been the go-to lure over the past month and Ryan Pilon wasn’t disappointed with the results. A few carp have also been caught but they seem to have slowed a little since the water temperature dropped. Back to the Murray River, Boundary Bend has had a steady run of golden perch to 45cm and Murray cod to 75cm caught on bait. Scrub worms, small yabbies and grubs are working best. Robinvale, Euston and Wemen are all producing golden perch on bait and lures. A few small cod have also been landed at these locations with all the cod being well undersized fish. Local reports at Mildura have seen the golden perch bite slow a little, but some good-sized fish are still available for anglers casting and trolling lures. Anglers bobbing small yabbies and shrimp are also catching perch to 47cm. In the Murray River at Wentworth several Murray From page 54

into the Murray River that runs through the lake. While on water, take care; there are many snags just under the water line and they will not move! Numerous do-gooders suggest the lake should be shut to fishing during this time, because it’s too easy and like ‘shooting fish in a barrel.’ That can’t be further from the truth. Sure, when the cod are on capture rates are strong but suggesting

cod to 90cm have been caught trolling larger lures. This is great news as few cod of this size have been caught since the black water. These fish have no doubt made their way back out of the Darling River and into the Murray to once more take up residence on the numerous rock bars upstream of the Wentworth lock. Further down along the

Murray River several reports of very large cod have started to filter through from around Waikerie with cod up to 130cm caught on trolled hardbodied lures. Very good numbers of large golden perch are also being caught at this location.

In the Darling River Murray cod up to and over a metre in length have been landed on lures and bait both above and below Pooncarie. With a few good fish still keen to bite on both bait and lures it might be time to rug up and head out on the water.

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The author with a great Murray cod caught from the Darling River on a Goodoo Bait lure. that to the many who have gone fishless here over the past few days and they will say you are a fool. What is turning them on and off at the moment is anybody’s guess. Looking back, during the earlier stages of the drawdown fishing was super. Numerous cod measuring well in excess of the magical metre mark were reported with a 126cm beast being the best of the lot. To give everybody a mention who’s achieved

this feat would take forever. As the flats become exposed, the water dirtied and temperatures dropped, things slowed to a complete halt for a few days. Lately I’m hearing of a few captures that give some optimism for the near future. On a bright note, Fisheries reported that during two days of solid patrolling the lake over a hectically busy weekend, they only saw five cod of legal size that were being

kept. From the hundreds fishing, it’s very rewarding to see that most anglers nowadays are practicing catch and release. As the fishing slows down, organisation for the 2018-19 fishing competition season ramps up. If you are keen to get your name added to the Golden Dollars, Cod Classic, Dash 4 Cash, His and Hers Partners Classic or Cod Nationals mailing lists, shoot me an email at codclassic@bigpond.com.

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Yellowbelly will be biting harder than cod SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

River fishing locally has been reasonably quiet recently with only the odd report coming in. Bait fishing in the Medlands Road area using frozen bardi grubs, scrubworms and cheese is working the best. There have been some small cod and yellowbelly caught in this area. There haven’t been any reports of big cod being caught, but I think it’s only a matter of time before we get reports of some big ones with more locals using big gear to chase cod in our local waters. This time last year the Murchison area fished very well but it hasn’t been the same this year. There have been no reports of legal-sized fish being caught in this area. The cod and yellowbelly may not be on the bite but there are plenty of crayfish being caught upstream from Murchison to the Nagambie Weir. Make sure you’re up to date with all the rules and regulations before you chase crays, as we all need to help keep the fishery sustainable. There have been reports of plenty of small hungry crayfish taking bait up and down the Goulburn River with most holding onto the hook until the last minute when you’re reeling your bait in. This can be very annoying when chasing cod and yellowbelly, but you may just need to change your bait rig setup to keep your baits away from the bottom. The Broken River has

James Dainton with a solid Broken River yellowbelly caught on a Balista hardbody. fished considerably better than the Goulburn River so far this winter and strangely yellowbelly have been on the bite more than Murray cod. If I have had 30 fish reported, 20 or more have been yellowbelly, which is strange for the Broken; cod usually dominate reports. Casting smaller hardbodies has worked well and those who have had live yabbies have reported yellowbelly in the Broken around the Dookie rest stop area. There have been reports of crayfish being caught off the bank on worms. The crays are holding onto

hooks filled with worms on the retrieve. WARANGA BASIN The basin has been nice and low in past months, which has made fishing our go-to spots a tad more difficult, due to a lot of our favourite spots being out of the water. As hard as it has been to find new favourite spots it has been nice and easy to locate schools with less water to search. Any half decent sounder can locate the schools and these days the new ones almost tell you the size of the fish. This technology makes

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life a lot easier in the basin and once you find the schools casting Squidgys or Gulps into them has worked well recently. The basin normally starts to see inflows in late July to early August and this is a bumper time to fish, as it just creates a huge stir-up of bait for bigger fish to prey on. Uncovered grass flats become submerged and the fish will push up onto the flats to feed up. Rolling small plastics and lipless crankbaits in these areas will work well. SHEPPARTON LAKE It has now been 12 months since the local Fisheries and GM Water relocated heaps of native fish into the Shepparton Lake. I haven’t yet heard about the 93cm relocated cod being caught, but that just excites me even more because there will still be plenty of bigger cod in the lake just waiting

to be caught. There has still been the odd undersized cod caught on bait around the grass hill, but nothing legal in past months. The grass hill seems to be the hotspot at the lake with many families fishing the banks on weekends. Some trout and the odd redfin have been reported using PowerBaits and scrubworms. There is still the odd silver perch being caught in this area, which is a good sign that the stocked fish are still going strong. This month is usually one of the quietest months in our area and Shepparton Lake is probably the best location to fish with kids, or if you’re just looking to put a bend in your rod tip. A lot of trout are on offer all over the lake. KIALLA LAKES Catch rates of native fish

in the lakes have quietened right off over the past month due to the cold conditions. There have been some smaller carp and catfish being caught on the edges. These fish may be searching for some warmer water. I managed a small redfin from a sandbar in lake number two but it’s very hard going in all three lakes and I would expect that to be the case for the next month or two until the day temperatures lift. Bait fishing in the weed edges of the two smaller lakes worked well last year for those who wanted to put the hours in, but it’s very time consuming. LOCAL CHANNELS With the main eastern channel being lowered the fishing becomes more difficult, just like the Waranga Basin. Some of your favoured spots may be out of the water. Those who have been fishing the channels have reported using small lures around bridges and concrete walls. I tend to keep to the same lures, areas and techniques in the channels that I have had success with in the past. I do simple things such as casting bridges, using smaller lures such as TN50s and always smothering the lures in Dizzy Scent. A Bassman Beetle spin is a must on all my lipless crankbaits. In recent times the same basics have landed me dozens of small cod and some legalsized yellowbelly, which has been very enjoyable on late afternoons after work. The areas that I have fished are around Karramomus and Pine Lodge, but I have also had reports of good-sized redfin and small cod caught closer to Nagambie using similar basics.

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JULY 2018

Tom Hanning with a legal-sized yellowbelly from the main eastern channel.

Need the rains to bolster the fish next season WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

So far we are staring down the barrel of a very dry winter. Hopefully we see a big change in the weather patterns before winter is

Ovens River is worth a fish provided the conditions are good. Each year a few cod are caught during the winter months, but be warned; it is usually a lot of casts between fish when Murray cod fishing in the Ovens River system during July.

be a tough time of the year to target them, as the water is very cold. Of the three mentioned lakes I find that Lake William Hovell is the most reliable winter redfin fishery, followed by Lake Buffalo and then Lake Sambell. This

July is a great month to go crayfishing in the Wangaratta area. Make sure you are up to date with the rules and regulations before you head out. A rainbow trout caught in Stanley Dam last winter. Stanley Dam is an amazing place to take the kids fishing and also a very cold place, so make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes. over. Autumn has been very dry and this had led to some fantastic fishing now, but could spell disaster next summer if the winter rains fail. MURRAY COD July can be a very difficult time of the year to catch Murray cod in the Wangaratta region. Unlike the Murray River, which receives it’s water from the base of Lake Hume, our water comes directly from the source. During July that is usually snow melt, which means that the water in the Ovens River system is very cold. Because of this, the Murray cod fishing is usually very slow. In saying that, the Ovens River system is often very high and unfishable during

William Hovell with small yabbies and soft plastics fished during the daylight

Lake William Hovell spilling over during floods. This little lake usually fills, and spills over each year. The author can only remember one year that it didn’t get enough rain to fill. hours. If you’re not having much luck, don’t be afraid to try fishing really deep. TROUT With all of the region’s

trout streams closed, anglers are restricted to trout fishing in lakes only. The best lake to target wild brown trout in the Wangaratta area is Lake William Hovell. This lake is a beautiful pristine sub-alpine lake on the King River. It’s only a small lake, however it holds very good numbers of mainly small brown trout, which can be caught by trolling winged lures such as Tassie Devils and Wigstons, particularly around the low light times of the day. The region has a good number of smaller, familyfriendly fishing waterways, which are stocked towards the end of June and are always worth fishing in July. These waterways are all very popular with the kids. The pond behind the tennis courts at Merriwa Park was stocked for the first time last winter and proved to be insanely popular with the kids of Wangaratta. Fosters Lake at Glenrowan also gets stocked, although at the moment with the dry weather I am unsure whether it will be stocked this winter – it’s very low.

Stanley Dam is a very popular family-friendly fishery each winter, and is the easiest to fish and the best for small kids. Lake Sambell in Beechworth and Tronoh Dredge at Harrietville also received yearling rainbow trout in time for the winter school holidays. MURRAY CRAYFISH The Murray crayfishing season is open throughout July and the Wangaratta area is an okay place to go crayfishing, although there does seem to be a lack of larger crayfish. Crayfishing is great fun, but subject to strict rules and regulations. Make sure you download a copy of the Victorian Fisheries Handbook from the app store and stay up-to-date with the rules and regulations before you head out. July is a very cold time of the year here in the Wangaratta area, so make sure that if you head out you take plenty of warm clothing. July is also the best time of the year to introduce kids to fishing in the many family-friendly waterways.

There are a few crayfish in the Wangaratta area, however most are either undersize or carrying eggs. Every now and then a larger male will turn up though. July as well, but this year it could look great if we do not get rain soon. If you are a serious and dedicated Murray cod fisher then the

REDFIN Lake William Hovell, Lake Buffalo and Lake Sambell all contain healthy numbers of redfin. July can

is based on my own personal experiences and results. If you want to target redfin during July in the Wangaratta region, try Lake

Lake William Hovell is simply breathtaking. It has plenty of wild trout although most are not overly big. JULY 2018

Now is the season for lure fishing in Ballarat BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

We have had a few glimpses of winter over the past month and this has certainly reduced the angler numbers around the Ballarat and district. Those who like to fish during the winter months are being rewarded for their efforts, with many of our local waters producing the goods. Winter time is lure time, with not much if any insect activity. Due to the colder water temperatures, most fish now target small baitfish/smelt or minnows over the next few months until the spring months arrives. Most anglers will generally cast or troll brightly coloured lures during the winter months, except for the flyfishers who will use smelt fly patterns to represent the small baitfish. Wendouree continues to fish well for both trout and redfin. The fishing has slowed

days on Wendouree he nailed a magnificent golden brown that measured 64cm and weighed 3.3kg. Tom caught this brown casting a small Strike Pro Smelta hardbodied lure in the main rowing channel. After a good tussle Tom took some happy snaps and released the brown to fight another day.

Tom Kulczynski landed this absolutely magnificent brown trout casting a small Strike Pro Smelta hardbodied lure in the main rowing channel. Photo courtesy of Tom Kulczynski.

Jason Meehan latched onto this lovely Greenhill Lake rainbow trout casting a pink Tassie Devil lure from the shore. Photo courtesy of Jason Meehan.

Nathan Angee landed this true Wendouree trophy redfin of 50cm casting an Ecogear Power Shad soft plastic. Photo courtesy of Nathan Angee. down a bit. Anglers trolling lures or casting lures and plastics in the main rowing channel have been catching quite a few magnificent trout and redfin. Tom Kulczynski is one such angler who puts in the hard yards nearly every weekend and is certainly rewarded for his efforts. On one of Tom’s recent

been getting amongst the Wendouree redfin casting soft plastics; Nathan recently nailed a true trophy reddy of 50cm and a 37cm model on an Ecogear Power Shad cast in and around the weed beds. His father Steve wasn’t to be outdone on the trip and nailed a 43cm beauty on

Brian Rivett – one of my fishing mates – has had some continued success casting bent minnow-style lures in the rowing channel. On one of our recent trips he nailed another Wendouree beauty of 52cm with a few other smaller brown trout with a bent minnow-style lure. Nathan Angee has

plastics as well. Greenhill Lake at Ararat fished well last year during the winter months with some lovely rainbows and browns being caught. The water level has dropped a little and appears to be slightly discoloured at the moment. Hopefully with a wet winter the lake will fill again and the fish will grow to a trophy size like a few years ago. Local angler Jason Meehan fishes Greenhill regularly and has had some recent success catching some well-conditioned rainbow and brown trout casting pink Tassie Devil lures from the shore. Jason mentioned that the lake had a lot of surface weed during the summer months, which made the lake unfishable. With the cooler weather the weed appears to have died off. The fishing should be good over the coming months for anglers casting lures, plastics and flies from a boat or the shore. Bait anglers could try a bunch of worms or PowerBait on a running sinker rig. Tullaroop Reservoir

continues to fish well with plenty of feisty rainbows and browns being caught, mainly on lures once again. Anglers have been targeting the rockier steeper shorelines with excellent results. Colby Lesko is a big Tullaroop fan and loves fishing the reservoir during the winter months, over the past few years Colby has certainly nailed some absolute cracking browns; this year, however, he has been getting stuck into the string-pulling rainbows that are lurking around. Colby likes to cast small hardbodied lures around the steeper shorelines with excellent results. He mentioned that the bigger fish will come in around the shallows in the next couple of months and can’t wait to nail a few of the big guys that are lurking around Tullaroop. I have been casting wobbler-type lures around in the shallower bays and also the deeper shorelines with

At Newlyn Reservoir the water level is well down at the moment with plenty of ribbon weed around the reservoir’s shoreline. Anglers who have been targeting the steeper shorelines have been doing well. Tom Kulczynski is one such angler who has been catching a few. Tom has targeted the steeper shorelines

of our waters it’s a matter of matching the hatch and being able to put your fly, plastic or lures in front of the feeding fish – then they will eat it with gusto. Fishing at Moorabool Reservoir has been hot and cold over the past month, the water level continues to fall, and the banks are a bit on the muddy side with

Colby Lesko nailed this lovely rainbow trout casting a small Rapala Ripstop lure at Tullaroop Reservoir. Photo courtesy of Colby Lesko.

Tom Kulczynski nailed this pair of lovely browns casting Strike Pro BobnSpoon Lures at Newlyn Reservoir. Photo courtesy of Tom Kulczynski.

Brian Rivett nailed this lovely 52cm brown trout casting an OSP Bent Minnow on Lake Wendouree. Photo courtesy of Shane Stevens. 58

JULY 2018

excellent results catching some lovely rainbows. These feisty bows are around 1.5kg and certainly put up a good fight. On the right day you can see the fish smashing through the schools of smelt. If you can get your lures or flies in front of them, they are only too happy to munch on it.

casting Strike Pro Bob N Spoons Lure. Tom casts his lures over the ribbon weed and uses a slow roll retrieve for the best results. On a recent trip Tom nailed two absolute beauties over 2kg each. The browns in Newlyn will feed on smelt during the winter months, so like most

the water receding. I would recommend a pair of waders or gumboots. If you fish Moorabool, be mindful that wading the reservoir is prohibited. As I mentioned, the fishing has been patchy. Anglers have been catching a few nice brown trout on fly, lure and bait.

T alk Wild Trout 2018 Talk Wild Trout 2018 Come along to our fourth conference Come along to our fourth conference about wild trout in Victoria. about wild trout in Victoria. It’s free and a great chance to improve your trout knowledge It’s free and a great chance to improve your trout knowledge and fishing success. and fishing success.

Conference topics include: Conference topics include: • Keynote speaker, Jim Fredericks, Chief of Fisheries,

• Keynote speaker, Jim Fredericks, Chief of Fisheries, Idaho Department of Fish & Game, about trout fisheries Idaho Department of Fish & Game, about trout fisheries management in famous American trout streams management in famous American trout streams • Rex Hunt about his trout fishing journey • Rex Hunt about his trout fishing journey • Status of wild trout in Victoria – survey results in streams • Status of wild trout in Victoria – survey results in streams • Progress report on incubator stocking trials (3 rivers) • Progress report on incubator stocking trials (3 rivers) • Health cards for our best wild trout streams • Health cards for our best wild trout streams • • Climate and trout – forecast and ground truths Climate and trout – forecast and ground truths • • Lure Lurefishing fishingsouthwest southwestrivers rivers

• • Fishing Fishingtips tipsfrom fromaaguide, guide,Phil PhilWeigall. Weigall.

We’ll We’llalso alsooutline outlinehow howthe theState StateGovernment Government is is investing investing aa record record$46 $46million millioninto intothe theTarget TargetOne One Million Million plan plan to to grow grow participation and get more people fishing, more often. participation and get more people fishing, more often. AApanel paneldiscussion discussionwill willfollow followeach eachsession session with with questions questions from fromthe theaudience. audience.

When: When:

Saturday Saturday11 11August August2018, 2018,from from9.30am 9.30am until until 4.30pm 4.30pm

Where: Where:

Darebin DarebinArts Arts&&Entertainment EntertainmentCentre Centre Cnr CnrBell BellStStand andStStGeorges GeorgesRoad, Road,Preston Preston

Registration: Registration:

To Toreserve reserveaafree freeseat seatvisit visitwww.vfa.vic.gov.au/talktrout www.vfa.vic.gov.au/talktrout Registering Registeringhelps helpsus usplan planseating seatingand and catering, catering, which which includesfree freelunch lunchand andrefreshments. refreshments. includes Seatsare arelimited limitedso soregister registerearly! early! Seats

Authorisedby bythe theVictorian VictorianGovernment, Government, 11 Treasury Treasury Place, Place, Melbourne Melbourne Authorised

Tactics for switched-off fish on the lake EILDON

Daniel Piazza

The cooler days are here to stay for a couple of months, but let’s not be discouraged. Lake Eildon has taken a fair beating with irrigation and electricity demand this summer and autumn. I wasn’t too keen to make the mad rush to the lake as I have fished the dropping water levels in previous years and the fish just turn off, but do they? I like to fish the

Jameson side of the lake to try and master my approach. Every area has its own way that it likes to be fished. On one trip back in early May the irrigation slowed down, so I thought I might go and see what structure I could find over at the Fraser Arm end of the lake. It only took half hour and I had boated five brown trout flat lining Tassie Devils – the pink and purple colours do the trick for me. I like to look for a dirty, foamy stretch of water to locate feeding trout. I saw

a lot of trout breaching the water’s surface and I knew I was in the right area. July is my favourite month to fish the lake. There is hardly any boat traffic and almost all the boats are fishing. By July the lake’s water level is well and truly back on the rise and the fish are too. This settles the fish and gets them active to start feeding through the winter months. Lately the redfin have been everywhere; the bigger models have been there too, but they’re harder to hook. I have only a handful of trees that I fish for yellas and redfin and usually I find them on the same trees. My go-to lure is the Zerek Fish Trap vibe. Keep the bail arm open straight to the bottom, give it half a wind up and get

Donovan Wilson with yet another monster cod. This man has the secrets to finding big cod.

David Jansen with a great, healthy brown trout.

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Devilbend is a wonderland MELBOURNE METRO

Dylan Brennan

It can pulling couch depths

EILDON Bait & Tackle

7-8 Main St, Eildon Victoria 3713 • Huge range of lures and tackle • Fresh bait • Camping gear and accessories • Marine and auto spares

Come in and see Gazza for all the latest fishing news

03 5774 2712 60

JULY 2018

ready. Depths of 15-20m are ideal for getting the bigger models. All around the Fraser Arm, Italian Bay, Woolshed Bay and Mans Point are some of the areas that I fish and have had great success. Casting big surface lures into a shallow bank on a foggy morning is a great way to find that trophy cod. Slow and steady does the trick. Spend a few hours having a good crack if that’s your target for the day. You might have thrown 999 casts with not a hit, but it might be the next one that hooks a real monster. Next issue I will hopefully have some photos from my winter cod trip. Until then, stay safe on the water.

be a hard task yourself off the during the cold of winter to go

and have a fish, but the rewards are certainly there for the persistent – even in the lakes and reservoirs of the suburbs. Devilbend Reservoir has been fishing excellently and is a good option for winter fishing on the Mornington Peninsula. Situated roughly halfway between Mornington and Hastings, Devilbend is easily accessible for anyone living along the peninsula or in the southeastern suburbs. Access to the lake is reasonable, with the clearer bank access some 500m from the carpark. If you’re unfamiliar with the reservoir, fish species range from small redfin and rainbow trout to large and cunning brown trout and weed-dwelling estuary perch. All can be

successfully caught on bait, lure and fly methods, with the latter two generally the more productive. The key to catching the fish is to methodically work the weed pockets and edges and lure the fish out from cover. For the nonchalant fishers, the odd lacklustre and misplaced cast will see endless frustration in pulling in offerings coated in thick weed, and subsequently people get the idea that the location is ‘too hard’ to fish, or that tales of quality fish emerging are just fables. For the switched on and those paying attention to their surroundings, Devilbend can be a very successful waterway to fish. Local angler Jake has been fishing the lake for a while and has figured

out that the weed holds the food and nearby predators, so by actively poking around its fringes he has been catching some nice fish, especially trout. The deep edges of the weed and rock piles have been producing trout to a comfortable 3lb, with some much larger fish about also. I have personally spoken with anglers who have caught large browns and rainbows over the past few weeks in the lake, with some of the bigger fish pushing 3kg quite easily. A good method for searching for the large trout in the past weeks has been to fish a heavily-weighted spoon style lure or soft plastic out beyond the deep edge To page 61

Eildon Pondage is still open for trout fishing EILDON RIVERS

Gary Constantine

The rivers around Eildon have all closed for this year but they reopen on 1 September, so you will need to check the fishing guide to find out what

rivers and where they are affected by the closures. Just prior to the closures some good-size browns and rainbows had been taken down the Goulburn River, the mouth of Snobs Creek, the Rubicon River and Big River. Small hardbodies, soft plastics, Celta and

John Walker with a nice rainbow, which he caught in the Goulburn River behind the Eildon Riverside Holiday Park. From page 60

of the vegetation, and let it sink to the lake floor, which can be as deep as 15m+. While slowly hopping

or rolling your offering back most hits will come just as you are nearing the weed edge again, then it is a fight to keep the

blade-type lures certainly stirred up the large browns that were starting to show signs of spawning. Here in Eildon both the pondage and lake are open all year round for anglers, and now with irrigation finished the pondage has stabilized between 50 and 80% and the trout are certainly more spread out. At this time of the year it pays to notice what’s going on with other influences to the pondage – like power station and dam maintenance – because some inflows may be coming from the spillway rather than tailrace. What this can do is attract the trout to flowing and better oxygenated water and the cemetery side becomes a much better area to target. The larger brown and rainbow trout try to spawn over what gravel beds there are. Lures such as the Krocs, Rapalas, bladed lures and other small hardbodies work well when trout are fighting for territory to do their thing. Also remember that while one species is spawning the other will be hunting their eggs. Things like Glo Bugs, the different egg pattern flies and the PowerBait artificial salmon egg will work on these guys. Not all trout in the pondage are going to be spawning, as some will already be stripped of their eggs from the hatchery before release and will be cruising the lower pondage from Bourke Street, past Nursery Corner, the jetty and the beach area. hooked trout or perch from burying you into the thick weed and pulling the hook out. Easier than it sounds sometimes!

Mick Daw with a 5lb brown trout, which he caught in Big River. PowerBait, local dough and mudeyes are always the best ways to start. During the winter months when run-off can dirty the water scrubbies, maggots, and even saltwater pipis and mussel can be worth a shot. The Father’s Day weekend is when the rivers all reopen again and here in Eildon we celebrate with the Goulburn Fish Festival sponsored by Fisheries Victoria. It’s free to participate in. What happens here is we have a tackle and trade show in our local community centre with heaps of prizes and giveaways, cooking demonstrations, tours of the Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery • For any of the latest metro reports and information, pop into Compleat Angler Dandenong at 241-243 Princes Highway, Dandenong or jump on the Compleat Angler Dandenong Facebook page.

and casting clinics for the new angler Our ambassador again for this year is Rex Hunt and to finish the

whole thing off there’s a massive fireworks display over the Eildon Pondage just after dark.

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality.

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CODGER TOPWATER

CODGER LURES Codger lures are designed by Graham Saunders. He has recently expanded his range into the topwater market with the Codger Topwater. These super strong, clacking surface lures come fitted with Double Rear Split rings and use VMC 3X Tough Trebles. A must have for any serious cod topwater angler. One of many quality trout caught from the Devilbend Reservoir recently.

CONTACT GRAHAM SAUNDERS – 0407 544 965 Email: goulburn.lures@bigpond.com JULY 2018

Cold weather fishing is always worth the effort BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

The cold weather has certainly arrived in the Bendigo region. The weather generally has been pretty good. The day temperatures haven’t been too bad, but the night temperatures have been cold. This has produced a dramatic drop in water temperatures. The dropping water temperatures aren’t normally a good thing for numbers of fish anglers will catch in the region. Those experienced anglers know that at this time of the season it’s not about numbers of fish but the quality of the fish that can be caught if you put the time in. LAKE EPPALOCK Water levels have still been slowly dropping at the lake. The region has only received a small amount of rainfall and more significant rainfall is needed before we will see water levels rising again in our water catchments. Redfin are still making up the majority of captures and deep water continues to be where the best concentrations of redfin are being found.

Small numbers of redfin are still being caught by anglers trolling deep diving hardbody lures. Casting and retrieving soft plastics is also working. At this time of the season redfin will often concentrate in good schools. If you find a good concentration of redfin in a dense school then vertically jigging ice jigs and soft plastics are good options. The numbers of golden perch and Murray cod being caught are very low but recently there weren’t many anglers targeting them either. There have been good stockings of trout into Lake Eppalock over the last couple of seasons by Victorian Fisheries. At this stage there aren’t many anglers targeting them, so trolling small minnowstyle and winged lures are good options for targeting the trout that are waiting to be caught. CAMPASPE RIVER Water clarity was still good in the Campaspe River lately and the temperatures are now below 11°C. At this time of the year the water clarity can change quickly if the region receives a couple of significant rainfall events. The numbers of Murray cod and golden perch being caught in the Campaspe

River in recent weeks have reduced. The most productive fishing has been in the deeper sections of the Campaspe River. Trolling hardbody lures and heavy spinnerbaits has been producing small numbers of Murray cod and golden perch. For those most dedicated anglers braving the cold nights and early mornings there are small numbers of Murray cod being caught on both surface lures and swimbaits. CAIRN CURRAN Redfin are still making up the majority of anglers’ captures at Cairn Curran. The most productive lure options for the redfin have been soft plastics and ice jigs. For anglers bait fishing around the trees, small yabbies and worms have been working. Small numbers of quality golden perch are still being caught. Casting lipless crankbaits and slowly retrieving them from the shallower edges into deep water has been working best. At this stage I haven’t received any reports of trout being caught. When the water levels do start to rise then bait fishing off the bank with worms, corn and gents will be a good option.

This large Murray cod was caught on a Jackall Doozer. Fish like this can be a great reward for your effort. For those anglers targeting the trout with lures, trolling small minnow-style lures and winged lures are good options. LODDON RIVER The water clarity has improved in the Loddon River over the last couple of weeks. The numbers of fish being caught in the

Loddon River have been average, but there have been some quality fish being caught. In the last couple of weeks there has been 2m+ Murray cod caught in the Loddon River. Casting surface lures and swimbaits has produced small numbers of quality Murray cod. Casting and

trolling large hardbody lures have also been good options. There have also been small numbers of golden perch measuring up to 60cm being caught. Casting and retrieving lipless crankbaits and trolling heavy spinnerbaits has been working on the golden perch.

There are plenty of good options for winter WST/STH GIPPSLAND

Steve Haughton steve@habitatcreations.com.au

The stream trout season is now closed and will reopen on the first weekend of September. Anglers still have plenty of choice for the upcoming month; chasing blackfish and eel in the streams or heading to Blue Rock Lake to chase trout, bass and redfin are all good winter options. The larger West and South Gippsland rivers hold good populations of blackfish and eel, especially in the deeper, darker and slower-moving stretches of water. Blue Rock is fishing well, with many anglers catching good-sized trout trolling and plenty of redfin and bass providing anglers a lot of fun while jigging. River blackfish, and short-finned and longfinned eel can be a lot of fun on light gear; they’re also a good alternative when the stream trout season has closed. These winter species are best targeted on dusk and well in to the night. You’ll need to rug up 62

JULY 2018

once that sun sets, as it can get very chilly and damp. However, the hunt and sense of adventure can be a lot of fun. The key spots to look for along any stream are dark, slow-moving water or deep holes that provide blackfish

and eels the perfect habitat to snare their prey. They are ambush predators and can take their time before seizing a well-presented live bait. From time to time blackfish have been known to take lures, although it’s rare.

Key rivers holding blackfish and eel include the larger downstream runs of the Lang Lang, Bunyip, Tarago and Latrobe rivers. Heading further east and in to a bit more rugged country, the downstream runs of the

Rusty Axford, 9yo, ventured out on his new kayak for the second time and got this healthy hard-hitting 34cm bass on a Warlock deep diving lure. Bass are schooling over winter along the shoreline, so now is the time to brave the elements and wet a line.

Tanjil and Thomson rivers offer some big nighttime freshwater fish. There is no season on eel. The season for river blackfish south of the Great Divide closes on 1 September and re-opens on 31 December. Blue Rock continues to surprise anglers with good numbers of 45cm+ brown trout being caught over late autumn and early winter. Flat-line trolling has been the most common method for boat and kayak anglers. Some fish are skinny, typical to what Blue Rock used to produce all year round, but many of the fish over the last 4-6 weeks have been solid, healthy fish in fantastic condition. In fact the condition of fish over the last 12 months has been surprisingly good. Hopefully this is a sign of the future for this terrific fishery. Blue Rock is also producing lots of winter bass and redfin. Many anglers have been fishing the lake shoreline and doing well using ice jigs, soft plastics and live worms. This technique can be achieved if your boat is fitted with a spot lock on the electric motor. This allows you to

hold position over a school of fish. Bass vary from 20-30cm in the schools and redfin typically average 25cm. Within the schools are some much bigger fish with both 40cm+ bass and redfin providing a nice surprise. Large bass have also been caught by anglers tying up to trees near the shoreline. Live baits such as worms, yabbies and crickets have been working well. It’s great to hear that many anglers visiting Blue Rock are catching and releasing the bass. Land-based anglers at Blue Rock should be in luck over July as the water levels rise bringing the fish close to the shoreline. With good access and plenty of areas to shelter out of the crisp wind, Blue Rock provides a good day away from the hustle and bustle. 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 winter blackfish and eel. Please email me any questions too. Happy fishing!

European natives are loving the cooler season CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

Despite the rain, anglers have been out in force, especially on our freshwater lakes. We might protest about the weather but the trout simply love the wintry conditions and lately it’s beginning to show in a big way. Very recently avid angler Declan Betts managed a trip down to Lake Purrumbete and while casting lures towards the bank Declan hooked up to and eventually landed a trophy brown trout that pulled the scales down to 6.2kg (13lb in the old scale, which sounds better to me)!

To say Declan was stoked with his capture would be a massive understatement. He also managed several other fish for the session including a few smaller trout and redfin. The reddies hanging deep are still schooled up and have become easier to find when sounding for them. Anywhere around the lake’s perimeter, sound around 14-18m until a school appears on the sounder. Sending berley down will keep them in your proximity and carefully lowering an anchor with at least 25m of rope will keep you in the firing line. Fishing live minnows just off the bottom works well. Also try

This reddy ate a Damiki Saemi in red in the same location.

jigging 3-4” minnow-style soft plastics. For something different I recently spent a session out on the lake casting towards the bank using various minnow lures. All was quiet for the first two hours then the redfin switched on big time and I managed several fish to 42cm with the smallest going 34cm. There were no trout for me on this day but the reddies certainly saved the session. The annual Chinook stocking for the year started in mid-May with both Purrumbete and Bullen Merri receiving 11,000 yearling fish each. As proven in the past, these fish can prove to be a nuisance at times for anglers, so please practice patience and perseverance and carefully release these fish as soon as possible. A wet towelling rag is a must when handling these newly released fish. Lake Bullen Merri has seen the fish finally move into the shallows not far from the bank. A 4-6m depth is ideal, especially when flat line trolling. If trolling under outboard power I’d move a fraction further out to depths approaching 8m and have the lures swimming at least 30m

This solid redfin fell to a Pontoon 21 Cablista fished close to the bank side weed beds just outside Manifolds Bay. out the back. Anglers with electric motors can operate much closer to the bank. Most catches are Chinook salmon of various sizes and weights as well as a few rainbows averaging from 0.8-1.8kg in weight. A few intrepid bank anglers are braving the night temperatures and bait fishing for those big browns that do exist, although

not in the same numbers as Purrumbete. Lighting a campfire near the water may help to keep the chill out of the bones, but won’t help you land a brown. Any sort of light close to the water is a no-no, as this will spook any fish cruising in the shallows, and when I say shallow I’m talking depths less than 1m. The browns are

corralling schools of local minnow and smashing them right on the shoreline. The best time to swim a local minnow is from 11pm through to 3am according to a couple of experts in the field. Of course, soaking a collapsible minnow trap off one of the pontoons earlier in the day is a guaranteed way of collecting enough live bait for the evening’s session.

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING STRIKE PRO GUPPIE

Accounting for numerous Tournament wins and huge fish as well as filling up collector’s cabinets, one of the things you notice first about the Guppie is the artwork. Up until now, these colours have only been available on hand painted wooden lures produced by Joe Peterson. Strike Pro/CWC in partnership with Peterson are bringing these unique colours to the market for the first time. The paint schemes incorporate using paint or glitter on the inside shell of the bait, in addition to painting the outside shell. It also prolongs the colour of the bait after many fish. Strike Pro has even replicated the 3D eyes that TrueGlide are famous for! The Guppies body profile allows the lure to produce an amazing body roll and it slides from side to side. The Guppie also features an innovative cork screw at the tail, allowing the angler to fish with either a curltail or paddletail soft plastic tail. www.jurofishing.com

VIGILANTE POWER DOWN JACKET

Vigilante have announced their latest innovation: the Power Down Jacket, for both men and women. Airy-light and yet completely warm, this jacket ensures minimal bulk and maximum heat retention for an ideal body climate. Vigilante has ensured the perfect active weight for any pursuit with the technically woven stitchless quilted down, which ensures a perfectly balanced warmth to weight-ratio. The absence of stitching holes prevents both wind and down leakage, so if you’re somewhere with especially icy winds, the Power Down Jacket will keep you warm. Raining too? This jacket boasts a Durable Water Repellency coating, to help keep you dry. It also has an active fit, designed to hug you in the all right places, and down fill spandex cuffs for heat insulation. The Power Down Jacket is tough thanks to the durable high denier fabric, preventing abrasion and tearing for longevity of use. When you’re back home, simply pack the Power Down Jacket into Vigilante’s smallest stuff sack yet. Price: SRP $169.99 www.escape2.com.au

NEW GULP MANTIS SHRIMP COLOURS

The Berkley Gulp Mantis Shrimp was created and designed to look like a shrimp. It has a slender body, feelers at the front, and tiny legs that wriggle in the current or when moved. Now, these great plastics have some new colours in the range! This lifelike Mantis Shrimp can be rigged and fished with any technique you choose. Fish them on the bottom with short sharp jerks to imitate a fleeing prawn, rig them weedless for fishing structure, or even unweighted over sand flats and weed-beds! Gulp! releases 400 times more scent than plastic baits, expanding the strike zone so you catch more fish. Made from 100% natural ingredients, Gulp! is environmentally and fish friendly. The Mantis Shrimp comes in six natural and high-vis colours, natural, new penny, pearl white, molting, pearl white chartreuse and glow, all of which hungry shrimp-eating predators will love! Price: RRP $13.99 www.berkley-fishing.com.au 64

JULY 2018

PRODUCT GUIDE

SHIMANO BACKBONE 4 ELITE RODS Shimano’s Backbone Elite rods have proven hugely popular with the offshore game fishing community, delivering a range of line class options at really good prices. The 2018 line-up has just been given a well-deserved tweak! There are eight rods in all; a 10kg stick with fixed guides and a roller tip, and three 15kg options in a selection of fixed guides, fixed guides with a roller tip, or fully rollered. The same choices are available in 24kg, and finally there’s a serious 37kg weapon with a roller tip. Of single-piece construction and 1.7m (5’ 7”) in length, the Backbone Elite blanks now utilise Shimano’s legendary TC3 material, which is the same threeply graphite weave the early Tiagra Game Series rods were built on. The cosmetic has also been upgraded to a traditional game fishing colour scheme of black, gold and silver, making these rods an even sweeter pairing with Shimano’s TLD and Tyrnos lever drag reels. www.shimanofish.com.au

MUSTAD JIG WALLETS

Jig fishing anglers will love the smaller Mustad Jig Wallet, a jig wallet designed to accommodate enough jigs for a day on the water. The Jig Wallet S contains storage pockets that are constructed from tough mesh to allow the jigs to breath and dry, yet remain safe in transport and use. There are 22 jig slots for smaller jigs up to 15cm and two large mesh areas to stare things like pre-tied rigs and leader.. The Mustad Jig Wallet S forms part of the Slow Jigging System that includes a range of assist hooks, stainless steel accessories and now 2 jig wallets. If you’re into fishing jigs and you’re having trouble storing them, then the Mustad XL Jig Wallet gives you the answer you’ve been looking for. MB021 Mustad Small Jig Wallet (22 jig slots) 330x180x20mm www.wilsonfishing.com

FIN-NOR PRIMAL

The new Fin-Nor Primal lever drag fishing reel sets a new standard for lightweight and heavy-duty overhead fishing reels. Designed specifically for tackling big saltwater fish on the latest braided lines, the Primal weighs less than 400g and offers a modern ultra-light alternative to traditional overhead designs. The Fin-Nor Primal will be a hit with anglers using modern jigging techniques and those seeking a powerful overhead reel that is comfortable to use all day long. The Fin-Nor Primal is available in two sizes. The Primal PR10 narrow spool has a line capacity of 415yd/30lb braid, while the Primal PR12 wide spool has a capacity of 440yd/50lb braid. Both sizes are available in a low gear ratio of 5.8:1 for cranking power or a high gear ratio of 7.3:1 for a quick haul. Inshore and offshore anglers will finally get their hands on a powerful braid-friendly overhead reel that is exceptionally light and easy to use and perfect for targeting trophy pelagic and reef fish. www.finnorfishing.com.au

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING LIVETARGET HOLLOW 7 BODY MULLET Lures are becoming increasingly lifelike, and they don’t come much more lifelike than this! The LIVETARGET Hollow Body Mullet features one of the most a realistic profiles and life-like colour patterns available anywhere. Its versatile swimming action makes it exceptionally easy to use. The angler can ‘walk-the-dog’ with ease, or simply skip it across the surface to generate a tantalizing bubble trail for any following predators. The hollow body snag-proof design enables it to be fished through mangrove cover, skipped under branches and fished through the weed. It can be put into places where other presentations just can’t be put! It is equipped with an extra-strong forged hook for powerful penetration and durability. An anglers can also add a treble hook to the belly pin to enhance hook-ups in open water. These great lures are available in three sizes, 95mm and 3/8oz, 115mm and 1/2oz and 135mm and 5/8oz, as well as a range of colours. www.ejtodd.com.au

OKUMA AZORES BLUE

The new upgraded Okuma Azores Blue spinning reel offers anglers a true heavyduty saltwater reel and big fish stopper that won’t break the bank. Designed specifically for saltwater fishing, with proven power features and a patented interior design, the Azores Blue is much more durable, strong and smoother than other reels in its class. Features include 6HPB + 1RB corrosion resistant stainless steel bearings, more than 10 times more resistant to saltwater than standard stainless steel bearings, dual anti-reverse system for maximum security, CRC: Corrosion-resistant coating process and HDGII: Corrosion-resistant, high density gearing. Dual Force Drag, a system designed for maximum high-end drag pressure, efficiency and overall smoothness, providing maximum drag pressures well above many equivalent size reels, including those in a much higher price brackets. All of these features and more combine to create a true affordable, saltwater reel that is capable of handling trophy sized saltwater fish. www.okuma.com.au

DAIWA J-BRAID GRAND

Daiwa’s J-Braid goes to another level with the release of the premium braid in the line-up, the new J-Braid Grand. A premium 8-strand PE, J-Braid Grand is made from an advanced new raw material (IZANAS) and is J-Braid’s strongest, most abrasion-resistant line ever. Four times more abrasion resistant than other lines, J-Braid Grand has a short pitch fibre construction that significantly reduces line damage and failure to dramatically increase line abrasion resistance and line strength consistency. Like all true premium Japanese 8-strand PE lines, J-Braid Grand maintains a true round profile for optimum line performance through the guides and on and off the reel. Made in Japan and available in sizes ranging from 6lb (0.6PE) to 150lb (PE16) and in multi and island blue colours, J-Braid Grand is the smoothest and best performing J-Braid they have ever made. www.daiwafishing.com.au

RAPALA X-RAP PETO

The X-Rap Peto combines Rapala’s fish-catching X-Rap construction with a beautifully colour-matched soft tail to create a seamless hybrid bait, suitable for all manor of big angry predators in Australia. With its slow sink rate and perfectly horizontal fall, the X-Rap Peto is the ideal lure choice for targeting big Murray cod and barramundi. The tail kicks with a wide action on a simple cast and retrieve technique, but you could also try a ‘jerk and pause’ retrieve, allowing the bait to slowly swim into the depths. The soft tail is firmly secured to the body with a 6-point stainless plate, but there is a spare tail included. Fitted with VMC Coastal Black hooks, an ABS Body with soft PVC Tail, these amazing baits will last you many big fish encounters. Available in eight fish catching colours, the X-Peto is 20cm long and weighs in at 83g. www.rapala.com.au

SFT TAKUMI

SWL Distributions is proud to bring Super Fishing Tackle to Australia. SFT is an exciting range of lures and fishing tackle where quality and toughness go hand in hand. SFT lures are built to withstand the toughest offshore species, with a range suited for the offshore anglers chasing GTs, Tuna, kingfish, billfish and more. They also do a finesse range for those targeting bass, bream, flathead, mulloway and may more, with a great range of hardboardies and plastics. One of the most diverse lures in the range is the sinking Takumi, which comes in range of sizes and weights. The SFT Takumi range comes fully wired through and with super sharp Owner Cultiva trebles straight out the pack. They have a tight wobble high speed and a more natural look when retrieved slowly and a free rolling fall on the pause that looks amazing. Whether it be trolling or casting, the SFT Takumi range is a genuine fish producer! www.swldistributions.com.au

SAMURAI PREMIUM 12 SERIES BLANKS The raw materials for Samurai rod blanks are sourced from only high quality graphite suppliers, with each batch tested to ensure it meets our standards. Each individual blank is cut, rolled and baked to a precise Samurai recipe to ensure that every blank they produce is of the best quality with an action that suits its intended purpose. Samurai’s focus is solely on creating the ultimate fishing rod blanks unequalled in technology and design and they have released a new Premium Series of task specific blanks covering travel, land-based and light jigging. Samurai is continually evolving and introducing new blanks and expanding the range available, and the last six months have seen the largest expansion yet. Samurai now has over 70 blanks available in Australia and can now even find blanks suited to a very specific type of fishing. Make sure you check out the new Premium Series, there’s bound to be a blank for you! www.samurairods.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au JULY 2018

WHAT’S NEW FISHING LIMITED EDITION SAURY

NEW 60G 13 LAZER

JM Gillies is celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion they have been releasing special limited edition versions of some of their most popular lures. The latest lure to get the special 90th Anniversary treatment is the Saury. Limited edition, hand carved Saury lures are now available from participating stores for a limited time. Each lure has been personally signed and numbered by legendary indigenous lure expert Lance Butler. Lance spends thousands of hours on the water every year, fine tuning and developing some of the most innovative and spcialised lures in the world. His range has some of the best colours and designs available, and all lures are constructed from the highest quality materials and fittings. In addition, they are all are vigorously tested to ensure they perform perfectly, fish after fish. www.jmgillies.com.au

OTTERBOX DEFENDER SERIES

When you’re about to head out on your next big fishing adventure, a damaged smartphone is something you don’t want to worry about. However, with OtterBox Defender Series, you can fish with the confidence of knowing your phone is protected from a barrage of wear and tear. The rugged Defender Series is built tough, ensuring your smartphone is well protected against scrapes, drops and dings. Built to last, it blocks out dust, dirt and grime and comes with OtterBox Certified Drop+ Protection, meaning it has been put through more than 238 hours of testing across 24 different tests. Each case features an attachable, practical holster that clips to most belts and straps, meaning your phone can be with you on every adventure. It even doubles as a kickstand in case you need help capturing that all-important photo or video of your antics. Price: from SRP $74.95 www.ottocasestore.com.au

HOBIE LIVEWELL V2

JULY 2018

The new Lazer 60g is a must-have lure in every serious angler’s tackle box. This new size Lazer was designed for beach and rock fishers who like to cast long in search of the likes of tailor and Australian salmon. Lazer Lures have been proudly making lures in Australia since 1978. All Lazers are fitted with quality stainless steel ring and VMC hooks. The colour range is extensive, with 19 proven colours, and there are multiple models for a host of applications. Collectively these lures have accounted for a wide variety of species, including bass, barracuda, bonito, flathead, jewfish, kingfish, mackerel, pike, perch, queenfish, salmon, tailor, trevally, tuna, wahoo and more. Visit the website for further information or look them up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lazerlures. www.lazerlures.com

DAIWA LEXA WN

Strong, unyielding and designed for battle, the legendary Lexa baitcaster has received an overhaul for 2018, with new ultra-comfortable, ultra-stylish Winn grips elevating the Lexa WN to a new level of comfort, power and performance. Featuring the rock solid construction that has made the Lexa name famous, the new WN version features many of Daiwa’s best designs and technologies including UTD (10kg) Infinite Anti Reverse, Dual Stopper, and Magforce cast control braking system. Comfort and control is ensured with the Lexa’s new eye-catching, ergonomically designed Winn Grips. They provide a tacky, sure grip to maintain maximum contact between angler and reel, regardless of temperature or moisture levels. A 6.3:1 retrieve ratio, seven ball bearings, and a well balanced 298g body weight further enhance the reel’s in-hand performance and combine with the Lexa’s solid construction to make it one of the most refined, yet rugged, large baitcasters available. www.daiwafishing.com.au

NEW BOOKS FROM 15 AFN

The newly redesigned Hobie Livewell V2 sports a fresh colour scheme, modern lines and more built-in features than ever before. This livewell is plug-and-play with most Hobie kayaks, and includes all the same built-in functionality of the Livewell XL. There are several upgrades over the original livewell, including a sealed marine switch for on/off control. Also included is a high output pump that circulates aerated water to keep bait alive, and the battery and charger are included as well. Another feature is the adjustable downspout for water level control and drainage, and it holds up to 30L of water. Other standard features include removable tank partitions to provide a rounded surface for keeping live bait healthy and out of hard-to-reach places; three vertical rod holders with pre-marked locations for adding more; and heavy-duty straps to secure the Livewell V2 to the cargo area. Price: SRP $539 www.hobie.com.au

PRODUCT GUIDE

To maximize fishing success, every angler needs to record their catches and the conditions on the day, to put together all the pieces of the fishing puzzle. When a journal also contains useful technical information, it’s even more valuable. The latest Anglers Journal & Almanac has solar and lunar peak fish activity and feeding times, the tides for each state with local variations, basic knots and rigs, selected fish weight from length conversion tables, basic boating regulations, and lure colour selection charts based on depth and the prevailing conditions. It also has plenty of pages to record catches and trip details. Another new book is the Complete Book of Fishing Knots, by The Fishing Show hosts Bill Classon and Nigel Webster. It covers all the knots anglers need, from the basic knots through to some of the more advanced. Whether you’re a novice or a more seasoned angler, there’s something in it for you. Superbly illustrated by Trevor Hawkins, the knots are easy to follow and master. As they say, if your knot holds you’ll catch the fish! Price: SRP $12.99 (Almanac), $16.99 (Knots) www.afn.com.au

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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

Mako prescription sunglasses: I can see clearly now As we grow towards middle age certain changes become apparent in our everyday lives. Groaning when we bend down, being irritable about new technology and the lack of ability to see things clearly when close to us becomes part of everyday life. History has not been kind to baby booming anglers; as our sight diminishes the fishing industry moves towards finer braided lines and clearer fluorocarbon leaders to increase our frustration. For me, the continual swapping from sunglasses to reading glasses has proven to be a real pain in the backside. Mako sunglasses recently came to my rescue, with the delivery of a new pair of Mako multifocal prescription sunglasses. Mako have faithfully reproduced their stunning glass G2H5 polarised rose lens in my corrective prescription, and then fitted the lenses to the Mako frame of my choice. Being a multifocal lens, I can look through the top section of the lens

The lens has a hydrophobic coating, so when you’re bringing a thrashing fish aboard you won’t have to wipe splashes off your lens. glass prescription multifocal lens readily available in Australia. In addition to this, the green mirror is internal to ensure maximum durability of the lens surface. Mako use the latest digital freeform lens-grinding technology in their manufacturing processes, and the prescription accuracy and ease of use of these lenses is second to none. Wrap sunglass curves can distort prescription lenses of lesser technical specifications, but not so with these Mako lenses as they offer super-clear vision at all focal lengths. The smudge-free hydrophobic coating is a winner too, as any water

to see distant objects clearly while the lower zone gives sharp vision to closer reading and knot tying focal lengths. In fact, most prescriptions – whether multifocal, long sighted or short sighted – can be produced in Mako frame and lens combinations to suit every wearer and outdoor activity. My chosen lens colour, the rose G2H5, was selected for its high contrast capabilities which allow me to see subtle differences in below water structure and individual fish at greater depth. There is no doubt that my stream craft when trout fishing is greatly improved wearing

the Mako lenses, as the layout of the river becomes obvious. My lure then spends more time in the strike zone, spelling trouble for the resident brown and rainbow trout. It’s the same story on Port Phillip Bay, where the location of weed beds and sand patches mean the difference between a good and bad day on the calamari and whiting. The G2H5 lenses are ground in Italy using a high density glass which produces a super thin lens to reduce the weight of the sunglasses. We anglers love the scratch-resistant properties of glass lenses, and the Mako G2H5 is the only

TESTED

that splashes on the lens simply beads up and drains off. That means no more wiping with dirty hands or shirts, actually making more smudges on the lenses than you started with! Please pay attention to the fit of the frame during your selection process, and try to leave a small amount of airflow around your face. Glass lenses have many great advantages, however they do tend to fog a little more than acrylic lenses and the airflow will eliminate this problem. If you want to order a pair of prescription Makos, remember that some frames are less suitable than others. Wrap prescription lens design requires careful design calculations to keep the lens thickness low, and prescription accuracy over the entire lens surface. It requires significantly more expertise than standard reading glasses! Enquire about the ability of your chosen retailer to deliver these designs before committing your purchase, and always reserve the right to seek further advice. We all deserve the best vision solution available. From trout in a stream to tuna on the shelf, I have found my Mako multifocal sunglasses an irreplaceable part of my fishing day. David is a qualified Optical Dispenser & Mechanic with over 35 years industry experience currently managing Karingal Optical, a large Optometry Practice in Frankston. A keen angler and diver, he spends large amounts of time on and around the water in between consulting to his customers with their prescription and sunglass requirements. - David Glennie

The author’s streamcraft has been improved thanks to the Mako lenses.

JULY 2018

Whispers from the golden age of fishing SUNTAG

Stefan Sawynok

We recently had the opportunity to analyse 18 species in Bundaberg using a range of datasets from Fisheries Boat Ramp Surveys, to Commercial and Recreational Collected data. We have done this for other centres in the Great Barrier Reef, but in this particular case, Bundaberg was where I learned to fish and spent the majority of my time fishing growing up. I also knew that my father (Bill Sawynok) kept diaries of that time, so I had a unique chance to compare results then and now. It’s not an ‘apples for apples’ comparison after I factored in the lower technology – we only had a paper sounder and then only at the end of our time there, all navigation even in 1984 was off landmarks and the lures were as basic as they came. Even as a thought experiment it makes for a fascinating comparison. First – a word on paper diaries vs. app-based diaries. PAPER – WHAT’S THAT? Two remarkable things happened when I worked through dad’s diaries – beyond the careering journey down memory lane. Let’s say that the nostalgia factor on this article was dialled up to 100. First, I got some fascinating insights into how my father solved problems. Second, the moment I mentioned I was looking at diaries others were more than willing to give me a look at their journals and that led to me finally grasping the difference between paper and apps. Paper diaries are reflective. Whether it be in

Some things haven’t changed in 40 years. words, or intricate drawings and diagrams, the fisher is recording the details that were important during the day. In the case of the diaries I selected, there was an eight-year time span and in that time while the recording process remained the same – techniques that were new and explored in detail in 1976 were mundane and routine by 1984. In other words, in the narrative of a fishing life – there is a clear progression. I did jokingly comment to dad at one point that he didn’t think ahead because reading diaries written in pencil can provide challenges 40 years on. His response that he never read them and never expected anyone to was very telling. Paradoxically, recording information on paper is not about recording at all; its real purpose is encoding in memory. By writing or drawing out the critical details of the day, the mind has the chance to sort out precisely what is essential and either commit learnings to memory or start looking for answers to unsolved problems. That’s why dad has

never reread his diaries – he learned the lessons and committed them to memory. If you want to get super nerdy, there is an excellent paper that covers the use of diaries in research – journals. sagepub.com/doi/full/10.117 7/160940691101000308. APP-BASED DIARIES – I AIN’T GOT TIME TO WRITE It might seem odd that someone who designs apps and data collection methods might talk them down, but I am about to. There are two types of apps in the fishing diary space. The first is simple note-based apps, like Evernote, that are typed diaries. While it’s not quite the same as paper, I have no doubt these kinds of apps do the same job – the process of organising the day in your head and typing it up helps the mind sort out what is essential and what needs addressing. There is the second kind though that automates much of the collection of data (such as wind, temperature, tide, etc.). These kinds of apps are what I call outsourcing apps – you don’t have time to gather that data, so you let the machine do it for you. By

Bill Sawynok’s first tagged fish in the diary. 68

JULY 2018

outsourcing your memory to the app, you are permanently deleting information from your brain that you would consider on review and that means that lessons based on distorted data. In other words, the immediate learnings committed to memory will be incomplete or downright wrong. The advantage of app-based diaries (if combined with proper data analysis tools) however is that you can see patterns in your activity and the fish that may well not be as obvious when reviewing day by day. WHICH ONE IS BETTER? I have spent two years pondering this question, and at this point, I am inclined to tip my hand to either paper diaries or typed diaries. I say this because the quality of analysis in apps is pretty flaky because they don’t capture enough data and aren’t very good with statistics anyway – not that fishers are frequently statisticians. Sit down now, Nicholas Moore – there are always exceptions. No app can outperform the human fishing brain, yet. With that out of the way, what did I learn from my trip down memory lane? MY SAMPLE I chose my sample for this exercise quite carefully selecting three years: 1976, 1980 and 1984. 1976 was our first year in Bundaberg, so this is the period dad was assessing and learning as much as he could about the fishery. 1984 is our last year in Bundaberg, so in choosing the three years I am looking at the beginning, middle and end of his (and by proxy my) fishing life in the town. One fascinating part of the review of the diaries was the discovery that I wasn’t dealing with a single fisher, but three. In the space of 8 years, Dad had evolved so much that his outlook on the world changed radically. Each of the three years captures not only changes in fishing style, but the

complete reworking of his fishing philosophy. Bill walked into Bundaberg with very practical concerns and left as a man seeking a much higher purpose. More on that later. 1976 It seems odd to me now that dad started out focused exclusively on putting fish on the table. The focus on fish wasn’t a culinary choice; this was his duty to provide for his family. In this time, while we weren’t poor, interest rates were high, and fish was an essential part of supplementing the weekly meal. In 1976 often the cost of fishing was lower than the price of steak. To be fair, there is only so much you can do with mince. During this period his concerns were all practical and more than once he expressed deep frustration

The majority of the fishing during this time was with bait and self-sourced bait at that. Rubbish fish (like grinner) were filleted or put back live. Lures were part of the equation, Dad had used lures since the 1950s, but it’s pretty clear that results were the priority. Lures came out when the pressure was off or trolled in areas where baits would be wasted or impractical. Hardbodies and spoons dominated the tackle box. 1980 In 1979 ANSA (Australian National Sportfishing Association) came to town and dad was one of the early members. ANSA provided him with two essential elements that he didn’t have when he first moved to Bundaberg. First and foremost, ANSA provided an opportunity for

Bill (1976) with a typical mackerel of the time. Mackerel were the mainstay in the family diet. when he didn’t bring home fish in the sense of letting people down. Oddly, this is as close as you get to dad engaging with the family, for he is a private man, as was his father and while he wouldn’t express his feelings verbally, his diaries give away his keen sense of duty to his family. He did feel that fishing and earning a salary was an essential contribution to the family wellbeing. Old fashioned sentiments? In these days, yes. So much more is expected of men in relationships and for the better but maybe we undervalue sacrificing personal needs for the wellbeing of the family. Fishing wasn’t fun; it was a job.

fellowship that I don’t think he had experienced before. Here was a group of people that loved fishing as much as he did and would fish as often as he did, each sharing notes, competing and challenging one another in days where the internet and YouTube weren’t even a dream. A generation of fishers grew up together, not just figuratively but as fishers. This bond would shape them as a group, and it’s impossible to understate the way that fishing clubs – when the fishing tackle was only beginning to come of age – were in the golden era of fishing. The second way in which ANSA changed the equation for dad was the

way it gave fishing meaning. For the first time dad valued fish beyond food. During this year fishing became fun; he set goals, joined in competitions and celebrated fish that scored highly in the line class system. More and more he focused on lures, with smaller homemade hardbodies and poppers, Mister Twisters and a much broader array of the Halco

his first fish – PA0001 – a mackerel tuna of all things. Depressingly, the records of this time were maintained by Fisheries and lost, but fortunately he kept a second record of the event in his diary; otherwise, this moment would be lost forever. 1984 By 1984 Bill had well and truly taken to tagging, and almost every trip saw fish

Bill with an ANSA record blue threadfin. slices. Even baits got the lure touch with various squids and skirts added to get the attention of mackerel on the troll. I think this period was when dad found passion in his fishing. The genuine thrill of fishing had taken him and I was swept up by FIGURE 1 Location Zero-Trips TOWNS 45% CAIRNS 41% HINCH 41% ROCK 37% FRASER 37% GOLDCOAST 35% KAR 35% SCOAST 34% BUND 33% MACKAY 30% BOWEN 30% WEIPA 29% AYR 29% BRIS 29% WHITSUNDAY 24% GLAD 17% STATE AVERAGE 33% his enthusiasm. I think this time was the most fun for me growing up. The other exciting prequel moment that happened in 1980 was after a visit to Rockhampton to tag some fish; he tagged

released with a new piece of jewellery. Sports tackle was still in fashion, and ANSA masters fishing remained a primary objective. On the other hand, keeping fish was now a secondary concern, except where seasonal species were available such as school mackerel or staples like flathead. Lures were now the norm; bait was used when lures didn’t deliver results. Soft plastics – newer versions of the Mister Twisters and Vibrotails – were the estuary go-to for almost all species. His journey would come full circle at the end of the year. The family moved to Rockhampton, and with the move, Bill would take over managing the state tagging program from Queensland Fisheries. Twelve months later the sports tackle would progressively be replaced with heavy gear intended to minimise fish play time and maximise survival from tagging. Four years into life in ANSA he had achieved near all he wanted to as research would replace sports fishing. Fishing would still be fun, but now he had a higher purpose – collecting data and learning as much as

FIGURE 2 Category Trips Number zero-trips Percentage zero-trips possible about the fishery. Another change would come with the move north – his broad list of target species under ANSA was replaced by a singular focus on barramundi in the Fitzroy. The man that had come to Bundaberg with a mission to feed his family would leave with a passion for tag and release and improving fish stocks. Eight years in Bundaberg shaped not just his fishing skills, but his fishing worldview. ZERO-TRIPS ARE ‘PROBLEMATIC’ I want to say that I hate the word ‘problematic.’ Saying something is problematic is like saying I have no idea where the problem is but it might be somewhere over there. Zerotrips do sort of fit into the category of waving your finger wildly in the general direction of zero. In the case of the diaries, there were four clear reasons for a zero-trip: • Sometimes no fish were sighted – it happens to the best of us. • Sometimes unimportant by-catch was caught but not considered worth noting the specifics. • Sometimes fish were hooked and dropped, busted off or lost at the boat. • Sometimes fish were intentionally lost, that is trips with a known target using tackle that will be hard to stop the fish on. In one instance two zero trips were noted with the footnote “Yellowtail King 9, Sawynoks 0.” Only one of these options indicates no interaction with fish. Fish lost due to tackle was a common outcome in 1980-84 when we were often fishing sports tackle, 1-3kg nylon. For this reason, in the diary entries for 1980 and 1984 in particular the actual catches are underrepresentative as there were a number of fish lost due to the use of highly challenging tackle. I haven’t included these fish in the tally because it’s impossible to know how often that happens in the modern data sets. ZERO IS A VERY INTERESTING NUMBER One of the things I have learned through the years is that zero-trips are one of the best measures of fishing ability and, by proxy, the condition of the fishery. In mediocre times, the best fishers still find fish; they don’t find as many, but they rarely see zero. Equally, in times where zero-trips are low in the general fishing population, conditions are pretty good. Quick caveat – here I am referring to a widely accessible fishery

Local Visitor 934 553 328 157 35.1% 28.4% over time. In this case, I am using zero as a straight measure regardless of the number of fishers, so I’m not looking at the total effort, just how often fishing trips were successful in finding fish. Figure 4 has the ratio of zero trips comparing dad in the 1970s and 80s and surveys in 2016-17. Dad’s exact zero-trip rate (i.e., when he encountered no fish) was steady in 1980-1984 around 2%. The increasing zero-trip rate is related to the rising level of difficulty in the tackle and thus greater risks he was taking. The ANSA points system is a risk-reward system and the primary explanation for the discrepancy. Once tagging became his focus, Bill went the opposite direction, taking the risk out in favour of reducing stress on fish.

Visitors to the area spend more time in productive offshore regions, which improves their success rates. However for this exercise, I am comparing with the past, so I am interested in the 35.1% figure, which is significantly higher than Dad’s worst year of 14%. For reasonable comparison, I am excluding locals. LOOKING AT CATCH DATA There are a lot of intriguing numbers in the catch data. First, the data reflects my intuitive reading of the diaries. The kept rate in 1976 for both inshore and offshore was over 90% but by 1984 that had dropped to 45-58% respectively, which is a significant drop in 8 years. Many things changed in that time; fish became more of a good to have than an essential. Dad was targeting fish for specific goals as well, so the species focus changed a lot. Fast forward to today, and you are lucky if Bill keeps a single fish in a year.

Percentage of zero-trips reported. Looking at the 2017 result, which is a better sample than 2016, the 33% is a figure that also needs some exploring. Here are the statewide results for zero-trips for 2017 based on boat ramp surveys. The total number of flights is just below 19,000, which is an excellent sample. To be honest, the result of this table is an article all of its own, but in context, Bundaberg’s zero-trip rate is middle of the

Another interesting observation – the ratio of offshore trips went up a lot in 1984; this is reflective of the catch rate being better than in the estuary – 1984 was a good year offshore. Fishers do follow the fish. The drop in targeting of bread and butter estuary species in 1980 lines up with the focus on ANSA masters fish and competitions where species like bream didn’t offer much in the way of points.

FIGURE 3 Year Percentage estuary trips Avg number of fishers Estuary catch rate (fish/fisher/day) Offshore catch rate (fish/fisher/day) Percentage kept estuary Percentage kept offshore Percentage bream/whiting/ javelin/flathead Percentage mackerel/tuna No estuary species No offshore species road for the major centres across the state (Fig. 1). That is only part of the story, Bundaberg region has a reasonable number of visitors, especially to 1770 and Round Hill. When you view the results for locals vs. visitors you get Figure 2. So what gives? Why are visitors having more success than the locals?

1976-1984 would have been picked up in boat ramp surveys on time of day at least. So what gives? Offshore targeting of mackerel didn’t require traveling too far, nor large boats. It’s a mystery. IS BUNDABERG BETTER OR WORSE NOW? Of course, the main point of reflection is to compare past with the present. There are going to be all manner of not like for like, not enough science arguments that come up, so I am going to fall back on what my gut says on balance of evidence. In other words – this is my opinion. On that front, people make decisions without science all the time. The accuracy of judgment is down to the accuracy of availability of evidence, and in my experience, there is enough evidence to take a good stab at it. Straight up my view is the fishery has degraded quite a bit since the 1976 starting point. In 1976 dad had no idea of the area, no GPS, no echo sounder and by modern standards primitive gear. His background – fishing the Murray River and trout streams of Victoria provided limited preparation. All that taken into account, his catch rate of 3.95 fish/fisher/day in the estuary, which often included family, as the other fishers meant that conditions were pretty good. Offshore is a little more complicated because catch rates seem pretty good. That said, the much lower proportion of offshore trips than in the past and the absence of mackerel and tuna says that things have definitely changed and again I would say not for the better. It’s possible that Fisheries surveys are missing mackerel, but that seems very unlikely to me. I keep falling back to fishers follow the fish. The next question now is why? That answer is likely to be a

1976 45% 2.8 3.95 1.02 91% 92%

1980 1984 2016 59% 23% 80% 2.5 1.8 2.2 2.85 2.59 1.1 1.08 2.96 1.8 82% 58% 22.1% 90% 45% 59.5%

2017 63% 2.1 1.6 1.32 33.3% 46.2%

78.8% 60% 19 13

27.3% 84% 19 8

90.4% 2.2% 23 19

The figure that stands out the most to me though is the way mackerel/tuna only made up 2.2% of the reported catch in 2017. Mackerel and tuna were both staples in the Bundaberg fishery and widely targeted, as evidenced in many diary entries noting other fishers’ success. Most of the offshore trips taken

47.4% 73% 10 15

89.7% 0.0% 14 9

complicated mix of factors, and there is nothing I have in the datasets I see that answers it outright. The most crucial question is what do we do about it? I don’t think Bundaberg is unique. I think many fishers are asking the same question – how do we get back to where we once belonged? JULY 2018

Morgan moves in at Mandurah

STORM

Queenslander and Fishing Monthly Magazines publisher Steve Morgan travelled west to the Mandurah BREAM event with winning the furthest thing from his mind. As it happened, a reduced arena and a shutdown of the bite meant that he rode the weight of a solitary 1.2kg black bream on day two of the event to victory. Mandurah is a unique black bream fishery. With a massive estuary called Peel Inlet looking amazing (but barren of black bream), the fishing usually happens in the local Mandurah canals, which have fewer but bigger fish, or the Murray/Serpentine rivers, which hale many more smaller bream. On day one of the event, calm weather meant that the entire arena was open to fish, and local gun, Jayden

Steve Morgan secured his 11th ABT BREAM win and his second in Western Australia with the close-fought Mandurah victory. a 1.20kg Mandurah canal fatty to the scales and moving from 4th to 1st in

a finish more fitting of a Bradbury than a Morgan. “When I realised how

Canberra’s Stuart Walker landed this stunning 1.38kg Murray River bream on the first day to take the $500 Daiwa J-Braid Big Bream from the back of the boat. Webb, bagged a solid 5-fish limit for 2.88kg up the Murray River to have daylight between him and the rest of the field. With a strong wind warning on the Sunday, the tournament was completed in a reducedboundary arena, which left the door open in the trying conditions. Getting only one bite all day, Morgan landed the fish that mattered, presenting

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888. 70

JULY 2018

Scan the QR code to see the winners’ interview.

WINNING TACKLE Rod: Daiwa Mebaru 7’8” MX 78MML (released August 18) Reel: Daiwa Exist 2500LT Line: Yamatoyo Spinning Fluoro (4lb) Lure: Z-Man 2.5” Slim SwimZ in motor oil Jighead: JA’s Jigs 1/32oz round head with #4 Owner hook.

tough the fishing was in the strong winds on the Sunday, I thought that a big bite would make a real difference, but I didn’t think that I was going to be the one who got it,” Morgan said after the presentation. He caught all of his weigh-in fish on one outfit. It was a Daiwa 7’9” Mebaru rod paired with a new Daiwa Exist LT 2500 reel. Spooled with 4lb Yamatoyo Spinning Fluoro, Morgan used this rig to cast, pitch and skip a motor oil coloured ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ in and around docks and pontoons. It was rigged on a JA Jigs Round Head 1/32oz head with a #4 Owner hook, made by Albany’s Jim Allen. “I actually rigged the little swimbait on that hook because I was out of anything bigger,” Morgan explained, “but when I did it, it looked awesome in the water with the body rolling from side to side. And as an added bonus, it skip-cast amazingly. “Since, I’ve found that plenty of black bream guys use small hooks like that because it helps with the hookups on blacks.” Morgan fished the lower Murray on day one for a 4/5, 1.85kg bag before adding the 1.2kg brute on day two.

TOP 10 BOATERS Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Angler Fish Weight Payout Steve Morgan, QLD 5/10 3.05kg $2,000 + $200 Pro option Jayden Webb, WA 5/10 2.88kg $1,100 Cam Whittam, Vic 4/10 2.58kg $800 Shane Owens, WA 5/10 2.19kg $725 + $250 1st Mercury Greg Cooper, WA 5/10 2.09kg $150 2nd Mercury Mark Crompton, NSW 3/10 1.90kg Paul Burton, WA 3/10 1.86kg $100 3rd Mercury Paul Siemaszko, WA 4/10 1.85kg Warren Carter, Vic 3/10 1.44kg Matthew Jeffery, WA 2/10 1.28kg For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

Webb Narrowly Misses Maiden Win Native West Australian Jayden Webb is a perennial contender on the Mandurah arena and wasn’t rattled when the event was relocated to Mandurah from Perth because of bridgeworks cutting the arena in half. Webb grew up fishing the Murray River, holidaying on Yunderup Island since birth, so he had a solid plan on day one of the event that

he executed to perfection. “I fished man-made structure early and deep, snaggy banks later on in the day,” Webb said, “I’d have a couple of casts to the structure with an OSP Dunk first, and after that, I’d throw in an Ecogearaqua Bream Prawn rigged weightless on a Gamakatsu worm hook.” The pattern proved productive for Webb, who

DUFFRODS BIG BAG Mike Hodges’ day one bag secured the Duffrods Big Bag prize for his first day’s efforts. His five biggest of his dozen legal bream for the day went 2.95kg.

DAIWA J-BRAID BIG BREAM ACT’s Stuart Walker boxed a cracking 1.38kg bream from the Murray River to take home $500 and a Daiwa J-Braid pack. It was fooled by a ZMan motor oil coloured grub fished along a laydown snag.

landed around a dozen legal bream on the first day and justified the 100 minute drive from the start line through the various slow-zones. “I landed basically everything that I hooked on the Saturday, and you can’t ask for any more than that,” he said. Webb used identical outfits for both techniques: Shimano gear consisting of Zodias rods, Twinpower 1000 reels, Mission Complete 14lb braided line and Ocea 6lb leaders. It was a heartbreaking day on the Sunday to land a bream only a few millimetres short of legal length, and a single Sunday fish of any legal size would have secured him the win. “It’s great to get the national circuit over here to WA and fish against the eastern anglers,” he concluded.

BREAM SERIES

Perth’s Jayden Webb landed a dozen bream on the Saturday to head into day two with the lead. His fish came in the Murray River on a mixture of OSP Dunks and Ecogearaqua Bream Prawns.

2.5” Slim SwimZ in motor oil

Victorian Michael Hodges collected his second non-Boater trophy of 2018 on the back of a cracking first-day bag of 5/5 for 2.95kg. Inset: Michael’s choice of tackle.

Magic Mike’s Non-Boater Win Eastern non-boaters filled the podium in the Non-Boater division, with Victorian Mike Hodges taking the trophy. It was Hodges’ second victory for the season after reigning supreme at St Helens, Tasmania, earlier in the year, proving that he’s a gun angler from the back of any boat in any state. Fishing with Jayden

Webb on the Saturday, the best five of his nine legal bream landed on the first day weighed in at a tournament-best 2.95kg, gaining him the Duffrods Big Bag and what turned out to be an insurmountable lead for the event, even though, like Webb, he failed to weigh a bream on the second day. Improvising in a baitfish-rich environment, Hodges distilled his

presentation down to a Squidgy Flickbait rigged on a Gamakatsu Wide Gape #4 hook, which was weighted with a 0.4 BB Split Shot (which weighs about 1/40oz). Hodges’ preferred outfit was 7ft 1-3kg Nitro Vapour rod, matched to a Fin-Nor Affinity 2.0, which he loaded with 6lb Berkley Nanofil, with a 3m FC Rock 5lb leader. “The key to the

presentation was to keep the bait just moving along the bottom. Then you’d feel the fish nipping at it and eventually one would eat it properly,” Mike said. “I’ve been carrying these baits around for years but they were exactly what the fish wanted this weekend,” he concluded.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Fish 5/10

Weight 2.95kg

Payout $200 Hobie +Costa + Prize Pack + $300 Pro option Stuart Walker, ACT 3/10 2.78kg $100 Hobie + $500 + Prize Pack James Morgan, ACT 3/10 1.36kg $75 Hobie + Prize Pack Graeme Kovacevic, WA 2/10 1.22kg Prize Pack Michael Sammut, WA 2/10 0.83kg Prize Pack Brendan McNamara, Vic 1/10 0.63kg Prize Pack Andy Mitchell, WA 1/10 0.62kg Prize Pack Chris Hill, WA 1/10 0.56kg Prize Pack Don Johnson, WA 1/10 0.32kg Prize Pack For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

AUGUST

25–26

Location:

LOCK 9 MILDURA (2-Day Event)

To download the free app. Go to ifishcomps in the app store or

TOP 9 NON BOATERS Place Angler 1 Michael Hodges, Vic

Round 4

Scan the QR code to see day one highlights.

2018 CENTRAL VIC PRO SERIES DATES Round 2. Dec 8&9

Mulwala (DC on the Lake)

This Series is for Teams of two only, check out the Central Vic Pro Series group on facebok for more details www.facebook.com/groups/CVLCPS/

Check out our Facebook pages:

• Central VIC Pro Series • Central VIC Lure Casters Super Series Scan the QR code to see day two highlights.

For more information contact David Nelson 0418 378 944 roundy@cvlcss.com • www.cvlcss.com JULY 2018

Introfish – promoting inclusion of all anglers Every weekend of the year, in the waters off Melbourne, something inspiring takes place. People with special needs – men and women, girls and boys – experience all the simple joys and freedom of casting in a line and trying to catch a fish. Paul Bennett is the founder and driving force behind Introfish, the unique charity he

set up to share the pleasure and benefits of fishing. “It really is about social inclusion,” said Paul, an accomplished lifelong fisherman and communicator. “If you are living with special needs then an afternoon fishing, being part of a group, breaking down barriers, isn’t just new and fun – it can be hugely beneficial.”

Introfish has been operating for seven years, alternating between Port Phillip Bay when the snapper’s on and Western Port when it’s whiting season. The difference this season is that Paul’s now driving a brand-new Caribbean Reef Runner, powered by a Mercury 150hp 4-stroke. The Reef Runner was built,

FISHING NEWS

Cranbourne Boating are now Suzuki outboard dealers Long-standing Victorian Marine Dealership Cranbourne Boating Centre has recently been announced as the Suzuki Outboards Premium Dealership of Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs. Housing many of Australia’s biggest boating names such as Formosa Tomahawk Boats, Tournament Pleasure Boats, Evinrude Outboards and more, Cranbourne Boating

will now be able to offer boat buyer’s a choice between the worlds best 4-stroke and the world’s best 2-stroke for your transom. See the range now at 1 Bowen Street Cranbourne or call (03) 5996 2206 for a quote on repowering your pride and joy.

of course, by International Marine and the engine was rigged by The Marine Shop in Melton, Victoria. “We literally couldn’t do this without our sponsors. I can’t thank Mercury enough for their generosity. Not only have they looked after us on the engine, they have supplied a fantastic engine, the best 150hp 4-stroke on the water. I couldn’t ask for better,” he said. “The boat is really crucial to what we do because it means we can go to the fish so that no weekend is wasted and no one is disappointed.” Paul’s decision to dedicate so much time and effort to helping others emerged from his own personal tragedy – the death of his son who was born prematurely and with special needs. “I always said I would take my son fishing but never got the chance. Then I came across a report which looked at the

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

benefits that fishing provides to people with schizophrenia, Aspergers, Down syndrome etc, and it showed it was an absolute winner,” he said. Paul saw other sports including AFL, cricket and rugby union all helping people with special needs, and saw no reason fishing couldn’t do the same. “The problem was that fishing doesn’t have a governing body like those

other sports so it took a while for people to notice and understand what we were trying to do,” he said. A huge step forward occurred in 2014 when Paul secured a stand for Introfish at the Melbourne Boat Show. “It really helped raise awareness and people saw we weren’t going away,” Paul said. And it’s not just fishers who are getting in the know. More and more Paul is being contacted by other care organisations, wanting to tap into his unique offer. “We’re out every weekend weather permitting, all year round, and that’s fantastic,” he said. At 6am on Saturdays, Victorians can listen to Paul’s regular radio spot on Phil Wall’s fishing show on 1377 MyMP. To learn more about Introfish or make a donation, please visit the website at introfish.com.au.

Brought to you by

2018

AUGUST

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

11-12 Aug

ABT BREAM Series Round 8

abt.org.au

Lake Macquarie

24-27 Aug

CVLCSS Round 4

www.cvlcss.com

Mildura

David Nelson 0418 378 944

13-14 Oct

Round 7 Hobie Kayak Bream Series

www.hobiefishing.com.au

Hopkins

13-14 Oct

ABT BREAM Series Round 9

South West Rocks

27 Oct

CVLCSS Round 5

www.cvlcss.com

Lake Eppalock

David Nelson 0418 378 944

19 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 1

abt.org.au

Kinchant Dam (evening event)

20 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 2

Teemburra Dam (evening event)

21 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 3

Peter Faust (Night Championship)

23-24 Nov

ABT BARRA Tour Round 4

Peter Faust (evening event)

24 Nov

CVLCSS Round 6

www.cvlcss.com

Lake Eildon

David Nelson 0418 378 944

abt.org.au

abt.org.au abt.org.au 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. 72

JULY 2018

Cooking

Making perfect sushi rice and scattered sushi BRISBANE

Lynn Bain

Sushi rice is the basis for all types of sushi recipes including maki (rice wrapped in nori seaweed sheet), uramaki (rice on

the outside), nigiri (small amount of pressed sushi rice topped with seafood), tempi (cone shaped sushi) and chirosizushi (scattered sushi). Rice for making sushi rice is available in most supermarkets in either the rice aisle or the Asian section. If

INGREDIENTS

Scattered Sushi • 1 nori sheet, toasted • 1 cup either vegetable or seafood stock • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp mirin • 250g green prawns, peeled and deveined • 250g prepared squid • 250g piece salmon, skin on or off • 1 fillet white fleshed fish • 2-3 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise • 2-3 green shallots, finely sliced • 1 small cucumber, cut into fine batons Rice • 3 cups sushi rice • 3 and 1/2 cups water • 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar • 2 tbsp sugar • 2 tsp salt

Wash the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the liquid coming off the rice runs clear. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch so the rice doesn’t turn into a glutinous gloopy mess when cooked. Cook the rice then remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to stand for 10-15 minutes.

Place the salmon skin-side down in a clean frypan. Cook a minute on each side – this will leave it raw in the middle. Remove the salmon from the pan and allow it to cool, then break the salmon into pieces and place it to one side. Do the same with the squid. Shallow fry over a medium heat and add a little cooking oil to the pan. When the oil is hot, add the squid pieces for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the squid from the pan and place the pieces to one side.

you can’t find specific rice for making sushi then a short grain white rice will suffice. Having made your sushi rice, get ready to make rice into a simple scattered sushi. Scattered sushi is served on special occasions in Japan such as Doll Day, birthdays and anniversaries. I like it because it is an uncomplicated

freeform presentation that is the simplest of the sushi dishes to put together, and it’s fun! Scattered sushi is basically sushi rice with a variety of toppings scattered over a bed of rice. It uses all sorts of seafood (both raw and cooked) as a complement to the rice. In this version of scattered sushi we use

a few different methods of preparing the cooked seafood – poaching and sautéing. I have used Japanese mayonnaise to coat the white fleshed fish in this recipe. Japanese mayo is available in the Asian section of most supermarkets. It’s different in thickness and flavour from Australian mayo; it’s thicker,

usually made from egg yolks only and the acid component is rice wine vinegar, instead of lemon juice. You can usually purchase your nori sheets already toasted but if you have untoasted nori, simply pop the nori sheet into a dry frypan over a medium heat for a minute on each side.

1 3

Measure the ingredients for the sushi rice dressing (rice wine vinegar, sugar and salt) into a small saucepan and heat them over a low heat until the sugar and salt have dissolved in the vinegar. Then remove the saucepan from the heat and with a wooden spoon ladle it into a bowl. Cool the rice quickly by lifting the rice up with the spoon and letting the heat out. You can help this process by fanning the rice at the same time. Tip the dressing over the cooled rice and gently fold the liquid in. Your sushi rice is now ready for making sushi.

Spread some Japanese mayonnaise over both sides of the fillet of white fleshed fish. Using the pan in which you cooked the salmon, wipe it out (to remove any salmon scales), add some more oil and then heat the pan again over a medium heat. Place the coated fish into the hot pan and cook the fillet on both sides until just cooked through.

Combine the stock, soy sauce and mirin in a saucepan and heat it on your hotplate to bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. When the stock mixture is hot, add the green prawns and poach them until the prawns turn pink. Using a slotted spoon, remove the poached prawns from the stock and place the prawns to one side.

To assemble the scattered sushi, place a generous amount of sushi rice on each serving plate. Alternatively serve it family style on one large platter and let the diners serve themselves with their seafood of choice. Next scatter the salmon and mayocoated fish pieces over the rice. Then place the poached prawns onto the sushi rice, add the calamari, sprinkle on the sliced green shallots and cucumber batons and tear a toasted nori sheet over the almost-finished sushi rice ingredients. Once you’ve sprinkled the nori pieces across the top you’ve completed your scattered sushi. JULY 2018

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She Left

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www.marlocamping.com.au Marlo Ocean Views Caravan and Camping Park, Marlo (03) 5154 8268

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. 74

JULY 2018

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

Rip Charters Fishing Trips, Sorrento (03) 5984 3664 Saltwater Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 4888 Off The Hook Fishing Charters 0419 554 916

EAST GIPPSLAND (Continued) Bemm River Holiday Accommodation & Boat Hire, Bemm River (03) 5158 4233 or 0427 584 233

St Kilda Fishing Charters, St Kilda (03) 9770 2200 Western Port Fishing Charters, Hastings (03) 9769 5544

EAST COAST

Lazy Acre Log Cabins 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM SPACIOUS COTTAGES ♦ Solar Pool ♦ Free Wi-Fi ♦ Air-Con/Heating ♦ Fishing Advice ♦ Boat Parking

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N O W AVA IL A B L E ALL YOUR FISHING MONTHLY GEAR From

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(03) 5155 1323 ♦ 0418 516 555 ♦ 35 Roadknight Street, LAKES ENTRANCE

Millbrook Lakes Lodge, Ballarat (03) 5334 0404

TASMANIA & FLINDERS ISLAND Lazy Acre Log Cabins, Lakes Entrance (03) 5155 1323

Ausprey Tours, Launceston (03) 6630 2612 Gone Fishing Charters, St Helens (03) 6376 1553

SAMPLE AD - BUSINESS NAME This is where your copy will appear. You will have approximately 30 words within a 5x2 ad size.

$320 + GST for 6 months Email : pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au CHARTER BOATS WEST COAST Portland Fishing Charters, Portland (03) 5523 3020

CENTRAL

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MANY DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS ALL MADE TO ORDER

If you have any other trades or services that you would like to see in this section please don’t hesitate to give us a call Email: pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

Blue Magic Fishing Charters, Rowville (03) 9759 5301 Geelong Charters & Fishing Trips, Geelong (03) 5275 7107 Katrina Louise Charters, Cheltenham 0402 828 140

CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES

Kestrel Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 1783

Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014

Queenscliff Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 0458 504 058

Salt-away 1800 091 172 or www.salt-away.com.au

Pro Red Fishing Charters 0421 442 775

Techni Ice (03) 9783 1922

fishingmonthly.redbubble.com

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au JULY 2018

FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS FISH THAT ARE USED FOR SUSHI

ALBACORE BLUEFIN TUNA ESCOLAR FATTY TUNA FRESHWATER EEL HALIBUT JELLYFISH MACKEREL MONKFISH

HORSE MACKEREL RED SNAPPER STRIPED JACK SQUID SARDINE URCHIN TAMAGO YELLOWFIN TUNA YELLOWTAIL

Valley Hill Rocketeer Slicer

Name: Address:

P/Code:

The first correct entry at the end of each month will win the prize pack. SEND ENTRIES TO: VIC Find-a-word Competition, PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129

VIC JULY 2018

Phone (day):

FINS SCALES & TALES by A. Both

The Rocketeer Slicer from Japanese tackle giant Valley Hill is a real feat of Japanese design and engineering. The Rocketeer Slicer has a unique metal plate at the nose of the jig, which lets you secure line in two places, and ensures a superior swimming action even through debris. In addition, its tail system lets you cast more effectively into the wind. The Rocketeer Slicer is available in two sizes (3.0 and 3.5) and 13 different colour combinations. It has proven to be highly effective on Australian squid. www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

SPOT THE

10 DIFFERENCES

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to Gail Carroll from Euroa, who was last month’s winner of the Find-aWord Competition! Monthly winners receive a sponsor prize. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks.– V&TFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winner for May is D Menzies of Herne Hill, who won a Halco giveaway valued at $300. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

Ripper of Bushfeild, R Parry of Stawell, R Long of Flinders, T Mathieson of Patterson Lakes, N Byrne of Waldaua, M Doherty of Strathfieldsaye, N Knights of Bayswater North, P Gigliotti of Coburg North, S Fredrickson of Shepparton, A Foster of Drouin, D Robinson of Carisbrook, E Robinson of Clifton Springs, M Aveling of Tarwin Lower, M Williamson of Alexandra, C Kelly of Cranbourne, G Smith of Stawell, D Biggs of Stratford. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

MAJOR FIND THE PRIZE

Congratulations to the following readers, who won the Gamakatsu Major Prize draws: 1st J Paul of Inverell, who won a $1000 of Frogleys Offshore products; 2nd F Heiniger of Woombye, who won a $500 of Frogleys Offshore products; 3rd D Skewes of Bli Bli, won a $200 of Frogleys Offshore products. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – V&TFM

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE DAIWA LOGO

JULY 2018

GUESS THE FISH?

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Sweetlip

The answers to Find the Daiwa Logo for May were: 8, 12, 18, 22, 26, 32, 37, 42, 52, 54, 58, 63, 65, 78, 93. – V&TFM The Find the Daiwa Logo prize winners for May were: D Wyatt of West Wodonga, E Hopkinson of Drouin, T Kubeil of Euroa, K Scutchings of Myrtleford, F Oleszko of Braybrook, D Gillett of Portarlington, B Meaney of Tungamah, F Hutchins of Sunbury, P Geale of Georgetown, D Fitzgerald of Coldstream, I Wild of St Arnaud, P Cioccio of Preston, M Loussert of Jan Juc, D Boros of Korumburra, N Bryant of North Albury, W Johnson of Morwell, R Franks of Romsey, Z Stevens of Alfredton, T Darker of Daylesford, J Jenner of Drummond, T Harrison of Melbourne, R Barnes of Kyabram, L Wass of Bendigo, V

Answer:

boats & kayaks

In the skipperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat

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...

Steve Morgan takes the mighty Stessco Sunseeker 620 with Yamaha 150hp 4-stroke for a spin. You can check it out on page 84.

78 Warm up on the Ovens in winter

Cory Gallaghar visits one of the best places in Victoria to catch a Murray cod, and an area suited perfectly to kayak fishing.

80 Flats fishing fun from a float tube Justin Willmer, in his mission to try out all different types of craft, tries out float tubing for the first time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in saltwater no less!

82 Anchoring up for angling success!

In the age of high-tech electric motors and other gadgets, Wayne Kampe looks into the benefits of anchoring up when fishing.

JULY 2018

Warm up on the Ovens River this month MELBOURNE

Corey Gallagher

Fishing can take an angler almost anywhere on Earth in search of some of the most remarkable species on the planet, in some truly breathtaking locations. However few rival the exhilaration and satisfaction

smaller size and lack of access for larger vessels, kayaks anglers can get away from the crowds and explore the river knowing they are most likely fishing snags that have been untouched for weeks. SPECIES If it’s giant cod you’re after then the Ovens is probably not your best option. The river is home to excellent

The use of ropes to lower kayaks down the steep banks is often the only way to get on the water along many sections of the lower Ovens and having a mate there to help can make all the difference, particularly when it comes to getting the yak off the water. The difficult access has its silver lining, as many sections of the river receive

The Ovens is full of small fun-size cod in the 40-70cm range.

Do your homework to find suitable launch sites; steep banks along the river can make launching difficult. gained when landing an iconic Aussie species out in our own backyard – the great Australian bush. The buzz surrounding Murray cod has grown in recent years with more and more anglers focusing their attention on these amazing predators. That interest has largely been sparked by a massive increase in native

numbers of smaller cod in the 40-80cm range with the odd bigger fish thrown in. ACCESS The Ovens River can be difficult to access. Lined by thick bush, often the only access to the river is via dirt tracks only suitable to 4x4 vehicles, however for those willing to do their homework there are several spots along

very little fishing pressure – a key ingredient to finding productive cod water! A point to remember before hitting the water chasing Murray cod in Victoria is to be aware of the closed season; cod can’t be taken from 1 September through to 30 November. THE GEAR Murray cod are a true

locked drag will go a long way to extracting any cod. Cod lures are often quite large and heavy, and heavy baitcasting stick in the 5-12kg range is required. METHOD/TECHNIQUES During the summer months with the Ovens running warmer the cod turn their attention to the surface and become very active topwater feeders. Big jointed surface paddlers and wakebaits are the popular choice when it comes to top water cod with lures available in the 60-300mm range. Lures up to 100mm are perfectly suited to the Ovens. Cod rarely move away from their snags, so position your kayak with the bow pointed upstream and use a combination of current and pedal/paddle power to keep the kayak in position within a good casting distance of a snag. Casting multiple times in tight and even over the top of snags is critical to experiencing success off the top. Generally a slow roll is all that’s required, however twitching a surface lure on the spot in close proximity to a snag will often bring a fish unstuck. As the water cools Murray cod will become less responsive to surface offerings so anglers need to

adapt. Subsurface options like floating swimbaits can be excellent. Most offerings will only dive to a few feet and can be paused and ‘floated’ up over snags to prevent snagging. If the fish are sitting even deeper, a larger paddle-tail

Never fish the river in a kayak during periods of high flow. As always, having a mate with you is recommended and wearing a PFD and bailer on board is required by law in Victoria. CONCLUSION As a kayak angler who has

Darren Weda releasing another perfectlyconditioned Murray cod from the Ovens. plastic or chatterbait can be successful. SAFETY Kayak anglers keen to fish the Ovens need to be conscious of fast-flowing water. Making use of the Murray-Darling Basin Authorities website, www. mdba.gov.au. The site provides up-to-date river data of the Ovens River including river levels and flow rates.

only recently been introduced to the lure of Murray cod fishing, the Ovens River has proved to be an excellent classroom, providing me with all the components to develop my skills as a cod angler. Snag-lined banks with relatively little fishing pressure make the Ovens a must visit for any kayak angler looking to take on this iconic Aussie species.

This cod engulfed Darren’s surface offering retrieved over the top of a likely-looking snag. stocking programs in many rivers and impoundments within Victoria. The Ovens River has long held excellent numbers of Murray cod, particularly in the lower reaches downstream of Wangaratta. Although the Ovens hasn’t been involved in any direct stocking programs involving Murray cod, it holds excellent populations of ‘wild’ fish and has long been a favourite for any cod angler. Due to its 78

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the river between Wangaratta and Bundalong that kayak anglers can use to successfully launch their craft. Many of the banks along the Ovens are high and steep, making launching difficult. If you’re prepared to put in a little extra work to get your yaks in the water, the rewards are often there for the taking. Many hands make light work and when launching down a steep bank on the Ovens this is certainly true.

ambush predator and hit their prey with explosive power, so any fishing gear used to target cod needs to be up to the task. Although they’re not renowned for their fighting abilities, the initial strike and first few moments when a Murray cod tries desperately to return to the safety of its chosen snag are when the fight is won or lost. Using strong, abrasion-resistant main lines in the 40-60lb range and 50lb leader and a tight, almost

A typical section of the Ovens – snags are plentiful and hold plenty of fish. Photo courtesy of Darren Weda.

WHAT’S NEW BOATING SIMRAD SOFTWARE 1 UPDATE

NEW MERCURY OUTBOARDS

Simrad has released a software update for NSS evo3, NSS evo2, NSO evo2 and GO Series displays that includes sonar enhancements, C-MAP charting improvements and touchscreen control of MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motors. At the heart of the release is FishReveal. Unlike traditional CHIRP Sonar views that provide strong fish targets but lack refined structure detail, or DownScan that provides photo-like images of bottom and structure but shows fish as tiny dots, FishReveal Smart Target Viewing combines the best data from both, eliminating the need for split-screen viewing and interpretation. Exclusive to NSS evo3 displays, Enhanced Sonar Imaging delivers industry-leading clarity and range, with near-photographic images to each side and below your boat. SideScan, DownScan Imaging and StructureScan 3D now produces richer images with enhanced detail and better contrast. Additionally, C-MAP charts just got a major upgrade in readability, and you can now control the Xi5 trolling motor from the touchscreen of your Simrad display (Xi5 control excludes GO7 displays). www.simrad-yachting.com

Mercury has released multiple new V-8 4.6L outboards: 250 and 300hp Verado; 250 and 300hp FourStroke; and 200, 225, 250 and 300hp Pro XS. There’s also a new V-6 3.4L model – 175hp Pro XS. The new 250 and 300hp V-8 Verados provide exhilarating performance across the rpm range. The 300 is up to 20% quicker and over 3km/h faster than the closest competitor, while still providing up to 8% better fuel economy. The new 250 and 300hp V-8 FourStrokes deliver powerful performance while remaining quiet, efficient, reliable and strong. The new V-8 powerhead generates plenty of torque, with the 300hp FourStroke delivering up to 9% more torque than the nearest competitor at 3500-4500rpm. It boasts class-leading 4.6L displacement yet is the lightest in its class. These outboards are also very versatile, with Digital Throttle Shift (DTS) controls and the choice between hydraulic or power steering. The new 175hp V-6 (along with the 200, 225, 250 and 300hp V-8 Pro XS outboards) boasts ample torque and superior acceleration. Adaptive Speed Control maintains the driver’s desired rpm regardless of load or condition. www.mercurymarine.com.au

LEWMAR HX1 WINDLASS

FUSION PANEL-STEREO

Lewmar has launched a new range of stylish, strong and reliable horizontal windlasses that utilise a superior in-line motor and epicyclical gearbox within a strong aluminium chassis and a polymer cover. Designed to provide years of trouble-free use, the Lewmar Horizontal Anchor Windlass HX1 gives you two gypsy options to choose from: one to suit 6mm, 7mm and ¼” chain; and the other option to suit 8mm chain. Features include: motor range of 500W and 800W in 12V; high efficiency epicyclical gearbox; sealed waterproof unit which requires minimum maintenance; anodised aluminium chassis with polymer cover; IP67 rated as standard; and proven polymer gypsy (quieter compared to metal gypsies). As well as featuring reliable and durable construction, these new windlasses are also backed by a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind. Price: from SRP $1987 www.bla.com.au

WHITTLEY FLEETMASTER

Whittley is celebrating 65 years of building high-quality boats, and to mark this milestone they are releasing two limited edition heritage cruisers: the Fleetmaster 23 and Fleetmaster 26. The 7.6m Fleetmaster 23 soft top sports cruiser has a standard double berth, fridge, sink, stove, toilet and a large moulded rear platform. The variable deadrise provides the perfect balance between ride and stability. The BMT package is priced from MRRP $99,990*, which includes a high quality Mackay Trailer, Volvo Penta V6 200 SX and a long list of standard equipment. The hard top 8.5m Fleetmaster 26 has a full length hard top and large sliding sunroof. The large cabin features a stand up head and well-appointed galley, with room for four adults and a sliding cabin door. The BMT package, with a Mackay Trailer and Volvo V6 200 SX, is priced from MRRP $149,990*. Both models are under the legally trailerable beam of 2.5m. (*Excludes pre-delivery charges, safety equipment, respirations and freight). www.whittleymarinegroup.com.au

PRODUCT GUIDE

Fusion’s Panel-Stereo combines all the elements required for excellent audio reproduction: Class D amplification, Fusion Digital Signal Processing (DSP), dual 3” speakers, and a passive base radiator all inside a single tuned enclosure. It offers AM/FM, USB, AUX and Bluetooth streaming, and exceptional sound reproduction from a single product. You can control the audio via Bluetooth from compatible Apple or Android devices, or from a compatible Garmin watch. Designed for surface mounting with the optional 43mm surface mounting spacer, Panel-Stereo can be installed onto any flat surface with no mounting cut-out required. It’s ideal for installation in shallow wall cavities, with only a single cut-out, and both flush and flat options are available. It has an IP65 water and dust resistance rating, and requires only 12V DC power, ground and AM/FM connections, so the setup is quick and easy. www.fusionentertainment.com

YAMAHA V8 425 XTO

Yamaha has announced the August launch of the new V8 425 XTO (Extreme Offshore) outboard. This massive 425hp V8 engine delivers extreme power and thrust, combined with a fully integrated power and control system. Powered by a big bore, 5.6L, naturally aspirated engine, the V8 425 XTO has been engineered to drive large props for maximum thrust. Yamaha has developed the first ever fourstroke direct fuel injection powerhead, delivering the highest compression ratio of any outboard. Other features include an oversized gearcase, hardened gears, a robust, offshore wide-span bracket and engine mounts, and proven plasma fusion technology for increased durability and lighter weight. Running a large 90 amp power generation system, the V8 425 XTO delivers more than enough punch to run a large array of electrical devices. There’s also an in-water gear lubricant change-out system, which allows the outboard to be serviced while the boat is on the water. The multi-part cowling system by allows easy access to key parts. www.yamaha-motor.com.au

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

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JULY 2018

Fishing flats from a float tube BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

Over the years my love of fishing has seen me flicking baits and lures from a myriad of watercraft, from boats and kayaks, to SUPs, an Argo and even using cheap inflatable toy boats

pressured waterways. After finally getting my hands on one, many years later, a busy life, moving house and having a range of other watercraft at my disposal saw the float tube shelved. A couple of minutes with a manual air pump, inflating the two separate air chambers, and the float tube was alive and ready for action

compartment I stowed a small Cooper poly anchor and a length of rope, enabling me to anchor, should the wind or tide push me quicker than required or if I wanted to focus more in one area. The other storage compartment held a dry bag with some lures, scent, leader, snacks and my phone, along with a couple of bottles of water.

alongside me, I stowed a couple of light spin rods, suitable for targeting bream and flathead, at 6’6” in length, with 20 size reels, 8lb braid, 10lb leader and rigged with 2.5” paddle-tail plastics on 1/4oz jigheads. Once in the seat a mesh apron attaches via a pole that fits into a front slot in each pontoon, across in front of the angler, along with Velcro that attaches to each side storage pocket. This mesh apron is an excellent work area in front of the angler, complete with a printed ruler for measuring your fish. I had no idea what to expect when I slid the float tube into the water, but was pleasantly surprised with

The float tube is buoyant, stable and comfortable. things a little frustrating, so I opted to deploy the little Cooper anchor and tie the anchor rope to the ‘D’ ring on the front of one side. With a ‘D’ ring on either side at the front of the pontoons, I could

high tide there wasn’t as much water on the flat as I would have liked. Combine this with some offshore wind creating crystal clear water and the flat felt like a desert. A lack of bait, feeding

The seat is comfortable, buoyant and adjustable. to access the less accessible side of a creek. Recently, while gearing up for a SUP (stand up paddle) session, I was sorting a few items in the shed and noticed another watercraft folded neatly and stowed on the top of some shelving.

– a simple and well-designed craft featuring two inflatable pontoons with a folding seat suspended between them, all encased in a heavy-duty nylon material. The pontoons come to a point at the front, much like the shape of a boat hull, for better tracking and

This craft is powered via a pair of flippers, strapped over wading shoes, however I opted to carry a kayak paddle that tucked in neatly inside one armrest. My thought was that a kayak paddle may be a simple and effective way of propelling the craft,

Lounge chair fishing – game on! the ease of boarding, the stability of the craft and its manoeuvrability. I used the flippers for travelling across the flat, venturing about a hundred metres along a mangrove edge and then used the tide to drift back across the broken weed beds and sand flats. The wind made

effectively anchor to face in toward the mangroves or out across the flats slightly, while still facing up current, enabling me to swim my lures back naturally with the current. Unfortunately I hadn’t done my research well enough and with a smaller

activity and I wasn’t feeling it. I’ve learnt the hard way in the past after hours of flogging the same water or casting the same lure – trust your gut and change things up if you’re not feeling it. A couple of hundred metres away was a drain that funnelled the water from this

Left: One side pocket loaded with a couple of drinks and dry bag of tackle, scent, snacks, leader and phone. Right: The second side storage pocket loaded with a small Cooper anchor and length of rope. Purchased years earlier at the right price, being a display model, my float tube had never actually been christened. It was time. As a fishing-mad teenager I had always been fascinated by float tubes and the associated imagery of anglers with these inflatable boats on their backs venturing into the wild, drifting streams, prospecting pools and accessing low 80

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speed. There is a mesh floor in the bow, behind the seat, where I stowed a bucket with lid in case I wanted to keep a feed, along with a mesh storage pocket on the back of the seat for stowing a landing net or other accessories. The pontoons act as arm rests for the angler and there is a zip and Velcro side storage pocket on each pontoon that is easily accessed and secure. In one

especially if I felt a little uneasy using my legs as bull shark bait. Float tubes are generally used in freshwater, either fishing around the edges of impoundments or drifting streams with the current, making simple position adjustments with the flippers. As my first adventure was the saltwater flats, I thought the paddle was a worthy addition. Inside the other armrest,

A handful of float tube bream on a ZMan 2.5” Slim SwimZ.

flat into the main channel on the dropping tide and I picked up the paddle to begin the next leg of my journey. The paddle was a great option and I could paddle faster backward, using the boat hull shape of the pontoons, however I wasn’t in a hurry and paddling facing forward made it easier to use a traditional paddle stroke, track where I was going and keep an eye out for bait activity and feeding fish. What I quickly realised though was that I had been high and dry in my float tube seat and by paddling in the direction I was facing I invited waves of winter water into my lap. The water

by one for the bucket to take home for dinner and then another that I released. With the sun getting lower in the sky and the winter chill arriving it was time to head for home. I paddled into the shallows, spun the craft around backward and used my feet to push the float

fly off with my rocket pack… Soon I was home. After a quick wash the float tube was stored to dry. I look forward to exploring my local bass creeks and impoundments in the float tube soon as well as a few more select adventures in the salt. My first adventure taught me that the float tube is

The author getting his flippers on for powering the craft. drains it is much easier to bring your lure back with the current. The current lays the weed over toward you, meaning the lure fouls less often and when it does a quick shake or rip will often free it and your retrieve continues. Flathead also lay facing up into the drain as

The next hit was a yellowtail pike and I decided to slide it into my bucket for dinner as I thought I should be able to rustle up half a dozen before heading home. I smiled a little as I thought of a mate of mine saying ‘why do you eat the bait?’ I am happy enough to let

Backpack boat – let the adventure begin. The mesh apron makes landing and handling fish much simpler. drained away quickly when I stopped paddling however my thoughts were that in choppier conditions the seat would be a little damper. I found what I was looking for when I reached the drain, slightly deeper water that was stirred up a little more from the water flowing off the flats. My bull shark paranoia kicked in and I opted to rest my feet up

that direction. The hits are generally immediate and aggressive as the bream are actively feeding and don’t need much convincing that the little paddle-tail is a fleeing baitfish. All of the bream were released and I moved further into the sandy section of the drain, casting to the weed edges in search of a flathead for dinner. When fishing weedy Unclipping the shoulder straps to stow them in the side pocket.

A second rod stowed inside the other armrest. on the pontoons, using the paddle to adjust position. It was a little surreal as I felt like I was chilling in a lounge chair while fishing. Comfortable, extremely stable and with the paddle resting across my lap, I could easily dip one blade to adjust my slow drift angle or pick it up and adjust position. Watching and listening for bait movement, before casting to the activity, I quickly landed four bream. It’s amazing how many bream I have caught in recent times by spotting or hearing them actively feeding and then casting in

it funnels bait off the flat and into their strike zone. It wasn’t long before I hooked up to a reasonable flathead, fought it to the side of the float tube and then shook it off as I fumbled for the net. This reinforced the need to be organised and so I repositioned the net where it was easy to grab should another opportunity arise.

Yellowtail pike are readily available in the author’s local waterway in winter and they’re not bad eating... for bait.

the bream, cod, trevally and other species go, along with plenty of flathead, instead eating mullet, gar, yellowtail pike and other ‘bait’ species that are readily available. Yellowtail pike are plentiful in my area through winter and their oily flesh is perfect for smoking, fish cakes or even just panko crumbed and served with vegetables or salad. I switched my retrieve to a slow roll with a few twitches and soon had nine pike in the bucket for a feed. Back to the flathead focus – the slight breeze was holding me still against the tide, allowing me to paddle into position and cast straight up the sandy drain. I allowed the plastic to sink to the bottom and then retrieved it with the standard two hops and a pause, retrieving the slack as the plastic sank back to the bottom. With a tap followed by a solid hook set, I had a small flathead in the mesh apron, unhooked and released. This was followed

tube right up into inches of water, unclipped my flippers and stood up. My first float tube mission had been a success; it was so buoyant and so simple to board and exit. Once up on the grass I clipped and strapped everything in place, clipped on my shoulder straps and loaded the float tube onto my back like a backpack. It was light, comfortable and sat securely on my back as I easily walked the 800m or so back home. I got a few weird looks and comments like ‘Now that’s an easy boat to use’ and ‘Cool boat, mate,’ along with a couple of chats… One bloke thought I was going to

comfortable, stable and perfect for calm water adventures. It is ideal for transporting on your back between pools or when accessing hard-to-reach sections of water, although it is slow on the water, so you would be better carrying it closer to where you want to fish or using flowing streams or tides to assist you in covering distances. Keep your kit light and simple, spend a few short trips getting to know your craft and the float tube could be your next inexpensive watercraft that allows you to access new water and make the most of short windows of available time. Any fish, anywhere, on any craft and I’m there.

The paddle stowed inside one armrest. JULY 2018

Anchoring tactics that will score more fish BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Setting up a boat for a specific fishing style is a personal thing, yet it can greatly influence success at the end of the day. And it’s an odd thing about a boat’s setup that the things in plain view are often most used while other equipment can be entirely out of sight and just as important in the grand scheme of things.

lines of our finny friends below there’s vibration and noise being transmitted for a considerable distance and this can put fish off their tucker in that area. Don’t believe me? Put the face mask on and dive over the side when the electric is on Anchor Lock; the hum and resonance will surprise you. Anchoring is the way to go when stealth fishing and I rely on it heavily for a lot of my fishing, particularly for impoundment work on barra. SOUNDERS Fortunately, the days of

especially useful adjunct along mangrove banks in estuaries where fallen timber can grab an anchor and refuse to let it go. If serious timber or other snags are visible down there, it might be a wise move to think twice about committing a valuable anchor and the amount of time and effort involved in trying to retrieve it if things go pear-shaped. SILENCE THAT CHAIN If you’re fishing over straight sand or a mud bottom, you’ll need to use your anchor with some chain.

Fishing from the TABS back in 2012 the author used the concrete pick and float set up to good effect on the dam’s barra. anglers, however, understand that 2m of chain is hardly sufficient to bed an anchor rapidly when trying to hold just off a specific spot or a hard earned GPS mark that is going to contribute to filling

the fish box. Instead, 4m of chain works far better and that goes for reef anchors as well as they also need chain to bed properly and quickly. There’s no questioning that a sloppy

as it’s very easy to retrieve some and retie. WHICH ANCHOR FOR YOU? First and foremost the chosen anchor must fit easily into the anchor well

Quiet anchoring tactics saw this fat barra taken on fly by the author. Let’s look at an overlooked item – the good old anchor. When a boat is purchased there’s an anchor with it; most times the buyer won’t even look at the anchor. Great – it’s in the locker there and there’s plenty of rope! But there are anchors and anchors, with quite a few different styles on the shelf for today’s boating enthusiasts. Most times small boat owners won’t be too concerned with anchors for holding them securely onto reef bottom in deep water, as we leave that sort of fishing to the big guys with their big boats. That said, a reef anchor needs to be strongly made to ensure it holds bottom securely. If it’s too light a construction the tines will easily bend and the boat will drift. IS THERE A NEED TO ANCHOR? But let’s look at this anchoring business in another light! With all the emphasis on electric motors and their ability to hold the boat exactly on a GPS ordained position is there actually a need to anchor up? For a short time, likely not, but with the electric humming away above the lateral 82

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dropping the pick and hoping for the right outcome when the end of fishing indicates it’s time to pull it up seem to be behind us. Most craft these days have sounders and it’s not at all uncommon to see a 12ft tinny set up with a $3000 sounder, so bottom definition has gone from guesswork to an applied science. Consequently it’s not hard to assess what sort of bottom is below – an

Chain? Doesn’t that stuff rattle and clatter and scare every fish for 50m all round? It can, yes, but this situation is like a lot of others in the boating world – we manage it. Remember there needs to be a minimum of 2m of chain linking an anchor and rope in order to bed the anchor as quickly as possible so it can take hold and position the boat as required. Experienced

The author’s homemade weed anchor is on the left, a conventional plough anchor central, and a Sarca on the right.

Dam weed beds like this are great platforms to fish from but not good places to drop a standard pattern of anchor.

anchor set can make a lot of noise but the canny angler will get everything ready for the drop, including lifting the pick and chain from the well as smoothly as possible then bunching up the chain on an old bit of carpet or similar sound deadening material to ensure it doesn’t rattle off the decks or clink excessively as it goes over the side. Feeding it out gently on the drop is the smart move. A tactic that ensures the boat is going to be as near as possible to a chosen spot when the pick digs in is to run up current a couple of times and let the boat drift back in order to estimate the correct length of drop in regard to the time of drift. In the end it’s better to have too much rope out than too little,

up front. This is sometimes tricky as some manufacturers seem hell bent on minimizing anchor well sizes, seemingly forgetting that an anchor needs to go into and then come out of an anchor well as freely as possible. Most anchor work involves someone up front either reaching down to get the pick out of its nest of rope, or alternatively straining to retrieve it. Naturally, sea conditions aren’t always kind enough to make either scenario pleasant, but it has to be done. So whatever anchor you choose, ensure it will fit into the anchor well before cash or card come into play. Commonly used small boat anchors for soft bottom work these days are undoubtedly the long-

standing plough (or Coastal) style anchor, the Sand And Reef Combination Anchor (or Sarca) or maybe a Delta. The Sarca and Delta styles have a reputation for bedding down, digging in. and holding fast virtually as soon as contact is made with the bottom. The Sarca style also features a long slot within the main shaft so that the shackle connecting anchor and chain can slide forward or

Like plough anchors, the other styles mentioned come in different sizes for larger or smaller craft and their compact size and lack of protruding sections also made them easy to store in the anchor well as an additional bonus to their ease of use. Remember, though, that plough anchors need to be fed over the side quite correctly, main flukes down and ready to grip, and

a fair amount of chain and recommend the thickness of anchor warp to go with the size of your boat. THE WEEDLESS ANCHOR Interestingly, there will be times when all the anchors I’ve mentioned will be quite unsatisfactory for the fishing, and chain won’t be required. Anchoring in dense weed on the lakes is what I’m on about. With a bit

There are several styles of anchor here, selection should come down to the style of fishing in mind and, most importantly, the ease of fitting it in the boat’s anchor well.

A selection of anchors at a chandlery. Selecting the right one for the job can certainly be made easier with some consultation with the staff.

Silence is golden, especially for catching beautiful barra.

of breeze blowing and just a small drift as the anchor beds, there’s big trouble when that conventional style pick needs to come up. Leaning over the side, trying to get the mess of mud and weed off before the anchor is lifted aboard is no kind of fun, and very time consuming. The Kampes do a lot of flyfishing for big fat impoundment barra. These fish seem to like our flies a lot and one of our favourite methods –and one many anglers rely on – is to anchor up on the edge of a dense weed bed so that the stern of the boat is just at the outer edge. That way we can get our flies right where barra prowl looking for a feed on the drop off point. Once a barra is hooked the boat needs to be out of there pronto or the fish will likely be weed-buried in a flash. To expedite this process the boat end of the anchor rope has a loop plus a float on it so it can be quickly slipped free of the boat to be collected later. With the electric motor on full power the charging barra is coaxed, dragged, guided, (you name it, we do it all) away from the weed bed where the 10wt fly rod can do it’s job. The anchor used in this scenario can’t be purchased. I made it. It’s a plastic container filled with quick set concrete with a galvanised eye bolt set into the top of it. This anchor holds our boat steady as a rock, so long as the wind isn’t too strong (then we just tie to

boarding without wading out too far in this cold weather, a steady pull inwards will see the concrete special slipping free, which means the boat can be drawn ashore without much drama. If you are a fellow small boat owner, I hope those couple of tips might well make a serious difference to a fishing trip. The problem with boats is that we never seem to use them enough, but there’s no doubt that smart anchoring tactics can help fill the ice box.

AL E

allowed to land and then bed in carefully as well. A bit of dragging is possible before all slack starts to be taken up. Ultimately, your choice of anchor is up to you and for good advice I’d suggest visiting a marine dealer and having a conversation regarding the main boating plans prior to purchase. Most will advise the use of

for the homemade anchor; it’s handy as a back anchor at times when I’m leaving the boat floating close to the shore, say in an impoundment or maybe on a beach on a short term basis. The front of the boat is anchored ashore with the rear being roped to the concrete special; this allows the craft to float freely without continually pounding on the bank with each incoming wave, which is annoying. When I want to retrieve the boat for

AF DV C S D

backwards depending upon the direction of strain or pull. With the boat at anchor the load is transferred to the back of the Sarca’s shank; when it’s time to move the act of driving the craft forward will cause the shackle to slide towards the front of the Sarca and simply lift the fluke from the bottom as the tension is transferred.

a tree) and keeps it right there until we need to move. Once lifted there’s usually only minimal weed clinging to it which is quite easily removed due to the smooth surfaces all round. If I dropped any other anchor into that weed I’d waste a lot of good fishing time removing the stuff and likely end up with muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger from the exertion. A HANDY BACK ANCHOR I’ve found another use

.95 FREE

POSTAGE

AFC DVD Series 3 through 9

1800 228 244 JULY 2018

Stessco Sunseeker 620 with Yamaha F150hp - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

PERFORMANCE RPM......Speed.(km/h)...... Economy.(km/L) 1000 .......................7.2 ........................... 2.3 2000.................... 12.0 ........................... 1.6 3000.................... 26.4 ........................... 1.8 3500 .................... 36.6 ........................... 1.9 4000.................... 44.2 ........................... 1.8 5000.....................57.8 ........................... 1.5 6000.................... 71.5 ........................... 1.1 84

JULY 2018

Main: Stessco’s Sunseeker 620 features a new, fibreglass hard top that provides plenty of shade or cover from the rain, as on the test day on the Noosa River. Above: With a beam of 2.48m, the Sunseeker provides a massive platform for virtually any on-water activity. all day. Your choice. Stessco Standard structural warranty on their premium boats is 2 years, if it is purchased on a Stessco trailer or Stessco trailer by Dunbier, then their structural warranty is increased to 5 years/60 months. “We’re very happy with the way we build our packages, so five years of warranty isn’t a worry for us,” said Stessco’s Adrian Beil. Indeed, if you shop around, you’ll find very few rigs with that after-sales coverage. Combine that with Yamaha’s four-year warranty and there’s plenty of troublefree boating ahead for the owners of this package. We were pretty impressed

DE FOR EX

Stessco’s 2018 Media Event on the Noosa River was held in between rainsqualls. As it happened, those were ideal conditions in which to test out a cabin boat. After all, that’s exactly what cabin boats offer – a space out of the weather, be it sun or rain, and a massive platform to fish with several of your mates. And I’ll be upfront here – one of the most attractive parts of this Stessco/Yamaha package is the price. These Sunseeker packages start from the mid $50K. As tested, this unit priced up at around $65,000. You get a lot of boat for your bucks. Stesscos are made in Brisbane and have only recently outsourced their trailer supply out of their factory. The 620 is a new release and the biggest model in the Sunseeker range (the others are 490, 520, 550 and 580). The hull is aluminium

with the massive cockpit area in this boat, the high cabin and the dimensions of the fibreglass hard top. The new windscreen design of the modern Sunseekers is also on point. The hard top does need a little extra support and the guys in the factory are already on it. If you want to see this rig in action, check out the video review of this boat by scanning the QR code hereby or by searching for it on the Fishing Monthly Magazines YouTube channel. Subscribe while you’re there for notifications about all of our video boat and tackle tests. For more information, get into Chelsea Yamaha

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

bottom and sides with a fibreglass cabin bolted on top to go with the fibreglass hard top. It gives the hull a smooth look up top but the resilience and light weight of a tinnie down below. The test boat was headed to Whitsunday Marine for a northern customer, so it was ordered with the new fibreglass hard top option to keep the tropical sun out, but this iteration of the Sunseeker hull will be suitable for all Australian environments from Port Phillip Bay through to the Great Barrier Reef. Powered by Yamaha’s bulletproof F150 4-stroke outboard, the Sunseeker delivered remarkably good fuel economy. At best cruising speed (3500rpm) it yielded just under 2km/L burned. With a 145L fuel tank, this gives a theoretical range of over 250km – plenty for any day trips you’ll do. Drop the hammers and you’ll get over 70km/h, but at the expense of economy. It’ll cost you nearly twice as much at the pump to keep this rig at wide-open throttle

Steve Morgan

CON

AN THE

FMG

at 13 Ashley Park Drive, Chelsea Heights, and have a chat to staff. You can also contact them on (03) 9772 1212 and check them out online at www. chelseayamaha.com.au. SPECIFICATIONS Length.overall .. 6.55m Beam................. 2.48m Depth ................ 1.48m Hull.weight ....... 750kg Weight.(on trailer). 1550kg Bottom ................ 4mm Sides ................... 4mm Maximum.hp ........ 175 Fuel.capacity ...... 145L Capacity .. Six persons

The test day on the Noosa River was both raining and hot – standard Queensland weather in autumn.

Left: Under the hard top, the layout is pretty simple with lots of cockpit room to fish you and several of your mates. Right: With a fold-down boarding ladder that gets you on the duckboard, it’s easy to get in when the boat is parked stern-on to the shore. The transom door also helps.

A pair of comfortable seats are mounted on bases that have some clever storage underneath. The helm is simple and made of moulded fibreglass.

Now there’s some cockpit space to work with.

This underfloor kill tank will hold plenty of fish on ice until you can get back to fillet them.

A freshwater deck wash is a real luxury and rare in a boat in this price range.

Yamaha’s F150 is an ideal match for this rig and delivers nearly 2km/L at optimum cruising speeds. Theoretical range is over 250km on the standard 145L tank.

It doesn’t need to be tackle stored in here. Anything that doesn’t like salt spray will be happier in here than in the side pockets.

Pop up through here from the cabin to stow and deploy the anchor. Unlike Victorians, Queenslanders haven’t really discovered anchor winches… yet.

If you’re a side-pocket lover, the Stessco isn’t for you. There are a couple of small spaces to store your frequently used gear.

There’s no denying that the bait station is sturdy. This one holds a couple of rods as well.

Preparing to disembark, the hull draws very little water at rest and allows you to get up close and personal with the shore. JULY 2018

Victorian Tide Times

2018 2018 Local Time

POINT LONSDALE – VICTORIA POINT – 144° VICTORIA LAT LONSDALE 38° 18’ LONG 37’

JANUARY Time m MAY Time

Time 0416 0027 1046 0626 MO 1645 TU 1321 1858 0022 0112 0534 0710 TU 1157 1408 WE1757 1941 0124 0152 0645 0750 WE 1304 1448 TH1902 2019 0220 0229 0746 0829 TH 1405 1524 FR2001 2056 0313 0303 0842 0905 FR 1500 1557 SA2056 2131 0401 0338 0934 0942 1554 SA 1630 SU2147 2208

11 22

33 44

55 66

m 0.81 1.48 1.32 0.39 0.26 1.65 0.66 1.51 1.50 0.79 0.33 1.35 1.71 0.20 0.64 1.61 1.51 0.73 0.31 1.40 1.73 0.14 0.64 1.69 1.51 0.64 0.31 1.46 1.72 0.10 0.64 1.74 1.49 0.55 0.33 1.50 1.70 0.11 0.64 1.75 1.47 0.47 0.36 1.52 1.65 0.15 0.66

Time 0033 0533 0545 1245 TU 1152 1817 WE1813

16 16

18’ of High LONG 144° TimesLAT and38° Heights and Low37’ Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY JULY Time m Time m Time mJUNE Time m

m 1.38 0.43 0.83 1.64 1.22 0.78 0.38

Time 0102 0117 0621 0719 TH 1246 1423 FR 1849 1953 0201 0156 0730 0759 FR 1352 1458 SA 1952 2030 0255 0233 0830 0836 SA 1451 1530 SU 2046 2108 0343 0310 0923 0912 SU 1546 1601 MO 2137 2145 0427 0347 1013 0946 MO 1639 1635 TU 2223 2220 0508 0426 1059 1018 1730 TU 1710 WE 2305 2256

0123 1.43 17 22 0035 0.79 1.48 170649 0624 1.24 0.33 1246 WE 1336 TH1904 1907 0206 0124 0742 0713 TH 1336 1424 FR1949 1954 0244 0211 0825 0800 FR 1422 1511 SA2030 2040 0318 0256 0905 0849 SA 1505 1556 SU2107 2126 0352 0342 0942 0938 1545 SU 1642 MO2141 2213

18 18 19 19

20 20 21 21

1.74 0.34 0.74 1.48 1.52 0.72 0.26 1.27 1.81 0.31 0.70 1.53 1.55 0.66 0.23 1.31 1.83 0.30 0.67 1.57 1.56 0.59 0.23 1.35 1.81 0.30 0.65 1.59 1.56 0.54 0.26 1.38 1.76 0.31 0.63

33 44

m 1.52 1.47 0.72 0.37 1.37 1.73 0.20 0.75 1.59 1.47 0.62 0.37 1.44 1.73 0.18 0.73 1.65 1.47 0.50 0.39 1.50 1.71 0.18 0.72 1.69 1.46 0.40 0.42 1.54 1.69 0.21 0.71 1.69 1.44 0.32 0.46 1.55 1.65 0.27 0.71 1.66 1.41 0.27 0.50 1.53 1.62 0.34 0.70

Time 0131 0055 0715 0645 FR 1311 1405 SA 1927 1930 0213 0147 0802 0739 SA 1402 1455 SU 2011 2020 0250 0239 0843 0832 SU 1448 1543 MO 2048 2111 0326 0330 0919 0924 MO 1531 1630 TU 2124 2201 0400 0422 0954 1015 TU 1613 1715 WE 2159 2253 0434 0519 1028 1103 1653 WE 1802 TH 2236 2345

16 16 17 17 18 18

19 19 20 20 21 21

m 1.38 1.52 0.73 0.25 1.23 1.82 0.39 0.76 1.44 1.56 0.65 0.23 1.30 1.84 0.37 0.70 1.50 1.59 0.56 0.25 1.37 1.83 0.36 0.64 1.54 1.58 0.48 0.30 1.43 1.79 0.36 0.60 1.57 1.56 0.41 0.38 1.47 1.74 0.37 0.56 1.57 1.52 0.34 0.48 1.50 1.67 0.40 0.54

FR MO

SA TU

SU WE

MO TH

66 TU

m 0.75 1.43 1.30 0.40 0.34 1.68 0.76 1.44 1.45 0.67 0.41 1.36 1.69 0.33 0.73 1.51 1.45 0.55 0.44 1.45 1.68 0.31 0.70 1.57 1.44 0.43 0.47 1.53 1.66 0.30 0.67 1.61 1.43 0.33 0.51 1.59 1.64 0.32 0.65 1.62 1.41 0.26 0.57 1.61 1.60 0.36 0.62

Time 0521 0131 1139 1750 FR 0725 MO 1437 2004 0045 0227 0638 1246 SA 0819 TU 1525 1857 2058 0132 0321 0730 1343 SU 0912 WE 1610 1945 2150 0215 0415 0810 1431 MO 1000 TH 1654 2025 2241 0253 0515 0846 1047 1516 TU 1736 FR 2103 2330 0330 0616 0922 1132 1559 WE 1818 SA 2141

16 16 17 17 18 18

19 19 20 20

21 21

m m 0.80 1.56 1.18 0.24 0.55 1.80 0.64 1.32 1.60 0.72 0.26 1.24 1.80 0.53 0.56 1.39 1.61 0.62 0.32 1.34 1.78 0.50 0.49 1.45 1.59 0.52 0.40 1.44 1.73 0.47 0.45 1.50 1.55 0.42 0.49 1.53 1.67 0.46 0.43 1.54 1.51 0.33 0.59 1.59 1.60 0.46

Time 0109 0229 0559 1238 SU0827 1828 WE 1511 2101 0101 0308 0654 1335 MO0900 TH 1544 1919 2135 0146 0347 0740 1426 TU0933 FR 1616 2004 2209 0227 0429 0822 1511 WE1009 SA 1649 2045 2242 0303 0512 0901 1047 1550 TH1724 SU 2121 2317 0337 0600 0939 1129 1627 FR 1801 MO 2157 2356

11 22 33

m 1.47 1.44 0.49 0.43 1.50 1.64 0.49 0.62 1.52 1.46 0.39 0.46 1.59 1.64 0.48 0.57 1.55 1.46 0.31 0.50 1.66 1.62 0.48 0.53 1.56 1.46 0.26 0.55 1.68 1.59 0.49 0.49 1.55 1.46 0.25 0.61 1.67 1.55 0.52 0.45 1.52 1.45 0.26 0.68 1.64 1.51 0.55 0.42

m Time m 0540 0.59 0313 1219 1.64 1.42 1807 0.34 0.66 MO0857 TH 1544 1.72 2131 0.35 0030 1.43 0406 0624 1.63 0.47 1311 0.41 1.54 TU0943 FR 1624 1854 1.68 0.63 2218 0.32 0115 1.48 0500 0705 1.59 0.37 1358 0.49 1.65 WE1026 SA 1702 1937 1.62 0.60 2301 0.32 0157 1.52 0553 0746 1.53 0.29 1443 0.57 1.72 TH1107 SU 1742 2019 1.55 0.58 2344 0.35 0238 1.54 0645 0829 1.47 0.23 1148 1526 0.66 1.75 FR1821 1.47 MO 2100 0.58

16 16 17 17

18 18

19 19

20 20

0317 1.54 0026 0.39 21 0912 0.21 21SA0739 1.42 1609 1.74

0.74 TU 1231 2143 1.40 0.58 1905 0359 0.44 1.53 0110 0956 1.37 0.22 0833 1653 0.82 1.70 SU 1319 WE 2226 0.60 1954 1.33

0415 1.73 1.44 22 0426 0626 0430 1.60 1.53 0507 1.61 1.38 22 0508 770447 77 0545 1026 1142 1016 0.40 0.40 221017 1152 1026 0.49 0.33 1052 0.25 0.56 22 1102 1734 1646 1.51 1626 1.40 1820 1.49 TH SU MO WE

0437 7 0531 1033 7 1104 WE 1714

1.60 1.40 0.23 0.63 1.60 1755 1.56 SA 2245 0.41 2344 0.59

0411 1.44 1.48 0407 0.43 1.55 70656 22 22 0016 1015 0.75 0.29 22 0959 1.47 0.27 22 7 0718 1215 SA 1701 1.59 TH 1640 1.63

0459 0542 0522 1.59 1.48 0553 1.54 1.35 0039 0451 1.69 1.40 880531 88 0622 1115 1051 1222 23 1115 0.44 0.42 1128 0.26 0.62 23 1138 0738 1050 0.35 0.45 23 MO 1740 1.48 TU 1705 1.40 TH 1911 1.43 FR 1817

0513 8 0623 1113 1147 TH 1756

1.56 1.39 0.22 0.70 1.56 1834 1.52 SU 2322 0.47

0443 0.45 1.54 0445 0.40 1.44 0441 0.49 1.50 23 0103 80041 230201 1037 1.44 0.22 1049 1.43 0.33 23 1040 1.35 0.26 8 0930 0817 0759 FR 1721 1.63 SU 1736 1.53 MO 1739 1.63

0532 0618 0134 0531 1.63 1.35 0624 1.57 1.43 0010 0.51 0.69 99 0025 990614 1124 1202 0659 24 0844 1124 0.33 0.51 24 1205 0.40 0.52 0646 1.47 1.33 24 1216 TU 1837 1.43 WE 1746 1.40 FR 1300 0.29 SA 1905

0546 9 0024 1149 0722 FR 1837

0519 0.48 1.52 0521 0.38 1.38 0528 0.52 1.45 24 0154 90134 240303 1116 1.43 0.21 1124 1.44 0.38 24 1126 1.35 0.33 9 1029 0915 0908 SA 1804 1.60 MO 1814 1.46 TU 1830 1.56

0104 0036 0606 0232 0617 0.41 1.30 0048 1.53 0.62 0054 0.60 0.66 10 0735 0655 1159 25 10 100006 0946 1200 1.56 0.58 25 0741 0.36 1.40 10 0750 1.39 1.34 25 0658 1340 0.34 1257 1248 0.33 1831 1.39

0620 10 0110 1225 0829 1917

0600 0.37 1.32 0623 0.52 1.40 0558 0.49 1.49 100239 250413 25 0250 1200 1.48 0.45 25 1215 1.37 0.42 1157 1.44 0.22 10 1125 1014 1020 1857 1.40 1930 1.49 1851 1.55

0121 0332 0153 0.50 0.61 0145 0.68 0.62 0039 0.52 0.74 11 260005 11 0147 110050 0816 0737 0642 1047 0857 1.49 1.40 11 0901 1.31 1.38 26 0744 0713 1.48 1.27 26 1423 0.38 1344 1333 0.35 1236 0.32

0036 11 0204 0656 0938

0026 0.34 0.73 0051 0.50 0.67 0022 0.50 0.59 110354 260515 26 0350 0645 1.54 1.26 26 0732 1.42 1.35 0640 1.46 1.44 11 1111 1129 1215

0430 0129 0.62 0.74 0301 0.58 0.57 0244 0.76 0.56 0213 120134 270049 12 0237 12 1144 0819 1.39 1.26 27 1006 1.44 1.45 12 1012 1.24 1.46 27 0841 0820 0904 0722 1656 1336 0.74 1514 0.81 1515 0.91

0115 12 0308 1047 0734

0112 0.31 0.77 0200 0.47 0.67 0107 0.48 0.65 27 0449 120510 270609 1204 1230 1257 0741 1.61 1.22 27 0857 1.47 1.34 0730 1.49 1.39 12

0227 0.72 0.71 0407 0.66 0.52 0346 0.82 0.48 0522 0318 280138 13 0337 130224 13 0934 1.32 1.30 28 1111 1.39 1.52 13 1118 1.19 1.56 28 0953 1235 1001 0907 0809 1443 0.80 1629 0.84 1630 0.91 1755

0159 13 0417 1153 0819 1704

0019 0045 0208 1.49 0.79 0319 1.35 0.63 0159 0.45 0.70 28 0543 13 28 0616 0653 1250 0849 0.28 1.19 28 1015 0.44 1.38 0830 1.53 1.33 13 1325 1.68 1333 1.52 1816 0.85

0505 0.74 0.47 0332 0.80 0.64 0450 0.84 0.39 0000 290234 140322 14 0452 1210 1.34 1.59 14 1046 1.26 1.39 29 1218 1.17 1.67 29 0610 14 0959 1107 0904 TU 1735 0.83 MO 1600 0.83 TH 1738 0.88 FR 1319

0250 14 0525 1252 0915 SA 1810

0121 0130 0319 1.56 0.77 0433 1.41 0.55 0304 1.35 0.72 29 0016 0715 0731 0630 14 29 1007 0.27 1.22 29 1125 0.43 1.46 0950 0.43 1.30 14 TU 1415 1.72 WE 1408 1.56 SU 1330 1.57

0437 0.84 0.54 0554 0.80 0.42 0549 1.32 0.31 0045 150432 300343 15 0042 1150 1.22 1.51 30 1300 1.31 1.66 15 1314 0.81 1.76 30 0653 15 0611 1055 1012 TU 1716 0.82 WE 1829 0.81 FR 1837 0.82 SA 1358

0357 15 0032 0627 1025 1346 SU

0218 0213 0440 1.61 0.69 0428 1.39 0.69 0535 1.47 0.46 30 0103 0808 0806 0713 15 30 1118 0.29 1.30 30 1116 0.42 1.32 15 1228 0.44 1.56 1500 1.74 1441 1.58 1405 1.61 WE TH MO

1702 1.61 MO2236 2244 0.22 0.68

TU 1739 1.55 2322 2319 0.31 0.70

WE 1818 1.50 2358 0.73

1730 1.70 TU2214 2300 0.34 0.62

WE 1819 1.63 2247 2352 0.38 0.62

TH 1913 1.56 2325 0.43

WE TH 1903 1.44 TH FR 1300 0.63 1938 1.38 2009 1.51

TH SA 1402 0.74 FR 1243 0.66 FR 2039 1923 2106 1.38 1.47 1954 1.34 1.40

SA1420 0.37 SU1317 0.30 FR SA 2050 1.32 1.37 2202 1.37 1.45 2138 2022

SU1513 0.40 SU MO1406 0.28 SA 2148 1.31 1.37 2258 1.37 1.44 2237 2130

SU 1611 0.41 MO 1504 0.27 2349 1.39 1.44 2247 1.34 1.39 2336 2244

MO 1714 0.41 TU 1615 2344 1.43 2357 0035 0502 0638 1130 1345 TH 1735 WE 1913

31 31

0.27 1.44 1.46 0.79 0.38 1.32 1.71 0.24 0.78

1747 1.57 TH 2345 2331 0.42 0.70

FR 1827 1.53

SA 1211 0.70 2000 1911 1.38 1.48

SA SU 1301 0.78 2052 2000 1.32 1.45

SU MO 1403 0.86 2146 2055 1.29 1.42

TU 1515 0.43 MO 2154 1.27 1.42 2245

WE 1618 0.45 TU 2256 1.28 1.44 2345

WE 1730 0.45 2357 1.48

TH 1212 1.19 1834 0.43

1.56 1.47 0.29 0.58 1.51 1850 1.61 FR 2314 0.45

TH SU

Time 0440 0127 1118 0733 1718 1432 2007 0038 0207 0604 0812 1237 1504 1838 2046 0138 0246 0715 0847 1345 1537 1942 2123 0230 0326 0815 0920 1445 1610 2036 2159 0317 0405 0906 0953 1538 1644 2123 2233 0400 0446 0952 1027 1628 1718 2206 2307

Local Time APRIL Time Time AUGUST m

1.53 0.53 0.26 1.45 0.70 SA 1242 1.50 2354 1939 0.50 1.54

1.49 0.53 0.24 1.45 0.80 SU 1336 1.47 2030 1.48

0.57 0.52 1.44 1.47 0.88 SU 1438 0.24 MO 2000 2123 1.43 1.44

0.65 0.51 1.39 1.50 0.92 MO TU 1547 0.26 2104 2216 1.39 1.41 0.48 0.72 1.55 1.33 0.92 WE TU 1441 0.29 2310 1.37 1.40 2217

0.45 0.76 1.60 1.30 0.89 TH 1553 0.33 WE 2331 1.39 1.40 0.43 1.64 1844 0.85

1.42 0.41 1.67 1928 0.80

1.51 0.55 0.25 1.40 1.50 1235 0.79 MO 2359 1.48 0.53 1919 1.45 0.51 0.29 1.43 1.44 SA 1331 0.86 TU 2011 1.44

0.59 0.46 1.38 1.48 1300 0.92 0.34 SU 1438 WE 2000 1.43 1.37 2109 0.41 0.66 1.55 1.31 1339 0.94 0.40 TH 1551 MO 2215 2048 1.43 1.32 0.35 0.73 1.63 1.24 0.46 FR TU 1422 0.90 2327 2144 1.46 1.27

0.29 0.79 1.71 1.19 0.51 WE 1516 0.82 2245 1.26 1.51 0.82 0.25 1.16 1.76 TH 1627 0.55 1908 2348 0.73 1.28

0.70 SU 1217 2220 1.53 0.47 1902

MO 1304 0.79 2300 1.46 0.50 1949

TU 1359 0.87 2341 1.39 0.54 2039

SU 1502 0.92 WE 2133 1.35

1240 0.93 0.25 MO TH 1614 1943 1.33 1.49 2230

1327 0.90 0.31 FR TU 1720 2326 2045 1.33 1.43

SA 1423 0.39 WE 2155 1.39

TH 1536 0.46 1904 2305 0.79 1.38

FR 1703 0.50 1946 0.73

1.46 TU 1845 2232 0.58

WE 1306 0.82 2309 1.42 0.63 1935

TH 1407 0.88 2346 1.39 0.68 2037

TU1521 0.89 FR 2150 1.39

TH 1417 0.87 2310 1.27 0.62 2050

FR 1530 0.89 2358 1.25 0.65 2152

WE1646 0.86 SA 2255 1.26

1238 0.84 0.51 SU 1312 0.80 0.52 WE1639 TH1751 SA 1947 1.42 1.34 2033 1.29 1.44 2309 2353

1325 0.74 0.59 MO 1421 0.72 0.61 SU TH1750 FR1842 2045 1.31 2137 1.42

MO FR 1423 0.65 1853 2148 0.63 1.30

SA 1537 0.69 1949 2248 0.51 1.33

SU 1702 0.69 2042 2343 0.42 1.37

0011 1.42 1.42 31 0147 0751 0551 0.42 0.61 1439 1.63 TU 1231 1.40 SA 2025 1823 0.67 0.50

CopyrightCommonwealth Commonwealth of of Australia Australia 2016, 2016, 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

TU SA 1543 0.67 1923 2239 0.63 1.43

SU 1701 0.69 2000 2335 0.55 1.45

MO 1806 0.68 2033 0.49

31 0253 0841

1.51 0.46 FR 1515 1.59 2107 0.43

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. 86

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