Victoria and Tasmania Fishing Monthly - February 2016 by Fishing Monthly

FEBRUARY FISHING FUN • TOURNAMENT ANGLER GUIDE INSIDE

Features

How To

Fish handling guide • Does that make scents? • Micro-jigging kingfish • Cod Classic wrap-up •

Catching yellowbelly in Melbourne • Rigging up in Victoria • Slow-jigging and micro-jigging basics • Kayak bass fishing in impoundments •

Tried and Tested 13 Fishing Omen Black • Bonito 5.6m with 115hp Suzuki • Clark 410 Kakadu SC • Daiwa 2015 Mag Seal Zillion 1516SH •

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Mark Saxon of “Castaway Estuary Fishing Charters” recently started using the NEW Black Magic 4kg+ SSP™ Fibre Glide on his boat. He commented, “Mate, very impressed with the product, it has caught large quantities of bass, bream and flatties already and still looks like I just spooled up”. These two nice bream were caught by Gavin Saxon of Port Macquarie.

Wil Tippet caught this 44cm whiting just out of Portland Harbour on a Black Magic Whiting Snatcher ‘red worm’, with yabby as bait. Well done for making it into the magazine Wil. Great catch!

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Thomas White was fishing in Lake Macquarie, NSW when he landed this dusky flathead. He was using Black Magic 15lb Fluorocarbon.

This 2.5kg flathead was caught by Tony Gee out from Sandringham Marine in Melbourne Bay. He was using a Black Magic 3/0 KS Hook.

A Black Magic 10/0 C Point® Hook was used by Clint Pavlidis to land this 33kg jewie. He says he has used our hooks for the past 2 years with a lot of success on jewfish. This one was caught in the Newcastle Harbour during low tide.

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February 2016, Vol. 11 No. 4

Contents WEST COAST

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Horsham 84 Robinvale 86 Mildura 86 Shepparton 88 Yarrawonga 87 Victorian Alpine 90 Wangaratta 89 Jindabyne 91 Eildon 92 Bonnie Doon 92 Goulburn River 93 West/South Gippsland 95 Central Gippsland 94 Bendigo 94 Crater Lakes 95 Ballarat 96 Melbourne Metro 95

TASMANIA WRAP

REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics 48 Boating 118 Chappy’s Hotspot 27 Dam Levels 74 Fun Page 97 Inland Fisheries Service 81 Junior City Fishing 22 Kayaking 116 Spearfishing 100 Tasmanian Lake Levels 82 Tournament News 106 Trade and Services Guide 124 Victorian Tide Times 126 VRFish Update 36 What’s New Boating 122 What’s New Fishing 101

SPECIAL FEATURES

VICTORIA FISHING MONTHLY Business Office: Unit 1, 11 Knobel Court, Shailer Park, Qld, 4128 Phone: (07) 3387 0800 Fax: (07) 3387 0801 Managing Editor: Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au Editorial Manager: Jacqui Thomas Sub-Editors: Bob Thornton Nicole Penfold Georgia Williams Field Editor: Kelly Hunt Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall

Website: www.fishingmonthly.com.au Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Pty Ltd Subscriptions: Kym Rowbotham

OUR COVER Regular contributor Scott Gray holds up a stonking Victorian kingfish. A Scott Gray image. TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 29 FIND THE ZEREK LOGO COMPETITION PAGE 17 Victorian and Tasmanian Fishing Monthly magazine goes on sale the last week of each preceding month (latest sale date 31st of the month).

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Coast of NSW in recent days after ARFF advised them not to fish these areas. It seems like it’s gloves off. If you see the Geelong Star fishing your local grounds, take pics and post them to show your outrage. We guarantee that you’ll strike a chord with your fellow anglers. “Find the bait, find the fish,” we’ve stuck by it for years. Imagine not finding the bait. ENJOY THE TOURNAMENT GUIDE You’ll notice a bumpersized magazine this month - your Fishing Monthly includes the 2016 version of ABT’s Tournament Angler Guide. Even if you’re not a tournament angler, there’s plenty of information in there that’ll fuel your fishing passion. We hope you enjoy it!

FEBRUARY 2016

8 46 49 114 98

I’m sure we’ll need to play our part when the proverbial hits the fan for Cyprinus caprio. Be prepared to spend time in your local river, hooking out dead fish when the time comes. That’s what we do – we look after our waterways. SUPERTRAWLER MAKES A STATEMENT Nobody likes being taken for a fool, but the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation has expressed disappointment and concern that the Geelong Star operators have not heeded advice from ARFF or honoured undertakings made at a meeting with the Government, Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), ARFF and the vessel operators before Christmas. This follows reports and wide spread social media outrage that the Geelong Star has been fishing the popular and iconic recreational fishing grounds off Bermagui on the South

AUST

Kingfish micro-jigging basics Rigs and rigging for Victoria Tournament Angler Guide Know-how: Fish handling Does that make scents?

that there aren’t any unforseen impacts on other, possibly more desirable species. Reportedly the team had been working on the potential impacts for eight years. When is enough? Who knows? We’re sure only time will tell. But am I the only angler who thinks that there may be a bit of collateral damage when the carp start going belly up? If you’ve ever owned a fish tank, live bait tank or livewell, you’ll know about what impact a dead fish or two have on water quality. It goes south pretty quickly. Thousands of carp rotting along a length of shared habitat may take out the odd yellowbelly, carp or bass. Of course, we all want the end goal. Carp free waterways with increased clarity, vegetation and biomass of native fish, especially ones important to recreational anglers. As we’re usually the ones on the ground in these places,

ION

Eden 42 Mallacoota 43 Bermagui 42 Narooma 44 Merimbula 45

TIME UP FOR THE EUROPEAN CARP? At the time of print, the big news and subject for debate was the CSIRO release about them being ready to release the European carp specific modified Herpes virus, which seems to be the panacea to their omnipotence. Figures put the biomass of this introduced pest at around 80% of all life in the Murray-Darling system. If you’ve ever seen carp infested rivers and billabongs out west (and even in many eastern drainages) then you’ll likely nod and agree. Of course, being wiser from the knowledge that cane toads, lantana and prickly pear cactus weren’t getting anyone on the ‘Best Ideas of the 20th Century’ list, the agency is rightfully being overly cautious about testing the hell out of everything this virus comes in contact with to make sure

NSW SOUTH COAST

From the Editor’s Desk...

Welshpool 39 Inverloch 36 Ninety-Mile Beach 36 Gippsland Lakes 38 Marlo 38 McLoughlins Beach 39 Bemm River 41 Lakes Entrance 40

EAST COAST

Geelong 18 Port Phillip West 20 Port Phillip East 24 Port Phillip North East 26 Mornington Peninsula 28 Western Port North 30 Western Port South 32 Phillip Island 35

CENTRAL

PRO

West Coast 12 Warrnambool 14 Portland 14 Apollo Bay 16 Cobden 16

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Yellowtail Kingfish

Kingfish micro-jigging basics COLAC

Scott Gray

Jigging is a popular technique for targeting a wide variety of fish, from snapper to kingfish. One of the reasons that micro-

last season. Summer is here and the warmest months of the year are a great time to get out and chase yellowtail kingfish. It seems that over the past few seasons this species has become more prevalent. Whether this is because more

over the past 18 months. They are colour coded with white blanks and micro guides and these are designed for a range of situations and species. The Keiryo (green) is rated PE-0.4-1.0, the Erito (red) at 0.8-1.5, the Kaiten (blue) at 1.0-3.0 and the

When it all comes together you can land very respectable kingfish on light micro-jigging tackle. jigging techniques have found a new niche with lure enthusiasts is it is essentially a scaled down version of more conventional jigging techniques and tackle. But just because it’s scaled down, it doesn’t mean that this tackle can’t pack a punch. You can comfortably use these much lighter durable blanks (fitted with smaller micro guide rods), smaller jigs and threadline reels that can be used all day long without exhausting the angler. Fishing tackle continues to develop at a fast rate, with new gear coming out each year and if you would have said to me a few years ago that I’d be targeting yellowtail kingfish with micro jigs then, I probably would have laughed, but now I find myself a convert to microjigging after landing some great specimens to over 10kg

anglers are targeting kingfish or that they are becoming more abundant with the increased water temperatures over the past decade, the mystery remains, but nobody is complaining! One of the great things about kingfish is that they are an inquisitive schooling pelagic fish and love movement, which makes jigging one of the best techniques for targeting them. When I first started using micro-jigging gear for kingfish, I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out, but now I see that there are plenty of benefits using these techniques and as they say, a little bit of finesse goes a long way in fishing! ROD SELECTION There’s a huge range of micro-jigging tackle on the market and I’ve been using the Storm Gomoku range of rods

FEBRUARY 2016

Micro-jigging is great fun with your mates when you hit a school of rat kings and everybody gets hooked up!

The black gripped Storm Gomoku Kodachi PE 2-4 is my favourite microjigging rod and when combined with a 3500-4000 sized reel spooled with 40lb braid, it can really pack a punch! Overhead and threadline micro-jigging rods are also available depending on your preference.

Learn to tie the neat and strong FG knot; it is perfect for many applications! 8

Kodachi (black) is rated at PE 2.0-4.0, and is the heaviest model. Braid PE ratings can mean a whole lot of different things these days, so basically, multiply these ratings by 10 and this gives you the range of breaking strain of braids that work well on the rods. I use the Keiryo for anything from freshwater to light saltwater, from bass to snapper; the Erito for snapper and salmon; and the more serious models for kingfish and tuna, with the Kodachi. The Kodachi PE 2-4 is the pick of rods I use for targeting kingfish. When matched to a 3500-4000 sized threadline reel spooled with 40lb Sufix 832 neon braid, this outfit packs a serious punch. Overhead configurations are also available, but I prefer the threadline models for the simple fact that if need I can quickly cast the jig out if I need to get closer to the fish. JIG SIZE AND SELECTION Gomoku micro-jigging rods were originally designed for slow pitch jigging, which

essentially means using ‘leaf shaped’ flutter style jigs that have plenty of action by themselves when they fall through the water column. The tips of these rods are very flexible and help to impart action to the jig with a minimal amount of effort so that you don’t have to use the rod aggressively to provide action. While my preferred Kodachi PE 2-4 model for kingfish is designed to use jigs over 200g, I rarely use jigs over 80g for kingfish, particularly in shallower water up to 50m in depth and in the absence of current. You don’t need to use a big jig to catch a big fish and the more finesse you have, the easier it is to fish with without getting exhausted and losing interest. Why work a 150g jig all day when you can work

To get the most out of vertical jigging you need to use your sounder. This saves time and is more efficient. Spend the time to find the fish first before dropping the jig! Here is a screenshot from the Garmin 7412xsv of a big school of kingfish sitting midwater.

Yellowtail Kingfish

Kingfish are a pelagic schooling fish, which makes them a great candidate for targeting with micro-jigging techniques! one half the size and still get plenty of bites? With these leaf style jigs you will find most of your hook ups occur on the fall of the jig (usually around 90%) so when letting your jig fall make sure you follow it down by dropping your rod. While this style of jigging is not labour intensive, if the fish are deep or you are fishing in current, or both, a knife style jig might be a better selection to get down to the fish.

Knife style jigs are narrow and usually heavily weighted at one end of the jig, which means they will dive quickly to hit their target, however, by themselves these jigs have very little action, which means the angler needs to work the rod and reel to get the action going. As a result this is usually more labour intensive and most of the hook ups will occur on the retrieve. I always keep a selection of different styles of jigs handy

depending on the situation. LEADER AND KNOT SELECTION Kingfish donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have sharp teeth or rough bodies, however they can grow to over 20kg in Australian waters and they love heavy structure, so once hooked into a good fish you need to ensure that your connections are sound and you can confidently settle in for a serious battle. When using microTo page 10

Knife style jigs are usually narrow and heavily weighted at one end, like this 150g Williamson Abyss jig. Knife jigs are great to get down deep quickly in fast current to find the fish. FEBRUARY 2016

Yellowtail Kingfish From page 9

jigging rods you need a neat knot that will slide effortlessly through the micro guides, and the best and strongest knot for the job is the FG knot. This is a slim profile knot with almost 100% knot strength. It takes a little longer to tie than an albright or uni knot, but once mastered has many applications. The reason this knot is so slim is that the monofilament or leader material is not actually knotted at all, and it gets its strength from the braided line gripping the leader. If you are fishing for

‘rat’ kings (2-6kg) you can comfortably get away with 30-40lb leader, but if you know there are bigger fish around or are fishing on heavy structure, I prefer to use 50-60lb leader. Fluorocarbon leader is a good choice if fishing around heavy structure with its abrasion resistance, but it is more expensive and doesn’t have the stretch of regular monofilament, so generally I use a standard monofilament leader of around 4m in length. That way it ensures that my leader knot is on the reel by the time the fish is ready to be landed next to the boat.

FIGHTING THE FISH One thing I’ve learnt about kingfish over the years is that the harder you pull on them, the harder they will pull back. When you are vertically jigging and you hook a fish, its natural instinct is to pull directly away from you in the opposite direction. This usually doesn’t work out well if you are a little under gunned, so if I’m having trouble losing line I use my boat to my advantage. I always like to keep the boat moving and try to lead the fish either away from structure or get it to follow the boat. If it’s following you

Light micro-jigging tackle also gives you the opportunity to get the most out of the rat-sized kingfish. Note the ‘leaf style’ 60g Storm Koika jig used to hook this fish.

FISHING FILL-ITS

New study on kingfish A new two year study, funded by recreational fishing licence fees, will improve our understanding of prized kingfish populations along the Victorian Coast. Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Travis Dowling, said a great kingfish fishery was part of the State Government’s Target One Million plan to get one million Victorians fishing by 2020. “Kingfish have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among saltwater anglers who consider them great sport and very good eating,” Mr Dowling said. “On a single day last February, around 100 boats actively targeted kingfish

near the entrance to Port Phillip Bay so we know Melbourne anglers are very keen on the species. “They are also caught off the coast all the way from Portland to Mallacoota, typically from in-shore waters close to reef or submerged structures. “Fisheries managers want to learn more about kingfish populations including their growth rates, population structures and spawning habits. This information will help us sustainably manage the fishery for future generations. The study will determine whether kingfish caught in Victorian waters are from a single stock or multiple stocks.” “It will also trial the use of satellite tags to better

understand kingfish movement patterns, including depth and water temperature preferences.” Mr Dowling said keen anglers could help with the study by donating kingfish frames and keeping records of their catches this summer. “Scientists will extract otoliths (ear bones) from kingfish frames to determine their age and use chemistry analyses to investigate kingfish temperature preferences.” To register interest in helping, anglers should contact Dr Corey Green, the study’s lead fisheries scientist, by calling (03) 5258 0275 or emailing corey. green@ecodev.vic.gov.au – Fisheries Victoria

its most likely not burying its head into the bottom and there is less chance of getting busted off! The other important thing to remember is to not lock up on a good fish. Some situations will definitely call for lock up and hold on approach, particularly for big fish, but for most of the fishing I do just a steady amount of drag pressure of usually

no more than 5kg is plenty for landing a solid fish. This way there is less likelihood of getting reefed and there is usually less chance of a knot breaking or hook pulling out. GET JIGGY It’s not expensive to get into micro-jigging and most rods retail for around the $130-150 range and the jigs are around the $10-15 mark, which means you can often

just pick one up and match it to a threadline you have already lying around. Micro-jigging is effective, affordable and definitely worth trying. And it’s not just kingfish; you can enjoy getting bent on a host of different species using the techniques I outlined in this article. There’s nothing stopping you. Get out there and have some fun!

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FEBRUARY 2016

Post-holiday blues? Not on the Glenelg River! WEST COAST

Shane Lowery

February is a cracking month to be out on the Glenelg River as there is a distinct drop-off in boat traffic after the end of year holiday period finishes, while the remaining heat of summer keeps water temperatures high. The Glenelg is an extremely popular place over the holiday period with

the township of Nelson and the multiple campsites at specific landings along the river well visited by fishers, campers with canoes and kayaks, and those whom simply enjoy the pristine bush and river environment. This can make the fishing a little tougher through the late December and January period with boat traffic at its peak for the year. However, February sees the whole area begin to quiet

Summer perch love surface lures on hot evenings.

down as holiday-makers start to thin out. Reduction in boat traffic saves the edges of the river from the battering effects of multiple boat wakes. Finding that all important clearer water suddenly becomes much easier, although the best tip is to fish the rock walls with adjacent deep water as boat wake does not stir up the mud and bottom in that deeper water. A change in conditions in February sees a slight change in tactics for both bait and lure fishers. With the warmer water and the improvement of clarity in the shallows, bait fishos can now really make use of floats to suspend their baits (live and dead), adjacent to the heavy timber snags and even over the shallower flats. Live minnows, crab worms, and small mullet will catch plenty of bream, estuary perch and mulloway. The humble prawn and pilchard fillet are also a standard go-to when other live baits are hard to come by. Lure fishing is at its prime this time of year and surface lures thrown both early and late in the day have become irresistible to

School mulloway are still abundant in the river. perch and bream. Surface lures such as Atomic K9, OSP Bent Minnows and small to large poppers are absolutely deadly thrown over shallow flats and heavy snags alike. During the day, both light and heavily weighted soft plastics in minnow, critter and grub styles are also a great choice. It’s important

to work out where the fish are sitting when deciding whether to fish light or heavy. If they are quite wide of the banks then generally a heavier jighead weight will work best to get the plastic down deeper to the fish. In comparison, lighter jigheads give much longer hang time in the water with a gentle descent

through the column to tempt the fish when they are a bit shallower and feeling finicky. There can be a little trial and error involved in tempting the fish and finding a consistent pattern at this time of year but that’s half the fun and challenge of fishing so get out and have a crack!

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FEBRUARY 2016

Portland – the place to be PORTLAND

Nigel Fisher

What a start to the year! With great weather over the Christmas and holiday period here in Portland, we’ve had a big influx of tourist and boaties over the past month. Some of the guys have been running to the shelf area on good days and bottom bouncing for blue eye, blue grenadier, knife jaw, ling and other species. Those fishers targeting a little closer have achieved good results of flathead, snapper, school and gummy sharks, with some impressive size. Fishing these offshore areas involves the use of electric reels with large circle hook set ups and large weights to get to the bottom. Squid baits seem to be very popular for this type of set up. Fishing around Bridgewater Bay is always a great option on the better days with results of large flathead and snapper, with school and gummy sharks

the prize fish for the area. Back towards Cape Nelson lighthouse we have started to see makos in the area, plus good bottom fishing around this area also. We have picked up whiting around black nose and towards the golf course in the harbour this side of Lawrence’s Rock. This area has also produced large schools of salmon up around 3kg (great on light gear), the odd large flathead and plenty of pinkies and gurnards. Closer around the harbour there has been good catches of squid and towards north shore the pinkies are in big numbers with larger fish up to 50cm. The north shore is also a great spot for kingfish, sharks and the odd mulloway. The Lee Breakwater is still a bit unpredictable, but with the amount of people and bait in the water this time of year the area does tend to slow down –although the odd big snapper has been landed and the squid has been good also. Around the jetties and landings there have been good catches of bream, trevally, salmon and mullet.

Berley always helps around these spots to bring the fish on. The Surrey and Fitzroy rivers have fished well with some good size bream and mullet, with the bonus of a great area to go camping with the family. The beaches around the north shore have seen mulloway captured, as well as school sharks, snapper and whiting. Bridgewater Bay to Discovery Bay are hot surf fishing spots. February should see most of the above fishing in good numbers and hopefully the kingfish will arrive in big numbers and sizes. Let’s hope for good warm February weather to keep up the fishing that we have already seen and better. • For all your fishing needs, look no further than Portland Compleat Angler. We have all your bait, tackle and licences. We can also help you with fishing and weather reports. Contact us on (03) 521 844 or call in at 61 Bentinck St next to the Gordon hotel. Have a great month of fishing.

This cracking snapper was caught off the Lee Breakwater and tipped the scales at a whopping 11kg.

Mako-ing it rain down south WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

February is the peak time for many summer species, in particular the larger game fish like mako sharks and yellowtail kingfish. The fact that some good specimens have already shown up in early summer is hopefully a sign of some excellent angling once

the warm calm February days arrive. Constant southeasterly winds have made things difficult this summer for anyone to get out among the fish. Such conditions can be uncomfortable (sometimes dangerous) and also limit your chances of success. Deepwater bottom bouncing for gummy shark and snapper isn’t very productive when you’re scooting along at a rate of knots, and to establish a

decent berley trail to attract a mako is almost impossible. Kings are very hard to spot if the surface is churned up with plenty of chop from those persistent easterlies. Last season seemed a little on the quiet side for makos, but already there have been some numbers brought into port. Antony Ljubic managed a magnificent 104kg mako, and plenty of smaller fish have been encountered, some as close as 40m of water.

A few southern bluefin were also kicking around this time last year, so any big bust up you see is always worth investigating. The kingfish/tuna double might be a realistic target for keen sport fishers this summer. Salty Dog tours operator Dan Hoey managed a small tuna late in December which means there have been tuna captures in every single month of 2015. Even if conditions for sea fishing aren’t fantastic, the

Antony Lubjic with a whopping 104kg mako shark taken recently off Warrnambool.

February is a great time to target kingfish locally, and some good fish have already been caught. 14

FEBRUARY 2016

estuaries can also produce their fair share of fish. The Hopkins River is still closed but fishing well. Mulloway provide the odd surprise – these fish have been quite mobile in the river, and even when located on the sounder they can still be reluctant to bite, the possibility of coming across a mulloway does make estuary jaunts far more attractive. Most bream have been around the 32cm bracket, but bigger fish, like the 45cm fish caught

by Stewie McKinnon recently, are always there. Just around the corner in early March is the annual Shipwreck Coast Fishing Classic. The competition is fished in local estuary, surf and offshore waters between port Campbell and Yambuk from 12-20 March. This competition is well worth keeping in mind if you are thinking of making a trip down, with plenty of prizes for both junior and senior anglers.

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Shark fishing causes hurly-berley in the bay! APOLLO BAY

Daniel Kent apollobaysurfshop@bigpond.com

Recent weeks give a good indication of a great month of fishing in Apollo Bay. Anglers fishing the back of the golf course, Marengo and the Waterfall reefs have caught good numbers of whiting up to 48cm on pipis. Use berley made from bread, pellets and tuna oil to get the whiting fired up and this mix will keep them around your boat for a longer period of time. Light lines of 2-3kg, and a small running sinker are the best way to rig up for the King George and any soft bait such as pipis, squid or mussels will yield results. Flathead are found in abundance right along the coastline with the majority of fish landed from 40m of water. There have been some big specimens too with plenty of reports of flathead measuring up to and over

60cm. The Cape Otway area continues to produce excellent fishing for both gummy and school sharks in 40-70m of water. Fishing on the slack water periods of the tide with fresh squid or fish fillets has been very productive. February is known as one of the better months to target gummy and school sharks and the good fishing should continue in the coming weeks. Don’t forget that there is a combined bag limit of two gummies and/or school shark per angler as this can be reached on most occasions. This area also produces some big snapper and is worth fishing until the tide starts running too hard for your bait to hold the bottom. To target the snapper make sure you are right on the reef edge, which can be easily found with the use of a modern depth sounder. Boats fitted with electric anchor winches have an advantage as they can hold themselves right on the mark, however, drifting over an

The reef edges around Cape Otway have been worth a look for gummy and school sharks. area and then diving back and retracing your drift is also very effective. Whole pilchards or fresh squid seem to be the most effective bait on the big snapper and you will also pick up plenty of by-catch species

such as morwong, gurnard and flathead. Anglers fishing out wide of Apollo Bay in 70m+ of water have seen plenty of blue sharks and the occasional mako

swimming up their berley trails. Fresh aero squid can easily be caught out in this depth by leaving bait or jigs suspended mid water and these make great bait for the sharks. If the sharks are

playing hard to get, then downsize your bait and hooks and they should grab it without hesitation. I have found that they sometimes refuse a whole squid but will happily grab a single squid tentacle or even a whole pilchard fished on a small hook and light wire trace. The river estuaries have produced plenty of bream on soft plastics and small hardbodied lures fished close to the bank. The Aire and Barham rivers fish best when the mouth of the river has just opened to the sea. As the river level drops, the shrimp and small bait fish get flushed out of the grass and back into the main river. This gives the bream an easy feed along the banks, making it the best place to concentrate your angling efforts. In recent weeks the fishing has been sensational for bream in the local estuaries and I suspect this will continue in the coming weeks. Good luck!

Bottom bouncing time COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

Our long, dry summer continues on with plenty of opportunity to get out there and wet a line. Don’t forget the summer essentials – wide brimmed hats and sunscreen are necessary to ward off sun damage. Although most boat ramps are generally still quite crowded, arriving early should guarantee a park as well as avoid a prolonged wait to launch. Sea fishing appears to be a priority for most, and plenty are willing to try their luck. Late December saw the ocean surface temperatures finally rise above 18°C which is a sign of good fishing for most. Travelling out to

the 40m mark still seems to be the most popular move to make. Recently, fishing for whiting has been a tad slow but I’m sure that by the time this report is out, the situation will have changed for the better. Bottom bouncing out wide has seen gummy and school shark, pinkie snapper, blue morwong, good sized leatherjackets, and blue throated wrasse come to play. Currently, there have been unconfirmed reports of yellowtail kingfish to 10kg caught in close, but from January onwards these hoodlum fish will certainly be on the chew absolutely everywhere. Divers exploring the inner reefs have scooped up plenty of crayfish. These reefs are out of bounds for the commercial boats, and with crayfish prices approaching $130 a

kilogram, diving for your own makes a lot more sense! The Hopkins River has seen plenty of angler and boat activity of late, but this will drop right off once the kids go back to school. Plenty of soapy mulloway have actively taken lures and bait meant for bream and perch. Those in the know have taken an each way bet by simply upgrading their leader from 6-8lb to 12lb. The mulloway are mostly under 3kg, so they are not really suitable for the table – however, they are great fun on light gear. The Gellibrand River at Princetown remains closed and quite full, with high water levels under the football ground bridge making it virtually impossible to venture upstream in a tinny in search of bream and estuary perch. Downstream there

Darren Wynd with a sizeable gummy shark taken off Peterborough while bottom bouncing squid baits. have been mullet, salmon and some sizeable sea run brown trout taking lures such as blades and soft plastics. The Curdies River is fishing reasonably well with bream to 37cm taking local

live shrimp, minnow lures, blades and plastics worked close to the bank. The fish have well and truly spread out right along the river; so don’t discount going upstream from the Boggy Creek boat

ramp as well as down. The sea and estuary fishing should be consistently good down here from now until Easter, so don’t waste time sitting at home!

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Sharks will star in offshore fishing drama GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Ross Winstanley says the fishing has been difficult for certain species and definitely the case when seeking snapper inside Corio Bay with only a couple of fish found around a kilogram in weight. Fishing inside Stingaree Bay, Ross caught three pinkie snapper at 40cm and a swarm of juvenile leatherjackets. Ross says the snapper were caught from 5.30 to 7.00am, and then the leatherjackets took over.

Each fish that was hooked and brought to the boat was followed by five or more from the school. Ross notes that the adults are mainly found on the outer continental shelf and that he’s never seen them before inside Corio Bay. Ross has also caught a few reasonable sized whiting in Stingaree Bay. No bag limit captures have been made recently, but this is a good sign. Warmer water often brings the snapper into the shallows where they can be targeted using soft plastic lures. Point Wilson and from Point Henry to Clifton Springs are good locations to hit and around the 5m mark is a good starting point. Big

NO NETTING Legislation to end commercial netting in Port Phillip Bay has been passed through Parliament. The Fisheries Amendment Bill 2015 delivers on a key commitment of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan for recreational fishing. The phasing out of commercial net fishing in Port Phillip Bay over the next seven years should see a marked increase in recreational catch rates and the size of fish available for anglers. This includes the total ban to all netting in Corio Bay by 1 April 2018. The 43 commercial licence holders will be bought out and compensated by the government. A limited non-net fishery will be provided for commercial operators.

pike approaching a meter in length have also been caught by anglers searching for snapper with soft plastics. Pike have a tough mouth so make sure your hooks are razor sharp. King George whiting have announced themselves with good numbers caught at St Leonards, Clifton Springs, Point Wilson and Avalon. Most fish have been small with plenty around the 30cm mark. Larger fish either side of 40cm have been caught around dawn and dusk by anglers using common baits such as pipis, fresh squid and mussels. Rod Ludlow from Beachlea Boat Hire at Indented Head says the fishing has been great over the last month. Squid have been plentiful with several of Rod’s hire boats bagging out between St Leonards and Portarlington with Governors Reef the hot spot. Early and late are the best times – it is harder to find them during the middle of the day. Rod had a few nice gummy sharks between 4-6kg come in and plenty dropped at the boat. About half of these fish were caught during the day, so worth a crack for those who

Kevin holds an example of the quality gummies available offshore at the moment. struggle to get up early. Most effective baits were squid and fresh fish fillets. Rod says you should try in depths of around 14-18m off St Leonards around to the Prince George bank. Rod notes that the whiting have been fickle, but they are definitely there for the taking and some boats have caught them while

drifting for flathead so they seem to be sitting fairly deep. Best spots to try have been the weed beds along the edge of the deep water using pipis and mussels. Try to get the wind and tide moving the same way – the flood tide has been better. Some big silver trevally are kicking about the Queenscliff Boat harbour

with some exceeding 45cm. Anglers have had some line stretching fun using pilchard fillets for bait and soft plastic lures such as single tailed grubs. Best bet has been slack water, which is around two hours after the tide times. The warming of the Barwon River has seen European carp captures

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increase. Anglers fishing the end of Fyans Street, near Balliang Sanctuary, Queens Park and Breakwater, have caught fish from 2-5kg. Top baits include worms, corn kernels and white bread squashed over the hook. Redfin have also been caught during the day upstream from the Shannon Avenue Bridge. Big redfin are still available from Wurdi Buloc Reservoir near Moriac. The best fish I have heard of lately was around the 47cm mark and anglers casting soft plastic lures and working them very slow along the bottom have caught most of these bigger specimens. Downstream where the Barwon meets Bass Strait,

the lower estuary has seen small Australian salmon and mullet caught on almost any bait from the Ozone Jetty, Fishermans Jetty and the sand bank downstream from the bridge on the Ocean Grove side of the river. King George whiting to 42cm have been caught by anglers fishing the outgoing tide near the mouth of the river and the nearby sand patches towards Ocean Grove. Pipis have been the standout bait, but fish have also been caught on squid and pilchard fillets. The offshore fishing has really lit up with kingfish, sharks and snapper turning it on. Anglers fishing from the shallow reefs of Breamlea to the Rip have caught kingfish

Expect a mixed bag inside Corio Bay this February.

NEW RULES FOR THE RIP Those boaties keen on fishing near the Rip should take note that the boundary that includes the ‘Rip’ has been extended in a 3nm radius from Point Lonsdale. This means that life jackets must be worn when boating within 3nm of Point Lonsdale, which includes all of the Lonsdale Bight back to the Shortland Bluff under the lighthouse. For more info, head along to http://transportsafety.vic.gov. au/maritime-safety/newsroom/new-definition-ofport-phillip-heads to 75cm. Jigs have worked best in around the 10-15m range but don’t hesitate to troll minnow lures. A good idea is to have a rod ready with a surface popper, as it is not uncommon for a hooked fish to be followed to the surface by the rest of the school. Some big mako sharks close to 100kg have shown up in Bass Strait so those with game fishing tackle should be able to get those kinks pulled from their lines. Blue sharks have also been present so you may need to wade through a few of these before you strike a mako. Drifting out wide along the Surf Coast has yielded quality flathead to 50cm, gummy sharks over 10kg and pinkie snapper to around 50cm. The trick here is to find some rubble on the bottom and drift over that area until you find the fish. Mick Allardyce from Allyweld Group says the

inshore reef areas around Anglesea have produced King George whiting and pinkie snapper. Salmon have been up and down in

condition, however, they’re one of those fish you have a chance to catch all year. My advice is to have your surf rods packed and get out fishing. Well, that’s a wrap for another month, just remember that although the holidays are over the waterways will still be fairly busy, so remember to take care out on the water and make sure your safety gear is all up to date. Fisheries will be out patrolling, so don’t be caught out. Remember to stay hydrated in this heat

and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Until next month, tight lines! • 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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WERRIBEE SOUTH TO POINT COOK Indeed, the whiting are set to hit their straps across the northwest flank of Port Phillip and already there have been some cracking bags sprawled across the cleaning benches at some of major boat ramps. A reduction in boat traffic this month should see even more fish feeding with greater confidence over the shallow patches of sand and weed at Point Cook, Werribee South, Point Wilson and Avalon. The best bait options include fresh mussel, pipi and small pieces of tenderised squid or cuttlefish amongst a steady stream of berley while at anchor in about 3-6m of water. There’s plenty of squid on offer from Wyndham Harbour through to Point Cook and the bite should continue well into February. Fishing on the drift over reef and weed, again along the 3-6m line has been productive with small 2.5-3.5 size jigs in various natural colour tones producing most. If at all possible, try not to be in too much of a hurry to bring a hooked squid to the net. In most instances, there will be others following intently which can be easily coerced into taking a second jig. With two or more anglers on-board, a bag of squid can be achieved in double or triple time by incorporating this ‘piggybacking’ style technique. The key is to ensure a hooked squid remains at least a metre under the surface, which really seems to send any others in the pod into a frenzy. Flathead averaging 30-40cm, as well as the odd larger specimen, are expected to remain active at Werribee South. The flats either side of the boating channel at the entrance to Werribee River have seen some thumpers turn up of late. Likewise, the stretch from the new marina rock wall off Duncans Road

through to Campbells Cove seems to hold a greater concentration of these larger than average flatties. ALTONA TO WILLIAMSTOWN Although the best of the snapper season seems to have well and truly passed, working the inshore shallow reef areas between Altona and Williamstown with soft plastics should see quality pinkie snapper turn up this month. By shallow, I’m talking depths of just 4-6m of water where those with smaller craft, including tinnies and kayaks, are in with an even chance of accessing the prime real-estate. The majority encountered from here on in

are likely to be in the small to medium size bracket, ranging from just under size up to say 50cm or thereabouts and there’s always a chance of the odd larger red making an appearance. Soft plastics with wriggly tail actions, such as Gulp Turtle Back Worms and the Nemesis range rigged on a 1/6 or 1/8 Nitro Stealth jighead, get the job done. Australian salmon have been active at times at the entrance to the Yarra River and the adjacent reefs. Again, casting soft plastics among a surface feeding frenzy is generally a sure bet. Trolling small metal lures or skirts also account for plenty of these feisty critters.

If at all possible, try not to be in too much of a hurry to bring a hooked squid to the net. In most instances, there will be others following that can easily be coerced into taking a second jig, thereby doubling your catch rate.

METROPOLITAN RIVERS Bream have been active in the lower reaches of the Yarra River at Newport and the rock walls, channel markers and moored yachts have each produced some

quality specimens for both bait and lure anglers alike. Avid bait fisherman, John Regali reports that bream to 35cm have taken maggots presented on a small hook and rigged in conjunction with a berley cage either side

of the West Gate Bridge. Filling the berley cage with a breadcrumb based mixture and a handful of maggots helps bring and hold fish into the area. Once they start competing with one another for the loose offerings, it is

The combination of an early start, overcast skies and a change in tide produced these pinkie snapper and many more for Aaron Hasset while casting Gulp soft plastics on the drift.

only a matter of time before the hook bait is snaffled up. Light line of about 4lb breaking strain and small hooks no larger than say a 10 or 12 is the key when fishing for bream with maggots. John says pinkie snapper to 40cm and the odd small mulloway have also succumbed to this method. Further upriver, Troy Longson says live yabbies have accounted for some good bream of late with the last of the incomings tides producing the hottest bite. Victoria Harbour holds a few bream among the abundant jetty pylons and small grub pattern soft plastics, vibes and crab imitations worked vertically beside these structures prove to be consistently effective. Aside from bream, school mulloway will no doubt be lurking about the bridge pylons in both the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers again this month. Casting paddle-tail soft plastics and larger metal vibe patterns into the shade of these structures, either side of high or low water, is a tried and trusted method, but of course there are no guarantees when it comes to fishing for mulloway. BEEN FISHING? Reports and images are most welcome and may be submitted via email blhodgey@hotmail.com.

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Junior City Fishing

Plenty of golden opportunities in the CBD MELBOURNE

Jason Tanti

Now that the weather has warmed up, my mates and I are on public transport every chance we get, to take advantage of every possible fishing opportunity. Recently we headed to Albert Park Lake to chase big golden perch, smack bang in the Melbourne CBD. I target golden perch for the thrill of waiting for

an aggressive take of your lure. The anticipation of the hook-up keeps me coming back for more! When it comes to fishing for freshwater species, without a doubt golden perch are up there in my favourites list. I would highly recommend any juniors who want to catch a native fish to head down to the lake during the warmer months. The last couple of sessions I’ve fished the lake, we have managed to pull out

a few perch in that mid 50cm range as well as a thumper going 60cm to the tip. Boy did that fish pull! Albert Park Lake on average reaches a depth of 1-2m in most reaches so I recommend you use a shallow profiled lure. A lure that has worked very well for us is the Ecogear ZX40. A slow roll retrieve, lifting your rod tip to suit the depth, will keep your lure in the strike zone for a lot longer and will enhance your chances of hooking up. Golden perch

A fine example of a Melbourne golden perch. won’t just come to you, you will need to get out and find them. Cover some ground and walk the banks to find places that yellowbelly may feed or use as a form of cover and protection. For example, fishing pontoons, fallen trees, and deep drops-offs are the places you should start. Over the past couple of years I’ve found golden perch fish quite well in Albert Park from the months of November all the way up until about March. I like to fish for them in early morning and late

Tarek Kader sent this pic of himself and his brother with a couple of quality kingfish taken on freshly caught squid.

afternoon in low light as they feed and become active. The thing I love about fishing in the CBD is there’s such a broad range of locations to fish (both fresh and saltwater). If the fish don’t cooperate at Albert Park catch a short five-minute tram (route 96) straight to St Kilda Beach. Here I’ve had good numbers of both pinkies and flathead, all on soft plastics. They seem to feed best when we get a southerly wind the night before, as this pushes the system and the fish down

to St Kilda. I’ve had such a good time using light gear to catch both these species. They fight well above their weight and are a great table fish at the same time. A light 1-3kg or 2-4 kg rod with a 1000-2500 sized reel is perfect. Braided line is an absolute must when fishing with lures, for the added sensitivity. When you get your next opportunity, make sure to get down to the heart of Melbourne and get onto some cracking fish while they’re on the chew.

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Reds still raging PORT PHILLIP EAST

Wayne Friebe wfriebe@bigpond.net.au

Long spells of warm weather have been the trend for most of January, and although easterly winds have persisted, the fishing has remained consistent for the bay anglers. Warm, dry conditions have resulted in clear inshore areas, which make shallow water fishing much more effective

during low light conditions. The offshore easterly winds have also pushed a large majority of the bait into deeper water, and many of the inshore reef species out a little wider in search of food. Many of the holiday anglers visiting the bay, and a good chunk of the locals as well, are still focused on the snapper action out wide. Productive areas have been the 19-21m lines out from Mornington, Mount Martha and Safety Beach. Most of the

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especially when they are busting up on the surface has been a very reliable place to look for the elusive kingfish as well. Trolling diving minnows or small, skirted lures seems to be the best way to locate the school. After you locate them, sit off the fish and cast back to them. If they don’t break the surface, let your lure sink through the water column, as they often hang deeper, especially when there are a few boats around. This can be the best way to land the

larger fish in the school too, especially if you use a slightly bigger lure or plastic, or even unweighted bait. Although most local anglers have looked further afield for their whiting, there have been some solid fish taken from our inshore areas as well. Clear water has made low light and night missions best, and fresh bait is a premium requirement to succeed. Fresh mussels, pipis, squid and Bass yabbies are the best baits. Don’t be afraid

Some bigger models have also been taken at Mornington Pier, especially after rain.

to fish right in the shallows, especially if you fish from the bank at night. Squid numbers have really improved over the past month, and I found some solid patches of squid right through the Christmas break, especially off Mount Martha and Mount Eliza. Even so, deeper water has yielded the best results. Try to find some good reef in 5-6m of water, and stick to natural coloured jigs like green, brown, gold and dull red. The same goes for anglers fishing from the bank, or the piers, but make sure to concentrate your efforts around early morning or late afternoon. The local bream fishing has improved over the last month as better water clarity and water temperatures make the bream more active, but also a little more wary. Surface lures have been a real standout, and are the best fun to fish as well. Once again, early morning sessions have been the best in low light, especially when this coincides with a high or rising tide.

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Squid numbers have improved over the last month on the inshore reefs.

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reports I have received suggest that the snapper have still been very hit and miss, and often a few location changes have been necessary to put a few reds in the boat. Anglers have also reported that even though the size and quality of the fish is generally high, substantial numbers are uncommon. Competition for food is a big factor in this situation as there is generally a lack of smaller school sized snapper mixed in with the larger fish. In addition to this, the massive amounts of bait in the bay has made food readily available to foraging snapper, which makes anglers’ baits less attractive. Although scarce in numbers, reds are still a big focus for many, and persistence and attention to detail will pay off, especially as the water starts to cool down. On the flipside, there’s plenty of other species and options that have kept anglers busy over the past month. Reports and captures of local kingfish have continued as the water temperatures continue to rise. Mornington Pier and surrounds seems to be the real hotspot at the moment, with most of the fish taken on live gars. These fish have been around the 2-4kg range. I saw two large kingfish frames at my local boat ramp recently that were about 1200mm long, so no doubt there are a few larger specimens about as well. Large schools of salmon have dominated most of the inshore areas of late, especially around Frankston and Mount Eliza. Around these schools,

The Murray-Darling basin is infested with millions of European carp – in some areas they make up 90% of the resident fish – and now CSIRO scientists are one step closer to effectively controlling this pest. For the past seven years, a group of Australian scientists has been investigating ways to control the carp via the use of a strain of carp herpes native to Indonesia. This strain of herpes has evolved to kill only carp, and does not harm other species of fish and other animals. An alliance of stakeholders including anglers, farmers and environmentalists all want the virus to be released into the carp population. Lead researcher Ken McColl said the team was nearing the finish of the scientific end of the work. “The main thrust of our work at CSIRO has been to look for any untoward effects of this virus on other species. We don’t want the virus to affect anything other than carp.

“Over quite a number of years we’ve looked at about 13 species of native fish... and we’ve not been able to find any evidence of disease or virus multiplication in any of those species. So we don’t believe it does anything in any other species.” The scientists have also tested the virus in a controlled environment on yabbies, mice and chickens, and found no detrimental effects. The team has also looked at incidences where humans have come into contact with the virus. “We’re fairly confident that it’s not going to cause problems elsewhere,” Dr McColl said. For once the Australian Conservation Foundation and the National Irrigators Council have been in agreement with each other, and have joined calls from the National Farmers Federation, the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation and other stakeholders for the virus to finally be released. Jonathan La Nauze, acting campaigns director for the Australian Conservation

CSIRO scientists are one step closer to releasing a virus to decimate carp populations. Image: Marc Ainsworth Foundation, said that getting on top of carp is essential to maintain healthy rivers, which is why farmers, anglers and environmentalists are united in their support for the proposal. “It’s time our Government stepped up to the plate and funded this terrific work in releasing a biological control into the Murray-Darling Basin,” he said. NIC chief executive Tom Chesson agreed. “The environmental outcomes from this one action could be

greater than those we’ve seen from the (Murray Darling) Basin Plan,” he said. However, Matthew Barwick from the NSW Department of Primary Industries warned that the approvals would take a couple of years to process. Biological pest control success stories in Australia include introducing myxomatosis and calici to rabbit populations, and parvovirus on feral cats on Marion Island. – FMG

Pulling nets out of the bay Legislation has been passed to phase out commercial netting from Port Phillip Bay, beginning in 2016. 2016 - first nets removed in April 2018 - all netting ceases in Corio Bay 2022 - all netting ceases throughout Port Phillip Bay. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better recreational fishing for you! Removing nets from the bay is a key element of Target One Million, which aims to boost participation to one million anglers by 2020 and get more people fishing, more often. vic.gov.au/targetonemillion

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FEBRUARY 2016

Whiting arrive in droves across Port Phillip PORT PHILLIP EAST

Lee Rayner info@fishingfever.com.au

It’s been a busy month of fishing with plenty of fish caught, but for the most part it’s all about the whiting on offer in the bay. Many anglers have reported the best whiting fishing they can remember. As we roll into February, the fishing should only get better especially on species like whiting, salmon and garfish. Fingers crossed with these two species turning on, we should also see good numbers of kingfish start to appear in the shallows. MORDIALLOC TO BLACK ROCK Over the past weeks the pier has fished well, with calm weather producing squid and garfish. During some of the bigger winds we saw in January a few anglers reported that they got into some good pinkie fishing of an evening from the pier. The big news over the past weeks however, has been anglers smashing good numbers of whiting while fishing the rough ground on the north side of the pier late in the evening and into

the night. While most of the whiting are solid school fish in the 32-36cm size, there are enough bigger ones around the 40cm mark to keep it interesting. The most effective baits have been pipis and mussels fished on a paternoster rig and a light rod. From the boats, it’s been all about the whiting. A lot of the local guys say they would normally be fishing in Western Port at this time of the year, but they don’t need too as it’s been good enough on the local grounds between. MORDIALLOC AND RICKETTS POINT Some of the better locations to fish have been the Parkdale Pinnacles and the small reef system known as Brickies. The trick to fish these areas successfully is to use a little bit of berley and baits of pipi or mussel, with the shells added to the berley. Don’t use too much berley though, as this tends to attract the pinkies, and if this happens it’s best to make a small move to get away from them. As for the size of the fish, most people have reported whiting in the 32-38cm size, but there are a few patches of fish that

have some 40cm models among them. The kingfish have arrived up off Ricketts Point, so you’re in the area have a lure ready such as a big plastic, or if you’re chasing whiting and pinkies, put live bait out under a float. Now is also the time to keep your eyes peeled for the schools of salmon that have turned up over the past weeks. Just watch the birds – they will let you know where the feeding salmon are, from there it’s a matter of sitting off the school and casting plastics and small lures into them. For the land based anglers, there have also been pinkies and the odd whiting taken off the front of the Half Moon Bay car park at night. The pier itself has seen some good catches of whiting for anglers who fish late at night and cast baits out towards the Cerberus. SANDRINGHAM TO ST KILDA It’s a great time of the year to fish this area, and if the past weeks are anything to go by then this month should be great. Now is the time to head to one of my favourite spots, the Anonyma Shoal as

February seems to produce some stonker whiting in this part of the world. I always find that fresh mussels are the best bait to take advantage of this hot spot. It’s also a great area to find a kingfish, so while you chase whiting, berley up the garfish and put one of them out alive under a small torpedo float. Closer to shore, the Yorkies Reef system has held whiting and squid in good numbers, and while they haven’t been there every day there are also good catches of garfish to make. Further along towards Sandringham

Green Point and Brighton will find a mixed bag as the past weeks have produced whiting and pinkies. This month however, if you fish out a little wider in the 10-12m areas there will be some solid pinkies on offer, anglers who fish at dawn and dusk with larger sized baits of pilchards and squid strips will have the best results. It’s a top time to chase big garfish around the shallow reefs up off North Road. They tend to hold between here and St Kilda marina during the hot

water activities such as jet skiing, kite surfing and general boating have kept noise levels high. For this reason, a lot of the more successful anglers tend to fish in the dark or during the first and last light periods as there is less activity on the water, which allows the fish to feed in the shallower water. For something different, now is the time to get in behind the breakwall in a kayak or small boat and cast plastics at the moored boat hulls for some big bream and trevally. Head out the

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The Anonyma Shoal traditionally produces some good whiting in February. there is good land based fishing opportunities this month, and anglers who fish the end of the breakwall and the rock groynes late in the afternoon and into the night in for a great chance of whiting and pinkies. Out a little wider, anglers who fish boats in the 6-8m areas up towards

weather. While fishing the reef edges and into the sand holes either on foot or in a boat, it’s also prime time to find some big flathead casting around soft plastics. ST KILDA TO PORT MELBOURNE It’s a busy time of the year here as everyone makes the most of summer, and

front in search of pinkies and whiting on the abundant cunjevoi beds that run all the way along towards Station Pier in the 5-8m areas. To catch those whiting use baits of mussel and pipi, and for the pinkies, try squid strips and pilchard tails – as always, a bit of berley will help get the bite going.

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Happiness on the Hoppies CRANBOURNE

Mitch Chapman

The Hopkins River is located in South West Victoria and is ever so popular to local anglers and tourists. The two main drawcard species that bring anglers here are the bream and estuary perch, but there’s always the chance of tangling with the elusive mulloway. The fishing can be hot and cold, but with good boat

and launching facilities and plenty of bank side access, it is the perfect river to fish for all levels of expertise. PRIME TIME The Hopkins is an all year round fishery, and this is what makes it such a popular location for all to fish. In times of drought or flood, an angler can always hit the water, put a plan together and rustle up at least a few fish. THE GEAR Like most estuary

Chubby style lures are a good way to suss out the big bream.

fishing, a light graphite spin rod with a 2000 size reel is best when chasing bream and perch. This type of outfit spooled with light braid will be more than enough for pretty much any species in the system, including mulloway, which are often encountered at a manageable size. THE RIG Light leaders for spooky fish is the key when lure fishing for bream and perch. Bait anglers do really well with a light running sinker rig, and as there is little tidal flow, the lighter the sinker or jighead you can get away with, the better and more successful you will be. BAIT AND LURES The key to a successful session on the river is fresh bait. Podworm, crabs, shrimp, or live fresh water yabbies are abundant in the river itself and should be you first options. If lure fishing, use a variety of small soft plastics, deep and shallow diving hardbodies and, of course, in the colder months, vibes and blades for when those fish are schooling down deep. BEST METHOD When targeting bream and perch in the winter

latest rules and regulations. Not only can this prevent a fine but it also keeps the stock levels of fish in shape for years to come. HOT TIP Keep an eye on your sounder, especially around the Bay of Biscay and a little bit further up, as there are underwater reefs full of coral, which make excellent fish holding structure. They can also be the difference between landing fish and losing fish, let alone

doing damage to your boat, so it pays to approach with caution. On calm still mornings, if the fish are on the go and feeding, you can actually hear them chewing on the coral under the water through the hull of the boat! So if you haven’t made the trip to the Hoppies, make sure you add it to your bucket list and experience the diversity and unique fishing that this great river has to offer.

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months then a quality sounder is essential. Locating schooled up fish in open water and casting small blades to the fish is by far one of the best methods and most enjoyable ways to spend time on the water. MOTHER NATURE There are a lot of fish in the ‘Hoppies’, big and small. There is an abundance of small undersized bream, perch and salmon, so remember to keep up to date with the

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Gez with a quality bream taken just on dark using blades over the reef.

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FEBRUARY 2016

Kings gearing up MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Dan Lee info@peninsulatotaltackle.com.au

February brings sweet relief after another hectic January on the peninsula. One of my favourite months of the year, February brings beautiful hot summery days without the constant buzz

features of the fishing over the last month was the number of big gummy sharks taken along the peninsula. Many of our regular customers were managing two or three fish in a session, most weighing 10kg+ but with plenty between 15-25kg. There was no doubt that those who were most successful on the gummies

Southern Sport and Game Fishing Charters get stuck into the rats with their customers. Kingfish are a hot topic at the moment! of jet skis and long queues at the boat ramps! There’s been some terrific fishing this over the last year and the peninsula really turned it on for the tourists over the January, which has me looking forward with excitement to this month’s fishing adventures. GUMMY SHARK One of the stand-out

recently employed two specific tactics – they fished at night or before dawn in the mornings and generally spent a little time collecting fresh bait. From the reports that I heard in the shop, the most effective fresh baits were fish such as salmon, trevally, barracouta and snook. Collecting these bait fish is often easier than you

might suspect, and a couple of diving lures trolled around virtually any local structures will produce a few for a gummy shark session. Areas that see the best fishing include the stretch of the South Channel between Sorrento and Rosebud. However, late-season snapper anglers out on the mud and in the Symmonds Channel also commonly encountered gummies. Make sure you take a good look at your GPS charts however, as there are a number of minor channels on the peninsula and almost all of these will produce fish if you spend time soaking bait at these spots. WHITING Whiting fishing has already been excellent this summer. After two pretty lack lustre seasons in the last couple of years it has been good to see that we’ve had reasonable whiting fishing right through late spring and summer. “Where are they biting?” – is a question asked often in my store. It’s always a hard question to answer with whiting as they can literally be biting at a boat sitting 10m from you, yet you’re still managing to catch nothing! The key is to keep moving and see if you land on the right patch. With that said, Tootgarook and Rosebud has been consistent while some of the shallow weed and sand grounds off Rye, near the South Channel, have had good schools moving through. Most of the fish we are seeing are around the 35–39cm mark, but of course there are always exceptions to the rule with larger and smaller models mixed in. YELLOWTAIL KINGFISH Kingies are always the fish that get the red-blooded

Luke Goldstein caught this flathead while wading the sand flats. An easier option if you’re without a boat! fisher’s heart pumping, and this year is no different with plenty of excited anglers keen to get among the action. We started seeing regular captures of rat kingfish from around the last week of December, with fish taken on jigs in the Rip. Kings have also been encountered offshore on small UV octopus skirts and live baits. In the last couple of years February has probably been the best month for kings, so I expect some big things coming up. Hopefully it’s not long before we get to see a school of genuine 20kg+ fish turn up and really give some local anglers come curry! PLENTY TO DO Often our reports focus primarily on boat fishing, but it is also worth remembering that there is so much to do on the peninsula even if you are land-based. One of my young staff spent a couple of mornings wading the sand flats and produced some really nice flathead to 50cm, simply by casting plastics around in the quiet of morning. We also saw some good garfish

Silver trevally have been prevalent this year, they have been encountered regularly from both the boat and the local piers. Great fun on light gear!

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FEBRUARY 2016

A nice big gummy shark caught at dawn.

taken while float fishing from Blairgowrie Marina and a number of the other piers. Customer Trent North reported fishing in the evenings around Shoreham and Point Leo off the beach and capturing gummy shark to about 7kg. At this time of year there really is plenty to do! LOOKING AHEAD As I touched on earlier, the next couple of months are the guts of kingfish season. If you are interested in tackling these brutes and have not caught one before, my first advice would be to go prepared and by that I mean don’t fish too light with your gear. The interesting thing about our local king fishery is that there really is a range of different size fish – and you have no idea which ones will be there on the day. So do yourself a favour, get in to your local tackle store, have a chat and secure yourself some good gear before your first foray on the kings in our locals waters.

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Whiting wins at Western Port WESTERN PORT NTH

Adam Ring

What a hot little patch of fishing the top end of Western Port has experienced over the last month! A few snapper continue to hang around and the gummies and whiting have really turned it on as we get right into the thick of summer.

SNAPPER The snapper fishing in the Port has slowed up a little bit but every time we are just about to call the season over a nice patch of fish decide to go on the chew and it keeps us interested for another week. If you’re after snapper, there are still a lot of school sized, around 1-2kg, hanging around Joes Island. Pilchards and squid are the best bait, and

don’t be afraid to downsize your baits if you notice a few pickers around. The Methers family found one of these patches of fish recently and at one stage all four of the Methers clan were hooked up at once! The North Arm still has some nice fish around and they seem to be a little bigger in this area. Again, it has been a little bit patchy but the

Tyson with his cracker gummy from the Top End.

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rewards are still there. Local angler, Mick, spent the night on the Port and ended up with five beautiful snapper. It took a lot of patience and a few moves but the biggest fish in his bag measured 89cm and weighed in at 8.2kg so it was well worth the time and effort! My good mate Don Newman says that there are still some fish stacked up at Esso, but getting them to chew has been difficult. I would keep this area in the back of your mind though as those fish will hang around for a little while longer, so it’s always worth a look. WHITING King George whiting at Western Port have really hit their straps this month, which should continue for the next couple of months at least! Nathan Peterson has dominated some good fish in the Tooradin Channel on the run-out tide. He tells us there are a lot of small fish around the area so make sure you have the ruler handy and let anything that is undersize go. Nathan took home a nice feed of a dozen fish that were all over 30cm, so if you stick it out and wade through some smaller fish you can still leave with a nice bag for the table. Ric and Logan Perna put in a few hours out of Warneet and anchored on top of a good school of whiting that went bananas for a couple of hours. They had their bag in no time at all with fish maxing out at 44cm. Well done boys! If you want a whiting, the Middle Spit is where you need to be! Keith Diprose of Think Big Charters has put his clients onto a heap of fish and has done a few small things that have made a big difference. During the middle of the tide Keith works the shallow banks in 1-4m of water and finds a lot of school sized fish between 30-35cm. As the tide slows Keith pushes out to the deeper water to find the

A sample of the beautiful whiting that have been taken off the Middle Spit. bigger whiting up to 47cm. Mussel and squid cocktails have been the best bait, and berley is an absolute must in the shallow water. Shaun Furtiere of Big Time Charters is another angler working the spit with great success finding fish to 44cm quite regularly in the shallow water. The boys from Roxburgh Park recently did a trip with Shaun and each took home a lovely feed of fresh whiting. Pipi and mussel again were the best baits. Hastings has also seen a bit of whiting action as Chris and Michael O’Connell found out. The boys landed seventeen beautiful whiting to 45cm on a recent trip, along with a few mullet and some nice table sized pinkies. Whiting snatchers baited with a little strip of whiting did all the damage. GUMMY SHARK The gummies have been one of the biggest improvements over the last month, and some really nice fish have started to come in. Shaun Furtiere has been fishing for the gummies as

the tide slows between whiting bites. Shaun got young Tyson on to a ripper fish one evening and the young gun was stoked to take home a bit of fresh flake for the family. Chris Preston took his good mate John Macleod and his girlfriend Tiff Andrews out for a session on the gummies one night, and after pushing through a lot of rays and seven-gill sharks Tiff showed the boys how it’s done with her PB gummy. Whiting chunks were easily the best bait accounting for most of the fish that night. Kozzi and Huff smashed a few whiting up on the Middle Spit on a recent trip and decided to put bait out in the deeper water as the whiting slowed down. It turns out this was quite a good move as they boated a nice big gummy stretching the scales down to 10kg! Western Port has been fishing the best it has fished in months so there is no excuse not to get out there and enjoy the action! Good luck and keep those reports coming!

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The Methers family with their bag of Top End snapper.

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FEBRUARY 2016

Berley up for a bite WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

The kids are all back at school and most of us are back at work but that shouldn’t keep you from heading out on the weekend in search of a tasty feed of fresh fish. This time of year is one of my all time favourites as most of the holiday-makers have headed home meaning less

boat traffic on the water. There is also a plethora of species available throughout the Western Port region. Many anglers made the switch from snapper to whiting last month, and with the snapper all but gone, the whiting have become the star of the show. Whiting have been caught right throughout the Port but some of the more fruitful areas have been Coronet Bay, Rhyll Channel,

Tortoise Head Bank, Cowes, Ventnor, Cat Bay, Flinders, Somers and Balnarring. Anglers fishing from the Beach at Balnarring into the evenings have been doing extremely well catching fish to 45cm. The fish have been more active in close on the high tides. The most successful technique has been to cast a paternoster rig tied from 15lb fluorocarbon with each dropper containing a Mustad Demon Light Circle #4. Having the sinker on the

There are some monster gummy sharks about at this time of year if you’re willing to work the Western Entrance. Check out Rhodes Mackenzie’s massive gummy. Photo courtesy of Darren Hamilton Moore. bottom of the rig allows for better casting distance while the two droppers suspend the bait above the weed. This rig is suitable to fish from the boat over weedy terrain, but, if fishing on sand or mud use an extended single dropper paternoster or running sinker rig with a Mustad 92647S Stainless Baitholder hook. Remember though, when using a conventional J type hook,

Local angler Darren Hamilton Moore with the fruits of his day fishing the Western Entrance. Photo courtesy of Darren Hamilton Moore.

you will have to strike – on the other hand, a circle hook will allow the fish to hook itself. Most of the larger whiting have come from locations where there has been some substantial current flow, such as Tankerton and the bottom end of the Middle Spit. In these two locations push out into 12-15m of water and set a berley trail using a wire berley cage. Fill it with

thawed pilchards and mash a little, so when it hits the bottom the current carries the smaller pieces with it creating the trail. After a good ten minutes, give the cage a good shake to get the berley flowing again. When using berley, focus on casting your baits into the berley trail. Once the whiting pick up on it, this is where they’ll be. Casting left or right of the trail will result in

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more toadfish, trevally and salmon rather than whiting. Shaun Furtiere from Think Big Charters has put his clients onto some fantastic whiting recently. Shaun reports that the whiting he has caught recently are quite a good class of fish with a lot between 40-50cm. While Shaun says that a wide range of baits will work, pipis, squid and mussel have been the standout baits. When Shaun hasn’t been hitting the whiting, he has been out in search of gummy sharks with some very pleasing results. Shaun reports that he has concentrated on the Western Entrance and has caught some magnificent fish of varying weights. He says that from now on the gummy fishing will hot up right through until May. OFFSHORE ANTICS The offshore scene has really perked up now with quite a number of anglers heading offshore in search of mako sharks, kingfish and gummy sharks. Many anglers tend to set up a berley trail for makos then bottom fish hoping to catch a mixed bag of flathead, pinkie snapper, squid and maybe a gummy. Local angler Darren Hamilton Moore and his mate Rhodes MacKenzie

Left: Client of Think Big Charters, Matt Johnston with a nice selection of Western Port whiting. Photo courtesy of Shaun Furtiere from Think Big Charters. Right: Shaun Furtiere from Think Big Charters has been dominating the King George whiting throughout Western Port of late and putting his clients onto some great fish displays. Photo courtesy of Shaun Furtiere from Think Big Charters. headed out into Bass Strait with the intention of doing just that. Well, they certainly struck it rich managing to catch and release two thumping gummies in 65m of water. Other anglers have had

good success with both gummy shark and kingfish along the coast from Kilcunda through to The Nobbies. When the weather conditions are suitable, drift fishing in 20m of water has seen good gummies and

flathead caught. Kingfish on the other hand are now in plague proportions with trolling and live bait methods the top techniques. Lures such as the Yo-Zuri 140mm Hydro Magnum and 140mm Zerek Pelagicz have

been a standout in recent weeks. If you find a reliable location to catch live yellowtail scad and slimy mackerel then spend the much needed time and get a good 20 or so fish. When rigging them, you want maximum

life expectancy in the water. Rigging through the back will have them perish quickly whereas using a bridle through the nose or an assist hook will keep them in optimum condition for the duration of time required. It is not always easy to locate the kings, especially offshore along the coast. In this case, trolling live baits around the reefs and likely locations that they’d hold requires good rigging skills of the live bait to keep it in maximum condition. Along with that, barracouta, pike and snook are also quick to attack live baits so make sure you have enough livies to get you through a days fishing. The Victorian kingfish season basically runs from late December through to early April with the peak time in February and March. We are now right into the peak time so there is no point making excuses as to why you can’t head out to get your fix. There are plenty of options right around the Port at the moment from kings and ‘tings to makos and gumbos. There is no better time to be fishing on Western Port then the next few weeks so don’t pack up the boat just yet; there are still plenty of fish in the sea.

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On the move for whiting PHILLIP ISLAND

John Dalla-Rosa

I am pleased to say that over the last few months the snapper started to fire up. On my last three trips I have managed to bag out with fish from 2-6kg. On my last trip I was on the water for only 90 minutes – we had our bag of six fish and were home for breakfast! The 20m mark off Frankston has been the hot spot. SURF BEACHES Weather permitting; most beaches have fished well with salmon to 2kg. Fishing the deeper gutters in the early morning or late evening has produced some nice pinkies and decent flathead using fresh squid or pilchard for bait. If you find a gutter that has a line of reef along one of its edges its also worth a try for whiting. Fish with pipis or squid strips. You might only get a couple but they are usually good ones, in the 500-800g range. SAN REMO AREA Below the Bridge The Cleeland Bight area is still fishing well for calamari as well as whiting and pinkie snapper. Outside the Entrance there have been good reports of flathead and also a few reports of kingfish around Pyramid Rock. With the water temperature rising, mako sharks should be out there too. Above the Bridge Snapper have been

Tony Dalla Rosa with a couple of nice 6kg snapper taken early in the morning in 20m of water off Frankston. hard to find in Western Port although pinkies are now showing up in bigger numbers. The usual areas such as The Corals, Elizabeth Island, Corinella, Rhyll and Silverleaves are probably the best spots to try. Whiting are still patchy with lots of just legal size ones about. You have to move around to find them. Some reasonable reports have come in from

Coronet Bay, Reef Island, Bass River mouth, Dickies Bay and the Cowes area. FLINDERS AREA There is still some goodsized calamari coming in. A few snook and couta have been caught trolling around the reefs but the whiting again, have been difficult to locate, you really have to move around a lot to find a fish or two.

FISHING FILL-ITS

Call to 13FISH helps find setlines A member of the public’s phone call to 13FISH has helped Fisheries Officers detect several alleged offences relating to undersize Murray cod and the use of illegal setlines at Lake Nagambie. Regional Supervising Officer Murray Burns said the caller alerted officers to two men in a green and white fibreglass boat allegedly checking setlines off Kirwans Bridge. “Officers located the vessel and, upon approach, observed the men allegedly dump an object into aquatic vegetation alongside the bank,” Mr Burns said. “The boat and the men’s vehicle were searched and two undersize Murray cod were allegedly found measuring 53cm and around 34cm. “The smaller fish had been mutilated, possibly in an attempt to disguise its identity, with its lower jaw, tail and fins cut off. It had also been hidden in a rubbish bin aboard the vessel. “Officers also allegedly found constructed setlines,

This undersize fish was mutilated, probably to disguise its identity. and setline components, in the men’s boat. A search of the bankside aquatic vegetation revealed the dumped bag, which contained 12 more setlines.” Mr Burns said the matter was very serious and posed a significant threat to the Nagambie Lakes fishery, which included iconic species such as Murray cod. “The two offenders will be charged on summons to appear in court in relation to taking undersize fish, failing to retain fish in whole or carcass form and using commercial fishing equipment. “They face fines of

up to $30,400 and heavy penalties that may include the forfeiture of their boat and car and/or a ban on recreational fishing altogether for a period of time.” Anglers are reminded that the slot limit for Murray cod is 55-75cm and that no more than two rods per angler may be used. Setlines are illegal and anglers must be in the vicinity of their rods when fishing. Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call Fisheries Victoria’s 24 hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474). – Fisheries Victoria FEBRUARY 2016

Get sorted for summer fishing INVERLOCH

Alan McFayden amcsayte@bigpond.net.au

Outside the entrance at Anderson Inlet there have been quite a few positive reports of good size gummies. Visiting regular Tony Richardson managed a very impressive bag of snapper that were to the 4kg mark as well as two good size gummies. All were caught on squid and in around 7m of water – to cap off a good day they managed five very good size tiger flathead as well. There have been reports of kingfish caught, which is encouraging but there have not been many details. The entrance is one of those places that is well marked but constantly changes and can

be a trap for the inexperienced boaters. There is an area near the entrance, which is known as Sheep Rocks, which can pose problems, especially for those who don’t know the area well. If you must attempt to cross the entrance, seek local knowledge first and always remember that the best bag of fish is not worth putting anyone’s safety at risk. Clive James is a visiting angler from Melbourne and decided on a recent trip to try his luck at a place called ‘The Snags.’ He arrived at slack water on the high tide with some Bass yabbies (his favourite baits) and it wasn’t long before he had bagged three very nice whiting that were all around the 40cm mark. Although Clive didn’t bag any, there have been quite a few of the resident perch

along with quality flathead that took a variety of baits. This area is also popular with land-based anglers who can drive to the area and park their cars, then walk the rest of the way. The water is deep and goes down to around the 9m mark but the fishing can make the inconvenience well worthwhile. Mahers Landing is a place that is always worth a visit, whether you are a boater or a land-based angler. Boaters are presented with a shallow grade boat ramp constructed of square concrete blocks. There is a cutting off to the right hand side which makes it a bit easier to launch and retrieve at high water. There is not much joy either launching or retrieving at low water where vehicles have to drive partly into the salt water and we all know what

that does to the body work. Having said all that, there have been good results as far as boaters are concerned. Around Stevies Gutter there have been pleasing numbers of perch, salmon and whiting caught on baits such as pipis, Bass yabbies, squid and sand worms. Whiting are also in reasonable numbers just outside the mouth of Stevies Gutter, but there are also plenty of those nuisance mini flathead. The area known as the ‘A’ frame is also well worth a visit and mullet, flathead, and salmon are in quite reasonable numbers on the run-in tide. Land-based anglers have had reasonable success fishing off both sides of the boat ramp. The best times have been on the run-in tide and mullet, flathead and salmon have made up quite

These quality bream were caught in the Tarwin River. They were the unlucky ones, as many others were returned to the water. reasonable bags. There have been gummy sharks caught on the run-in tide and the results have been best when that tide coincides with darkness, as this is when the fish move in closer, taking advantage of natural protection. A short distance away

is Shallow Inlet where the local Caravan Park is run by Karen and Rob Starrett. They have reported great whiting bagged in their traditional numbers to the 50cm mark. The name ‘Shallow Inlet’ is a bit of a misnomer as it is fairly deep with water close to the 12m mark in places.

Spotlight on shark captures Summer fishing sorted NINETY MILE BEACH

Will Thompson allwaysangling@bigpond.com

Summer is the time for sharks and with some good summer weather this year, plenty of anglers have been out chasing the big bronzies. However, the humble flathead is almost stealing the spotlight. There has been plenty to do over at the Ninety-Mile.

During the day, the big bluespot flathead have been in close for a month now and we have seen some absolute monsters down at the western end of the beach with specimens up to and over 80cm being caught. The end of the run-in tide and start of the run-out has been good and anglers using white grubs and surf poppers have been catching the most with blue bait and pilchards the next best option. The flatties are going good

at Reeves Beach, Woodside and Seaspray, however, the McLoughlins footbridge is now open so there are good opportunities there as well. As for the big sharks, many anglers are paddling out baits for the big bronzies, and there have been some really big sharks taken from massive 100kg+ bronze whalers to chunky hammerhead sharks and lots of small whites. A land-based game outfit has been a popular way of

fishing, with whole bonito or large eel baits being the pick of the baits. The new drones for carrying out baits are now a bit of a craze as the technology gets better and can now carry 1kg of weight. Back to casting, there are plenty of gummy sharks caught at night and most are just under 1m long. Squid and fresh salmon have been the best and Golden Beach through to Woodside have produced many quality gummies.

Matt Cameron landed this massive 8ft+ bronze whaler shark off the Ninety-Mile Beach on game gear using a whole bonito as bait.

VR Fish Update

Worry over PPB commercial scallops VRFish is concerned that the proposed increase in the commercial quota for scallops from the current 146t to 250t in a short time frame is too rapid, and is at odds with the initial intent and expectations for establishing the fishery. VRFish are the peak body that represents 838,000 Victorian fishers. With 614,000 people fishing in the Port Phillip Region, VRFish is keen to ensure that the scallop fishery is sustainably managed for all users for years

to come. An increase of this magnitude in the early stages of development of the fishery is not consistent with the riskbased, precautionary and slow development of a niche, and data-poor fishery. Given the data limitations of the fishery, and the lack of a recent time series of stock assessment and fishery dependent information, VRFish maintains that the significant and rapid increase in the TACC is not precautionary, and is not in accordance with public expectations for the fishery.

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VRFish proposes that the commercial quota be maintained at the current level of 146t, or below, until such time as the commercial operator can demonstrate an ability to catch the TACC and use the resource, and not until a recent time series of stock assessment and fishery dependent information is established to support ongoing monitoring of the performance of the fishery. Finally, VRFish is disappointed with the limited time frame provided for consultation on the quotas. The time frame provided has not allowed our members sufficient time to consult their constituents. To enable VRFish and its members to consult with their constituents, a consultation period of more than two and a half weeks is required. Recreational fishers at sea on Warrnambool safe harbour Council decision, VRFish is seeking urgent clarification from the Warrnambool City Council on its decision not to proceed to

a fully enclosed safe harbour. This been a longstanding issue and it is disappointing to see the Warrnambool City Council unable to reach a united position that will not only deliver safer fishing and boating, but also more jobs and investment in the region. The lack of natural harbours in Victoria means that we have fewer open ocean access points than required. This means that large areas of coastal waters are unable to be accessed safely by Victorian recreational boaters. The addition of a safe, all-weather boat launching facility would have increased the attractiveness of Warrnambool as a premier fishing destination throughout the year. There is a multi-million dollar fishery just waiting to happen offshore from Warrnambool. Species such as tuna, snapper, kingfish, gummy sharks, mako sharks, and thresher sharks mean the return on investment would be enormous. Much of this value currently bypasses Warrnambool and goes

straight to Port Fairy, Portland or beyond to South Australia. Last month VRFish released the results of the latest study into the economic contribution by Victoria’s recreational fishing community. The study, undertaken by Ernst & Young shows recreational fishing is estimated to generate $7.1 billion in economic activity (including $2.6 billion in direct output) and supports 33,967 full-time jobs in Victoria. It is disappointing that there was no clear commitment by the Council to progress to a fully enclosed harbour within set time frames and to work through any issues. It is equally disappointing that the results of the online community poll run by the Council appear to have been disregarded. The survey showed the majority of respondents did not support option A, which involves upgrades to the boat ramp only. VRFish will continue to work with all levels of Government to secure extra funding to improve open ocean

access across the State. Option A alone does not meet our needs and it must be seen as a staged approach to achieving a fully enclosed harbour. The Andrews Government has agreed to return $8 million annually to recreational boating infrastructure. Other funding sources exist, and with a Commonwealth election next year, there is every opportunity to attract extra investment for major regional infrastructure such as boat ramps and safe harbours. We acknowledge the constructive input from local and other fishers from across the State toward developing better facilities at the harbour. VRFish would like to acknowledge the efforts of Councillor’s Brian Kelson, Peter Hulin and Peter Sycopoulis for their foresight and recognition of the economic benefits that a true safe harbour will bring to the region.

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Blue Rock Lake has been stocked with more than 185,000 Australian bass fingerlings since 2002.

Feeling dusky in the New Year GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

Hot weather plus shallow water equal dusky flathead and whiting. So I’ve got plenty of news about those two species but it’s also prime time to discover hungry bream working in skinny lake water. This is the best time of year to enjoy and explore the vast sand flats and shallow habitats of the Gippy Lakes. The run

of prawns has also been fantastic and I’ve got a lot of angler feedback and news to share. KING GEORGE WHITING First of all – the phenomenal run of whiting this summer. Anywhere from Lakes Entrance right up to Metung has seen the KG whiting turning up in numbers not seen in many years. There’s plenty of talk about fish to 38cm and quite a few whiting are turning up between 40-43cm. The

Hopetoun Channel is the go-to area along with the northern side of Flannagan Island. In years gone by, I’ve also found Bancroft Bay an area where the whiting turn up in good numbers and I’ve even caught them on blade lures there while chasing bream and flatties. The best bait by far are pipis and the gun whiting anglers tell me they sit them in the sun for a while before they go on the hook, so the meat toughens up and is not pecked off so easily by pesky toadies or little baby snapper. I’m

Every year anglers score more yellowfin bream, especially close to Lakes Entrance and Metung. Joel Crosbie tames another large yellowfin on lure.

predicting the whiting will bite hard right through until March or even the end of April. I’ve also heard about a few lure anglers chasing these fish with bent minnow surface lures in the shallows. DUSKY FLATHEAD Reports at this the time of year are usually dominated by flathead captures, and the start of 2016 is proving no different. I’m certain that the new size slot limits on dusky flathead introduced a few years ago is resulting in anglers doing battle with big trophy fish between 75-90cm. Over the last few weeks I’ve received modest reports from anglers finding all sizes of flathead between 30-70cm. The encouraging thing is that most people who go out and target them specifically, tend to find a nice tally of flathead with every trip. In other words, they are hanging out in their usual haunts, and for those of you who don’t have favourite flatty hotspots, I’m sure you will find them. I have found first light the best time to chase big duskies. They are keen to grab nearly any moving target at this time of day and the mornings at this time of year are usually very calm with no wind and flat water. As usual for summer, the easterly wind starts to barrel in at about lunchtime, and on some days there’s little change out of 40km per hour. It makes

Gummies cruise the coastline MARLO

Jim McClymont mcclymont@net-tech.com.au

Offshore, it’s gummy shark galore! For the last few weeks gummy sharks have been found to swim in big numbers close to shore, and anglers have taken advantage of their good fortune. Anglers have reported the best fishing is just offshore, a couple of waves from the beach break or as close to the break as it is safe for boat and crew. The good news is that most anglers have been

able to get their bag limit of two on most occasions. Not only are the gummy shark plentiful, anglers have also reported plenty of big flathead caught, a bag limit of twenty can be reached on most outings. Anglers are also getting plenty of pinkie snapper, gurnard, barracouta, morwong and squid. The surf fishing has been great, and with the gummies swimming close to shore it makes for an exciting time for those who like flake for the table. The beaches also produce plenty of salmon, tailor, flathead and skate. As the prawns begin to mature and make their annual

run to the ocean, the fishing in the estuary becomes excellent, with huge schools of bream spread through the whole system and can be found from the Marlo entrance up to the Snowy River, to the highway bridge at Orbost and up the Brodribb River and on to Lake Curlip. There are also big schools of luderick that have colonised the rock groins that surround the islands and river banks. Travelling along with the bream and luderick are big schools of golden eye mullet – a favourite of the locals in this area. Estuary perch can be found on most snags and structures along

both rivers, use live prawn or lures for best results. The sand flats that run from the Marlo jetty all the way to French’s Narrows is an ideal habitat for estuary flathead, anglers find good results wading the shallows and spinning with soft plastic lures. The same sand flats are where the mature prawns gather waiting for the right tide and moon to run to sea. At this time the prawns are only bait size, but it wont be long until they are of eating size, prompting many anglers to abandon their fishing rods for a prawning light and scoop net to gather some sweet crustaceans for the table.

Cam Cleal shows off a typical Gippy Lakes flathead. Summer is all about finding where the duskies are hanging out. fishing very uncomfortable and restricts you from accessing a lot of good areas. So hit the water early and be off the water by noon to beat the heat. The hotspots for flathead at the moment are Cunningham Arm, Reeve Channel, the North Arm, Bancroft Bay and Nungurner. Southern blue-spot flathead have also been caught down near Kalimna and Lakes Entrance. PRAWNS Another development over the last month or so has been the big number of good-sized prawns. Back in early December I got word that the prawns had moved in early, with quite a few anglers bringing home a 2kg bag after each trip. Well, the prawns are a lot bigger now and the numbers have soared. Reports tell me it’s an exceptional run this year and that they are doing all their prawning on foot by simply wading the shallows. One mate has even ignored the golden rule of only going out on the darkest nights and has netted plenty of prawns under the bright full moon. Every summer I make

a few trips out at night and bring home a feed of prawns and flounder. It’s a ritual and tradition that entertains kids of all ages. BREAM The highlight for some keen bream anglers during February and March is to track down some big yellowfins. Their numbers are on the rise each and every year now and the best place to start looking is around Kalimna and the jetties at Lakes Entrance. The best part however, is that these fish are also getting a lot bigger and I’ve recently landed yellowfin bream to 45cm. A popular technique at the moment is to chase bream with surface lures. The best lure by far is a Hurricane Bent Minnow called a Switch 66. Lots of anglers agree with me and say their favourite colour by far is the viper model with the cobra and lethal prawn colours close behind. I’ve hooked good numbers of black bream over the last few weeks on the Switch 66 and this is a very exciting and addictive method for tricking those wily bream.

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Royal welcome for King George whiting WELSHPOOL

Alan McFayden amcsayte@bigpond.net.au

There has recently been plenty of activity in this part of the world, with boaters and land-based anglers coming from near and far with great tales of success. I have received numerous

calls from boaters including Rob Cartledge who have been doing very well on the snapper. Rob says that the Franklin Channel has been worth a visit and if the early signs are any indication, this season is set to be great. He says that he usually targets snapper, which have been up to the 10kg mark taken mainly on squid. The most productive time has been on

Whiting like this ripper caught by Rohan McRae are in good numbers.

the last two hours of the run-in tide and first couple of the run-out flow. He also says that Doughboy Channel is definitely worth a look as anglers have caught some very good quality snapper there. Of course the Lewis Channel is always worth a try, and is a favourite spot as far as the whiting are concerned. They don’t seem to get much better than the 37cm mark, but there is always the exception when a 40cm whopper will make an appearance. The best time seems to be on the run-out tide. Mixed in with the royals are flathead, silvers, mullet and plenty of squid. The Lewis Channel flows past the long jetty, which as we all know was damaged by fire. For many years we have heard stories of plans for a rebuild – but that is all we hear. Wise old heads reckon it will fall down before this wonderful old structure receives the attention it deserves. Quite a few boats do tie up to the pylons so at least the jetty is getting some use. The entrance is always worth a visit and snapper

to the 8kg mark and better have been bagged along with gummies and quality flathead that are most productive on the run-out tide. This is the deepest part of Corner Inlet where the water goes down to the 40m mark. This area can become dangerous very suddenly if there is a strong wind blowing the boat against the tide. If you happen to be in this area keep a look out for any wind change. Outside the entrance near Cliffy Island there have been reports of kingfish caught, but so far they are not all that big. There have been reports of salmon caught on surface lures around Cliffy Island. When they are hungry they will take anything that is dangled in front of them, and are great sport when hooked up. The smaller fish are best on the plate as the bigger ones tend to be a bit on the bland side but do make good shark bait. According to Rob and Ulla who run the general store, the jetties have been producing quite well. The fishing has been great, with boaters succeeding inside and outside the entrance. Rob

These quality whiting are being caught at Port Albert. says that there have been bronze whalers and hammer head sharks being bagged out wide in the deeper water. There have also been reports of white pointers sighted, which are totally protected. Inside the entrance there have been very good

size whiting caught by boaters, as well as landing a variety of other fish including mullet, flathead, silvers and calamari. The signs are certainly looking good according to Rob and should continue for some time yet.

Every species going off! MCLOUGHLINS

Will Thompson allwaysangling@bigpond.com

With fresh new boat ramp and footbridge upgrades very close to completion, McLoughlins has had plenty of attention from anglers and the fishing has been nothing short of sensational. Firstly, with a new western ramp, a bit of dredging and a new pontoon, anglers now have a second ramp to launch a vessel. Last month, the eastern ramp was complete, however, the pontoon wasn’t quite ready yet, but was only days away from completion. This has all come at a good time, as the fishing has been amazing. INSIDE The big blue-spot flathead fishing has been great. There’s stacks around, we have seen some of the biggest flathead in the last few years and there’s loads of models over 50cm. Some anglers have managed a couple over 80cm, which is huge in the blue-spot flathead world. Soft plastics and vibes have been the standout lures and it’s good to see heaps more anglers using vibes in South Gippsland. These lures have proven themselves as one of the

standout tools to catch flathead. Tides are important, and the run-out has been the best time to target the flatties with lures, however, the bait anglers have smashed big flathead on baits such as blue bait, whitebait and prawns on the run-in tide, especially when adjacent to a nice gutter, drain or weed bank. The whiting have been by-catch at McLoughlins, and while the whiting haven’t been as good at McLoughlins as at Port Albert in the way of quantity, the quality has been far superior with massive specimens up to 48cm taken regularly around the weed beds. Pipis and squid have been the best baits. OFFSHORE The snapper went really well this month with all sizes caught, from perfect pan-sized eaters of 40cm to bigger models of 7kg and upwards. The mornings and evening have been the best time for the big snapper with mainly pinkies, gummies and flathead caught during the day. PORT ALBERT What more can I say but whiting, whiting and more whiting. This season has to go down as the best whiting season of all time or at least in my lifetime. Anglers have caught huge quantities and bagging out has been pretty

easy. The sizes aren’t as big as what’s getting caught at McLoughlins, but there’s heaps of 32cm models. You will always get a couple of big 40cm plus models mixed in the bag. Pipis, squid and paternoster rigs are a must. The flatties are crazy here as well. Obviously there’s a lot more channel rats at Port Albert in the deeper waters, but if you target the shallows and weed beds, you will catch the big blue-spots. On the pinkie front, there’s been good numbers mixed in with the whiting in the same spots. There heaps of little ones, but put on a bigger bait and you will start to catch those 40-50cm models. Down at the entrance and the Snake Channel, there’s a few big ones getting around to that 5-7kg mark. The run-in tide in the mornings and evenings has been the best. The kingfish are in now and there are plenty of undersize rat kings with the odd legal seen splashing round and busting up on bait schools. You can catch them when boat traffic is down, just use stick baits and large soft plastics to imitate the bait they’re eating. OFFSHORE PORT ALBERT It’s pinkies galore out here on the reefs. The trick

John Maxwell got this nice gummy offshore out from McLoughlins. is just to drift until you find them. They are mostly around the 40cm mark and take pilchards and squid. I have used micro jigs lately and they are working a treat. We even bag out on pinkies with nothing but microjigs. There’s kingies out wide now as well. Mostly small between 50-65cm, with the odd bigger fish

mixed in. Jigging has been the best, but they take stickbaits when they chase baitfish on the surface. The mako sharks have made an appearance with a couple already boated. It’s all happening down at south Gippsland. There’s stacks of fish everywhere, with nearly every species you can think of at the moment, and it will be

like this for the next few months, so don’t miss out! • For more information, contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 5174 8544. You will get expert advice and great deals on fishing bait and tackle. Tune into Rex Hunt and Lee Rayner’s Off the Hook on 1242 to hear Will’s report on what’s going on in Gippsland!

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No time for yawning when you’re prawning! LAKES ENTRANCE

Leigh McVeigh

The weather has heated up in East Gippsland over the past few weeks and opened up a wide range of fishing opportunities for both the holiday anglers and locals alike. With so many options available you may find it harder to choose a spot than to catch a feed. LAKES ENTRANCE Fishing around Lakes has been steady for a few

weeks now with good numbers of large black bream feeding on the influx of prawn the system receives over the warmer months. With the extra boat traffic on the water a lot of these larger fish have sought food and shelter in the quiet secluded bays and backwaters in both Cunningham and North arms. Anglers sourcing their own prawn locally and fishing the shallow banks have achieved the best results. Fishing live fresh prawn before both the sun

Flathead have been taken on surface lures intended for bream on the shallow sand flats recently, this is one of the most exciting visual fishing experiences available.

and boats hit the water will work wonders. The whiting have slowed down considerably but anglers have still been finding the odd fish in and around the channel at Kalimna. Fresh mussel or peeled prawn has been the bait of choice, and fishing in a berley trail will only increase your chances as these fish have seen a lot of pressure in the past few weeks. The prawn run is now in full swing, and plenty of people have taken full advantage of the easily accessed sand flats Lakes Entrance has to offer. Taking the kids out prawning in the shallow warm water over the summer is a great way to show them what life is about in the Lake, and you can gather a feed for the family at the same time. OFFSHORE Offshore has really started to fire up, with good numbers of gummy and school shark caught both out wide and in close to the sand. Oily baits like eel or bonito have seen some great catches, although the humble pilchard has accounted for a good number of fish. The snapper have been good out on and around the 6mi

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holiday break. TYERS The bream fishing has been fantastic up high in the Nowa Nowa arm, and a good number of fish have taken up residence in the vast amount of timber that lines the banks. These fish are easily spooked, but the cunning anglers with light feet and lighter leaders have produced the goods. Small stickbaits to 40mm have accounted for the majority of large bream, although light-weighted prawn style plastics have

seen big numbers of smaller fish landed. Bait anglers are finding it hard to fill their bag if they are not prepared to move around, but plucking a fish or two off a snag then moving along to the next set of structure is proving a deadly and fast way to fill your bag. Prawn has been the bait of choice, but more and more reports have emerged of anglers using chicken strips with great success. It’s not just the bream that have anglers attention on To page 41

The bream have been a little spooked recently, approach carefully and use light leader to catch them.

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mark, and fishing the top of the tide with fresh bait will see the best results. There has been a lot of whale sightings lately off Lakes Entrance and one vessel almost came to grief after running into one of the large mammals – so please take care navigating out in the deep blue. BEACHES The sand has not seen a lot of fish caught of late, but the quality of these fish is more than making up for the lack of numbers. Fish between the 2-3kg mark have shown up in the close gutters on most local beaches. Both bait and lure fishers have relished the late run of big buck salmon they thought they might not see this season. Matching up the turn of the tide with sunrise or sunset will increase your chances out on the beach, but if in the event of an overcast day, the fish hang around for longer periods of time. Shark off the beach has been less consistent, however anglers putting in the time have been getting results eventually. With so much coast line in East Gippsland the sand can sometimes be the only quiet place over the

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Flathead is on the menu BEMM RIVER

Robyn Sturgess

The New Year has certainly kicked off with excellent fishing in Bemm River. There is an From page 40

the lake, there has been large luderick haunting the drop-offs and weed edges in the main body of

abundance of flathead in the region, which is the result of good weather and the opening of the entrance since June 2015. This has seen the health of the system greatly increase. The

quality of bream has been outstanding with many a bag out on fish exceeding 40cm. All these fish are in excellent condition, clean and healthy. Rob Morgan and Peter Leadoux of

water. Peeled prawn fished under a light running sinker has seen fish to 2kg work anglers over – proving to be more than some anglers can

handle with multiple bustoffs a session! Flathead in the lake have slowed down dramatically but can still be found in numbers with a little effort. We have been catching a few large flathead on surface lures intended for bream on the shallow sand flats. Having a large female flathead explode from the sand and engulf your lure off the top is one of the most exciting visuals you will ever experience fishing East Gippsland and if you are yet to experience such a strike you should consider giving it a red hot go. These fish have been taking lures such as Lucky Crafts Sammy 65, OSP Bent Minnows and Austackle’s Slinky Minnow. If you are holidaying in East Gippsland and want to keep up to date with local reports be sure to check out East Gippsland Fishing Reports on Facebook.

Bridget Morrison is a very keen fisho from Langwarrin who landed two gummies with Dad on the holidays.

The bream are in excellent condition, catch one today! Bairnsdale, caught some excellent bream just on nightfall in the area near the Mahogoneys. They used sandworm, yabbies and prawn. You can also find tailor, trevally, luderick and perch thrown into the mix. The water temperature has now risen and it’s easy pickings for salmon on the surf in the early morning and

late afternoons. The surf has also produced good catches of gummies on the full moon with plenty of other species thrown in. We believe that this year will be another absolute bumper fishing season. There are fish in the upper reaches of the river, right around, into Sibiera in the deep, and the shallow water in Bob’s

Bay and the Mahogoneys. • 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.

FEBRUARY 2016

Look to the sea for fun EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

As all the caravan parks in the area have been full of visitors over the Christmas period, the town has been abuzz with activity. The weather was kind to the visitors with next to no rain, allowing everyone to get out there and experience everything the area has to offer. Great amenities are provided for the anglers coming to the area with great boat launching facilities and car parking making for hassle free boating, which in turn attracts plenty of anglers to the area. A variety of fishing available ensures everyone leaves happy. With the amount of

boats heading offshore, it is not surprising that a great number of fish have been caught on the inshore reefs, providing anglers with all the usual species such as snapper, morwong, and leatherjackets along with plenty of kingfish. The best fishing is around the moon either full or new, of course, plenty of rat kings are caught alongside the more quality fish. Anglers will be pleased to hear there has been good fishing for sand and tiger flathead recently. The key is to keep moving until you find a patch of good fish. Boats heading out wide can expect to catch yellowfin tuna, albacore and striped marlin with the fishing set to improve over the coming months. Plenty of salmon have been caught on all the

local beaches, along with yellowfin bream and sand whiting. With the recent big seas there are plenty of good gutters to choose from. The local headlands have fished well with big drummer a regular catch along with the odd groper. The local estuaries have fished well with bream, whiting, silver trevally and dusky flathead all a regular catch. Fishing at night has also proved successful with reports of some good mulloway. The key to catching these fish is good quality fresh bait and patience. Anglers have found great numbers of bass up in the freshwater, and with enough rain falling to keep them flowing the bass season is looking good for the coming months.

Plenty of good size silver trevally have been caught on a variety of lures.

Ready, get set - marlin! BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

As most anglers know, wherever you fish there will be a bite window – that special time of the day or night when fish feed in a frenzy. These bite windows can happen very regularly at this time of year along our part of the coast. As vast schools of baitfish congregate, predators follow and incredible angling action ensues. Marlin fishing will gain intensity, and February is one of the

best months to target the beaks. Water temperature has risen, and the game fish have arrived! There is easy access to them from the port of Bermagui for many excited anglers. Find the bait and you will find the predators. This can happen very close to shore or way out wide over the Continental Shelf. In the past I have seen anglers drive past fish because they didn’t know how to read the signs. Check the water temperature on gauges, and learn to read the water. Look out for clear cobalt water with plenty of life visible. Learning to recognise signs of possible game fishing

action is only achieved by spending plenty of time on the water. A safe starting point is the Twelve Mile Reef; here blacks, blues and striped marlin will be in search of delicious bait schools. The best way to find out if fish are in the area is with a spread of lures. This allows you to travel around sounding for baitfish as you go (if they are not visible up on the surface). Listen to the radio; excited anglers who have encountered a marlin may give away an area where these fish are concentrated. There are other game fish too; short-billed spearfish have been present as well

Flathead are a popular target species, and some good baitfishing will hook you a decent feed. as mahimahi, hammerhead sharks, mixed tuna species, and some very nice yellowfin taken on lures. Around Montague Island kingfish are in very good numbers, however they are varied in size. Methods to capture these fish are as mixed as the

size of them! Jigging is popular, and will take fish regularly, while baitfishing with either live mackerel or yellowtail will also be effective. If the fish are near the surface, trolling will catch kingies as well as some of the many small tuna that frequent the area

such as bonito, striped or frigates. Be prepared – black marlin take a liking to these small tuna so towing one around may gain you a pleasant beaked surprise. Lots of those smaller tuna have been

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NSW South Coast

Numbers of kings are up across Mallacoota MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Mallacoota has had excellent weather recently, and we’ve even been blessed with some wind free days, which is very unusual for this time of year. Offshore, the water temperature has been up and down, which From page 42

encountered closer to shore where they can be targeted on lighter gear. Some of the better areas are the entrance to Bermagui Harbour, around the Blue Pool, and down off the Brothers rocky outcrops. There’s also the opportunity to catch some decent salmon, which will keep any seasoned angler on their toes, along with some great tailor towards dusk and dawn. For the reef and bottom fishos things couldn’t be better. How far you want to travel is totally up to you, as most systems currently hold good stocks of fish. Many anglers have fun close to shore with plastic baits on a wide variety of species. Most

has played havoc with the fishing. Presently the days have warmed up, and it’s good times all round for those heading offshore. Good tiger flathead have been caught out wide at around the 60m mark. Closer to shore, sand flathead have also been on the bite. Good gummy sharks have made an appearance, along with various reef fish. The good news is the kingfish

have turned up on cue with plenty of fish available. Of course, there are plenty of rats among the big fish, so make sure you double check the size if you are keeping a feed. If you head out from the Bastion Point boat ramp, take some caution, as it is very shallow at the moment at the tip of the breakwall. An early start is needed to beat the wind and get a car

target snapper but have come up with mixed bags of assorted reef species through to some nice lightweight pelagic species. C o n v e n t i o n a l baitfishing has been successful on the wider grounds, with large tiger flathead at the top of the list. Great sandies are there too, along with gummy sharks, morwong, perch and nannygai in the deeper areas. The salmon that have been hanging around the rocky areas will move along the beaches, and anglers can easily gain good bags. For a bit of variety, southern yellowfin bream will entertain, along with plenty of whiting. These fish are caught on beach worms or fresh

pipis. Larger species like gummy sharks and mulloway, will come out to play at night, with plenty of tailor chomping in between the larger bites. February is one of the best months to fish the estuaries around Bermagui. The amount of prawns this season is fantastic, which makes estuary fishing extremely fruitful. Fish are in excellent condition, and are feeding quite freely in the warm water. Whether you like to target estuary fish on lures or bait, you won’t find a better time than the present nor will you have a better opportunity to fish in different locations – places you may normally wouldn’t consider.

Good yellowfin bream are on the bite in the estuaries on the far south coast. park after launching, as in the busy periods you could find yourself parking a long way from the ramp. The breakwall has produced salmon and blackfish along with good-sized yellowfin bream. Anglers fishing the local beaches have caught salmon and yellowfin bream along with some great gummy sharks. Fish for sharks in the evening for the best results. Good size tailor are found from the beach with some

good fish also in the lake – the bigger specimens usually bite through the line and that’s the last you see of them. The lake is fishing well, and offers a variety of species. Over the last week anglers fishing with Wilderness Fishing Tours have pulled in over 250 fish including trevally, whiting, flathead, flounder and both yellowfin and black bream. Fish are spread throughout the system with good fishing above Gypsy Point right through

to the Bottom Lake. There have been some good size flathead landed in the past month but the average size has been smaller than usual for this time of year. Heading upstream into the freshwater, there have been some good bass found. The best fishing is had in the evening after a good hot day. You can expect to run into the water police and fisheries over the next few months, so don’t be surprised – just make sure everything is in order.

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Tantalising offshore offerings NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

What a great summer it has already been for those fishing the local estuaries around the Narooma region. Both Narooma’s Wagonga Inlet and Tuross Lake have been on fire and all species come on the chew at some point during the day or night. Big flathead to 95cm and mulloway are high on anglers’ lists, with both species caught in both systems and in good numbers. Most models are caught on soft plastics, though some of the big flathead have fallen to live poddy mullet fished hard on the bottom. The fish are wide spread through the systems, with every day’s success made on different techniques. However, patterns have emerged for those switched on enough to see the signs. At Tuross, the surface action is awesome to say the least with bream and whiting hitting surface walk baits and poppers with gusto. It’s probably the best

start to a season l can recall, and 20-30 fish a session has become the norm, which is excellent fishing. The whiting are averaging 33-35cm, these are solid fish and great tucker for the pan. If estuary perch is what you are looking for, the fishing has been excellent. I’ve had some great sessions there lately, often with a result of 20+ fish. The trick is to find the snag that’s holding the fish that want to eat. Once you do that you can expect some serious fun from these little brutes. A few of the EP’s are nudging 45cm. A little further upstream you’ll find bass are going great guns on spinnerbaits. It’s been a cracking bass season thus far and will continue for a while yet. The smaller estuaries like Mummaga Lake (Dalmeny) and Corunna Lake just south of Narooma are both fishing well also. They are loaded with eating sized flathead to 50cm with some cracking bream too. Again, plastics are the optimum choice with smaller blades catching their fare share too. Fishing the lower

sections of these estuaries has led to great results. OFFSHORE Offshore is in full swing with the water temperature hovering from 22-25°C depending on prevailing currents. With water like this, both striped and black marlin will make their presence felt. It’s usually this time of year that the smaller blacks up to 80kg start to patrol the inshore currents close to shore. Places like Montague Island, the reefs off Potato Point and Tuross are all worth a look, especially if striped tuna and slimy mackerel schools are present. Out wider, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahimahi and various shark species will be on the cards. The shelf is a great starting spot, and many anglers will fish there. Some days the fish may be wider, closer to the second drop-off or further up the coast around the Tuross canyons. Trolling skirted lures or slow trolling live mackerel and striped tuna are both great ways to catch fish at this time of year. I prefer trolling lures until you

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find concentrations of fish and then use live bait as required. Switch baiting is also popular for wise game crews and can prove deadly on marlin at times – especially striped marlin. It’s pretty impressive viewing to watch an 80kg fish eat live-bait only meters from the transom – awesome stuff. Inshore the kingies have been good at Montague Island with jigs, live bait and squid on flasher rigs working well. The fish are quite widely spread but the northern end has seen a lot of the action. The kings aren’t huge, averaging 4kg, but there are some bigger models mixed in with the school fish. Early morning has seen bust-ups of these bigger fish as they hammer the saury bait schools. A lot of this action happens on the Fowl House Reef and the northwest corner of the island. Expect this action to continue but remember early mornings are usually the best time to target them on the surface. Anglers who like to target the bread and butter species like snapper, flathead, long finned perch and morwong should have little trouble finding a feed. Almost all reefs will hold fish with Potato Point the pick of them. Using fresh squid, pilchards and

A solid 70cm flathead caught by Amanda on the last cast of the day, a nice way to end a trip. striped tuna fillets should see some quality action. Those after flathead should have no worries with the 35m line off Kianga a good-starting point. The local beaches will

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Katherine King managed to catch this kilo sized snapper at Wagonga Inlet, a great catch and it’s awesome to see kids out fishing.

continue to fish well for bream, salmon, tailor and whiting. Most beaches will be holding fish, the beaches south of Narooma are the pick of the bunch. Fish either Tilba, 1080 or Camel Rock as these beaches have produced some great captures over recent weeks. Live beach worms has been the stand-out bait, and coupled with a running sinker rig is ideal – especially when the beach conditions are calmer. Salmon, tailor and bonito can be expected off the ocean rocks with most rock platforms producing, however, Mystery Bay to the south of Narooma is the pick of the bunch. You will have to get there early, as this is only a small ledge that doesn’t hold many anglers. Fresh pillies on ganged 4/0 hooks is the best way to tempt them. Use only a small ball sinker straight down to the hook and slowly wind the pilchard back to you. A few kingfish are caught this same way every year, so using slightly heavier tackle will at least give you a fighting chance of landing one. Throwing larger chromed lures is worth a go also, around 40-50g is ideal. If you’re after a feed then bream, blackfish, and trevally are possible options in the washes. Fish lightly-weighted baits like fresh prawns or cunjevoi for best results. A little bit of berley will help to chase these bread and butter fish.

NSW South Coast

Mega marlin on the horizon MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

The Christmas crowds are gone after another festive season but thankfully there’s still a huge amount of fish to catch. It really depends on what you want to target and where, but whatever you decide to do you won’t be disappointed. The estuaries continue to fire for all species, with the Pambula system

a standout. This stretch of water may not be huge, or very deep, but the variety of species on offer still amazes me. The place is loaded with solid tailor to 40cm and bigger with some chunky salmon mixed in too. Expect flathead to 60cm and legal sized snapper under the feeding tailor as they hammer the whitebait schools. Diving tern birds are a dead give away, and once you locate them, it’s mayhem – with triple hook-ups the norm. This action happens in the

Whiting and surface lures go hand-inhand during summer as Stuie, Nikki and Ben found out. The guys managed 25 whiting in a short two hour session.

main lake itself and should continue as long as the bait stays there. For anglers who like throwing softies, the lower sections toward the river mouth has been excellent for flathead, bream, whiting and flounder. Casting smaller presentations up to 70mm has yielded results, and natural colours have worked well. Fishos who anchor up on the draining tide in the same area have also fared well, especially on whiting. With the current, you may have to use a heavier sinker than normal that won’t deter the fish from biting. The most effective baits have been worms and fresh prawn with a little berley to help things along. Offshore sportfishers are licking their chops as the marlin bite hits full swing. The sluggish start to the season is now over, with switched on crews getting up to six bites a day – a pretty impressive tally in anyone’s books. The beaks are predominately stripes up to 100kg but there’s been the odd better black hooked also. Trolling skirted pushers seems to be the go-to method, though

switch-baiting on bait balls should work if the conditions are right. The bite has mainly occurred wide off Merimbula with the 70-fathom line to the shelf the place to fish. The water temperature has been bouncing around 22°C, which is ideal. I’ve also heard of yellowfin tuna to 40kg+, and a handful of mahimahi caught while targeting the marlin. I’d expect this action to get even better as we head further into the season. Closer to shore, the bread and butter species like flathead, morwong and snapper are keeping their end of the bargain up with anglers filling their eskies with ease. The flatty fishing for both sand and tiger has been impressive with the 30-35m line off Pambula a great place to start. Both Lennards Island and Long Point has been the hotspots for snapper with fish to 3kg on the cards. Anglers using fresh squid and striped tuna strips have fared best, and drifting has been the preferred method. The rocks will continue to fish well for all the usual suspects. Anglers

Kids getting out and having a fish is a great thing to see. Here Sophie Hindson and Will Roberts pose with their solid blackfish caught on Merimbula Lake. The fish was released after the photo. who cast lures can expect kingfish, tailor, salmon and the odd chance of a northern bluefin tuna. My advice is to fish Tura head, as it is the deepest and most productive rock platform we have in the area. The bread and butter species like drummer and blackfish populate the spot, and you should still manage a few in the wash zones, however, persistence is the key, with plenty of berley. Use the freshest of baits like prawns, cabbage and cunjevoi for best results.

On the beaches, the evening flooding tide has seen some excellent captures of bream and whiting. I know of a few local fishos getting thirty fish a session. These guys use live beach worms and pipis for bait, with a lightly weighted outfit casting their presentation just past the shore dump. This is easy, simple fishing with great rewards if done correctly. The better beaches to try include North Tura, Tura Main and Haycock Beach to the south of Pambula.

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Rigs, rigging and baiting in Victoria’s waters WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

For many anglers, fishing is an escape from their day-to-day activities and where the family can get away together sitting by the bank of a river or along the

such as using the wrong hook size, leader strength or outfit all together. Depending on your level of fishing experience, you may opt to tie your own rigs or purchase pre-tied rigs. In recent years, pre-tied rigs have evolved in leaps and bounds with leader and hook sizing more species specific

If you are confident in your ability, you will require a good collection of terminal tackle. When it comes to the more popular Victorian fish species there are four main rigs that can see you through. PATERNOSTER The paternoster rig is one of today’s most widely-use rigs. Its versatility covers a

All the requirements needed to make a paternoster rig. sandy coastline of a beach in hope of catching a fish. Victoria, like all the other states, is very diverse with the different species that can be caught. Each has its own unique technique and setup and with such a wide range of techniques applicable for each, many anglers often take the universal approach. While this is a safe bet, it can lead to many problems

bottom of the rig with the hooks suspended above it. The paternoster rig can also be tied in another version called the extended paternoster. This is particularly effective on whiting and is rigged with the sinker placed before the hook with the hook (usually a long shank) tied to a long dropper. Tackle required For deep water dropping and reef drifting I use fluorocarbon in 20-30lb or nylon 20-80lb leader. For hooks I use Mustad Demon circle 5/0-8/0. Mustad Octopus 5/0-8/0 are another great option. When fishing the surf, fluorocarbon in 15lb or nylon 15-20lb leader. The Mustad Bait Holder in 1/0-/20 is a fantastic option in the surf. Target species Whiting, mullet, silver trevally, Australian salmon, snapper and other reef species are all popular gargets with the paternoster rig. Best baits and cut type Calamari strips, tuna strips, while bait, blue bait, pipi, mussel and half pilchards all work well on a

The paternoster rig is particularly productive when fishing the surf.

rather than generic. Another advantage of using pre-tied rigs today compared with twenty years ago is the high level of quality control that can leave you with extreme confidence knowing that someone else’s hand-tied rig will stand up to quite brutal species. These are the perfect accessories for those anglers not confident in their own knot tying ability.

Bream are quite happy to take a live yabby or peeled prawn bait. A running sinker is the best choice for rigging.

The advantage of using circle hooks is that you always get a corner jaw hook set without having to strike to set the hook. 46

FEBRUARY 2016

wide range of applications from casting from the shore to drift fishing over a deep reef. There are quite a number of versions available of the paternoster rig, but ultimately they all are fished in the same manner. Also known as the snapper rig, deep drop rig or double dropper rig, the paternoster rig can be tied with either one or two droppers. Due to its versatility, a paternoster rig is often fished with the angler keeping the line tight to feel for a bite. This is where this rig is best to have either one or two circle hooks tied onto the droppers to eliminate missing the bite. With all paternoster rigs, the sinker should be placed at the

paternoster rig. RUNNING SINKER Second to the paternoster rig, a running sinker accounts for a wide range of species, especially those shy to a hook. The running sinker rig allows the fish to take the presented bait without feeling any pressure from the rod or reels drag. It’s very simple to tie, the running sinker rig uses either an ezy rig sinker clip where the sinker attaches, or if river fishing, the leader runs directly through the sinker via a small hole. This rig is particularly favourable when fishing in fast current locations or in rivers and lakes. It is the rig of choice for many who fish in Western Port or Southern Port Phillip Bay. Tackle required Fluorocarbon 8-30lb or Nylon 4-80lb. Hooks that work well for this rig include

When targeting gummy sharks and snapper in Western Port, a running sinker with a circle hook works extremely well.

the Mustad Bloodworm #12-1/0 or the Mustad Octopus Circle 1/0-8/0. Target species Gummy shark, elephant fish, snapper, trout, carp, redfin, Murray cod and golden perch will all succumb to a good running sinker rig. Best baits and cut type Calamari strips, tuna strips, fish fillets, freshwater

Sitting back and watching a float until it dips under the water is a pleasing surprise for all. Float fishing elevates a bait above the weed, reef and bottom to avoid snags while drifting with the current. This particular rig is the perfect option when fishing for trout in lakes, garfish in the bay or when bait fishing

bream will require leader in the 8-12lb range, as will calamari. Hooks often used for float fishing are the Mustad Bait Holder #4-8, and Mustad 4540 1/2 #12 for garfish. Target species Trout, redfin, bream, luderick, garfish and calamari can all be fished for using float rigs, as they will feed

When targeting garfish, a float setup is the most productive rig to use.

There are many ways to rig live baits, especially for kingfish, but this has been found to be the most effective. yabbies, worms, maggots (gents) are baits that work best on running sinker rig. FLOAT Float fishing is a lot of fun, especially for children.

for calamari. Tackle required Light leader for river, lake and when targeting garfish. Ideally 4-8lb nylon will suffice. Luderick and

in quite shallow water above nasty structure. Best baits and cut type Worms, mudeye, maggots (gents), prawns, dough, pipi, silverfish and silver whiting

(for calamari) are great baits to have suspending under a float rig. LIVE BAITING Live baiting is an extremely effective fishing method for predatory species. In Victoria, live baiting is mostly used in the summer months when targeting kingfish and snapper. The live bait rig is very simple in design but very effective with emphasis put on the rigging of the live bait. The rig itself is a length of leader with a swivel at one end ties to the mainline and the hook at the other. This

version is ideal for when a bait is being ballooned out along the waters surface or should a downrigger be used to take the bait down to a required depth. Alternatively, a ball, pyramid or barrel sinker can be threaded onto the mainline to take the live bait down to the required depth while trolling. Keep in mind, when rigging live baits, it is best to bridle rig the bait through the nose to maximise life. Rigging through the back, can penetrate the lateral line or vital muscles having the

bait die quickly. Tackle required Fluorocarbon 20-30lb or Nylon 60-100lb, depending what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re targeting. Target species Kingfish and snapper are two species often fished for with live bait, as these species are aggressive, often taking large prey. Best baits Garfish, calamari, yellow tail scad, slimey mackerel, silver trevally, yellow eye mullet or salmon are regular snapper and kingfish baits.

When targeting snapper, gummy shark and mulloway, a snelled hook set aids in the hooking process.

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FEBRUARY 2016

Slow-pitch and micro-jigging NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Slow-pitch jigging and micro-jigging are among the fastest growing trends in offshore fishing around the country right now. But

spread through the rest of the fishing world, including to Australia. Anglers who’ve embraced the micro and slow-pitch jigging revolution have discovered that it is not only highly effective on an incredibly broad range of fish species, but also a lot less physically demanding

to vertical presentations that weigh less than about 100-120g. Some go right down to 10-15 g in weight or even less, although these very small jigs are obviously more useful in shallower water with minimal current. Slow-pitch jigs (also referred to as flat-fall jigs, butterfly

drops than the standard knife jigs. There is a great deal of overlap between these jig styles, and most micro-jigs are in fact slow-pitch jigs, although all slow-pitch jigs are not necessarily ‘micro’ models, if you get my drift! It’s possible to slow-pitch with jigs weighing as much as several hundred grams. Slow-pitch jigging is closely related to the sort of jigging some Aussie anglers have been doing with skirted octa-jigs like the Shimano Lucanus for nearly a decade now, but it takes the whole slow jigging concept several

Jo Starling with a cracking Moses perch taken on a micro-jig.

Mulloway are a prime target for micro and slow-pitch jigs. what are they? When most anglers think of offshore jigging with metal lures, their imagination immediately conjures up images of massive knife jigs weighing as much as half a kilo, heavy tackle and an exhausting, intensive style of angling requiring a bewildering combination of high speed reel cranking and violent rod movements. Two or three drops with that style of gear and most of us are ready for a break! Throw in a hook-up or two on a big yellowtail kingfish, samson fish, amberjack, cobia or trevally and you’re looking at a form of angling best suited to the young and fit! But the great news is that this isn’t the only way to jig. In recent years, microjigging and slow-pitch jigging have emerged as real growth areas in offshore lure fishing. Both forms developed in Japan and have slowly

than high-speed ‘mechanical jigging’ with hefty knife jigs. Micro-jigs are basically any metal lures suited

jigs and so on) cover a wider range of weights, but are designed to be worked with much slower, gentler lifts and

Pearl perch are a regular target for micro and slow-pitch jigs.

A huge variety of reef fish will respond to these jigs. 48

FEBRUARY 2016

Both spin and overhead tackle can be used, but braided line is practically essential. steps further. Slow-pitch and micro-jigging also catches a wider range of species than any other vertical presentation style. So, while you’ll still hook kingfish, samson, amberjack, cobia, trevally, mackerel, tuna and the like on slow-pitch and micro-jigs, you’ll also catch a lot more snapper, morwong, mulloway, teraglin, emperor, other reef fish, flathead and the like. You can even micro-jig in freshwater for trout, bass, yellowbelly and redfin! Tackle for these slowerpaced jigging styles will obviously vary depending on the environment, depth and target species, but it’s generally much lighter than ‘mechanical jigging’ equipment, with an emphasis

on longer rods in the 2-2.5m range with relatively soft tips. Tip action is an integral factor in imparting motion to slow jigs. Both spin and overhead reels can be used, but the keenest slow jiggers prefer compact overheads, as these seem to give better line control. Line is almost always quality PE-style braid rated in the 10-30lb (5-15 kg) range, with a reasonably long (2-10m) fluorocarbon leader of a similar strength tied to the end. Trying to describe in words the rod and reel action best used when micro and slow-pitch jigging is extremely tricky, but if you jump on-line and Google these topics, plenty of video clips will come up. Don’t stress that most are narrated in Japanese! Just turn the sound down and watch. You will quickly start to glean some of the secrets of these deadly jigging styles, and find out what the best tackle is to use. You’ll also discover that there is no absolutely ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do it, and that each angler has his or her own personalized style of working these lures. The take home message from this is that you can experiment, add your own tweaks and still catch plenty of fish. Along the way, you’ll also have lots of fun!

These jigs are typically fitted with one or more assist-style single hooks.

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Australian Bass Tournaments

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2016 abt calendar

COSTA BREAM SERIES

Australia’s number one boater/non-boater bream series will have eight qualifying rounds throughout the year to lead up to the biggest bream event on the calendar – the BREAM Grand Final on St Georges Basin in early December. Don’t miss your chance to go to battle with Australia’s biggest bream names or begin your tournament career in Australia’s ultimate recruitment tournament bream series, the ABT BREAM Series.

DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

20-21 Feb

VIC

Mallacoota

BREAM Qualifier #1

24-25 Feb

VIC

Gippsland Lakes

BREAM Qualifier #2

9-10 Apr

Mandurah

BREAM Qualifier #3

25-26 Apr

TAS

St Helens

BREAM Qualifier #4

30 Apr - 1 May

TAS

Derwent River

BREAM Qualifier #5

BREAM Qualifiers • Boater $250 • Non Boater $125

11-12 Jun

NSW

Forster

BREAM Qualifier #6

20-21 Aug

NSW

Clarence River

BREAM Qualifier #7

24-25 Aug

QLD

Gold Coast

BREAM Qualifier #8

2-4 Dec

NSW

St Georges Basin

BREAM Grand Final

BASSCAT AUSTRALIA BASS PRO SERIES

BassCat Australia takes the reins of the 2016 BASS Pro Series, with Australia’s longest running bass tournament circuit delivering anglers new challenges for the year in the form of shared weight and river rounds in 2016.

DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

5-6 Mar

NSW

Glenbawn

BASS Pro Qualifier #1

8-9 Mar

NSW

St Clair

BASS Pro Qualifier #2

9-10 Apr

NSW

Richmond River

BASS Pro Qualifier #3

16-17 July

QLD

Boondooma

BASS Pro Qualifier #4

10-11 Sep

QLD

BP or Borumba

BASS Pro Grand Final

BassCat BASS Pro Qualifiers • Boater $300 • Non Boater $100 Guaranteed Entry • Boater $250 • Non Boater $100

BLUEFIN BOATS/EPROPULSION BASS ELECTRIC SERIES DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

SESSION TIMES

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

13 Mar

NSW

Clarrie Hall Dam

17 Apr

QLD

Isis Balancing Storage

7-8 May

NSW

Toonumbar Dam

BASS Electric #3

BASS Electric #1

7am-1pm

Joseph Urquart

0439 764 369

BASS Electric #2

7am-1pm

Les Barber

0428 726 857

1pm-6pm, 6am-11am

Adrian Melchior

0415 587 900

10 July

QLD

Hinze Dam

BASS Electric #4

7am-1pm

Justin Thompson

0421 476 392

27-28 Aug

QLD

Borumba Dam

BASS Electric #5

12pm-5pm, 7am-1pm

Steve Noble

0409 239 065

25 Sep

NSW

Lake St Clair

BASS Electric #6

7am-1pm

Daniel Clancy

0419 690 418

22-23 Oct

QLD

Maroon Dam

BASS Electric Convention

7am-1pm

ABT

(07) 3387 0888

Bluefin Boats and ePropulsion power into another bass season. Featuring six qualifying rounds and a convention, anglers in 2016 will fish for cash and prizes in Australia’s only bass electric series. The series will hit QLD and NSW’s best bass lakes with a combination of single and two-day events, all of which lead to the Bluefin Boats/ePropulsion BASS Electric Convention at Maroon Dam in October. Check out the calendar to find out where and when you can get your Bluefin Boats/ePropulsion BASS Electric fix. BASS Electric Entries: $50 (single day events), $100 (two-day events)

HOBIE KAYAK BREAM SERIES PRESENTED BY DAIWA

CONTACT

DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

6-7 Feb

VIC

Bemm River

27-28 Feb

Blackwood River

5-6 Mar

VIC

Mallacoota

20 Mar

NSW

South Sydney

22-23 Apr

TAS

Scamander River

27-28 Apr

TAS

Swan River

15 May

NSW

St Georges Basin

5 Jun

QLD

Gold Coast

26 Jun

NSW

Port Macquarie

2-3 July

Mandurah

R10

23-24 July

NSW

Lake Macquarie

R11

27-28 Aug

NSW

Wallis Lake

R12

10-11 Sep

VIC

Nelson

R13

8-9 Oct

QLD

Bribie Island

R14

28-30 Oct

QLD

Queensland

Australian Championship

TAG 2016 abt

BARRA TOUR DATE

STATE

LOCATION

EVENT

8 Nov 9 Nov 11-12 Nov 14-15 Nov

QLD QLD QLD QLD

Kinchant Dam Teemburra Dam Peter Faust Peter Faust

BARRA Tour Round #1 BARRA Tour Round #2 BARRA Tour Round #3 BARRA Tour Round #4

The BARRA Tour returns after a record-breaking year in 2015, expanding to four events across the three northern impoundments of Kinchant, Teemburra and the barra mecca that is Peter Faust. Planned in consultation with the anglers, the 2016 tour is slated to be the best ever, starting in the build-up to the full moon and culminating with the epic all-night event on the day of the full moon at Peter Faust. If you want to brush shoulders with some of Australia’s best BARRA tournament anglers and learn the tricks of the trade, plan the time off for a week of the best barra fishing Australia has to offer. The Hobie Kayak BREAM Series, presented by Daiwa, hits the water nation-wide to offer anglers the ultimate kayak bream fix. Featuring events in WA, SA, VIC, NSW and QLD, anglers are spoilt for choice in 2016 with 14 rounds in the series. All events lead to the biggest event of the year, the Australia Championship. The Big Show will see anglers fish from identical factory-supplied Hobie kayaks in a bid to be crowned Grand Final champion for 2015. One Day Events - $80 for an on-time entry ($20 discount available for anglers fishing out of a Hobie kayak during the competion.) Two Day Events - $120 for an on-time entry ($20 discount available for anglers fishing out of a Hobie kayak during the competion.) The entry form and payment will be completed by the close of business on the Friday the week before the event (seven days). Entries received after this time will incur a late payment fee of $40, which competitors are required to pay to enter the tournament. First time entrants on a Hobie Kayak are eligible for a one-off free entry but are not eligible for prizes and their scores will not be recorded.

For stockist information tel. 02 9780 8200 www.rapala.com.au

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Breaming in a Box Kris Hickson

Having such a broad range of events in 2015 required a heck of a lot of tackle at each event. I like to be super prepared, with everything I could possibly need at my disposal. But as usual, like many other anglers, I tend to stick to lures and techniques that I am comfortable with and have worked before, with just a few tweaks here and there to adapt to each tournament situation. In the end, it was pretty easy to go through and come up with one box that would suffice for the whole year (well, a pretty big box). THE YEAR OF THE CRAB Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way – the all popular Cranka Crab. This

lure has taken the bream scene by storm. Although it doesn’t particularly suit my faster style of fishing, these lures catch fish – big fish. I have learned to use it where necessary to great success. Anyone who doesn’t have a good handful of crabs in their kit these days is definitely doing himself or herself an injustice.  I had a Cranka Crab tied on in every comp in both heavy and light, just waiting for the correct conditions to throw one. There are two main situations where I pick up the Crab. Firstly, when the fish are eating crabs! Secondly, I tend to use the Crab when I find a bit of a short bite on soft plastics. The trebles in the claws seem to get the hook-up when the fish are only picking at the tail of the plastic. I’ll fish these baits around pretty much any structure, shallow

and deep. Colours depend on personal preference but olive, brown and cockle would be my top picks.  Cranka Crabs are far from the be-all and end-all though. When it comes to bream lures there are plenty of situations where a more traditional approach is necessary. THE ROLL CALL Daiwa Spike I use this suspending crankbait any time I want to cast a long way, to cover rocky or muddy ground, and parallel. The Daiwa Spike is great for walking over shallow structure and off deeper edges or in cracks.  With some sticky weight added, the Spike gets down deeper, quicker and stays there for longer. It was my standout lure at Mallacoota this year and got a run at every other event this

A ZMan GrubZ was one of Kris’ go-to plastics in 2015. 4

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A season in a box. Hickson’s selection of hardbaits for the tour. year. Colours vary, but all are successful. They include, brown suji shrimp, midnight trout, bleeding tiger prawn, sushi prawn, and matt shad.

Daiwa Presso Rolling Crank DR I use this in similar areas to the Spike, but more so in the nastier country and in snags. It dives a little deeper and has a squarer bib for walking over structure without hanging up quite as much. Being a slightly smaller, fat bodied lure, it’s a more traditional bream crankbait. The DR got a run in the dirty water at the Tweed this year, banging into the rocks and timber to get the attention of the fish. The DR runs the same colours as the Spike.   Daiwa Presso Rolling Crank MR The Daiwa Presso Rolling Crank MR is my go-to mid-diving crankbait. This lure will normally get a run over the shallower ground, over flats and for running high around structure like bridges

and pontoons. Although it’s a mid-diver it’s quite versatile, and can run from just under the surface to around 4ft. This year I used it in both Clarence tournaments, as well as the Tweed, mainly around the bridges and pontoons. The MR runs the same colours as the Spike and Rolling Crank DR. OSP Dunk Quite similar to the Daiwa Spike, but diving 1-2ft deeper, I use this crash diving crank in the deepest of crankbait areas. The OSP Dunk is perfect for getting right down along rock walls, steep banks and deep reef. When you dig it into the bottom, it makes a heap of racket and gets plenty of attention. It floats really slowly, and the front hooks are far enough away from the bib that it can be slowly walked over the nasty stuff. I tied it on at most comps,

but used it predominately at the Clarence and Hawkesbury on the deeper, steeper banks. The best colours include olive shrimp, and clear shrimp. THE MARK OF Z ZMan 2.5” GrubZ Generally the first plastic I grab out of the box these days is the bloodworm GrubZ, which works absolutely everywhere. I fish it on a multitude of head weights and hook styles to suit the situation. I fished it

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abt.org.au on a #1/0 TT HeadlockZ HD 1/20-1/12oz rigged weedless to get it right into the structure at Mallacoota, Gippsland and the Hawkesbury. I fished it on 1/20oz #1/0 hidden weights around the more shallow structure and areas the fish were high in the water column, and on 1/16oz #1 HeadlockZ wide of the banks and where I needed it to get a bit deeper on the Clarence. Bloodworm is my go-to colour, but

TT’s jigheads are Hickson’s choice when fishing jighead-rigged plastics.

watermelon and gudgeon are also great colours to start with. 2” ZMan GrubZ The little 2” ZMan GrubZ are spot on for when the fish are a bit picky, or feeding on smaller bait. I almost always use them on a 1/16oz #2 HeadlockZ head fished on 3lb and just drifted down and along drop-offs into anything up to 25ft of water. It takes some patience, but when it’s clear and slow they work really well. I gave these lures a good run upriver at the Clarence this year. Colours that do the damage include motor oil and bloodworm. 2.5” ZMan Slim SwimZ The Slim SwimZ look like nothing special, but this little baitfish imitation is one of the best little paddle tails I have used. This lure is a great alternative in profile and action when the GrubZ aren’t doing the job. I find they work best fished around structure like oyster racks, pontoons and wharves – areas where you tend to see more baitfish. They work great on a variety of weights, but tend to swim best on a standard head rather than a hidden weight. The bloodworm Slim SwimZ accounted for a few fish in the racks at the Hawkesbury this year. ZMan CrusteaZ Far from my favourite bait, I pulled the CrusteaZ out at

the Tweed this year to fish weedless as a crab imitation tight in the mangroves. Although I don’t use them a lot, they really do catch fish if you get them in the zone. Bloodworm and pumpkinseed on a 1/20oz #1 HeadlockZ is spot on for fishing them like this. EcogearAqua 50mm Bream Prawn These smelly little globs are typically what I throw in places where I know people feed the fish. Success varies day to day with this bait, so it’s a bit of trial and error to establish if the fish are in the mood to eat them. If they are, then hold on, if not I tend to find it will be the same everywhere that day. The tavern at the Clarence, and the trawlers and tavern at the Tweed were the two places I fished these with success this year. Colours come in white and grey. GETTING DEEP Tiemco Sinking Stick Minnow Another staple lure in the box, The Tiemco Sinking Stick Minnow works well when the fishing is tough. I tied them on 2-3lb to target deepschooled fish in the rivers at the Metung round. It’s small and subtle, with a natural look when it sinks that black bream absolutely adore. The only legal fish I caught at that round was on a shrimp patterned

No bream kit is complete without pink grubs and EcogearAquas. Stick Minnow, however I did catch quite a few undersize on it as well. They also get a run over weed flats, against boat hulls and to mudding fish at Mallacoota when it’s clear. The Sinking Stick Minnow comes in shrimp and ayu. Ecogear VX35 Blade I pretty much only throw two colours of the Ecogear

VX35 Blade, the #439 and #445 brown and black. I used these on schooled fish at Metung and managed a few small fish, but I had greater success at Mallacoota over the deeper flats and wide of the points. During pre-fish the performance of the blade led me to believe that I would use To page 6

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them all comp until I stumbled on the spike pattern and caught quite a few good fish early in the first session. These blades just work, and it’s always worth keeping a few in the box, no matter where in the country you are. Tiemco Tiny Cicada If there is an event in

summer, some tiny black cicadas have to be in the box. There were a few times in the Grand Final when they came in handy, thrown under the trees when the sun came out and the cicadas were chirping. Ecogear Grass Minnow M 2.5” Okiami (pink grub) Fished on a worm hook, the Ecogear Grass Minnow

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is my go-to search bait if there are prawns about. They are perfect to see what is around on a pre-fish, and just as good at catching them come comp day. These little prawn imitations excel when dropped back under the surface if the fish aren’t keen on eating right off the top.

The fruits of Kris’ red-hot year. Procure Scent The three main attractants I have on the deck include crab, shrimp and mullet. For reasons that are selfexplanatory, use crab on the crab patterns, shrimp on the shrimp patterns and mullet on everything else. Make sure

The Daiwa Presso rolling crank got plenty of work in 2015. HICKSON’S STANDOUT LURES OF THE TOUR Place Primary Tweed: Cranka Crab Heavy – spotted Gippsland Lakes: Everything in the box! Mallacoota: Daiwa Tournament Spike brown suji shrimp Hawkesbury River: ZMan 2.5” GrubZ bloodworm 1/16oz #1/0H HeadlockZ Clarence River: Cranka Crab Heavy – cockle Grand Final: Cranka Crab Heavy – olive

your one all-encompassing box is deep enough to fit them in. Last of all, a bit of sticky weight allows you to change the buoyancy of a lure that can make all the difference, as I found out at Mallacoota this year. Sticky weight is

perfect if you need to get a lure deeper, make it suspend or cast that little bit further. There were a whole lot of other lures that caught fish this year, however, those mentioned are the standouts and what yielded the most success.

Secondary ZMan 2” CrusteaZ bloodworm/ 1/20oz #1 Light Wire HeadlockZ Everything left in the box. Ecogear VX35 #445 Cranka Crab Light – brown Daiwa Tournament Spike – brown suji shrimp Daiwa Tournament Spike Sushi Prawn and ZMan 2.5” GrubZ bloodworm 1/16oz #1 HeadlockZ Light

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The winds of change ABT

This year marks the first dramatic change to how the BASS Pro Series has been run since its inception in the year 1999. A new title sponsor, a new format and new venues will broaden the horizons of Australian bassers as ABT moves into the next phase of tournament angling in Australia.

BassCat sits atop the banner in 2016 as the new title sponsor and brings with it a wealth of opportunity for anglers that succeed throughout the year. Australian Bassmaster Elite Series pro Carl Jocumsen will be running a BassCat during the 2016 Elites season and ABT again is offering the greatest USA fishing experience as the Grand Final prize. Peter Phelps, who won the Grand Final in 2015, will be flying to the New York

and Vermont border and the picturesque Lake Champlain for the B.A.S.S. Northern Open in September. BassCat produce some of the finest fibreglass bass boats in the world, and you’ll be able to see a number of boats up close and personal on the tournament trail in 2016. A drastically new look format will challenge anglers’ strategy as well as their practical skills. The two-fish limit imposed by Australian Fisheries has always been a Anthony Thorpe getting set for the start.

Warren Carter punches out a cast on the BASS Pro Tour.

challenge for the tournament bass organizations, and a move to the shared weight format will see the bag limit per session double to four per boat, allowing eventual winners to weigh a 12/12 tournament limit for the first time in Australia. Previously, ABT segmented the BASS Pro events into multiple sessions. “In the early days we ran with five sessions over two days, then changed to three sessions in around 2001,” explained ABT’s Simon Goldsmith. “The move to shared weight will reward anglers who find consistency

on the water.” 2015 Grand Final champion Peter Phelps favours the move to reward consistent fishing in 2016, and admits had the format changed in the previous year, he might have approached the Glenbawn Grand Final a little differently. “I definitely would have adjusted my game plan,” he said. “I was confident of catching good size fish each session on jigs, but I wasn’t getting many. Had it been shared weight I would have definitely worked as a team with my non-boater and had him fish a reaction bait up

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ahead of the boat.” Phelps only landed his second keeper of the final session in the last five minutes – had it been shared weight and he was able to deliver a one-two punch all morning, he mightn’t have needed to scramble in the dying moments. The change to shared weight is definitely going to challenge anglers’ game plans as they walk the line of when to visit the weigh master in 2016. The weigh-in process changes to accommodate with an open ‘slot style’ weigh-in commencing on Saturday around 9:30am

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abt.org.au and running for 90 minutes. Anglers have the choice as to when they return to weigh in their morning catch. Weigh in early and maximise the afternoon period, or fish until the last minute hoping to upgrade and build a buffer going into the afternoon. As soon as the morning’s catch has been weighed and released, anglers are then permitted to return to the arena immediately to

continue fishing for their afternoon limit. This change allows for the familiar two sessions without the need to stop and start in the middle of the day. This allows anglers to finish before dark and have time to recuperate for Sunday’s morning session. Jocumsen credits the shared weight format for his transition into the Bassmaster Elites following his success in the

Catching bass like these two could see you heading to the US to fish with Carl Jocumsen.

US Open in 2009. “Shared weight is the way of the future for people wanting to succeed in tournament fishing,” he said. “My experience at the US Open would have been markedly different had I been competing with my boater for the fish rather than working together to put together our heaviest stringer.” Had Jocumsen not experienced the success of his runner-up finish in his first US event, he might not have gathered the confidence to chase his dream over the last five years. The addition of a river round has been a talking point among anglers and sponsors for some time. Late in 2015, ABT ran a trial bass event on the picturesque Richmond River on the far northern NSW coast. “Our trial event was a fantastic success,” explained ABT’s Simon Goldsmith. “The venue is the perfect location for our first foray into rivers for the BassCat BASS Pro series in 2016. Running a river event obviously has its ups and downs, but we feel it’s the right time to step out of what we’ve been doing over the last decade and propel tournament bass fishing to new heights.” Craig Simmons, BassCat

Shared weight events will bring a team focus to bass comps in 2016. Australia’s managing director and avid tournament fisherman, is thrilled at the changes slated for 2016, believing it’s the right way forward to produce growth in what is a more crowded tournament scene than ever before. The year culminates with the Grand Final returning to Queensland and slated for either Lake Bjelke-Petersen or Borumba Dam, depending on water levels and quality. ABT hasn’t run a major event on Borumba since the MegaBucks of 2007, with Bjelke-Petersen featuring on the schedule in 2015 where Grant Clements notched his first pro level victory. “Both Bjelke-Petersen

and Borumba have fished exceptionally well over 2015, so we are excited to bring the Grand Final back to one of these fantastic QLD impoundments,” Goldsmith declared. “Water level and quality will be the factors that determine exactly where anglers will vie for the title of Grand Final champion, and anglers can expect an announcement well in time to give them opportunity to prepare for the event.” The BASS Pro series has been the cornerstone of ABT’s events over the past 15 years. We have looked into the future with determination to grow the sport of tournament fishing and accelerate the learning curve for young

or fresh anglers entering into competitive fishing. There’s no doubt these changes will make for some exciting finishes to the four qualifying rounds throughout the year. New formats, new sponsors and new venues are the headline of what is sure to be an exciting challenge for anglers as they look to succeed at the top level.

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Hobie Kayak BREAM Series presented by Daiwa Bob Finlay

Hobie Cat Australasia teamed up with ABT in 2009 for the inaugural Hobie Kayak BREAM Series, with the first kayak fishing event held on the Parramatta River, at Bayview Park Concord in Sydney. It was the first in a series of four tournaments that culminated in the Australian Championship, which took place at Forster in New South Wales. Since those fledgling days, Hobie Fishing has maintained its commitment to the sport and the marine industry, and the massive growth in kayak fishing in Australia is reflected in the interest and participation numbers in the Hobie Fishing tournaments. Hobie Fishing allows owners of any brand of sit-on kayak to participate in their tournaments, but supplies all anglers with brand new Hobie factory supplied Hobie MirageDrive kayaks for those who qualify for the annual Australian Championship. This unique format allows anglers from each state to compete and creates a level playing field, providing a 10

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true test of fishing skills. Hobie has shown it is dedicated to the development of kayak fishing tournaments in Australia and their commitment to presenting professionally run events at the highest standard has taken the competitive kayak fishing scene in this country to the highest standard in

the world. Tournaments are now held throughout Australia with the Hobie Fishing Series becoming the only truly national kayak fishing series and the premier kayak series in the country. The hugely successful 2015 season attracted both male and female entries with up to 70-80 competitors in a

number of tournaments in the 14 round season. NEW DIVISIONS INTRODUCED IN 2016 To create even more interest and excitement in the 2016 Hobie Fishing Series presented by Daiwa, in tandem with the usual open division, Hobie Fishing has introduced new divisions

Top: Scott Baker from Mornington Victoria, was the 2011 Hobie Fishing World Champion. Here he sight casts at fish feeding on rocky edges in Lake Macquarie, NSW on Day Two of the 2015 Hobie Kayak Bream Australian Championship. Above: Glenn Allen from Killarney Vale in NSW works the racks in the Forster round of the Hobie Kayak Fishing Series. Allen finished in second place in the tournament and won a place on the Australian team to compete in the 2015 Hobie Fishing World Championships in China.

in all tournaments for the coming season. FIRST TIMER ENTRY Another exciting innovation by Hobie Fishing in 2016 is the ‘First Timer Entry.’ This has been established to encourage new anglers to enter the tournament scene. An angler who enters a Hobie Fishing Series tournament for the first time has the option to have the requirement of being an ABT member waived and they will not be required to pay an entry fee. ‘First Timers’ will be able to experience and learn the tournament process – including briefings, key tags, weigh-in bags and bump tubs, weighing in of fish on stage, fish care and releasing of fish. Most importantly they will experience how enjoyable and friendly Hobie Fishing Series tournaments are and observe successful anglers being rewarded for doing what they love to do while sharing their passion with like-minded people. This is an excellent opportunity for those considering entering a Hobie Fishing kayak tournament to taste, to learn and to enjoy all that the Hobie Fishing tournament lifestyle has to offer.

For further information on the new divisions and first time entries go to www. hobiefishing.com.au. THE 2016 CALENDAR Summer/Autumn The 2016 series will hit some new and exciting waterways, and revisit some old favourites. The season will feature a return to one-day and two-day events as well as the awesome World Championship qualifying rounds from which six anglers will earn themselves a place on the team to represent Australia at the Hobie Fishing World Championship of kayak fishing. After last season’s amazing participation numbers, an absolutely huge turnout of excited anglers is once again expected to hit the monster black bream with a bang! The legendary Bemm River will host the season opener on 6-7 February. Bemm has gained an international fishing reputation after the third Hobie Fishing World Championship was contested there in 2013. To continue Bemm’s association with the Hobie Fishing World Championship, the season’s first tournament will also be the first qualifying round for the 2016

World Championship which will be held at a yet to be disclosed location. Western Australia - the booming state of Hobie Fishing tournament anglers in Oz - gets the next bite of the bream, on Blackwood River which sits at the head of a staggering 41 tributaries on the continent’s west coast. The Australian Championship was held at Mandurah just outside of Perth at the close of the 2014 series, and the numbers registering for Hobie Fishing tournaments in WA since then

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2016 NEW HOBIE FISHING SERIES (PRESENTED BY DAIWA) TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS Division Age limits (determined as at 31 December 2016) Youth 16-21 (must be 16 years on the day of the tournament and under 21 years on 31 December 2016) Womens 16+ (must be 16 years on the day of tournament) Masters 60-64 Grand Masters 65+ have swelled dramatically. This year participation is expected to reach a whole new level of interest from the Sandgropers. You deserve this one WA - you’ve hooked another big one! Blackwood River will be the second World Championship qualifying round for 2016.

incredible event, it’s the fourth in the series of World Championship qualifying rounds – again, yes you read it right! Tassie has a World Qualifier event, the first time one has been held off

The Hobie Fishing big bream battle then heads to Victoria’s East Gippsland region for ‘Mallacoota Madness in March’, where anglers will battle it out on one of Victoria’s finest bream fisheries on 5-6 March. Every angler who has fished Mallacoota loves the

2013 Australian Champion Darryl Head from Basin View in NSW launches into a drop-off, from one of the brand new, fully kitted out factory supplied Hobie Pro Angler 14 kayaks. These were supplied to all anglers that competed in the 2015 Hobie Kayak Bream Australian Championships on Lake Macquarie.

As the sun rises over East Gippsland in Victoria, a section of the huge field of 86 kayak anglers head off from the Bemm River starting line in the first tournament of the 2015 Hobie Kayak Fishing Series.

challenge it offers, and being the third in the series of five World Qualifiers, this round could have massive rewards. Sydney fires up on 20 March, with the first ‘one day wonder’ event of the year, the opening tournament in a massive season of kayak fishing for NSW. In late April the Hobie

Fishing road show then heads across the Tasman, for the first time since 2013, for a sensational bream busting week. Anglers will smash into the waters around Scamander on the north east coast of Tassie for a Friday and Saturday tournament. Yes, you read it right! To make this an even more

the mainland. But wait, there’s more. Four days later, the Hobie Fishing tournament train rolls further south, 90km down the Van Diemen’s Land coast to Swan River for a second two-day tournament on the ‘Apple Isle.’ Now, for those inexperienced To page 12

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kayak tournament anglers this may not seem much, but for the rest of you, hold onto to your tackle boxes and get this – the tournament is held on a Wednesday and Thursday. Whoa! A midweek tournament and two events

BREAM

in just one week in Tassie – unbelievable but true! Two weeks later, Hobie Fishing is back on the mainland on the NSW South

5 HUGE ROUNDS AND A GRAND FINAL

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‘The Basin’ is working, this could be a seriously good competition for a novice tournament angler to see what Hobie kayak tournaments are all about. Winter/spring June sees the seasons change and the tournaments

Geoff Alford from Fyshwick in the ACT found himself a small cove and slow rolled a crankbait over the mud flats on the north end of Lake Macquarie during the 2015 Hobie Bream Australian Championship.

Australia’s Premier Bream Tournament Teams Series 2016 Round dates Feb 14 - Hawkesbury River NSW March 20 - St Georges Basin NSW

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April 17 - Sydney Harbour NSW May 22 - Forster NSW June 26 - Lake Macquarie NSW

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head up north with the first ‘Winter Warmer’ heating up in the Gold Coast canals on 5 June. The event will be Queenslanders’ first

first Hobie Fishing World Championship back in 2011. Mandurah will see the tournament schedule head back for a second visit to Western Australia with anglers competing over the weekend of 2-3 July. Lines will tighten on Lake Macquarie in NSW just a few weeks later on 23-24 July. Anglers will be happy to travel to the picturesque Wallis Lake just south of Forster for the only August tournament, run on 27-28 August. The washboards, racks and flats of the lake always excite bream anglers, but chasing some sweet prize money always adds a little more excitement to a day on the water. Hang in there! It’s the final World Qualifying Round and your last chance to get a hook in to represent your country. The last round of the season is way down south on the Victoria and South Australia border, at Nelson in early September. This is the last chance for anglers to crank a qualifying spot in the

Dan Brady from Croydon in Victoria pulls a keeper on board his Hobie Pro Angler at the mouth of the Bemm River in round one of the 2015 Hobie Kayak Bream Series. Coast with Round 7 kicking off on the doorstep of Hobie Fishing in Australia, St Georges Basin. ‘The Basin’ is within easy reach of Canberra, Wollongong and Sydney and this waterway can really turn it on, so if conditions are right and

hometown event for the year, and the first of two ‘one day-ers’ for the month. The second one-day event on 26 June will be the first visit in a couple of seasons to magnificent Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast, the scene of the very

Australian Championship, which will be held thousands of kilometres further north on the pristine waters of Queensland’s Bribie Island, in October. That’s right, the Australian Championship is heading to Queensland.

ream.c

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Madeline Hill from The Ponds in NSW is one of a growing number of female anglers competing in the Hobie Kayak Bream Series presented by Daiwa. 12

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The natural progression Brad Roberts

No one would argue that rising through the non-boater ranks is one of the best ways to start and also fast track a fishing career. The amount of knowledge you are constantly surrounded by in this situation is immense and uplifting. However, after you’ve fished as a non-boater numerous times, and on many different tournament arenas, you will find yourself having your own ideas of where and how to attack the waterway come tournament day – ideas which tend to be more in line with your strengths as an angler. Once you reach this point, it may be time for you to take your tournament fishing to the next level. After three inspiring seasons fishing in the non-boater side of the draw, I made the step up, recently completing my first season fishing with the boating pros. If you’re thinking of making the switch, here are some tips on making a smooth and positive transition. HOW DO I KNOW I’M READY? So you’ve been fishing 14

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as a non-boater for a few years now and you’re wondering whether you should make the switch up to the main game – fishing against the best of the best in Australia. But when is the right time to cross over? Each individual is different, but the more you think about making the move, the more ready you are! You just might not realise it yet. Once you reach the crossroads, you can choose to just continue doing what you’ve always done – or you can turn the corner, and take your fishing career to the next level! That bend in the road will present you with the kind of steep learning curve you’ll remember from your first couple of tournaments as a non-boater. Like I mentioned earlier, every angler is different and has their own set of goals when it comes to what they want to achieve from tournament fishing. However, if your goals include improving your skills and becoming the best you can be, you’ll want to join the boater division. It will make you a better angler. After lengthy conversations with friends

in the tournament circle, both boaters and non-boaters (also the non-boaters I’ve had on board with me during tournaments over the past 12 months) I’ve noticed a few common themes. Most relate to confidence. There are many competitors who own a tournament-style boat but choose to fish in the non-boater category, and I suspect that quite a few of these guys (though certainly not all) lack the self-belief required to progress. I was undecided for a while myself, but I’ve since discovered there’s no feeling in the world like the take-off on the first morning of competition, knowing that you’re in charge of your own destiny! I completely understand that some people are happy to stick with the non-boater category; everyone has different goals and aspirations. However, if you want to be the best angler you can be, you have to take calculated risks and throw yourself in the deep end once in a while! GOAL SETTING As with any facet of life, setting yourself goals is the key to success. I like to set myself one large goal plus some smaller goals to use

Top: Brad Roberts flicks a plastic under a jetty searching for those elusive bream. Above: Tristan Taylor and Dave McKenzie, have won multiple back-to-back QLD Bream Open titles through hard work and many years of experience as tournament boaters.

as stepping stones to keep me on track. As an example, a large goal for the season might be AOY honours or grand final qualification. A smaller medium-term goal (typically one per event) might be to finish in the top 10 or to catch five legals each day of a tournament. Then there are my shortterm goals. These differ as the seasons change, but usually revolve strongly around the upcoming comps I have planned. For instance, if I know I have a comp coming up on a place like Sydney Harbour in summer, I’ll go out of my way to spend a day or two on the water practicing my casting around structure. The reason is because I know from past events that most fish are caught this way, and that I’ll have to be able to pull fish out of places that many other anglers can’t if I want to finish well up on the leader board. Other short-term goals can include breaking down new bodies of water, practice for comps and learning new techniques to make you more versatile as an angler. THE MENTAL SIDE The mental side of fishing, and tournament fishing in particular, has received a lot of attention in

recent times, and rightly so. There aren’t many sports out there with as many variables as tournament fishing, and that’s what keeps bringing us back! There is no hiding the fact that your first few tournaments as a boater are when you’ll be at your most vulnerable, but with some methodical preparation you can make the transition a lot smoother. Being able to block out nerves is no easy task. However, the ability to do so and control emotion will allow you to fish in the moment and make more calculated decisions while under the time pressure of a tournament situation. You’ll achieve this calm mindset by putting in the time on the water, and there is no substitute. Another thing that can keep you feeling upbeat is to taking the positives out of small wins throughout the day, be it during practice or on comp day. Focussing on small things and taking note of patterns can help with this. Preparation and planning have been a huge part of my first year fishing as a boater. Google Maps and Navionics charts have become even better friends of mine while practicing for tournaments, particularly

those tournaments held on unfamiliar waterways. I thoroughly enjoy the planning phase for each event, and I spend as much time as I can to familiarise myself with waterways before the tournament comes around. This reduces my stress levels during the pre-fish, and ultimately during the tournament. On local lakes and those that I can practice on before the pre-fish ban starts, I aim to break the water down into sections and concentrate on one section per day. If I

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neglect to do this, I find myself spending too much time driving and not enough time fishing. Breaking the water down helps me to fish more thoroughly and efficiently. KEYS TO SUCCESS The best competitors are those who are the most consistent, and in my opinion the biggest key to consistency is adaptability. Tournament fishing forces us to fish in all conditions, and on many different and often unfamiliar waterways. For this reason, it’s those

anglers who can predict what the fish will do in different situations (whether it be seasonal change or weather conditions) and adapt to this who nearly always come out on top. In saying this, the ability to think outside the square regularly produces the goods for some competitors. These guys have the nerve and patience to stick it out knowing they’re employing a method that’s completely left of field, yet potentially deadly on its day. Being able to address

A gorgeous sunrise greets anglers at the start of a tournament.

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your own weaknesses and ‘self coach’ is a great habit to get into as you progress. There’s usually nobody else to do it for you, so the more you can address your angling shortcomings, the better you will become. These obstacles don’t have to be anything difficult either; sometimes the things we think are smaller and less significant can be the ones that come back to haunt us the most. It could be something as simple as being able to control an electric motor properly in rough water. This can open up so many more options in these conditions, and save you from moving to less productive areas to escape wind. Being able to hone skills to suit particular waterways or events is an extension of this. It’s often hard enough to get the time off work and other commitments to get to competitions, let alone justify the time it would take to practice on interstate tournament venues. However, those anglers with a bit of creativity and patience will work their way around this. This is where using tools such as past event reports and Google Earth is invaluable. You can look for areas of similar structure on To page 16

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Tournament Angler Guide

From page 15

both your local waterway and the tournament venue, and target those areas in preparation for the upcoming tournament. It all helps to build confidence and reduce downtime while competing in events where time isn’t on your side. EXPERT OPINIONS I took the time to speak with fellow competitors Ross Cannizzaro, Kris Hickson, Ben Shuey and Zac O’Sullivan to run through

their ideas on the best way to make a smooth transition from non-boater to boater, and also how they go about preparing for each of their tournaments. The one theme which featured strongly with each individual was preparation. They all said how important it is to sit down before each event and research the venue, past event results (whether it be their own or from event reports) and seasonal patterns. Boat preparation

was also a factor. Continuing on from this is the way in which they all view pre practice for a particular event. They all agreed that for local events, they will try to fish the arena before the pre-fish ban kicks in, however for non-local and interstate events these guys turn their efforts in preparation more toward web-based avenues such as Google Earth and past tournament reports, combining these with their

One of the ultimate goals of tournament angling is to take out a BREAM Grand Final. Liam Carruthers achieved the title of BREAM Series Grand Final Champion of 2015, after a lot of hard work, determination, and preparation.

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existing knowledge to create a plan for their pre-fish day at the very least. While talking to the guys I also asked for their top five tips on making a smooth and positive transition. Ross Cannizzaro Ross has been extremely successful over the past few years, including winning this year’s Hawkesbury River ABT qualifier, a second place at Mallacoota and a win with his teammate Alan at the BETS teams Grand Final on Lake Macquarie. Here are his tips. 1. Believe in yourself and your ability. You need to be at the top of your game each and every time you hit the water for a tournament. Back yourself and your judgement in every situation. 2. Prepare your boat in a way that allows everything to be within easy reach for fast and easy re-rigging, to maximise your fishing time. 3. Work on your boat position. Give yourself the best possible chance at extracting fish from cover. 4. Keep a diary of patterns and techniques on all non-local tournament arenas. It may be a number of years before you get back there to fish again so you want to hit the ground running when you do. 5. Practice! Nothing can

Dave Young shows off his tournament angling skills with two fat bass. top on-water experience, especially in your first few years. Make the extra effort to get out there as often as possible and practice a range of techniques under different conditions. Kris Hickson Kris has had an outstanding last few years by winning the ABT BREAM Grand Final in 2014 and following up by taking out the Angler of the Year (AOY) crown

this year. He believes a competitor’s attitude is an important factor. 1. Brush up on all the rules and etiquette. Now that you’re running the boat it’s your responsibility to know them. 2. Remember how you wanted to be treated when you were a non-boater and try your best to replicate that for the non-boaters you have. You might see that it’s not as easy as it seems to

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Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au abt.org.au give everyone a fair shot, but be as reasonable as possible without sacrificing your own opportunities. 3. Figure out what style of fishing suits you most, now that you are in control of the boat, and work on it. When you were at the back of the boat you had to adapt to what the guy at the front was doing, but now you have the reins so try to fish

He’s had top 10 finishes in each. He even managed to qualify for this year’s BREAM Grand Final in both the non-boater and boater categories. He’s all about the preparation. 1. You have to be organised! You can never be too organised when it comes to things like lure colours and sizes. Also regular maintenance of boat, motor

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of the bunch and has had a number of successful years as a non-boater in the past. This year he made the step up to the boater category in a classy fashion, with a number of consistent results, and he finished the year ranked 15th in the Angler of the Year race. He has some practical ideas to make your experience easier.

Tournament angling is essentially a community, where anglers can have a laugh, get to know one another, and hone their fishing skills among friends. Friendly competition makes it easy for non-boaters to advance their tournament careers and maybe end up as a boater. to your strengths. 4. Most boaters have spent a lot of time working out each arena and spots they like to call their own. There is only so much water out there and the majority of arenas have been fished enough that most of it is fair game, but if a previous boater has shown you any sneaky little places that they have worked out, your best bet is to leave it to them. 5. BUY MORE GEAR! It’s your boat now so fill that sucker up. Ben Shuey Ben has been fishing tournaments for a number of years across multiple states, and competes in a range of events from teams tournaments to ABT boater and non-boater events.

and trailer is a must. 2. Practice your knots – a lot! Tournaments will test every facet of your fishing so the better your knots are the harder you can pull to extract fish from cover. It also helps to be able to re-rig quickly when you bust off or change lures. 3. Learn how to read and understand your sounder so you’re confident in it in all situations. 4. Practice driving your boat in all weather conditions, both on the main motor and the electric. This is a must. 5. Finally, research. You can never do too much research on tournament venues, past reports and maps. Try to organise this so you can fish to your strengths. Zac O’Sullivan Zac is the youngest

1. Plan your year, and organise to share accommodation to save costs. For example, a non-boater as a travel partner will also help with pre-fish, sharing ideas and different techniques. 2. Preparation is the key with your boat and gear. Have everything organised and in its place so it’s easy to find on the run. 3. Back yourself and stick to your guns. Fish similar areas on foreign waterways as you would on your home water. 4. Do your research on each waterway, check Google Earth and previous tournament reports. 5. Make sure you learn something from event (keep a diary to help with this) and have fun!

As a non-boater, you will learn essential tricks of the trade on your tournament career path as well as getting to spend time with some amazing anglers. abt

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Solving the jig-saw puzzle Tom Slater

When Peter Phelps held the Bass Pro Grand Final trophy aloft in October 2015, he broadcast to the wider bass fishing community a new weapon anglers could add to their arsenal. When you look back through the ABT BASS record books, the lures and techniques used to win read like your local pub menu that hasn’t changed in a decade. The same old offerings get tossed around at every tournament, with spinnerbaits and soft plastics, the chicken parmies of the tournament scene. Someone might add a beetle spin, and one might dip the tail, but that’s just tweaking existing techniques. Last October we witnessed something new and for the first time, a major ABT BASS tournament was won using a skirted jig. I was fortunate enough to witness the excitement

in our camp as Mitchell Cone led Peter going into the final session. Both were fishing the same area, and both were keyed into the jig bite that everyone else overlooked (including me). What transpired in October at Glenbawn was over 12 months in the making. Peter and Mitch first started experimenting with jigs many years ago. The spring of 2014 was when they really keyed into their first good jig bite at Glenbawn, and when the ABT calendar was set for 2015, they marked the Grand Final as a potential jig fishing tournament. WHAT IS A SKIRTED JIG? A skirted jig is essentially a lead or tungsten jighead, fitted with a brush guard to help reduce snagging, with a skirt much like a spinnerbait attached to the head. Skirted jigs are primarily used in Australia to imitate a redclaw or yabby. There are numerous styles of jigs (e.g. swim and football) available and the difference between them is usually the shape of

EQUIPMENT Rod: Medium action baitcast from 6’10” to 7’6” (Mitch uses Millerods Blade Freak, Peter uses 13 Fishing ENVY Black 73M) Reel: High speed baitcast – at least 6.6:1 anywhere up to 8.1:1 Line: 15lb braid, leader varying depending on structure from 8-16lb. 18

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the moulded head. A swim jig has a streamlined head, with the line tie coming out of the front most point of the head, while a football jig has an oblong ‘football’ shaped head with a line tie protruding out of the top of the head. These subtle differences affect how the jig performs in the water. Football jigs are designed to drag along the bottom with the football shaped head preventing the jig from rolling onto its side, eliminating hang-ups. If you tried dragging a swim jig you would catch the bottom a lot more often than you’d catch fish. On the other hand, if you wanted to swim a jig through weed or cover, the blunt shape of a football jig would tend to hang-up more often than the streamlined design of a swim jig. There’s a time and a place for all jig types, but to get started, Peter recommends sticking to a football or stand-up shape that lends itself to beingdragged along the bottom. You can also find differences in the skirt of a jig. There are predominantly two types of skirt material, silicon and living rubber. Silicon is available in a broader assortment of colours but sometimes lacks the

action and movement of living rubber, which flares very well underwater – especially in cold water. There’s also the size of the material to consider – you can commonly buy both regular and fine cut silicon, as well as fine size living rubber, which can add even more flare to the skirt. PICK A JIG As with many techniques that originate overseas and are imported to Australia, they often require some sort of modification to either the equipment itself, or how we use the equipment to effectively target our Australian species. In the case of the skirted jig, it’s the jig itself we have to look closely at. As you discover the hundreds of different types of jigs on the market worldwide, it’s easy to get confused. Australian companies such as Bassman, with the help from their pro anglers like Peter, are in the process of developing jigs specifically suited to our conditions. International brands such as Pro’s Factory (a Japanese jig manufacturer) will become more available to Australian fishers through local distributors in 2016. The size and gauge of the hook is the most frustrating element of building the right jig, and a lot of the jigs that are available

Top: A glorious day led Phelps to take the win, in a seriously tight competition. Middle: Peter Phelps and Mitchell Cone developed a jig bite theory over many years of trial and error, and the 2015 ABT Bass Grand Final was their opportunity to show the professional bass fishing community the merits of this technique. Bottom: Mitchell Cone with two excellent fish captured on a jig.

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au have a hook that’s too big for our much smaller-mouthed bass. Peter and Mitch both prefer a #2/0 sized hook for

appendages more accurately imitates the prey you are trying to replicate. Plastics such as the Keitech Crazy Flapper

Not only did Phelps take out the championship title, he also opened the conversation on jig technique for all bass anglers to consider. Australian bass jig fishing. Jigs are normally fished with some sort of soft plastic trailer. This bulks out the profile of the jig, giving a more natural look and feel. You can use any number of various soft plastics but a plastic with two flapping

are an excellent choice when looking for trailers. WHAT TO DO Skirted jigs have been around for over half a century, and I’m sure that most Australian tournament bass fisherman have used one briefly in the past. What

so many have not done, is put the time and effort into working out exactly how to use these lures to effectively target and catch Australian bass. The best time to target bass on a skirted jig is September through to early summer. During this time the bass are active and patrol the shallow waters as they warm from a long, cold winter. This also coincides with the spawning season for the yabby and redclaw, as these species begin to spawn when water temperatures exceed 16°C. Peter and Mitch had their first dose of really consistent success in the spring of 2014. During this time of year, the bass are found shallow and feed aggressively on almost every technique you could imagine. It’s easy to fall back on tried and true techniques when you know you can pick up a familiar lure and enjoy almost immediate success. But this can be the best time to experiment with new ideas and gain confidence. Jigs are best used when you know an area or particular spot is holding fish. It is a slow presentation, and covering vast amounts of water fishing a jig is time consuming. Fishing a jig properly requires patience; you need to crawl and hop the jig slowly along the bottom. This isn’t just a ‘cast it out and wind it back’

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Peter and Mitch carry an assortment of jigs in a number of different weights. Usually a 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2oz will cover almost all scenarios as you can vary the rate of descent by using a larger trailer, or a trailer with more action.

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0425 230 964 Pete fishes the rock wall during the Grand Final. Often a last minute capture can win the day – Pete can attest to that!

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Tournament Angler Guide

From page 19

scenario. Rock walls offer the perfect terrain to fish a jig. In Glenbawn Dam, the rock walls that scatter the upper section of the lake are consistent fish producers.

Peter locked onto this early in the tournament and rode it for the first two sessions. Cast the jig right up shallow, then gently hop the jig from one rock, letting it fall onto the one below. The key here is not letting it come away

from the wall and sink too far, too quickly. If it sinks more than a foot, then you’ve hopped it too hard. During low light hours, bass will more than likely be roaming around the lake. This can be a tougher

time to catch numbers on jigs, however, after much practice we have established that big bass love to eat a jig. In these times you want to target ‘highways’ – areas where bass will move into or along a bank. The

ABT BASS Grand Final Champion Peter Phelps displays the fruits of his labour – a fat Glenbawn bass caught crawling a jig on a steep rocky bank. inside breaks of a weed line along a bank is the perfect place, as bass can either be hiding just inside the weed or patrolling the gap between the bank and the weed edge. Crawling a jig along the bottom in that gap is a fantastic way to target fish before the sun starts beating down. This was the pattern Mitch Cone used to lead the ABT Bass Grand Final after two sessions. The large fish vacated Mitch’s key areas on Sunday and left him in 4th place.

abt.org.au THE JIGS 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2oz are the most popular, paired with a small hook around #2/0 Pepper Custom Baits Micro Jig Pro’s Factory OP Jig Jackall TG Spade Jig Pro’s Factory Motion Jig Bassman Phelpsy’s Finesse Jig Trailers Gulp Crabby Berkley Chigger Craw Keitech Crazy Flapper Keitech Little Spider Netbait Paca Chunk Jackall Chunk Craw As the sun rises fish tend to pull closer to structure, whether it’s standing timber, lay-downs or weed. This where the jig really shines! In the low light scenario above, the simple transition to make as the sun rises is to move to the outside edge of the weed. Try somewhere between 8-12ft, and work the edges of the deeper weed that the bass will use to ambush prey. Standing or lay-down timber is another perfect spot to target when the sun rises. Fish will pull in behind timber into the small shade pocket created by the tree. With reaction style baits like a lipless vibration or a spinnerbait, your lure will only be in the strike zone for a few seconds; you will simply be hoping to draw the fish out. However, you can drop a jig quietly down a standing tree, or flip it into a lay-down and leave it there for a long time, just gently hopping or crawling the jig around the structure drawing a strike out of a fish that perhaps might not have bitten a faster moving presentation. This was the pattern that really achieved results for Peter in the final session. He was struggling, with only one fish in the well and only 30 minutes

to go. Leaving the rock walls that had treated him so well in the previous two sessions, Peter stopped on an isolated cluster of trees off a weed edge and caught his final fish to fill out his six out of six limit. Peter and Mitch carry an assortment of jigs in a number of different weights. Usually a 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2oz will cover almost all scenarios as you can vary the rate of descent by using a larger trailer, or a trailer with more action. You will want to use a jig that’s heavy enough that you can maintain feel on the bottom. As the fish predominantly pick up the jig off the bottom, the ability to detect a change in how your jig feels will be key to putting fish in the boat. As you start fishing jigs you need to learn how your jig feels on the end of your line, and if this feel changes you’re either snagged or soon to be snagged, or a fish has picked up your jig. We’ve experienced a number of different bites while fishing jigs. Occasionally you will feel one solid thump and then weight, while other times they will peck at it with that tell-tale rattle you feel when fishing a soft plastic. Quite commonly you won’t actually feel anything at all. This is why

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abt.org.au it’s important to really get to know how the jig feels because if you lose contact there’s a good chance a bass has grabbed it and is

less fairly simple. You are trying to imitate a yabby or redclaw, so bottom contact is by far the most important. Hold the rod tip up just

so slightly to put a small amount of slack into the line. A small upward flick of the wrist should be all that’s needed to bring the

Mitch works the jig through timber. swimming towards you. MOVE IT The actual technique of fishing the jig is more or

past horizontal and more or less ‘tap’ the line. Wind up and get tension on your line, then drop the tip ever

AREAS AND TECHNIQUE Target the shallows during low light hours, the edge of weed in close to the bank or a shallow rock wall. As the sun rises work the deeper edge and close to hard structure like standing timber, rock or lay-downs. Work the jig slowly around the structure and wait for the bite.

tip of the rod up, ‘tapping’ the line as it takes out the slack. This small tap will make the jig hop and bump along the bottom. Normally I would repeat the process until my rod is pointing high in the sky. Then wind down and repeat. Another technique is called stroking, and it’s a bit more of a reaction style bite. It’s very similar to

the technique you would use hopping a blade off the bottom. Give two whips of the rod from horizontal to almost vertical, ripping the jig off the bottom and allowing it to fall back down on a semi slack line, following your lure with your rod tip as it’s sinking. This retrieve imitates a yabby or redclaw flicking off the bottom and can be a great way to stimulate a bite. There is still so much to learn about fishing jigs for Australian bass. What I’ve described above just scratches the surface. Thanks to guys like Peter Phelps and Mitchell Cone, new techniques like this will always come along and thanks to organisations like ABT and Fishing Monthly, new techniques get outlined and examined, and anglers can be educated. As more anglers begin to experiment with their use of lures, they begin to unlock secrets to make them more effective. At the end of the day, time on the water with a technique is everything, and the more people willing to adopt and try out a new technique, the more time is going to be devoted to fishing it and finding out why it works. I’m sure the skirted jig is just the beginning.

As the sun rises fish tend to pull closer to structure, whether it’s standing timber, lay-downs or weed. This where the jig really shines!

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The lure of the tour: the pull of big barra Tom Slater

The ABT BARRA Tour is a unique event for tournament fishing. A full weeklong immersion into barra fishing, ‘The Tour’ is a barra junkie’s ultimate adventure. For stalwarts of the tour, the barra road trip is an opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded, competitive individuals and to experience the outstanding barra fishing that North Queensland has to offer. For anglers new to the tour, it’s an opportunity like no other to fast track your learning and knowledge of this iconic species. The last two tours in particular have produced fishing that can only be described as world class. If average catches of metre plus barra is your thing then the BARRA Tour should definitely be on your bucket list. GET PACKING Knowing what to pack, and the essentials you need to have with you for life on tour can be hard to summarise to the uninitiated. A seemingly endless array of lures, lines, tackle and electronics can make the tour (or any barra fishing excursion) seem daunting. This uncertainty isn’t unique to beginners either, with experienced barra anglers still puzzling over every new piece of equipment that comes to market. The BARRA tour doesn’t have to be complicated though; success on the tour isn’t limited to your

Scan this QR code to see how to modify Slick Rigs for barra.

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This is what the BARRA Tour is all about. Big fish and big smiles. performance on the score sheet. Nor is it indicative of the size of your bank account. To find, hook and ultimately land even metre long barra is the pinnacle of fishing for many Australian anglers. This article intends to provide some clarity to the enormous amount of options available on tour and to open a dialogue with successful and seasoned pros on the musthaves for a successful sojourn to the northern lakes and the BARRA Tour. SOFTY DOES IT ‘Soft plastic’ is a pretty generalized term for what is a very diverse style of lure. There’s a multitude of shapes and sizes, which can be perplexing on a shop wall. From flukes to frogs and everything in-between, soft plastics encompass some of the most effective and reliable barra lures we’ve seen on the tour. Let’s break down these

soft and squishy morsels and give you the hard facts on what to pack for your first tour. The Squidgy Slick Rig is like the forward defensive shot in cricket. It’s somewhat boring, but fundamental to prolonged success in the northern impoundments. Sure, there are other options, but no other lure has experienced the successes of the Slick Rig. Seasoned barra professionals modify the Slick Rig a fair bit these days. Craig Griffiths of the 2015 TOY (Humminbird/ EJ Todd) takes a soldering iron to his Squidgies to maximize their effectiveness on the water. You can watch a video of how Craig modifies his ‘Slickies’ by scanning the QR code. Let’s take a look at a few other options for the inner tackle junkie in all of us. Just like your favourite meal deal, don’t be afraid to upsize in search of giant barra

on the tour. Size definitely mattered for some teams on the 2015 tour, especially at Peter Faust Dam – the Mecca

of big barra. Lures of 7-9” were not uncommon on the decks of the top teams. Storm R.I.P. Shads gained key fish

for Team Humminbird/EJ Todd in their domination of the event. Large profile baits with strong action were the most advantageous lures late in the tour, when the moon was fading and light was low. Some creative rigging is necessary to throw a soft plastic measuring the best part of 20cm, and some of the most enjoyable time in the lead up to a tour is figuring this out. Westin and Castaic are two companies relatively new to the Australian market, and both offer some simple yet incredibly effective lures to fill those remaining gaps in your soft plastic box. The Westin Shad Teez is a great natural boney bream profile, and its large paddle-tail exhibits great action and body roll when rigged on a standard jighead. Castaic’s Jerky J Swim series of boot tail swimbaits are a little thicker in the body than their Westin counterparts, again featuring a thumping tail beat that draws barra in to have a look. Both are available in a range of different sizes from petite 3” versions to mega profiles of 7” and bigger, catering to every bait size.

No BARRA Tour kit is complete without one of these, a pimped and tricked Squidgy Slick Rig.

One last contender for the specialty spot in the soft plastic arsenal would be the Zerek Flat Shad. A unique collapsible body makes this perfect for rigging weed-less and throwing into some really nasty structure. HARDEN UP So, now that you have a box of go-to soft baits, it’s time to harden up and put together a tray of the best and most effective hardbodies

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Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au for an assault on the 2016 BARRA tour. There’s a reason why Rapala have been the major supporter of the tour in the last few years, they saw a group of anglers have fantastic success on some of their products and rewarded them with support. The Rapala X-Rap is renowned as a fish catching machine, and are super effective for the barra angler. If the ‘Slickie’ was the forward defence of

Larger sized soft plastics proved their worth on the 2015 Tour, and are something your shouldn’t leave home without.

soft plastics, the X-Rap would be the frontline quick of a steamy pace attack. As anglers, we’re all about diversity; no one likes to own all the same stuff. So here are a few other options to look at building your one stop shop hardbody box. The Luckycraft Pointer has been a benchmark barra lure since the brand first made its way to Australia from the largemouth filled waters of Japan. Available in a multitude of sizes and running depths, a box of assorted Pointers could probably satisfy even the pickiest of barra junkies. Now available with out-ofthe-box barra-ready hardware, the benchmark just got higher. Ecogear BM125s were probably one of the first Japanese designed lures specially made to target barramundi in Australia after Japanese lure designer Takayoshi Orimoto came to Australia many years ago. Still a fantastic shallow water option to this day, the BM125

Scan this QR code to see the best way to tie the FG knot.

Having and knowing how to use the latest sounders is essential for barra success on the lakes. is a contender for sure. Of course, it isn’t just overseas where we look for successful barra lures. Australia has produced some truly excellent options for the box. Companies such as Reidy’s continue to make some of the most relied on barra lures in the country, with the B52 continuing to do damage in the hands of BARRA Tour stalwarts like Peter Price. It isn’t just the long, slim profiles of jerkbaits that barra love to munch on in North Queensland. Fat profile, short

bodied crankbaits imitate a boney bream better than almost anything else and continue to fly under the radar of many barra anglers. Karim DeRidder of Team Humminbird/EJ Todd put the Luckycraft SKT Magnum on the map when he used the gigantic crankbait to notch the team’s first win of the 2015 tour at Teemburra Dam. The behemoth crankbait measures over 100mm, and a simple slow roll and pause technique was all that was needed to capture almost 10m of barra in the two-day evening event.

Steve Morgan told stories about how they used to catch plenty of barra on an old Rapala Risto Rap, again a slightly shorter and fatter profile crankbait that you simply slowly wind through structure, with the odd pause to capture the interest of a nearby barra. While they aren’t as diverse and as easily accessible for the average angler, jointed hard swim and glidebaits are quickly becoming a consistent fish catcher in the northern impoundments. To page 26

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abt From page 25

With continued success they become more and more accessible as more options come to market. There are a few different styles of swimbaits available; some swim with a very pronounced ‘S’ motion, while others glide majestically side-to-side, sometimes as wide as 3ft. Evergreen, Duo and Megabass make some great hard swim and glidebaits, which are definitely a contender for that last space in the hardbody box.

Tournament Angler Guide PICK UP STICKS Now that you’ve sorted a couple of boxes of go-to fish catching machines, you will need some rods to throw them on. Barramundi rod selection is like a game of young against old. Traditionally, short overhead baitcast rods were the norm. The perceived added control of a sub 6ft rod and the older method of simply fishing the snags meant a shorter rod was always favoured. These days, with our added

knowledge of how to target fish offshore away from structure, longer overheads and spin rods especially have really taken control over the last few years. Realistically, you only need a couple of rods to be a successful barra angler. One spin and one baitcast would see you set for almost all situations you’d encounter on tour. A medium-heavy rated baitcast around 6’6” in length would be the first choice. Something of this length

Quality lighting makes life easier and safer during the night events.

abt.org.au

can be used for tip down presentations like twitching a jerkbait among timber, yet is not disadvantaged too much on an open point casting a soft plastic to a weed edge. You don’t need to worry too much about how many million modulus the blank is. As long as it’s comfortable and light enough to cast for eight hours without fatigue, you won’t have any trouble detecting a bite from a hungry barra. A spin rod of a similar rating around 10-20lb around the 7’0” mark would be the second stick in the quiver. This rod would mainly be used for long casting on open points and bays, but could be equally used for slowly winding a lure through structure. A key with spin rods is to make sure the guides are suitable to pass your chosen leader knot. If you tie a large knot like an Albright choose a rod with larger guides, likewise if you’re familiar with the FG knot (which you can watch by clicking the QR code), you open up a few more options with smaller guides. On the 2015 tour I took up everything from 5’8” to 7’9” baitcast rods, as I wanted to put everything to the test and identify what I believed to be the best. After ten days of flat out fishing I have to admit I definitely prefer a longer rod, with 6’6”

Spin and baitcaster rods in varying lengths, tapers and weights will ensure you have the right tool for the job. being the absolute minimum for what I would take. The main benefit I saw in longer rods over 7ft was the added ‘tip’ you get from a longer blank. A longer rod can still be powerful in the butt and yet retain a sensitive tip, whereas a short 6ft rod will inherently exhibit a stiffer tip due to the short length. I found

my hook-up ratio was a lot higher with longer rods in accordance with how barra feed. The longer rod allowed me a few extra milliseconds to react to the initial bite while the softer tip loaded. With a short stiffer rod, the fish feels resistance almost immediately. To page 28

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abt

Tournament Angler Guide

TINKER TIME Getting prepped for the barra tour is almost as fun as winding them in. The preparation and tinkering that goes on is rewarding bothon and off the water. If

you scanned the QR code you would have already seen how Craig Griffiths modifies his Squidgy Slick Rigs, and you can modify almost anything in your equipment to maximize the results. Upgrading the terminals on your favourite hardbodies can alter the buoyancy, so doing all this at home before you hit the water can prevent wasted time. Adding a stinger hook to your soft plastics is the number one modification most experienced barra anglers make, to increase their hook-up ratio. There are a number of ways to rig a stinger, some more complex than others. Swivels, Hawaiian snaps, and crimps can all be used to secure a treble on the underneath of a soft plastic. Tinkering with your anchor can save you a huge headache in the weeklong barra fest. Being able to quick release your anchor if you hook up to a rampaging fish will definitely keep more fish from rubbing you off. Most of the in-the-know guys have a quick release clip with a float on their anchor line. If you hook up and need to up anchor, rather than pulling the anchor in you simply unhook and throw the float overboard. The float will keep the anchor line up top so you can come and re-clip in after you’ve

There’s no bigger challenge than catching barra in the timber. landed your fish. Another boat modification that can come in handy is some lighting. No doubt you’ve seen the awesome

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lighting rigs floating around on the Bassmaster pro’s boats for the last few years. This functional bling can definitely help you stay organized in a

abt.org.au night session or the gruelling all night event. Spotlights either handheld, or mounted to the bow of the boat can help navigate the timbered sections of the lakes, making night time manoeuvring much easier. SOUNDER SECRETS Barramundi are one of the best fish to look for on a sounder. The large, slow moving fish appear perfectly on the screens of even the smallest sounders these days. The technology game is moving fast and while the big units are nice, the budget friendly new generation like the Helix from Humminbird offer all the barramundi finding tech in a wallet friendly bundle for all anglers to enjoy. Side imaging sonar is probably the best invention for barra fishing ever. Being able to scan up to 150ft each side of your vessel can be invaluable for finding the sweet spot to key you into a red-hot barra bite. Using side imaging sonar is an article in itself, but the main story here is you don’t need a 12” unit to take advantage of these technologies. Do some research and become familiar with how to use side imaging and even a Helix 5 or 7 will be a barra locating machine! For the electronic

nut, take side imaging and imagine a 360° view around your boat – that would be cool right? Well, that’s exactly what Humminbird’s 360 imaging provides. A sideimaging signal is a static beam that runs perpendicular to the direction of the boat, and on that premise, it relies on movement to scan the underwater environment. 360 Imaging is a spinning transducer that is lowered underneath your boat by either a stern mount or a trolling motor mount and allows you to scan the whole way around your boat – you can literally watch barramundi moving around a point as your boat is anchored stationary. THE WRAP UP The ABT barra tour is the pinnacle of competitive barra angling for me, a southerner who only gets limited opportunities to catch these giants every year. To travel alongside some of the country’s best anglers, listen to them share tips and strategies, watch them select which lures to use and how to approach a certain location is invaluable in becoming a better angler. So pack your gear and plan the time off. The dates have already been set for what will surely be another week to remember as the ABT BARRA Tour heads north in 2016.

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abt

Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

2016 ABT Rankings and Angler of the Year It was a fruitful year for many anglers on the tournament trail in 2015. Kris Hickson continued his hot run of form to finish the year as the Angler of the Year (boater) and number one ranked boater, while Simon Johnson claimed the number one nonboater ranking and Stuart Walker the nonboater Angler of the Year title. Warren Carter once again had a red-hot year on tour, albeit in 2015 it was the BASS Pro side of the tournament calendar with the tournament veteran claiming the BASS Pro Angler of the Year (boater) title. It was a close battle in the nonboater AOY points race with Queensland’s James Reid securing the win. Steve Kanowski reigned supreme, claiming the number one boater ranking, while Shaun Falkenhagen made it back-to-back wins in 2015 successfully defending his Grand Final nonboater title, and in doing so ascending to the number one ranking position.

BASS Electric veteran Adrian Wilson capped off a sensational year by claiming the BASS Electric AOY title and number one BASS Electric ranking, a fitting reward for one of the BASS tour’s most passionate and driven competitors.

On the kayak front, Chris Burbidge continued his reign as the number one ranked BREAMer, while Simon Morley claimed his first major title securing the AOY crown for 2015. One the bass side of things Glen Hayter finished the 2015 season as the number

one ranked kayak BASS angler and Stephen Maas the Angler of the Year BASS kayak champ. The 2015 Rapala BARRA Tour produced quality fishing for teams with Craig Griffiths and Karim De Ridder the standout anglers, finishing

the year as the Team of the Year (299/300 points) and as the equal number one ranked BARRA angler.

For full rankings, records, and earnings of each species and series visit www.abt.org.au.

Being a non-boater is as much about learning as it is about being part of a team. Here Shaun Falkenhagen assists Dave Young to place his fish in the weigh-bag before the weigh-in begins.

Mark Crompton had a hot 2015 and will be primed for another succesful season on the BREAM tour.

BREAM PRO RANKINGS BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kris Hickson Ross Cannizzaro Warren Carter Chris Britton Jamie McKeown Cameron Whittam Scott Butler Mark Healey Russell Babekuhl Shayne Gillett

NON-BOATER 253 222 194 165 165 158 158 150 142 137

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Simon Johnson Grayson Fong Clint Voss John Galea Shaun Egan Robert Kneeshaw Jonathon Thompson Alex Franchuk Aaron Clifton Tanya Konsul

175 164 158 156 150 149 147 135 124 122

BREAM PRO ANGLER OF THE YEAR (AOY) BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kris Hickson Ross Cannizzaro Mark Crompton Steve Gill Cameron Whittam Warren Carter Tom Slater Steve Morgan Mark Brown Brad Roberts

NON-BOATER 296 293 290 288 282 278 274 273 268 268

BREAM KAYAK RANKINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 30

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Chris Burbidge Jason Meech Simon Morley Stewart Dunn Glenn Allen Ben Phayer Michael Maas Patrick McQuarrie Joel Crosbie Kane Terry

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stuart Walker Grayson Fong Simon Johnson Bradley Young Aaron Clifton Clint Voss Rodney O’Sullivan Luke Vanbrandwyk Jonathan Thompson Tanya Konsul

284 283 280 275 265 259 257 256 255 253

BREAM KAYAK AOY 364 289 289 286 271 268 265 253 249 240

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Simon Morley Chris Burbidge Jason Meech Richard Somerton Brian Hunt Martin Fellows Glenn Allen Carl Dubois Patrick McQuarrie Scott Lovig

488 486 456 455 452 449 444 440 439 424

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Tournament Angler Guide

abt.org.au

BASS PRO RANKINGS BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stephen Kanowski David Young Mark Lennox Craig Simmons Kris Hickson Warren Carter Paul Gillespie Peter Phelps Michael Thompson David Lane

NON-BOATER 215 187 183 172 164 164 157 151 142 124

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Shaun Falkenhagen Peter Morgan Brett Hyde Owen Mcpaul Duane Macey Ryan Jones James Reid Luke Draper Ben Randall Liam Fitzpatrick

188 168 164 155 128 116 116 115 106 105

BASS PRO ANGLER OF THE YEAR (AOY) BOATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Warren Carter Craig Simmons Michael Thompson Stephen Kanowski Kris Hickson Mark Lennox Anthony Thorpe Tony Thorley Greg Beattie Grant Clements

NON-BOATER 297 283 281 280 273 273 268 268 266 264

BASS ELECTRIC RANKINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Adrian Wilson Tom Reynolds Joseph Urquhart Jonathon Bale Tim Steenhuis Les Smith Charles West Shaun Falkenhagen Brett Renz Robert Butler

Glen Hayter Richard Somerton Alan Britcliffe Stephen Maas Peter Bostock Dave Mann Mick Skinner Jonathan Chen Chesney Fung Joel Crosbie

384 310 294 288 255 250 241 238 226 219

Craig Griffiths Karim De Ridder Geoff Newby Ashley Sims Dan Curry Dustin Sippel Rick Napier Cameron Johnson Justin Welsh Peter Price

293 291 291 291 290 277 272 269 269 254

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Adrian Wilson Johathon Bale Tom Reynolds Rebecca Smith Tim Stenhuis Charles West Robert Butler Joe Urquhart Brett Renz Christian Manolea

489 482 478 458 382 296 292 284 283 279

BASS KAYAK AOY 283 253 218 181 151 151 140 122 100 97

BARRA RANKINGS 1 1 3 4 5 6 6 8 8 10

James Reid Owen Mcpaul Luke Draper Brett Hyde Peter Morgan Jason Martin Ben Randell Deborah Kowalczyk Rodney Thorpe Jim Hickson

BASS ELECTRIC AOY

BASS KAYAK RANKINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Stephen Maas Glenn Hayter Luke Atkinson Alan Britcliffe Peter Woods Callum Sprott Scott Sandilands Mark Hodkinson Jason Harrip Paul Holmberg

297 287 282 280 277 266 265 264 263 262

BARRA TEAM OF THE YEAR 185 185 164 154 154 144 144 135 135 126

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Craig Griffiths Rick Napier Dan Curry Paul Butler Mick Weick Geoff Newby Wally Wilton Talin Payne Shane Clarke Rhyce Bullimore

Karim De Ridder Dustin Sippel Ash Sims Greg Thomas Brendan Barnett Phill Lyons Jake Mitchell Jonathan Clark Mat McFarlane Luke Kerin

299 293 292 284 276 274 272 270 269 265 abt

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Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Early arrivals turn on the fun TASMANIA

Kelly Hunt

What a year it has been for fishing here in Tasmania! The usual suspects have been cruising their normal haunts, but the early arrival and good numbers of most species has been nothing short of spectacular. December and January saw southern bluefin all down the eastern seaboard of Tasmania, from Mussel Roe Bay all the way down through to the southeast of Bruny Island. They were thick along the coast – and hungry. It was a great opportunity to try stickbaiting for them. This is an exciting way to fish as I will elaborate later. Yellowtail kingfish appeared early, and some anglers targeted them well and found some very good fish. Other fishos came across them while trolling the bigger schools of salmon or in their berley trails. Mako sharks have fished well early, and it has been good to see people practicing

catch and release. Broadbill was once again on people’s minds in January with a few taken. This will continue into February. February is technically the last month of summer here in Tasmania, but we can still expect some great days on the water. Sea breeze can be an issue, but generally the weather is fantastic. For me it’s the month to make the last of the daylight saving bonus as it starts to wane, before we put clocks back in April. The extra daylight after work is such a huge bonus for keen anglers! TROUT Sometimes we forget just how good and what a treasure trout fishing is in Tasmania. It’s home to one of the purest strains of wild brown trout left in the world. Way back when seamanship and a good knowledge of knots was king, trout eggs were transported to Tasmania from the UK on ye olde sailing ship. It took a few goes and a few failed attempts, but in 1864 they hatched at the Salmon Ponds

near New Norfolk. These trout were the first to be introduced to the southern hemisphere. Tasmania sent breed stock to NZ around the turn of the century to establish their world class trout fishery. The next time some New Zealander is giving you a hard time about the rugby, set him right with – ‘Well if it wasn’t for us you wouldn’t have trout.’ February is go time for dry flyfishing. There are late afternoon feeding frenzies and the other early morning challenge of ‘wind lane’ fishing during a midge hatch, which is a fair challenge and can continue well into the day. I often speak to flyfisher mates and they love having a late breakfast before heading out to find trout feeding on the mayfly hatches. Tasmania often produces some of the world’s best dry flyfishing. For more information on what is happening in and around the lakes and rivers in February, ring Ross at the Essential Fly Fisher in Launceston (03 6331

8944). His experience and knowledge is extensive so it’s well worth a phone call, or you can drop in to the premises at 105 York St. This is also the month where we traditionally start to talk excitedly about the possible marlin and yellowfin tuna bite. I say traditionally, but the way the fishing has come on this year you may as well throw the fishing diary out the window. We have already seen a striped marlin caught by the crew on Lone Wolf skippered by Greg Plunket and his son Nathan. Yellowfin tuna have been fairly quiet for a few years now. This is strange as the water quality and temps have been superb for a couple of seasons. We have yet to really crack this species and get a good sense of their movements. Recently some keen anglers have been getting offshore and really prospecting for fish in areas and at times when they would have been told they are wasting their time. They have encountered fish and To page 82

Bigger lures will have your spread seen by more hungry fish.

INLAND FISHERIES SERVICE

Stop trashing Tasmania’s prime fishing spots IFS

Tim Farrell

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined two men in separate incidents of dumping rubbish and littering at a popular fishing spot on the River Derwent between Bridgewater and New Norfolk, while a third person is under investigation for rubbish dumping at the same site. Director of Inland Fisheries, Mr John Diggle said that the rubbishing could affect relationships with the landowner and risk the private property access agreement negotiated by the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) on behalf of recreational anglers. “This is a popular local fishing spot – it’s one of a number of Angler Access sites along the river, that require the landowner’s ongoing agreement for access, and it’s also one of the few places where vehicles can be driven to the water’s edge,” said Mr Diggle. “While most recreational anglers know that access is a privilege not a right, it’s disappointing that the antisocial behaviour of a few individuals might ruin it for the majority of responsible fisherfolk. “That’s why it’s important to report illegal activities

such as dumping of rubbish and littering around our waterways this summer.” EPA Director, Mr Wes Ford said that the illegal dumping consisted of a significant amount of household waste, which included food and sanitary items resulting in a biohazard and posing a potential risk to human health and environmental pollution. It resulted in a fine of $770 while the littering offence, which was for discarding takeaway food packaging from the vehicle window, carried a fine of $154. “The offenders were each issued with a Litter Infringement Notice by the EPA and fined under the Litter Act 2007,” he said. “The successful prosecutions were a result of the combined investigation effort undertaken between the EPA and the IFS.” Mr Ford said that people should be extra-vigilant over the summer season because of the added risk of rubbish as a source of bushfires and he encouraged people to report littering offenders via the EPA website at www. epa.tas.gov.au/regulation/ report-littering GREAT LAKE AND ARTHURS LAKE BOAT RAMP ACCESS Hydro Tasmania understands that low lake levels may impact upon the usual activities of many Tasmanians, including recreational users such

The opening of the new access arrangements by the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jeremy Rockliff has already paid off. as boaters, anglers, shack owners and campers. We intend to keep all Tasmanians informed about our actions and activities as we work through this dry period. Arthurs Lake and Great Lake are two lakes that will be popular over the summer period, and in anticipation of this we’d like to provide some information on boating access. For Arthurs Lake, boat launching access is recommended at the dam wall and Pumphouse Bay ramps, both will remain accessible over summer. Jonah Bay boat ramp is approaching its lower usable limit, and may be closed in the coming weeks if water levels fall towards 3.82m from full. For Great Lake, the

boat ramps at Cramps Bay and Swan Bay will both be closed from 24 December 2015, as these are no longer usable at current water levels. Depending upon weather conditions, boat size, trailer design and vehicle type, safe launching and retrieval of vessels at Tods Corner and Brandum Bay boat ramps cannot be assured. Hydro Tasmania and Marine and Safety Tasmania recommend that boaters carefully assess the condition of ramps before attempting to launch boats, and use the low level ramp at Boundary Bay as required. Boundary Bay is located on the western shore of Great Lake. The turn off to the ramp is located on the Lake Highway approximately 7km north of

the Marlborough Highway intersection. For any enquiries please contact Hydro Tasmania on 1300 360 441 or by email contactus@hydro.com.au TALBOTS LAGOON ACCESS ALREADY PAYING OFF There have been stories of some fantastic fish caught in recent weeks, with anglers making the most of the improved tracks around the lake and interpretive signage. One of our Fisheries Officers Paul Middleton was there talking to anglers yesterday and helped Bob French land a quality 2.5lb fish. The beautiful early summer weather has seen fly anglers chasing fish feeding on duns, red spinner and damselflies, along with some great polaroid fishing. The lake also has plenty to offer spin and bait fishers, who will do well to focus their efforts along the deeper shores, particularly in rougher weather conditions. For those that haven’t fished this water before, Talbots Lagoon is renowned for well-conditioned and extremely hard-fighting fish, but it can also be very tough water so large bags of fish are uncommon. A great challenge for anglers with some awesome rewards on offer! When fishing there, please remember that fishing in this water has

been made possible by the goodwill of the land owner Forico, and that access is indeed a privilege and not a right. We urge all anglers to make themselves aware of all regulations before going on a fishing trip to this water. Angling is open to all methods, but restricted to the time between 1 hour before sunrise and 3 hours after sunset. The bag limit is a total of five fish with a minimum size of 300mm, and only two fish over 500mm allowed to be taken per day. Vehicle access to the lake shore is not permitted, so anglers are required to park in the designated car parking areas and walk the final few hundred meters to the lake shore. The areas surrounding the lagoon are working forests, so please be aware that heavy vehicles such as log truck are frequently using the roads. Camping around the lake, including in the car parking areas is strictly prohibited, as is the lighting of fires. There is good camping nearby on the banks of the Lake Waratah (less than 15 minutes drive away) in the caravan park run by the council. Here you will find showers, toilets and clothes washing facilities. Further information and booking can be made by calling 6439 7100. FEBRUARY 2016

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania From page 81

started a snowball that keeps on rolling. With more boats on the water prospecting the currents off the coasts and bait holding grounds, we will hopefully see some yellowfin boated in 2016. MARLIN Getting the offshore fishing gear in good nick and serviced early in February is very important. The water quality is fabulous and there has already been a striped marlin tagged. Lone Wolf is a boat well known in Tasmania. Skippered by Greg Plunkett who has honed his skills on the grounds off Port Stephens for a number of years, the Lone Wolf is a 40ft Caribbean moored at Lindisfarne Motor Yacht Club. The lads steamed out of Lindisfarne and through Dunalley for few nights in Wineglass Bay. The crew did some bottom fishing and enjoyed their time on some of Tasmania’s finest waterways. Heading home Greg noticed a nice build-up of bait with some tell-tale holes and peaks. These bait formations when pushed and broken like that are often being fed on hard. A few laps of the bait from a few different angles and the skip marked a fish, and not long after there was a very healthy and hungry striped marlin in the spread. There were some pretty excited bellows from all quarters and young Nathan pulled some of the longer lures in, and in no time the fish slashed and hooked up the lure on the short corner. Nathan played the fish well as Dad positioned the boat to great effect, meaning there was some hooting and hollering in no time flat. Fish leader’ed, tag in, job done. This was just out of the Passage at Schouten Island on the 100m line. This is case that shows

Bluefin tuna have been plentiful, everywhere and very hungry. the value of being on the water and putting the time in, having good gear in good condition and making the most of the opportunities presented. The lads turned for home and were quite chuffed with themselves, and rightfully so. YELLOWFIN TUNA It has to be the year they fire, right guys...? Please! Yellowfin are, poundfor-pound, the best sporting fish going about. High speed, powerful runs and a ‘never say die’ attitude have these fish on all anglers’ wish lists. They fight dirty at the sight of the boat and their circles in the closing stages of battle can prove a handful. They’re good eating both raw and cooked, with the right recipe. They are a treasured capture. Yellowfin tuna can normally be found at the front of any warm current, living and cruising in the warm water and making forays into the cooler waters to feed. In late January there was a patch of water at 19.8°C and within 2nm it had cooled to 17.4°C. This was recognised by some seasoned campaigners and they managed to hook a 70kg yellow off the southern

side off a reef off Bicheno. The increase in boats in February looking for both marlin and yellowfin will hopefully some solid reports of good fish. You really need to commit to targeting these fish if you want consistent catches. Both marlin and yellowfin need gear that’s in good condition and lures rigged well. Leaders need to be in top condition, doubles re-tied and hooks sharpened. If not, well… you can troll around for hours, hook up, play a fish for a few hours and then pop the fish at the boat. It’s awful when you know a lost fish is your own fault, due to your own gear neglect. It’s the kind of incident that makes you wake up at 2am for weeks afterwards and scream, “Why… why didn’t I check that?” When prospecting in open current zones where there are no real bait-holding features, don’t be scared to up the size of the lures. Fast-moving sportfish have excellent eyesight but you can help them out. Imagine what it’s like deep under the boat where the fish are on the move and looking for food. The boat and its

wash can clearly be seen from below, silhouetted against the sky – even if it’s overcast. Now imagine how it looks when you add your lures into the mix. The boat has gotten the tuna’s attention and now your lure profiles and bubble trails really need to suck the fish in to have a look, follow and hopefully pounce. Get some 8”, 9” and 10” lures in your five-lure spread. Bigger lures and short head lures to the front and drift the size out as you go back. Get it right and, when viewed from below, the boat and wash will look like a bait ball and the lures will look like bigger fish coming in for a feed. Then the tuna will think, “I want to get me some of that action” and their feeding

instinct will kick in. Leaders don’t need to be 300lb here either. More and more we are fishing lighter leader with the idea that a minimal approach will result in fewer fish spooks and more hook-ups. When looking for that stealth approach we use Momoi Neo. It’s a quality Japanese product that has proven rock solid for us, and the pink hue is said to be harder for the fish to see. YELLOWTAIL KINGFISH January was a great month for kings and all around the state. King Island was a great spot, down through Montague and across Bass Strait to the North East around Tomahawk. The east coast was a little quiet, which

NORTH WEST TASMANIA In recent weeks it’s been fairly windy so we haven’t had too many reports from outside, but there have been some good catches of King George whiting along the coast. These fish seem to be more prevalent than ever this year. They used to be confined to around the Montague, Duck Bay and Stanley area but now they’re being caught down Burnie way as well. We’ve started catching a few down the Tamar River and Port Sorrell. Fresh bait is the go with pipis and a little bit of squid being the better baits. I recommend using red tubing, red beads and a red size 6 long shank, baitholder or circle hook. Good gummies are being caught around the traps, and using berley will boost your catch rates. Flathead have been scarce in places but certainly down in the

Stanley area catches have been quite good. Jig’Em flasher rigs with a bit of squid have been working fairly well. Make sure you use a sinker heavy enough to keep you on the sand. A few snapper are starting to be caught again. Again, Stanleys has been the hot spot but some have been caught off Table Cape and Alberts. It’s hard to be too sure where, as guys in the know have been keeping their cards close to their chest. There have been a few snotty trevally around down Stanley. They’re not thick like they used to be, but their presence is still encouraging because in the last few years we haven’t caught many. On the Stanley wharf I recommend using a little strip of chicken, a very light sinker and reasonably small hooks. I don’t know why chicken works so well on

doesn’t make a lot of sense as they were seen in and around the south and as far up the Derwent River as Cadburys Point. This is another species of fish that you can afford to upsize. Get the head out of what you normally use to target the bread-and-butter species in your area and target the hoodlums. The time can be well rewarded as they are a tremendous sportfish and pretty good eating. They hit hard, run hard and fight hard. They don’t mind a bit of water movement and current, and a drop-off or rocky ledge. That’s why fishing with heavier jigheads and longer, supple soft plastics can break them down. If you fish your plastic slow, letting the these fish, but it does. There are plenty of Australian salmon along the coast from Port Sorell through the northwest. These fish have been feeding on very small baitfish around Burnie and elsewhere, with smaller 5-10g chromies working best. This approach could change though, depending on the species and size of bait in the area. A lot of salmon are smaller specimens, but there are a few bigger 6-7lb fish in the mix. In February the fishing should be good overall. Good whiting catches will continue, and flathead fishing should improve. For more info on what’s biting have a chat to Neil Gray or one of the other friendly team at Tackle World Burnie (37 Wilson St), or call them on 03 6431 6500. - Neil Gray, Tackle World Burnie

HYDRO TASMANIA WATER STORAGE INFORMATION Water Storage Information as at 13th January 2016 Lake/Lagoon

Metres from full

Comment

Lake Augusta ...................................2.64 .......................................................Steady Arthurs Lake ....................................3.16 .......................................................Steady Great Lake .......................................17.08 .....................................................Steady Trevallyn Pond .................................1.32 ....................................................... Falling Shannon Lagoon ..............................0.11 .......................................................Steady Penstock Lagoon .............................0.27 .......................................................Steady Lake Echo ........................................8.88 .......................................................Steady Dee Lagoon .....................................0.07 .......................................................Steady Bradys/Binneys/Tungatinah .............3.1 ......................................................... Falling Bronte Lagoon .................................0.98 .......................................................Steady Pine Tier Lagoon ..............................2.57 .......................................................Steady Little Pine Lagoon ............................0.63 .......................................................Steady Laughing Jack Lagoon ....................2.56 .......................................................Steady Lake St Clair ....................................1.95 .......................................................Steady Lake King William ............................7.26 .......................................................Steady Lake Liapootah ................................0.12 ........................................................Rising Wayatinah Lagoon ...........................0.27 .......................................................Steady Lake Catagunya ...............................0.31 .......................................................Steady

Lake Repulse ...................................0.66 ....................................................... Falling Cluny Lagoon ...................................0.16 .......................................................Steady Meadowbank Lake ..........................0.21 .......................................................Steady Lake Pedder ....................................1.48 ....................................................... Falling Lake Gordon ....................................39.84 ..................................................... Falling Lake Burbury ...................................8.78 .......................................................Steady Lake Plimsoll ...................................1.81 .......................................................Steady Lake Murchison ...............................15.42 .....................................................Steady Lake Mackintosh .............................3.79 .......................................................Steady Lake Rosebery .................................0.37 ....................................................... Falling Lake Pieman ....................................1.02 ........................................................Rising Lake Mackenzie ...............................4.98 .......................................................Steady Lake Rowallan .................................4.8 .........................................................Steady Lake Parangana ...............................1.06 ........................................................Rising Lake Cethana ...................................1.19 .......................................................Steady Lake Barrington ...............................1.4 .........................................................Steady Lake Gairdner ..................................1.63 .......................................................Steady Lake Paloona ...................................0.24 .......................................................Steady Woods Lake .....................................1.84 .......................................................Steady Whitespur Pond ...............................8.09 .......................................................Steady Lake Newton ...................................4.64 .......................................................Steady Lake Margaret .................................7.4 .........................................................Steady

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

FEBRUARY 2016

Go Behind the Scenery action of the lure hypnotise a school, you may find you have a few around the boat going bonkers. If you have a downrigger you’ll find that slow trolled cuttlefish or squid tentacles are deadly on kingies. If you know the fish are there, slow trolling live baits like mackerel and small salmon will have some bigger units take interest. In open water you can find big schools of Australian salmon, and during February there will nearly always be yellowtail

with them. The trick here is to have the kings take your offering before the pesky salmon. I say pesky, but at any other time you would be happy to catch these big salmon. Not right now though – it’s go time on big kings! Once again use a bigger jighead – around four times the size you would use on the salmon – and the same with the length of your plastic. Cast it long and a little over the back of the surface-feeding salmon. Let it sink and try to picture

what you are trying to do. The key here is to bring the lure up under the school of fish but from depth. The kingies are under the salmon and laying low out of the way. If you can get under the salmon and get the yellows fired up you are in for some fun. BLUEFIN TUNA AND ALBACORE The early run of bluefin and albacore has been completely off tap. It’s one of the best pre-season starts that anyone can remember. The fish have been

plentiful, everywhere and very hungry. They haven’t been spooking when feeding on the surface, and this has allowed anglers to take them on lighter spin gear and stickbaits. Big plastics are also a barrel of fun on the eggbeater reels. We had a great day out on them with Penn Armada rods and Clash 8000 reels. We also had an Ugly Stik rod and a Spinfisher V 8500 combo. Both these reels were running 80lb braid and we used an FG knot to tie on some 80lb leader. It

NORTH EAST TASMANIA There are plenty of kingies around Stanley and towards Woolworth at the moment. Anglers are catching them trolling with bibbed lures or skirts. Other anglers have been having success using big soft plastics with big jigheads dropped down to the bottom and worked back through the water column. One hotspot is Waterhouse Island, but they’re pretty much everywhere at

the moment. We’re seeing catches of quality King George whiting all along the north coast, with the Tamar River Heads and off Port Sorrell being two of the better spots. For best results use sandworms or pipis on where the edges of the weed beds meet the sand. Flathead and gummies are abundant along the whole of the north coast, for both beach anglers and boaters. We’re getting

FAR SOUTH TASMANIA Thomas has had a great response to his store in Kingston (ph. (03) 6227 2345). The store is full of great tackle and has always got a cheery atmosphere. I asked Tom what happened in January and what can we expect in February. 1. Squid - Calamari have continued to be more abundant than arrows over the last few weeks, however reports of arrows are starting to come in. Popular spots include Blackmans Bay, Conningham Rocks and, for those in a boat, Dennes Point. Bull Bay has slowed down, with most success coming in close.

Better quality jigs such as Gesola Egi and Yamashita in orange, brown or lumo have been a popular choice amongst anglers. Tip: Allow jigs to sink towards the bottom and employ an extra slow retrieve. 2. Flathead - Marion bay, Betsey and of course Bull Bay off Bruny continue to be the popular spots, with most anglers managing a feed. Other areas such as North West Bay and Cremorne have also been popular. A stand-out technique is certainly using flasher and squid soft plastic rigs. Tip: When fishing is slow, vary your retrieve. Use lighter line and try places you

Mason Paull showing that Tassie kings are getting bigger. haven’t fished before. You may have heard the saying ‘there are no fences in the ocean’, and this is certainly true when fishing. 3. Bream - The upper reaches of the Derwent continue to produce nice bream but not in large numbers. Anglers fishing 50-80mm bibbed minnows have been doing the best. Olive has been a stand-out colour. Locally, Browns River has been fishing well. Dirty water, as always, improves fishing in this river. Soft plastics worked slowly on the bottom continue to be the most productive method. Bait fishers using prawns have also been doing well. Tip: The key to getting a bream to take your lure is to fish light leader and use

A beautiful fish released to fight another day.

long pauses in your retrieve. 4. Garfish and whiting – There have been reports of good whiting bags coming from Lewisham on small long-shank hooks with a bit of fresh squid. The odd garfish has been popping up, but there are still no serious numbers to report. Directly off Kingston Beach some anglers have had success on whiting using sabiki rigs. Tip: A good berley trail is the key for attracting either of these two species. 5. Atlantic salmon - The Huon River has been producing some Atlantic salmon on the tail end of escapes of salmon. These reports may just be rumours, however fish continue to be caught throughout the system. Bibbed lures in brighter colours are a popular choice for anglers. Tip: Atlantic salmon like bright lures and are lazy. A slow retrieve works best. 6. Australian salmon Australian salmon reports have been slow, mainly as a result of the bad weather. There have been some reports off the rocks at Kingston Beach, but finding good sized fish is proving difficult. 7. Gummy shark - A few solid reports suggest gummy sharks are on the move, with small couta fillets or strips of squid tending to produce better bags. Local anglers have been finding most fish in 30-40ft of water off Bull Bay. Betsey Island has been the stand-out area, with sauris the best bait. Tip: A running sinker rig made up of 20-40lb leader attached

Tasmania was a little light – if we’d gotten boofed by something big we would have been in trouble – but we weren’t sure what the hook-up rate was going to be like. As it turned out we needn’t have worried. The fish were in ‘go’ mode and as soon as the stickbait hit the water there was a gang of blueys looking to inhale it. We had an absolute ball. We quickly realised we were going to catch a lot of fish so we swapped trebles out to big singles and also flattened barbs down to

look after released fish. It was stone cold bonkers. Social media has lit up with many crews having a great day out on the blues and also picking up some great albacore. It will be the same all through February with hotspots being Bicheno, Schouten Passage and Triabunna on the east, and Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Island and Dart Bank to the southeast. To be fair, you could drag skirts down the Derwent up near New Norfolk and probably be in with half a chance.

them in everything from 5m of water right through to 45m. The best bait is squid. We’re also starting to catch a few snapper on the reefs in 30-40m of water off the north coast. The mouth of Tamer River and off Port Sorrell are two good places to start, and good baits include whole pillies and squid heads. Along the east coast they’re starting to catch SBTs up to 50lb. Bicheno is a particularly good

location at the moment. There are still plenty of calamari squid being caught in 1-5m of water. Any good quality UV squid jig will produce the goods, regardless of the brand. Red/white been the standout colour choice. For more info on what’s biting drop into Gotya Bait and Tackle at 144-150 Hobart Rd, Kings Meadows or phone (03) 6344 7466. - Nick Shaw, Gotya Bait & Tackle

A running sinker rig made up of 2040lb leader attached to a 5/0 circle hook is great for gummy sharks. to a 5/0 circle hook has been proven to be a deadly combination. 8. Trout - Woods Lake, Arthurs Lake and Tooms continue to be the stand-out areas to catch a trout. The Huon continues to produce some great numbers, and in the south has been the stand-out river this season. Tip: A good pair of polarized sunglasses can be the difference between a bad and good day’s trout fishing. 9. Couta - Small couta continue to be caught all around Bruny Island, North West Bay and the Derwent River. Silver sliced lures and soft plastics are always effective. A few reports have suggested a few larger fish are being caught out deeper. For those of you who don’t like the taste of couta cooked traditionally, try hot smoking them. Tip: Known for their ability to bite straight through most fishing lines, a small wire

trace is recommended for couta. These fish make exceptional bait for gummy shark. 10. Striped trumpeter - Weather has certainly made stripy fishing hard, however many anglers are still managing a feed. Squid are the stand-out bait. Some anglers have been trying new methods such as micro jigging with some success. The new Zerek Chilli Padis are a popular jig when attempting this technique. Tip: Circle hooks have been proven to be an effective way of getting a solid hook-up on these fish. 11. Tuna - The tuna season has started with a bang. Large number of both bluefin and albacore have been caught, with most anglers having success on purple skirts and hardbody lures. Zacatak 9mm lures are a great small lure and have been going crackers. The Fishermans Shed FEBRUARY 2016

Watery woes in the Wimmera area HORSHAM

Trevor Holmes

Water is the main point of discussion throughout the Wimmera once again, as the dry season continues to take a toll on many lakes. Levels are falling to a critical stage, and given we are having an above average

and to maybe pull the lake through until rains arrive. A huge thanks goes to Anthony Forster of Fisheries Victoria, Dave Brennan of the Wimmera CMA and Bernie Dunn at GWM for their input and willingness to see the lake survive. ROCKLANDS RESERVOIR Dropping water levels here

but if the wind gets up and some wind lanes form there is some great fishing to be had. I know I’ve given the OSP bent minnows a great review over the last few months and they continue to dominate all other lures thrown in this lake. The shallows at first and last light are a great place to look as the bigger fish herd up minnows and smelt. Redfin have started

touch under 3kg landed on a Warlock diving lure in black with pink stripes. TAYLORS LAKE Taylors Lake is alive with natives galore for those willing to fish during the night and early morning, and mainly from the banks where the fish move into the shallows for a feed. Peeled raw yabby tail has been the most effective bait but there have been several cod taken on whole yabby or scrub worm. Bardi grubs also produced a few fish as well as cheese balls and raw chicken strips. There seems to be plenty of small silver perch too, and the ever-present population of carp to break the monotony of waiting for a native to arrive. Good redfin are regularly landed on baits, bladed lures and spinnerbaits

Natalie Holmes with a Rockland’s redfin trolled up just after Christmas, taken on a Stumpjumper (size 3, in pale pink). rise to insects and freely chase baitfish in the shallows. Wartook holds some of the best looking specimens of

few redfin have been taken on worms, and lure casters have also landed some good fish.

Jarrod Biles of Walkabout Tours with a lovely Murray cod landed on the bank. summer already some real carnage may develop over the coming months. A lot of hard work has been done by Fisheries, to restock and prolong the waterways, but this could all be undone if the summer rains and thunderstorms don’t arrive soon. Toolondo especially is feeling the pinch, with some fish kills occurring over the very hot Christmas period after several days over 40°C. Let’s all hope some relief turns up soon. TOOLONDO RESCUE With the onset of scorching days I’ve worked closely with the Fisheries team and the local CMA to devise a plan to try and save the lake from drying out, losing stock and the title of the best trout lake on mainland Australia. After some quick meetings, discussions and a flurry of texts and messages, an urgent meeting was called at the lake in mid-December. At this point it was decided that to salvage anything from the lake we needed to isolate the southern lake from the northern and eastern lakes by cutting off the sandbars and making the south end a priority - both water and fish wise. Within days machinery was in and completed this task. Allowing the shallow eastern lake to evaporate (given that very few fish would still be there), the priority now was to pump out what water was left in the northern lake to the southern and create a cooler, deeper section where the existing fish can congregate and hopefully be relocated over the sandbank into the southern lake and survive. It’s a long shot I know, but the only option we had of preserving anything from a terrible summer season 84

FEBRUARY 2016

have made good fishing a little sporadic, but those willing to put in the time have reaped rewards with some good bags of redfin, taken especially on the troll. Early and late in the day produces best, and some holidaying anglers have also done well fishing into the night. Due to falling water levels trout have been very quiet here lately. The bass continue to thrill anglers, who take them as a bonus catch while trolling for redfin. Look for structure, and rocky outcrops for the best results. At this time of year we see them congregate in numbers so persist in the areas where you find them. TOOLONDO Toolondo has been in decline and currently sits at 11% capacity, but has surprisingly still produced some cracking fish for both lure and bait anglers. It is impossible to troll in such weed growth and shallow water. On the calmer days putting a mudeye under a float is your best option,

to come on the chew finally and are a welcome by-catch when targeting trout. LAKE FYANS With high water levels and great numbers of fish, Fyans has become a Mecca for trout anglers in the region. Some lovely fish are available, with lots of browns over 3kg sighted and a few landed. Backing these up is a whole series of sizes ranging from the big boys down to a lot of fish of around the 900g mark. Rainbows also seem to be abundant, and given that the water temps are cooler than most lakes, they are in good condition and ripe for the picking. Nories Laydown Minnows have been a strong choice here for most fishos and produce the goods on the rainbows. Tassie Devils have also taken their share of fish too, and the standard white and orange are your best choice. Some very big redfin are still being landed, the best of which I’ve heard of was a

Sam Mhalanga landed this cracker Toolondo brown trout of 3.5kg on an OSP Bent Minnow in the early morning. cast around snags and trees. WARTOOK While the reports haven’t flowed in this month, the quality of the fish has improved as the lake slowly drops and the water temperature rises in the Grampians surrounded lake. Wartook is set in the valley and is therefore the last place to experience the summer boom, as the fish

The author with another Rockland’s Australian bass, a decent 34cm taken on the troll while chasing redfin.

brown trout around, however, they never seem to grow to great length. What they lack in length they make up for in bulk – a typical brown of around 55cm tips the scales to around 3kg here, whereas other lakes this length would only yield around 2.5kg. Rainbows have been hard to tempt on the dropping water levels, but anglers trolling Tassies early and late in the day have taken a few. Some redfin have come to the fore, they have schooled up and deep diving daytime trolling has done the trick. A few are taken on bait, as well as Rapala ice jigs worked through located schools. LAKE CHARLEGRAK Cod continue to bite well, and much the same as Taylors, they respond well to yabby, cheese and scrub worms. Anglers putting the time in have caught fish up to 70cm, but there are plenty of smaller fish around the 20-30cm mark to raid bait supplies. Trolling hasn’t produced many fish this year and boat traffic may be accountable for poor bank angling since the opening. A

WIMMERA RIVER With levels rising and falling here due to muchneeded flushes from environmental flows, the fishing has been very patchy. There have still been some quality yellas caught, and a few smaller cod on baits. Carp dominate the river system and are always present to entertain the youngsters on both worms and corn. Expect some stability in the fishing over the next few weeks as things settle down on the river, however but this won’t last long – as water temperature skyrockets the natives will go deep and into hiding. First and last light will be the ideal times from then on to chase natives with spinnerbaits, large hardbodies and rattling lures. Cast the snags and logs, and work the shaded area for best results. Schools of smaller redfin are on the move in the river too but aren’t very big. • Enquiries to Trevor on 0438 132 130 or 03 5388 1338. Catch us on Facebook ‘Victorian Inland Charters’ or check our web site www.victorian inlandcharters.com.au

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FEBRUARY 2016

Majestic Murray cod dominate in Mildura MILDURA

John Menhennett goobyfish@hotmail.com

Over the last couple of months, the river has been clear enough to lure up some big Murray cod. Flows are to a minimum, and many people have been out on the river enjoying this great time of year. We are gearing up for a fantastic summer of fishing around Mildura, particularly for the iconic Murray cod in the Mighty Murray River. Some awesome yellowbelly have been caught all around Mildura during the warm conditions, especially around the Merbein and Wentworth areas. These fish have mostly been caught on lures big and small, but bait fishos are having the best time with some cracking fish caught upstream of Mildura on grubs and worms. Trolling with smaller lures, intended for catching

Luke Haaja and Russell Payne with a nice summer yellowbelly caught on a Koolabung Codzilla. yellas, has worked well around the timber and clay banks, and quite a few anglers have reported catching large Murray cod on these small

lures as well. There is no doubt, however, that bigger lures are one of the keys to catching bigger fish. Biggest of the yellas of

late has been around the 55cm mark – a great river fish. Others have come in at the usual 40-48cm range, typical of a summer yellowbelly. A

lot of yellowbelly have been full of eggs, so practice catch and release if you can to keep our yellowbelly fishery and waterway healthy and sustainable. The yellas have been hitting the large lures very hard, which is a sign of their typical aggressive breeding behaviour. A few Murray cod have been caught on lures around Mildura, and others on shrimp and grubs. Some baited fish have weighed in up to 25lb. Cod caught on 120mm trolled hard-bodied lures have been between 15-20lb, with the odd one landed at over 50lb. The Darling River has fished well and should continue until the water recedes. Running a combination of 50lb braid and 50-60lb leader seems to be the ultimate setup to target big fish at this time of year. Lighter gear will also see you land the big one, but with so much cover in the river, like snags and rocks, to contend with, the chances of line breakage, probably with

a nice fish on the end of it, are high – something no angler wants! I would like to remind you to handle fish appropriately over summer, to ensure large Murray cod in particular, have a chance of survival after being caught. Be aware of the slot limits in place, and the heavy fines which apply to those anglers who keep under or oversized fish. The best smaller lure lately has been the Koolabung 90mm Codbait. Larger lures however, have done most of the damage when catching and releasing large Murray cod. One lure, which has dominated the cod season so far, has been the Koolabung 120mm Codzilla in all colours. Large Bassman Spinnerbaits with coloured blades seem to also be doing the damage. This summer is set to be a cracker of a season, so get out there and wet a line; you may be surprised what puts a bend in your rod.

Cod fishing in a furnace ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

The full wrath of summer has seen the fishing slow down considerably

along the Murray, with temperatures frequently pushing through the 40°C barrier. Not much fun on the water, with most sessions aimed at first and last light. While angling

conditions are less than favourable, spare a thought for the poor cod that are drawn up from the depths into the unnatural furnace like conditions of summer. Large deep-water cod

Fluoro colours are effective – here a decent sized cod scoffs a chartreuse coloured StumpJumper on the cast.

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trolled at this time of the year have a better than even chance of dying due to extreme temperatures, both in and out of the water. For this reason, I tend to leave the deep-water fish alone during the hottest months, as the risks of fish mortality are not worth the thrill of the catch. Larger fish in shallow or current rich water seem to have less of a problem, and few, if any fatalities occur in

fish that are handled properly. The Murray at Swan Hill continues to fish well for smaller cod on bait, and many anglers have reported that the fishing is at its best since the blackwater, several seasons gone. Cheese has remained the go-to bait, with some anglers landing more than a dozen fish a session. Most of these cod are undersize, but great fun none the less, and a welcome catch to those who have never landed a Murray cod before. Anglers have also landed some excellent golden perch – mostly on baits of shrimp and small yabbies. The Wakool Junction near Boundary Bend has good numbers of large perch on bait, with just a few cod to keep anglers guessing. Cod to 94cm have been landed in the Edwards upstream of Kyalite on the Wakool River on StumpJumper lures. A few good perch have also been caught in this area on baits of shrimp and scrub worms. Several cod have been landed in the Wakool downstream of the Kyalite Hotel on surface lures. This is one way to beat the heat, and very exciting if you can tempt a strike. Several cod have been taken from the surface at this location – the largest of which was a solid 87cm model. Robinvale on the Murray has been ski boat central during the day, but come the evening those in the know have landed good numbers of cod and perch on bait. Below the loch at

This monster cod at 118cm took a liking to the fluoro orange Codzilla in dirty water conditions. Euston through to Wemen, some great perch to 50cm+ have been landed on shrimp bobbed among the timber. Reports of cracking cod to 118cm abound – these gladiators fall to hardbodied lures and spinnerbaits both on the troll and cast. Most of the better cod have been angled close to or directly from rock bars, with the perch favouring the old timber snags. Both StumpJumpers

and Koolabung Codzilla lures in fluoro orange and Bassman 4x4 spinnerbaits have yielded great results. While the weather remains hot for the next month or so, the bite will remain slow in the deeper sections of the Murray. I recommend you target either the smaller rivers, or tempt the shallow water giants in some of the current rich sections of the Murray River.

Murray monsters lurk below the surface YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

As the smoke clears from the New Years Eve fireworks and the painful screech and squeal of the ‘doof-doof’ boats decreases to a minimal level, we charge into February and prime cod fishing time in and around Lake Mulwala. Balmy calm summer evenings have presented the greatest opportunity for surface fishing, which has become the most popular form of fishing over the past couple of seasons. With that, those using wake baits (sub-surface

lures) is also on the increase. The surface action gives you the chance to tangle with numerous average size cod but also some genuine brutes. As per usual, those working both spinnerbaits and hardbody lures will encounter numerous cod on a regular basis. The hour or two before dusk is prime cod time, however, these fish will respond to a well-placed lure all day long. Between 9am-5pm water deeper than 3m will be more productive, while 5pm-9am will see the shallow water come alive. Look for areas that have some current flow to increase your averages. Looking back, the week

CURRENT REGULATIONS Murray cod: 55-75cm slot limit, bag limit of two in lakes and one in rivers. Closed season 1 Sep to 30 Nov. Trout: No minimum size. Combined limit of five salmonids per day in lakes and impoundments (in small family fishing lakes, no more than two fish may exceed 35cm. See agriculture.vic.gov.au for a list of family fishing lakes). In rivers and streams, the bag limit is five salmonids, of which no more than two fish may exceed 35cm. The closed season in rivers and streams in 2016 is midnight 13 June to 2 September. It’s an offence to be in possession of a hook and line in, on or within 20m of tailrace rivers during the closed season. Redfin: No minimum size, no bag limit. Anglers are encouraged not to release redfin because they prey on native species.

between Christmas and New Year saw a multitude of fishos descend on Lake Mulwala and the Murray River below the weir. Many fishers came into the store with reports of plenty of small cod caught below the weir. Those fishing the lake caught better quality cod, but in less quantity. Mixed in with the smaller models were some outstanding cod. Zac Alexander and Matthew Sakic had great success, using cheese to land three cod that measured between 75-100cm. Cain Peatling was the first in store to report a great lure caught cod the he trolled up among the speed boats. Cain’s fish measured a healthy 102cm. Corowa boy Kyle Dalrymple was next to hook a good cod with his also measuring 102cm. This was taken on a cast Gangster Spinnerbait. Brendan Pejkovic was next to step up to the plate and create his own memorable moment. Not happy with landing his personal best of 70cm only an hour or so before, Brendan’s cast Koolabung surface lure was gobbled up by a superb 105cm cod. To top this off, Jamie Beer was one lucky fella when his Kuttafurra surface lure was smashed by

a behemoth that measured 122cms, an absolute Mulwala monster. Cod of this size don’t come out of Mulwala regularly, especially caught off the surface, so this undoubtedly wins the unofficial ‘Cod Of The Year’ for 2015. Mulwala lad Joel Thomas recently landed a great cod that measured 94cm. In the same evening, a beautiful 98cm cod was caught by Will Sharrock of Albury. Will’s lure of choice was a jointed Taylor Made surface lure. It may interest some to know that I’m now doing a weekly ‘live’ Lake Mulwala fishing report that can be viewed via Youtube or the Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski Facebook page. It will be posted each Thursday and let you know the latest local action. • If you are visiting town, I urge you to call into Lake Mulwala Fish, Camp & Ski (opposite the post office) in Mulwala and say G’day. We are your largest Murray cod-specific shop in Yarrawonga/Mulwala and specialise in all things ‘green’! For any information on the upcoming events or fishing reports, give us a hoy on (03) 5744 3133.

Jamie Beer with a monstrous 122cm cod taken off the surface.

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FEBRUARY 2016

River cod are fired up SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

The summer has not produced massive amounts of fish so far, but the fish that were caught were enormous. One lucky local managed a meter long cod, and a couple casts later another cod well over 70cm. The big cod were caught in the Broken and Goulburn rivers; with such excellent water conditions in the Goulburn I expect to see more big fish caught in the coming months. There have been mixed reports of successful techniques from surface fishing to casting spinnerbaits, and both big and small profile lures. The Broken around the Archer Street Bridge area has fished well, and if you’re willing to walk a few kilometres you will find plenty of good fishing spots. Within 500m of the Bridge you will find a massive sandbar on a bend up to 15ft deep. There are weedy banks and fully timbered banks in this area, as well as narrow

fast flowing waters. This area used to be my daily stomping ground as a pup and it still produces good fish. Recently, there has been an absence of foot and bike traffic in these areas so there are a lot more snakes around. Make sure you take care while fishing here. If you fish this area with a mate, park one car towards the Melbourne Road Bridge or towards the Junction and drive to the Archer Street end and park your other car there. This saves a lot of time back-tracking through the bush. This way you get a solid day of walking from one end to the other, and there are hundreds of quality spots from the Archer Street Bridge to the Junction, which aren’t over-fished – always a good thing. The Goulburn has fished well; behind Aquamoves there have been reports from families catching legal sized fish on bait (mostly on bardi grubs and cheese). The banks are reasonably easy to access behind Aquamoves, so if you don’t have a boat, don’t stress too much. KIALLA LAKES The Lakes have been a milky colour for the past

couple of years, and since the water turned this colour the fishing has been tough. The fish quality has not been great, and my recent trips I’ve seen yellowbelly with distinctly milky silver colouring. In late December, I was shocked to see the lakes had a good flush of fresh water, most likely from the Broken River or the Channel System. The water is not as crystal clear as it’s been in the past, but it’s looking much better. Days after the flush of fresh water saw the yellowbelly go crazy, with one resident reporting eight fish all over 30cm caught slow rolling lipless crankbaits covered in scent with a blade on top. I normally use Jackalls, but the Balista Lipless Crankbaits have recently been on-trend, and the flashing light might be another key to land fish. The fish are not regularly stocked in Kialla, so catch and release works well to sustain the future of this fishery. CRAIGMUIR LAKE There were again reports of good-sized cod caught in Craigmuir. On the last full moon there was a report of

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Sean Gledhill with a 104cm cod caught in the Shepparton Area. up to twenty surface strikes. I have never considered surface fishing at the lakes, but it’s a great way to target the cod population. Lake fishing for redfin has been slow, perhaps because of the warm conditions, but also because the redfin are not a stocked species. If chasing yellowbelly in the coming months, slow roll small spinnerbaits or hardbody lures around the weed beds for good results. LOCAL CHANNELS The channels have fished very well this summer, and cod and yellowbelly have been the stars of the show. Baitfishing has been fruitful, and a pile of worms is the key to land yellowbelly. The

cod have taken spinnerbaits and yabby tails. Fishing any structure has worked well in recent months, and almost all the local channels have drop bars or bridges to target. The bridge crossings on the road to Dookie or Euroa have always fished well in the hotter months so target these areas first. SHEPPARTON LAKE The Shepparton Lakes have been slow, and the hot days and extra water traffic could be responsible. There is a little less weed than previous summers, so if you’re fishing the lake spend as much time as possible around the weed bed edges. If you happen to be at the lake when they

are pumping fresh water in, target the area where the fresh comes in as, in the past, this has always produced good amounts of fish, particularly yellowbelly. WARANGA BASIN Fishing in the Basin has been tough due to the amounts of jet skis, ski boats and wind. It’s almost impossible to enjoy a session at the Basin if any one of these three elements occurs. The fishers who have got out early before the skiers have managed to catch small redfin. The yellowbelly and cod reports have died right off, hopefully this changes in the coming months.

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Team Tackle World Member Justin Williams with a cracking cod caught off the top in the Broken River.

Last chance for a Wangaratta monster cod WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

February is not only the last month of summer; it’s also the last reliable month for cod fishing in the Wangaratta area. From March onwards we begin to see a more erratic and

visiting his family when he decided to pop down the river and drown some bait. Graeme caught his fish on KFC popcorn chicken using 4kg-braided line. Unbelievable! During February the fishing should remain consistent. If there is a really strong cold front followed by

the month. During hot spells look for flowing water, a bit of current, and especially if the water is broken by some kind of rapid. These areas carry the most oxygen in the water during the heat and attract fish, especially when there is deep water nearby. TROUT The trout fishing will be

Sunset on the lower Ovens River. Twilight periods of the day are great fishing times for all species in the Wangaratta area.

A nice Murray cod taken on a Bassman Spinnerbait within 5 minutes of the Wangaratta CBD. unreliable feeding pattern with Murray cod. On the opposite side of the coin, as the nights get shorter and average water temperatures start to cool down we start seeing a bit of an increase in trout activity in the creeks and rivers. MURRAY COD The Murray cod fishing has been fantastic all season. Most anglers who target cod have caught them consistently. The majority of the cod caught in the Ovens River catchment have been undersize, however a few larger specimens up around 70-80cm have been caught. My friend Graeme Anderson recently caught a 105cm Murray cod right in the heart of Wangaratta at Christmas time. Graeme is a former Wangaratta resident and was home for Christmas

a series of cooler days with southerly winds, the fishing may slow down, but by and large every day in February will be worth a try. Towards the end of February, as the days get shorter and the nights start to become a little cooler, the fishing will begin the typical autumn pattern of ‘hot and cold’ fishing. Anywhere along the Ovens and King rivers will be worth a try to target Murray cod – expect the King River to slow down earlier than the Ovens. I find it much harder to catch a Murray cod in the King River during autumn than I do in the Ovens. Early in the month it will be extremely hot! The first two weeks of February is usually the hottest time of the year in Wangaratta with some reprieve by the end of

trying, particularly in the high country. Places like Lake Catani on Mt Buffalo are worth a try during the heat as the altitude assists to keep the water cooler. Lake Catani, the reservoir,

but it’s a great place to head during the February to beat the heat and get a trout fix. The Ovens River upstream of Bright will be the best area to head. Located in the foothills of the high country,

Lake William Hovell will be worth a visit to target some redfin during February. slow in the region’s creeks and rivers, especially at the start of February – the heat cripples the trout fishery. There will be places worth

and numerous little creeks on the Mt Buffalo plateau are all packed with small trout. The fish up in the high country are usually smaller,

there is usually a stronger flow of water there. The second half of February could go any way with the trout fishing, and

is largely dependent on how much rainfall we receive. A decent February deluge and a cool change in the second half of the month could trigger a bit of a feeding frenzy with the trout in the creeks and rivers, while little or no rain will most likely result in terrible trout fishing. Lake William Hovell will be worth heading to, as the water level slowly drops away and the redfin fishing starts to heat up. If it’s stinking hot you won’t find a better place to swim and cool down in between casts. Baitfishers should try using tiny yabbies, while lure fishers should try soft plastics and bladed spinners. Those trolling from a boat should do well with ultra deep diving small hardbody lures. I like the Luhr Jensen hotlips lures, but the 50mm AC invaders go well too. The Halco Crazy Deep in bright colours has been extraordinary trolled from my kayak. They’re a slightly cheaper lure to buy and have accounted for many redfin captures.

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of hot weather, everyone in the city turns on the air conditioners, which leads the power companies to generate more power. This causes the river to rise unnaturally by around 50cm or more. The fishing throughout February should pick up, especially now that the rivers are getting a lot less pressure with the Christmas holidays well and truly over. The rivers maintained a natural flow rate for a few days in January, which saw some big numbers of Murray cod caught in the lower Kiewa river and upper Murray. Although the average size seems to be smaller than in previous seasons, it’s still a good sign of things to come. Most people have had quite a lot of success on spinnerbaits; however, surface lures and hardbodies have caught their fair share of fish as well. The trout season has hit its normal summer low. A substantial amount of rain would bring the trout on the bite, but until then they

actively. Lake Dartmouth has fished consistently well over summer, but you must be prepared to troll deep. I’ve heard good reports of fish trolled in 30–40ft of water, with some fish around 5lb. The average size would be around the 1.5lb mark. Trolling winged lures like Tassie Devils or

A small but very healthy Murray cod that fell to a Bassman Spinnerbait in clear water.

Loftys Cobras is your best bet, either on a downrigger or leadline setup to get that extra depth. Trolling bait or soft plastics in Lake Dartmouth is also a popular option, either behind a set of cowbells or ford fender type attractor seems to work best. The Strike Tiger 1” Nymph is a great soft plastic to troll behind an attractor, as it can resemble a small mudeye or yabby. Remember that you will need a heavier rod and line to allow for the extra drag that the attractor causes. Lake Hume has ticked over nicely on the redfin scene, and should continue to do so during February. Most fish have been caught in around 25ft of water, many of which have fallen to the humble worm or small yabbies. Try tying up to a tree and bob your bait up and down off the bottom. If you don’t get anything within the first five minutes, try a different tree. There is an abundance of small redfin in Lake Hume, it’s just a matter of trying to find a school of the bigger size fish. Trolling lures like a McGrath Wide Body or Oargee Plow can be a great way of locating these schools of larger fish. The yellowbelly seem to have slowed a bit as the water has warmed but can still be found, they come as a welcome by-catch when bobbing bait or trolling lures for redfin.

Patience you must have, my young angler JINDABYNE

Steve Williamson swtrout@airlan.com.au

As reported last month, the river fishing season was very late this year and is only now about to peak. Due to the late season and cool conditions, flyfishers are now experiencing the best flyfishing for years,

at the moment however, you might need the kids with a butterfly net to help you collect a few! Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay and Curiosity Rocks are the best places to baitfish as well as the bottom of Discovery Holiday Park near Widows Creek Inlet. Some of the best lake flyfishing will come in the next few months, and with the steady lake level we should

Harrison Keys enjoying his day out trout fishing. with lots of bugs about the trout are leaping for joy! The water level on the streams is lower and clear after a fantastic 5” of rain in early January. River lure spinners are still doing alright with small spinners and small minnow lures. Over the last month, Lake Jindabyne’s water level dropped a bit, but is still high and fishing well. Although a late start to the boat fishing this season, the trollers are now doing well early and late with surface lures and on lead core lines and downriggers in the middle of the day. We’ve seen some very big rainbow trout caught over recent weeks. Overall, it’s time to hit the mountains for a little trout fishing while the weather is warm and the fish are biting. SECRETS OF THE TROUT Baitfishing on lake Jindabyne has been good over recent months with the higher water levels. Mudeyes or even worms have been good used under a float. Either let the waves move it about, or if there’s no wind try and wind it in very slowly with a pause every turn of the handle. Another bait worth suspending under a float is the old faithful grasshopper, bait you don’t see used very often. Grasshoppers work a treat, and there are plenty about

see some big fish caught. Try any of the streamer patterns such as Mrs Simpson and Williamson’s Snowy Mountains Gold Fish. Olive green nymphs and shrimp patterns are also worth a try. The South Arm, Creel

Bay and Kangaroo Bay are all great places to catch a trout on fly. The boat trolling this year has been very good and we are still catching trout on the surface. The water temperature hasn’t been as warm as in previous years; however, we have downrigged on hot and bright days. Downrigger depth however has not been as deep as in previous years, try for 25-35ft. Expect to see this formula continue to yield results over the next month or so. The Tasmanian Devil #111, the ‘Willy’s Special,’ is still just about the best Tasmanian Devil colour at the moment followed by the Yellow Wing Brown Bomber. My black/gold Tasmanian Devil or the Holographic has been the best for darker conditions and have also worked well downrigging. I also recommend Bullet Minnows in gold colours down off the downrigger and lead lines. Gaden Trout Hatchery released rainbow trout fingerlings into Jindabyne last month, so all natural rainbow trout colours are working well. With water levels still high, some of the better trolling areas this month will be Hatchery Bay, Hayshed Bay, Sid’s Bay through to Rushes Bay; however, watch the rocks as the water levels drop and the East Jindabyne Islands start to reappear. The lake has seen some great lure spinning in the shallow bays early and late in the day. You can start by spinning the edges with Celtas, small Stumpjumpers, and flicking 3cm and 5cm Bullet lures.

Spin late in the day off steep drop-offs with plenty of rocks in places like Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay and the Snowy Arm. On brighter days, change to a Tassie and cast further out over dropoffs, and let the lure sink before you slowly retrieve. Try down at the South Arm or near Banjo Patterson Park. THREDBO RIVER Fish have been caught in the Thredbo River on small 3cm Bullet lures, and rainbow trout and perch have been the best colours. You can also try some Strike Tiger soft plastics very early and late in the day. Olive pepper colour over the weed beds will catch rainbow trout, but the Strike Tiger nymphs work well on the bigger brown trout. Use the lightest jighead possible and work them very slow. On the smaller streams like the Moonbah or upper Snowy, a variety of lures will work, but the best will be small bladed spinners, like the Gillies Spina or Celtas in numbers one or two. Fishing on the Thredbo River has been spectacular, with a late season this year we should continue to see some fantastic dry flyfishing again this month. The Alpine streams are still at their best, and plenty of small fish have been caught on dry fly. Fly selection is not too critical in these streams, but placement is imperative or else you risk scaring the fish away. Must have flys include brown beetle patterns, Snowy Hopper, Stimulator, Royal Wulff and Parachute Hoppers. Maybe a brown and a black nymph if the fish are not rising, a white moth or white Wulff, a midge pattern, brown mayfly and an Adams as well, just to make certain you have most circumstances covered! All in all, conditions

Smiles all round with some great fishing fun. are looking good for some great lake fishing over the coming months, so get your gear together and come and try some of our fantastic trout fishing. Until next month, hope you catch the big one. • If you would like some personal guiding, I will be available over the coming months for fly-fishing tuition and lake trolling

trips. Lessons can be booked from 2 hours’ duration, and trolling trips from 3 hours to a full day. If you want to know more about the latest in fishing conditions, just give me a call on (0264) 561 551 or check out my website at www.swtroutfishing.com. au. You can also see our daily Facebook updates at https://www.facebook. com/LJTFA.

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DAM LEVELS

Young Edward Keys with his first ever trout – what an achievement!

Lake/Dam % Full

Dam % Full

LAKE/DAM Mar Apr May Cairn Curran 26 24 21 Dartmouth 59 55 50 Eildon 52 52 45 Eppalock 36 35 31 Fyans 78 75 69 Greens 60 63 51 Hepburn 47 42 32 Hume 46 45 38 Lauriston 76 67 66 Malmsbury 29 44 34 Mulwala( Yarrawonga) 93 97 93

Newlyn 40 42 28 Nillahcootie 52 49 43 Rocklands 15 18 14 Taylors 33 51 34 Tullaroop 26 32 22 Upper Coliban 61 60 50 Waranga 23 40 18 Wartook 74 71 64 William Hovell 99 99 92 All levels correct at time of going to press. Damlevels can change at any time, so please check with local authorities to ensure safe boating and fishing. FEBRUARY 2016

Dirty edges producing trophies EILDON

Andy McCarthy

Earlier in the season it was all about the Delatite Arm, but it’s this time of year that the bottom end of the lake comes into its own. The dirty edges aren’t as wide as a lot of the shallower areas and these dirty edges create a bit of cover for feeding fish to ambush prey. A lot of punters steer away

from the dirty stuff, but I know a few anglers who search for these areas and fish right where the dirty water meets the clean. They fish super slow with spinnerbaits and absolutely smash them, so don’t always run away from the dirty stuff, as it can hold hidden treasures. There have been consistent reports coming in from the bottom of the lake and some of the cod have been massive. Cod to 102cm have

been taken, with lots around the 80cm mark and countless fish between 45-60cm. It seems the bite windows have gotten a little more consistent throughout January, which is great to hear. As for standout lures, it seems that everybody is saying they are getting them on almost anything from spinnerbaits, lipless cranks, hardbodies, soft plastics and bait, so stick to your strengths and that will put you in the game. There have also been reports of some nice trout having a bit of a go with local Daron von Cranny getting a nice 4lb brown trout on a

Cranka Fire Trout Minnow. There have been reports of lots of tiny redfin, which hasn’t happened for a few years, so that’s encouraging for the future. Not only are they great fun, but they provide a great food source for our natives. Now that the crazy amount of people enjoying the lake has diminished significantly, I highly recommend that if you can get a weekday off, go and fish Eildon. It’s like a different place compared to the weekends, so give it a whirl and you should have a better chance of finding some quality fish.

Jason King with a horse late season yella he caught recently.

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Matt Forbes with a nice, fat cod that ended up being his new PB.

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The entire month of January was absolutely crazy, with hundreds and hundreds of holidaymakers with a passion for water sports really chopping the place up and making the water very dirty. The water level as at around 44% and dropping. Most people including myself thought it would be slow going fishing wise, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth, with loads of cod on the chew. There have been plenty of anglers getting PBs this season and the sheer numbers of cod around the 50-65cm range is crazy, just imagine this waterway in 6-8 years! It’s good now, but there will be so many fish over a meter – it will be insane! Don’t be scared to troll a little deeper than you normally would at this time of year, as the fish seem to be holding down deeper. The best bit of advice I can give you all is try not to get yourself stuck into simply going to the same old spots you have been going for the last few years. The lake

Bailey Thomas with a nice cod taken up the top of the lake. hasn’t been this low for quite sometime and the fish will move to new areas. A lot of people I have spoken to who have had some of the best sessions this year have said changing up where you fish has been the key to their success, instead of going straight to old haunts because of time constraints, which I am very guilty of myself. One other thing I would recommend is to get yourself either a 8/0-10/0 weedless

bottom weighted style jighead and fit it with a 140-200mm soft plastic. Big is the key, but it’s also important to fish with a stinger hook, either a large treble where you insert one of the hook points join front of the tail leaving two points exposed, or an inline single hook. The most important part is making sure there is a tiny bit of slack in your stinger line, so it allows the tail to swim true and by keeping the large hook at the front buried ever

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Hoppers dominate trout along the Goulburn GOULBURN RIVERS

Stephen Vidler

The fishing in the upper Goulburn system and tributaries was amazing over the summer holiday period. A lot of the smaller systems have suffered from the typical seasonal summer low flows and higher temperatures that have slowed the fishing on the trout side of things. The Rubicon and Goulburn rivers have been more than reliable over summer. Although the fish are mostly of the smaller variety

in the Rubicon, Steavenson, Acheron and others, there are some quality trout to be had for anglers with a bit of patience, skill and will to get on the water very early in the day, before the summer sun starts to scorch. The Goulburn has again been an absolute standout, with large numbers of top quality trout encountered regularly. Fish in the 35–45cm range are common and can be enticed to bite quite easily with the right approach. There are decent numbers of brown and rainbow trout that top the 50cm mark if you spend the time to find them. Nearly any

area of the Goulburn River, from the Eildon Pondage gates to below Alexandra to Yea that can be accessed will hold fish, some easier to access than others. What surprises me, is that even the most popular and accessible spots continue

CD and the original 5–7cm minnows, Daiwa Double clutch, Berkley T-tails and Z-Man Grubz are all worth a go. The usual bait of dough, Powerbait, maggots, mudeyes and good old worms are all

Plenty of quality trout come out of the Pondage everyday.

The early bird catches the trout in Summer!

Not bad for his first ever fish! Well done Riley!

to produce good fish day after day. It’s a massive blessing in disguise that a lot of the river along this stretch is at best difficult, if not impossible to get to – let alone cast into. The same selection of lures is doing the job, Rapala

working well at the moment. The stand out bait over quite a long period this year has been grasshoppers. The ‘hoppers started very early this year and have continued for longer than usual. Floating ‘hoppers along a chosen grassy stretch,

and walking along the edge chasing grasshoppers into the water, is an exciting way to fish for trout. Fly fishers have had an absolute ball chasing trout in the local rivers and streams. As mentioned, the grasshoppers have been plentiful for a prolonged period and trout and trout fishers have made the most of these abundant insects. Obviously, the grasshopper imitations have done the job, but the recent emergence of the willow grubs will make tying an imitation grub a very worthy exercise. The Eildon Pondage had a

timely visit from Santa late in December with a range of fish from ‘catchable’ 300g fish, to 1kg whoppers, alongside ex-brood brown and rainbows of 3–5kg. Some of these fish and the resident fish are still caught and regular stockings ensure the Pondage will always be worth a look for any fisher in the area. You can’t go past the local dough, Powerbait, mudeyes, worms and brightly coloured Tassie devils (pink, orange, lime green) to have an encounter with these big pondage monsters. Stay safe and enjoy the area.

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Natives too hot to trot BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

The Bendigo region continues its long period of hot dry weather and the region is looking very dry, so everyone would appreciate a good rainfall event. With these dry conditions we are seeing a continuing trend of receding water levels in our local impoundments. Water clarity has continued to be good in our local river systems, and at this stage the chances of below average rainfall are high and the hot dry conditions are likely to continue. LAKE EPPALOCK The fishing at Eppalock has been good and should continue to be productive. Water clarity is currently good around the majority of lake, but is fairly poor in the Derrinal Pool section of Lake Eppalock. There have still been reasonable captures in this section but the majority of fish being caught in this area have been caught on bait. Bait fishing with worms and small yabbies has been the best option. The number of golden perch being caught has slowed in recent weeks, and the receding water levels are not helping. The best time to target the golden perch has been in the last couple of hours of daylight, and

casting lipless crankbaits continues to be the most productive method for the golden perch. Trolling small and medium-sized hardbody lures around the edges of submerged saplings has also been productive. Small numbers of Murray cod measuring up to 80cm have been caught in recent weeks, but casting spinnerbaits around ‘lay-medown’ timber has been producing small numbers of Murray cod. Casting to the edges of rocky shorelines has also been working. Anglers trolling large hardbody lures have also caught small numbers of Murray cod. The redfin fishing has been good. The numbers of redfin being caught by anglers is low, however the quality of the fish being caught has been excellent. Locating some quality redfin is currently not easy, so anglers should be prepared to travel around many different areas in the lake in order to locate a good concentration. The most productive depths for the redfin have been in water deeper than 8m. Trolling deep diving hardbodied lures has been the best method for locating the redfin, and my favourite lure for this is the Custom Crafted Bass Hunter. The most productive colours have been redfin patterns and natural colour schemes. The largest redfin that a client managed to land on a tour

recently with Cod Hunter Fishing Tours measured over 48cm. If a large enough concentration of redfin is located then casting the area with soft plastics has also been working well. CAMPASPE RIVER There have been some quality native fish being caught in the Campaspe River recently. The fishing has been up and down, but catch rates will be good for a day or two, and then often followed up by some tougher fishing. Anglers should not be disturbed by an unproductive trip to this location, as on the next trip the fishing can significantly improve. Often when large amounts of water are being released from Lake Eppalock the fishing will slow down, but when the flows slow down again the fishing often improves. The water clarity remains good at most locations along the Campaspe River. Casting and retrieving spinnerbaits has been the most productive technique for targeting Murray cod recently. There have also been increased numbers of Murray cod being caught by anglers fishing with surface lures during periods of low light. Casting and retrieving lipless crankbaits and hardbodied lures has been working well on the golden perch, but the numbers of

This large redfin was undone when Tallis Miles slowly retrieved a well-presented Jackall Clone Fry past its nose. redfin being caught in the Campaspe River lately has been low. CAIRN CURRAN The productivity in the native fishing continues to be good at this location, and the best fishing has been in the last couple of hours of daylight. Casting and retrieving or trolling the edges of the rocky shorelines has been producing reasonable numbers of golden perch and small numbers of Murray cod. Casting and retrieving both the standing and fallen timbers has been producing reasonable numbers of native fish. The redfin fishing has been fairly slow, but if you are lucky or skilful enough to locate a good concentration of redfin, you may be able

to land some quality redfin measuring over 40cm. The majority of the large redfin have been caught in depths greater than 10m. LODDON RIVER Water clarity has been good at times in the Loddon River lately. Water clarity has been varying a bit depending on what section of the river you are fishing, but the productivity in the native fishing has been good. Golden perch are making up the majority of captures with the average size golden perch being landed measuring around 45cm. The best lures on the golden perch have been lipless crankbaits and medium-sized hardbodied lures. There are currently some excellent weed beds along the Loddon

River, and these weed beds are excellent habitat for the golden perch. Casting along the edges of the weed beds can be very effective when targeting the golden perch. Often anglers ignore the weed beds and just concentrate their fishing effort on the more obvious timber, and this is often to their detriment. Some quality Murray cod measuring over 90cm have been caught in the Loddon River by those fishing along these weed beds. Casting and retrieving a wide range of lures has been working on the Murray cod. The most productive options have been spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, medium-sized hardbodies and surface lures during periods of low light.

Gippy Lake bass on the chew CENTRAL GIPPSLAND

and the major lakes have really started to produce the goods. allwaysangling@bigpond.com Lake Glenmaggie is With summer here, the not known that well for the trout move down the order trout fishing anymore, but and the bass come first, it’s sure well known for its Will Thompson

TARGET

Australia’s largest freshwater fish “The Mighty Murray Cod”

Join Roger on a guided fishing tour and learn how to catch our premier freshwater fish.

FISHING LOCATIONS: • The Loddon River System • Lake Eildon • Campaspe River System • Murray River (Lake Mulwala) • Many More!

P:Roger: 0427 483 286

E:codhuntertours@bigpond.com

www.codhunter.com.au 94

FEBRUARY 2016

summer bass action. The bass are pretty big in this lake these days and there have been some football-sized bass caught over the past month measuring 40cm and fat as butter. The surface luring in the evenings has been amazing with cicada lures and small stickbaits being the main lure types favoured by most local anglers, and if the fish are down deep around the rocky outcrops and snags, small soft plastics and vibes have been fantastic. The prime time really does seem to be from around 7:00pm until dark. Cowwarr Weir is also producing its fair share of bass, and while much smaller than in Glenmaggie, we are seeing bass up to almost 30cm, but there are still heaps of those 20-24cm models in there. Again, surface lures are working well on the evenings, but hardbodied lures and small spinnerbaits during the day are a pretty sure bet if you don’t want to stay until dark. Blue Rock is fishing really well around its sticks and timbered areas. There seems to be plenty of bass

where there is heavy timber and around the lake’s edges. Fishing evenings until dark has been the best, but the mornings are a good option as well. Join all this together with a hot day and you will be in with some awesome bass fishing. There’s all sizes at Blue Rock at the moment with fish ranging from 20-40cm being caught, and in big numbers as well. The evenings are perfect for using surface lures like stickbaits and cicadas, which have become the two most heavily-used bass lures in our region. In addition, spinnerbaits and hardbodies cast into the timber have been very good as well and there’s plenty of compact spinnerbaits and 40-70mm hardbody lures designed for this style of fishing. • For more information, contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 5174 8544. You will get expert advice and great deals on fishing bait and tackle. Tune into Rex Hunt and Lee Rayner’s Off the Hook on 1242 to hear Will’s report on what’s going on in Gippsland!

Mark Ramsey caught these beautiful big bass in lake Glenmaggie.

Crater Lakes desperate for a downpour CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

I reside in the centre of a trophy trout lake triangle, made up of Bullen Merri, Purrumbete and Elingamite. Unfortunately two of these three waterways are out of action with the third beginning to be affected by dropping water levels. Due to below average yearly rainfall and a very warm summer, most of our freshwater lakes and rivers are in dire straits. We in the South West are no different to many other parts of the state but we have a communal worry for the future of our waterways. Lake Elingamite was only open to small tinnies in September (and a tad longer for canoeists). Sadly only 300 browns (out of several thousand fish) managed to be released in restocking programs. Lake Bullen Merri is severely affected by bluegreen algae, and although some anglers fishing from the bank have caught the odd decent rainbow, the fish certainly should not be

brought home for the table. That leaves Purrumbete. Unfortunately, the water levels are receding here also and it’s become increasingly difficult to launch from the caravan park. If you want to fish Purrumbete, fish it now and leave the bigger boats at home. It’s only small tinnie territory at the moment. How long it will stay that way is anyone’s guess. It’s not all doom and gloom, thank goodness! On Boxing Day we received over an inch of very welcome rain, plus a few days of cooler weather. This will certainly freshen up our lakes and rivers somewhat, even if only temporarily, and hopefully extend the boat-launching window on Lake Purrumbete. The rain may make an important difference to the Gellibrand River, which flows out of the western edge of the Otway Ranges and empties into the sea at the small hamlet of Princetown. THE CURIOUS CASE OF DISAPPEARING JUVENILE BLACKFISH At the start of the Christmas holidays the mouth was still closed and the river very full. So full in fact, that no boat could pass under

Standing on the end of the floating pontoon at the Lake Elingamite boat ramp, wondering what could have been… the road bridge to access the upper reaches. The Boxing Day rain event may well be enough to put a flow back into the river and open the

mouth naturally. New Years Day saw the reopening of the river blackfish season and the ‘Gelli’ is considered to hold

a solid population of trophy sized ‘blackies’ compared to elsewhere. However, the recruitment of smaller fish seems to be on the wane.

The minimum size limit is only 23cm, but in recent years hardly any small fish have been caught. Nearly all fish taken are mature, and to catch a blackfish in excess of a kilogram is no great hardship here. Some sort of private breeding program is underway with the hope of restocking the river with juveniles but the question remains – what has happened in the river to cause the disappearance of small blackfish? Restocking is a good idea, but in reality only a bandaid solution until the actual cause of the disappearance is discovered and addressed. The blackfish are responding well to scrub worm as well as bait sized yabbies. They can also be taken on soft plastics that give off a strong scent, with worm patterns a popular choice. The plastics have to be fished slowly. In fact, fished just like static bait in order to attract interest. Apologies for the doom and gloom regarding our freshwater scene, but I fear things will worsen on the fishing front down here long before they improve.

February hoppers and poppers WST/STH GIPPSLAND

Steve Haughton steve@habitatcreations.com.au

Now is the ideal time to hit Blue Rock Lake to chase surface feeding bass in the evening. It’s also a nice time of the year to escape the summer heat and find a cool mountain stream to hook in to some stream trout action. Either way, if the fish aren’t biting you can always cool down with a swim after! It’s been a dry summer, with the odd evening cool change creating some impressive storm activity. The storms herald insect hatchings, which excite stream and lake fish, and anglers alike. Blue Rock has fished very well for bass on lures in the morning and evenings, with anglers resorting to deeper

alternatives like baits or jigging during the heat of the day. There are two distinct size averages, and anglers typically catch the most recent stockings around the 10-15cm size. This increases twofold to bass now averaging 30-35cm from previous stocking programs. There are some bass caught and released tipping the magical 40cm mark. Those that tend to have more luck have fished from a kayak or boat; however, some landbased anglers have got among the bass action as well. The water levels have dropped a little over the last few months, which has opened up more shoreline access for land-based anglers keen to explore. The Latrobe River in Noojee and Tarago River in Drouin West was very popular over the holiday season, and attracted anglers of all ages and skill levels. The other

streams throughout West and South Gippsland have been fishing well too. February is a big month for stream trout fishing in West and South Gippsland. Not only are the insect hatchings more frequent with the humid weather, but grasshoppers also began to emerge through January, so this month provides a staple diet for stream trout. Fly anglers won’t have any problems matching their flies to the hoppers. Bait anglers on the other hand should attempt to catch a few hoppers and flick out into the stream flow. Lure anglers have had a lot of fun with surface lures cast right at the bank and retrieved back towards the boat or kayak. Surface lures are best fished in the calm waters of protected coves, so that you can maximise the lure action as you retrieve. The split second wake under the lure followed by a surface bust-up

and sudden chaos as the lure is smashed really gets the heart pounding. Ask any bass angler – this style of fishing becomes super addictive. Poppers are the most popular choice of surface lures, but there are other styles like bent un-bibbed minnows, skippers/walkers and paddlers that are all worth playing with. Don’t be scared going big with the poppers either – 7cm poppers may look too big but that hasn’t deterred bass from swallowing them. Other lures that have been working well include spinner blades, bibbed minnows and soft plastics. The lures used for Australian bass fishing are very similar to the style of lures created and adopted for bass fishing in America. And with more and more lures created, designed and tested every day to suit our conditions, there’s an abundance of lures on the market to play with – this

Redfin are a greedy little species, and good fun when nothing else is biting. They’re aggressive feeders, often busting the surface near the Blue Rock Lake shoreline and will take all sorts of lures and baits presented to them. means we’ll never get bored of lure shopping! For those who don’t fish this region regularly, the streams are not stocked with trout and therefore rely heavily on naturalised populations of trout to spawn each year in these amazing streams only an hour out of Melbourne’s South East. Catch and release ensures we can guarantee a sustainable fishery and continue to enjoy

stream trout fishing for many years to come. Blue Rock Lake on the other hand is stocked with Australian bass, rainbow and brown trout. Feel free to send me a report or photo, particularly if you have any success stories over the summer holidays with the family, and please email me any questions. Happy fishing!

Boost your chances with both lures and bait MELBOURNE METRO

Ian Debar iand@gottabite.com.au

With a hot start to 2016, we Melbournites should have our hands full with local freshwater fishing this year, with most of the

local sweet water species fishing as well as they have in recent years. The Yarra River has thrown some decent Murray cod out of its snaggy depths, with a handful of ripper fish caught in the 60cm+ size. While Murray cod can be hard work in any waterway,

to catch an iconic freshwater native less than an hour from the CBD is a satisfying box to tick. For anglers looking to connect with one this summer, maximise your chances by fishing lures as well as bait. A solid bunch of fat scrubbies or bardi

grubs will normally get the attention of a hungry cod, while the annoying ‘in my personal space’ vibration and flash of a 3/8oz spinnerbait will turn a well fed cod into a green and gold maniac looking to swat away any hook fitted intruder. If you are lucky enough to land

a mighty Yarra cod, just remember to look after these fish by supporting the belly with one hand and gently holding the bottom jaw with a good set of lip grips. Closer to the suburbs themselves, most of the family fishing lakes have produced the odd trout from

pre-Christmas stockings by Fisheries Victoria. To make the most of these close waterways, make sure you have the correct bait, berley and tackle setup to catch these fish. Long, light tipped rods spooled with 4-6lb monofilament are the To page 96

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Plenty of trout to go about! will be scarce. This could be an opportunity for anglers who don’t like to put up the crowds to get out and fish some of these smaller waterways. TROUT WHISPERERS Lake Wendouree will be the drawcard for a lot of anglers from others areas of the state that like to chase trout and redfin. Wendouree, unlike most other waters, is not suffering from the long dry spell we have endured in the last 12 months. The lake has plenty of water, and as I have mentioned on many occasions has been made drought proof, which is a bonus not just for us in Ballarat, but also for all anglers in general. More

Jo Howe has bagged plenty of rainbow and brown trout from both the bank and boat. Her most productive method to catch Lake Wendouree trout is to fish a mudeye suspended under a bubble float and drift from the shore with the wind at her back. She makes sure her lines are well greased to make them float and cover plenty of water. Jo uses the same method to fish from the boat, except she anchors the boat on the edge of the main weed bank and drifts her mudeyes into the main rowing channel. Jo chooses the right times of the day – either early morning or on evening to achieve the best results.

of redfin over the magical 50cm, which are certainly classed as trophy sized in fishing circles. Ben loves to To say that it’s ‘been cast lures and soft plastics hot’ would be an and lauds his most productive understatement! lure – the Norrie’s Laydown Throughout the state, Minnow BR74 and the Eco temperatures have been a Gear Power Shads. Ben likes lot warmer a lot earlier this to fish off the structures and summer with the hottest jetties that are dotted around months still to come. This Lake Wendouree. heat hasn’t stopped the NEWLYN RESERVOIR trout and redfin from biting Newlyn Reservoir is still in and around the Ballarat producing the goods with district, and anglers have both quality brown trout and reaped the rewards by redfin caught. Tom Nguyen fishing smart. is a keen lure angler who Over the next few travels up from Melbourne months most of the water every chance he gets and in the district will really has certainly caught some suffer from the hot weather magnificent sized redfin in and water levels will drop the 46-47cm range. Tom has waded through the ribbon weed that stubbornly line the whole shoreline of Newlyn to cast Bullet Lures in the 5cm Redfin Pattern and 5cm Paceys Perch Pattern, with a slow to medium retrieve. Tom puts in the hours to get fantastic results. He mentioned you could cast lures for a few hours on end, and cover plenty of shoreline for nothing and then, all of a sudden, you could come across a school of redfin and it’s game on. Tom said his two best redfin came within five minutes of each other. Other anglers have caught redfin on soft plastics and brown trout on mudeyes fished over the weed in the deeper water and suspended under bubble Colby Lesko with a thumping Moorabool Reservoir brown trout. Such a gorgeous fish! floats. Once again, the time Photo courtesy of Colby Lesko of day has had an effect on results, with early morning dramatically due to usage positives are yet to come Ben Young has snagged and late evening continuing and evaporation. This adds with the late release of 3,000 some lovely rainbow trout and to be the best times to fish. stress and strain to the fish, two year-old rainbow trout redfin on Lake Wendouree MOORABOOL as well as an increase in in early November, which with a few crackers in the RESERVOIR water temperatures. Some are providing anglers with mix. The largest specimen Moorabool Reservoir of the waters in the district some excellent sport – and he discovered was a has had excellent trout and that have good levels will be let’s not forget about the magnificent 49cm. Redfin redfin captures on both bait heavily fished in the coming magnificent brown trout and of this size lurk around in and lures. The water level months, and reports from redfin that are lurking in the Lake Wendouree with quite a is very low at Moorabool, some of the smaller waters lakes waters. few reports filtering through so if you head out there, BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

From page 95

go to detect subtle bites, while a feeder cage packed full of berley towards the business end should ensure that the fish come to you, rather than you trying to find them. The most consistent lakes around the suburbs recently have been Karkarook Park Lake, Caulfield Racecourse Lake and Casey Fields Lake. With a few families still holidaying down along the Mornington Peninsula, it would be worth mentioning the fishing at nearby Devilsbend Reservoir. The Reservoir has mainly produces redfin, with the odd trout of 400-800g. All methods have brought results - with persistent bait, lure and fly fishing all yielding success. The prime time to catch trout has been around 96

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sunrise, while the redfin are active through the day. Just be mindful if you decide to stray from the path, as these warm days tend to draw the odd snake out. If you have had some success in these areas lately send me a photo and go into the draw for your chance to win a store voucher valued at $100. Email photos to admin@fishingcamping. com.au and include the angler’s name, species, and the area the fish was caught. • For up to date fishing information, contact the guys at Compleat Angler in Dandenong on 9794 9397, or drop in and see us at 241–243 Princes Highway, Dandenong – we are open seven days a week. For our latest fishing reports and to download information sheets go to www. fishingcamping.com.au.

A classic example of a beautiful rainbow trout caught on a mudeye by the talented Jo Howe at Lake Wendouree. Photo courtesy of Jo Howe

be prepared for the mud. Colby Lesko has snagged some football sized redfin and the odd big brown trout out there by casting lures. Colby mentioned it’s just a matter of doing the miles and slugging it out through the

reports have become few and far between. I recommend starting early in the morning, be there on first light and fish the steeper banks for redfin with yabbies on a running sinker rig. In the shallower areas of the reservoir, fish

Tom Nguyen with his personal best 47.5cm redfin caught at Newlyn Reservoir on a 5cm Paceys Perch Pattern Bullet Lure. Photo courtesy of Tom Nguyen

Dylan Brennan with an average Devilsbend redfin caught on fly. Photo courtesy of Dylan Brennan

mud to be rewarded. Other fishers have caught redfin on yabbies and the humble old garden worm. TULLAROOP RESERVOIR Tullaroop Reservoir is still worth a visit, even though

mudeyes under floats at first light and on evening. For those guys who like to cast lures, casting hardbodied lures and plastics at the steeper banks will certainly produce the goods in the early morning and evening.

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VIC FEBRUARY 2016

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BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

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FIND THE ZEREK LOGO

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

• DECEMBER 2010

December locations: 8, 16, 22, 26, 30, 34, 39, 42, 46, 48, 63, 71, 74, 82, 89. – VTFM The Find the Zerek logo prize winners for December were: P Berner of Box hill, H Hovington of Devonport, R Moore of Greenvale, D Dunn of Warrnambool, M Moulding of Red Hill , P Maloney of Jindera, G Donaldson of St Arnaud, D Hedley of Hamilton, C Hams of Newborough, C Magilt of Sassafras, H Stapelfeldt of Nunawading, T Hodgkinson of Kyabram, A Levett of Maffra, R McMillan of Grovedale, D Baulch of Colac, W Chapman of Pomonal, M Meyer of Dartmouth , J Killian of Briar Hill , T Dron of Alfredton, D Chase of Merbein Sth, K Carter of Shepparton, T Sowter of Rosebud , R Coughlan of Blackmans Bay, P Cobb of Berrigan, R Carlile of Cranbourne, W Marshall of Wendouree, R Mehlert of Bruthen, J Collier of Smythes Creek, M Prew of Ballarat, B Whyte of Myers Flat, K Bradley of Sale, K Hartley of Coburg North, N Byrne of Wangaratta, R Jones of Burnie, D Hamilton of Berwick, J Morrison of Clunes, K Sutherland of Leopold, C Smith of Traralgon , J Sanderson of Chelsea, R Critkovic of Diggers Rest. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – VTFM FEBRUARY 2016

Does that make scents? FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

I have recently come to the conclusion that I have an infatuation when it comes to fishing scents and

After thinking about this, I have come up with the following conclusions for developing this obsession. Tracing my interest in scents took me a lot further back in my angling experiences than I expected. I remember anglers in the

time I listened, but ignored this friendly tip. A move to Queensland and being introduced to the ABT BASS, BREAM and BARRA tournaments was my next exposure to the use of scents or, in the case of the bass events, scented dyes.

TIPS AND TRICKS Using scents is something you need to commit to – if you are using scents give them a chance to work. Here are some helpful hints that will help you discover the wonderful world of fishing scents. 1. Get into the habit of reapplying the scent regularly. I reapply scent every 8-10 casts. 2. Use the features of your plastics or lures to keep the scent in place. Plastics like Squidgy Wrigglers, have ribs that you can pack scent into and others are hollow (Zerek Live Flash Minnow) that scent can be placed inside. 3. Dipping the tails of plastics to change their colour, not only adds scent but also a focal point for the fish to bite on. 4. Direct sunlight/heat and scent packaging are not friendly. The heat and sunlight can cause the scent to separate, melt, evaporate, and change colour or all of the above. It is worth taking the time to store them correctly to maximise their usefulness. Dyes in particular evaporate very quickly if the lids are not on tightly and stored in a cool place. 5. Find your favourite/s or you will find you have several tackle boxes full of scent like me. SCENTS AVAILABLE Scents • Spike It • JJ’s Magic Dips and Dyes • S-Factor • Pro-Cure – 9 options • Halco – 3 options • Sax Scent – 5 options • Dizzy Scent – 4 options • Liquid Mayhem • MegaStrike – 3 options Scented Plastics • Berkley Gulp – Large range • EcogearAqua • Marukyu • ZMan – 4 styles have Pro-Cure scent mixed with the plastics • Samaki Boom Baits the use of them. I have a growing collection of different brands, styles and smells and I would rarely fish a soft plastic or a lure without some scent applied.

know, coming into the tackle shop I frequented in Canberra, swearing that the use of Aniseed on their baits improved their catch rates for natives and trout. At the

I spent a bit of time around people like John Schofield, Craig ‘Simmo’ Simmons and Steve Kanowski and quickly realised that very rarely did a fly or soft plastic hit the water without being submersed or dipped in a garlic scent or garlic dye. Simmo was also responsible for my introduction to stimulant/ pheromone-based scents in a Gold Coast bream event. We had come across schools of bream free-swimming in the canals and although they showed interest in our soft plastic lures, they would not eat them. That was until he put Squidgy S-Factor on his lure and then they just smashed it. A solid bag of fish later and it wasn’t hard to understand that the S-Factor had made a difference.

Not everybody believes scent helps with species like flathead, however I have caught way too many fish after first applying scent to think it doesn’t make a difference. The success of scents on bream can be further highlighted when Berkley Gulp was introduced to anglers. Bream couldn’t resist them (still can’t) and their natural smell and flavour has been the undoing of many bream,

whether it is in a tournament or a social fishing situation. I also found impoundment barra were not immune to the allure of scent. Squidgy Slick Rigs or Berkley Hollowbellys covered in garlic scent or in the case of the Hollowbelly,

inserted into it, resulted in them being hammered by barra when you slow rolled them around the weed beds of the barra impoundments. The seed had been sown and my collection had begun to take shape. Recently my use of scents and their

I have found that barramundi love garlic scent applied to your lures.

Use the design of plastics to your advantage and fill areas that will hold scent. The Stinky Fingers soft plastic has holes in it to insert scent as well as a sponge to absorb scent and disperse it while fishing. The Zerek Live Shrimp Hot Legs has multiple areas to load with scent. ZMan soft plastics have a channel to assist rigging them, which is ideal to put scent into. Most Squidgy soft plastics have ribs, which are ideal to fill with scent. 98

FEBRUARY 2016

Inserting scent into the belly of this Zerek Live Flash Minnow Wriggly further enhances its appeal as an injured baitfish. value was questioned. This inspired me to look at the latest inclusions and the pros and cons they have. DIPS AND DYES There are plenty of dips and dyes available from the original Spike It, to a plethora of colours and smells through U-Make-Em Soft Plastics (JJ’s Magic Dips). Dye pens are also available to pimp your favourite plastic or lure. Most are used to dip the tail of your plastic in it to change the colour of the tail and to add a garlic scent to it. Garlic scent and our freshwater species go handin-hand. People like Carl Jocumson swear by this process and recommend

doing it every 3-4 casts. Something to be aware of in this day and age of super stretchy and durable plastics (ZMan and Zerek, to name a couple), all dips will completely dissolve or turn these plastics to mush. They are NOT dip friendly. GELS AND PASTES The first scented gels I remember seeing in a retail outlet were the Halco Freshwater and Saltwater Scents. The storeowner wasn’t overly convincing trying to explain it to me, but he did explain that a little of the freshwater version on your lures on tough days got you more bites. I came across it again while I was running

Mayhem, it is a super sticky, super resilient gel that requires less frequent application. I look forward to putting it through its paces. Another new trend with the range of scents available is the use of UV enhancers. These enhancers improve the ability for your lure or plastics to be seen during low light periods or in deep-water situations. UV enhanced lures have

the juices they are soaked in create a scent trail drawing the fish to them and again encourage them to eat. Berkley Gulp leads the way, with others like Ecogearaqua, Marukyu and Slam producing viable alternatives. Excitingly, Samaki has revealed a new range of soft plastic lures that hit the stores recently called Boom Baits. They are made of 10X stretchy material that is infused

a retail store in Darwin. The locals swore by the saltwater version on their soft plastics for barra. My first purchase of a scented gel was made and my obsession had started. The range of scented gels and pastes now available is quite significant. S-Factor from Squidgy started the ball rolling and then overseas products like Pro-Cure, MegaStrike and YUM provided more options in taste, smell, hormones, stimulants and pheromones to entice fish the eat your offering. Locally made options like Sax Scent and Dizzy Scent provide targeted products for Australian Stinky Fingers soft plastics can be loaded with scent and this mulloway couldn’t resist it. species with different smell combinations and the introduction of glitter representing scales falling from injured fish or a bit of extra flash, giving that Aussie edge when you go fishing. A new player I noticed at this year’s Fishing Tackle Trade Show was from the wholesaler who brings in Ecogear. Called Liquid

been a huge trend over the last couple of years, so it was never going to be long before switched on scent makers jumped on board. SCENTED SOFT PLASTICS The introduction of biodegradable scented baits (soft plastics) changed soft plastics fishing as we know it. Not only are they environmentally friendly,

This fish put a smile on Evan Zikos’s face. He had only put S-Factor on his plastic a couple of casts before he hooked it.

A small selection of the scents that I take fishing with me each trip.

Before and after shot of a plain plastic enhanced with SAX scent. Note the difference the addition of glitter makes. Aussie made scent like SAX Scent and Dizzy Scent are Australian species focused and use the addition of glitter and UV enhancers to provide that fish catching edge.

with scent. They should be well worth a look. CONCLUSION There are many who doubt the effectiveness or the need to use scents. Others believe that its effectiveness is limited to fish that are not reaction or ambush-based feeders. Scents have a place no matter what species you are targeting. Flathead are the classic ambush feeder and a fish I target regularly. There have been many occasions when I have either been struggling for bites and applied scent or reapplied scent because the bite had slowed, and got a fish the next cast. To me, this means the scent has turned a fish from looking at my lure, into a fish biting it. Scents are no longer simply a masking agent or a smell. Huge money has been spent on research to determine the best combinations of natural (in concentrated forms) salts and bait products, mixed with amino acids, pheromones and enhancers to produce a feeding reaction from a predatory fish. It was recently put to me that the use of scents is all about imitating a baitfishing scenario. How do fish find your bait? The smell it produces leads the fish to your bait looking for a feed. Scents do the same, so why wouldn’t you use them? I know why I am obsessed, because they work. FEBRUARY 2016

Reefies revel in February WEST COAST

A U S T R A L I A

Margay 2016

$49,990

• 17’7” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Pantera II 2016

Shane Lowery

February is the peak of our bluewater season and thus a special month for spearfishing. This month is also a brilliant time to hunt reef species. Late December and through January saw an exceptionally good start to the yellowtail kingfish run, with giant fish in abundance, and many of the better local divers had no trouble bagging a few of these hard fighting fish. The usual locations that currently hold fish are areas such as Wilsons Prom, Cape Liptrap and Pyramid Rock. Further west, Apollo Bay has delivered some nice fish. Murray Peterson found some great

The perfect length of a spearfishing gun is 110-130 cm. This 110 cm Sea Sniper Gun accounted for another lovely kingfish. is such a great month with the crossover of warm and cool water species. It’s very possible to be able to hunt

season started a little slowly this year, with plenty of average sized crays but the bigger specimens did not

$74,990

• 19’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 200 hp Mercury Optimax • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

Yar-Craft 1785BT 2016 Nathan Watson with his new personal best king capture that weighed 17.6kg.

$59,990

• 17’5” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 75 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 597cxi HD Di or Lowrance HDS 5)

Sabre FTD 2016

$59,990

• 18’1” • Single axle Basscat trailer • 115 hp Mercury 4 stroke • 24v electric motor (Minn Kota or Motor Guide) • 2 x sounders (Humminbird 698cxi HD Si or Lowrance HDS 7 GEN2)

We Build Dreams... It’s a Family Tradition

A U S T R A L I A

100

FEBRUARY 2016

Phone: 0410 173 060 basscataustralia@gmail.com

specimens on a recent trip down that way. The same is true for the far southwest of the state around Portland and Port Fairy. Killarney, Crags and the North Shore at Portland all hold some great fish for those that want to get out there and hunt some highly sought after species. Mid-February sees the running of the Kingfish Cup, a statewide competition run by the Southern Freedivers, which is sure to be a cracking event this year, with no shortage of kingies. Late February is an exciting part of the month, which heralds the arrival of the tuna in the far southwest of the state. Early indications and reports promise both Albacore and Southern Bluefin Tuna across the border in South Australia around Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbour. Once we start hearing these reports it’s only a matter of time until they arrive around Portland and Port Fairy. In my opinion, this is one of the reasons February

both Kingfish and Tuna in the same month. The early part of the southern rock lobster

move in closer onto the inshore reefs until mid to late January. This is sure to pick up in February,

one of my favourite months to target those big inshore crays. Reef species on the other hand have been brilliant. The water warmed up quite quickly this season and temps of 18°C+ here in the southwest have been common. King George whiting, sea sweep, trevally and golden trumpeter have been plentiful, and this will continue through February and into March. With the holiday season and warm weather there is a marked increase in boat traffic. Always remain aware of your surroundings and any boats in the vicinity. Make sure you fly your blue and white diver below flag on a clearly visible float. Boaters should drop their speed to 5 knots when they spot a diver’s float, and make sure they spot the diver in the water before accelerating again. Likewise, divers need to be responsible and do their best to stay visible and stay out of main transit areas and high boat traffic areas.

Summer spearing on the reef provides some lovely delicacies including crays, black and greenlip abalone.

Testing Booth

13 Omen Black baitcaster rod CAIRNS

Garry Smith garrysmith@fishingmonthly.com.au

I was excited when I unpacked the latest rod from the 13 Omen stable – the 13 Omen Black OB2CA6MM 6’0” baitcaster. It looked great and felt instantly comfortable in my hand.

suited my luring style, as I like to feed the line through my thumb and index finger when retrieving – as per baitfishing. The first chance to wave the Omen Black in anger came while fishing off the rocks north of Cairns, so I switched to an old Daiwa CVZ 253A, loaded with 30lb Power Pro Super 8 Slick braid. I often have to

cast. I managed 5-10m further with every cast. The good thing is I had a legitimate comparison, as everything from the reel to the lure through to the wind direction was exactly the same as when I last fished at this same spot. The only variable was the rod. The other thing that dawned on me with time was that I had no overruns.

A few casts with the Prawn Star Gold produced the first of many fish on the Omen Black – a 44cm coral trout. Off to a great start! I immediately fitted my Daiwa Luna 253, loaded with 30lb braid and 40lb leader, even though it was a bit above the line recommendations for this model at 6-12lb. The extra length in the cork butt looked ideal for my style of double-handed casting, and the reduced diameter in the middle of the cork meant it would tuck very comfortably under the armpit when retrieving lures. The short front grip

wade up to my neck getting to my favourite rock and back to shore, and I didn’t want to dunk my brand new Luna. The Evolve Engage reel seat on the Omen Black is superbly designed, and reels can be changed very quickly, without the need to find a pair of multi-grips. The reel can be removed and a new one bedded down firmly by hand. I was instantly impressed with the Omen Black, right from the first

I would average an overrun every 5-10 casts with my usual rod and have to consciously thumb the spool every cast, to minimise overruns. I put this down to the smoother runners on the Omen Black. The ALPS guides with zirconia inserts are a definite winner! Another plus was the extra 6” of rod length, which meant another foot of leader, which is significant in the ‘sudden death’ environment of

The Omen Black easily handled this superb bar-cheek trout that smashed a soft plastic along the drop-off on Gould Island.

rocks, barnacles, oyster and coral that I fished. I really like the slightly longer cork butt, which means I naturally tuck it under my armpit when luring, using my preferred, baitfishing finger position. This is important because I regularly encounter barra and golden snapper off the rocks, and they hit hard! When I switched from using a ZMan DieZel MinnowZ soft plastic, rigged on a 1/3oz homemade weedless jighead, to a PrawnStar Gold, I changed to a thumb over the reel grip and found the rod grip excellent for this style of luring. It makes it much easier to retrieve using a multiple short jerk and rest action, ideally suited to prawn style lures. A few casts with the PrawnStar Gold produced the first of many fish on the Omen Black – a 44cm coral trout. I was off to a great start! Another feature I took an instant liking to is the heavy-duty hook mount in front of the reel seat. The Evolve snag-less hook keeper is another winner. I usually don’t use hook mounts to attach a lure, as I find them to be flimsy, so I’ve always preferred to use the mount of the first runner instead. Overall, the OB2CA6MM did a great job but I felt it was a bit light for the type of fishing I do, so I bought the heavier OB2CA6MH model, which is recommended for 3/8oz1oz lures and 10-20lb line. It has the power to handle serious fish but enough finesse to flick 1/3oz jigheads very accurately, and to cast a significant distance when required. Like all high-end blanks, the 30 ton Japanese Toray blanks with PVG (poly

The very first fish to the boat was an 85cm golden trevally, of approximately 8kg. vector graphite) technology need to be treated with respect, so if you are a crash-and-bash fisho, they are not for you. I headed down to the Johnstone River, in Innisfail, with a couple of mates for its first field test and once again, what a start! The very first fish to the boat was an 85cm golden trevally, of approximately 8kg. What a workout from the first fish! It towed us all over the river and took over 15 minutes to subdue. The Omen Black handled the battle superbly, though

I would have liked about another 3cm of length on the synthetic grip in front of the reel seat, especially in the last half of the fight. I have tested both rods almost exclusively luring, which is pretty much all I do nowadays. They have accounted for numerous golden snapper, barra, jacks and coral trout, with a sprinkling of other species. Both rods are superb but I certainly prefer the heavier OB2CA6MH for chasing barra, jacks and golden snapper, which are my main target species.

What a workout from the first fish! The golden trevally towed us all over the river and took over 15 minutes to subdue. FEBRUARY 2016

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What’s New FISHING

SENSHI EGI PRO

Senshi Egi Pro Series jigs are advanced Japanese designed egi jigs in natural colours using state of the art cloth material. Senshi Egi Pro Series jigs are perfectly weight balanced for a precise lifelike swimming action, and feature high quality UV finishes, oversized glow eyes and have super sharp prongs. Senshi jigs are available in two sizes: 2.5 with a sink rate of five seconds per metre, and 3.5 with a sink rate of three seconds per metre. Both sizes are available in eight natural colours that are deadly on squid, with different foils underneath including red, gold and silver. These jigs will be superb for anglers targeting squid, and are very well priced for a squid jig of this quality. Price: SRP $9.95 www.jurofishing.com

TONIC RISE SUNGLASSES

Tonic Polarised Eyewear, the new leader in high quality fishing sunglasses, have released the new Rise in time for summer. Rise features the new Slice lens, the thinnest and lightest polarised glass lens in the world. The Rise is designed for fishing, with hockey arms that curve over your ears. It’s extremely lightweight with Tonic’s non-slip adjustable nose pads giving all day comfort. The new Rise comes in Slice Glass Photochromic Copper, Slice Glass Photochromic Grey, and Slice Glass Green Mirror. Fully made in Japan, every pair of Tonic sunglasses incorporates the latest optical technology including de-centred lenses for distortion-free viewing at any angle. Tonic’s scratch resistant Slice lens is the thinnest, lightest glass polarised lens in the world – 50% lighter than regular glass. All Tonic lenses feature anti-reflective coatings and new Tonic polarising filter systems. Tonic polarised sunglasses come in more than 12 wraparound styles and a variety of lens types to suit different weather and water situations. Price: RRP $279 www.toniceyewear.com.au

SCHNEIDER CRYSTAL CLEAR FLUORO CARBON

Schneider’s new Crystal Clear 100% Fluorocarbon is a superior line made from the highest grade of PVDF FluoroPolymer, delivering a near zero visibility in the water. This new line is smooth to handle, incredibly sensitive so you can feel every bite, has ultra abrasion resistance, excellent knot strength and is fast sinking. It’s ideal for all fishing applications, and performs outstandingly when placed under extreme conditions such as rough structure, rock and bottom fishing. Schneider recommends using it with their new 8 Carrier Pink Braid. Schneider Crystal Clear Fluorocarbon is available in 10lb/100m, 15lb/100m, 20lb/100m, 25lb/80m, 30lb/80m, 40lb/50m, 50lb/40m, 60lb/30m and 80lb/30m. Visit the Schneider Australia website to find out your local stockist. Price: too new www.schneiderfishinglines.com.au

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

NEW SLOW BLATT ASSIST HOOK

Two of the latest releases from Anglers Republic are the Slow Blatt Cast Oval and the Slow Blatt Heavy Assist Hooks. The Slow Blatt Cast Oval features a very wide profile (the widest we have seen for a jig this size) which creates an enticing flutter and slow sink rate. The centre balanced body is fitted with twin Decoy front assist hooks and single rear assist hook. It’s ideal for shallow water, shore jigging and light jigging for a wide variety of species, and is currently available in 30g, 40g and 60g weights in 11 colours. Slow Blatt Heavy Assist Hooks are the result of a collaboration between Palms and Decoy. These heavy single and twin assist hooks have been designed with the ideal drop length for the different Slow Blatt and Slow Blatt Cast jigs. These are heavier hooks than those which come standard on the Slow Blatt Cast jigs, and are ideal for everything from snapper to kingfish. They’re available in #1 Single, #1 Twin, #1/0 Twin and #2/0 Twin. Price: RRPs from $10 (hooks), $15.50 (Oval jig) www.ejtodd.com.au

ATOMIC HARDZ NEW COLOURS

Atomic Hardz have introduced three new spectacular colours into their range. These colours have been tested extensively by pro anglers around the country for different species in many different situations. Black Beauty has been designed specifically for the Atomic Vibs. This darker colour is perfect for natural specialists who chase those elusive native freshwater fish that can be very difficult at times. This colour is only available in the new Atomic Vibs. Based off the actual colour variation of a rock crab, Atomic’s Rock Crab pattern consists of a mottled green body with an enticing orange eye with matching stripes down the sides, giving any predator a target to smash! This colour is available across the whole Hardz range. Last but certainly not least is Tristo’s Proton Pill colour. Designed by Tristan Taylor, this colour will have anything homing in on it. Bream, snapper right up to mulloway and barramundi are all prime targets, and we’ll definitely see this used across all of Australia’s waters! www.atomiclures.com.au

SURF GIFT PACK

It’s that time of year when we pack our surf-casting rods in the car and head to the beach, and to make things easy, Black Magic has developed a new gift pack containing a hand-selected range of their best surfcasting tackle. From the specialised long distance surfcasting line – Velocity Surf – to the Black Magic Longreach Rig, (winner of “Best in Show” at the 2014 AFTA Trade show) this pack offers you everything you need – and more. Keep an eye out for it at your favourite tackle store. Price: RRP $59.95 www.blackmagictackle.com

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visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

What’s New FISHING

BROTE SWIMMING RUBBER JIG

SURF WAIST PACK

The Brote swimming rubber jig has been designed in Japan and makes an excellent shallow water snapper jig. The Brote’s enticing side-to-side action is achieved with a simple slow roll. The rubber legs and skirt dance behind the lure and look amazingly similar to a fleeing octopus. For best results let the jig sink to the bottom and vary your retrieve from a simple straight wind to a hopping technique. The Brote is fitted with a single hook and twin assist hooks. The single hook can be used to attach a soft plastic for additional appeal. It weighs 30g (the head size is 50mm), and is currently available in five proven colours. Scan the QR code on this page to see a video of the Brote, or go to https://youtu.be/XCTRx3M-CrY. Price: RRP $19 www.ejtodd.com.au

Black Magic Tackle is always looking for new ideas for surf and rock anglers, and have come up with a great new Surf Waist Pack. Whether surfcasting or rock fishing, anyone can appreciate the idea of having fewer items to carry in their hands. The Black Magic Waist Pack is made from high quality materials and features a number of compartments and pockets to store your choice of tackle. In this case Black Magic has taken it a step further by creating a ‘ready to go’ waist pack which is filled with essential tackle and accessories. The pack includes: Velocity Surf line; Tough Trace; Longreach surf rig; hooks and swivels; Wasabi fillet knife; Bait Buddy thread; and fish handling towel. And once you have the waist pack, you can refill it when necessary with whatever tackle you require for your next fishing adventure. Price: RRP $89.95 www.blackmagictackle.com

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

RAPALA FINESSE SERIES

The new Rapala Finesse Series (RFS) of rods has been crafted to provide anglers with heightened rod sensitivity and perfect lure control when on the water. A fast action ultra-high modulus two piece 40-ton graphite blank is complemented by the revolutionary Fuji KR guide system, VSS and ECS real seats, making the RFS series perform as great as they look and feel. One spinning and two baitcasting models have been incorporated into the RFS series, each with different length and line ratings. The 6’8” Elegance 2-6lb spinning model is ideal for landing spooky bream on ultra-light line. For anglers looking to downsize their baitcasting tackle, the 6’4” Zephyr 3-10lb is the perfect all round finesse rod for when you need to draw on some additional power to tackle trophy Aussie bass. Finally, the 6’3” Micrology is rated to 2-5lb, making it the lightest rod in the range and your ticket to the ultimate in finesse fishing. Price: SRP $379.95 www.rapala.com.au

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

WILSON COTTON PRAWN NET

The Wilson Cotton Prawn Net has been designed to make prawning with a dip net easier. The cotton doesn’t allow the prawns to slide up the netting – in fact it actually traps the prawns in the bottom of the net. This means you don’t have to worry about any prawns sliding up and out while you’re dipping for another prawn. The frame and handle are constructed from lightweight and strong aluminium, and the handle is 39” (100cm) long, giving you enough reach to dip for that prawn swimming past on the outside of your light. The net has a drop of 80cm to hold many prawns easily, and the fine mesh will mean you can catch bait prawns as easily as you can food prawns. The Wilson Cotton Prawn Net is what anglers have been asking for, and Wilson’s has delivered it in a lightweight, strong, and easy to use package. Always remember to check your local regulations for the legality of this net, as different states have different regulations. Price: approx. $40 www.wilsonfishing.com

TT’S FLASH POINT

Flash Point tail spinners, from Australian brand TT Lures, feature a realistic baitfish profile and 3D eyes. Other features include: hand-painted finishes; a chemically sharpened, black nickel hook; and a 24K gold-plated or nickel-plated blade designed to create flash and vibration to call fish to the lure and trigger strikes. These lures have been tested and proven on bass, golden perch and cod, while also producing some surprise captures in the salt. Deadly on a slow roll, hopped retrieve or vertical presentation, Flash Point tail spinners are available in two weights – 14g and 20g – and eight of TT Lures’ most popular tested and proven colours – golden boy, red nightmare, Aussie green and gold, brown mongrel, peacock blue, purple minnow, silver minnow and green back. So the next time you’re on the water, heat your session up to Flash Point! Price: SRP $11.95 www.ttlures.com.au

GERBER MP600 BLADELESS

The Gerber MP600 Bladeless has a host of great features that more than make up for the lack of a blade. This heavy duty, 420HC stainless steel multi-tool is travel safe, and its features include needle nose pliers, the centerpiece and pivotal point, replaceable tungsten carbide wire cutters and a tough (removable) RemGrit saw. Another great feature is that it can be opened with just one hand (a feature that would be illegal with a blade). These pliers measure 9.3” overall and 5.1” when closed, and weighs 9.0oz. Other features include: ruler; scissors; flathead screwdriver (three sizes), Phillips head screwdriver; bottle opener; file; rotatable, replaceable carbide cutters; replaceable RemGrit saw; and can opener. The MP600 Bladeless is black oxide coated, made in the USA, and complies with ‘no knife’ policy in the workplace. Price: RRP $159 www.gerbergear.com

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

What’s New FISHING

UGLY STIK LUGGAGE

The Ugly Stik Tackle Bag is the big daddy of Ugly Stik tackle storage. It has a spacious main compartment that includes and holds four large utility boxes. Constructed of durable, splash-resistant fabric, this bag also has a front and side organizer with two plier holders. There is plenty of storage space with the zippered side pockets, and a top lid pocket. An adjustable and padded shoulder strap and a carrying handle is quick and easy. Ugly Stik have also released a cooler bag, for ultimate convenience while fishing. The cooler bag is convenient enough to hold six cans and keep a full day’s worth of food, and the zippered closure ensures you’re always ready to enjoy a cold drink. The back of the cooler bag folds down to reveal two drink holders, which is a clever design feature. The Cooler Bag also includes an Ugly Stik stubby cooler – the engineers at Ugly have thought of everything! Price: RRP $29.95 (cooler), $99.95 (tackle bag) www.shakespeare.com.au

MONSTER JACKS DVD

Come for an adventure into Jack World, in the search for the ultimate jack fishing experience! This season we return to our own backyard: the rivers and canals around the Gold and Sunshine Coast. The Jack Guide - Monster Jacks is your key to hooking the biggest estuary jacks in the country. Included are the tips and technical advice you need to take your fishing to the next level – above the 50cm mark. Learn how to plan sessions to get your drag burning! Monster Jacks not only provides loads of exciting footage of catching these monsters, it also includes advice for planning better sessions. This DVD goes beyond looking at rock bars, bridges and deep holes. Jacks are choosy residents, and you’ll be surprised at where they’re hiding. Make this a monster summer and get The Jack Guide working for you! Check it out on Facebook or buy direct at http://bit.ly/1lgpAjC. Price: $30 facebook.com/thejackguide

BERKLEY E-MOTION RODS

Berkley E-Motion rods are designed for anglers looking to take the next step in rod performance. From finesse estuary and freshwater presentations to punching out big plastics on inshore reefs, these rods combine superb function and performance at a best-in-class value. Lengths, powers and actions are engineered to perform and designed with the keen angler in mind. Constructed of a 100% carbon fibre blank, E-Motion Performance rods deliver a unique balance of strength and sensitivity to detect even the subtlest bites. The High Energy Transfer Reel Seat Design provides maximum energy transfer from butt to tip for more powerful hook sets or working big fish out of heavy cover. The soft coat texture applied to the reel seat, combined with the ergonomically shaped split handles, provides added grip, comfort and control. Fuji Alconite guides ensure smoother, longer casts. There are seven spinning rods ranging from 6’6” to 7’2” with extra light to medium heavy actions. Price: RRP of $129.95 www.berkley-fishing.com.au

DAIWA REVROS DX

The Revros DX is Daiwa’s most feature packed reel ever developed in its price range. Its features, durability and ultrasmooth performance are second to none. Featuring such Daiwa innovations as Twistbuster II, Silent Oscillation and Infinite anti-reverse, this reel also employs seven ball bearings, a high speed retrieve ratio and Digigear II gearing system for ultra smooth rotation and feel. The ABS spool has a maximized core diameter and reversed taper meaning there is 100% useable line, no ‘dead’ line buried deep in the spool, so you can fill it with line right up to the edge of the spool lip without fear of tangles. The rearward taper of the spool’s core helps prevent tangles caused by excessive loops of loosely wound or stiff line falling forward from the spool on the cast. This huge diameter spool lets line flow freely in larger coils and produces less line memory coil. The result is less casting friction for longer, easier casting. The Revros DX also uses Daiwa’s Digigear II system for ultra-smooth rotation and optimized speed, power and durability. www.daiwafishing.com.au

FEBRUARY 2016

AUSSIE-MADE PLATYPUS P8

Extra thin and round, P8 is a premium quality braid from Platypus. Utilising eight-strand construction ensures P8 is one of the thinnest braids on the market. Round, smooth and supple, it will pack more evenly onto your reel for longer, accurate casts time after time. P8 is ideal for all lure casting applications, from light tackle soft plastics through to rock fishing and deep sea jigging. Eight carrier construction is the best braid structure for any fishing situation or species using either overhead or spin gear. Eight carrier braids are rounder and thinner than regular three or four carrier braids, and do not flatten and take on water as 12 or 16 carriers do. With the actual unknotted breaking strain on the label of Platypus P8, anglers are able to make a more informed choice. P8 braid is available in 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50lb breaking strains in 150yd and 300yd lengths in hi-vis orange. Australian Monofil, the owner and manufacturer of Platypus lines, has 117 years of experience that allows them produce the highest quality fishing line in their Brisbane factory. Their motto is, “By Australian fishos for Australian fishos”. Price: RRP $39(150yd) www.fishplatypus.com.au

WILSON BEACH ROD HOLDER

Having a place to safely store your rod on the beach, out of the sand and surf is a necessary part of beach fishing. It doesn’t matter if you hold your rod while fishing or let it sit in the holder, at some stage you’re going to need both hands free to do something like bait up or re-tie a rig. The Wilson Beach Rod Holder is a powder coated, extra strong alloy to ensure, even under the most trying circumstances, your equipment stays high and dry. A large, two-winged fluke is double welded to provide extra security and the rod rest and butt rest are simple and effectively designed. Easy to transport, easy to use and built for the harsh conditions found on the beach, the Wilson Beach Rod Holder is an essential companion on a beach fishing trip. Price: approx. $15 www.wilsonfishing.com

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FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

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What’s New FISHING

FISHING PRODUCT GUIDE

TESTED: Daiwa 2015 Mag Seal Zillion 1516SH

Above: Here’s how the 2015 Zillions look on the flash Daiwa website. 0-100 in 2.5 seconds. Right: This is what one looks like when it turns up in the office. Increasingly, I like giving Testing Booth products for Fishing Monthly a real flogging before I write about them in these pages – after all, plenty of products work fine straight out of the box, but start the downward spiral after a heavy workload. So when the opportunity came to test the Mag Sealed 2015 Zillion, I saw the chance to incorporate it into my regular fishing regime and give it the treatment it deserved. Harsh! Let me backtrack a little. For the least few years, I’ve specialised in Brisbane River predators – mainly mulloway and threadfin salmon – and have landed maybe 400 of these fish since the addiction started a few years ago. I fish most nights in the cooler months and fish mostly from the bank. It means that I can get a trip over with in a couple of hours, where if I fish from a boat, it seems to be at least a six hour turnaround and I don’t have the stamina to give up six hours of sleep a night. Two I can live with. That’s all sort of beside the point. The point is, I wanted to catch 50 fish on this reel in at least 50 trips before I passed judgement. Because surely the regular duty-cycle for a Zillion wouldn’t be that heavy? I might be wrong, but if I couldn’t break it, maybe you wouldn’t be able to break it either? This Zillion is part of a four-reel line up that comprises the 2015 Zillion range. All are the same size with the same spools and line capacities, however there’s three gear ratios available in right-hand versions and a single 5.3:1 ratio available for the left-handers. Discriminatory, I know. Deal with it. I used the fastest in the range, the 7.3:1 1516SH. Daiwa don’t like publishing prices for

their product, but I looked it up on Mo Tackle and they sell all reels in this range for $499. All of the Zillions carry 8 ball bearings and a roller bearing and an anti-reverse bearing. The most exposed bearing beneath the cast control cap is protected by Mag Sealed Technology. Although not all points of potential water ingress are covered, it’s pleasing to note that it seems as though – internally at least –

surfaces. And then it gets in. I used to use a very similar reel for a lot of my River fishing – a 4.9:1 Zillion Crazy Cranker. The ratio made it a great reel for keeping a lure in the strike zone, but a pain in the bum for quick retrieves between productive areas and for catching up to a fish that swum towards you, it was especially poor.

After around 50 trips and 50 fish, we couldn’t find much evidence of salt incursion at all. I was sort of disappointed – I can get salt anywhere! Scan the QR code to watch the TackleJunkie team disassemble the test Mag Seal Zillion. this iteration of the Zillion seems very resistant to having its guts filled with salt water. You may not realise, but everyday fishing, especially with braided line that holds a lot of water through the cast and retrieve process, can infiltrate a reel (especially a baitcast reel). Every time you cast, saltwater from the line is finely sprayed across most parts that see the spool. Your hands effectively distribute this salty water across the rest of the reel exterior

With my ridiculously heavy duty cycle, I could render this Crazy Cranker unfishable from a finely tuned machine in around 6 months. Enough saltwater would make its way into the reel to denature the grease and infiltrate the bearings in this time. It’d start to ‘sing’ and crackle. Sometimes the free spool button wouldn’t return. Time to send it back for a service, after which, it’d be good as new. I couldn’t do this to the Zillion (spooled with

code is printed here, too, but I’m arrogant enough to think that nobody can crud-up a reel as good as me. Critics believed maybe Daiwa had pre-selected a few reels to prove their point? Sorry for being a sceptic, Daiwa. Mag Seal may just have my measure! ON THE WATER Technology aside, though, how did the Zillion fish? Putting it into context, the baitcast reels in my regular rotation include the old faithful Crazy Cranker, a 13 Fishing Concept A and a generation-old Shimano Chronarch that refuses to give up. They sit on a variety of double-handed baitcasting rods, including Nories VOICE, Daiwa Battler Harrier and 13 Fishing ENVY models. Compared to the 13 Fishing reel, the Daiwa feels bigger in the hand and sits higher on the rods – regardless of the type of reel seat. The real key to dialling in this Zillion, however, is getting the Magforce cast control just right. It seems to be the most sensitive Magforce reel I’ve used to date. Screw the control up too high and your casts will be pulled short, regardless of how hard you punch them out. It took me a session to realise this and when I immediately dialled it down to ‘0’, I lost control of a few lures into the darkness, resulting in a couple of backlashes and nudging the control up onto the bottom third of its range. And that’s where it’s comfortably sat ever since. Throwing big swimbaits that weigh several ounces at the BARRA Tour in 2015, dialling it up to around halfway made the casting virtually fool proof without any real noticeable decrease in distance. The Magforce control is on the left-hand side of the reel and is intuitive enough to use in total darkness. Audible detents let you know just where on the range you are. The other noticeable difference between this reel and my regular Daiwa was the T-Wing System (TWS). This is a level-line that flips up when you depress the free spool button to decrease the line angle and reduce friction and acute angles on the cast. Bring the first reel I’ve used with the TWS, I could detect the lack of friction in this area only when I was at the lower end of the Magforce settings. I’ve subsequently fish a little with the TWS version of the ultra-light Silver Wolf baitcaster and the difference, to me, is much more noticeable when you’re throwing lures that are 5g and less. Baits three times this weight and heavier tend to get where they want after a double-handed heave.

Mag Sealed 2015 Zillions Model Gear Ratio #Ball Bearings Wt. (g) Drag Pressure (kg) Spool Capacity 1516P 5.5 (61cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m 1516H 6.3 (71cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m 1516HL 6.3 (71cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m 1516SH 7.3 (81cm) 8+1 215 5 7.2kg/100m, 9kg/80m PE 1.5/200m

The 2015 Zillion caught plenty of these during the test period – mainly casting lures in the 14-25g range.

SCAN THE QR CODE!

30lb Daiwa J-Braid) and so we ignored the “don’t disassemble at home” labels and pulled it apart to see how much salt I could get into the guts of this reel. You can scan the QR code hereby to see Simon Goldsmith and I pull the reel apart, but the bottom line is that there was virtually zero ingress and definitely not enough to result in a salt build-up anywhere we could find. We shot this live and definitely didn’t do any sort of practice run to pre-judge the result. I’d shot a similar piece at the Daiwa Service Centre in Sydney a month before. That QR

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

SUMMARY Could I break it? No. Could I give it a heart-attack with saltwater ingress? Not unless I dunked it underwater. Do I want to give it back? Not really, but I must, because I pulled apart a Mag Seal reel and I suppose I’d better let the experts put it back together. Watch a disassembly comparison between a used Mag Seal Zillion and a standard Zillion.

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

Cod Classic

2015 Cod Classic wrap-up FMG

Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

Each time I attend the Cod Classic I get a greater appreciation of what the iconic Murray cod means to our native fish anglers. A huge 2825 competitors converged on Lake Mulwala and the surrounding area to compete in this year’s Yamaha Cod Classic. All were hoping to catch themselves a fish (cod, golden perch or carp) and go into the running for $150,000 worth of prizes and the chance to catch Phil the $1,000,000 tagged cod. Although the opportunity to fish Lake Mulwala and the Murray River below the lake for cod is a large draw card for anglers, the registration and expo area gave everyone the opportunity to check out the latest lures, spinnerbaits, rods, sunglasses, fly fishing gear, boats and kayaks available. With plenty of space to sit down, enjoy a quiet ale or two, a bit of food and hash-out a plan of attack, this sociable space was appreciated by all. The

expo area was the biggest I have seen in the years I’ve attended the event, and it was great to see wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers all busy talking

committee also arranged for people like Rod Mackenzie to give talks to competitors gifting them with expert insight to catch themselves a Murray cod.

early 6:30am start. The format of the Cod Classic was that any legal fish gave you a chance of winning a Yamaha/Quintrex boating package. This competition

Matt ‘Spider’ Rogers took out the kayak division of the classic. No wonder when you get a fish like this 1.02m cod.

Junior lucky door boat package winner Christopher Sviler and his father could not have been happier with their win. to competitors and giving them the lowdown on their products. The organising

THE FISHING Saturday saw the fishing begin in earnest, with an

was clearly not just about the fast boats and flash gear. I visited a number

of the measuring stations around the lake and it was great to see fathers with their sons and daughters, families and mates all enjoying what the fishing had to offer. Catching fish wasn’t restricted to fishing from a boat either. Plenty of people set themselves up

MURRAY COD CAPTURE STATISTICS Caught and released .......................................... 869 Adults ................................................................. 794 Junior .................................................................. 75 MOST PRODUCTIVE METHODS Bait ..................................................................... 258 Lures ................................................................... 129 Unidentified bait or lure ...................................... 482

on their favourite piece of bank and managed to get themselves into one of the boat draws. I was invited by the Wilson Fishing team to get out on the water for a few hours on Saturday. Stephen Booth and Anthony Pavlou won the Cod Nationals this year, and it was great to get their insight on fishing in the lake, as I had never done this before. It seems one of the keys to success is having an enormous amount of gear on board, but then buying cod fishing tackle is addictive – I should know! We started fishing in about 3m of water, casting spinnerbaits and hardbody

WINNERS

Steve Hobbs with his 115.5cm beast, which took out the longest cod for the classic.

Plenty of anglers set themselves up on the shores of the lake to try and catch a fish. 106

FEBRUARY 2016 2016 FEBRUARY

CATEGORY............................................ ANGLER.............................LENGTH.(CM) Longest cod adult ................................. Steve Hobbs ......................115.5 Longest cod junior................................. Flynn Docking ....................97 Longest golden perch adult .................. Matthew King .....................60 Junior golden perch............................... Alex Hawke ........................49 Longest carp (open section) .................. David Taylor ........................90 Overall Junior Champion Angler ............ Thomas Clark

The measuring stations were kept busy with anglers registering their catch to go into the draw to win a Quintrex/Yamaha boat package.

lures at the numerous stumps and structure that Lake Mulwala is known for. The fishing was a little slow, with only a small fish falling to my Bassman spinnerbait. We then moved further up the lake and into shallower water. Boothy’s decision to change to his beloved purple StumpJumper (winky) was the turning point. Its legendary fish catching ability was once again on display as Boothy picked up a small cod. With the amount of lures in the boat, changing things up to get a bite was always going to be the case. At one point Pav was throwing a large, imported swim-bait. It looked amazing in the water and it was obvious the fish liked it too. Cast at a laydown, a larger cod smashed it and within

Cod Classic seconds was off. Not because it pulled the hooks, but because it broke the rear section off the lure. There is definitely something to buying lures designed and built for Australian fish. Although disappointed, Pav regrouped and got a nice 63cm fish on one of his own spinnerbaits. Thank you to the boys for getting me on the water. Visiting the measuring stations provided a great insight into the fishing. Fish were caught using all manner of methods. Bardi grubs, worms, shrimp, chicken or cheese baits were the main options used by bait anglers with varying success. Trolling deep diving lures along the old

immediately saw a big cod cruising near where they had cast. Steve’s lure was a little

too large for their net, so after some tense moments they eventually managed to

FISH CAUGHT Murray cod ......................................................... 869 Golden perch ...................................................... 234 European carp .................................................... 570* *(Approximately 750kg removed from the lake and given to Charlie Carp for processing) SIZE BREAKDOWN

The presentation area was packed with nearly $150,000 in prizes given out.

Golden perch numbers were down this year, but any caught were much appreciated.

river and creek beds and the buoy lines were a very popular method and proved to be effective during the early morning hours of each day. Lure casters enjoyed plenty of success with spinnerbaits resulting in about 50% of the catch, with the remaining captures predominately coming on Australian made lures. As always, there were tales of the fish that got away, but the measuring stations were kept busy by plenty of happy anglers. BIGGEST COD Steve Hobbs from Wantirna in Melbourne caught the biggest cod for the weekend at 115.5cm long. He was fishing with his mate Andrew Suttie from their 3m tinnie, nicknamed Eddie. Steve and Andrew are more often found fishing for trout, and this was their first time fishing the Cod Classic. After some early success on Saturday, the fishing slowed and they decided to head up the lake and try some new water. With the abundance of structure in the lake it wasn’t hard to find new submerged trees to cast at

Size (cm) .......................................... Number of fish 55-59 ............................................... 440 60-65 ............................................... 276 66-69 ............................................... 64 70-75 ............................................... 48 75-80 ............................................... 16 80-89 ............................................... 12 90-99 ............................................... 7 1m+ ................................................. 6

Sunday morning’s fishing was a little tougher, but fish like this were still hitting the tape. and they settled into an area with about 4m of water. Not long after arriving Andrew noticed a disturbance in some shallower water and they headed towards it, casting at any stumps as they went. As they were moving along, both men cast to a particular tree and both almost

BOAT WINNERS CATEGORY.................................... WINNER Friday entrants............................... Lachlan Spencer Early entry ..................................... Linda Harding Cod catch and release .................. Chris Addlington Carp boat ...................................... Bruce Woodfall Raffle ............................................. Mick Wyatt Adult lucky door ............................ Jason Tonna Junior lucky door ........................... Christopher Sviler

Plenty of smiles at the measuring stations.

Beautiful cod caught by one of the junior competitors in the event.

Steve Hobbs accepting the trophy for his 115.5cm cod.

further away than Andrew’s and he was able to guide his spinnerbait in front of the fish, which it promptly ate. The fight was not without its dramas, with the fish wrapping itself around the electric motor and being

get the fish into the boat and onto a Brag Mat. At 115.5cm, it was only Steve’s second ever cod. It will be a tough one to beat, but he reckons he is up for the challenge! To page 108

FEBRUARY 2016 2016 FEBRUARY

107

Cod Classic From page 107

He caught the fish on a Gangster Mother Frogger lure in orange and black on a Shimano 10kg rod using 30lb braid. I think it will be pretty hard to go back to trout fishing after this fish! METRE COD FROM A KAYAK The kayak section of the Cod Classic has become a very popular part of the event over the last couple of years. This year, the Rogers brothers, Matt and Ian took out 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Matt ‘Spider’ Rogers took out the event champion overall. He also caught one of the six metre plus fish caught during this years Cod Classic. Fishing from a Hobie Mirage Outback kayak, he caught the fish

Catching a carp never felt so good for Bruce Woodfall as he celebrates winning a boat package.

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST FISHING COMPETITION!

on Saturday afternoon using a purple Bassman spinnerbait. I can only imagine what hooking a 1.02m cod out of a kayak would be like, let alone getting it onto the kayak, so congratulations to Matt for an amazing capture. Matt cast his Bassman spinnerbait using a Venom 2-4 PE Crankbait rod, using 50lb braid and 40lb leader. He and his brother got some quality fish over the weekend, showing that yak fishing for cod is well worth a try. JUNIORS JOIN IN ON THE FUN The Wilson Fishing Junior Cod Classic runs in conjunction with the main event. All junior anglers received a Wilson Fishing lure and a Bassman spinnerbait with their registration. Add to that the opportunity to win one of the many lucky door prizes or go into the junior

A fantastic catch by any standards. THE WRAP UP Lake Mulwala would have been a much quieter place after 2pm on 6 December as all the various competitors headed home, seven of those with a new Quintrex/Yamaha boating package in tow. In total 1,673 legal fish were caught during the event, unfortunately Phil the $1,000,000 cod was not one of them. I am sure at some point during the event a lure or bait would have been somewhere near him. Maybe next year. If you haven’t considered taking part in the Cod Classic, I recommend it. The reward is a really good weekend, with a great atmosphere, and the prospect of winning part of a $150,000 prize pool. I love the fact that it is not about catching the most fish or the biggest fish, it is simply to catch a fish.

Proudly Supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Peter Duncan Neuroscience Research Unit of St Vincent’s Hospital.

SUNDAY 20 MARCH 2016

RIGHT ACROSS AUSTRALIA

170,000

in cash & prizes! JUST $25 to enter

Every legal cod caught gave the angler a chance to win a Quintrex/Yamaha boating package. Winners are grinners. prize boat draw The junior champion angler was Thomas Clark who caught 5 cod with the average size of nearly 61cm. The longest cod was caught by Flynn Docking at 97cm.

This means everybody has an equal chance. Congratulations to Tony Bennett and his team for running a great event and I look forward to being involved in 2016.

plus postage

Stacer 449 Outlaw Tiller Steer powered by Evinrude E-tec 60hp plus trailer valued at $25000

salt & fresh water target species

$2000 Humminbird HELIX7 SI_GPS

$1500 BCF Spending Spree!

To Register, log onto

$2000 Berkley Fishing Pack

pirtekFIshingchallenge.com.au For full terms, conditions and licensing log on to pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au. Permit Nos: ACT Permit Nos TP 15/08241; NSW Permit No LTPS/15/09562; SA Permit No T15/2139.

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FEBRUARY 2016 2016 FEBRUARY

The legend of Winky the purple StumpJumper added another chapter to the book after once again picking up a fish for Boothy.

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2016

DATE DETAILS

CONTACT

FEBRUARY

Feb 6-7

Rnd 1 Hobie Kayak BREAM series Bemm River

www.hobiefishing.com.au

Feb 20-21

ABT BREAM Qualifier #1 Mallacoota

www.abt.org.au

Feb 24-25

ABT BREAM Qualifier #2 Gippsland Lakes

www.abt.org.au

Feb 27-28

Rnd 2 Central Vic Lures castes Eppalock Holiday Park

David Nelson 0418 378 944 roundy@cvlcss.com

Feb 27-28

Rnd 2 Hobie Kayak BREAM series Blackwood River

www.hobiefishing.com.au

MARCH

Mar 5-6

Rnd 3 Hobie Kayak BREAM series Mallacoota

www.hobiefishing.com.au

Mar 7

SWAA Albury – Wodonga River Classic Albury Wodonga

www.southwestanglers.org.au

Mar 12-20

NAB Shipwreck Coast Fishing Classic Warrnambool

Facebook ‘Shipwreck Coast Fishing Classic’

Mar 19-20

Rnd 2 Hopkins River Bream Classic Warrnambool

Bill Hartshorne 0409 823 070 www.vicbreamclassics.com.au

Mar 20

Rnd 4 Hobie Kayak BREAM series South Sydney

www.hobiefishing.com.au

APRIL

Apr 9

Rnd 3 Central Vic Lures castes Mitchellstown

roundy@cvlcss.com

Apr 9-10

ABT BREAM Qualifier #3 Mandurah

www.abt.org.au

Apr 22-23

Rnd 5 Hobie Kayak BREAM series Scamander River

www.hobiefishing.com.au

For listings please email jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au S O U T H W E S T A N G L E R S A S S O C I A T I O N // T H E F A M I L Y F R I E N D L Y F I S H I N G C O M P E T I T I O N

Albury Wodonga River Classic 2016 Fishing

S A T U R D AY M A R C H 5 T H // M U R R AY R I V E R

From Lake Hume wall to the junction of Wodonga Creek and Murray River 6am-5pm