Victoria and Tasmania Fishing Monthly November 2019

SPRING IS IN FULL SWING • TOP SALTWATER LURES

Features

Top lures for Victorian saltwater • Wake up call for rec fishers • Devils Bend Reservoir •

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November 2019, Vol. 15 No.1

Contents WEST COAST West Coast

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17

18

24

32

Warrnambool 18 Apollo Bay

18

Cobden 19

CENTRAL Geelong 22 Port Phillip West

24

Port Phillip North East

26

Mornington Peninsula

28

Port Phillip Bay Offshore

32

Western Port North

34

Western Port South

36

Phillip Island

37

EAST COAST Bemm River

40

Corner Inlet

40

Gippsland Lakes

41

Marlo 41 Lakes Entrance

42

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

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Wagga Wagga

54

Albury/Wodonga 55 Yarrawonga 55 Robinvale 56

From the Editor’s Desk...

You don’t have to be a tournament angler to appreciate what Australian bass angler, Carl Jocumsen, achieved on the final event of the American Bassmaster Elite Series last month.

I reckon all of Australia knows by now.

Carl won USD $100,000 and secured his very first top-level tournament win over there. He’s become an overnight sensation after a lifetime of honing his skills and nine years of hard work in the USA, learning the habits of a fish species that we don’t have in this country.

Frankly, his achievement is bordering on ludicrous.

Fishing against a seasoned field of full-time professional anglers, Carl has climbed to the top thanks to a combination of sheer determination and his refusal to give up.

Tournament fishing in the US is demanding and expensive – there are high

entry fees, a lot of travel and no guaranteed income – so it hasn’t been an easy journey for Carl. God knows how awful the years must have been living out of his truck and cheap motels, trying to scrape the money together to learn his craft. I reckon nearly all of us would have given up after a tough couple of years. Imagine the stress and loneliness on the road, getting beaten down time after time. All this with no friends or family within 20 hours flying time… it was a hard road.

If any of you saw the

replays of Carl catching his last fish, you could see the emotions coming out. The tears washing away the stresses that he’d endured over that time. I challenge any angler or sports lover to dismiss the moment as not profound. I watched it unfold live at 2am and was shedding tears with him, and I’m proud to admit that.

We met Carl as a teenage angler in 2000. His first ABT cheque was a $500 win for Big Bass at a BASS Electric event at Lake Moogerah. And we love that he has now taken his passion the highest level

possible on the planet.

At the time of writing, Carl is getting married to his American fiancée, Kayla.

He’s now living the dream – he’s well funded for the next season and is sharing the journey with his life partner.

Congratulations on your success, Carl, and we know that it’s built on strong foundations.

If you’d like to follow Carl’s progress, check out www.carljocumsen. com. You can also buy a supporter jersey at wp.fishingmonthly.com.au.

Bendigo 56 Snowy Mountains

57

West/South Gippsland

57

Wangaratta 58 Eildon 59 Shepparton 60 Nagambie 61 Crater Lakes

62

Ballarat 64

46

VICTORIA FISHING MONTHLY

Chappy’s Hotspot

39

Dam Levels

54

Fun Page

76

Inland Fisheries Service

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Tasmanian Lake Levels

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Tournament News

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Track My Fish

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Trade and Services Guide

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Victorian Game Fishing

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Victorian Tide Times

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What’s new fishing

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WIRF 70

SPECIAL FEATURES Top lures for Victorian saltwater

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Wake up call for rec fishers

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Devils Bend Reservoir

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2019 AFTA Tackle winners

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Ashley Hallam caught this bluefin tuna off Bicheno using a Halco lure on a bottom fishing outfit.

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Using the right lures for Victorian salt waters WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Three decades ago, when I was a young jetty grommet, bait fishing was the preferred method of fishing for all the species I targeted. It certainly wasn’t any trouble to catch a feed but when it came to owning lures, the selection was quite limited.

I still remember my first three lures I purchased – a Yo-Zuri squid jig, a blue metal slug and a green hexagon shaped metal lure. These three lures travelled everywhere I fished from Gippsland to Portsea Pier and to this day, I can’t remember ever catching a fish with them!

These days, tackle store walls are littered with lures; the lure selection actually far exceeds bait options. With advances in technology, lures these days are just as realistic as the actual animal, bird or insect they represent. What can be daunting is knowing what lure to use for what

species. With the myriad that is available, choosing the wrong lure can cost you dearly in dollars and success and maybe even turn you off lure fishing altogether.

Many brands of lures come stock standard with hooks such as VMC, Owner, Gamakatsu, Mustad or just generic Chinese or Korean made hooks.

Lures fitted using Korean or Chinese hooks tend to be at more affordable prices ranging from $5-$15, while higher end branded lures often retro fit their lures using upmarket hook brands and thus tend to be much more expensive.

Regardless of the hook on a lure, anglers tend to be quite brand orientated and even if buying an upmarket lure with a certain brand of hooks, they will often change the hooks to the brand they are confident in using based on previous experience.

Lures can work straight from the packet, however many anglers choose to modify them to ensure that fish will get solidly hooked or to change the lure’s original action to entice

Left to right: From old to new, jigs have certainly changed over the years. Technology has surpassed expectations of anglers, as fish are now fooled very easily. a strike. Doing this comes with being an experienced lure angler and is only done depending on how the fish are feeding at the time.

Take a floating lure as an example. If you upgrade the hooks from a 1x to a 3x strength hook, it can potentially change the action from floating to suspending. Then again, if you added a set of 4x strong hooks, it could turn the lure into a sinking model.

Regardless of which lure

Tuna are typically caught trolling skirted and deep diving lures, but more anglers are choosing to target them on topwater with stickbaits.

you have purchased, it pays to play around with it and rig it accordingly to the specific species and situation you want it to work in.

SHORE-BASED CASTING Shore-based casting is a popular affair for many anglers and while it is not limited to those flicking the surf for salmon or an estuary bank for bream and perch, walking any beach while flicking a lure can lead to a variety of fish being caught.

Selecting lures for shorebased casting will depend on the species being targeted and knowing about those species will allow you to select an appropriate range of lures.

Most shore-based casting in Victoria tends to be focused on Australian salmon along the surf beaches, however a few anglers also enjoy flicking for flathead.

Salmon are quite energetic, often swimming in large schools and terrorising baitfish. Anglers attempting to catch salmon can easily do so using metal slugs. Of course, these are available in various forms and while different profiles may be similar, it is the position of their weight that differs and causes the lure to have a different action. Some metal lures are weighted in the head near the tow point, some are centre weighted, and others are rear weighted. All have a different advantage over the other.

Skirted tuna lures come in a range of colours but those with black in them tend to get a lot of attention from big tuna.

Head weighted slugs are ideal if you are casting into rough surf conditions and you need the lure to sink to work it in a deep gutter, whereas a mid-weighted slug may not cast as far but has a flutter action of a dying baitfish as it sinks to the bottom. In most

cases though, rear weighted slugs are the most popular because they allow anglers to cast further and cover more distance. When retrieved, they sit high in the water column just under the surface and act like a baitfish trying to flee.

Nearly all metal slugs

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OPTIMAL USE: • Boating and fishing in deep water • Open reflective water • Harsh sun

Kingfish jigs come in a wide range of styles, colours and weights.

In Port Phillip, 150-210g is the ideal weight range.

come retro fitted with a treble hook at purchase and as salmon are meticulous for throwing a treble once hooked, swapping the treble to a single inline hook will ensure a solid hook set.

Once found, flathead are willing lure takers. However, because they are a bottom dweller, lures have to be worked within a foot of the bottom. Walking the shoreline, you’re mainly casting into a metre of water and for most of the time there is significant weed growth on the bottom.

This causes hardbodied lures to become snagged or pick up weed on the hooks, so soft plastics are a better option.

Softies can be rigged with an appropriately weighted jighead for the depth of water being cast into but the plastic itself gives off an exciting persona that flathead can’t resist. Still, weed can become an issue. In these cases, anglers can rig their plastics with a weedless hook to discourage weed from catching on the plastic as well as prevent the lure from becoming snagged.

This technique is extremely effective and although you might have to walk a few kilometres, you will be rewarded.

HUNTING CEPHLEPODS Calamari are as much a staple for Victorian anglers as pilchards are for snapper!

While they may be the

deepwater calamari the chance to take the lure.

Even with jigs in the 2.5 and 3.0 size, varying sink rates are available but because you’re mainly fishing in 2-4m of water, a jig that sinks at around 2-2.2 seconds per metre gets a good result.

This might change in windy conditions when you may need

to have a faster sink rate jig so the wind and wave action doesn’t impact the sink rate as much. Then again, in windy conditions when the drift speed is fast, it may be best to rig a jig on a paternoster rig with a small 1/2oz sinker on the bottom. This will allow the jig to confidently reach the To page 10

Snapper can be caught on a range of lures from metal and soft vibes, soft plastics and sliding kabura-style jigs. most abundant species year round, calamari can still be a challenge to catch at times.

In recent years, a revolution of calamari lures has graced the fishing market, changing it forever. Where once a squid jig was vertically jigged using a pole on a pier, they have since evolved into highly technical lures.

Squid jigs come in a variety of sizes, with the more common ranging 1.6 to 3.5.

They also come in different sinking rates. Calamari can be temperamental at times and a slow sinking jig can give

off the persona of a fleeing or dying baitfish or prawn.

Depending on how calamari are feeding at the time, an angler targeting them may have a wide selection of jigs to fool them into taking a jig.

This may mean having the right colour for the time of day as well as requiring the right size and sink rate. When it comes to colour selection, the colour should be chosen based on the inner body or ‘foil’ colour.

Your selection of lures can be refined down to a half dozen assorted colours, sizes and sink

rates. You should include sizes 2.5 and/or 3.0 in: purple, a good all-day searching colour; rainbow, which is good in low light; and red foil for night, low light and clear days, making it the go-to colour for many anglers. For most of winter, a 2.5 jig is preferred, while during spring and summer a 3.0 jig gets most of the attention.

Jigs at 3.5 aren’t that popular amongst anglers unless they are fishing in depths greater than 5m. Due to the size of the jig and its sink rate, the deeper the water, the more relaxed the jig is while sinking, allowing

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From page 9

bottom while the jig hovers above the weed growth.

LURING OFFSHORE GIANTS Snapper, mulloway, tuna and kingfish are also willing lure takers and when it comes to these bigger species, the lure selection can vary greatly.

Traditionally, snapper are targeted with bait in Victoria, but more and more anglers have been embracing sportfishing and using lures to entice them to bite. There is no doubt that a snapper caught on a lure fights tenfold that of one that is caught on a bait, as they have to chase down a lure to eat it rather than just swallowing an unweighted pilchard in a berley trail.

Snapper are hunters and will hunt down a feed given the chance. While they are

Salmon can be fussy if they are focused on a specific size or type of baitfish, so it is important to have a range of metals to choose from. used to hunting small fish, lures that impersonate baitfish with a fast darting action are favoured. Such lures include soft plastics ranging 4-6” in a jerkbait style profile, soft

Jigs that shine in the water with a chrome finish are irresistible to kings.

and metal vibe lures and jerkbait style hardbodied lures that can be trolled over the shallow reefs.

Another highly effective snapper luring technique that can be done in Western Port, Port Phillip Bay and offshore is the use of Japanese sliding kabura-styles, such as Daiwa’s Bay Rubber series. They are for bottom jigging and are a lead weight with assist hooks attached. They are highly successful when cast and jigged over reefs, or a simpler method is to lower to the bottom, wind up three or four turns and leave the rod in the boat’s rod holder, as when the boat rocks, the jig will work up and down. In Port Phillip Bay, there is very little current so a 60g jig is heavy enough. In

Western Port, the heavier 80g and 100g jigs are ideal.

A new lure in this category is the Mustad InkVader. This lure blends a soft plastic with an internal weight that can be used in a similar way. What is so special about the InkVader is that it has small ink tablets that can be added into the soft body, which when placed into the water, disperse the black ink, making this squid lookalike lure smell like a squid. This is irresistible to snapper and the like.

Mulloway will take similar lures to those used for snapper, with soft plastics, soft and hard vibes and small hardbody crankbaits getting most of the action. When choosing mulloway lures, it pays to keep them on the smaller side, usually in the 40-90mm length range. This also includes jerkbaits if you’re flicking off riverbanks.

Lures that give off sound such as vibes and hardbodies with internal rattles work exceptionally well; however, don’t underestimate the power of a soft plastic. Grub and shad style plastics are top options provided you use an appropriately weighted jighead for the depth of water you’re flicking in.

Offshore, lures get very different, especially if you’re targeting kingfish or southern bluefin tuna. While both species are schooling fish,

tuna are more prone to taking a lure on the troll while kingfish are often taken on a jig.

SBTs are well known for taking a trolled hardbodied or skirted lure and while the options are endless, Victorian anglers do have their favourites. While Queensland, Western Australia and NSW fishers are Halco fanatics, Rapala X-Rap 30 and Zerek Pelagic Z 180 are the top hardbody

Vibes work particularly well on snapper due to the vibration they emit in the water. choices for Victorians.

As these two hardbodies usually come retro fitted with treble hooks, anglers often upgrade the hooks with something like the super strong Mustad Kaiju Inline single hook due to its 7x strength.

Both lures can be trolled over 9 knots, but anywhere between 7-9 knots is ample for tuna.

ACTIVE TRANSOM

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NOVEMBER 2019

These lures can dive to 30ft, which is more than enough when trolling throughout the Southern Ocean. In fact, trolling diving hardbodies is often done in conjunction with skirted lures to cover different levels of the water columns. Most of the time, hardbodies are kept in close to the boat where they’ll dive their deepest due to the water pressure on their bib.

Skirted lures are the more

popular option for tuna, and the Richter Soft Grassy, KYKY, Splash Medium, Jelly Babe and Soft Oscar are my pick of the bunch followed by Pakula Sprocket, Cockroach and Bullet Jet. All are rigged the same, with a minimum leader length of 2.5m of 100-150lb along with a Mustad Southern & Tuna hook set inside the

TRUE SELFDRAINING DECKS

Targeting mulloway on lures is a lot of fun but you do need to have a good selection to cover all bases. skirt. When setting the hook, it is imperative that the hook is in the right position. If fishing

by IGFA rules, the hook must be within the confines of the skirt. If not, it is good practice to have the hook set so the bend of the hook is just inside the skirt. In my experience, the further the hook is towards the tail end of the skirt, the better the hook-up rate.

As opportunistic feeders, southern bluefin tuna are also suckers for a high-speed retrieved stickbait. More anglers are choosing this style of fishing and while it’s challenging, it is very rewarding. Casting for tuna is no different than casting for salmon, except for the fact your gear is much heavier and you have to chase the fish a lot more to get within casting range. Stickbait lures need to be long casting to cover

distance, which leads them to either being rear weighted or containing a sliding (ball bearing) internal weight.

Stickbaits such as the Molix SB120, Yakamito Skinny Dipper and Rapala X-Rap Long Cast Shallow have built their reputation as SBT lollies.

While most are fitted with trebles, fitting them with single hooks is a better alternative to maximise the hook set and prevent fish from throwing the hooks during a long fight.

Kingfish can also be caught on the troll, with hardbodied lures favoured, although they will take skirted lures. Zerek Pelagic Z 140s and Rapala X-Rap 15s are my favourites. If you want to stickbait, kingfish will also feed on the surface like tuna and you can cast for them using the same lures.

Even though kings love eating fast moving lures, they can’t resist a high-speed jig.

Jigging is probably one of the oldest kingfish fishing techniques when it comes to

shorter, wider profile jigs tend to have a more slicing action on free fall with fast action on the retrieve. These leaf/ wider profile jigs really get the attention of kings and spur

current and possibly rough conditions that can affect the action of the jig. Given the drift/current speed, the weight of the jig is vital so it is worked in the correct

Chasing tuna on stickbaits is more fun than you can imagine! Just remember to change the hooks from trebles to singles.

Having a selection of soft plastics and varying weighted jigheads allows you to be versatile when targeting flathead, snapper and salmon.

lure fishing for them and one that is still popular amongst anglers today. While jigging is an energetic method, the jigs themselves are quite simple in that they are just a coloured piece of moulded lead of varying weights.

The different styles of jig can create a different action on the drop and retrieve. For instance, slim profile jigs tend to shoot to the bottom quite fast without giving off much of an exciting action, while

them into attack mode.

Jigs come in varying weights and colours and while colour might not play a vital role, keep in mind that kingfish are inquisitive and respond quickly to sharp movements and flashing colours such as silvers, blues and greens. The weight of the jig should be based on the depth of water being fished.

For instance, if jigging the Rip in Port Phillip Bay, you’ll be battling against the

vertical angle to get the desired action and kingfish will strike it.

While there are many other lures available, the ones mentioned have proven their worth amongst anglers of the last decade and continue to do so. Even though your newly purchased lure will work straight off the shelf, it does pay to change the hooks and tweak it a little, as this could make the difference in getting fish to strike.

NOVEMBER 2019

11

Science meets fishing

Wake-up call for Australia’s recreational fishing GEELONG

Ross Winstanley

Recreational fishing in Australia faces an interesting challenge: a recent decline in the community’s view of its sustainability.

While community perceptions of commercial fishing’s sustainability sit at a lower level, the industry has invested heavily – and with some success – in maintaining public support. It would be risky for recreational fishing to ignore the current trend in community perceptions and the possible consequences for one of our favourite pastimes.

WARNING SIGNS Since the 2000-01 National Recreational Fishing Survey, statewide surveys conducted

on catch and release fishing in some European states have aroused attention in Australia. These factors have helped to motivate fishers, working with governments, to develop fishing and fish-handling practices and fishing regulations aimed at harmminimisation at the level of fish stocks, individual fish and the environment. All of this is to the great credit of the recreational fishing community. The question is, what has the wider Australian community made of it?

NATIONAL FISHING INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE Australia’s commercial fishing industry is engaged in continual efforts to improve community support and recognition of its gains in areas of environmental and fish resource

the sustainability of commercial ‘wild catch’ fishing, recreational fishing, traditional indigenous fishing and aquaculture. The 2018 survey showed that recreational fishing is one of three sectors currently showing a downward trend in sustainability as viewed by the community.

COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS 2002-2018 While fewer people now view commercial fishing as operating sustainably, it is the only sector to have maintained a stable image throughout the 16-year period of these surveys.

This has not happened by accident: the commercial fishing industry has invested heavily with some success in maintaining its level of public support. The 2018 survey indicated that,

Community perceptions of the sustainability of Australian fishing sectors, 2002-2018. by fisheries agencies have shown declining participation rates in recreational fishing around Australia. Despite population growth, fewer people are fishing and the numbers of fish they catch are declining. For example, a NSW survey estimated that, along with declining fisher numbers, between 2000/01 and 2012/13, the numbers of every targeted scalefish, including stocked species, decreased. In Tasmania, across three surveys since 2000/01, participation fell by 22% and the total number of fish caught fell by 35%.

Between 1996 and 2014, Queensland’s participation rate has fallen from 28% to 15%.

For 20 years or more, recreational fishers have been alert to overseas pressures that could pose threats to their activities here. For example, the rising pressure from the animal rights movement and bans 12

NOVEMBER 2019

sustainability. Ensuring the health and productivity of fish resources involves continuous investment in technology, fishery monitoring, stock assessment and management, with much of the costs borne by the industry.

Equally challenging is raising community awareness of achievements made in these areas and what this represents in terms of ongoing investment by the industry.

To measure how effectively the industry performs in maintaining public support, the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has been tracking perceptions of fishing sectors through a series of community surveys since 2011. Combined with a 2002 pilot ‘community perceptions’ study, these surveys compare trends in how Australians view

while 11% of Australians are aware of the industry’s efforts to improve its level of sustainability, the majority (57%) are unaware of details, but assume that ‘something is being done’.

The industry works independently as well as with governments in several ways to demonstrate its s u s t a i n a b i l i t y.

Environmental management plans, codes of practice and third party accreditation are some of the measures increasingly adopted and publicised during the past 20 years. Whatever the industry is doing, it is succeeding in holding the line, unlike the other sectors. The recreational fishing sector could learn a lot from the commercial fishing industry.

THE CHALLENGE If they’re aware of it, most recreational fishers are indifferent to the downward national trend in participation: who wants to see more competition on

the water, at the boat ramp and on the jetty?

Fisheries agencies support participation, for instance through fishing clinics, school programs and information services.

Victoria’s Government goes the extra step by actively promoting fishing participation through its Target One Million program, with the aim of boosting adult fisher numbers to one million by next year.

Around Australia, recreational fishing bodies work independently and with governments in many of these programs and through promoting responsible fishing behaviour, humane fishing practices, safety, and respect for other resource users.

Anglers are increasingly involved in meaningful fish habitat restoration works, such as river re-snagging and shellfish reef recovery programs.

The recreational fishing industry engages with many of these programs, directly or through sponsorships.

It also actively promotes fishing, for instance through popular media programs, statewide and local fishing shows, and fishing tournaments.

However, recreational fishers and their allied industry do little that reaches out with the aim of building community confidence in the sustainability of recreational fishing.

Instead, around Australia their political activism has been rewarded by the closure of competing – and sustainable – inshore commercial fisheries, effectively gifting them sole fishing access. Few recreational fishers realise the privilege they have been granted, believing these re-allocations to be their right. Privilege or right, it would be a mistake to assume that this has gone unnoticed by the majority of Australians, most of whom are seafood consumers.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE TRENDS? Despite the popularity and recognised quality of ‘farm fishing’ produce, it is not hard to think of factors contributing to the downward trend in the perceived sustainability of aquaculture. Serious events from several states have resulted in prominent mainstream media coverage nation-wide: Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (PO M S), dis e a s e d prawn farm closures and mass fish mortalities and environmental contamination from sea-cage farming.

Negative perceptions

about commercial fishing abound and receive widespread publicity. In contrast, actions to stabilise and rebuild our overfished stocks and to minimise environmental harm are not well publicised. Effective responses help to maintain public support but require significant investment (e.g. Marine Stewardship Council certification) and persistence (e.g. ongoing promotion of seafood health benefits).

It’s not so easy to identify what’s behind the post-2013 decline in the community’s view of recreational fishing.

Perceptions of cruelty and excessive catches are not new and the sector has worked closely with governments for over 20 years to improve f i s h i n g ’s conduct and image.

Working collaboratively, the sector has tightened catch limits, promoted humane fish handling methods and strengthened controls of fishing competitions and tournaments. However, while these measures are well publicised among the fishing fraternity, they may not earn credit with the wider community.

Genuine advances in responsible fishing can be undermined by publicity given to single events such as the 650 kg marlin suspended from a gantry, accompanied by the RSPCA’s reminder of their anti-game fishing policy.

What the 90% or so of Australians who eat seafood see is dwindling access to their local sources of fresh fish as governments enthusiastically heed calls from anglers to close inshore commercial fisheries. This process, too, has been ongoing for many years but recent prominent examples, proudly paraded by governments and amplified through mainstream and social media, have heightened public awareness.

Over many years, governments’ large and well publicised investments in supporting recreational fishing have been justified partly on the basis of the associated social and economic benefits. In an era of increasing application of user-pays, the majority of Australians who seldom if ever fish may be beginning to question this as a valid use of public resources.

HOW WILL THE RECREATIONAL SECTOR RESPOND? Politically, around Australia, recreational fishing currently enjoys a healthy level of recognition

and support. However, with trends in public perception and fishing participation heading in the same direction, the sector faces a wake-up call, if not a real challenge.

In the report of their 2002 FRDC-supported study, Community perceptions of fishing: implications for industry image, marketing and sustainability, authors Heather Aslin and Ian Brown observed that the commercial industry could not begin to address community concerns without a ‘baseline’ understanding of what the public knows and whether their knowledge is accurate. Crucially, the industry’s ability to effectively target their communication messages depends on determining where the public get their information from.

In keeping with this assessment, targeted community surveys and communications have guided commercial fishing’s response to both emerging and persistent challenges. How and when will the recreational sector respond to their challenges and who will take the lead?

Most rusted-on recreational fishers aren’t concerned that participation is declining and will be indifferent to the level of public funding; they’ll back their own ability to carry on successfully. Also, unlike Victoria, most governments around Australia aren’t driven to increase fisher numbers, so the main incentives to turn the perception and participation trends around lie with the fishing tackle, boating, tourism and allied industries, and with fishers’ representative bodies whose political influence depends on numbers.

If these trends continue unchecked, carrying on in a bubble of indifference carries a real risk. The commercial sector has demonstrated how, working with social science and public opinion survey professionals, there are paths to - at least halting the community’s declining view of recreational fishing.

In terms of individual and community health and social benefits, there’s a lot for the sector to work with in effectively selling the true value of recreational fishing to Australia.

• This is an amended version of an article published in February 2019 on the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association web site setfia.org.au.

NOVEMBER 2019

13

The hottest ticket in town is set to launch!

With GoFish Nagambie sporting a fully guaranteed $500,000 prize pool, Aussie anglers are champing at the bit to take home the big bucks! nglers of all abilities will make their way to A Nagambie Lakes and the Goulburn River in the first weekend in April to reel in some big fish and land themselves some ripper prizes. f course, GoFish Nagambie is more than O just a fishing competition – it’s a true fishing festival, with a range of attractions for young and old. It’s a celebration of everything we love about fishing. It’s a gathering place for fishos to get together as a community; for mates, families and like-minded individuals to hang out and have fun. ome and join us in the first weekend in April, C and you’ll find out there’s no place you’d rather be!

THE $80k COD RETURNS IN 2020

S trap yourselves in ladies and gentlemen, the $80k cod returns to GoFish Nagambie in 2020!

But that’s not all – we are paying out to 10th place for Murray cod. Massive! If you land the single biggest Murray cod caught across the competition, you’ll go home with $80,000 cash in your pocket. And every competitor who finishes in the top 10 will also take home a cash prize for their efforts. It all adds up to more prizes for more people, which is what this fantastic competition is all about. That must have your tails wagging!

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I f you want to get in before the entries sell out again, get your diary out and jot this down.

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Entries will go on sale for the second GoFish Nagambie on 14 November at 9am. That’s right, the wait is officially over and now is the time to plan your trip to Australia’s richest freshwater fishing tournament.

Pricing

T he open entry price (age 16 and over) is just $160 for three days of fishing and four days of festivities, so you get a lot of value for your dollar. And as well as having an amazing experience, you’ll also be in the running for a share of the huge $500,000 prize pool. Junior entries (5 to 16 years) are just $50, and there’s plenty for the kids to do at the event.

EARLY BIRD PRIZE: JAYCO CAMPER TRAILER

Submitting an early bird entry gives you two big benefits. First of all, you’ll be able to secure your spot 48 hours before everyone else (that’s 12 November for you and 14 November for non-subscribers). Seeing as the boater division sold out last year, you’ll rest easy knowing that you have secured your golden ticket!

E ven better, when you submit your early bird entry, you’ll automatically go into the draw to win a Jayco JTrak camper trailer!

Clint Alvey, happy with his win !

To access the pre-sale, all you have to do is sign-up to our e-newsletter at www. gofishnagambie.com.au. Good things come to those who enter early!

Back to the beach NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.fishotopia.com

Surf fishing is a wonderful late spring and summer activity, but it can be even more fun if you lighten up and simplify things.

Beach fishing is a very popular pastime right around Australia, especially in the southern half of the country; between Fraser Island in the east and Exmouth in the west.

It’s not hard to see why so many anglers love casting

to your success rate on the beach. Efficient surf rods are generally quite long: anything from 3-4 m in length. This helps with casting and also holds your line above the annoying surge and drag of the shore break. But whatever you do, don’t burden yourself with a ruddy great telephone pole of a rod! Modern, lightweight surf sticks are an absolute joy to use and will handle most of the critters you’re likely to encounter. My favourites include the various Light Surf models in several ranges of Shimano rods,

Finding a good spot to cast your bait or lure is the next trick. Beaches are a little like marine deserts, with the majority of their life concentrated around the ‘oasis’ represented by gutters, channels, holes or isolated outcrops of reef and rock.

Focus on these areas. Climb to the highest point behind the beach and use your polarised sunglasses to help locate these features. Deeper water is generally darker in colour, and unbroken areas in the foamy surf line indicate gutters or holes and their accompanying rips.

Tides can be important, too. A rising or making tide tends to bring feeding fish closer to the beach. Often

The fish don’t need to be big to put a smile on your dial in the surf! Light gear and simple rigs are the go.

QR CODE

Scan this QR code to watch Starlo’s short video on the basics of light surf fishing.

Silver trevally turn up at times in the surf. Check out Jo’s light gear and two-hook rig.

What could be better than a feed of fresh-caught surf tailor cooked in the coals of a campfire? their lines into the surf.

We’re blessed with hundreds — maybe thousands — of beaches, and many of them remain relatively uncrowded throughout a big chunk of the year. Better yet, they all offer catchable fish swimming within easy casting range of shore.

Two of the greatest attractions of beach fishing are its simplicity and its spontaneity. You don’t need lots of flash, expensive gear or a painstaking amount of preparation to go surf fishing.

It lends itself beautifully to spur of the moment forays when conditions seem right, particularly at this lovely time of the year when the weather is warming up fast.

I like to keep a light surf rod rigged and a small bucket stocked with basic terminal tackle ready in the garage for quick forays to my closest stretch of surf. You just never know when a chance might present itself!

Using the right gear can make a big difference 16

NOVEMBER 2019

but there are plenty of other viable options on the market, too. Match such a rod with a 3000-5000 size spinning reel spooled with some 4-8kg line (mono or braid) and you’re in business!

— and especially at high water — you’ll only need to make short casts to reach them at such times. Don’t try to punch holes in the horizon with your sinker. It’s easy to cast over the best fish.

They may well be swimming literally at your feet, particularly on more steeply sloping beaches or those with defined inshore gutters.

One final and very

sunscreen and get out there this weekend? There’s nothing quite like that wonderful feel of clean sand crunching between your bare toes, and the tang of salt in your nostrils, as you belt a bait or

important tip: modern, sophisticated reels don’t like sand! If you’re one of those folks who insists on laying your rod and reel in the grit, stick to an Alvey sidecast.

They’re great surf reels, anyway. But if you opt for higher tech equipment, never hit the beach without carrying a metre-long section of PVC pipe with one end cut at an angle. Push this into the sand

Light surf fishing is child’s play! How’s that for a thumping surf salmon on light gear?

A long, empty surf beach with plenty of fishy formations. You can easily see the regularly-spaced gutters and their associated rips.

and stand your rod and reel in it every time you bait up, re-rig or need to put the outfit down for any reason. Your reels will last many years longer as a result.

Why not slip on your shorts and a light, longsleeved shirt, whack on a brimmed hat, smear on a little

lure out over the surf break…

Catching a fish on the beach is almost a bonus… Almost!

For a more in-depth look at my personal take on going light and simple in the surf, check out my YouTube clip by scanning the accompanying QR code.

Tight Lines!

A clear run to the river WEST COAST

Brett Carson

The river water has started cleaning up and although it still has some colour to it, it’s much clearer than usual for this time of year. Seasonal fishing patterns seem to

be ahead of schedule as a result, with perch actively feeding from the surface and the bream edge bite taking off early.

Often at this time of year, lure anglers have tired of slow working vibes through inactive bream and perch schools, trying to tempt a bite.

Fly fisho Gordon caught a rare searun trout in the estuary on one of his own flies.

That’s definitely not the case this year, with fishos reporting flashes of feeding fish rolling in the shallows along the banks upriver. Those silver flashes not only show you where the fish are, but more importantly tell you they’re on the chew.

Sometimes I like to put the rod down and up the speed on the electric motor to cover ground quickly, watching the banks hoping to see fish spooked away from the edge.

The estuary is fishing well on the tides, with podworms a favourite among bait fishers.

Bream search for podworms naturally as the tide rushes over the sand banks. When the tide recedes, you can often see the holes the fish have dug looking for the tasty morsels.

The worms have a right and a wrong end to thread on the hook, so make sure you’re doing it correctly.

Crabs still work well to weed out the smaller fish but it’s still a good idea to crush them a little once they’re on the hook, just to let some scent out.

Perch are taking lures and small live bait right through the system. When you locate one you usually will find plenty, as perch stay pretty tight together in schools. With the aid of down and side scan, the clouds

Wayne Sleep scored this impressive mulloway on a lure. of fish can be seen amongst the structure of snags. It makes it easy to find and target the fish, but as we all know it doesn’t always guarantee a bite.

Try the dawn and dusk perch surface bite with a ‘walk the dog’ type surface lure.

Once you’ve felt a topwater strike, you will be addicted.

The spawning season hasn’t completely finished with perch or bream, so only take what you need.

Mulloway have continued to average a good size. It seems forever ago that the plague of juvenile fish was driving us to drink! Lures have remained a good option while the live bait has been scarce but in the coming months, live mullet

will once again be the go-to bait. Mulloway chase mullet, so when you can present one there is no better option.

The humble squid and pilchard account for plenty of fish, as do the much oilier sauries. I’ve noticed in the dirty water of winter we sell a lot more sauries to the bait fishos who want extra attraction in the water. If the spring rains continue to stay at a minimum, I imagine the mulloway will be further up the system than is normal for this time of year; maybe even as far as Pritchards Landing.

The surf is starting to become more of an option. Big swells are finally easing and with that the weed problem is

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• Good luck and feel free to come and see us at Nelson Boat Hire for the latest info.

We have the local ‘live bait licence’ meaning we stock live mullet, crabs and podworms along with all the frozen bait, tackle and lures you need for the area. We’ll do our best to give you some local knowledge and get you on the fish quicker.

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17

The pinkie invasion begins WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

The past couple of months in the South West have been very similar fishing wise. High, dirty rivers and consistent winds have annoyed most offshore

anglers, but the amazing run of barrel tuna between Portland and Port MacDonnell has continued to be a highlight. Looking forward, hopefully things will change up a bit as we head into the warmer part of the year and some different angling opportunities can be expected.

November is perhaps one of my favourite months to fish the Hopkins River.

Bream to over 1kg have been caught recently despite dirty water, but come November hopefully the waters will clear up and fish will spread throughout the system again.

This will allow for edge or surface lure techniques to

Pinkie snapper should fire up in November.

come to the fore.

Estuary perch will also succumb to such techniques, and make for excellent angling if the evenings are warm and calm.

Mulloway reports should become more consistent in the Hopkins River this month, with the last few seasons seeing a marked improvement in mulloway numbers overall.

They’re still never prolific, but it’s worthwhile to specifically target them.

Don’t discount the Moyne River for producing the odd mulloway as well.

High river flows, particularly in the Hopkins/ Emu system, have made trout fishing difficult. However, surely by November the level will have dropped and newly moved fish will be providing plenty of action.

As the season progresses and the weather warms, the likelihood of encountering snakes increases. With so many options available in November, it’s often best just to try elsewhere. Small local lakes like Aringa, Gillear and Elingamite can fish well at this time before summer hits full on.

Offshore fishing will still be all about pinkie

Xavier Ellul landed this cracking school shark offshore recently. snapper, gummy and school shark, and hopefully November weather will be more favourable to access these species. Before the summer pelagic run hits, any calm flat seas provide great opportunities to drop nets for crayfish or to do a spot of surf fishing. There are plenty

of good beaches between Warrnambool and Portland that can provide pinkie snapper and gummy sharks for those who can’t access these species from a boat.

Find a good gutter close to shore and fish evenings into the night and you should be in business.

Bag out on the bay bites APOLLO BAY

Craig Rippon

As predicted, the warming weather has fired up the fishing.

The water temperatures have lifted, there is plenty of bait around and some good fish are being brought in.

There have been some great catches of decent

size gummy and school shark recently. The Cape Otway reefs have been performing best with fresh bait. Anchored boats with berley have been more productive than those drifting with a berley bomb on the bottom.

Bag-outs on snapper have been landed all from the same area in 40-60m of water, with some fish up to 5kg. The fish have

been schooled up, so once you find them the bite has been good.

With some nice northerlies, Glenaire River mouth has been producing quality salmon and the odd gummy at night. Joanna Beach has been good for gummies as well, and salmon have been plentiful on the high tide at dark.

Decent bream have been caught around the local

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streams of late. A 70cm mulloway was taken from the Aire River and estuary perch up to 50cm have been caught on lures cast to the edge and slowly worked back to the boat.

Out off Apollo Bay in 35m of water, a feed of flatties can be had with some nice-sized fish around.

There are great numbers of calamari in the harbour and also at Bunbury Reef.

Calamari are not only good to eat, but make for great fresh bait too. Whiting and travelly should also fire up this month.

The new ramp has come up really well and makes life

Local fisho Shane Maliki had a great day out recently, scoring this school shark weighing in at 25kg.

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A quality bream taken from the Barham River.

a lot easier being able to wash the boat when pulling out. We only have one wash bay at the moment, so we must be patient. It looks to be a good start to summer so dust off your gear and I’ll see you on the water!

Please send through your photos to snagga02@ gmail.com to show off your catch! Hopefully, we’ll be able to get it into one of our reports.

• If you’re coming to Apollo Bay for a fish, be sure to pop in to Surf N Fish to get all your bait and tackle needs, as well as an up-todate report, or call us on (03) 5237 6426.

Low clarity in Cobden COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

All of our local estuaries are still open to the sea and are running dirty.

This has helped anglers find the fish, as they are concentrated down towards the mouth.

However, at this time of year bream would normally v e n t u re upstream to find fresh, clear water to spawn, so even though they are concentrated they are

In the Hopkins River, bream are still in the lower reaches from the Institute downstream.

Some thumpers to over 1.5kg have been caught in recent times, especially out of the main current. The shallower water being dirty provides cover for the fish and allows them to feed on any food that inhabits the bottom, such as worms and brown shell.

Estuary perch have also moved down and these fish are responding to artificials fished with maximum

A new season Curdies bream taken in the lake on a Damiki 3’’ Armor Shad. extremely finicky. One day an angler will catch their bag limit, and the next day nothing will bite.

Bream may also tentatively pick up the bait but not swallow. A quality live or dead bait that gives off a natural scent will work best for this, however some fish will still respond to scented soft plastics presented properly or hardbodied lures that give off a distinct vibration. In some cases a rattle, when an added scent is applied, will also work.

movement but over a small area. Working the less turbid water out of the main flow has caught some good fish up to almost 1kg.

A few mulloway have been cruising around looking for an easy feed, so don’t rig the terminal end of your presentation too light.

In dirty water, one can get away with a heavier leader and today’s modern fluorocarbon leaders are made extremely thin. While visibility is down, you can get away with 12lb leader.

Bream in the Curdies are still in the lake, where plenty of water is available to work over, as it’s out of the main current. Anglers are concentrating their efforts within 50m either side of the channel that runs out of the river. While it’s running hard and dirty, bream are biding their time nearby until they can move back into the river.

Although procreation is on their minds, they still have to eat.

Reports of some quality fish coming from the briny continue to dominate reports.

Reef or rubbly bottom sitting at depths around 40m seems the go for some excellent gummy and school shark, along with some new season pinkie snapper to 1.5kg. Other species include nannygai, morwong, rock flathead, leatherjacket and wrasse. Bottom bouncing quality baits such as squid strips or tentacles topped off with a pilchard fillet has worked for many.

Closer inshore to the cliffs, some quality sweep to 2.2kg have been caught on soft baits weightedlightly and allowed to waft down in the myriad of bommies along the rocky shoreline. When snapper move in closer, it is possible to hook some pinkies as well.

The previous rock lobster season was extremely productive with diving and recreational netting.

The season reopens on 16 November, so if you want to chase a cray later this month, now is the time to apply to Fisheries Victoria for your lobster tags. Don’t get caught without them, as it is an offence to possess an untagged cray.

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Flat reefs that dot the coastline provide excellent fishing for pinkies, sweep and even crayfish. They should only be tackled at low tide and in calm seas.

NOVEMBER 2019

19

BLACK MAGIC

MASTER CLASS

/

W I T H PA U L L E N N O N

Kingfish: reigning in the royal tackle busters When it comes to fish that pull hard, kingfish are right up there with the most brutal line-busting and tackle-destroying thing that swims.

While they can grow in excess of 50kg, anything over 10kg is hard work and with anything over 20kg you are in some serious trouble, no matter what gear you’re fishing with.

They have a wide distribution. They can be caught by anglers fishing 200m or more of water and at the same time by land-based anglers inside bays and estuaries. Their fighting quality coupled with their willingness to eat anything from live baits to surface lures and jigs, make them an exciting prospect and accessible to practically all saltwater anglers.

Perhaps the most challenging environment to catch them in is the shallow reefs in less then 30m of water. In these places they seem to know every little feature of the reef and will beeline straight towards the most gnarly drop-off or bommie

move in. Then, position the boat so your baits will drift back towards likely kingfish territory.

Prime examples of areas you should be looking for is places like offshore islands and headlands with shallows bays or coves holding garfish or close by shallow bommie reefs or points holding schools of baitfish.

For this style of live baiting I prefer to use a slimy mackerel or yellowtail as bait, as they tend to quickly take the float into the strike zone, more than a squid or garfish would. They also tend to move back and forth slowly, which means they will cover a lot more ground for you.

I generally run two rods when fishing this method, one with a bait suspended around 1m under the float and the other around 5m under to cover the water column. The slimy is gently pinned just behind the head and above the lateral line with a single Black Magic KS hook in a 7/0-8/0, depending on bait size.

I use 80-100lb fluorocarbon leader to 80lb braid on a 20,000 size reel with a stack of drag over it to have any chance of stopping the larger fish. For

When kings get to this size, it takes serious effort to land them.

As you’re trolling, try to systematically cover the ground you’re fishing and pay close attention to your sounder for schools of baitfish and keep an eye out for bust ups or bird activity.

Anywhere that looks like there is a bit of action should be given looping and zig-zagging passes through until you a satisfied the area has been sufficiently worked.

With both of the above methods, it can often pay to have a couple of casting spin rods rigged and ready with a stickbait or popper. You never know when or where that big bust up will happen, and sometimes it can be right next to the boat or

gives you a good chance of finding the fish. It also gives you the ability to use the boat as an aid to try drag a fish away from structure, or to drive on top of it to cut the line angle down, limiting the chance of a bust off.

When fishing this way I use the same leader and braid size as previously mentioned, but bridle rig my live baits through the nose, which allows them to swim freely and last much longer while being towed. The KS range is

Even small kings pull like trains!

Once you’re hooked up, the fight is on. in a bid to stream roll you.

Without a doubt the most effective method to catch kings, especially the big ones, is live baiting.

Depending on where you’re fishing and what you’re using, there are a few different approaches.

If you are fishing shallow reefs in 5-10m, an effective technique is to suspend and drift baits under a float and drift them back with the wind or current. Spend a bit of time before you anchor working out what direction your baits are going to 20

NOVEMBER 2019

this style of fishing, you can’t skimp on gear, as any weakness will quickly be found by a hoodlum king.

The KS range of hooks will never let you down, being super strong and razor sharp.

Black Magic fluorocarbon trace will give you the best chance of surviving the often unavoidable contact with the reef from a big king.

The other very popular method that you can use in this depth of water and deeper to around 25m, is to slow troll live baits around the same kind of environments. This covers lots of ground, and

again perfect for this style of fishing, with size depending on bait size.

The only exception to this is when I run live squid or cuttlefish, which are lethal on kingfish. For these, two 6/0-10/0 KS hooks snelled together with one entering where the body meets the head and exiting through the underside of the head section, and the other, which takes all the weight and strain, is placed through the last few centimetres at the rear of the squid.

I like to run two rods

when fishing like this, with the boat just in gear. I have one around 15m behind the boat and the other around 30m, with one completely unweighted and the other with added weight to get a little deeper. This can be easily done by attaching a sinker with an elastic band around 1.5m up your leader.

The size of the sinker will depend on the depth as well as current, so use anything from a number 3-10 sized snapper lead. A downrigger is another great option, especially when you get deeper than 20m.

Squid are one of the best king baits available.

within casting distance, but can often be all over by the time you get a bait to it. The key is having a rod rigged and ready to deploy in a matter of seconds when this opportunity presents itself.

Simply blind casting around is also worth a try.

The surface activity created from a popper or stickbait while at anchor, or on the troll, can often rev-up shut down fish. While it’s not hard to do while at anchor, to do it while trolling requires an extra angler constantly throwing a surface lure on a forward angle ahead of the boat.

I’ve had a lot of success doing this using the Ocean Born range of surface lures, especially the Flying Poppers in both the sinking and floating variants. These are the perfect size to represent a slimy mackerel or yellowtail, which are both the staple of a kingy’s diet.

The green mackerel and bunker are perfect colours to match the hatch and the lures themselves are easy to work.

They also come pre-rigged with 6X strong treble hooks, so they are up to the task straight out of the box.

the best by test...

Robert Bigg, 50lb Tough Trace KLT® 7/0 bottom hook, C Point 7/0 top hook, snelled rig, fresh squid strip bait, 80cm mulloway from Glenelg River.

Leigh Holtsbaum, 20lb Tough Fluorocarbon & KS 5/0 hooks, 122cm kingfish caught off the Gold Coast.

Peter Flor, Snatcher® ‘KL 8/0 Original’, 12.4kg snapper, caught off the Gold Coast.

Kharis Liantro, KS 7/0 hooks, 12kg kingfish, Sydney.

Raffi Bicakcian, DX Point® 5/0 hook and 30lb Tough Fluorocarbon, 8.1kg, 98cm snapper, caught off Sydney on a cuttlefish strip bait.

Follow @blackmagictackle on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest catches and enter in our competitions.

Lee Rayner, KLT® 8/0 hook and 80lb Pink Shock Leader, 25kg gummy shark, catch and release.

“The best hook and leader combo you could ask for!”

Check out our range and find a stockist at:

www.blackmagictackle.com21 NOVEMBER 2019

Score big with snapper GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

Chuck out last year’s yellow pilchards and grab some fresh stuff! November gets pretty hectic around Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast.

Boat ramps and piers will get busier and snapper should pretty much be in full swing.

FRESHWATER If the Barwon River in Geelong clears up, November will bring excellent lure fishing for redfin. The river has good access along the stretch through town; just keep an eye out for snakes if the

Kelsi managed a few flatties casting about in her kayak off Clifton Springs.

sun comes out and mozzies when it goes down. Singletailed soft plastics are good for prospecting deep water, while hardbodied divers are excellent at first and last light cast parallel to the weed banks.

As the weather warms, trout become harder to catch.

First thing in the morning is ideal, but redfin will bite all day when they are switched on. Wurdee Boluc Reservoir near Moriac was very low last time I was there. We tried a few mudeye under floats but had no luck.

If you like big fish action, give McLeods Waterhole in Drysdale a go. The small lake has big carp and the odd redfin kicking about. Tom Dalton fished there recently and landed a cracking 7kg, 74cm carp using 4kg line and sweet corn kernels as bait. A running sinker works a treat or you can use a quill float for more visual fishing.

CORIO BAY Top places to try for snapper this November are Portarlington and Clifton Springs. Both harbours can be very busy, so get there nice and early and have patience when launching and retrieving. Soft plastic fishers should try any of the structure in the bay such as the Geelong waterfront and

the flats from Point Henry to Clifton Springs. Land-based anglers should try North Shore, the Geelong waterfront around Cunningham Pier and the rock walls at St Helens and Limeburners boat ramp around dawn and dusk.

Paul Mayer has been doing well on pinkie snapper inside Corio Bay. Fishing around the inner harbour, Paul managed to find some ripper 70cm models, which inhaled his Munroe’s Soft Plastics Ripple Bug on a Jigman jighead.

Blake West went on a trip with Paul where they found a few pinkies around in 5m of water. Blake managed to land a 47cm pinkie using a Munroe’s Ripple Bug in brass monkey on a 1/8oz jighead.

For anyone fishing landbased around the waterfront, Paul reported good schools of snotty trevalla and the odd pinkie lurking in the area.

He also noted the occasional school of Australian salmon has been hanging around out from the grammar school boat ramp.

Kelsi Gull headed out off Clifton Springs in her kayak last month hoping for a few flathead. She ended up with four keepers using soft plastic lures and bait, but the bite was tough as they were quite

Paul landed this beaut snapper in less than ideal conditions. fussy. She said that as soon as the tide changed, they totally shut down.

Kelsi then headed in closer straight out from the golf course to target squid and had the “most unreal session”. The water clarity was insane – at times she could see squid free swimming under the kayak and at least once had five squid follow her lure in! She bagged

out in less than 20 casts and said that it was literally a squid a cast, with some nice sizes amongst them. They were so angry that as she unhooked one squid, she dropped the lure in the water only a few inches under the surface and another squid grabbed it!

Blake West decided to sight cast for flathead around the shallows of Corio Bay.

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“It’s the little things you don’t see that make a difference” 22

NOVEMBER 2019

Blake spotted a fair rock flathead and sent it a Munroe CurlTail worm, which it accepted with glee! The flatty measured in at a solid 43cm.

Collan Erard and his brother Malcolm headed out to Point Henry to have a go

November, we should see the schools hang around. They did taper off the last few weeks but clever anglers have caught them by moving around until they’ve located a school. First and last light has seen the best captures – in size and

Blake caught this fine pinkie on a Munroe’s soft plastic in 5m of water. for snapper last month. Things were very quiet for the first hour but on the change of tide, the snapper started to fire up!

The brothers ended up with six pinkie snapper to 47cm using squid strips for bait.

BELLARINE PENINSULA On the Bellarine, snapper can be found out deeper from 10-20m cruising about looking for trouble. Dawn and dusk can see them in as shallow as a few metres of water. I know of one bloke who threw a line in waiting for the boat ramp to clear and he ended up with a 5kg snapper in less than 3m of water!

St Leonards and Indented Head have had a solid off-season for King George whiting. Heading into

numbers – but they have also been caught during the day.

Their favourite baits have been mussels, squid strips and pipis.

Squid were really turning it on in and around Queenscliff last month, with some real whoppers landed. As long as there is tidal movement, they will have a crack at your jig.

If you see one following your jig to the boat, drop your rod tip so the jig falls and they should chase it.

SURF COAST Hopefully a few kingfish will show up along the Surf Coast this November, as past records show this is likely.

Gummy and school sharks as well as snapper will be around the 40-50m rubble beds and the prolific reef systems dotted along the coast.

Onur Aydinli and a mate took advantage of the full moon and midnight high tide last month and headed down to Moggs Creek to try for a gummy. Onur had had previous success beach fishing late night high tides on a full moon, so he had high hopes. He had one rod set up with a paternoster rig and 6/0 circle hook baited with mackerel for gummies and a second rod for salmon with a double paternoster rig and smaller hooks. Close to high tide, something big took the

Onur caught a ripper gummy fishing the full moon at Moggs Creek Beach.

Collan and Malcolm Erard found a hungry school of snapper near Point Henry.

mackerel fillet and Onur says it put up one of the best fights of his late night fishing sessions.

He eventually landed a beast of a gummy that weighed in at approximately 11.5 kg and around 130cm. The duo also beached a few salmon from 35-45cm using pilchards and squid.

FISH HARD – DIE HAPPY! Caught a few around Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast to Lorne recently?

Send in a report to slaterfish@ gmail.com 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).

NOVEMBER 2019

23

Patience will soon be rewarded PORT PHILLIP BAY WEST

Alan Bonnici alan@fishingmad.com.au

It sure has been a slow start to the season. Air temperatures are well below normal and water

temperatures are just starting to rise. Currently, local waters are hovering around 12°C, which is a testament to the quite slow fishing conditions and some unrewarded trips for anglers.

The good news is the

temperature is slowly rising, the days are finally becoming longer, and the fishing is only taking a slight pause before things will become great again.

I’m seeing signs of all our local bread and butter species including snapper,

Joseph Esau with a pair of snapper from Princes Pier.

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whiting, flathead, bream and squid starting to pick up, so it should be an exciting month ahead.

In Melbourne, Princes Pier is an iconic fishing location. You frequently see it featured in local fishing television shows and used in marketing material for big fishing brands. For those who don’t know, this destination is located near Port Melbourne.

What makes this spot unique is that it was closed in 1989 as it was deemed unsafe due to rotting timber, and was renovated and re-opened to the public in 2011. However, only the front half of the pier was renovated while the back half was removed, leaving 100m+ of the original stumps in the ground. Over the years this has created an amazing ecosystem for local fish species. In terms of fishing, it can be a hit-andmiss destination, but on its day it can be superb.

Last month, Joseph Esau got his kayak ready for a fish down at Altona.

However, the plans were postponed when he realised that the usual launching spot was under construction and the peak of low tide meant it was too difficult to launch nearby.

Instead Joseph drove to Princes Pier, which has adequate parking and launching areas for low tide conditions. Joseph

Ryan Kang tackled a local kraken. ventured out with a plan of flicking 5” soft plastics in motor oil colour hard up against the structure. Only minutes into his session, he started marking up arches everywhere on his sounder.

It wasn’t long before he started getting some bites.

His first couple of hits busted him off as he tried to pry a few big reds from within the pylons. He persisted to land his first snapper of the day, measuring a very healthy 68cm.

The very next cast into the same area got another

massive hit and after a few intense moments, he managed to land another snapper at 65cm. Joe fished for a few hours and walked away with several snapper and pinkies, so it ended up being an extremely memorable day on the water.

While the fishing has been little slow for landbased anglers, locals have been venturing out a little further from Melbourne, targeting squid on many of the jetties and piers in locations such as St

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Melbourne bream are becoming more active.

Leonards, Queenscliff, Geelong and Mornington.

Local angler Ryan Kang spent significant time last month pier hopping around Mornington. On one morning, Ryan headed to Portsea Pier. He fished all morning without a single touch, switching jig sizes and colours without any reward. He was just about to pack it in for the day when he cast and felt a massive weight, which at first felt like a snag. However, this snaglike weight was moving and fighting!

The usual launching area at Altona off Millers Road is currently under construction, so I’ve been looking for alternative launching locations. During my search for new launching spots, I have made some poor judgment calls like deciding to launch on low tide from the main beach at Altona. Having to drag the kayak several hundred metres through knee-high sand was something I’m keen to never do again.

When you eventually hit the water, you’re exhausted

structure along the banks.

The beauty of kayak fishing is the 180-degree view in front of you at all times. In my first session, I managed to land a 58cm snapper and several bream up to 39cm. Trying to land snapper on the lightest of spinning gear is something that makes your heart skip a few beats, hoping that your leaders aren’t going to give way. I’m looking forward to hitting some of the local rivers and lakes with the yak in the coming months.

That’s all from me this

Pinkies are starting to come back in good numbers.

After battling this squid for a while, Ryan was rewarded with a kraken of a lifetime with a 53cm hood. It was landed using a Harimitsu VE22-BYK squid jig in white tiger around midday. The usual method of flicking the jig, letting it sink and adding sharp erratic lifts every 5 or 6 seconds repeatedly did the trick.

After a decent break, I have once again found myself with a kitted-out fishing kayak and have been eager to hit the water as frequently as possible.

and frustrated.

Local traffic in the area has made launching from areas around Port Melbourne a little tricky.

However, I have had a few successful trips launching from Campbells Cove and Werribee boat ramp.

Recently the winds were up a little, so I decided to launch from the Werribee and head up the river mouth. Armed with a single spin rod, packet of soft plastics and some shallow diving hardbodies, I mainly targeted the moored boats and

month. You can contact me directly to share your recent fishing experiences around Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay from Werribee through to Port Melbourne so they can be added to next month’s article. You can contact me by email at alan@fishingmad.com. au, check out my website at www.fishingmad.com.au, or look me up on Facebook (facebook.com/fishingmad. com.au), YouTube (youtube. com/c/fishingmad) and Instagram (instagram.com/ fishingmad.com.au).

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Reddy, set, snapper!

PORT PHILLIP NE

Wayne Friebe wfriebe@bigpond.net.au

The cold and wet winter weather hung around well into the middle of spring this year, and consequently

Land-based anglers have been successful and these areas should continue to fire up in November. Photo courtesy of Brendan at IFISH.

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the bay’s water temperature has been much lower than at the same time last year.

However, the warmer weather won’t be far away and will no doubt arrive without much warning.

The longer days and the transformation of the seasons are favourite times on the bay for many anglers, as spring on PPB means only one thing – snapper! At this time of year, most of us ‘Melbournian’ anglers get frenzied about the bay’s most popular recreational species and with good reason.

This season is predicted to have one of the best snapper runs for many years and lots of anglers are very excited.

At the time of writing, there have been very positive early reports of snapper coming from Western Port and Port Phillip Bay, although water temperatures in both bays remain colder than usual.

Around the PPB area, many anglers have been visiting their reliable haunts from previous seasons and finding plenty of fish on the sounder, but have been struggling to get them to bite! This is normal for this time of year; bite windows can be very frustrating and short at times, but persistence and attention to detail always prevails.

Most snapper anglers will tend to concentrate in slightly shallower water, as the fish are normally found closer to structure in the early parts of the season. A good place to start is around 12-15m of water, especially around the area between Mornington and Frankston with plenty of reef and rocky structure to hold schooling snapper.

Frequent reports of landbased snapper being taken have been encouraging, especially from Mornington Pier. This very popular location has long been a favourite of keen snapper anglers during rougher weather but interestingly, several fish have come from the pier recently during

Early local snapper reports have been very encouraging. Jason landed this decent fish from Carrum. Photo courtesy of Brendan at IFISH. relatively calm weather.

Generally speaking, the worse the weather, the better the fishing is off the rocks and piers. Fresh bait and small bite windows are again part of the game chasing snapper from the bank, and it’s always a good idea to fish with a mate during really bad weather, especially from the rocks.

Most of the reports have been coming from Mornington, Mount Eliza, Frankston and Carrum, with some really solid early season fish to 7kg being taken. Reports of bait anglers catching numbers of fish from the traditional wider marks are less common at present, but hopefully this will change and water temperatures will have risen considerably.

Expect snapper to load up along the eastern seaboard over November. Land-based locations will also continue to fire, giving everyone a chance to get amongst the

Ripper snapper, like this solid model caught

by Bill, have been taken from Mornington Pier. Photo courtesy of Brendan at IFISH. snapper action.

Kayak and small boat anglers will come into their own over the next month as larger fish move into the

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Squid fishing on the inshore reefs continues to be productive during calmer weather, as Eion found out on a recent trip with his dad. Photo courtesy of Brendan at IFISH.

inshore reef areas to feed, competing with the resident pinkie snapper populations for food. The hottest bites in the shallower areas are during low light, both at the start and the end of the day. While some of the smaller fish can be annoying at times, there are enough larger fish to keep anglers keen and you never know when bigger snapper will strike.

Fishing soft plastics and other sinking lures on the drift is preferred by many anglers, as well as trolling likely areas with diving lures. This can also be done with a downrigger very effectively, especially when snapper are holding a little deeper.

The squid fishing has also been very reliable during the calmer weather, and will only improve as the water gets warmer and the inshore reefs fill up. The inshore water clarity has been generally very good, so neutral and dark coloured jigs have been best.

There have been plenty of salmon popping up in the usual areas and anglers have been cashing in on the great sport and baits on offer when the schools are up. With summer whiting also just around the corner, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

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The water temperatures are now on the rise MORNINGTON PENINSULA

David Harris

There has been a consistent supply of gummy shark caught out in the bay, and fishing from a kayak is an increasingly popular way to target them. You can catch gummies on a range of baits, but the best is Australian salmon, which is a common prey of gummies prowling the surf. You can find the gummies on the edge of channels, and behind Mud Island is a good spot to start.

The best time of the tide is the top of the run-out, and if you can time it with the moons, so much the better.

Western Port started to fire up with the odd snapper, and plenty of gummy and whiting. Whiting are still

going well in all areas of the bay, at Queenscliff and Saint Leonards as well as on the Mornington Peninsula.

There are plenty of calamari squid being caught off all piers, with the odd cuttlefish getting caught

amongst them. A wide range of squid jigs are working, but the most popular are the Shimano Sephias in reds and whites during the day, and black at night is always a winner. Most squid are caught first thing in the

Salmon are always on the move, but if you come across a school you can have a lot of fun on these great sportfish.

or on a standard paternoster with 5/0 hooks. When it comes to soft plastics, the standouts are 3-5” Powerbait Minnows, ZMan JerkShadZ and ZMan MinnowZ, with pink being the most popular colour.

Big flathead are being taken out from Tootgarook, with good size fish getting around. Offshore is also worth a look, with some reports of fish over 500mm. The fishing should continue to improve in November. The same baits for snapper will work on flathead, with downsized 3/0 hooks.

The flatties will also take the same plastics in 3” sizes, with the most popular colours being anything with a bit of sparkle, particularly the motor oil and midnight oil colours.

There are schools of salmon in the bay, but of course they’re on the move

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A nice bag of whiting destined for the pan. baits of peeled prawn or bread fished under a float. Be sure to berley up with bread to draw them in.

FISHING IN NOVEMBER The fishing will go from strength to strength now that the water temperatures are rising, keeping pace with the increasingly warmer weather in November. It’s usually a good month for snapper, which come into the bay around that first weekend in November. The snapper hit the St Leonards and Queenscliff

side first, and had some good sessions off St. Leonards Pier in the first couple of weekends in November. Once the water temperature gets to 16°C they start to appear on a more regular basis.

Garfish will still be around, it’s just a matter of hunting them down. Salmon have been on for the last two months and they’ll still be around, and they’re a popular target for anglers wanting good bait for gummy sharks.

The fishing for gummies will stay consistent as well.

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Snapper are still being caught out from Mornington and Mount Martha. The water temperatures are a bit down at the moment so there aren’t a lot, but the resident fish are still showing up here and there. All the popular baits are working, fished on flasher rigs such as Black Magic Snapper Snacks,

all the time. The back beaches are fishing well for them from Portsea back beach right through to Gunnamatta.

Pilchards are the best bait, fished on a paternoster with a surf popper on top. A lot of anglers are going for blue poppers, but overall the colour doesn’t really seem to matter.

There are odd reports of garfish down at Portsea, taking

An increasing number of anglers are targeting gummies from a kayak.

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There have been good catches of whiting in recent weeks.

The whiting will only get better as we move closer to summer. They’re taking pipis and squid strips, and the average size is around 35-42cm, with the odd bigger fish mixed in.

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PORT PHILLIP BAY PORT PHILLIP BAY PORT PHILLIP BAY NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION

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The tuna are getting fatter GAME FISHING

Lee Rayner info@fishingfever.com.au

There is no doubt that this year has been the gift that keeps on giving, with the run of jumbo tuna on the West Coast now into its 10th consecutive month.

At this stage, they just seem to be getting better and better!

Fingers crossed there will still a few more weeks left in it.

The coming weeks should get really interesting on a lot of fishing fronts with the warmer water pushing in along our coastline. This heralds the start of another summer and a load of bluewater species, such as kingfish, school tuna and several shark species such as makos and threshers.

WEST COAST The waters around Portland and to the west at Port MacDonnell have continued to produce some great big tuna. There are tons of redbait still holding in the area, creating an all-youcan-eat buffet for jumbo tuna to feed and get fatter on. This has become very apparent over the past few months, as anglers weighing tuna have found them to be carrying

The tuna fishing should continue in November as the water temperatures slowly rise to 16ºC.

TURN FISHING INTO CATCHING

more weight to length than a standard fish would. This is due to the tuna being in one part of the coast for a long period of time with a huge food source on tap. They are eating as much food as they want and not burning a lot of energy travelling big distances like they normally do. Instead, they are just getting fatter and fatter.

This was evident in a tuna we were lucky enough to catch a few weeks back that weighed 133kg with a short length of 191cm.

Normally a tuna of this this size would be around 200-205cm in length.

This tuna took one of my all time favourite tuna lures – a Marlin Magic Infant Blue Bullet in a colour called mia, which is purple and silver, over pink. This lure colour has caught me seven jumbos over the years.

During November there is every chance the tuna fishing will be awesome as the water temperature slowly rises up towards 16°C. In fact, the hottest day I’ve ever had on the jumbos was in November a few years back when Lee McDuffie and I tagged three fish to over 150kg, and the only other boat out there was Mark Scholte who also got several fish. On that day there were patches of big fish everywhere, and all the other boats were back at home chasing snapper.

Further to the east, November can be the start of the summer kingfish, which can turn up anywhere from Portland to Port Fairy. Just remember that while they may be easily spotted on your sounder or cruising on

This is what 133kg of bluefin looks like coming aboard. As you can see, it’s possible to catch these fish close to shore. the surface, it can be hard to get them to bite.

Up off Apollo Bay it’s a lucky dip time of year with anything possible, from school to jumbo tuna, through to early season kingfish. And with snapper season in full swing it’s also prime time to be fishing the reef edges from Blanket Bay west of Apollo Bay right up off Lorne, Anglesea, and Barwon Heads, in search of one of the most exciting shark species: the thresher shark. These guys hunt the reef edges feeding on small baitfish and snapper, and are as exciting as any marlin to catch, as they cartwheel across the surface and put

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A couple of very happy anglers with their cracking tuna.

in screaming runs. To target them, use small baits on light wire and a super fine berley trail, as threshers only have a tiny mouth.

EAST COAST It’s a very exciting time of the year in this part of the world as some of the warmer water starts to find its way inshore from the continental shelf out wider.

At places like Wilsons Promontory and its surrounding waters it’s the time when the first of the mako sharks may turn up. If the water is right, there is also every chance of a big early season kingfish, especially at locations such as the Glennie Island group or down at some of the islands that are towards and below the bottom of the Prom.

Moving further east, some of the larger inshore reef systems such as Marlo, Tamboon, and the New Zealand Star Banks will be locations worth investigating for big kingfish. They like to turn up in this part of the world to warm up and feed on the baitfish that are in the area.

If you’re chasing the early season kings just pick the good weather on the warmer days and be really patient.

Just because you can see them doesn’t mean you can catch them; in the cooler water they can be hard to tempt.

Out wider off locations such as Lakes Entrance and up towards Mallacoota, there are more changes on the way. As the first lick of warmer water from the East Coast pushes down, it will bring with it a bunch of exciting fish in the form of sharks, swordfish and even some solid yellowfin tuna. As an added bonus, the bottom fishing also begins to improve during November.

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November fishing is red-hot PPB OFFSHORE

Gerry Morsman

Many anglers would agree with me that this is their favourite time of year.

The weather is warm, the fishing is hot and if you are anything like me, there should be a few cold refreshments in the icebox

to top that all off.

CARRUM It’s hard to know where to start, because there has been fish caught all over the place, but to be fair there has most definitely been a few standouts such as Carrum.

The amount of fish that are being sounded up around that area is mind-blowing!

These are some great signs

The squid aren’t big off Mount Eliza, but the numbers are plentiful.

that our snapper fishery is still running very strong and scientists say that it is only going to get better. That is music to a recreational anglers’ ears.

To give yourself the best chance at having a successful trip around this area, I would highly suggest using the freshest bait you can, such as freshly-caught calamari.

Squid strips or rings seem to be the go-to method on a twin snelled 4/0-5/0 rig. The distance between the hooks all depends on the size of the bait you are using.

The bite times have been typical for Port Phillip Bay. Targeting snapper at first or last light has been crucial to having a successful fishing trip, so if you are planning to get there before sunrise, make sure to get there well before it rises so that you have time to set up and start berleying. Berley is a big deal, because it will fire the school of snapper up and hopefully hold them around your boat for a long period of time.

BLAIRGOWRIE This area has always been a great location to target big squid in great numbers.

Most of the time the water will be quite clear, but if the

visibility isn’t that great you can always use your sounder to detect reef or broken ground, which squid or even cuttle fish love to hang around to target their pray.

A huge part of the Blairgowrie area is covered in this type of ground, so it won’t be hard to find. There is great ground right out the front of the marina.

White or red foiled jigs in size 3 or 3.5 have been the go-to jigs.

Another tasty option in the Blairgowrie area has been the whiting, which have been quite prolific. Towards the fishing channel in around 3m of water has been the go-to area. In saying that, Aaron Habgood likes to move out into the deeper water in around 7-8m. This can really help when the tides are slow, as whiting can be quite tough to get going in shallow water with no tide.

No matter what depth

Cheyne showing off one of many snapper landed in a session.

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Amy showing a typical double snelled snapper rig that is perfect for Port Phillip.

you decide to fish, the reports say that berley has been vital for getting yourself a decent bag. It doesn’t only bring them to you, it will also keep them hanging around. The go-to baits have been the good old faithful pipi and nice, thin squid strips. Don’t be afraid to cocktail these to together ether!

MOUNT ELIZA Whether you are after a feed or some fresh squid baits, I would highly recommend hitting up Mount Eliza right out the front of Sunny Side Beach. There is a massive stretch of reef and broken ground that goes on for a couple of hundred meters in anywhere from 2-7m of water. This whole area will hold squid.

The key is to just keep moving around until you find a good patch of them, which is quite likely. The squid are not big, but are usually in great numbers. Being that the tidal flow is quite slow, once

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NOVEMBER 2019

Julian Rennie with a respectable snapper out from Carrum.

you get up to these areas there is no need to use a big squid jig. Anywhere from a 1.8-2.5 size squid jig will do just fine.

Reports say that if the water is very clear, the brighter the jig the better.

Once the sun is starting to go down I would be using more natural and darker colours.

BOUCHIER CHANNEL

This is an area that has been well known to produce many once in a lifetime captures for species such as snapper, mulloway, gummy sharks and even bronze whaler sharks. It is an area that has

strong tidal flow, with large areas of mud flats, which produce a wide range of food that gets pushed into the channel from the tide.

Reports say that fishing late in the evening and moving into the night has been the go for snapper and gummy sharks. Gummy sharks in this area are usually on the smaller end of the scale, but are in very good numbers.

Using squid strips with a 5/0 circle hook is a safe bet if you want to get your bag limit, which is two.

If you want to target snapper, the reports say they

are coming from in close to the edges of the channel, with either squid strips or the ever-reliable pilchard on twin snelled 5/0 octopus hooks on a running sinker rig. Sinker size depends on the strength of the tidal flow.

Most anglers who fish the Bouchier Channel always recommend using berley. The reason behind this is because the berley will travel quite a distance in a high tidal flow area such as this one.

This should bring your target species such as snapper or gummy sharks right to where you want them to be.

Scott with a ripper knobby snapper taken out off Mt Eliza.

FISHING NEWS

Introfish sets sail for spring Spring signals the snapper season in Melbourne and the commencement of fishing trips for Introfish.

It’s a not-for-profit group specialising in fishing trips for special-need kids, troubled youth and respite trips for parents, who also need time out.

Paul Bennett is celebrating 10 years of service this year. Paul started Introfish after the passing of his own special-need’s son, with the purpose to assist all kids to enjoy fishing.

In the beginning, Paul started with hiring boats and booking charters until eventually he purchased a second hand boat, which was unfortunately stolen.

Nevertheless, thanks to great support from his wife Wendy, Caribbean Boats and Mercury Marine (along with many sponsors), Introfish has a brand new Caribbean Reef runner named after Paul’s son, Joshua. The trips are free of costs with time donated on weekends by Paul.

There are a wide range of people in need who are able to access Introfish’s special service. People who have already experienced their fishing trips are special-

Mark Oram with his 7.5kg snapper, a true talking point at any BBQ! need kids, youth in government care, vision impaired, carers, educational fishing trips with youth experiencing fishing on a boat for the first time, or just a bloke down on his luck, needing a lift.

The Reef Runner enables the team to get on the fish quickly, using various fishing methods to work with the individual needs of the anglers who have difficulty with hand-eye coordination, muscle and reflex movements.

Many carers and parents have reported back positive change in behaviour and temperament

from many participants after their experience.

It’s not just about catching fish, for many it’s important for them to be included in a group conversation, social inclusion, and sharing an experience with others.

Without their sponsors this service would not be possible. Introfish have greater aspirations to go further within the next 5 years to reach those less fortunate in our community sharing the joy and fun of fishing. – Introfish

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Never fear, big reds are here WESTERN PORT NTH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Now that we are in the peak of snapper season, it really shouldn’t be too hard to find a feed. The top end of the Port has been firing on all cylinders with Bouchier and Boultins channels producing the majority of the fish. Anglers fishing the run-out tides have been finding plenty of solid fish and the best baits have been calamari and pilchards.

Joes Island has had plenty of action, with plenty of snapper caught just to the northern side. It is quite a reefy area, which is why snapper congregate there.

Kallan Braid-Ball from Jarvis Walker and his mate had a stellar trip catching some very nice reds during the run-out tide.

When fishing up this high in the Port, a favourite location of mine is the junction where Bouchier and Boultins channels meet.

There is a cardinal mark just out from the sand spit and during a run-out tide, any snapper that are in both channels swim back with the tide past this point. If you

randomly drop the anchor.

There has also been a significant amount of fish caught in the Lysaghts area.

This part of the North Arm averages 15m deep and any reds heading up the Port swim past here. Although the North Arm is a wide section

weather conditions.

Despite all the hype on snapper, some anglers have continued to target whiting along the banks. Gentle Annie, Charring Cross and Quail banks have been producing cricket score numbers of whiting these

after every thirty minutes or so have been catching solid bags of fish.

While not an area often fished for whiting, the Hastings Channel has also been producing some nice fish. Brendon Hogg from Krakka Yakkaz caught

Brian Rinaldi has been working the weedy banks to find some very sizeable calamari of late.

Snapper like this are spread right throughout the top end of the Port. quality whiting from his kayak by fishing the weedy flats in shallow water.

The North Arm is a very productive deepwater whiting fishery and while nobody has begun fishing

in the deep yet, by the end of this month that is sure to change. Fishing the deep is not an easy task for whiting due to the pressure of the current, but it is worth trying if you want big models. The prime time is two hours either side of a tide change and berley is imperative to bring the fish to your fishing location.

Calamari fishing has been good, especially on the Tyabb Bank, Middle Spit and around the Submarine near Hastings. Drifting these

areas is the best method while casting and retrieving size 2.5 and 3.0 jigs. Some of the calamari have been of exceptional size and those have been making top baits for snapper fishing.

If you have the time, put in an hour or so catching calamari before sitting and waiting for snapper. You can’t beat fresh bait and as you have to pass many shallow banks on your way to a snapper fishing location, you might as well have a flick and try your luck.

Brendon Hogg from Krakka Yakkaz bagged a nice catch of whiting from Hastings Channel. anchor in the right location, you can cast your baits along both edges of the channel.

Another productive area is in Bagge Harbour between Crawfish and Eagle Rock. This area is known for producing big snapper and never disappoints. It does fish better on the run-out tides but before setting anchor, ensure you sound some fish first, don’t just 34

NOVEMBER 2019

of water, it has been fishing extremely well. Anglers fishing with fresh baits have been seeing most of the action.

Snapper have ranged from 2-6kg with most of the larger fish being caught throughout the night in calm conditions. One of the most appealing aspects of Western Port is that there is always somewhere to fish in most

past weeks and they will continue on for months to come. The most productive fishing has been on the top of the high tides with pipis, squid and mussel baits doing the damage.

The Eastern Channel has been fishing well from the top to the bottom on the Middle Spit. Although they have occasionally been hard to locate, anglers moving about

Kallan Braid-Ball from Jarvis Walker with his hands full of top grade Western Port reds.

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Snapper are prolific in the Port WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Snapper reports have been flooding in faster than Western Port’s tide these past few weeks and while October has been productive, this month is set to go off with a bang.

November is the peak month for snapper fishing and the reports have been widespread. The Corinella region has been fishing well as has Spit Point, Lang Lang and the Tenby Point Channel.

Matty Bond has been fishing in a few locations around Corinella and has managed decent snapper and plenty of smaller gummy sharks on each session. He has been fishing mostly at

night when there has been less boat traffic and he hasn’t missed catching fish yet. This entire area from Corinella to Lang Lang always produces quality fish and you just have to fish the tides to be successful.

An area known for producing solid snapper and mulloway is behind Schnapper Rock and Pelican Island. The water funnels between these two landmasses and forms an eddy behind them. With the churning water, snapper and mulloway get on the edge of the calm water and await food to pass by. This location is very productive if you get your timing right.

A little further south at Elizabeth Island, anglers have managed a few snapper ranging 4-6kg on the run-in

tides. If you anchor up in 10m of water on the edge of the drop, it is common to sound schools of fish cruising along the channel’s edge with the tide. This area is also known for sevengill, gummy, school and bronze whaler sharks so it is common to get bitten off

really start to fire up. This area is around 5m deep, but still yields some quality snapper. Local angler Gerard Foster has been fishing. The Corals and has managed some very nice size reds.

If you find that there are too many anglers there, just off Observation Point and

Gerard Foster was super excited to score this solid red from The Corals.

Patric Neidhart caught a typical-sized gummy shark for this time of year.

Matty Bond landed an impressive snapper from Corinella at night.

from time to time.

Now is a great time for anglers to start fishing The Corals area. Some very impressive snapper have already been caught from this location and over the next few weeks it should

halfway to Rhyll is another productive snapper ground.

The water is around 13m deep and each November it fishes exceptionally well.

The Coronet Bay area is renowned for producing fish over 8kg. To get the chance to hook one of these beasts in such shallow water, you need to be fishing the high tide throughout the night. Too many boats on the water by day spooks them, so you’ll have better luck at night when all is calm and the majority of anglers are off the water. However, even if you’re the only boat fishing in Coronet Bay, you still have to be quiet. Even a sinker dropping on the boat’s hull could spook fish.

While the Western Entrance is a great location to fish, when it comes to snapper it is one of the most challenging. Anglers who do fish the Entrance tend to focus more on gummy

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Patric Neidhart with some impressive gummy sharks taken on squid baits.

sharks than snapper and while snapper are caught, they are mainly smaller, ranging 1-2kg. The tide runs extremely hard in the Western Entrance, which is why most anglers drift the area. Paternoster rigs are highly recommended; however, stick to using a 4/0 sized suicide hook.

Because of the size of the fish in the area, you’re more likely to get a better hook-up rate with it than with larger hooks.

The whiting fishing has been excellent, as you’d expect at this time of year.

The Tortoise Head Bank has been producing bags of fish on the top of the high tides and they are all but gone after around two hours after the high. This area is very productive for whiting all season and throughout the summer months is in its prime.

The Rhyll area is producing some impressive whiting fishing too. David Jarman from T-Cat Charters had a day out with his daughter and managed a great bag of solid fish.

Whiting have also been productive in the Balnarring and Somers areas as well as right down to Flinders. This entire area is broken ground with plenty of weed patches and would have to be one of the best locations to catch whiting, as it is so close to the ocean and always gets a flush of clean water with each tide. Over the years, the Balnarring area has been a producer of the biggest whiting in Western Port. Due to the extensive weed beds calamari also thrive, so it is worth tossing a squid jig about while fishing for whiting.

Flinders Pier has been producing decent calamari, with most of the action happening during the high tides at night. If you are looking for a land-based fishing option, this is the place for you.

Plenty of spring fish around Phillip Island PHILLIP ISLAND

Craig Edmonds

While it seems like winter was just a week ago, it’s actually closer to summer now. As many described it, this year had an old fashioned winter, slowing down early snapper reports. The conditions weren’t the same as last year when we had plenty of northerly winds allowing you to head offshore, and there were many days you just couldn’t fish in a boat.

The other thing that slowed reports this season has been the revamp of the Corinella boat ramp. On those perfect evenings mid-week through late September into

For these reasons it has seemed like a late season but locals that headed up to that area found not only a much quieter than normal fishing spot but also scored snapper very early. Every year is different, so while you’re playing your usual game don’t forget to try something different.

The snapper we have seen, both from land and boats, are all big but the numbers are nowhere as good as the pictures showing up on the sounders. Not too many reports have been coming in of boats bagging out and certainly no reports of numbers of small pinkies yet. The jetty at Newhaven has been good and the worse the weather, the better for

places than before. One thing that has been noticeable this year is the size of the calamari, with plenty of big ones and some nudging that 3kg mark. The best and most consistent spot all season has been the beach in Cleeland Bight when you get an evening high tide.

I have also had plenty of reports of plumes of baby calamari travelling through the bay and if you haven’t seen it, it’s well worth a look.

What looks like a cloudy bit of water is actually millions of newborn squid!

Snapper reports are now starting to spread out but those sounding fish around The Corals are only finding single fish on the sounder, with large schools still showing up around Spit Point. Those who have ventured offshore have found some smaller pinkies towards the windmills. Not that many have shown up yet but I would expect them to start appearing on the offshore reefs and in the bay soon.

The majority of snapper have

A typical bag of whiting at the moment. been caught on pilchards this year and the most successful anglers have been fishing the tide changes.

Whiting reports have been consistent over several months in time, location and size. The reports are back to the pattern they were for many years – morning on

the run-out tide in Cleeland Bight and afternoon on the run-in tide in Dickies Bay. The average size this year has been different so far at around 32cm, whereas the last couple of seasons it was closer to 38cm. The numbers have been good and plenty of reports have come in of

This quality snapper was taken from the Newhaven Jetty.

October where you would expect to see at least 100 boats off areas like Spit Point, there were only a handful, because travelling to the next closest ramp, Newhaven or Rhyll, would add a couple of hours onto your fishing trip.

Many just didn’t go during the week and waited until the weekends, especially those living in the eastern suburbs.

snapper. Either tide at night has produced, with the best for the season so far a few grams under 8kg. It has also been very good for calamari with Newhaven slowly becoming more consistent than the San Remo jetty.

Calamari have been patchy in general over the last few years but the reports are coming from far more

If you are heading offshore and the day is calm, don’t forget to bring heavy gear for the kings.

double figures from these hotspots, with other whiting areas producing as well.

Before we know it, 2020 will be here and everyone will be talking about the days they missed out on fishing.

I hear it often, especially through late winter into spring: “It wasn’t a bad day, but I couldn’t be bothered.”

The same people who say this are the ones complaining months later that they missed out for the season.

Fishing is a very simple sport for the most part, and being successful can be as simple as actually going fishing. The main difference between coming home with a bag full of fish and returning with the bait you took with you is taking advantage of opportunities you get to go fishing, as luck will always play a huge part. So many anglers try to compare their success to others and all it does is create frustration and disinterest in fishing.

Those who have been getting out every opportunity they can have found fish around all year.

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Hot Spot

Ovens River heats up CRANBOURNE

Mitch Chapman

The Ovens River has got to be one of the healthiest rivers in Victoria when it comes to Murray cod populations.

Located in the northeast part of Victoria it runs through a number of main towns into Wangaratta, before making its way down into Lake Mulwala. From the skinny clear water, down to the bigger dirty water, the whole river holds excellent populations of Murray cod, and this is one of the main species targeted by anglers, especially lure casters.

PRIME TIME Native’s love that warmer weather, as do anglers. December through to February is prime time, and will see cod and other natives more willing to hit your lures, especially top water lures. As the rain approaches these rivers, up high tends to run dirty as the flow is too much, so the lower sections down towards Mulwala is the best place to be.

THE GEAR A 6-10kg baitcast gear with 30lb braid is ideal when casting lures for natives in the rivers. If you prefer to use spin gear then a 3000 or 4000 reel with 15-30lb braid is the way to go. Just remember to have that drag locked because the hit from a 80cm+ cod will have you back into the timber in no time if you don’t lock up and hold on.

THE RIG A 20-30lb braid attached

A quality hat like this one Jake is wearing will ensure you can spend the full day out on the river catching cod. to a 30-40lb leader is pretty standard when casting lures at cod. With the fish ranging from small to over 1m, majority of them are around 50-65cm in size. You shouldn’t have any problems with these fish at all on the gear mentioned above.

BAIT AND LURES When fishing the clear water with lures, you can’t go past casting top water lures.

Fishing surface lures at dawn and dusk are really exciting and very effective. Lucky Craft Sammy Bugs are my go-to, as well as the Tiemco SlugFest wake baits. Both these are must-have lures for clear water cod – they can’t get enough of them!

BEST METHOD It’s all about fishing the structure. Whether snags, willows, rock bars, or even simple things like current lines and shade. Casting

lures as tight and as close to these, and working your lures back will see you hooked up in no time.

MOTHER NATURE Just remember that Murray cod have a closed season from the 1 September through to the 1 December.

If you accidentally catch a cod during this time in the rivers while targeting other species, please do the right thing and let them go to do their thing.

HOT TIP If fishing out of a kayak, two things are a must – rope and a decent pair of shoes. The rope is handy for when you need to get out and drag the kayak up a shallow shingle bed or rapid.

Decent shoes will save your feet, as the flat rocks when walking up the river can be excruciating and almost unbearable at times.

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A Murray cod to the left, and a trout cod to the right! Both are as pretty as each other, and both were caught on Tiemco Slug Fests.

NOVEMBER 2019

39

New November bags The water level is low so be mindful when cruising around in your boat. The markers are there to guide you in these conditions.

Sandworm is now available in town from the local bait collector and it seems to be the preferred bait at this time. Regular

BEMM RIVER

Robyn Sturgess

The entrance opened in mid-September and since then conditions have been favourable, encouraging fish to start heading up the river to spawn.

angler Des Wilson visited recently and enjoyed his daily catches of quality trevally and bream. On the days too windy to fish the lake, Des sat on the riverbank and reaped the rewards. It does pay to be vigilant for snakes when fishing along the riverbank.

With the warmer weather, November should see a good run of flathead.

At this time of year, flatties tend to go for soft plastics or any slow retrievable lure.

Around the edge of Swan Lake to Mud Lake has produced some good quality perch as these fish move into sandy areas to spawn. November usually sees them heading back to safer grounds. Most areas of the inlet will produce a variety of fish this month.

The surf is fishing exceptionally well with plenty of salmon. The Pearl Point Road has been upgraded, making access

Aussie salmon are available in abundance off the surf beaches. to the surf beaches a lot easier. Just a reminder to all boaties – check your safety gear before venturing out on the water, especially flares. If they are out of date, you will get booked.

• So, now is the time to

plan your spring fishing trip to Bemm River. Give me a call on 0427 584 233 – the phone is always in my pocket! 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.

Snapper have appeared on cue CORNER INLET

Will Thompson allwaysangling@bigpond.com

The river is full of bream and trevally for the taking.

SHALLOW INLET CARAVAN PARK

Right on schedule, the first reports of big reds have started flowing in. Now is the time to get out and have a serious crack at one of Victoria’s premier fish.

It was mid to late September when reports of snapper started arriving. Once the first snapper was caught, the floodgates opened with some absolutely cracking snapper caught. The prime locations have been the usual ones at the entrance and Franklin Channel. The top baits to get onto a good fish have been squid and pilchards.

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In terms of by-catch, good feeds of gummy shark have been caught in numbers in the entrance between the number 6 and number 2 buoys. The key to getting a bag of gummies has been to fish close to the tide changes. The gummies aren’t huge, as most of them are around 80cm, the perfect eating size. There have still been a lot of junk fish as the water temperature has only just bumped up.

The main target species has been calamari. They are around in huge numbers and it’s been easy to get your bag limit of 10 per person per day.

Size 3.5 jigs have been a must in red, white or gold.

Over the next month, snapper will really come on the chew as that water temperature approaches 17-18°C. Kingfish will be just around the corner offshore as well. Things are just about to get into full swing, so get all your gear ready and get out there!

• For more information, contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 5174 8544.

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Josh Conway caught one of the first snapper of the season in Franklin Channel on sunrise.

Buckets of bream at Gippy GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

It’s happy days here in Gippsland, with most anglers able to keep themselves busy.

Mullet are back in full force, the bream action is still going strong and big estuary perch are also in the mix. With the dusky flathead now waking up and whiting numbers on the rise, the Gippy Lakes are firing up in time for the warmer weather ahead.

MIGHTY MULLET I can’t believe that mullet

are such an undervalued fish amongst the anglers who live around or visit the Gippy Lakes. Most bait anglers I talk to say they prefer mullet as a table fish over bream, but the angling effort for yellow eye mullet is probably at an all time low. It’s a pity because when they turn up you can catch dozens of them at a time.

Recently I walked the jetties around Paynesville and saw an amazing sight. With the water very clear I could see the bottom even in about 3m of water. At the first area I looked at, instead of it being a sandy white colour I was confused

to see the bottom now had very large dark patches. Then I realised the bottom was moving! There were huge schools of mullet slowly cruising around and when I looked further out, I could see there were actually thousands of mullet around.

After an hour of walking around the town jetties and especially looking around the canal areas near Captains Cove, I saw countless schools of really big mullet. Amazingly I didn’t see a single fishing rod in sight and although it was a weekday, I expected to see a few anglers around.

Bream and estuary perch can live on the same snags, as the author and Jason Deenan found out recently.

I anticipate the mullet will be there until at least Christmas time and with a box of sandworm or a tub of cured worm, you could put a big tally together.

You can also do it landbased with a few kids in tow and pick from many different areas if it’s windy. I’m hearing that mullet are also being caught by boat anglers up in Newlands Arm as well.

MITCHELL RIVER BREAM A lot of cracking bream are still being caught and some of the best sport has been using soft plastics in the snags as big breeding fish head up the rivers getting ready to spawn.

The Mitchell has been the real highlight, especially from The Cut all the way up past the highway bridge and especially into the backwater.

The stand out lures have been soft plastic grubs and paddle-tails. Cast your soft plastics hard up against the edge and let it sink close to or even onto the bottom and use a slow retrieve. Yes, you will have to run the snag gauntlet with this method but you need to employ this technique to get the big bream. Use the lightest jigheads in your tackle box and only go heavier if you need to.

I spent a day kayak fishing with good buddy Tony Pettie and we scored 19 bream between us, but incredibly only six of them were under 40cm.

These fish were all caught on soft plastics, with five of the

Gummies and more offshore MARLO

Jim McClymont mcclymont@net-tech.com.au

Anglers have reported getting their bag of two gummy sharks on almost every trip offshore from Cape Conran. Gummies of all sizes have been caught so fishers have been keeping only perfect ones for the table.

Along with gummy sharks, anglers have reported getting good bags of pinkie snapper on Marlo Reef and several other reefs in the area. Plenty of flathead, gurnard, barracouta,

salmon, squid and shark have also been taken. As always, the fishing from the many beaches is still excellent, with plenty of salmon, tailor, flathead and gummy shark there on most occasions all year round.

When the fishing is a bit quiet, head for the beaches.

This time of year, bream come into the estuary on their breeding cycle and move throughout the whole system, before moving into the rivers and small streams to spawn. At this stage, not a lot of bream have been caught but the anglers who are lucky enough to bag a few have reported bream up to 48cm.

SEASON

7

Big schools of luderick and mullet have already entered the estuary.

Luderick have schooled along the rock groynes that surround the islands and can also be found along the mud banks on the Snowy and Brodribb rivers. Anglers have reported the mullet are full of spawn and are also moving up both rivers on their spawning run.

Salmon and tailor have been coming into the system on the incoming tide, giving lure anglers plenty of excitement fishing close to the entrance. Anglers are still getting dusky flathead on the sand flats that run from the Marlo jetty all

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the way down to Frenches Narrows by wading the shallows and spinning with lures.

Tony Pettie with a ripper 44cm river bream caught on the new soft plastic Sprat 65 paddle-tail lure. best going 41, 43, 44, 44.5 and 46cm. My best bream weighed in at 1.58kg. Tony also snared a cracking 48cm perch at 1.7kg. We end up with 10 big perch as well, so it was an epic day of doing battle with truck fish and we don’t take these days for granted.

As I often say we are blessed to have such a healthy stock of trophy fish still here in Gippsland and it’s the reason most anglers support catch and release.

Bait anglers are telling me sandworm is working on the big bream, but the stand out bait has been the good old frozen prawn. If chasing bream over the next month I can assure you that the Mitchell River should be your first stop.

If boating then launch at the highway bridge into Clifton Creek and work up or down the river for a kilometre each way until you find fish. You may have to search further if the fishing is a little slow.

If you are land-based then

drive along the river between Bairnsdale to Eagle Point and pull up where you see the most anglers bank fishing. They will most likely be the locals who know where the hot spots are.

NICHOLSON RIVER A quick mention about the Nicho River, which has escaped a fair bit of pressure lately because of all the Mitchell River action. There are some wily big bream being caught upstream near the Straight Six and further. Most of the biggest models have been caught on lure, but bait anglers should also go and check it all out.

Big schools of smaller bream around 30cm are thick in deeper areas of the river around the railway bridge and are quite easy to find on your sounder.

Keep in mind that as we head towards the end of November a lot of bream will head back out of the Nicholson and into Lake Victoria and will feed heavily over the shallow sand flats after spawning.

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Warmer longer days means more fishing LAKES ENTRANCE

Steven Pryke

Lakes Entrance has sprung to life! With warmer and longer days, anglers have had all manner of fishing available as the lakes and offshore have all been producing when the weather’s permitted.

LAKES ENTRANCE The annual run of whiting is on the move as summer approaches. The size has been down in recent years but anglers investing their time and effort with fresh baits have been achieving consistent results.

Mussel is one of the best baits locally. Presenting a bait on a paternoster or extended paternoster rig can make a big difference and these offerings should be cast to the edges of weed beds. Deeper weed beds have produced best due to the boat traffic and other fishing pressure.

With the lake warming and currents pushing down the coast, it won’t be too long before we start to see some rat kingfish in the lake

Bankside anglers are spoilt for choice at Lake Tyers, with flathead consistently available. system in areas such as the Footbridge and Metung.

LAKE TYERS Tyers has begun to shine.

been eager to climb over a well-presented bait or lure.

The main lake basin has begun to be the centre of attention, with scattered drop-offs and points the focus for anglers targeting the monster flathead Lake Tyers is known for. The majority of these large duskies have been targeted with 4” paddle-tail plastics or minnows matched to appropriate jigheads for the water depth.

Last year, swimbaits became highly popular with anglers targeting these large flathead. Lake Tyers perfectly suits the use of large swimbaits, as the lake has a high population of large mullet and flathead are used to eating such large prey.

As you head further upstream, the Toorloo Arm and Nowa Nowa Arm become narrower and there is all manner of structure available to fish. Good numbers of bream and flathead make their way up to the shallow mud flats, so

it’s an ideal area to begin your efforts early or late in the day. Shad or minnow style hardbodies are perfect to use in these areas. These small shads worked with small twitches then paused quickly will get the attention of any predator, especially the local bream population.

For those willing to hit the water early, the topwater bream action at the top of the system has been worth it. Packs of bream have been seen cruising around harassing prawns and baitfish. The 58mm Bassday Sugapen is a great producer on tougher days, as it’s small in size but has great castability.

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

With the water temperatures breaking the 20°C mark, local flathead and bream are all on the move and have

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Surface action really ramping up in the estuaries MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson

We can expect pretty warm weather over the next few weeks, and I’m sure anglers fishing the local estuaries will be getting a tad excited with the prospect of some visual surface action starting to happen.

I know of a few local gurus who have already started throwing surface stickbait presentations, and they have been catching some quality bream, estuary perch and a few whiting, which is great to see so early in the season.

This will only get better; with the hotter days the land will heat quickly and the shallows should warm up nicely, especially in the afternoons. The lads who have done OK so far are fishing the upper reaches of Pambula, with the draining tide seeming to fish better.

It does become a little trickier to fish with the dropping water depths, but it’s a great time to get out of the boat and start walking the shallows where the boat can’t get to. Yes, it’s a little more work, but the rewards

can be well worth it.

If this isn’t for you then the lower sections of Pambula are loaded with salmon towards the entrance, and they aren’t too fussy at present. Look for the boils on the water as the salmon are feeding on very small bait; it looks more like trout rises than salmon, but there’s plenty to catch. Casting an array of softies or metals will see you catch plenty.

Under these schools

you can encounter trevally, tailor and the odd dusky flathead too, especially if you’re casting soft plastics.

For those using bait, the lower sections in Merimbula channel have seen a lot of the action.

There have been plenty of bream and loads of blackfish entering the system in recent weeks, and I know plenty are getting caught. You can catch the bream on fresh prawns, and the blackfish will take weed

or nippers, but remember that you do have to fish light as the water is crystal clear due to the lack of rain.

Up in the main basin the duskies are just starting to play, with one visiting angler I chatted to getting 13 nice fish in a session up to 71cm. That’s pretty good going in my books!

The best method was soft vibes around the 10cm mark slowly hopped along the ribbon weed edges on the Southern area on the

November is a great month to target mulloway on soft plastics.

main basin. He said that most fish come from just off the weed, which was interesting and when you got too far away from it you didn’t get a touch.

Food for thought there!

ROCKS Off the rocks it’s been a little quiet. There have been a few salmon and tailor about, but on the whole the fishing has been pretty patchy. You might go a few hours and get nothing, then a school will come through and you’ll get a couple, and then nothing again. It can be pretty frustrating. Using a mixture of pilchards on ganged hooks with metal shiners up to 40g has seen the majority of the action.

What has been good is the squid fishing. It’s excellent, and the aquarium wharf is the place to go.

I was there recently at around 8am and saw one angler catch three in 15 minutes, and they were nice 30cm hoods too, which are nice eating-sized squid.

Going by the ink on the wharf there’s plenty to be caught, and I recommend focusing your efforts early in the morning for the best results, especially on bright, clear days.

OFFSHORE The fishing offshore wide has been very sporadic due east of Merimbula. There have been a few albacore getting about but they’re not thick. If you do come across a patch they are solid models around the 12kg mark, so it’s worth the effort for a quality feed.

Closer to shore the bottom bouncers are having a field day, with snapper on everyone’s lips. There are plenty about, with the average fish in that 1.5-3kg mark, so they’re an ideal size for the plate. Most methods are working, but microjigging for them has been exceptional. A few locals are cleaning up, with the fish quite widespread on most reefs. Try concentrating on the edge of the reefs where the sand/gravel meets the hard stuff, as this is where a lot of the action is happening.

Having a good quality sounder certainly helps when trying to identify these bottom formations. A good place to try is Horseshoe to the south, with quite a few reds coming from Long Point.

BEACHES The beaches have been pretty good for bream To page 45

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An exciting time to surface fish NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson

In this neck of the woods, November is a cracking time of year to have a fish, with most species playing the game, especially in the estuaries. It really doesn’t matter what you want to target, and with six quality estuaries to fish within 20 minutes of Narooma the rewards can be endless!

Both the Narooma and Tuross systems are firing up nicely, with the latter being quite good for big flathead.

There have also been reports of several mulloway around that 8kg mark captured at nigh.

Most have been taken on fresh squid baits but I wouldn’t be surprised if we seeing quite a few more caught on soft plastics and soft vibes over the coming weeks, especially in the lower sections of the system. Some decent flatties

surprised not only at the results but how much fun it is!

The fishing has also stepped up a notch in Wagonga Inlet, with plenty of bait to be found in the main basin.

If you concentrate around these bait balls you can expect to encounter trevally, tailor, flathead and the odd mulloway when casting bigger soft plastics. If the tailor are feeding on top, so much the better; you will lose a few lures to the choppers, but what’s lurking below is what it’s all about. Get past the tailor and you will be in business.

A special mention to goes out to local gun Mark Carradus who scored a 1m+ mulloway a few weeks back.

This bloke works hard for his fish, and the effort he puts in sees the fish he captures on the board consistently. Look out for more mulloway over the coming months!

Those fishing offshore have done extremely well when

every day is different so you have to be prepared to move around and find them.

Further east there have been only a few 20-25kg yellowfin tuna caught, but just a little north of us it’s been going great guns for a few months now. We just need those fish to push a little further south. The water looks great straight out the front, with the temperature hovering around 19°C, so it’s only a matter of time before this action is on our doorstep. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few tuna at the Island, like in the old days. Let’s hope the planets align and it does happen.

If the game fishing action isn’t for you, the word ‘snapper’ will make you happy! These fine eating fish are loaded on the reefs at present, and catching a quality feed shouldn’t be that hard. The southwest corner of Montague has been good, as has Potato Point to the north of

also pay dividends. Mystery Bay to the south of Narooma would be the pick, but the rocks at the golf course are worth a look too, as is the end of the northern break wall.

For those after a feed, the northwest side of the golf course rocks has been good for blackfish, with a few drummer mixed in as well. Both fresh cabbage and cunjevoi has worked, and if you can get a few smaller black crabs and fish them live, a groper is a possibility as well.

The beaches have been a little patchy of late; some days are good and others very quiet. A lot depends on how much white water and gutter formations are present.

Anglers who have been doing well have been using live or fresh beach worm and pipi baits, which you can gather from most local beaches. Even though you have to put in a little work to get them, the results make it worthwhile.

Bream, yellow-eye mullet and whiting are making up most anglers’ bags, and there are some solid fish to be caught, with some of the whiting pushing 40cm.

There have been sporadic catches of salmon, but there’s been no quantity to them.

Fish that are being caught are

Young Archie (4) and his dad Jimmy with Archie’s first ever fish. Going by that grin, it’s certainly not going to be the last. averaging 2kg or better, so they’re nice fish. Most have been caught on a paternoster rig with a bait on one hook and a popper on the other. Anglers casting metal lures have found it tough, but that can change so it’s still worth a try. The action should improve once we get the required conditions.

We can expect a few more tailor this month, with mulloway a real chance on those moonlit nights. Beaches like Handkerchief, 1080, Tilba and Narooma main are all worth a look, as is Blackfellows Beach just South of Tuross, which is a renowned mulloway haunt.

Two solid whiting caught from Tuross. Fish like these are what it’s all about when fishing surface presentations. up to 89cm have been caught in the same area so it’s definitely worth a look.

Further upstream above 4-ways and into Coopers Bay the flats are starting to fire up with the warming water, with some solid bream and whiting hitting surface presentations.

It’s an exciting time of year for this technique. True, it isn’t for everyone, as more specialised tackle required for consistent results. Still, if you haven’t tried it I recommend giving it a go, as you will be pleasantly

the weather has allowed, with kingfish going gangbusters at Montague Island when the conditions have been right.

There are a lot of fish around that 75-80cm mark, and some days it doesn’t take long to get your bag. Jigs, squid and live baits have all been working at particular times. When the current is pushing south the kingies seem to be firing up nicely, and the Northern end of the island is a good place to start. There have been fish on the Fowl House reef too, but

Narooma. Drifting these areas with fresh squid or pilchards should see some nice fish caught, with morwong and the odd smaller kingfish on the cards also.

For the guys who target pelagics off the stones, this month is usually the start of it all. Bonito, smaller kingfish, salmon and big tailor are all possibilities, and lures and live bait are the most productive methods. Throwing ganged pilchards a long way out and slowly retrieving them will

From page 44

and a few whiting, and a good place to start is Merimbula main about halfway down opposite the airport. You can catch live beachworms here too, and they have been great baits lately. Pipi baits have been producing results as well. Now that the water is warming we can expect these bread and butter species to really fire up over coming weeks. November is a gun time to target both species, so get out there amongst them.

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NOVEMBER 2019

45

The water stays warm BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

This year the offshore water temperatures stayed warm through the cooler months, so the fishing continued to fire. It’s been one of the best seasons in a long time, with tuna taken on a regular basis, especially yellowfin.

A big bonus has been the amount of kingfish that have continued to bite, with some very big fish up to 20kg being captured in recent times. Of course Montague Island is the prime spot, but over recent years the kingies have started to show in different areas.

Close to Bermagui kingies

are appearing not far east of the main headland, south around the bottom ends of the Four and Six Mile Reefs, down further south out from Goalen Head and even in the deeper water over the Twelve Mile Reef.

If the kingies are not on the chew, the alternative is the abundance of bottom fish in those same areas. Flathead at this time of year are a good target, with both tigers and sandies being plentiful.

Mixing with them are some reasonable gummy and whaler sharks, as well as those tasty red gurnards.

On the reefs at the moment there are some average pan-sized snapper being caught, with the odd larger one to keep things interesting. Mixing with the

snapper are the regulars like nannygai, ocean perch, both species or morwong, jackets and some reasonable trevalla.

For those who wish to venture out to fish the deep abyss for bottom dwellers, blue-eye trevalla, hapuka, alfonsino, cod and gemfish will all be on the short list.

And who knows – one of those game fish may also just be lurking.

Back on shore both the warm weather and warm water have the estuaries fired up, due to the abundance of food available within them. First light is prime time for these fish, where a well-worked lure will often secure the desired result – particularly some of those soft plastic prawn imitations kicking along the bottom.

Luderick are an early season favourite.

For great action in the estuaries, try gathering some worms and fishing them on light tackle.

Working poppers over the shallow flats at this time of day is also effective, not only on the lizards, but for species like whiting, bream, trevally and tailor. These species like to patrol these areas for a lazy prawn that has not of yet settled back into the sand.

For the best action in the estuaries try gathering some live or fresh prawns, nippers or squirt worms, fish them over the flats or around weed with light tackle, and hang on.

Gamefish are definitely on the minds of many anglers, and tuna are on the top of the list. Starting with the small fry, there are schools of stripies around, keeping the action happening. These tough little speedsters can be found from as close as a mile or two from shore all the way out and beyond

the continental shelf. Light to medium tackle is all that is required with some small skirted lures on the troll. A light to medium spin stick is also handy when the schools come to the surface, where a well-placed metal lure retrieved at speed will often result in a spectacular strike.

Out in the deeper blue, mixing with the stripies are albacore tuna, which are a regular catch on the troll.

Small to medium skirts will work well for these fish, along with bibbed or bibless lures like Halcos, Rapalas, Yo-Zuri or Chasebaits. A good tip is to have some cut pilchards ready to throw overboard when strikes occur on the lures, as this may hold a school under the boat, and cubing or jigging may then become an alternative to trolling. Those

swimming-style lures are also attractive to yellow and bluefin tuna, which are in the area at present. A bucket of pilchards will work on these fish too.

Make sure in your spread of trolled lures you include a large skirt or two, as there is always a chance of an early season marlin now that the water temperatures have risen.

Where there are tuna there are sharks, and makos love the taste of albacore.

Many a time while fighting albacore one of these sharks have brought an abrupt end to the fight, so it pays to have a shark trace handy.

Alternative you can put some effort into a berley trail, especially if you have quite a few stripies. If you want to catch a mako, use plenty of tuna.

Weather makes anglers smile MALLACOOTA/EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Now we’re in the thick of spring, the warmer weather has put a smile on everyone’s face. With

to receive a little rain over the past few months, but as with other areas, more is needed. Water temperatures are truly warming up, and at time of writing the inshore temperature is around 15°C. The warmer water temperatures will

making heading out to sea even in a small boat near impossible. You need high tide and calm seas and the amount of sand at the lake entrance is making the bar unnavigable.

The amount of sand at the front of the harbour keeps coming back as fast as it can be dredged out, and once the summer northeasterly winds start howling, they could bring the sand back in faster than ever. Fingers crossed the sand can be cleared, as the coming months sees the best

offshore fishing Mallacoota has to offer with sand and tiger flathead available in good sizes and numbers.

The offshore fishing in Eden has been great and with excellent launching facilities, there is rarely a day where heading out to sea is a problem. Good catches of sand and tiger flathead have been made along with snapper and morwong from the inshore reefs. Kingfish and the gamefishing season should fire up over the coming

Flathead fishing is starting to fire up as summer approaches.

The jetties in the Bottom Lake are a great place to wet a line. summer on its way, it won’t be long before visitors arrive for the Christmas holiday season.

The Mallacoota Eden area has been lucky enough 46

NOVEMBER 2019

liven up all fishing options (offshore, beach, lake) adding more variety to the species available.

The boat ramp at Bastion Point is filling up with sand,

Good size silver trevally have been caught in the Bottom Lake.

months. The beaches in the area have been fishing well for salmon around the top of the tide, with plenty of good gutters to be found.

The warmer water will see whiting, bream and the odd mulloway feature in catches over the coming months. This time of year sees dusky flathead wake up, with numbers of good eating size fish caught.

Black and yellowfin bream have been feeding in the lakes and rivers and fresh local bait like prawns and nippers have been catching fish. Lure anglers have done well on a variety of soft plastic lures.

All in all, the fishing is looking good for the coming months and if we could get some good rains, it’ll be even better.

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Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Offshore opportunities are overflowing TASMANIA

Kelly Hunt

What a difference a month makes! The weather has been absolutely sensational and the water quality has been superb. I have seen it improve so much from when I was a young kid growing up in Tasmania.

The water looks amazing inshore and offshore, and the fish love it.

The river systems and estuaries are full of good clean nutrient-filled water.

The baitfish are the first to come in and enjoy the clean water in their gills and they spawn and grow in numbers each year. Word must get around, as bigger schools of bait turn up the following year. Mackerel and yakkas were in big numbers this time last year and just grew in school sizes as the season wore on. Hardiheads and redbait also schooled up in great numbers down south.

Pacific and Atlantic sauries have continued to thrive in the clean and food-rich ocean currents.

This is important for offshore anglers, as the predators we target are super interested in these massive schools of tasty baitfish!

Southern bluefin tuna of all sizes love these fish and eat them with gusto. Yellowfin tuna and marlin eat them big numbers, so expect some of these target fish this season.

As soon as you’re able to fish, it’s a good time to do so.

There are lots of reasons why heading out and dragging lures is a good idea in November.

The extra daylight available thanks to daylight savings is a good reason and can often prove handy. You can stay on a spot for the late arvo bite

These Canadian anglers loved their time on Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures on the East Coast. and still get back to the ramp with heaps of workable light.

Early offshore trips are best used to prospect and it pays to take a few different outfits to change up your strategy. I am a big advocate of having a target species or two and concentrating on those, rather than heading to sea with a boat looking like a porcupine! You see it all the time – a boat has rods and gear everywhere, so there’s nowhere to stand due to iceboxes filled with all sorts and every bit of tackle and sinkers ever owned on display. More often than not, this approach causes confusion and contributes to poor results.

An early season November trip needs to be planned so you have a few tricks up your sleeve. While the fish will be out there

looking for a good feed, they may not be in as big numbers or be as easy to find as later in the year.

NOVEMBER TRICKS Crayfish are on, so pack your cray pots. If they annoy you, just take one pot and drop it in on your way out in the morning. Check it that afternoon, then re-bait and let it soak overnight. This technique can yield a nice big red surprise! Kids love this type of fishing and think it’s amazing. They seem to enjoy that there is a trap you lay bait in that could hold a monster when you get back.

Once you have dropped your pot, head out to the shelf and fill your mako shark autoberley device. You can build one out of a lightweight steel berley container and connect it to a large orange buoy via a stainless steel wire. With this device packed full of berley, you can drop it over

When the sun comes out, so do flathead and the happy fishos who chase them!

the side, set a waypoint on the sounder and allow 1-2 hours of auto-berleying to be done while you head off to troll some lures. The wind, sea current and tide will move the buoy about so keep your eyes peeled.

Tow some lures about and come back past your mark, carefully watching for any sign of a mako shark. If there is no shark, continue to tow lures until the berley needs to be filled again. At that point, you can decide to connect to your berley pot for a traditional mako session or continue trolling and checking. This can be a great way of not only attracting a mako but also some tuna, so you need to have a 7’ rod with an eggbeater of about 8000 size and a 150g jig ready to go. If you pull up and attach to berley or you are going past with no sign of a shark on the buoy, you can cast into your trail to try and pull an albacore or a bluefin tuna. You should also have an electric reel on board just in case it glasses right out and you get a chance to hit the depths with some bait.

A couple of striped trumpeter sticks can also be packed in case the opportunity arises when you head back across the shelf and onto the plateau. Quite often on the way back in, an interesting bit of noise on the sounder can produce some striped trumpeter or big tiger flathead.

It can be full on with the various techniques and gear, but if the weather plays the game these tips can bring some great results. The gear needed can mix and match a bit so you don’t need to take out a hundred rods. The 7 footer with 8000 size reel can also work into your tuna

HYDRO TASMANIA WATER STORAGE INFORMATION Water Storage Information as at 11th October 2019 Lake/Lagoon

Metres from full

Comment

Trevallyn Pond..................................1.06........................................................Steady Lake Mackenzie................................5.67........................................................Steady Lake Rowallan..................................4.60........................................................Steady Lake Parangana................................0.57........................................................Steady Lake Cethana....................................2.38........................................................Steady Lake Barrington................................1.38........................................................Steady Lake Gairdner...................................6.15........................................................Steady Lake Paloona....................................1.56........................................................Steady Lake Augusta....................................3.35........................................................Steady Arthurs Lake.....................................1.58........................................................Steady Great Lake........................................12.73......................................................Steady Little Pine Lagoon.............................0.97........................................................Steady Shannon Lagoon...............................0.21........................................................Steady Penstock Lagoon..............................0.09........................................................Steady Woods Lake......................................0.73........................................................Steady Lake St Clair.....................................1.65........................................................Steady Lake King William.............................0.44........................................................Steady Lake Echo.........................................5.03........................................................Steady

Dee Lagoon.......................................0.00.......................................................Spilling Pine Tier Lagoon...............................2.05........................................................Steady Bronte Lagoon..................................1.00........................................................Steady Bradys/Binneys/Tungatinah..............2.09........................................................Steady Laughing Jack Lagoon.....................0.55........................................................Steady Lake Liapootah.................................1.58........................................................Steady Wayatinah Lagoon............................0.36........................................................Steady Lake Catagunya................................0.87........................................................Steady Lake Repulse....................................0.16........................................................Steady Cluny Lagoon....................................0.51........................................................Steady Meadowbank Lake...........................0.17........................................................Steady Lake Burbury....................................1.21........................................................Steady Lake Margaret..................................0.36........................................................Steady Whitespur Pond................................6.40........................................................Steady Lake Newton.....................................3.37........................................................Steady Lake Plimsoll....................................0.00.......................................................Spilling Lake Murchison................................14.51......................................................Steady Lake Mackintosh..............................3.46........................................................Steady Lake Rosebery..................................0.55........................................................Steady Lake Pieman.....................................3.19........................................................Steady Lake Pedder......................................0.66........................................................Steady Lake Gordon.....................................21.61......................................................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

48

NOVEMBER 2019

Go Behind the Scenery spread, as can the two stripey rods with 7500 or bigger reels attached. The outfit that I love for this action is the Slammer III range from PENN. Reels that are heavy hitters in the drag department and have solid internals to handle some massive fish will serve you well paired with an Ocean Assassin rod.

These outfits will also handle serious mako sharks but if you are after an overhead that will not let you down, the Squall 2 speed reels are very effective. These reels feature a trellis style frame built out of carbon composite so are

lightweight and are a great option to fill with 80lb braid and top shot with either 24 or 37kg monofilament. There are some nice Ocean Assassin game rods to complement these as well.

Berley is best made yourself, otherwise it can get expensive. I plan special berley harvest trips and fill a few freezers with salmon and mackerel but if you can get some stripy tuna, do so.

Striped tuna will bring in mako sharks. It is best picked up over the last season; have it ready to thaw and ground up for this season’s berley mix.

Skirted lures are the top choice to run around your berley buoy. Saury or redbait styles work well and sliding a diver or two is the icing on the cake. Run out a bibbed lure like the Halco Laser Pro in the long corner position rigged down from the rod tip with a rubber band. This gives the bib all the advantage of diving as deep as the lure can at skirt trolling speed. You can also sit the Halco MAX in the short corner position and rubber band off the rod tip down low to a position at the transom.

You want to set it up so on a fish strike the rubber band lets

You can learn a lot by studying the stomach contents of the fish you catch. It can help you to determine what the predators are actually interested in.

Tasmania

Atlantic sauries make for excellent tuna bait. go and the fish comes back onto the set drag effortlessly and without issue.

If the fish are there and see your lures, they will come up and strike no problem. Always make sure you inspect your hooks for sharpness and your leaders for nicks and damage when you run the lures out. This should be a habit everyone gets into while on the boat. Keep an eye out for anything that may lead to disaster – line hooked around a rod tip, a rod not sitting properly in holder and drag not set properly.

Sometimes you might need to push drag to sunset to battle a big lump of weed. It is all too easy to put back in the spread with the lever still pushed right up. This could mean disaster should a fish hit that lure at speed tearing its mouth and not getting a hook up. It is also a shock for an angler to pick up a

rod that has gone off and find a heap of drag pressure.

Should that go badly, your pride and joy fishing outfit may go over the back!

Try both the East and West coasts in November in Tasmania. These coastlines have a huge amount of fish off them at the moment.

The East Coast has a few more options when it comes to weather direction and launch options.

The West Coast is pretty much all about Strahan and getting out through Hells Gates at Macquarie Heads.

Take heed of weather out in this area, as the swells are big and come from a long way away. They have surprising power and can have some weird frequencies that can lull you into a false sense of security. Bigger waves or group of waves are the result of a big storm or weather event far out to sea. This is

why it can seem pretty good while you are scoping a bit of rock ledge or protruding reef section, only for it to be hit by large swell some time later.

Keep your wits about you when fishing off the West Coast. It fishes well for tuna and mako sharks, but has been relatively untouched by swordfish crews. I am tipping there are some bigguns down that way and we may see something special in the next few seasons.

A huge bonus when fishing the West Coast is the striped trumpeter grounds and in November we can have another crack at them.

The season for these fish has been shut for the last two months while they spawn, but they are now back on the available species list. Cray season opens up in November as well and the West Coast is the best place to try your hand at the minute.

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49

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Gnarly cold weather is over HOBART

Andrew Large

Sunshine and mild days are seeing anglers catching good bags across the board, with both fresh- and saltwater fishers venturing forth in recent weeks.

SALTWATER Flathead catches have started to pick up over the last few weeks, with good numbers of fish starting to be caught. This is in stark contrast to a month earlier, when the fish were just starting to come out of hibernation for winter.

Marion Bay has continued to produce good numbers of fish, and reports from further north around Bicheno have filtered in of king or tiger flathead being caught. There have been no large captures in the southeast as yet. The flatties have been hitting

natural squid baits and soft plastics. Calm days over the past few weeks saw drift fishers being able to hold well over offshore beds.

Mullet have been active in the Derwent River lately.

A bit of berley to bring them in and some bread soaked in fish oil as bait should result in good catches.

Large numbers of black bream continue to be caught in various tidal inflows like Browns River near Kingston and the Jordan and Huon rivers in the South. The smaller waters, such as those along the east and southeast coasts, are holding large pre-spawn schools as well.

Sinking stickbaits, such as the Strike Pro Sprat Stick, are taking many fish.

Calamari continue to build in numbers and are going well around Bruny Island and the outside of Maria Island. Seasonal closures have applied in

both the north and south of the state over spring.

Traditional areas in the east and southeast will start to fish well later in November and in early December, and Eagle Hawk Neck and Margate piers are super popular with anglers.

Squid have generally moved inshore over areas of broken bottom.

Both medium and small sized barracouta are in plague proportions in the Derwent River and surrounding Huon estuary of late. Some fish are rather small and have been attacking any small flashy lure. Larger, more palatable specimens have been encountered around Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Peninsula and The Friars on south Brunt Island.

Halco Smith jigs in the 3” size have been tricking the majority of fish.

October saw Australian

A solid Australian salmon caught at Cremorne.

salmon starting to show up in various estuaries and tidal inlets and lagoons around the state, and small silver slices and baitfishstyle soft plastics have been working well. Good cockie-size salmon up to 1.2kg have been biting well at Cremorne and along the South Arm beaches, including South Arm itself and Opossum Bay. Tailor have been encountered mixed in with the Australian salmon in the Huon River. The average size has been around 500g, and schools are being found along Tranmere and Tasman bridge areas. These fish usually arrive around the start of the annual whitebait runs, and fish caught last season reached upwards of 2kg.

Striped trumpeter have fished well in recent weeks.

South of Bruny Island has seemed to do better than further north around the Tasman Peninsula. Anglers have been pleased at the influx of fish and the close proximity of productive grounds after the reopening of the annual spawning closure (1 Sep to 31 Oct).

Southern bluefin have been unusually quiet at Eagle Hawk Neck, with colder water and a lack of inshore bait causing this lull. There are plenty of school fish at Pedra and up the coast further at Bicheno, Schouten and Freycinet Peninsula.

Searun brown trout have shown up in force in the Derwent River after a late start, estimated to be around 6-8 weeks behind schedule. Good numbers of fish have been caught from Old Beach to New Norfolk.

Sea trout are now taking lure and fly readily in the Derwent and Huon estuaries. Murky waters have abated, and the trout have made the most of being able to chase whitebait. Good captures at night using plastics were reported from New Norfolk last month.

Garfish are still available in the south, and

The Daiwa Presso in ghost perch is deadly on searun trout. you can catch them using a float, 2-3 size 6 or 8 hooks and small pieces of squid as bait. Drop in some berley consisting of fish oil and breadcrumbs to bring schools closer.

Sand whiting have been caught in the Derwent off Little Howrah and further downriver at Opossum Bay. FRESHWATER Good reports of brown trout from Bronte, Arthurs and Great lake filtered in during the final weeks of October, with fish found patrolling the edges looking for both frogs and galaxias.

Penstock Lagoon continues to produce good browns in and around the edges, and this augurs well for the upcoming World Fly Fishing Championships later in the month.

Woods Lake, although low, is seeing fish moving around the edges. Sight fishing has been a little slow but blind fishing Woolly Bugger styled wets has seen many fish caught.

There are fish up to 2kg, with most ranging between 0.5-0.75kg.

Great Lake has been a quietly kept secret by many throughout August and September, but by October the secret was out, with good browns and the occasional rainbow being caught by anglers spinning and fly fishing the shore. This is even more surprising when reports have indicated the weather in the highlands not being conducive to boating. As a result, anglers have been finding success around the edges.

Bronte Lagoon with medium water levels has seen trout tailing around the edges, with one customer reporting five fish for a morning’s effort. A small 007 nymph fished just forward of foraging fish normally does the trick.

Tasmania’s weather can be very temperamental, but with most of the gnarly stuff out of the way and summer around the corner, it’s time to hit the water.

I can’t stress this enough – get out and enjoy the start of our 3-4 month peak fishing period!

Searun trout are on the move in Tassie’s north BURNIE

Damien Turner

Trout season is coming into full swing and there has been good fishing in quite a few places around the state, particularly around the Bronte area. Anglers have been getting good catches on King Cobras in any of the green/gold or frog patterns, and 50

NOVEMBER 2019

fishers spinning from boats with small bibbed lures have also been doing well.

Standout lures include Ecogear MW 62s, Jackson Athletes and Daiwa Presso Minnows.

The whitebait are running in most of the rivers, and the searun trout are out in force. The west coast rivers in particular are giving up a few really nice specimens, with some over 10kg. They’re being caught

on quite a few different methods. In some of the bigger rivers, such as the Gordon, the Pieman and the Arthur, anglers are trolling up good fish on quite large lures, because the sea trout like to eat elvers (juvenile eels). Dark colours such as black/gold have been turning up some good fish in the dark, brackish water. Some of the standout lures include Rapala F11s, Hester Mad Minnows and Nils Master

Invincibles, in a mix of deep and standard runners.

The searunners vary from 0.5kg to 10kg, with most being 2-3kg upwards, which are quite nice fish.

Although I have caught them in sunny and calm conditions, these fish are usually easier to catch on rougher days and in low light conditions. If you can fish a run-out tide in the early morning or evening, you’ll maximise your

chances of success.

The saltwater scene been reasonably good of late. The squid were going really well in the lead up to the October closed season, and we can expect the action to be even better when the season opens on 1 November. The squid that were caught just prior to the closure were some of the best squid I’ve seen in years, and they will only get thicker between now and Christmas.

You can catch them off most

rocky points and jetties, and they’re in higher concentrations in bays with seagrass. If you cast your squid jig around patches of seagrass you’ll usually catch a couple. The squid seem to be more active on the turn of the tide, bottom or top. If you can time this at dawn or dusk, it’s usually a bonanza.

When it comes to squid jigs, the standouts by far To page 51

Go Behind the Scenery From page 50

are the Yo-Zuri Aurie-Q cloth jigs in HS colour (green back, orange belly, black stripes), and the Yo-Zuri Oita red head jig, both in a 3.5 size. Daiwa Emereldas squid jigs are also producing well in glow kumanomi (clownfish) and blood shrimp (tiger prawn) colours.

There has been some great flathead fishing off St Helens for both sand and tiger flathead in 20-50m of water. We’re seeing the best sizes we’ve seen in a long time, with some fish going 45cm, which is a great size for sand flathead. Most anglers use flasher rigs baited with a bit of squid, pilly or flesh bait. However, the smarter anglers are micro-jigging, and they’re catching good quality fish.

The 40-60g Jackson Gallop in green/gold is my go-to jig; I just drop it down and jig it 2-3m off the bottom.

The snapper fishing is beginning to pick up now that the water has started to get warmer, with good fish coming from 30-40m of water. We had a great

run last season, so hopes are high for this year. The key to catching snapper is using good berley, such as a frozen tuna log, and you have to send it down in a bomb because it won’t do any good on the top. You also need to be over the right kind of bottom, i.e. a rubbly or shell bottom (not hard reef or sand). If you berley consistently for 30 minutes or so, the fish should turn up. They will readily take pillies or silver whiting fished on sliding sinker rigs. Some anglers are also catching them on 5-7” soft plastics, such as Berkley Gulp Jerk Shads and Samaki Boom Bait Folding Jerks.

King George whiting are also beginning to show up. Over the last three years they’ve gone from strength to strength, and there’s a lot of excitement about this species.

FISHING IN NOVEMBER The snapper, whiting and squid action will get better and better as the water warms.

Now is also the time to start chasing mako sharks, if you’re up for the challenge.

The makos tend to turn up when the arrow squid arrive, and it’s likely that the sharks

Tasmania

Gun North West trout fisher Jack Smith showing off a 10lb brown caught on a Daiwa Double Clutch. Jack released it to fight another day. follow and feed on the arrows. Use a lots of berley to bring the makos to you, and send out a large bait under a balloon on 400lb trace with a 12/0 hook. If you have a good game outfit, it’s a lot of fun.

Things are also looking good for freshwater anglers, with insect hatches increasing around the rivers and dams.

The fish are starting to look up for their next meal, and the dry fly fishing will

soon hot up.

• For all the latest info on what’s biting and where, drop into Tackle World and Outdoors at 37 Wilson St, Burnie, or call them on (03) 6431 6500. You can also

check out their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/tassietackle, which is regularly updated with product news, catch photos, videos and fishing tips.

INLAND FISHERIES SERVICE

Assessing Curries River Reservoir’s trout IFS

Tim Farrell

The IFS recently undertook an in-lake survey at Curries River Reservoir in the North East. The reservoir is located just off the B82 between George Town and Bridport, and was built in the late 1970s as a domestic water supply for George Town.

The IFS have been stocking the reservoir since the 1980s and it is currently managed as a trophy fishery.

In 2019, 400 rainbow trout and 1,175 fin clipped adult brown trout were released.

The fin clipped fish were released to form the basis of a population estimate based on recapture numbers and will give us information on growth rates if surveys are conducted at the reservoir in future years.

While the results from our survey are currently being analysed, results appear to indicate that the existing population of trout is quite low. In total over the two days using 80 traps, 97 brown trout were captured with 83 having fin clips, representing 87% of all fish caught. Over both days, four rainbow trout were captured.

All of the fish were in good condition and the presence of large numbers of galaxias suggests that trout should put on weight quickly.

Our traps were set in shallow water around the periphery of the reservoir

Brett Mawbey caught this unmarked trout residing in Curries River Reservoir. and the number of fin clipped fish captured (83) was unusually high. This suggests the fish are feeding around the edges and are therefore easily accessible to anglers. In other words, while the population may be low, the fish are easy to access. Water quality and weed growth have been excellent, making for an ideal habitat.

Those fishing the reservoir during our survey reported good numbers of fish being caught and suggested that it has performed consistently since the season opened.

While the reservoir is open to all manners of fishing, the use of watercraft is limited to manual propulsion or the use of electric motors only. The fishing season at Curries River Reservoir is in line with the brown trout fishing season and the taking of fish is limited to five fish with only two over 500mm.

As it’s located almost at sea level, Curries River Reservoir provides a warmer alternative to the highland lakes and can provide more consistent fishing at this time of year. If you

would like to see more in-depth results on the survey, keep an eye on our website over the coming weeks.

IFS SUPPORTS BOATING SAFETY The Inland Fisheries Service installed and maintains navigation lights at 30 popular boat ramps around Tasmania.

The navigation lights are automatically activated on dusk and operate throughout the night, enabling anglers to return to the ramp in low light. The white flashing lights are visible at up to 2nm from the ramp.

Installed in partnership with Mast and Hydro Tasmania, the IFS regularly tests and maintains the lights.

The solar powered batteries need to be replaced on a fouryear cycle. The IFS recently replaced the batteries at Lake Crescent and Wilmot ramp (Lake Barrington).

Anglers are encouraged to report any lights that are not operating after dark to infish@ ifs.tas.gov.au or 1300 463 474.

ESCAPING FISH AT FOUR SPRINGS LAKE Recently, we replaced the

barrier net at Four Springs Lake. The barrier net is located across the spillway at the dam and is in place to stop trout escaping in times of flood.

After being in place for several years, the old net had become quite brittle from the sun, and had several holes in it. It also had a few fishing lures snagged in it!

Anglers are asked to avoid the new barrier net. It is important not to get holes in it from boats and wading.

SOUTH RIANA DAM South Riana Dam has become recognised as a boutique fishery in the North West. Since its creation in 2015, the dam has developed into an excellent regional water located a convenient 20km from Penguin.

Regular stocking with wild brown trout fry by the IFS has underpinned the existing trout population and some natural recruitment.

Anglers are taking wellconditioned fish using all methods including bait fishing, lure casting and fly fishing.

Canoes and kayaks are permitted and can assist anglers to access the northern and western shores of the dam.

Please respect the private land surrounding the dam and follow the access rules to maintain the area.

The fact sheet and map for this fishery can be found at www.ifs.tas.gov.au.

NOVEMBER 2019

51

Heavenly captures at Devils Bend Reservoir PPB OFFSHORE

Gerry Morsman

Despite its unwelcoming name, Devils Bend Reservoir is a beautiful part of Mornington Peninsula. It has some of the best fishing available when it comes to freshwater fishing, and with the different species the lake holds you can fish all year round.

FULLY STOCKED Devils Bend was constructed in 1956 and served as a backup water supply to Mornington Peninsula until it got decommissioned in

Fish can definitely be caught from the banks with lures if you’re a land-based fisho.

Garry Norton shows a quality rainbow trout taken off the banks of the eastern shoreline. late 2000. Since then, it has become a project for Victorian Fisheries Authority and many others to turn this amazing land and water into something all recreational fishers can enjoy.

In 2006, the lake was stocked with rainbow and brown trout. This was a big deal for many locals that had to travel up to 1.5 hours to target a decent sized trout.

With great reports coming from local tackle shops, it didn’t take long before people were coming from all over Melbourne to have a crack at some of the sizable fish stocked into the lake. Since 2006, there have been a total of 130,765 brown and rainbow trout combined stocked. With that many trout stocked into one area since 2006, it’s crazy to imagine just how many big trout are swimming around the lake today.

Although trout were plentiful in the lake, they aren’t always the easiest fish to catch and a lot of anglers got turned off very quickly if they had a few fishless trips. I’ve never left a fishing spot cursing its name as much as I have Devils Bend! Despite this, once you work it out, it will quickly become one of your favourite fishing destinations.

In 2014, VFA decided to stock one of our own native species, estuary perch. This was a huge thing for the lake, 52

NOVEMBER 2019

So, with trout and estuary perch combined there has been a total of 252,765 fish released into the lake, making for a very attractive fishing spot.

There is another species that inhabits the area in big numbers and that is the everso-tasty redfin, also known as European perch. These fish were not introduced by VFA and have been there for many years. Like a lot of other waterways, the public would have introduced them and even though some people call them a pest, they are great fun, great eating and quite sought after by many anglers.

FACILITIES Coming into the reservoir, the car park is fully concreted and the fully plumbed toilet

and how long it will take to get there.

Although you can’t fish every part of the lake because it has designated areas, VFA

want to relax by themselves or with family.

KAYAKS Kayaks have been a huge talking point ever since the fishery started to get popular.

Previously, you were not allowed any type of vessel on the lake as many were against it. VFA and those passionate about the fishing industry such as David Kramer fought day and night to make this happen, as they knew it would open the lake to those who wanted to get out and experience this magnificent piece of water up close and personal. In 2018, they finally got their wish and kayaks were allowed on the lake!

VFA and Futurefish Foundation are now working hard to secure their next goal – allowing non-petrol powered vessels. This means boats with

afternoon casting hardbodied lures. Trout love to get in nice and close around the weed beds that surround the edges of the entire lake. There is a simple rule to most fishing and that is to fish structure. Structure, in this case weed beds, creates its own little feeding ground for just about anything that might be living in the lake such as tiny baitfish and bugs, which trout love to eat. Most people complain about the weed and try to avoid it, but for the above reasons this is the perfect place to start.

Casting into little pockets with a shallow diving lure works well. My favourite lure for this is the Atomic Hardz Jerk Minnow 65 in gold wolf.

It imitates a baitfish perfectly and can be easily detected through the weed beds. One great thing about the majority

Shallow diving lures are key when fishing in between weed beds. have done all they can to make fishing easier and more comfortable by building fishing platforms for those who aren’t into walking the banks. These platforms are still great to cast a lure from, but they actually make it a lot easier for bait anglers to fish past the weed surrounding most of the lake and get into the deeper water where trout like to hang around during the warmer months. These platforms also have seats, bait tables and rod holders, making it a much more pleasant experience for those that just

electric motors will be able to fish the lake even if they have a petrol engine on the back, provided it’s not in use.

With all these opportunities becoming available, anglers will have a much better chance of catching fish.

TROUT There are many different ways to target trout at Devils Bend, but the most important thing is to be patient and persistent with what you are doing.

A very effective technique is to fish the edges either early in the morning or late in the

Great models like this are on offer when targeting trout at Devils Bend. because estuary perch are very aggressive feeders and almost always feed in schools. This allowed anglers a very good chance at catching fish on a regular basis. VFA didn’t muck around either – they released 47,000 estuary perch the first stocking and since then, there have been a total of 122,000!

facilities are right next to it.

There are picnic tables for those who want to take their fishing trip to the next level with friends or family.

Fully accessible and safe walking tracks throughout the whole reservoir lead you to all the available fishing spots. Each track has signs letting you know where to go

Perch are very active feeders at night.

of the weed surrounding the lake is that it is quite soft so you rarely lose lures, as the weed tends to just break away.

Another effective technique off the land is to use a heavier lure that you can cast a long way. Basically, you just cast as far as possible past the weed and retrieve. Trout will also cruise around in open water close to the surface, hoping to find any bugs that might have landed on the water or any bait schools that might be randomly swimming around the lake. This is the best time for trout to target bait schools, as there is nowhere for baitfish to hide out in the open water.

Whenever you are lure fishing for trout, I’d highly recommend twitching your lure. Trout tend to follow lures all the way in without actually trying to eat them, so by twitching your lure you can usually tempt trout into a reaction bite.

If you feel like relaxing, bait fishing is the thing for you.

It is by far the most effective way at targeting all the species in the lake using just the

one method. Using a bubble float and either Powerbait or scrubworms seems to be the go by all reports. Bait fishers tend to cast in between the weed beds or fish the outer edges if they can get the distance.

Keep in mind that by fishing the outer edges, you will have to drag any fish hooked back through the entire weed bed.

If you are lucky enough to have a kayak, Devils Bend is a must go-to destination. You can do everything land-based fishos can do, plus more.

The most effective yak fishing technique is trolling lures. You cover a large amount of area and if you are happy to troll two rods, you can use

The fishing facilities have really helped to produce quality fish like this.

Mark Keaveny scored this cracker perch on fly. two different techniques such as a deeper diving lure and a lure that swims just below the surface. Most people troll the back of the weed beds, getting as close as possible without getting snagged, and others just troll the middle of the lake in hopes of picking up a lonesome trout looking for a feed. One of the most consistent areas to troll for trout is the dam wall. You can’t actually fish this area landbased, so having a kayak opens up arguably the best location on the lake to target trout.

PERCH Fishing for estuary perch at Devils Bend would have to be up there as one of my all time favourite exploits. Once you have worked them out, you know you are in for a special fishing session.

During winter it can be quite tough, as perch tend to school up in the deeper water and their feeding habits change dramatically from that of the warmer months. You still have a pretty good chance at getting one using the same techniques as trolling for trout but if you want to really give yourself a chance, wait until spring and summer when the bite

months, trout will head out into deeper water where it is much cooler, leaving perch and redfin to feed in the shallow waters nearly all by themselves. That’s not to say you will not catch a trout in the summer months, but it is definitely easier to target the fish in the shallows.

If you’re after some exciting action, grab a couple of surface lures and head down after dark. One of the best places to do this is the eastern shoreline. Perch love to feed at night and during the summer months you tend to see some really good mayfly hatches, especially after a very warm and still afternoon.

Once the sun goes down, they will eventually die and will start to land on the surface, putting the fish into a feeding frenzy. Throwing surface lures is the ideal option in these circumstances and it isn’t uncommon to land 20+ fish in one session. Try not to work your lure too hard and be sure to pause it a few times on the surface in between working

Gawaine Blake caught this solid perch off the surface fishing an Atomic Hardz K9 Walker at night. is red-hot.

With thousands of perch stocked, it gets quite competitive at feeding time and as an angler it doesn’t get much better than that. Fishing during the day will see you using different techniques than later at night. During the day, the best options are to cast either a paddle-tail soft plastic on a very light jighead or a shallow diving hardbodied lure in between the weed beds, just as you would if you were fishing for trout.

During the warmer

your lure. This usually works really well as it gives the fish a better chance at successfully targeting its prey, leaving you with more hook-ups for the night.

One thing I love about targeting them on the surface is that you constantly see and hear them hitting prey. This keeps you totally excited in between catching them.

Catching and releasing them leaves a healthy and thriving fishing environment for fishers to enjoy this thrill for many years to come.

NOVEMBER 2019

53

Green and gold for spring WAGGA WAGGA

Rhys Creed

With everything starting to heat up, the fishing activity is at its highest before the heat of summer arrives and slows things down again.

This month there are plenty of opportunities in the region with both the dam and local rivers fishing well.

MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER Both bait and lure will work wonders, and with perfect water temperatures there’s no better time to take the family, kids or a friend fishing for an afternoon or even a weekend camping.

Any of the reserves around Wagga are worth fishing, and some good areas if you’re land based are Orange Tree Point Reserve, Ashmont Reserve, 17 Mile and Oura.

If you’re in a boat, Wiradjuri Reserve, Kolhagens Beach, Armstrongs Reserve, Old Man Creek Bridge, Oura or Wantabadgery are great areas.

You can’t go past yabbies, worms or fresh shrimp for

bait. The best option is to catch shrimp using a trap.

These are cheap and you can get them at any good tackle store, and while you’re there make sure you get some aniseed soap, as this is the bait and best of all you can leave it in the trap and its always good to go. Make

sure you place the trap in cool shaded areas out of the current, and if you can, nice and close to reedy edges or underneath willow trees.

If you’re keen on using lures, make sure you’re fishing structure in the shaded areas. This is where you will find the active and hungry

fish. Casting spinnerbaits tight in against bankside structure is the best technique during the day, as you can allow it to sink into the structure. Where a hardbody comes into play is early and late in the day when the fish are more keen to move off their snag and chase down a lure.

Golden perch will begin to school during November, and will be very susceptible to lures.

Tallis Cotterill with a spring slab that took a soft plastic rolled down a rocky bank.

BLOWERING DAM Golden Perch You can’t go past Blowering Dam in November, as not only are the golden perch in full swing, but now we can also target Murray cod, with the season open year-round.

On the golden perch front,

up in good numbers and they are mostly good-sized. The best option for chasing them is to cast in against the point and hop blades, plastics and lipless crankbaits back along the bottom.

They will usually be sitting in 4-7m of water and they will move depending on the day, so you will just have to figure out where they are, and this is where a good quality sounder comes in.

Murray Cod As for Murray cod, they will be aggressive because they will still be thinking about breeding and feeding in the warmer water. The cooler water temperatures hung around this year into September, which kept the smaller fish at bay, but once October hit, they started to fire!

They will continue to feed this month, and I prefer to

light is still the prime time to find that one key bite period, so make sure you are in the prime location come first light.

TUMUT RIVER The Tumut is another great option to have on the list for November! The river will most likely be running mid to high in flows, but this all depends on the demand for water. The high flows do make it hard to fish, but if you know how to use it you can catch some great fish.

The warmer months bring high insect activity, and the more bugs the better the trout fishing. The best way to fish the river at this time of year is to find the slow pockets and the edges away from the current. The bigger fish will be sitting in these areas looking for a feed and can be sight cast with both spin and fly methods.

Jack Flanagan with a Blowering Dam yella taken on a soft plastic.

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

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

Aug Sep Oct

Mulwala

Cairn Curran

43

(Yarrawonga) 93 90 91

52 53

Dartmouth 61 58 57

Newlyn

Eildon

39 45 45

Nillahcootie 29 36 40

Eppalock

37 40 36

Rocklands 25 27 26

Eucumbene 25 26 29

Tantangara 22 27 25

Fyans

72 78 83

Taylors

33 52 59

Hepburn

100 103 101

Tullaroop

55 79 83

Hume

36 42 40

Waranga

28 48 48

Jindabyne 67 66 75

Wartook

47 57 60

Lauriston

William Hovell 100 101 100

82 96 98

101 101 100

(All levels correct at time of going to press. Dam levels can change at any time, so please check with local authorities to ensure safe boating and fishing.)

54

NOVEMBER 2019

Downsizing your lures in spring can result in more hook-ups from the smaller models. the water will be warming up and this means they will begin to school on the rocky banks. In the previous report I mentioned that you will find them on the grassy banks and also schooling in the standing trees. These are good areas to fish, but now as the temperature climbs, they will be starting to breed and will start to school up.

I prefer to fish the wall end of the dam, around all the rocky banks, especially on the island. The fish can bulk

downsize my lure to make the most of the smaller fish that are active. Casting smaller plastics and chatterbaits around the 150mm mark and trolling hardbodies in the 90-120mm mark are a good option as well.

The steeper rocky banks are the most productive in summer, as these areas hold the highest concentration of fish.

As always, the low light is key in Blowering when chasing cod. It never really changes at all both winter and summer; the dark is key. First

Another technique you can use, if the river is in mid-flow, is to find gravel beds and runs that are just below the shallow sections. Using a diving hardbody lures, you cast across the river and let the lure swing back across. It will work away in the current as it swings across, and the fish will have a crack as your lure is sweeping.

So get out there and enjoy what is set to be a great month of fishing with plenty of options in the area.

We’re just waiting for the season to re-open YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

It’s a guessing game at this time of year as to when and where the yellas will fire in Lake Mulwala.

Traditionally, by the third week in October we’ve received enough warm days to see the golden perch up and about, and anglers in with a fair chance of returning home with some gold. They should well and truly be firing by now.

History shows the water above Majors Creeks up to Bundalong and surrounding backwaters are the most productive. Lipless crankbaits, hardbody lures in the 50-80mm size range or smaller profile spinnerbaits in natural colours would be my preferred option. An

Oscar and Archie Becker with a nice 55cm cod. Plenty of these will be on offer come 1 December.

exciting lure that’s perfect for chasing yellas is the all new Barambah 80mm Jointed Perch, available in both 8ft+ and 16ft+ models. This lure is sure to be popular and could just be that something special the fish have not seen before.

With only a month or so to go until cod season re-opens, dedicated goodoo hunters will be preparing for the season that lies ahead. What better way to bring it in than celebrate with the masses who will be descending on Lake Mulwala to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Yamaha Cod Classic.

The Cod Classic is going to be huge. 3000+ competitors will be looking to share in the vast amounts of prizes on offer. The major prize list is mind-blowing with 10 Yamaha/Quintrex/ Humminbird boating

packages to be given away over the Cod Classic weekend. Amazingly, after the 2019 event, a total of 120 boating packages will have been given away throughout the Cod Classic’s history.

You would be crazy to miss what is now one of the country’s finest fishing festivals. For more info on the Cod Classic check out www.codclassic.com.au • If you’re visiting town I urge you to call into Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski (Opposite the Post Office) in Mulwala or Yarrawonga Fish Camp Ski (between Rivers and One Zac).

They are your Murray cod specialists in Yarrawonga/ Mulwala and specialize in all things ‘green’! For any information on the upcoming events or fishing reports give us a hoy on 0357 443 133.

Golden days ahead ALBURY/WODONGA

Connor Heir

November is here, which is probably the most comfortable time of year to fish!

We are well and truly past them cold wintery fronts and blasts, and the taste of summer is on the tips of our tongues. The excitement

the world of difference, as golden perch can be such finicky eaters. Matching the hatch can really help you land more fish.

I’m going to focus on flowing water. Golden perch in different fisheries do act and feed differently, and there definitely is a few things to take on board for the different fisheries. Keep in mind, these tactics I write

Flowing water/eddies Firstly, flowing water and eddies moving into calm deeper pools. A lot of the time golden perch will sit right up the front of pools feeding on food washing down with the current. Where water flows into pools is often the first place where food will run into, so naturally feeding fish will sit up the front waiting to ambush a meal.

Casting into these areas with small sinking blades, small diving hardbodies or soft plastics is usually a good way to find yourself a few fish. Be ready for a good fight too, as often golden perch sitting in the current have the upper hand and will use the current to their advantage!

Sandy banks Secondly is sandy banks.

Many of the golden perch

Murray cod are still an option in Eildon, however they must be left alone during November everywhere else in Victoria.

I pull from flowing water systems come off sandy banks. Theories around this definitely vary, but I like to fish sandy banks simply because generally they’re easy to fish. If you’re new to fishing, this could definitely help. On sandy

Searching impoundments for goldens during November is usually worth the effort. of cod season re-opening is quickly approaching, but in the meantime, springtime golden perch are still the highlight for fishing in November.

In my last report I wrote primarily about lake and impoundment fishing tactics. I focused on what to use, what to look for, techniques and line/leader classes. For November, tactics are very similar, but small details can make

about work for me, and as anglers we all make our own decisions and decide what works best for ourselves, and to do that you must be on the water, and that’s something we can all agree on.

RIVER FISHING Rivers, backwaters or creeks can be very rewarding if fished correctly. The methods involved to finding fish in these waters vary, but here’s a few key things to keep an eye out for.

Hardbodied lures are a great tool for working structure.

banks, I love using vibes and blades. Casting these sinking lures out from the bank, allowing it hit the bottom and either slow rolling or hopping it along the sandy bottom woks well. I believe that stirring the sand up can help interest a fish enough to bite your lure, as this can imitate baitfish feeding on the bottom. Having a rod with plenty of feel will also help you keep in touch with what’s going on at the end of your line. It’s all about feel sometimes, not only for when fish attack, but also for feeling where snags are.

Structure Spindly tree structure and water reeds are great places to find goldens. These types of structures hold plenty of baitfish, shrimp, yabbies and insect life. This is where a hardbody lure will become your best friend, because you will be hitting the structure a lot and a floating lure will help you bounce over the snags, but still be in the goldens’ faces. Choose lures that will dive appropriately to the given depth.

Colour change Patches of water with

colour differentiation can hold good fish. This occurs in so many aspects of fishing, but again, reasons why do vary. But I’m a strong believer that golden perch sit in these areas simply because the dirty water can give a sense of protection, as well as provide a feeding ground.

If a waterway is on the rise, banks become a fish heaven to feed on, because new vegetation is exposed, and often water close to the banks becomes discoloured from mud and clay. If a waterway is too dirty, however, and there is only dirty water with no colour changes, often fishing becomes very, very tough.

PERSIST With all these factors aside, you need to be out there for it to all happen.

Persistence is key, and I know I often state this but it’s the biggest thing with fishing and it’s my absolute biggest tip. Do not give up, it will happen eventually, and the feeling of gaining something you worked for is absolutely worth it! So stay keen, and tight lines!

NOVEMBER 2019

55

Of droughts and flooding rains ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

The first few weeks of spring rolled in and out with a season that wasn’t sure on change. Warm and sunny one day, but cold, wet and windy the next. Slowly the warm sweet smell of spring ushered out the chill as bog-eye lizards and the occasional snake basked in the overdue warmth.

Slowly but surely the water temperature began to climb and the annual bite of golden perch lifted in tempo.

Over the past month most anglers have started to report regular captures of at least one or two fish per session. This bite continued to escalate as shrimp numbers in the river started to climb. In the Murray

River at Swan Hill, anglers have been catching perch to 55cm on bait. Worms, small yabbies and fresh caught river shrimp are all on the menu.

The Little Murray has also produced a few perch on bait, with the biggest reportedly caught stretching the truth mat out to 57cm.

The artificial structure at Lake Boga is proving its worth, with several goodsized perch to 50cm caught on vibe style lures. A couple of Murray cod also muscled in on the action at this location, but were quickly released to await the cod open in December.

The regulator at Kangaroo Lake is running, but the perch have been slow to respond, with just the odd one taking small lures. The bite at this regulator will no doubt fire up as it does every spring as the water continues to warm.

A Murray River forest flooded in the middle of a drought. Why are there no yabbies in the stationary black water?

My last outing to the Murray was at Tol Tol upstream of Robinvale, where several nice perch were caught on a cocktail bait of worm and shrimp. The Murray River at Wemen is also producing a few perch on both bait and small lures.

Kym Sykes from Mildura Outdoor Tackle says perch up to 48cm have been biting on both bait and lures downstream of the Mildura lock in the Murray River.

Small divers, spinnerbaits and soft vibes will all tempt a bite, as will scrubworms, yabbies and river shrimp.

Below the Weir at Wentworth some good perch have been caught on bait. It’s a similar story downstream along the Murray River to Fort Courage where perch continue to bite on both bait and lures. The Frenchmans Creek Regulator is a favourite and productive haunt for both angler and perch alike, but has been a bit hit and miss this past month. Some days anglers are bagging out and the next time out they struggle to turn a reel. I would be heading out on days with high barometric pressure when the perch are more active. All up the perch bite is beginning to roll along the river and will only get better as the weather continues to warm.

Even though the perch bite is improving, it has not been easy in a fluctuating river influenced by environmental flows. You might think in the middle of a drought we would be fishing rivers with minimal flow and good clarity, but this is not the case.

Huge environmental flows are being pushed down the river and sent into the bush to create vast inland oceans of water.

It’s claimed by the MDBA that the Murray and its rivers used to flood every two years, so this environmental flooding is designed to replicate the natural cycle.

I have fished the Murray and many of the lesser rivers for more than 30 years and I do not recall the river flooding every two years as is claimed. When the river did flood it went up and down in a period of several weeks, always moving from its furthest reach out into the bush to back within the banks. Rolling and never still it was the bringer of life and welcomed by all. These new forced environmental flows are not the true definition of flooding as they sit stationary in the bush for months on end. Once the forest is filled it’s left to sit with no flow or movement.

I can’t help but wonder why these stationary floods don’t promote huge explosions of yabbies as a normal flood would bring.

After all, they are meant to replicate a true flood. With a billion crustaceans hidden beneath the forest floor why do they not return through the damp ground and begin to feed in these artificial inland oceans? Could it be the stagnant water leaching off a billion tons of leaf matter is killing them before they have the chance? Many of my favourite yabby lagoons around Robinvale and Wemen no longer produce yabbies

Nev Plant with a couple of good-sized perch landed off the bank at Tol Tol on the Murray River. like they once did, and it has been this way only since the introduction of stationary forest flooding.

There are many questions to be asked on environmental watering. Yes, the forests need water, but is it being delivered in a manner of best interest to all living creatures?

In a little over a decade, cod numbers have been decimated along much of the Murray and yabby booms are a thing of the past. It seems if the rest of the land, farmers and towns are in drought it does not make sense with water so scarce that the

bush is in flood. There is no guarantees we are not staring down the barrel of another dry year. If so, what will we be drinking and washing in?

Where is the common sense behind this science? Wouldn’t that environmental water be better left in our dwindling impoundments should this drought continue? I guess only time will tell, which I am afraid our fishes, farmers and many communities are fast running out of. I think the truth on common sense is that it’s really not that common anymore.

Still hoping for some rainfall BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

I am by nature an optimist.

I still believe there is very good potential for a great season of fishing ahead, but unfortunately we are running out of time.

Spring has brought with it increasing temperatures that will eventually help fire the fish up. Unfortunately the warmer weather is quickly starting to dry out the water catchments.

Last month the Coliban catchment, which consists of the Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury reservoirs, is at a combined total of 95% of capacity.

We still need a couple of significant rainfall events before they reach maximum capacity, and Lake Eppalock receives some good inflows.

LAKE EPPALOCK Water levels in Lake Eppalock have started to 56

NOVEMBER 2019

drop due to the amount of water being released from the lake. This is concerning, considering the lake has only had a minimal increase in water levels during winter and the start of spring. With the good water levels in the Coliban catchment, there is still a good chance we may see some good inflows running into Lake Eppalock, but time is running out. We need some significant rainfall over the next six weeks if the lake fishing is going to reach its full potential.

We are now starting to see a slow improvement in the productivity in the fishing.

Redfin are still making up the majority of anglers’ captures.

The majority of redfin has still been caught in deep water, with the depth range greater than 10m being the most productive. Casting and retrieving soft plastics along the bottom has been the most productive technique for the redfin.

In another couple of weeks when the water temperatures

increase even more, and then trolling deep diving hardbody lures will be a better option.

The numbers of golden being caught is currently low.

The majority of the golden perch are currently being caught around standing timber.

If the lake does receive some good inflows and there is a good increase in water levels, then more fish will move into shallower water and start forage feeding around the shallower banks of the lake.

CAMPASPE RIVER Catch rates have improved in the Campaspe River over the past few weeks. This trend should continue, and by the end of this month the productivity in the fishing should be very good. Water clarity is currently good in the majority of the Campaspe River. The water clarity can change quickly at this time of the year after any significant rainfall events.

Golden perch are making up the majority of anglers’ captures. The most productive style of lures has been lipless crankbaits, and the silent

versions have been the best options seem to be the way to go. As the water temperatures continue to increase, the productivity of the lipless crankbaits with rattles will also improve. Other good lure options for the golden perch have been suspending hardbody lures and small profile spinnerbaits.

CAIRN CURRAN Water levels have continued to slowly increase at Cairn Curran. This is encouraging, but a lot more rain is needed if this waterway is going to reach near capacity.

Water clarity is still poor, but the productivity in the fishing has slowly improved over recent weeks.

The occasional angler has located a good school of redfin, with some quality fish over 1kg being landed. The best baits have been very small yabbies and worms. The most productive lure options for the redfin have been soft plastics.

There are now a few reports of golden perch being caught, and the majority of

This small golden perch was caught on a brightly-coloured hardbody lure. these have been caught by anglers bait fishing around the edges of standing timber. We should start to see an increase in the productivity in the lure fishing for the golden perch in the next few weeks.

With the poor water clarity I recommend to use bright fluoro colours such as chartreuse, pink, and orange.

Dark silhouette colours such as black and purple are also good options.

LODDON RIVER The water clarity has been poor in the Loddon River recently. With this poor

water clarity the number of anglers fishing has been low. It is very difficult to predict what is going to happen in this system in the short term. If we receive minimal rainfall, the water clarity will settle and by the end of the month the productivity in the fishing should be very good. If we receive some significant rainfall, water clarity will stay poor in the short term, but again when the water clarity improves the productivity in the fishing should be very good.

Turning hatches into catches WST/STH GIPPSLAND

Steve Haughton steve@habitatcreations.com.au

Freshwater fishing starts to heat up in West and South Gippsland in November, as the longer warmer daytime air starts a chain reaction. Insects begin to emerge, exciting feeding stream trout, lake bass and freshwater anglers alike. Rivers and streams are flowing well, with some good late winter and early spring rainfall. Combined with a great snow season

for Mt Baw Baw, the streams will continue to flow well into early summer.

Blue Rock Lake is inching towards capacity too.

With snowmelt and any late spring downpours of rain, fishing the streams with strong flows can be challenging when using lures, baits and beaded nymphs.

After a good spring rainfall, the stronger flows might be brief, but this is the best time to get amongst the action. A lot of food will travel through the system, so trout will be actively feeding. In order to catch a trout in stronger

flows, you’ll have to think like a trout.

Stream trout prefer to position themselves out of strong current to conserve energy. They’ll sit right outside the flow in an eddy, backwater or at the end of rapids where the flow peters out, allowing food to go to the trout rather than the trout going to the food. In fast water, trout can also be found behind large rocks or fallen logs blocking the stream flow, which gives them protection.

During floods or very high flow events, stream trout will often be found tucked up

Rusty with his mum Diane recently enjoyed an evening out on Blue Rock Lake and did well to land this 38cm bass.

against a bank cutting where there are reverse currents.

Spotting trout is difficult after a system flush out, so it’s a matter of understanding trout feeding behaviour.

Knowing where the fish are hiding allows you to approach the feeding zones reducing the risk of spooking them.

Casting a lure, unweighted bait or beaded nymph and letting the strong flows push the lure into the backwater allows you to naturally enter the strike zone. Retrieve the lure slowly to give it enough action to entice a trout out of its comfort zone.

Bass and trout have been the primary target species over spring at Blue Rock.

Trout have been picked up trolling or flicking lures from the bank. Bass have been mostly picked on bait in the last month, but surface action heats up this month as the water temperature increases.

Bait balls of fish and shrimp along with hatching insects will start to see bass coming up to the surface to feed.

Bass will be best targeted using soft plastic lures or small crankbait lures cast at the banks in amongst the snags. Gently roll the lure back to the boat or kayak.

Being an aggressive feeder, bass will typically strike at the first cast if they are hiding up where you cast. If there’s no

Rusty was very pleased with his 44cm trout taken while in the boat at Blue Rock. action, simply keep moving on until you find them. If you know the fish are there but they’re not biting, change lure pattern or type.

Keep some surface lures in the tackle box just in case you’re out when there’s a hatching of white ants or other insects. Poppers, walkers, cicadas, bent minnow styles and stickbaits are all good options and you should at least have one of each kind in the tackle box for that moment you find yourself in the middle of hatch.

Land-based anglers will

get involved in the bass action over November. Much of the western shoreline near both boat ramps is accessible by foot. While the western shoreline has little structure in the water, bass do frequent these open banks to round up redfin and shrimp, especially now that vegetation is inundated as the lake levels have been rising.

Feel free to send me a report or photo, particularly if you have any success stories from the start of the trout season and please email me any questions. Happy fishing!

Season stabilises despite the slow start SNOWY MOUNTAINS

Anthony Bentley

Finally we are into some warmer weather. The rivers have been open for fishing for a few weeks now and despite the slow start to the river season with high flows and erratic weather conditions, things have started to stabilise.

The rivers in the area are starting to produce quite well

with fish eating off the surface.

Mayflies and caddis flies are the order of the day, with Elk hair caddis and wulff patterns working very well. The warmer days after a rainfall have been producing some great fishing opportunities.

The Thredbo has been fishing well above the ski tube, right up to the village. The slower days can produce fish with a dry and dropper rig, and nymphing the deeper water with some heavier flies swung

under the bank can bring those trickier fish out to play.

The Mowambah River has been fishing a little slower this season, but with some time and patience there are a few good fishing to be had. The Mowambah is best fished in the earlier part of the day with the better fishing just before dusk. Smaller mayfly and emerger patterns are working well. Taking your time and stalking carefully will be the difference between catching

and getting skunked!

The lakes have been a bit of a hit-and-miss exercise at the moment. The calm sunny days have been good for polaroiding the edges with a few larger browns seen cruising the shoreline.

A carefully presented unweighted nymph has been the undoing of these big predators. The warm evenings and night have been the best time to fish the lakes from the edges.

Woolly buggers and streamer patterns slowly drawn across

the bottom have been deadly.

Tassie Devils (particularly the rowleys riot) and larger streamer flies (big black woolly buggers and Jindy buggers) have been the pick for the lake fishers.

The lower snow river below the dam wall has been fishing exceptionally well with both dry flies and nymphs. Lure fishers are also having moderate success at this location. This is a great section to fish despite it being a bit difficult to access.

The upper Snowy from

Guthega to Island Bend is also fishing well with smaller dries and celtas providing the goods.

Hopefully the dry outlook of the following months will not come to fruition and we get some solid rainfall to keep the rivers and streams alive and kicking.

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Temperature and excitement are building have caught redfin at Lake Sambell and Lake Kerford in Beechworth during November heaps of times.

In fact, I would consider November to be one of the best months to fish these lakes for redfin.

A metallic bladed spinner or a brightlycoloured soft plastic will work well in both lakes, with Lake Sambell offering

WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

November is an exciting time of the year to go fishing in North East Victoria.

Excitement is building during the lead up to the Murray cod season in December, and there are some great fishing options around for most other species of fish in the region.

TROUT Spring rainfall will often determine where the best spots to fish for trout are during November.

On the whole, most trout streams across North East Victoria are worth fishing for trout during the last month of spring, with the lower lying streams flowing through rural areas

A magnificent brown trout caught in the King Valley on a Strike Tiger nymph in black and gold colour towards the end of September.

November is a great month to catch yabbies. Take the kids yabbying, as they will have the time of their lives! often best fished early in the month before the weather warms up.

Often as the weather

starts to warm up, the trout will push further upstream in search of cooler water, so if we get any early heat

Round 6

Lake Eildon

waves in November, I suggest you head high up into the headwaters looking for trout.

The larger rivers such as the Ovens, Kiewa, Buffalo and Buckland will all have a decent flow of water, so too will the King River upstream of Lake William Hovell.

Metallic bladed spinners usually work well at this time of the year, such as a gold Super Vibrax or even a trusty old Celta.

Small minnows are also worth a try, as are soft plastics, which work well at any time of the year.

With soft plastics, I like a dark colour. The Strike Tiger nymph in black and gold colour is my all time favourite and works well pretty much any time of the year, including November.

Keep your eyes out for grasshoppers. If we start to see a few grasshoppers getting around, then it is just about guaranteed that the trout will start feeding on them. Live grasshoppers make amazing bait, and grasshopper pattern flies are very effective.

REDFIN Redfin are a very interesting species. In some lakes springtime is a great time to catch them and in

The trout season has started well across North East Victoria. This lovely brown trout was caught on worms after some spring rainfall put a flush of freshwater into the creeks.

November is a great month to target yellowbelly.

This one was caught in Lake Moodemere in September. Moodemere has been stocked in recent years with yellowbelly, however it is yet to turn into a yellowbelly hot spot. other lakes autumn is best.

Lake William Hovell and Lake Buffalo both tend to be very slow on the redfin front during the spring months, including November.

While I have caught redfin in Lake William Hovell in November, I would never regard my limited catches as ‘good fishing’.

On the other hand, I

the potential to hook onto a decent yellowbelly as a by-catch.

YELLOWBELLY November is possibly the best month of the year to catch yellowbelly in North East Victoria, with Lakes Hume and Eildon both being the go-to places for the big trophy yellowbelly.

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my favourite yellowbelly fishing spot. This smaller, dirty water lake has an abundance of modest-sized yellowbelly at the perfect size for the plate. Lake Nillahcootie is not a great place to go to if you want to hook into huge fat trophy yellowbelly though.

If you are lure fishing, lipless crankbaits are possibly the most respected

A very well-coloured small rainbow trout caught early this season. Juvenile rainbow trout are one of the prettiest fish you are likely to see.

type of lures on the market when targeting yellowbelly.

They’re small, they vibrate and yellowbelly love them.

Other lures to use for yellowbelly are mediumsized spinnerbaits such as the Bassman Yellaman series and medium-sized diving lures such as Number 2 StumpJumpers.

Bait fishers should try small yabbies, live shrimp and worms. I have caught a lot of yellowbelly at Lake Nillahcootie on small yabbies in the past, and lowering them down beside the boat or kayak and simply bobbing them up and down off the bottom is a great technique.

OTHER SPECIES Remember that the Murray cod season is still closed, and it is illegal to target Murray cod, even if you have the best intentions to release them.

November is a great month to catch carp. While they may be a pest species to many, there is a growing number of people who really enjoy catching them, myself included.

Lake Moodemere is one of my favourite carp fishing locations, however just about every permanent waterway away from the mountains in North East Victoria has carp in it that are always willing to take a bait of worms, corn or even bread.

And who could forget yabbies? I love yabbying, and November is a great month to do it. The yabbies are usually on the chew in November and provide hours of fun for kids and families alike, and if you catch enough for a feed they taste absolutely amazing!

Trophy cod on offer at Eildon EILDON

Peter Burtchell

As the water temperatures and lake visitor numbers rose in late September and October, great catches of all resident species were reported from the lake front and surrounding rivers. Larger Murray cod were active around their favourite banks, holes and structures, with keen fishers regularly catching meter-plus trophy catches.

The annual Victorian Fisheries Authority broodstock release was once again the focus for the opening of the trout season, creating traffic jams midstream as successful

Dave from Canada will have some great stories to take home from Eildon, including this impressive catch from the deck.

Lake have had plenty of fishing options with the public fishing events over the last month.

Without a Murray cod closed season, November is one of the best times to target trophy size fish.

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality.

Dylan Ivancic caught a brown trout trolling the Eildon wall. anglers catch fishers. almost

had to haul their past competing The wall of legs prevented trout

very active since October, with many reports of earlier than normal catches.

Visitors to Lake Eildon

James Sefton wandered over to Wilsons Inlet to catch and release this fine Murray cod. from swimming upstream, as eager fishers stuck out the cold weather to bag one of these stonkers, as they are locally known.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes stated, “The stonker stocking and Goulburn Fishing Festival are major drawcards for fishers to Eildon, boosting the local economy and teaching the next generation of fisher how to wet a line.”

She continued to express that Target One Million has been improving recreational fishing in Victoria with job creation, the support of local businesses and encouraging families to get outdoors.

Yellowbelly have been

Victorian Fishing Authority released 7 tonnes of brood trout with the assistance of Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Regional Development.

Mitch Bennett caught redfin, brown trout and Murray cod on his day off.

November 16-17 sees out the last of the competitions with the Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series Grand Final.

Held at the Jerusalem Creek Marina and Holiday Park, the event has a tinny to the value of $25,000 up for grabs to the lucky raffle ticket holder. It’s an event not to be missed, with all tickets $30.

Getting one into your landing net will definitely test out your gear.

• If you’re after unique fishing thrills, Murray cod bait fishing tours of the lake on a 454 Big Block Air Boat will be starting in November.

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John Moncrife landed this 57cm yella with his Daiwa Double Clutch.

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59

The wait for cod is almost over SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

The countdown to cod season is on! November is the month yellowbelly fishing is at its peak, but most anglers still keep one eye on their cod opening plans.

The yellowbelly fishing has been quiet in the rivers leading into October, which may be due to very minimal rain and natural flows. At the time of writing, the Goulburn was flowing hard and high.

The environmental flows are making fishing on the Goulburn very difficult, as the water height makes it hard to target fish.

There has been the odd report of yellowbelly caught out near Raftery Road on bait in the pockets of still water in behind larger snags and bank cut outs.

Hopefully the river will settle down and clean up so we can get some last minute yellowbelly fishing in. With the water temperatures on the rise, bait will be a lot easier to source with shrimp and yabbies much easier to catch now.

The Broken River has also been quiet due to very limited flows but the fishing has been best at the Goulburn-Broken junction.

Plenty of fish have been taking smaller spinnerbaits or fresh shrimp and worms.

This area might be fishing well due to the Goulburn flowing so hard and pushing freshwater into the mouth of the junction.

Like most months, if we get some rain make sure you head out to the weirs towards Dookie and Benalla, as those areas will hold good numbers of natives trying to make their way up against the flow.

SHEPPARTON LAKE Fishing the lake is a lucky dip at the moment, with so many species coming onto the bite.

Reports of redfin, trout, yellowbelly and silver perch have all been caught on bait. The lake is heavily stocked and if you can find a pocket without heavy weed, you’ll have a huge chance to land some fish.

In November, the lake hosts the Shepparton triathlon and the council normally gets the dredging boat in to clear out a channel for the swimmers.

Once all the commotion is gone, fishing this channel edge can be dynamite.

Trolling or casting your lures right on the edge is the best method.

If the weed is still an issue, switch to weedless jigheads for plastics or turn your trebles into doubles by cutting off the bottom hook of your treble. This will allow the lure to be a lot more weed resistant and keep your lure in the strike zone for longer.

KIALLA LAKES It’s prime time for Kialla Lakes, with yellowbelly well and truly on the bite – and that’s even without good rains to fire the fish up! The size of fish hasn’t been great, around the 20-25cm mark, but the numbers being caught have made for some great sessions on the water.

Two or three fish in an hour period has not been uncommon and catching them on light gear can be a ball.

Casting small hardbodies or vibes has been a successful technique. More locals have been targeting yellowbelly with loud rattling type lures for years now. Small

suspending lures around the 65-75mm mark are the perfect size for the edges, with plenty of pauses in the retrieve working well.

Blades are a good searching lure to cover a lot of water to find some active fish. Slow rolling the blades with a 3-5 second pause can be a deadly technique, with yellowbelly usually sucking the blade up off the bottom on the pause.

Bait fishing with worms or shrimp around the trees or right on the drop-off has been the best way to target yellowbelly in previous years, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be productive this November.

LOCAL CHANNELS The doomsday fishers who were spooked when Fisheries relocated hundreds of natives out of the system have been proved wrong about there being no decent fish left for us to target. The start of spring wasn’t as productive as past springs but in the late September early October period, yellowbelly have come on the chew in great numbers.

Casting lipless crankbaits rigged with

Tom Hanning scored this yellowbelly from a local channel.

To page 61

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Hit the water at Nagambie NAGAMBIE

Sunny Martins

Golden perch are on the chew and from now onwards is the time to be chasing yellas. Things are truly warming up now so grab the light outfits, tie on small lures and rig up some shrimp and worms!

MAJORS CREEK The fishing is heating up in Majors Creek this month as water temperatures are starting to nudge the 16-18°C mark in the creek. With plenty of food around, the fish have become noticeably active.

The most popular technique for targeting fish in this system is definitely bait and quite a few carp have been caught on worms rigged under a float. The odd golden perch has also been caught, predominantly on freshly-caught shrimp rigged together with a couple of worms.

For kayakers looking for new areas with tight skinny water and lots of structure to fish, Majors Creek is highly recommended.

MITCHELLSTOWN Mitchellstown’s fishing has suffered significantly from the environmental flows, dropping temperatures and increasing water turbidity. Most spots From page 60

beetle spins below drop bars has been the go-to method for spring yellowbelly. I would expect this to stay the case until the real hot periods around January and February when yellas seem to quieten off.

There have been plenty of snake sightings around the drop bars so make sure you take care when fishing the channels. With less water

in the area have rising water temperatures but the river around Mitchellstown is lagging behind a bit, with temperatures still sitting around 14-16°C and some days as low as 12-14°C. This hasn’t stopped keen anglers from hitting their favourite spots around the river. Golden perch are still getting caught in spite of the unfavourable water conditions, but it’s been a grind.

Slow rolling spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits under the willows and up tight against the base of trees has proven effective against still sluggish golden perch. The lilypads are always worth a cast, as golden perch love sitting under them on warm sunny days waiting for their next snack to swim by.

NAGAMBIE LAKE As people fishing the areas around the main lake

would know, this part of the system cops the most boat traffic and landbased fishing pressure out of anywhere else in the area. However, this hasn’t slowed the fishing down.

Redfin have been caught along the boardwalk right in the middle of town on small hardbodies like no.

3 StumpJumpers and small spinners like Rooster Tails and Celtas. A few carp have been getting around the

Local angler Liam Lucas landed a solid Mitchellstown golden.

This chunky 50cm golden perch was caught on a lipless crankbait. around, snakes seem to be spending a lot more time near anglers’ favourite fishing spots.

WARANGA BASIN Low levels can make it a bit difficult so it’s exciting to see the water up that high.

With the rise in water, fish have pushed in shallow on the newly submerged grass banks in search for a feed and the warmer water. Some anglers have cast small spinners off the

around Kirwans Bridge have really been on fire this month. The increase in water temperature has really turned on the fishing.

Some cracking golden perch and redfin have been caught in and around Kirwans, with multiple captures of goldens in a day

the river has proven to be an incredibly effective method of targeting golden perch too.

Redfin have returned to Nagambie this year. With catch rates being so low last season, it has been a delight to see numerous reddies getting caught again.

boat ramp and landed a half dozen small redfin within a 20-minute period.

Around 8-10ft has been the best depth for trolling, with the odd zigzag in the run to keep changing depths until you find the fish. Casting in around 6ft off points shallow and deep has covered a lot of different water depths. The size of fish has still not been great, but there is the odd 30cm+ redfin in amongst the smaller fish.

A nice pair of fat spring redfin caught on lipless crankbaits.

The boat ramp in Shepparton on the Goulburn River is about 1m under water at the moment. The water is usually on the edge of the first set of bridge pylons.

main lake area, with a 71cm monster caught right near the rowing club boat ramp.

There have been reports of a few small golden perch caught around the rowing club on bait too.

The most popular baits have been freshly-caught shrimp and scrubworms.

KIRWANS BRIDGE On days with the right conditions, the spots

not uncommon. The water temperatures to look for are anything above 16°C. Most fish have been caught on lipless crankbaits anywhere from 50-70mm in size, with dark colours working the best. Decent yellas have also been caught on the troll using no. 2 purple and black StumpJumpers.

Dropping live shrimp down the side of stumps lining

Anything ranging from 30cm right up to low 40cm hasn’t been an uncommon sight this month. Small lipless crankbaits have done the trick, with small Jackall TN50s and TN60s working particularly well. Most redfin have been caught along the edge of shallow weed beds and along the banks anywhere trees overhang the water.

NOVEMBER 2019

61

Precious rain keeps trickling in CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

Lake Elingamite is still fishing well for some and the water level slowly continues to rise. Trout (mostly browns) and redfin are being caught by those who troll or cast minnow lures

As it still continues to rain the lake will continue to rise.

I as well as others try not to whinge about the inclement, wet weather, as we all know only too well that many others are in drought.

I have to make mention of the deplorable state of the Lake Bullen Merri double lane concrete boat ramp. For

wind and wave action on the bottom edge over time, causing subsidence under the edge of the slab.

The appropriate state government bodies have been made aware of this and apparently it is earmarked to be repaired, again, but no one knows when.

This is a trophy salmonoid lake that is used by many boaters and as the finer weather is almost upon us, this current state of affairs is just deplorable.

Many anglers visit this lake from afar and on a regular basis. Many spend in town on food, fuel, bait and

tackle. Just how much money is our local community missing out on?

The more of us anglers who make the minister fishing and boating Jaala Pulford aware of our concerns, the quicker this debacle can be rectified.

I urge those who fish and have fished here in the past to spend a few minutes to make your voice heard and hopefully something can be done in the very near future so we can get back on the water.

Please be nice, not rude, but get to the point. If we keep this up then something has to be done, you would

A boater with a repositioned bimini roof trying to deflect the wind on Elingamite. as well as the odd boater who prefers static fishing with bait such as worm or mudeye under a float.

The water level is well over 50cm at the ramp, meaning most trailer boats can launch and get out with the outboard in shallow drive.

those not in the know, the bottom edge of the concrete has basically disintegrated to the point where it is not only dangerous, but also near impossible to launch and retrieve boats. The general consensus by most is that the damage was caused by

The appalling state of the concrete ramp at Bullen Merri.

Shane Stevens from Ballarat with a solid brown from Elingamite taken on a Bent Minnow. think. So please spend a few minutes and send the minister a message. The Minister for Fishing and Boating, The Hon. Jaala Pulford, MLC, can be contacted at jaala.pulford@ parliament.vic.gov.au.

Besides that there has been a few rainbows and Chinooks coming out of the lake, although mostly on the small side, but at least they are on the chew. Most have been taken from the bank on bait such as local minnow and gudgeon netted in the lake, as well as scrubworm and mudeye if you can source them. Suspended under a float or on the bottom are the best

ways to fish them. A few have been taken on soft plastics by a minority.

Lake Purrumbete has been on and off for mainly browns and Chinooks, with many fish weighing in at just below or just over 1kg, but in saying that the odd brown has come in at well over 2kg.

The fish are certainly there in good numbers, but they are not easy to entice into taking the bait. Casting and trolling a wide variety of lures is a good way to find them.

A few redfin have also been taken, with the majority caught on lures close to the bankside weed beds.

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Mayfly season has settled in BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

There’s certainly a spring in anglers’ steps around the Central Highlands region of Victoria. The weather is warming up, insects are starting to hatch and trout

very quickly given the amount of minnows in the lake. Brian Rivett ventured down to Bolac and landed some lovely rainbow trout fishing with PowerBait on a running sinker rig.

Mayfly time has arrived around the Ballarat lakes.

Fly fishers from all over the

around 11am-4pm during the day, with overcast sultry days being the best days for dun hatches.

In order to match the hatch during the different mayfly stages, start off with a couple of small brown nymphs, which can be fished all the way through

James Taylor was thrilled to score this Wendouree brown trout on a Stick Caddis fly pattern. Photo courtesy of James Taylor. are feeding with gusto – what better time of year is there to head out and try to catch a trout in our local waters?

Lake Bolac has been back on the radar after a very wet winter, as the lake is nearly full once again.

Victorian Fishing Authority has stocked the lake with yearling rainbow trout and boy, are they hungry!

Fish are definitely in feeding mode in their new surroundings, chomping down on everything that comes in their path including PowerBait, salted

state will head towards our region to fish for the mayfly feeders. The local waters that have mayfly hatches are Lake Wendouree, Hepburn Lagoon, Newlyn Reservoir, Dean Reservoir and Moorabool.

The mayfly hatches start when water temperatures rise above 12°C. Trout can take a little while to start to feed on mayfly, otherwise known as duns. Initially, trout will feed on them subsurface or mid-water as they wriggle through the water column on their way to the surface to hatch. As

in very calm conditions, I fish a single Barry Lodge Emerger. It’s all about trying something different if trout are not eating your flies. As well as local waters, I have found this applies when I’m fishing the Central Highlands of Tasmania as well.

The first sign of a hatch is when the birds start to swoop over the water’s surface late October early November. Seagulls, terns and swallows love to eat mayflies, as do trout. Over the past few years, I have found the birds can keep trout down so they don’t feed on mayflies off the surface, especially on Wendouree.

Wendouree appears to attract thousands of birds during spring in Ballarat, so maybe they know when the hatch has started. Lake Wendouree can be fished from a boat or the shore during mayfly hatches. A few fly anglers fish from many of the pontoons or jetties that are around the lake, but keeping away from areas that have a large concentration of birds is the most important factor.

Reports have been a

Ben Young caught a solid Wendouree brown trout while casting a Bent Minnow surface lure.

Photo courtesy of Wayne Rigg.

little patchy over the past month from Wendouree.

There have been quite a few newly released rainbow trout caught by trolling lures in the main rowing channel.

A few bigger browns have also been caught casting lures out of drifting boats.

This will all change when the water warms up a bit – mudeyes will start to hatch and it will be game on.

Moorabool Reservoir has seen a bit of action, with fish feeding on midge off the surface. In the early morning and evening, some

Left to Right from top: Barry Lodge Emerger, Shaving Brush, brown nymph, Possum Emerger. These mayfly patterns are ready for trout feeding on mayfly in the local waters.

anglers have been catching quality browns up to 55cm on mudeyes suspended under floats. The water level is still rising, meaning fish will continue to feed in the shallows on flooded out grubs and worms.

An unweighted bunch of worms would be deadly bait out there at the moment.

Hepburn Lagoon and Newlyn Reservoir are both still full and overflowing.

Trout have been foraging in the shallows on evening and first light, and a bunch of worms or a mudeye suspended under a float will work well over the next month.

I fished Tullaroop Reservoir a few weeks ago and the water is right up over new ground. I didn’t manage to catch any fish but I had a couple of small trout follow my lures in. Over the next month, Tullaroop should produce some awesome fishing, especially when the fish are feeding on midge in the evening and early morning. Anglers who like to fish mudeyes should definitely keep Tullaroop on their radar when deciding where to go on their next outing.

Colby Lesko nailed this magnificent brown trout while fishing Moorabool Reservoir. Photo courtesy of Colby Lesko. white/bluebait, worms and local minnows.

Last month, there were a few different sizes of fish in Bolac, ranging from just over 500g to 2.5kg.

Trout in Bolac will grow 64

NOVEMBER 2019

mayfly hatch on the surface, trout will feed on them, and after they have hatched they will then fly off the water, hatching into spinners at the end of the hatch. This generally happens from

the hatch. I then like to change to a Shaving Brush with a brown nymph on a dropper underneath or a Shaving Brush and a Possum Emerger. If I get some refusals, especially

Brian Rivett landed this lovely Lake Bolac Rainbow trout while using PowerBait.

Talk Wild Trout

2019

Come along to our fifth conference about wild trout in Victoria.

It’s free and a great chance to improve your trout knowledge and fishing success.

Conference topics include:

• Keynote speaker Hilary Hutcheson who is a Montana trout guide, fly shop owner, journalist and film maker, will talk about her family’s passion for wild trout fishing and how North America is recognising all the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors with the people you love.

• Status of wild trout in Victoria – survey results in streams • Greg French on the value of wild trout fisheries • Health cards for our best wild trout streams • Anglers improving fish habitat • Off the beaten track; exploring new waters, Martin Auldist • Progress report on incubator stocking trials (3 rivers) • The fun of wild trout, Robbie Alexander We’ll also outline how the State Government is investing $35 million into phase two of the Target One Million plan to grow participation and get more people fishing, more often, in more places.

A panel discussion will encourage questions from the audience.

When:

Saturday 23 November 2019, from 9.30am until 4pm

Where:

Mansfield Performing Arts Centre, View Street

Registration:

To reserve a free seat visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/talktrout Registering helps us plan seating and catering, which includes free lunch and refreshments.

Seats are limited so register early!

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

NOVEMBER 2019

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WHAT’S What’s NEW NeW FISHING FIshING Storm BiScay minnow and Shad 1 Designed with long casting and fast winding in mind, but still at home fished slowly in shallow and deepwater situations, the 360GT Coastal Biscay Minnow features a slim, supple body rigged to a tapered jighead with a fixed hook. An additional chin eyelet gives the option of adding an assist hook or blade. The weighted head and body combination allow you to cast further and fish deeper, and the paddle-tail kicks with lifelike action and incredible vibration, even at slow speeds.

The Storm 360GT Biscay Shad swims with a particularly realistic action compared to most other baits. The super supple body is fixed to the head by a free-swinging screw and VMC hook that rest perfectly hidden within the soft body’s weedless channel system. When attacked, the body collapses and the large hook gape is exposed for a clean hook-up.

Every 360GT Coastal Biscay is extremely visually detailed with each body perfectly matched to its own jighead with a heavyduty VMC hook. Bodies are also sold separately. www.stormfishing.com.au

daiwa tierra Lt

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The Daiwa Tierra has a long history of delivering class-leading performance at a great price, and the latest version, the Tierra LT, is no exception.

An alloy body is where it all starts, with its rigid construction unyielding in the heat of battle. Highly resistant to corrosion and flexing, the alloy body is the foundation of the Tierra LT and its dominance as an ultimate saltwater reel.

The Tierra LT boasts many innovative, performance-enhancing features, including new LT Concept, Tough Digigear, and a new Long Cast ABS spool. The Tierra LT is also gifted with a host of Daiwa’s tried and true technologies, including Air Rotor, ATD drag, CRBB bearings, EVA Knob, and Wire Bail.

With striking blue livery, the Tierra LT excels whether you’re drifting baits for whiting or hopping plastics for snapper.

It’s available in six deep spool sizes from 2000D to 6000D, and you can find out more at Daiwa Australia’s new website. www.daiwafishing.com.au

Lumica Puni ika Squid

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Lumica Japan has released two new soft plastic squid: the 90mm Puni Ika Squid X-Wing and the 65mm Lumica Puni Ika Squid Wave. Both are built to hold a light, to provide maximum attraction.

These realistic new squid imitations have been designed, developed and made in Japan. They feature an ultra-tough 10X material that is strong and stretchy. The Squid’s tantalising action is irresistible to any predatory fish that feeds on squid, cuttlefish or octopus, and the supple plastic is scent impregnated.

A rigging slot makes rigging a breeze, whether you’re using a standard jighead, hidden weight or worm hook.

The final key feature is a second slot that allows the angler to insert a Kemihotaru 25mm light inside the body to allow it to glow for added attraction.

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PRODUCT Product GUIDE Guide

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The Puni Ika Squid X-Wing and Puni Ika Squid Wave are available now in packs of three. www.jurofishing.com

BLack magic gift Pack

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1

Black Magic’s gift pack range has always offered anglers a well-chosen selection of quality tackle for their specific style of fishing but equally, they provide excellent value for money.

Now the range has a new entrant: the Freshwater Gift Pack. As the name suggests, this pack targets the freshwater fisheries around Australia, but the tackle is also suited to most estuaries. Included in the pack are some of Black Magic’s tried-and-true favourite lures like the BMax bibbed lures, the Spinsect and the Enticer. Also included are their latest spinning lures – the Spinmax and the Rattle Snack. Top this off there’s a Black Magic beanie and some Deception leader, giving you the perfect range of freshwater gear to get you started. www.blackmagictackle.com

daiwa J-thread nyLon

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J-Thread Nylon is Daiwa’s newest addition to the J-Thread family of premium Japanese fishing line. Like all J-Family products, J-Thread Nylon is made in Japan from the finest raw materials to deliver a monofilament line that is extremely supple, with outstanding shock resistance and knot strength.

J-Thread Nylon has been designed for the Australian market, where the use of straightthrough nylon monofilament line is still popular, especially along the coasts where beach fishing is prominent. J-Thread Nylon is clear in colour, and comes parallel spooled to further reduce memory, aiding in long smooth casting and tangle free use.

Daiwa J-Thread Nylon is available in 6lb through to 40lb line weights in 300m spools, and 50lb in a 250m spool.

Price: SRP $19.99-$24.99 www.daiwafishing.com.au

aLvey orBiter SPinning reeL

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Alvey side cast reels have been manufactured for 100 years to best practice standards, and they are still as tough and durable as they ever have been.

For the last two years Alvey has been running an R&D program to expand its range of products, spending over $1 million to ensure it continues to produce the very best tackle. To this end, Alvey has launched the Orbiter range of spinning reels. There are four models, SR60, SR80, SR100 and the SR200, and they have the kind of durability we’ve come to expect from Alvey.

The reels are a dream to use with 9+1 stainless steel ball bearings, 5.8:1 ratio and excellent line capacity. The drag strength is incredible, and the large handle knob makes commanding the fish a breeze.

Of course, the legendary side casts are still king of the beach, but these reels are set to become king of the estuaries, flats, bays and reefs! They are a must for Alvey brand lovers and spinning reel enthusiasts. Orbiter reels can be pre-ordered at Alvey authorised retailers or on www.alvey.com.au, and will be in store from December 2019.

Price: SRP $199-$289 www.alvey.com.au

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

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Scan the QR code!

PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BLUEWATER SINKING 7 STICKBAITS 7

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The new Floating and Sinking stickbaits from the popular Bluewater stable are built tough to take on the most ferocious predators when targeting bluewater species, including giant trevally, tuna, tarpon and more.

The Sinking Stickbait weighs in at 98g, which is ideal to cast or troll for pelagics.

Like the Floating Stickbait, this lure is hand crafted using a super clear hand-poured resin, and features a heavy-duty wirethrough construction to withstand attacks from the hardest-hitting brutes of the ocean.

You can find more information on the range at the JM Gillies website, or for the latest news, catch photos and competitions, check them out on Facebook (facebook.com/jm.gillies) or follow them on Instagram (@jm.gillies). www.jmgillies.com.au

RAPALA RIPSTOP DEEP

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The new Rapala RipStop Deep tail design creates a fast ripping, hard stopping, flashing swimbait action.

The RipStop Deep’s forward motion stops on a dime, with a subtle shimmy before coming to a rest. Then it ever-soslightly lifts its head with a super slow rise.

You just cast and wind, wind and stop, twitch, rip and suspend.

The Rapala RipStop Deep is currently available in 10 colours, weighs 15g and has a swimming depth from 1.2m to 2.4m.

It is the ultimate bait for a range of species and fishing scenarios, from large flathead on the flats to barramundi deep in cover, and it’s available now in all good tackle stores. For more information check out the Rapala Australia website or Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rapala. australia. www.rapala.com.au

SHIMANO SPEEDMASTER LD II 9

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Compact lever drag overheads with dual gears and castability — the new Shimano SpeedMaster Lever Drag II are multi-purpose reels that will slot right in to a number of offshore fishing scenarios.

There are two sizes to choose from — a 12 and a 16 — and both feature Hagane gearing in two speed ratios (5.7:1 dropping down to 3.1:1), with the lower gear being handy when you have to bust a fish out of a deep-sounding mindset. Line capacities are 350m and 440m of 10kg nylon respectively, which increases dramatically if you spool up with fine diameter braid.

Being a lever drag, they are also versatile enough to fish a variety of line classes and drag settings, with a maximum drag power of 18kg, which is a lot for a little reel.

The single piece Hagane Body means the stresses and strains associated with higher drag settings keeps all internals in perfect alignment and meshing smoothly, assisted by the presence of four SA-RB bearings.

The SpeedMaster’s S Concept Design is reminiscent of Shimano’s Talicas, and increased corrosion resistance will have them looking good for years to come. And on top of all this the new SpeedMasters are also highly castable, which is excellent versatility for a lever drag overhead.

Price: SRP $399.95-$419.95 www.shimanofish.com.au

HALCO SLIDOG 125

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ZMAN 2.75” TRD BUGZ

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VENOM OCEAN GLADIATOR

12

The new Slidog 125 joins Halco’s stickbait pack just under the Slidog 150, and is sure to bark just as loud!

Featuring the same highly versatile action that attracts beasts from the deep, the 125 is packed into a compact body profile that will be applicable in countless shallow and midwater situations.

The lure is in its element being belted out over bubbling bait schools to entice pelagics at pace, and is just as deadly being slowly twitched amongst shallow bommies, terrorizing territorial coral trout and spangled emperor populations.

Featuring the ever-reliable 1/0 Mustad trebles and Halco’s ultra tough 4xx fish rings, the Slidog 125 is equipped to fight well above its weight class.

The lure is 125mm long and weighs in at 52g, allowing for epic castability with a medium casting outfit, inevitably covering more ground and finding more fish. www.halcotackle.com

The ZMan 2.75” TRD BugZ are a deadly finesse presentation for bream, bass, flathead, redfin, trout and loads more, rigged standard, weedless or combined with a TT Lures NedlockZ jighead as part of the Ned Rig system.

TRD BugZ feature the texture, ribbing and appendages to represent many different aquatic and terrestrial creatures that make up the diet of a variety of fresh and saltwater species.

Additional features include a hook pocket for easy weedless rigging and two larger ‘claws’ and two offset smaller ‘claws’ that come to life thanks to ZMan’s super-soft and flexible, naturally buoyant ElaZtech material.

As well as a deadly finesse soft plastic presentation, TRD BugZ also make an excellent skirted jig trailer, making them a versatile addition to your soft plastics arsenal.

TRD BugZ are available in eight colours (bloodworm, greasy prawn, hot craw, hot snakes, motor oil, mud bug, the deal and watermelon red) in packs of six.

Price: SRP $11.95 www.z-man.com.au

The team at Venom Rods has designed a series of rods to take on the biggest predators in the ocean: the Ocean Gladiator series.

There are four rods in the range: a 15kg slick butt stroker, a 24kg slick butt stroker, a 36kg slick butt stroker and a 60kg bent butt stand-up rod for when things are getting serious!

All rods in the range feature ALPS Zirconium guides that are constructed from SS316 anti-rust stainless in a onestamp finish to increase strength and reduce weight. The rods also make use of the ALPS CAH reel seat, a reel seat that is built from marine grade aluminium and presents with a locking centre hood and a newly designed hexagon locking nut for the ultimate in reel security.

The Venom Ocean Gladiator series is built on the high modulus Venom blank, which provides incredible lightness and unparalleled strength. This ensures that while fighting a fish, the angler is not unnecessarily fatigued from fighting the weight of the outfit, and can concentrate on using the strength in the Venom blank to dictate terms to the most stubborn of fish. www.wilsonfishing.com

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au NOVEMBER 2019

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EHT DNIF

WHAT’S NEW FISHING TESTED

PRODUCT GUIDE

New arrivals from Yamashita are set to make their mark

Who doesn’t love targeting squid, whether it’s off the rocks, on the boat or a local jetty? Chasing them is on my to-do list on nearly every boating adventure, and I love to adapt with new techniques to get more strikes.

New technologies are always developing, and they can change your ideas of how these animals hunt.

Yamashita has updated its popular Egi Oh Live Search 490 Glow and Egi Oh K jig ranges, and earlier this year I decided to try them out. The Live Search 490 now has new colours and a tin sinker, and the Egi Oh K now has shallow and super shallow versions and new UV glow colours (called ‘keimura’ in Japanese).

I’ve been using Yamashita jigs for a number of years and have found them to be reliable producers, and I wanted to find out whether these new models made a difference or if I should stick with the originals.

The results were interesting.

FIELD TESTING For both jigs I used a Shimano Zodias 6’8 3-5kg rod paired with 8lb braid and 10lb fluorocarbon leader on a Shimano Stradic 2500 ci4 reel. For this kind of

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FO ENO NIW OT WARD EZIRP ROJAM EHT OTNI OG NEHT LLIW SEIRTNE LLA fishing your rod needs to have some give and I was faced with some choppy seas 0202 ,LIRPA ht03 NO NWARand flex for the action that’s needed to get D EB OT SKCAP EZIRP Eand ER T southerly off South Head a H howling :STCUDORP DNA SDNARB FO EGNAR

002$ :DR3 005$ :DN2 STCUDORP SCITCAT ELKCAT FO PRR

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NOVEMBER 2019

ROJAM 0001$ :TS1 SEZIRP

in Sydney, the K secured some great live the jigs moving around.

I tied on the Egi Oh Live Search 490 baits in the nasty conditions. This model in sizes 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5, colour SCITCAT ELKCAT EGUH EHT MORfirst.

F ESThe OOH C OTrange TEG Sis Rexcellent, ENNIW EZand IRPI ROis JAavailable M decided to start with the orange colour. in regular, shallow and super shallow Although the 490 picked up squid versions. My favourite colours are gold throughout the day, it really came into its tape, red tape and UV body. own for those first light squid that were All in all, I found the Live Search 490 actively hunting their prey. The jig’s 600Hz and Egi Oh K to be simple to use, easy to rattle and glow, coupled with a sharp cast and very responsive to the smallest darting action, was deadly. amount of action you create by whipping However, when the squid were a bit or lifting the rod. They’re simple enough and wary, the 490’s STCUDORP SCITCAT ELKCAT FO PRflighty R STCUD ORP SCITCsound/rattle AT ELKCAT FO Pfor RRthe novice squid fisher and technical tended to spook them. In that situation, enough for the more advanced. I matched I replaced the 490 with my old Egi Oh these with long 6’8”-7’ foot rods to really Live jig without the rattle, and sometimes allow me to whip the jigs around. You dropped down a size if the conditions want a fair amount of give in your rods for allowed. While I definitely will keep the 490 when a big squid decides to start pulling as my go-to for when the squid are actively some drag! feeding, I will continue to rely on my quiet When it comes to the price, these jigs jigs in most situations. are middle of the range, and are great The second product I tested was the quality for the price. They retail from $15Egi Oh K, which has a rear hydro fin for $20 at most stores, and their high quality better stability on the sink. I selected the and clever design makes them significantly purple colour and tried it on a day when more effective than cheap jigs. the conditions were a bit rougher, which is Overall, I have been very impressed with when you need a jig with a steady, natural the continuous innovation in Yamashita’s sink rate. Squid can be easily put off by an squid jigs. If you’re looking to target a new unnatural looking bait.

PB calamari or just want to try out this The Egi Oh K’s unique rear fin helped exciting form of fishing, I highly recommend to create a natural flutter as the jig them. You can view the full range at www. dropped down. As the day progressed ejtodd.com.au. – Ben O’Brien

FIND THE

LOGO COMPETITION

THERE ARE 15

LOGOS HIDDEN THROUGHOUT THE PAGES OF FISHING MONTHLY. LOGO LOCATION AND GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN!

FILL IN THE ENTRY FORM BELOW WITH THE PAGE NUMBER OF EACH

THE FIRST 40 CORRECT ENTRIES DRAWN AT THE END OF EACH MONTH WIN A PACK OF TRD RANGE SOFT PLASTICS. COMBINE THEM WITH TT LURES NEDLOCKZ JIGHEADS, AND THEY CREATE THE DYNAMITE ‘NED RIG’ WHICH IS BECOMING A HIT ON A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIES ALL OVER AUSTRALIA.

ALL ENTRIES WILL THEN GO INTO THE MAJOR PRIZE DRAW TO WIN ONE OF THREE PRIZE PACKS TO BE DRAWN ON 30th APRIL, 2020

MAJOR PRIZES 1ST: $1000

MAJOR PRIZE WINNERS GET TO CHOOSE FROM THE HUGE TACKLE TACTICS RANGE OF BRANDS AND PRODUCTS:

RRP OF TACKLE TACTICS PRODUCTS

PAGE NO: 1

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2ND: $500 3RD: $200 RRP OF TACKLE TACTICS PRODUCTS

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RRP OF TACKLE TACTICS PRODUCTS

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NAME ............................................................................................................

MAIL ENTRIES TO: VTFM Find the ZMAN Logo Competition, PO BOX 3172, Loganholme QLD 4129 Entries must be received by 30TH NOVEMBER 2019 Original entries only. No photocopies.

SUBURB .................................................................P/CODE ...........................

PHONE ..........................................................................................................

EMAIL ............................................................................................................

VTFM NOVEMBER 2019

ADDRESS .......................................................................................................

NOVEMBER 2019

69

WIRF wonderings for November WIRF

Cara Cummings

It has been full steam ahead for the WIRF network this last month. We are excited to see such positive growth in our members and the momentum is in full swing!

Our WIRF Leaders have been incredibly active, making appearances statewide

and participating in events, talks, information nights, school holiday trout stocking, roundtable forums and even guest speaking opportunities on radio, podcasts and TV! LADIES NIGHT IN Our ‘Ladies Night’s In’ events are proving to be quite popular and are generating momentum in the local areas.

These have been popping up in tackle stores around Victoria,

Izzy Sesto with her ‘stonker’ trout she caught at the Goulburn Festival.

and are a wealth of information aimed at encouraging women into recreational fishing.

The nights are full of fun, informative and filled with practical knowledge and tips.

These evenings allow women to ask questions discuss topics such as tackle, bait, species, how to fish and everything in between. We have guest speakers, grazing platters and prizes. Why wouldn’t you want to go?

Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘Ladies Night In’ near you or you can contact us to request suggested locations.

TROUT TALES It seems everyone is talking trout and the season has started off tremendously.

The WIRF team were present at both Ballarat Fishing Festival and Goulburn Fishing Festival, which were run simultaneously. Vic Fisheries released over 2,000 trout into the waterways and family friendly activities had everyone involved. The WIRF girls were involved in presentations and demonstrations promoting the network and the feedback was outstanding. It was great

to also see an influx of new members following these festivals.

Talk at the festivals are all about the stonkers! A true buzz was in the air and anglers travelled near and far for their chance of catching a once in a lifetime fish. Our very own Izzy braved the freezing conditions at the Goulburn and was out in the water at 4am!

Her dedication paid off and she landed several amazing trout.

Triple Trout Tip Here’s our three top tips

Karen Rees and Michelle Brittain hosting a Ladies Night In event at Trelly’s Spectacular in Geelong.

Tiffany Newton helping kids fish at Ballarat Festival. on trout fishing to help you land a stonker this month: lure fishing, use the colour pink and head out at sunrise!

TREES FOR TROUT One of our WIRF leaders, Shea Bloom from North East Victoria, in conjunction with the Corryong Angling Club and North East Catchment

Cara Cummings stocking trout at Spavin Lake.

Management Authority (CMA), were successful in obtaining a Recreational Fishing Grant for re-snagging and rehabilitating the Nariel Creek (following severe flood damage a few years ago). They created ‘Trees for Trout’ Day and along with an amazing volunteer base, planted

1,000 trees. It is a wonderful initiative and is great to see rivers being taken care of for our future anglers.

Shea Bloom wanted to pass on her gratitude and thank the organisers, members and volunteers, who helped plant the trees. “Not only does this help our trout habitat and rehabilitate our streams, it was also great being able to teach our kids the importance of revegetating and was excellent to see so many littlies planting trees. You’re all champions, may the fishing progress from here!”

Q &A One of the wonderfully positive attributes of the WIRF network is the comfortable and engaging space we have created. Many women who are keen to take up the sport are too shy to ask questions that they feel might be obvious or not worthy. We say there is no such question!

Many topics circulate the group and the support and encouragement received is outstanding. Given these questions have been asked within our community, what greater opportunity than now to share some with you (along with the collective group answers).

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2019

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

2-10 Nov

Peninsula Snapper Challenge

Western Port and Port Phillip Bay

23-24 Nov

Victoria Bream Classic Grand Final

Nelson

29 Nov-1 Dec

ABT BREAM Grand Final

Gold Coast

7-8 Dec

Hobie Kayak Bream Series Round 11

Marlo

peninsulasnapperchallenge.com

billhartshorne@hotmail.com

abt.org.au

hobiefishing.com.au

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours.

Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

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Q: What is the first thing I should know if I want to be good at fishing?

A: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Decide where and what you want to fish for. Seek advice online, tackle shops, friends and fellow anglers.

Kindly accept help when it is offered and go fishing

with a friend/buddy. Most importantly, just give it a go!

You learn through trial and error (practice makes perfect) and even if you don’t catch anything, you have still had a fabulous adventure trying!

Q: I enjoy fishing but have a fear of touching a live fish and bait, how do I

Shea Bloom at Trees for Trout Day. Over 1,000 trees were planted to help support the trout habitat and rehabilitate local streams.

overcome this?

A: There are many great fishing gloves on the market available in different sizes, find yourself a pair that fit snug and this will certainly help with both the ‘slimy and slippery’ feel and will help with your grip when handling the fish. For handling the bait, again try the gloves or try powerbait (a product with a playdough-like texture) or try your hand at lure fishing and avoid bait all together!

This is what our Facebook group is for – you can ask any question and be greeted with positive comments with tips and tricks from fellow women in the group. Have a question you would like answered? Join our group and let us help.

MEET OUR WIRF AMBASSADOR Chloe Molloy is a true sportswoman. When she isn’t ‘kicking goals’ for the AFLW, you’ll find her somewhere on the water, rod in hand. Here are a few words about from the legend herself: “Fishing takes up a small chunk of my childhood memories, but they are some of the best. Going to Port Fairy with my grandparents and catching snapper, then coming home to have the world’s greatest fish and chips.

My sporting commitments as I grew up became more demanding as I moved up the ranks with my basketball.

Weekends were taken up with games and training. I now currently play AFLW for Collingwood, but when I have spare time in my busy schedule I have been able to wet the line and re-spark my passion for fishing. The thrill of hooking a fish is something that football can’t replicate.

I am also very competitive (that comes from my sport background) so I always love to catch the most fish. It is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and be witness to beautiful scenery.”

UPCOMING EVENTS On 23-24 November will be the Mansfield Talk Wild Trout Conference. Special guest Hillary Hutcheson from North America, will be talking about her passion for wild trout fly fishing. A women’s networking fishing session will be run on the Sunday between 12pm-2pm.

On 6-8 December Shepparton will play host to Codstival. A large community event that teaches and inspires fishing, a fun fishing day for the kids and also a free event for anglers to hear from

Chloe Molloy on a recent squid outing.

The AFLW player loves finding time in her schedule to reinvigorate her love of fishing. experts on a range of topics related to native fisheries etc.

For full event details and a list of all other events, please head to our Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/

womenrecfishing/ or via the VFA website/facebook page.

If you’re not a WIRF woman yet, then we’d love to have you on board. Join us on FB today!

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71

Measuring biomass in the shallows SUNTAG

Stefan Sawynok

Most months I discuss fishing competitions, monitoring and topics that surround Track My Fish.

To be fair, TMF is a big part of my life, I designed the app back in 2015 and the journey to bringing the app to life was far from smooth.

Last month we put through 8,500 fish and more than 4,000 competitors across a range of events here and in New Zealand. Between Tracey and myself, we have been processing catches seven days a week, there hasn’t been a weekend where we have nothing on.

As odd as it might sound though, Track My Fish is not the biggest challenge I have taken on in recent years.

Not long after we built the first version of Track My Fish, I took on an even

a positive effect on spawning and recruitment for key species like salmon. In many parts of Pacific North West, natural recruitment is down to 10% of what it was at its peak and given the economic and cultural significance of the species that is a big problem.

In order to address that problem, massive hatcheries have been developed releasing fish into the wild and allowing them to take part in the natural growth cycle of Salmon. These hatcheryreared fish are fin clipped for easy identification and take no part in the spawning cycle. That does not prevent them from trying to do what nature intended.

Each year salmon return to the place they were born to spawn, with a portion of the hatchery reared fish ending up amongst the natural spawning salmon and while they don’t breed that doesn’t mean they aren’t disruptive.

As a result, there is a priority

Queensland – the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, St Helens Bay in Mackay, and Trinity Inlet in Cairns. Net Free Zones are hugely controversial, and their implementation came only after a lot of community angst but outside of the political questions, there was the question of how would you monitor the impact of the fishing and assess fish stocks? Of course, there were all the traditional methods such as boat ramp surveys, but ever since I stepped into the industry, I have felt there needs to be a better way to do it.

At the time there was a grants system being managed

by Queensland Fisheries, and after conversations with all the community stakeholders and local council the need for a technological solution to counting fish was clear.

Pulling that solution together would take a lot of work, but we had the community on board for the approach and the full support of council

Fig.2 Scanning a weed bed. bigger challenge, with the net result being that not just my weekends but my whole life was consumed by Infofish. In the next two articles, I will discuss that challenge, how we met it, some of the work we are doing, the future and most importantly what it means for recreational fishers.

COFFEE WITH A SPLASH OF SERENDIPITY Around three years ago, while in the US I met up with a fisheries officer for coffee. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange notes on things going on in that neck of the woods and how they approached fisheries management. There were a number of fascinating, if unconventional elements to that conversation. Take their fishing problems, among the biggest we discussed was how fisheries in Washington State were struggling to get recreational fishers to take more fish. Think about that one for a second.

The nature of that problem is rooted in a situation familiar to many of our fishers. The US as with most countries has built large-scale water storage but this has had anything but 72

NOVEMBER 2019

to take out as many of these fish as possible and the conversation at the time turned to the role of recreational fishers. The interesting part of that conversation was the recreational fishers themselves were pushing back on increasing the number of fishers, there is only so much space available and it comes at a premium when the salmon runs start. There are only so many sardines you can fit in a tin. The fears were that increasing the fishers would reduce fishing quality, potentially damage stocks and end up in more conflict.

These sorts of discussions are right up my alley. I love digging into the data on what motivates anglers and the ways in which anglers are complex, thoughtful and surprising. On this occasion though, there was a second even more mind-blowing part to the conversation that would lead to me going on a personal quest to tackle the problem of measuring biomass.

This conversation happened in late 2016, the year a net free zone was being declared in three locations in

that this was the number one priority project in the region.

I knew there would be a mountain of work to deliver, way more than we would be charging for, but some problems are worth doing that. Knowing how many fish there are in a system at a local level can only lead to better decisions and behaviours.

H e a r t b r e a k i n g l y, Queensland Fisheries did not see things my way.

THE GENESIS OF A TECHNOLOGY APPROACH TO MEASURING BIOMASS Among my many faults, I hate Government saying no to a well thought out idea that has real benefits. I have no problem with people saying yes to a better idea but sticking with the status quo because you don’t quite get it, that just smacks of laziness to me. Now, upfront, the failure was mine, I didn’t make the argument well enough. None the less, when Queensland Fisheries said no, I had the trigger I needed to become obsessed with developing a technology solution to assessing fish

Lake Quinault, Washington State. biomass, no matter what obstacles lay ahead. There were a lot more obstacles than I could dream of.

Back to that fateful cup of coffee. When discussing the problem of increasing the recreational take the conversation went down a number of rabbit holes, as these things tend to do.

One such rabbit hole was the approach of the Quinault Indian Nation to monitoring, they were using scientific echo sounders developed by a local Washington State, family run business called Biosonics. Now, I can relate to a family run business, Infofish has three generations of Sawynoks so that got my attention from the start.

The use of echosounders for measuring biomass dates all the way back to the 1970s and the days of paper printouts. Fortunately, the tools have come a long way since then. The system in use by the Quinault was able to measure the size of the fish, numbers and report those details by position in the water column. Those are all key pieces of information for measuring biomass, but in the case of salmon and trout provides also a means of separating the species. In other words, here was a piece of technology that could measure a fishery, without taking fish out of the system.

I ended that conversation

intrigued, but completely unaware of exactly where it would lead me.

That night, I got a call from dad about the Fitzroy River. The grants program I mentioned above had just been announced and he had an idea to use sidescan imaging to look at barramundi, his thinking was to map parts of the Fitzroy River for fish using sidescan.

Barramundi being a larger fish do show up on sidescan but it has to be said that in order to achieve that you need a slow moving vessel and even if you get the fish on the sounder there is the problem of how you count them. While the idea seemed feasible, a lot of manual effort was involved and the process was not very scalable.

ENTER BIOSONICS INTO THE CONVERSATION The problem he enumerated sounded exactly like the problem the Quinault Indian Nation were tackling.

As I would learn, sounds like is not the same as is like but at that point we were talking concepts. The first hurdle was the cost. Biosonics equipment does not come cheap, second while there was software around to process the data nothing existed to process the data in the way we needed. I have been in the software business for most my life, I wrote my

The biosonics unit in action.

first program at age 10. If you are going to write a piece of software to do a process not currently used and is based on undocumented and unknown data, take a big number and multiply by ten.

That is your time and cost investment. That number came out way larger than the equipment.

That is assuming that it could be done at all. There is a reason why the equipment isn’t supplied with out of the box software to do this process and the surveys active around the world came with a lot of caveats on the results. In order to make it work, we were going to have to break ground, with no guarantee that ground could be broken.

Beyond that initial project application, we spent 18 months trying to get a major project up, that is, reduce the risks through a bigger funding pool. We never got past first base.

In May last year, we had a small client who wanted to come on board and do a job in a hurry, that was enough for me to jump and take the risks head on.

THE FIRST SURVEY Remember I said its high risk to work with an unknown process? One of the consequences of all those unknowns is change takes on a life of its own. Our data processing system for the

Biosonics has been rewritten from the ground up a dozen times since we did the first work. Some versions have not even lasted a week. Every time we went on the water, we solved a problem, which only lead to more problems to solve. Each time we uncovered a new problem invariably the processing system had to go back to the beginning. In all my time in software, including Track My Fish, which has had its share of rewrites, I have never experienced a development process quite like this. The early days were chaotic. After our first survey, we didn’t go near a client for six months as we just focused on understanding how the technology worked and how to make it do ‘something’ useful.

I am well known at Fishing Monthly for essentially living in the office. I moved closer to the office in January, just so I could get home faster after midnight.

None the less from the moment we started I knew what we were doing was

is a massive 30cm wide. That is not going to pick up much and as we have learned, you won’t see anything closer than three metres anyway unless it’s very big. This is where Biosonics offers a big advantage, by being able to go horizontal the range gets much larger. We have successfully pushed the range out to 200m and we regularly scan out to 150m (see Fig.1).

In that first survey we pushed out to 40m, about as far as we felt safe to go, in hindsight we could have pushed the boundaries much further. Nonetheless going sideways presents new challenges.

PROBLEM TWO – ALL THAT NOISE Side facing presents a new problem that down facing doesn’t. Down-facing hits the bottom roughly at right angles, the depth varies and sometimes you hit a surface but overall it’s predictable. Gravity works, the bottom is generally solid.

years, echo sounders have been used for down facing problems. This solves not just the where is the bottom problem, it largely solves the where is boat problem as well. By tracking the GPS on the vessel, you have a built-in mapping process that makes it relatively easy to work out where the fish.

This also provides a simple validation mechanism.

If you are doing an ocean survey and the fish are one hundred metres below, it’s not that difficult to send a camera down to check it out.

The problem with side facing is the fish you are looking at are nowhere near the vessel. Not only that, when you go to three dimensions how do you know where the fish is in the water column, how do you know the bottom is the bottom? As I pointed out to one enterprising sales person, how do I mount a camera 50m away from the boat when there are trees between us and the region

Fig.1 Shallow water with trees and bottom noise. right. Even now I believe that Biosonics themselves underestimate the power of the tool they created.

By the time we finished the first survey, we knew the big challenges, even if we didn’t really understand what it would take to get our heads around them. Here are five big problems.

PROBLEM ONE – SHALLOW WATER The first survey was in a small lagoon about 1km long and eight metres wide.

Depth wise it drops down to around 10m but mostly it’s less than two.

We knew this ahead of time, and part of the reason we chose the Biosonics equipment was for its ability to scan fish both down facing and side facing. Shallow water is a real pain echosounding wise.

It’s good if you do sidescan but downscan is an entirely different matter. As a rule of thumb the Biosonics system has a 1:10 ratio in terms of the beam width, that is if you are shooting 10m, the beam width is one metre wide at that point.

At three metres the beam

When looking at side facing, the bottom (and for that matter the surface) acts as a boundary at the edge of the beam, not a nice wall to run up against. In side-facing gravity pushing hard things like trees to the bottom as well, which means they can end up in odd places in the beam and we are hitting them at a much different angle.

What does that look like?

Fig.2 presents a shot into a weed bed, which highlights exactly the problem of side facing. As you hit the weed, the whole screen lights up which makes it hard to see anything.

In shallow water, you don’t even need a weed bed to lose most of the scan in this way. When shooting 150m, in 5m-deep water, things get noisy as you hit the bottom in the first third of the survey.

PROBLEM THREE – GOING BEYOND THE SCREEN The next problem we encountered was the relationship between echo sounders and geography. For the most part of the last 30

we are looking?

PROBLEM FOUR – WHAT ARE YOU EVEN LOOKING AT? The next problem we encountered was in assessing what we were looking at. Just taking a look at the screen, in clear water we could easily identify fish. When we exported the data that eyeball assessment turned to mush as the export contained everything – bottom noise, structure, man-made objects, fish, trees and weed. While classifying each object visually wasn’t too difficult with a little practice, that is far cry from assessing a record with a lot of numbers in it.

Why would you need to? A survey we did on the Logan-Albert demonstrated the scale of the problem.

In that survey we ended up with over two million tracks mostly fish but a mix of other things in there. I don’t know about you, but classifying a million of anything is beyond my sanity boundaries.

Phoenix, who does a lot of the classifying and training for our fish health models can do a thousand or more fish photos in a week, so

assuming she could do the same rate, there is only 1000 weeks effort involved.

Automating the classification of signals is the holy grail of echo sounders and how we solved that problem would push us the hardest of all.

PROBLEM FIVE – COUNTING FISH The main reason we took on the Biosonics unit was to count fish. This should in of itself be the one thing it did well but when you take into account problems three and four that becomes a challenge – how do you know you are counting fish. The next problem was how to scale that process.

The Biosonics excels in the Northern Hemisphere where the units are either fixed mounted at the edge of a river and running constantly or used for downscan. In both instances, they are looking at clean water, mapping isn’t much of a concern and in terms of counting fish, they use the bin system. The bin system cuts up the length of the beam into ‘bins’ say 5m wide and then counts the tracks in that five metre block. That approach is useful in down-scan where fish are in specific parts of the water column.

In both cases, they are dealing only with clean water, no structure, so the task of fish or not fish is very simple. In our case we found even in clean water, bins were not very useful because of the size of area we were surveying. The larger the area, the less effective the bin system is as the range to the edge tends to be very variable. Also, most clients want to know something about where the fish are in the water column, so bins is not helpful at all in that case.

SOLVING THE PROBLEMS We were up to our necks in it from the word go.

Fortunately, this first survey was of a size and scale where we could sort out the problems manually. It wasn’t long though, in fact our very first trial survey after that where the need for automation was all too clear.

We learned very early on when we got overexcited by the results that not having a good understanding of what we were looking at would bite us on the bum. Not long after the first survey we went to ground and focused on really understanding what the system was doing.

We knew the potential, but we also knew that if we got the data wrong, we would end up destroying our credibility, even before we got off the ground.

In the next part I will look at how we addressed some of the above challenges, what the outputs look like and how measuring biomass much faster than traditional methods provides new tools to help fishers.

A U S T R A L I A

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FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS FISH THAT PUT UP A FIGHT

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Phone (day):

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

The ‘Real Fish Oita’ is an incredible, award winning squid jig manufactured in Europe by leading Croatian company - DTD. Taking out the coveted ‘best new product’ in its class at the EFTTEX 2015 Expo in Warsaw, this wonderful range is now available in Australia through Dogtooth Distribution.

The product imitates real fish species. This coupled with DTD’s use of only the highest grade materials available, ensures great balance and results in superior catching ability. With the unique ‘fish parasite’ feature, aimed at luring predators in for an ‘easy kill’, these truly unique jigs are set to explode into the Australian market.

FEATURES - Double weight system with inner weight designed to produce sound while squid jig is in action.

COLOURS - 7 different designs representing popular fish species.

ADDITIONAL - Luminous body, fish parasite, great balance, sound effect, quality stainless steel hooks SIZES - 5 Sizes available www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

SPOT THE

10 DIFFERENCES

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to M Pearce, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive a Fishing Monthly prize pack. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – V&TFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winner for September is C Skerry of McCrae, who won a Fishing Monthly Subscriber prize pack.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

of Ferntree Gully, P Gigliotti of Coburg North, G Johnson of Portland, R Price of Mildura, J Stoop of Portland, J Barns of Euroa, S Robinson of Freeburgh, B Stokes of Morwell, D Theodore of Woodside, B Schnitzer of Cooma, K Morrison of Moama, D Girvan of Yea, S Waters of Prahran, N Bryant of North Albury, J Killian of Paynesville, G Bannister of Lorne, W Tippett of

Norlane, G Sculley of Maffra, J Tippet of Nurrabiel, K Sutherland of Drysdale, G Bell of Mernda, R Shrimpton of Rosebud, T Kubeil of Euroa, R Batty of Brighton, G Smith of Stawell, A West of Emerald, C Smith of Traralgon, J Valligas of Lalor, T Mathieson of Patterson Lakes, A Melis of Reservoir.

Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE DAIWA LOGO

76

NOVEMBER 2019

GUESS THE FISH?

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Yakka

The answers to Find the Daiwa Logo for September were: 8, 12, 16, 21, 26, 30, 36, 37, 42, 44, 50, 53, 65, 67, 75, 78. – V&TFM The Find the Daiwa Logo prize winners for September were: B Delphine of Emerald, M Lea of Caramut, K Carter of Shepparton, S Ward of Curlewis, T McCarthy of Boronia, R Drendel of Mount Helen, D Biggs of Sale, G Miller of Euroa, J Ellis of Reservior, G Matcham of Bridgewater, H Siesmaa

Answer:

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat

Inside story...

Sea Jay Aluminium Boats has been family owned and operated for over 30 years, and the name has become renowned for strength, quality workmanship and customization with the angler in mind.

Whether you’re fishing in fresh or salt, inshore or offshore, Sea Jay will provide you with a model to suit your boating and fishing needs.

Made for...

Sea Jay specialises in boats for sports anglers, offering a stable fishing platform and plenty of storage.

This month...

Editor Steve Morgan takes the Sea Jay 468 Navigator with Yamaha F70hp for a spin in Moreton Bay. Check it out on page 84!

78 Measuring success in the kayak

Sometimes we need to appreciate the little things in fishing, and this applies to kayaking as well, as Justin Willmer explains.

80 Is it worth going out in the boat?

Sometimes you need to cut your losses and leave the boat at home, and Wayne Kampe provides a guide to help you decide when it is or isn’t worth taking the boat out.

82 What’s new in the world of boating

Check out the latest news and products in the boating world, fresh off the production line and ready for you to get your hands on!

FEBRUARY 2019

77

How to determine a successful fishing session BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

Hopefully you have found some time to get out on the water this month. I only managed one sneaky short kayak session in amongst a plethora of duties and prior commitments. We didn’t even get a chance to christen Sheri’s new SUP with a fish!

Nevertheless, I recently read an article by a mate of mine, Sean, which got me thinking about what makes a successful kayak fishing trip or fishing trip in general.

Sean and his daughter Kaitlin gave their regular fishing spots a miss due to that evil snot weed taking over and opted to head into the upper reaches of a local creek. Their aim was to explore the creek and look for good structure to fish when the weather warms. They caught a couple of small bream and an undersized flathead, however the trip was considered a success, because they discovered some awesome new water,

starting to realise that as much as I love fishing, there’s a stack of other aspects that make our kayak and SUP sessions enjoyable, and maybe we all shouldn’t judge ourselves so harshly and consider our session a failure if we don’t catch a stack of fish.

There’s so many other gains from a session on the water, including exercise, clearing of the mind and reducing stress, time with family and friends, the adventure element, wildlife spotting, scenery and serenity, photo opportunities, discovering new future fishing destinations and even a bit of casting practice. Fishing with the kids land-based also reinforced the fact that you don’t need to catch an icebox full of fish to have a great day. We pumped some yabbies and had a ball catching small bream, whiting and trevally, with Slade catching plenty, Zac stoked with his first legal fish (a 31cm whiting that he chose to keep for dinner) and Cameron landing the beast of the day, a 72cm longtom. It may as well have been a marlin, as he

low tide around 5pm and, of course, it was gusting to 20 knots. I opted for my sit-inside paddle kayak, to keep it simple and keep my profile low to the water to negate the influence of the wind gusts as much as possible. I had a rod rigged with a 1/4oz 1/0 jighead and my go-to 2.5” paddletail soft plastic, and another rod rigged with a larger 3” paddle-tail on a 3/8oz jighead. I had selected a new dark silhouette colour, loaded with gold and copper flecks, as the wind was blowing onto the bank, the water was dirty and the structure was a weed edge. They were perfect conditions for the larger profile and dark silhouette colour to stand out and

This was the last the author saw of the first flathead he landed before it ejected itself from the kayak and swam away. first thing that I noticed was the amount of water in the kayak and it seemed that the leak was getting worse.

I needed to get the water out of the kayak if I was going to continue fishing. I removed the two ice bricks from the zip lock bag in my icebox and used the bag to bail the kayak, before

stowing it in my pocket for the next bailing session. I normally carry a bailing sponge, which is a great accessory for kayak anglers.

I started my first landbased session casting upcurrent and hopping the plastic back naturally, fanning my casts from close to the bank to almost at

Cameron scored the beast of the day, which got the kids pretty excited.

Zac was stoked with his first legal fish, a 31cm whiting. had a great time together and saw plenty of wildlife.

This got me thinking about Sheri and my first SUP session together, when she took her new stand up paddleboard for its first paddle. We had a great afternoon, paddling around a local mangrove island, gaining a feel for the board, laughing, chatting and spotting wildlife. I’m 78

NOVEMBER 2019

wrestled it up the beach on his little combo and all of the kids gathered around excitedly to point out its teeth and announce how they didn’t want to get bitten.

So, was my recent short kayak fishing session a success? I’ll let you be the judge.

I had a Sunday afternoon available. It was a perfect

attract the attention of the fish, so it was up first.

Conditions were choppy with waves from multiple directions like a washing machine, and it was at about this point in time that I remembered there was a leak in this kayak that I had meant to sort out. I would make two casts to the edge before the kayak was almost blown back onto the bank. Then I’d paddle out again, make another two casts and paddle out again… I was having a great time. I knew I was going to have to grind it out, however I had a plan B and had put on a solid pair of water shoes so that I could pull the kayak up on the bank and fish a drain and a deeper basin landbased. I had a large dugong swimming around me for a while as I approached the drain, however I was unable to get a good photo in the lumpy conditions.

First stop was the drain, and I slid onto the

bank with the waves that were rolling in with the wind and hopped out for a land-based flick. The

Late in the day, the author finally caught a keeper for dinner.

Less than ideal conditions make kayak fishing challenging.

right angles to the bank. As the plastic approached the channel edge, I had a solid hit but no hook-up. This was followed by another solid tap a couple of casts later as I was thinking it was a bream or yellowtail pike struggling to eat the larger plastic. Finally I hooked up to what felt like a reasonable flathead, only for it to shake the lure as I fought it through the solid weed on the channel edge. I had a dozen more casts for nothing and it was back into the Titanic for the paddle and fish to the next land-based destination!

I paddled out, made a cast and I was on! I couldn’t believe it. I was hooked up on the new colour on my first cast after getting back into the kayak. After a stubborn fight on light gear, I had a legal flathead in the net, where it threw the lure and I was thinking how lucky I had been. By the time I had the camera ready I had been washed into the bank, waves were breaking against the side of the kayak and everything was wet, including me.

A quick photo of the successful lure, a photo of the flathead in the net and then that was the last I saw of it as it leapt out of the net and slowly swam off in the shallows, after I had another swipe at it with the net. I sat for a moment being pounded by waves and pondered… do I think that my session had been a success?

As I started the paddle to the basin area I leant back in the seat of the kayak and the right strap on the fitted seat snapped, leaving me uncomfortable and with minimal back support. I almost pulled the pin then, however I thought I had come this far, braved

Yep, the water level was rising in the kayak and it was time to head for home.

I held that fish firmly for a quick photo and it was safely stowed in the icebox for dinner.

The water in my kayak had now reached a level that filled my built-in seat.

I was wet, it was getting cool and dark and I still had a few hundred metres left to paddle. Still, for some reason I had a smile on my face. Upon reaching the launch point I had to bail a lot of water out of the kayak before I could load it onto the trolley and head for home.

Had my session been a success? I had battled terrible conditions, bailed my kayak out three times, lost a few fish including one that leapt out as I watched on, broken the strap on my seat and I was soaking wet. On the other hand I had christened a new plastic colour, hung

Slade with a bream from the pontoon. it was tricky to stay in touch with the lure, even on the heavier jighead and after about 15 minutes the tide had bottomed out and turned, so I opted to catch the tide home and fish along the way. My hour and a half session had been eventful, however I still hadn’t managed to land a fish that didn’t eject itself from the kayak.

The turn of the tide and end of the day saw the wind drop slightly, allowing me to drift and fish more effectively on my return trip. With the slightly more comfortable fishing conditions I opted to step down to the smaller plastic and fish a bit slower, hooking another fish right on the edge that stayed hooked for a few seconds before breaking free. I was

It’s important to keep it simple and low profile in choppy conditions.

One in the hand is definitely worth more than the one that leapt back into the water! out with a large dugong, hooked a few fish and I had dinner in the icebox. I also had a smile on my face and

my wife and I both laughed as I shared my adventure with her over a fresh feed of flathead.

Overall I had only been out for a couple of hours but I always enjoy battling the elements to catch a fish, as I have done many times over 30 years of kayak fishing. I find these tougher adventures to be a rewarding challenge and they also make the magic days on the water and hot bites even better. I declared the session a success as I enjoyed dinner with my wife and made plans to either repair or retire my old sit-in kayak.

Next time you’re out on the water and things aren’t going to plan, remember to stop, look around, breathe and focus on the positive elements. Focusing on the positives may change your mood and in turn change your fishing success or maybe what you consider to be a successful outcome into the adventure. Maybe it’s not all about catching fish and you’re actually out on the water for a different reason… like just getting some vitamin sea!

A good-looking gutter to fish land-based and a bird means bait. the elements and surely I could catch one for dinner.

Pulling up onto the bank, I again bailed the water out of the kayak and started working the basin and drop off with the 3” paddle-ta-l plastic. The wind was still gusting hard,

having a shocker.

Just when I was thinking about calling it a day I was again reminded of how important it is to be aware of your surroundings.

I heard some bait flicking in the shallows back behind me, made a cast to

the disturbance and was hooked up within two turns of the reel handle. It felt like a reasonable flathead and after some tense moments close to the kayak I had the fish in the net and splashing around in the water… inside the kayak!

Wear suitable footwear if you intend to add some landbased fishing to your kayak session.

NOVEMBER 2019

79

Is it worth going out?

BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

The above heading sums up a question that weather forecasts have posed for me on far too many occasions, particularly when I worked full time and really appreciated my opportunities to fish mid-week.

I would organise a couple of days off work, the tides would be very favourable, and everything looked good – and then

comfort. Even so, moving to and from the hotspot was an issue. I mainly fish from open boats so I’d end up wet, frequently becoming pretty uncomfortable in the boat while moving from point to point, and there’d usually be a lot of cleaning up at the end of the day, particularly after fishing saltwater. In short, a WOTAM – Waste Of Time And Money.

WHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T! The question of whether to go or pull the pin is a difficult choice that all

has somehow ended up in water conditions that don’t suit it one bit, and a skipper’s skill is really put to the test.

The results can be disastrous. We must never be blasé about this sort of situation, because from time to time we are reminded of the worst case scenarios with craft and crew lost, as was the tragic case in Moreton Bay in August during a period of strong winds and rough water.

I’m not talking about offshore fishing here – far from it. I’ve been

While a half cabin provides tremendous sea-keeping capability, if sea conditions are foul the going will still be uncomfortable. even worse scenario might easily be encountered out in Moreton Bay in the vicinity of the main shipping channel. I’ve

seen some pressure waves created by large ships moving at speed combining with chop from prevailing winds that required instant

action to take control of a very nasty situation.

A wall of white water approaching after a car carrier has rumbled past is

That’s a decent sized boat but the confused seas are throwing it about nonetheless. in the Brisbane River on big ebb tides with a stiff northeasterly wind howling, and have encountered pressure waves (often made worse by tugs) that required the boat’s bow to be elevated under power and directed into the approaching maelstrom quick smart. An

There are rough times ahead by the look of this daylight launch shot, and later in the day with the wind up it’s probably going to be a whole lot worse to retrieve this boat.

These conditions are the sort that are made for smaller open craft. the weather forecast would suddenly deteriorate.

Fresh to frightening often summed up the wind forecast, and wave heights rose from modest to mean.

Sometimes I bit the bullet and launched anyway.

The results were never worth the effort, unless the excursion saw the boat finally in a sheltered spot where we could at least wet a line in some reasonable 80

NOVEMBER 2019

boaters face. Plans are made in good faith, and often at considerable expense to ensure that things are just right… and at the last minute the weather turns rotten. At times like these it’s essential to make the right decision, because when things are out of your control it’s too late to back off. It’s even worse when you have an inexperienced crew aboard, or the craft

There’s a boat in there somewhere! Think about it, would you or your crew enjoy those conditions?

not a pleasant sight. Trust me on that!

CONSIDER BOTH PASSENGERS AND THE CRAFT The smart decision is to consider all aspects facing the passengers who will be aboard, and whether the boat will be comfortable and safe to travel in and fish from. Naturally, the overall design of the craft will have a major bearing on the outcome in unfavourable conditions. A cabin craft will offer far more protection from the elements than most open boats, yet a high sided open boat – say, a larger centre console – might be workable when driven in conditions that the skipper has encountered previously and can be confident in.

Still, in the overall scheme of things I believe it’s wise to consider the worst likely situation, and plan along those lines.

However, boats and

involved. When it comes to inexperienced boaters or children, there’s no better way to put them off boating for life than to take them out in adverse conditions

after very brief use because of such an event.

SEA SICKNESS Ah yes, and now we come to sea sickness. This affliction is something that

Higher sides and a bimini/hard top provide some comfort in less than ideal conditions, but it still pays to think carefully about the weather forecast. boating conditions are only part of the picture. Let’s turn our thoughts to the crew.

People who aren’t really familiar with boating are far from ideal passengers in foul conditions, especially if family members are

and see them wet or knocked about by rough going. It doesn’t matter how promising the fishing might be when the engine is stopped, as the damage is already done. Many a decent boat has been sold

a lot of people are familiar with. Planning a boating trip with someone prone to ‘mal de mer’ is not very smart if the forecast is less than ideal. Those lousy sea conditions will kick-start that unpleasant sensation

of tiredness, queasiness, followed eventually by a perk or two over the side.

The worse part about this condition is that it seems to be contagious; one crew member has a barf over the side and then another might follow suit. This is not good for the skipper, especially if he or she is the second in line for a close look over the gunwale! A wise person knows their limitations, that’s for sure, so it’s up to the skipper to make the right decision before putting the crew and boat to the test.

Granted, at times you might call off a trip only to find that the weather is much better than the forecast was. It’s frustrating when this happens, but it’s far better to be safe than sorry. It helps if you keep checking the weather online, as the forecasts are regularly updated. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of your final decision.

If the conditions are poor but you’re keen to go out, remember what I said at the start of the article. On those times when I did go out in bad conditions, it was rarely worth it when it came to catching fish. There was plenty of work cleaning the boat when I ventured home, but very little with the filleting knife!

Matthew Calleja had a great session catching squid at the Point Lonsdale Bight.

Carl Jocumsen Fishing Shirts Now Available • Identical logos to Carl’s 2019 Bassmaster Elite series jersey.

• Quality dye-sublimated fishing shirt.

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www.wp.fishingmonthly.com.au NOVEMBER 2019

81

WHAT’S NEW BOATING FORMOSA SRT PLATE HULL

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The new Formosa SRT Plate Hull combines the best boat designs from the Sea-Rod and Tomahawk brands, packaging them into one skilfully engineered plate boat.

The new plate hull features excellent levels of performance, handling and stability, with a stronger Lock-Cell hull and deck structure with a Quad4 Water Ballast option available across the whole range. An increased deadrise, custombuilt cambered strakes and large reverse chine create hydrodynamic lift and superior traction.

In addition, the SRT hull uses the Formosa Step Down Active Transom design, delivering smart storage solutions, easy on-board battery access, and flush-folding door and seating systems. The transom door and lounge fold down to create more sitting areas or fishing platforms, and fold away flush against the side of the boat when not in use for a clear deck area to move around. The folding lounge is also removable. There are four Active Transom designs to choose from, with optional extras available. www.formosamarineboats.com.au

BUILD YOUR FISHING WEAPON

2

Australian plate aluminium boat builder Bar Crusher has pushed live the latest version of its website – and with it, v2 of the brand’s online boat builder.

Launched several years ago, Bar Crusher’s online build-and-quote system allows website visitors to review the huge list of standard features in every model and personalise each boat by selecting options such as hull colour, engine horsepower and additional factory-fitted accessories.

Bar Crusher’s 26-model range spans 4.9-7.8m and is available in a number of configurations – cuddy cabin, hard top, hard top pilothouse, centre console, open hard top, walk around, and bow rider.

Renowned for quality construction, superior performance and maximum fishability (with a range of standard fishing-related features other manufacturers charge as extras), every Bar Crusher boat is factory-packaged on a customdesigned trailer to ensure towing, launching and retrieving is a breeze. Self-centering and aligning perfectly every time, Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Catch system also allows for single-handed launch and retrieve.

The new boat builder function is now online and ready to go, so head to the Bar Crusher website and get started on building your fishing weapon. barcrusher.com.au

ACR REMOTECONTROLLED LIGHT 3 The new RCL-85 LED searchlight from ACR was designed for the boater who wants to ditch the hassle of halogen searchlights, but still wants their affordability.

With an impressive 240,000 candelas using six High Flux (30W) LEDs, you have visibility over half a nautical mile to light the way to your destination. The simple installation only requires running your 12-24V power to the searchlight, and all operations are completely wireless.

The RCL-85’s sleek design makes it an attractive and cost-effective choice for small to medium sized vessels. The searchlight comes with a wireless handheld remote to rotate the light 350°. With an 8° beam angle, the light can tilt an impressive 90° degrees to make lighting structure a breeze. There is also a strobe function to signal for help.

The RCL-85 is weather resistant with the electronics located in the IP68 water-resistant light head instead of the base for increased protection. The ASA housing and lens are 82

NOVEMBER 2019

PRODUCT GUIDE

sealed against the elements for years of troublefree operation.

Price: SRP approx. $700 www.acrartex.com

TOHATSU MFS60A

1

4

The new VFS60A outboard from Tohatsu weighs only 98.5kg, which is 7kg lighter than its nearest competitor and 15% lighter than Tohatsu’s renowned M60C 2-stroke.

Tohatsu are fully aware of the implications that weight has on a boat’s performance, and this is for those boaters who are re-powering from a 2-stroke.

The MFS60A has a proven pedigree, with its core being based on the popular MFS40 and MFS50A. However, this model features some interesting developments to pistons, intake valves, manifold and camshaft design, along with introduction of Roller Rocker Arms.

The end result is responsive performance, superior fuel economy within a sleek and environmentally designed outboard. It’s available in aquamarine and white, forward control or large multi-function tiller, and retains all of the core features of the smaller MFS40/50A such as: Tohatsu Onboard Communication System (optional cables required); Trolling Assist; 21 amp charge system; electronic fuel injection; and Easy Flush System. www.tohatsu.com.au

MERCURY FOURSTROKE DEALS 5 For the first time, Mercury is offering a trio of great deals across its FourStroke range from 3.5-150hp.

With Deal 1 you can save up to $800 on 3.5-60hp FourStroke engines. With Deal 2 you get free SmartCraft rigging on 75-150hp FourStroke engines (SmartCraft gauges bring all your vessel’s information together onto one simple-to-navigate device – including speed, rpm, trim, depth, alarms, water pressure, fuel flow etc – as well as allowing control of specialist systems such as Mercury’s Active Trim). And if you take advantage of Deal 3, you get the benefit of 3.99%* Mercury Finance on 40-150hp FourStroke repower.

Even better, the mighty 150hp ProXS is included in Mercury’s summer deals for the first time, as are all SeaPro and ProXS models in the relevant horsepower categories.

All three deals end on 18th November 2019, so you’ll have move fast if you want to secure your saving. *For full terms and conditions visit the Mercury Marine website. www.mercurymarine.com.au

FUSION FM SERIES

2

3

4

5

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Fusion FM Series flush mount marine speakers and subwoofers are engineered to deliver high-quality acoustics. The lowprofile, near-flat installation allows for a visually appealing finish never before seen on a marine speaker or subwoofer.

Combining optimized speaker drivers with aluminium dome tweeters to produce highquality audio at any volume, the FM Series also give you the ability to create a 2.1 audio zone.

A new mounting system allows for nonintrusive, easy installation. You simply place the unit in the cutout, tighten the screws and the speaker legs will tighten against the panel without creating any screw holes.

The FM Series complies with ISO12216 Annex D1.1 for Areas II, III and IV, due to its strength and watertightness. Available in round or square models and white or black colour options, they come in two sizes, 7.7” 200W and 6.5” 120W. Matching 10” 400W FM Series subwoofers are also available. www.fusionentertainment.com.au

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Sea Jay 468 Navigator with Yamaha F70hp 4-stroke - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

T NOVEMBER 2019

DE FOR EX

84

The price, however, is what will raise the eyebrows of plenty of anglers looking to get into the bluewater. As tested, this painted Navigator and the 70 Yammy came in at $28,990. Packages start from around $26,000.

PERFORMANCE

Main: The Sea Jay 4.68 Navigator is a simple and versatile centre console that’s powered by one of Yamaha’s most popular 4-strokes – the reliable and economical F70. Above: A glamour day on Moreton Bay was great for photo taking but not that hot for testing the rough water ability of this rig. narrow centre console, there is a mountain of useable space in this boat. Whether this is used to hold crab pots, camping gear or a couple of your fishing mates (or all

SPECIFICATIONS Length.......................................................4.68m Bottom sheet.............................................3mm Side sheet...................................................3mm Beam.........................................................2.24m Depth........................................................ 1.14m Floor ribs........................................................ 11 Capacity............................................. 5 persons Weight (hull)............................................. 352kg Max HP...........................................................75 Similarly, the Navigator Centre Console that we got to take for a ride is just that – a great platform for those of you who like a mix of river and bay fishing, as well as being able to duck offshore on good days.

With a single level floor throughout the boat and a

CO

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

Queensland boat builder Sea Jay’s heartland is the Queensland coast, and they have built their reputation on simple, no-fuss boats that won’t let you down.

Their dealer network has been handpicked to suit the product, and they all understand the value of simple, good looking boats that you can use as a platform to set up exactly as you need to for your fishing style.

Recently, we tested a Sea Jay Ranger that was fitted out to suit the modern fisherman’s lurecasting fascination. It was loaded with all of the electronics and accessories that was needed to turn a great hull into a great fishing rig.

R

K-Series 13” pitch propeller, the Yamaha F70 revved out to 6,400rpm where it hit 58km/h and travelled 2.5km/L of unleaded burned. Drop that down to 4,300rpm and the efficiency peaked markedly.

37km/h at a rate of 3.1km/L

Steve Morgan

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three) is up to you.

For me, the three things you need in a centre console are somewhere to hang on, easy access around the console and as little as possible to get in the way when you’re casting at the fish, no matter where you are in the boat.

The Navigator ticks all

three of these boxes, with the narrow console with plenty of grab rails and a small console footprint with nothing above a standing driver’s head height.

With no front casting deck, it’s likely buyers would look at other boats in the Sea Jay range to satisfy their need to throw artificials. In that light, the anchor well and well access become important. In the Navigator, you can lean right against the bulkhead wall to exercise your anchoring muscles.

The negative of the low floor, however, is a lack of underfloor storage space.

There’s a bit of dry storage under the seat base, but apart from that you’ll need to pack your gear in its own, independent dry storage if it can’t take a salty bath. Not that this is a wet boat, it’s just an open boat, and you will find situations where spray from a quartering sea will blow across the bow.

As a matter of fact, we tested this boat the same day as we did the Ranger, and it was the more comfortable of the two when it came to punching back into a reasonable northwester after a calm morning.

Spinning a Yamaha

RPM.......... Speed (km/h)........ Economy (km/L) 700................................ 3.............................. n/a 1000.............................. 5.............................. 3.6 2000.............................10.............................. 3.0 3000.............................14.............................. 2.1 4000............................ 31.............................. 2.6 4300............................ 37.............................. 3.7 5000............................ 43.............................. 3.1 6000............................ 55.............................. 2.4 6400............................ 58.............................. 2.5 is pretty bloody good in anyone’s language.

With no underfloor fuel, a standard 25L remote tank would get you around 75km of range. Drop one of these each side and there’s plenty of gas for a full day on the water.

Jump onto the Sea Jay boats website to find out more information or to locate your nearest dealer to view their impressive range of boats and do your own onwater tests. www. seajayboats.com.au.

Two up, this is a great rig for expanding your range past what your basic tinny would do, and the price of the package makes that goal more achievable.

Top: The Navigator isn’t particularly steep in the transom deadrise, meaning you’re more likely to have to ease it over the waves rather than punch through them to get the best ride. Below: There’s room for small sounders and gauges flush mounted in-dash, however bigger electronics are best kept on a bracket on the top of the dash.

Top: The traditional anchor well up front is made from rotomoulded plastic with some basic storage underneath. Below: There’s definitely room for more than a pair of Crocs thongs up here. What a fashion statement!

There’s a whole lot of space to fish in this boat, with the pathway around the console unencumbered. I can imagine battles with northern bluefin lapping this rig.

There’s nothing groundbreaking about the console design, though there are plenty of places to grab on. Being narrow, it offers the driver some protection, but the passengers are all on their own.

There’s storage under the simple seat and lots of room in the rear cockpit to load gear or fish from.

Top: A large splash well for the motor runs to the full transom height, and you won’t bang your Yammy cowling on it, even trimmed up all the way.

Left and Right: There’s lots of room in the rear cockpit and side pockets.

Painted navy/grey, this is pretty much the dream boat for a lower-budget angler wanting to get out further than their basic tinny will allow.

NOVEMBER 2019

85

Victorian Tide Times

2019 2019 Local Time

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

18’ S of High LONG 144° 37’ E TimesLAT and38° Heights and Low Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters FEBRUARY MARCH JANUARY NOVEMBER Time m Time m Time Time OCTOBER m Time m Time mSEPTEMBER 0113 0801 TU 1359 2109 SU

1 1 2 0205 0853 2

WE 1455 MO 2215

3 0304 0948 3

TH 1557 TU 2318

4 0414 1046 4

FR 1700 WE

5 0018 0529 5

SA 1145 TH 1800

6 0115 0635 6

SU 1240 FR 1852

Time 0.54 0026 1.48 0617 0.35 1320 1.37 1852 0.65 0128 1.41 0715 0.36 1407 1.38 1945 0.75 0224 1.35 0807 0.36 1451 1.41 2036 0.81 0317 1.30 0855 0.35 1532 2125 1.45 0410 0.82 0942 1.28 1613 0.33 2212 1.50 0501 0.79 1026 1.29 1653 0.30 2257

m

Time m Time m 0032 0.58 0230 0.73 01191.32 1.65 07120111 1.431.39 0907 07020.36 0.41 13050710 0.410.48 FR 1515 13371.35 1.60 1956 1.311.49 2245 MO 1341 TU 1933 0.52 1923 0.25 0116 0.67 0330 0.80 02141.26 1.74 07520152 1.381.46 1004 07520.39 0.41 13460746 0.390.48 SA 1617 14211.35 1.62 TU 1412 WE 2058 1.311.51 2345 2007 0.45 2012 0.16 0207 0.75 0444 0.84 03051.22 1.77 08400230 1.331.52 1106 08380.40 0.44 14350821 0.360.49 SU 1724 WE 1442 TH 1502 1.62 2205 1.341.53 2058 0.13 2040 0.40 0307 0.83 0045 1.38 03530.82 1.76 09360305 1.291.55 0559 09211.21 0.47 15330854 0.330.51 MO 1208 15430.38 1.59 TH 1514 FR 2317 1.391.53 1825 2143 0.15 2112 0.36 0420 0.86 0138 1.43 04400.76 1.70 10420341 1.281.57 0704 10031.24 0.52 16440929 0.290.54 TU 1305 16230.36 1.53 FR 1545 1.51 SA 1918 2143 0.34 2227 0.20 0026 1.47 0222 1.47 0418 1.57 0626 1.61 0538 0.84 0757 0.69 1003 0.58 1145 0.57 11561618 1.301.48 WE 1356 1.28 1804 1.46 SA SU 17572215 0.240.33 2005 0.34 01280458 1.551.54 0300 00091.51 0.28 06481039 0.760.62 0841 07140.62 1.51 13071653 1.361.44 TH 1441 12271.32 0.62 SU MO 19032247 0.180.33 2046 18480.33 1.38 02230542 1.631.50 0331 1.54 0051 0.37 07481115 0.660.68 0920 08040.55 1.42 1409 1.43 1522 FR 0.68 1730 1.39 TU 13101.37 MO 20032324 0.150.34 2123 19380.34 1.29

16 16

1.48 0.32 WE 1.63 0.54

11

Time 0140 0234 0802 0824 SA 1400 1433 WE2128 2032 0233 0311 0859 0859 SU 1457 1508 TH2241 2105 0341 0346 1008 0932 MO 1608 1543 FR2356 2138 0501 0422 1132 1008 TU 1730 SA 1617 2211 0101 0500 0621 1043 WE 1251 1653 SU1848 2245 0159 0539 0730 1119 1358 TH 1729 MO1953 2320 0250 0621 0828 1157 1458 FR 1809 TU2048

16 16

17 17

22

17 17

18 18

33

18 18

19 19

44

19 19

20 20

55

20 20

21 21

66

21 21

1.58 0.31 TH 1.67 0.41 1.66 0.33 FR 1.69 0.30 1.70 0.38 SA 1.69 0.23

1.69 0.44 SU 1.65 0.21 1.65 0.51 MO 1.60 0.23

m 0.72 1.52 1.34 0.56 0.30 1.44 1.36 0.36 0.79 1.60 1.30 0.55 0.30 1.47 1.36 0.31 0.83 1.64 1.27 0.55 0.31 1.48 1.41 0.28 0.81 1.66 1.29 0.56 0.30 1.47 0.27 1.48 1.65 0.72 0.58 1.36 1.44 0.26 0.27 1.56 1.61 0.59 0.61 1.45 1.40 0.24 0.29

1.55 1.59 7 0203 22 22 0730 0.73 0.58 7 0555 1109

77

22 22

8 8

88

0337 0000 1.66 0.32 23 0921 23 0708 0.33 1.48 SA 1553 1.61

1.30 1.52 MO 1330 TU SA 1735 1939 0.28 0.28 2341 0246 0649 1.58 1.51 0816 1152 0.68 0.66 TU 1415 WE 1819 SU 1.33 1.44 2022 0.27

23 23

1.62 1.55 0.45 0.64 1.55 1.36 0.24

WE 1237 0.67 2139 1858 0.26 1.32

1.60 0.35 03140631 1.691.44 0401 0420 0026 01351.56 0.46 0045 1.67 0.37 9 0323 24 24 0859 0.63 1.43 08441156 0.540.73 9 9 0956 1010 9 24 0745 09000.49 1.3424 0802 0.23 1.41 WE 1458 1.35 TH 1505 1.50 SA 1601 1.40 SU 1646 1.64 MO 1238 0.74 TU 1814 1.35 2102 1910 0.28 1.36 2058 0.15

WE 1400 0.74 2157 20380.37 1.22

TH 1325 0.69 2225 1958 0.31 1.28

Time 0113 0348 0741 1345 FR 0918 2105 FR 1533 2130 0158 0433 0829 1431 SA 1000 SA 1615 2201 2215 0250 0515 0924 1528 SU 1042 SU 1655 2301 2257 0359 0557 1030 1639 MO 1122 1736 MO 2337 0003 0638 0520 1203 1138 TU 1819 TU 1753

11

m 0.63 1.81 1.38 0.52 0.32 1.55 1.37 0.12 0.71 1.78 1.29 0.52 0.39 1.52 1.32 0.16 0.78 1.72 1.22 0.54 0.46 1.47 1.29 0.23 0.82 1.63 1.18 0.56 0.50 1.40 0.31 1.30 1.54 0.82 0.60 1.17 1.33 0.50

Local Time APRIL DECEMBER Time Time m

m Time m Time m 0036 0.65 0215 0.77 0327 04140846 1.75 1.22 06521.70 1.39 0910 09421439 0.57 0.54 12480.62 0.28 SA MO 1.45 1.29 19581.43 1.44 SU 15502210 SA 1515 MO 2107 0.22 2150 0.20 0118 0.71 0316 0.81 0405 04530955 1.70 1.18 07381.71 1.35 0946 1023 0.56 0.61 13330.60 0.30 SU TU 1543 1.42 1.28 SU 1554 TU 20591.43 1.39 MO 16312310 2144 0.22 2231 0.26 0209 0.76 0438 0.80 0445 05301110 1.63 1.18 08371.70 1.30 1024 11031705 0.56 0.64 14300.59 0.35 MO WE MO 1632 22101.42 1.37 TU 1713 1.37 WE 2221 0.23 2311 0.34 0315 0.78 0008 1.30 0524 06060601 1.56 0.74 09531.65 1.28 1102 1143 0.57 1.23 15430.59 0.40 TU TH 1220 1.31 0.64 TU 1714 TH 23251.40 1.38 WE 17551822 2348 0.42 2301 0.27 0437 0.74 0058 1.34 0606 06430659 1.48 0.65 11231.59 1.31 1142 12231318 0.58 1.32 17100.59 0.42 WE FR 1.25 0.62 WE 1758 1.36 TH 18401919 FR 2345 0.32 0031 1.44 0140 1.39 0027 0.51 0650 1.52 0600 0.64 0742 0.56 0720 1.42 1226 0.59 12431.33 1.40 1407 1.42 TH SA 1305 0.59 SA 1850 TH 1833 0.41 FR 2002 1933 1.21 0.60 01300.41 1.51 01080217 0.60 1.44 0033 07111.46 0.50 08010718 1.35 0.47 0740 13500.57 1.52 1349 FR SU 1351 0.59 1.52 1315 SU FR 1940 0.40 SA 20391940 1.18 0.58 1955 1.30

16 16

11

Time

0350 16 16 0926 TU 1535 2124

m 0055 1.71 0730 0.62 1313 1.42 2043 0.19 0200 1.71 0852 0.58 1425 1.43 2153 0.21 0322 1.67 1021 0.54 1552 1.42 2258 0.26 0443 1.63 1136 0.49 1715 1.40 2356 0.34 0548 1.57 1241 0.46 1822 1.37

17 17

22

0431 17 17 1007

18 18

33

0513 18 18 1049

19 19

44

0553 19 19 1133

20 20

55

0635 20 20 1220

0100 1.33 0.40 6 0017 0636 0.76 21 6 0721 1.44 21 1243 1.21 WE

66

0028 0.44 0643 21 21 0719 1.51 SU 1339

22 22

77

22 22

22

33

44 55

WE 1245 1855 1907 0146 0059 0733 0808 1339 TH 1331 TH 1945 2005

77

0.64 0.48 1.26 1.38 0.49 0.67 1.36 1.27 0.67 0.45 1.19

WE 1619 2207

TH 1704 2251

FR 1753 2338 SA 1848

m 0.73 1.33 0.46 1.41 0.72 1.32 0.55 1.41 0.67 1.38 0.60 1.44 0.56 1.49 0.60 1.49 0.43 1.61 0.59

0048 1.54 0.32 1.72 1310 0.42 1915 1957 1.35 0.58 0120 0136 0.55 1.57 0809 0731 1.45 0.24 MO 1430 1405 0.39 1.79 2115 2002 1.36 0.58 0218 0219 0.66 1.58 0904 0816 1.40 0.21 TU 1516 1506 0.36 1.80 2230 2045 1.41 0.58

02210.51 1.57 0225 0.59 1.43 01560153 0.70 1.48 230129 8 0752 8 0145 08081.41 0.36 8 0846 0817 1.30 0.5823 8 23 23 0900 0837 1.30 0.39 MO 1429 1.60 FR 1426 1.35 SA 1450 1.63

FR 1426 0.69 SA 1415 0.54 SU 1444 0.58 MO 20341.31 0.39 2028 1.16 0.44 2120 2118 21532015 1.20 0.58

03080.61 1.61 0259 0.67 1.48 02530229 0.79 1.51 0325 0300 0.75 24 9 0241 240234 9 0826 08591.38 0.25 9 0938 0855 1.26 0.5024 9 24 0955 1.27 0.34 1005 0900 1.36 0940 TU 1507 1.65 WE 1559 SA 1508 1.42 SU 1545 1.71

1.57 0.22 SA 1537 0.68 SU 1526 0.48 MO 1545 0.55 TU 1615 0.32 1.77 21231.38 0.41 2104 1.18 0.44 2237 23012051 1.26 0.58 2337 2125 1.47 0.60 2242

1.61 0.43 04000007 1.710.36 0431 0501 03510.69 1.63 0330 0.74 1.51 04040304 0.85 1.51 0443 0338 0.80 0115 02281.56 0.54 0141 1.65 0.44 25 10 0356 25 25 250351 10 0354 0937 0.58 1.37 09360730 0.431.3910 1029 1057 09451.37 0.181010 0929 1.25 0.4325 25 10 10 25 1049 10320900 1.25 0.30 1108 0941 1.35 0843 09580.44 1.2925 0906 0.18 1.37 10 1044 1537 1.36 1600 1.54 1639 1.42 1738 1.63 1634 1.73 1545 1.67 1639 1546 1.48 TH

FR WE 1243 0.77 SU TH 1501 0.77 MO TU 1330 0.80 FR 1425 0.68 2139 2009 0.30 1.29 21491909 0.181.31 2230 2309 21500.40 1.18 2116 0.38 1.28

1.54 0.26 1651 0.49 WE 1722 1641 0.39 MO TH 0.27 1.71 SU 1657 0.63 MO SU TU WE 22071.49 0.44 2127 0.59 2204 0.62 2139 1.25 0.45 2345 2354

1.60 0.49 04450101 1.710.39 04310.71 1.61 0401 0.76 1.53 03341.55 0.61 0249 1.61 0.52 00010339 1.35 1.50 0039 0416 1.55 11 0427 26 26 260515 11 0520 11 0212 110502 260540 26 26 1015 0.54 1.34 10270838 0.341.3611 1100 10301.39 0.161111 1000 1.26 0.3726 1140 1141 0943 10570.39 1.2726 1016 0.17 1.36 11 1145 05270934 0.86 0.28 0559 1019 0.79 1616 1.37 1652 1.55 1717 1.43 1721 1.71 1623 1.67 1717 1624 1.53 1829 1.58 FR

SA TH 1343 0.80 MO FR 1625 0.76 TU WE 1437 0.84 SA 1541 0.63 2214 2115 0.33 1.24 22382021 0.241.28 2303 2350 23040.45 1.19 2246 0.46 1.33

1.49 0.32 1748 0.29 1.26 TH 1210 TH FR 1.35 1.64 MO 1757 0.54 TUTU MO WE 1129 2248 0.48 2212 0.47 17482203 0.42 0.61 1823 2243 0.23 0.65

04561.53 0.64 0413 1.54 0.57 0042 0057 00540415 1.45 1.48 0136 0455 1.62 1.59 0.53 05270210 1.680.43 0433 1.35 1.53 05101.60 1.57 12 0323 27 120533 270619 27 27 12 0458 27 27 12 1044 11520.36 1.2827 1122 0.19 1.38 12 0629 0628 06321010 0.83 0.28 0702 1058 0.74 1050 0.51 1.34 11150951 0.281.3712 1131 1032 0.74 0.3327 11120.70 0.181212 1222 1559 0.84 1745 0.70 1703 0.52 1459 0.77 1229 1.30 1242 1.42 1224 1.28 1307 1.37

1.54 1757 1.43 TH 1.36 SU 1747 FR SA 1654 TU SA 2246 2224 0.38 1.23 23252147 0.331.31 2338 0.50

SU1920 1.51 WE

1.43 0.39 TU FR SA 1756 1.56 TU 1701 1.55 WE WE 1806 1.66 TH FR 1704 1.63 1842 1845 18372241 0.34 0.64 1916 2321 0.20 0.69 2246 0.45 0.50 23280.20 0.53

00111.49 1.25 1.67 0003 0.54 1.45 0129 0154 01410452 1.56 1.45 0228 0535 1.56 0.53 06070332 0506 1.46 1.51 1.630.46 05471.70 1.51 13 0434 130606 28 28 28 280031 13 0529 13 28 28 1141 06090.33 0.6328 0755 1134 0.69 0539 1.47 0.58 13 0716 0726 07221047 0.78 0.29 1124 0.48 1.36 1103 0.71 0.3028 0659 12021058 0.241.4213 1203 11510.66 0.231313 1714 0.78 1241 1.32 1622 0.67 1400 1.39 1221 1.43 1313 1.34 1334 1.45 1315 1.32

1.50 1840 1.42 TH FR 1.35 MO 1845 SA MO1303 0.25 SU 1733 WESU 1841 0.61 2310 1.40 1813 1.44 0.38 2319 2328 0.44 1.26 2012

1.37 0.46 SA SU 1837 1.48 WE WE 1739 1.55 THTH 1850 1.58 FR SA 1748 1.58 1920 1936 0.15 19202320 0.27 0.68 2005 0.19 2322 0.37 0.54

01070.57 1.33 0110 1.53 0.51 00100457 0.430.44 14 0536 29 140015 1229 07041.44 0.60 29 0650 14 0600 29 1157 0.46 1.41 06481157 1.561.4814 0641 SA 1812 0.69 SU 1733 0.52 MO 1322 1.36 TU 1315

0210 0245 02250534 1.64 1.41 0314 0001 1.69 0539 1.57 1.48 00071.76 0.58 29 29 14 0757 0815 08041129 0.73 0.33 0843 0620 0.64 14 29 1136 0.68 0.2829 06270.62 1.441414 TH 1355 1.38 FR 1423 1.47 SA 1404 1.36 SU 1446 1.40

01540.64 1.43 0208 1.48 1.32 00540018 0.531.53 15 0024 30 150055 0627 07471.39 0.58 30 0745 15 0635 30 1230 0.43 0.49 07300606 1.480.4215 0718 SU 1308 1.45 MO 1249 1.55 TU 1359 1.41 WE 1405

0248 0330 03080003 1.69 0.71 0356 0045 1.68 0614 1.65 1.44 00461.78 0.64 30 30 15 0833 0900 08450625 0.67 1.36 0927 0715 0.59 15 30 1210 0.64 0.2730 07070.59 1.361515 FR 1435 1.41 SA 1508 1.47 SU 1450 1.40 MO 1530 1.40

MO 1815 1.33 2354 0.50

TU 1248 0.24 1945 1.45

TH 1236 0.31 19231.40 0.51 1929

TU 1902 1.32 WE 1333 0.27 FR 1315 0.30 1856 0.60 20451831 20001.37 0.42 1.400.37 2024

31 0140 0816

0.64 1.40 TH 1421 0.31 2144 1.37

1.58 0.56 1.48 1909 0.25

1.71 0.54 1.52 2000 0.16

31 0300 0834

1.78 0.52 TH 1450 1.55 2045 0.11

TH 1820 1.53 1956 2359 0.30 0.59

FR 1905 1.49 2031 0.25

FR 1230 0.30 2023 19340.13 1.49

SA 1309 0.38 2108 20210.15 1.41

31 0128 0752

0.71 1.29 SU 1350 0.46 2113 1.34

0.73 1.30 SU 1837 1.51 MO 1214 0.55 2001 0.22 2050 1922 0.21 1.41

0.76 1.24 MO 1215 0.39 TU 1257 0.63 20431935 0.19 1.45 2132 2012 0.24 1.36 0432 1.65 1008 0.56 TU 1613 1.38 2212 0.29

31

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia2018, 2018,Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology  Copyright Commonwealth of Australia Datum of Predictions is Lowest AstronomicalTide Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) daylight savings savings time when in effect Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) orordaylight time(UTC (UTC+11:00) +11:00) when in effect New Moon First Quarter LastLast Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon Tide predictions for Port Phillip Heads have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct. It is supplied on the condition that no warranty is given in relation thereto, that no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions should not be used for navigational purposes. Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to include acceptance of the above conditions.

86

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2019 2019

NEW COAST TOURER EDITIONS NEW MODEL

SL 20

A

318p/w* Indicative

RELEASES FROM

$

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B

487p/w* Indicative

$

SL 22

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C

674p/w* Indicative

SL 25

$

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YAMAHA F 200 MACKAY DUAL AXLE TRAILER NEW SLIDING LOCKABLE CABIN DOOR

CALL (03) 8339 1800 OR VISIT THE FACTORY AND SHOWROOM AT 12-14 SOMERTON PARK DRIVE, CAMPBELLFIELD Indicative Interest rate

Comparison Interest rate

7.44% 7.99%

MAKING MEMORIES SINCE 1953 “ Repayment amount shown is the weekly equivalent of the monthly instalment of (a) $1,376 (b) $2,109 (c) $2,919. It is indicative only and is calculated based on an interest rate of 7.44% p.a. (Comparison Rate 7.99% p.a.), Package price of (a) $69,990 (b) $107,990 (c) $149,990, less a deposit of (a) $13,998 (b) $21,598 (c) $29,998 and 48 instalments in arrears with a final balloon payment of $0 and an application fee of $395. Interest rate used is based on an average individual credit rating and meeting mandatory credit criteria. Repayments and interest rate may vary depending on your individual circumstances, financial position, credit rating, information provided, loan amount and loan term. Offer valid until 31/08/2019. Comparison rate is based on a 5-year secured fixed rate consumer loan of $30,000. WARNING: The Comparison Rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

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