Victoria and Tasmania Fishing Monthly October 2019

2019 AFTA TACKLE SHOW WINNERS INSIDE

Features

Happy days ahead for Vic anglers • Become a citizen scientist • Land-based options for PPB •

NEW FIND THE LOGO COMPETITION SEE INSIDE

Boating & Kayaking

Tried & Tested

Bar Crusher 535C with Suzuki 90hp • Clark 427 Fishmaster with Suzuki 40hp •

Gearing up for SUP camping • Inside knowledge when buying a used boat •

October, 2019 Fishing Monthly G R O U P

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October 2019, Vol. 14 No.12

Contents WEST COAST West Coast

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17

18

22

26

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

Gippsland Lakes

40

Marlo 42 Corner Inlet

42

Lakes Entrance

43

NSW SOUTH COAST Merimbula 46 Narooma 47 Bermagui 48 Mallacoota/Eden 48

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Wagga Wagga

57

Albury/Wodonga 58

From the Editor’s Desk...

Great news to all Victorian recreational anglers will be the ultimate removal of commercial netting in the Gippsland Lakes.

Recently, we received this release from Minister Jaala Pulford.

“Commercial netting in the Gippsland Lakes is another step closer to being banned, with the Andrews Labor Government introducing legislation today that will boost tourism, create jobs and protect the unique lake system.

“The Marine and Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 will phase out the 10 remaining Gippsland Lakes Fishing Access Licences over two

years. The first opportunity for industry to exit will be 1 April next year, with all affected licences phased out by 1 April 2021.

“The ban will return the Gippsland Lakes to recreational fishers, creating better fishing opportunities and a boost for local tourism and regional jobs.

“It will help rebuild fish stocks and increase catch rates for recreational fishers and delivers on a key commitment of the Labor Government’s $35 million Target One Million Phase Two plan, which aims to get more people fishing, more often in more places.

“Gippsland Lakes Fishing Access Licence holders will be fairly compensated

for the cancellation of their licence, with compensation to be consistent with that provided under the Port Phillip Bay buy-out.

“Commercial bait, eel and mussel fishing will not be impacted and will continue to be permitted in the Gippsland Lakes.

“Victorian and federal offshore fisheries that use the Lakes as a port will also remain unaffected, ensuring that prawns and other species sold into the food market will be available to consumers.

“We’re delivering what we promised, making the Gippsland Lakes better than ever for recreational fishers and local tourism operators,” said Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford.

“This legislation will provide certainty for affected licence holders and we will continue to work through this transition with them.”

“We’re listening to the East Gippsland community – removing the nets, phasing out commercial licences and handing the lakes back to recreational fishers,” said the Member for Eastern Victoria, Jane Garrett.

So not only is it happening, there’s a deadline to stick to. We all know that it’ll take a while for stocks to bounce back to where they should be, but a pat on the back to the incumbent government for sticking to their election promises.

Yarrawonga 58 Robinvale 59 Bendigo 59 Snowy Mountains

60

West/South Gippsland

60

Wangaratta 61 Shepparton 62 Eildon 63 Nagambie 64

28

Back to Basics

16

Chappy’s Hotspot

39

Inland Fisheries Service

55

Tasmanian Lake Levels

52

Fly Fishing Scene

56

Dam Levels

56

Tournament News

78

Track My Fish

84

Trade and Services Guide

86

Fun Page

87

Kayak fishing

90

Victorian Game Fishing

30

Victorian Tide Times

98

SPECIAL FEATURES Land-based options for PPB

8 12

2019 AFTA Tackle winners

66

Production: Keith Hawley Karen Millward

Sub-Editors: Nicole Penfold Bob Thornton Lucette Eggleton Field Editor: Kelly Hunt Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall

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Visiting Japanese scientist and mad keen fisherman, Yasuhiko Kawato, sampled some of Bellarine’s finest whiting.

A Neil Slater image.

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Land-based options for Port Phillip Bay anglers large models around, you should work a 3.0 size jig.

Alternatively, you can float out a silver whiting on a squid jag under a float and at the same time, work a squid jig to pass the time while waiting for the baited jag to be taken.

Whiting on the other hand can be in large numbers and are traditionally caught from the far-left end of the pier. With a good cast in the northerly direction, there are many sand holes, but it pays to put a few casts in different

WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

For many anglers owning a boat is a dream, and while it might become a reality to some, it can be an extremely farfetched possibility for others. Regardless, you really don’t need a boat to catch quality fish around Port Phillip Bay. Having a coastline of nearly 2000km, there are literally hundreds of locations in which you can head to and dangle a line on any given day in Victoria. Even if you’re wanting to hunt down something larger than a whiting or calamari, snapper, there’s

Mount Martha is a fairly safe rock location, and even offers opportunities for snapper when the wind picks up.

A baited squid jag is a great way to catch calamari off any pier. plenty of land-based locations to get stuck into gummy sharks and even bronze whaler or seven gill sharks.

What differs keen landbased anglers from one other anglers is the sheer passion to succeed. Those who have set themselves goals to catch a 5kg snapper from the rocks will do things a lot different to those who just head down to a pier in hope that they hook something.

Mind you, the feeling of success after catching any fish is still the same.

summer months.

Though access is limited to some degree, those who get there first usually get the prime casting position.

Garfish, whiting, salmon, silver trevally and calamari are also on offer, but it is the lure of snapper which can see dedicated anglers fish throughout some extreme weather conditions to catch them.

Scattered with pockets of weed beds, the bottom is mostly sand, but when the

When embarking on a land-based fishing session, the first question you need to ask yourself is what you want to target, then where, when and how. Of course, to answer these questions you first need to start researching the species you’re wanting to target before looking into where a possible location may be worth trying your luck.

LOCATIONS Portsea Pier Located at the furthermost point of the Mornington Peninsula, Portsea Pier is a

Early morning fishing from the Mount Martha Rocks can yield good catches of snapper, garfish, whiting and calamari.

well-known destination for anglers targeting calamari, garfish, salmon and whiting on any given day throughout the year.

This pier, while a sound structure, offers anglers great success for your more ‘bread and butter’ species.

Reaching around 4m depth at its end, the bottom is made up of broken kelp beds and seaweed and being quite tidal, it is a great area for calamari to spawn and lay their eggs.

On any given day or night, it is uncommon for the pier to have no-one fishing, even in rough weather and torrential rain.

Although many of the species caught are predominately seasonal, the aforementioned are still a possibility all year.

Portsea Pier is a great pier to fish from, but you do need time your fishing right. Ideally, two hours either side of a tide change is recommended, with more emphasis focused on the top of the high tide. This is when your targetable species will move in closer searching for potential foods.

Calamari will be lurking amongst the weed beds and given there are some

Piers are safe, public locations for young anglers to wet a line. areas until you get a bite. Then, remember that cast and fish the same spot to continue success.

Due to the surrounding weed, a paternoster rig is recommended, as this will keep the baits above the weed in most situations.

Mt Martha Rocks Mt Martha Rocks is fast becoming the best location for anglers in search of snapper throughout the

southwesterly and westerly winds blow, snapper push within casting range. Of course, from these wind directions you are casting into the wind, which is where a surf rod will allow larger baits to be cast.

Snapper in this area can reach over 6kg, so your choice of tackle needs to be up to standard. This can consist of 40lb leader with a snelled set

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Melbourne’s CBD is full of potential locations to target fish, but if you’re up for some line screaming action, the Yarra River is the place to try your luck for snapper and mulloway.

of 5/0 suicide hooks with a whole pilchard, half a garfish or fresh calamari ring. Of course, the most suitable rig a running sinker rig, however for casting distance, a paternoster rig such as the Mustad Fastach Rig setup is ideal.

Whiting are also abundant throughout summer and can be caught with a much lighter setup and paternoster rig.

When fishing for them, choose a high tide early in the morning so the boat traffic doesn’t scare them off. Whiting respond really well to pipi baits and small strips of squid.

If you are targeting them, it pays to fish with a few rods

so as to scatter your baits about the area. This will allow you to locate them once you hook up, and then you can repeatedly cast to that location each time.

Another prized species from the rocks are garfish, and they tend to swarm in September and October. While they may be small, they are delicious and easy to catch.

To attract them, I use berley, and this can be breadcrumbs mixed with tuna oil. This can be thrown into the water at a consistent rate.

Ideally, fish from the last hour of the run-in and first three hours of the run-out. This will allow the tide to create a

slugs from the rock wall.

At certain times of the year, calamari can also be caught inside the river. Just below the highway bridge on the southern side there is a small reef where calamari

bridge pylons, they also do well at the far end of the carpark around the flood gates.

Bream can be caught using varying methods, with flicking small lures highly effective.

Bait fishing with a running

Depending on where you fish, some of the complex is limited by access. However, if you try your luck and explore, you can find some great locations of your own.

Patterson River has a variety of species to target, and bream are the number one pick.

There are plenty of them holding around the pylons and under the floating pontoons.

berley trail that will bring the gars within reach. A light float setup with a size #12 long shank hook and a small slither of silverfish or a few maggots works best for gars.

Patterson River Undoubtedly the most popular boat ramp for anglers fishing Port Phillip Bay, the Patterson River complex is a land-based anglers Mecca for a wide range of species.

Calamari, salmon, yellow eye mullet, silver trevally, bream, estuary perch and mulloway are the more common species caught.

Throughout the year and more commonly in rough weather, schools of salmon congregate at the river mouth.

Anglers can have great success casting small 15-20g metal

The enormous size of the calamari at Queenscliff Pier sees anglers flock to it throughout the year. can be caught using small size 1.6-2.0 jigs.

With its estuary feel, bream are the dominant species and flourish throughout the system.

Although many anglers try their luck around the highway

sinker rig and prawns is sometimes irresistible. Bream are caught right throughout the system and if you’re keen on exploring, you’ll have to pack light and look for other To page 10

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access points.

Doing this can lead to you finding some very productive locations, and not just for bream. In the summer months and usually on a calm night, estuary perch are caught by anglers flicking small surface lures such as poppers and cicada baits. Estuary perch often hold around the weed beds and reed and are extremely active during these times. A finesse approach is essential to catching them, but all the hard work can be worth it.

Of all the species, mulloway are the most highlyprized and they are not easy to catch. While they do frequent the system in fair numbers (with some fish around the 8kg mark being caught), you do have to do your research.

This means knowing the tides, moon phases and locations they are likely to be looking for food.

Bait fishing with a running sinker rig is the preferred method and fresh strips of calamari are great for bait. On the other hand, many anglers walk the banks casting and retrieving soft plastics and jerkbait style hardbody lures.

The river isn’t that deep, with shallow edges where you only need to be flicking a lure that dives to a maximum of a meter.

In saying that, mulloway are known for taking small baits

Portsea Pier offers families some great fishing for bread and butter species, as well as some amazing fishing opportunities for the experienced angler. and 40mm metal or soft vibes are equally as deadly as a calamari bait.

Melbourne CBD and surrounds Around the city is an angler’s playground, with countless of access points where anglers can catch bream, salmon, silver trevally, garfish, snapper and the highly-prized mulloway.

Piers and jetties abound, and bream are the most highly sought, mainly because they are quite abundant around the piers and jetties pylons.

There are many techniques for bream, however they can be cagey, so where possible try to present baits

as naturally as possible. This includes lures where a long pause between winds could make the difference. Then again, slow sinking stickbaits or suspending crankbaits could just catch their attention. In saying that, small wriggler style soft plastics on 3-5g jigheads for a natural presentation also work well.

Bream will take most baits, but peeled prawns and mussels fished unweighted tend to be a hot favourite.

Although you might be setup for bream, don’t be surprised if you hook a trevally or salmon. Mind you, these guys are tough competitors and can bust anglers off in

mere seconds.

While there are many species to catch, snapper have been increasing in numbers over the past few years, with fish as large as 5kg being caught on a regular basis through the summer months.

One location is the rock wall along Dockside at Riverside Park. Here you can walk right along the edge of the Yarra where many anglers all sit and cast big baits from.

Snapper cruise outside of the rock wall regularly however due to the heavy load of boat traffic throughout the daylight hours, and nighttime during a high tide seems to be the prime time.

Single dropper paternoster rigs with a snelled set of suicide hooks to fit whole baits such as pilchards, squid and garfish are extremely enticing for a hungry snapper.

In saying that, the odd catch of a mulloway is also a high possibility, especially when fishing the moon phases.

Mulloway will take a range of baits and the humble pilchard is always a good option.

To increase your chance at success though, small strips or rings of fresh calamari are top bait, but if you spend some time catching live mullet or squid, even better! Live baits work exceptionally well, but it does take a lot of effort to do this. Still, if a mulloway is on your target list, then the effort put in is often worth it.

Queenscliff Pier Providing anglers access into deep water, Queenscliff Pier sits pretty much adjacent to the Portsea Pier, almost opposite it on the Bellarine Peninsula.

It is well known for producing hordes of calamari year-round, with the best fishing occurring during the night, and this makes it extremely popular with anglers throughout the holiday season.

Effective techniques are casting and retrieving squid jigs, while many anglers choose to use a bait jag under a float and have extremely good success. Depending on

the tide, you’ll have to fish on the side that the current is flowing. This will allow your bait and float to head out with the tide.

Bait fishing anglers can also catch you a myriad of species, including silver trevally, salmon, leatherjacket, wrasse and both King George and grass whiting. These species can all be caught using a paternoster rig tied from 12-15lb fluorocarbon leader, and it will only be the hook size and style that will differ.

In saying that, if you want just one hook that will catch all the mentioned species, stick with a #6 or #4 Mustad Demon Light Circle.

Queenscliff Pier can also produce some impressive catches, and if you’re looking for a fish to rip line from your reel, then you best rig up the heavy tackle. A few anglers over the years have tussled it out with seven gill sharks and bronze whalers, and while they are a possible catch, prior research and time on the water is needed to be successful.

Still, for a pier in a hot holiday location, there is a large array of species to be caught here.

So there you have it, some cracking, easy to get to landbased locations around Port Phillip Bay. Make the most of the warming weather and get out there!

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Happy days ahead for Victorian anglers GEELONG

Ross Winstanley

It seems that there’s a ‘paradigm shift’ in the wind in recreational fisheries management arrangements, led by Victoria and attracting attention interstate. It boils down to the separation of government recreational fisheries management functions into two streams: • the traditional core functions: policy, fishing regulations, licensing, enforcement, research, and stock assessment; and • the fun stuff: fish stocking, family/community fishing programs, regional events, schools programs, artificial reefs, fishing facilities, angler access and support for clubs.

Over much of the past century, Victorian anglers have known great fishing, but they’ve never had the range of opportunities available today. Nowhere in Australia has a government invested in promoting recreational fishing at the scale seen in Victoria since the Andrews’ Government took office in late 2014.

Since then a major

paradigm shift has seen the focus of recreational fishing investment expand from anglers to a broader range of social and economic benefits to the wider community.

All of this seems to be wholly consistent with the Premier’s intention to see Victoria recognised as, “the most progressive state in the nation.”

HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED Around Australia, through most of the 20th century, recreational fishing was managed purely for the benefit of the anglers, most of whom were men. There was no emphasis on ‘growing participation’ by encouraging kids, catering for families or creating opportunities for disadvantaged people.

Advisory and consultative bodies were dominated by male members of various state and regional fishing bodies. Working directly with governments, or with government-sanctioned programs, these bodies achieved a lot for fishing: operating fish hatcheries and stocking programs, improving access and assisting in research.

In Victoria, government and recreational fishing

licence funds were invested to directly benefit anglers.

Then, from the 1990s, more inclusive programs began, targeting participation by kids, families and people of diverse social backgrounds and abilities.

Today, recreational fishing in Victoria is managed for a much broader range of objectives. These include promoting statewide and regional economic development and social benefits at individual, family and community-wide levels.

LET A THOUSAND FLOWERS BLOOM Instead of passing directly via a narrow channel, from angler organisations to government, new ideas for improved fishing in Victoria today can come from anywhere. And they do. In keeping with the philosophy of encouraging a wide range of ideas from diverse sources, the Andrews’ Government election commitments in 2014 and 2018 were drawn directly from the wish lists of anglers and wide-ranging business interests.

Unlike other Australian jurisdictions, Victoria has no formal recreational fishing advisory or consultative body. It doesn’t need

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one. Under the receptive approach adopted by the pro-angling Government and the Victorian Fisheries Authority, local business and community groups, individual angling clubs, and even persistent individuals can see their proposals come to fruition.

A number of obstacles that prevented past fish stocking proposals have been negotiated or done away with. For example, after golden perch were released into Albert Park Lake during the 1990s, park management stopped further releases and insisted that trout stocked for special kids’ fishing events be confined to temporary net enclosures. Fishing was deemed to be incompatible with and hazardous to other water and lakeside users.

Recently, a policy turnaround resulted in an annual stocking program, in 2018 totalling 44,000 golden perch, silver perch and rainbow trout.

Under a fresh wholeof-government approach, water authorities, which once rigorously restricted access by boat and bank anglers, now accommodate angling in a number of ways.

These include removing prohibitions of fish stocking and fishing, relaxing boating controls and releasing water for fishing in popular waters such as Lake Toolondo.

In a first for Victoria, local anglers have succeeded in securing the introduction of brook trout and a commitment to trial tiger trout in Lake Purrumbete.

The Government continues to release prawn larvae, mulloway and estuary perch into Lake Tyers because anglers asked for it and it is technically possible - not because of any demonstrated biological need. It’s all good for satisfying anglers and local businesses.

Under the former influence of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, stocking policy restricted Murray-Darling species to waters north of The Divide.

Since 2017, however, in response to angler requests the Government has released 215,000 Murray cod and 206,000 golden perch into Rocklands Reservoir, and golden perch into several Family Fishing Lakes around Melbourne.

These are just some examples of the can-do approach that demonstrates the Government’s responsiveness to anglers’ requests.

Even while annual stocking levels have increased in numbers and diversified in terms of species, like every previous survey of angler preferences over the past 20 years, recent surveys continue to show ‘stock more fish’ near the

top of anglers’ wish lists.

While inland waters become increasingly stressed, we can expect the Government to find ways of increasing annual stocking numbers to 10 million and beyond.

THE ERA OF EVENTS Managing recreational fishing once involved putting appropriate controls in place, stocking fish where necessary, then standing back while anglers got on with it. Now, everything seems to be about events.

Not content with a single trout season opening in the Eildon-Goulburn region, we see a second such event at Lake Wendouree.

In 2018 we saw the highly-promoted spectacle of seven tonnes of trophysize rainbow trout – 2000 in all – stocked in the Goulburn below Eildon. This was a spectacular success with many novices catching the ‘fish of a lifetime,’ with around 3kg+ fish still being caught months later. Expect to see demands for similar events coming from fishing interests elsewhere around the State.

The urban ponds program, stocking readyto-catch rainbow trout to benefit kids and elderly anglers, began in the 1990s to use ‘excess’ fish, that is fish above the numbers required to meet scheduled commitments. Over time this has become a regular annual fixture and now extends to 80 waters in Melbourne and regional centres. Annual releases into the 25 urban Family Fishing Lakes have evolved into fullblown well-publicised and sponsored events.

A PARADIGM SHIFT– NSW TOO? Victorian Labor’s pro-recreational fishing mindset was evident in the lead-up to the 2014 election when a key promise of their recreational fishing policy was the establishment of a fisheries statutory authority. Since then, one look at Fisheries Victoria/VFA’s Facebook page would confirm the agency’s emphasis on recreational fishing.

In effect, the Victorian Government now promotes recreational fishing in much the same way as other areas of government promote recreations such as skiing and cycling, for the benefits of their allied industries, tourism and broader social and economic interests, as well as participants.

Two examples from the Target One Million Phase 2 recreational fishing program: • Government’s $1.5 million investment in a new cafe at Lakes Entrance; • VicRoads and VFA’s joint development of

custom number plates for recreational fishers.

Victoria’s prorecreational fishing policies and investment program have drawn envious remarks and proposals for major changes from some interstate angler groups. In the lead-up to the recent state election, NSW Labor responded to the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW’s 8-point plan, promising to establish a statutory authority to give anglers a large degree of control over the investment of recreational fishing licence revenue. In an open approach to the newlyelected NSW Fisheries minister, Fishing World’s John Newbery pointed to the recreational, sporting, tourism and lifestyle features of recreational fishing, proposing the removal of related functions from the Department of Primary Industries to an independent board-based authority.

If implemented, such changes would have separated the core functions of recreational fisheries management (research, stock assessment, regulations, enforcement and policy) from the ‘fun stuff’ (fish stocking, family/community fishing programs, regional events, school programs, artificial reefs, fishing facilities, access, clubs’ support, etc.) Development of a solid business case to demonstrate the benefits and viability may be necessary before NSW anglers see progress in this direction.

In establishing the VFA, the Andrews’ Government has rolled all these functions into one agency. The popularity of the Government’s and the VFA’s performance in doing so is evident in the universal support from angler groups, event participants and the media – and the absence of the sorts of significant contentious issues seen in some other jurisdictions.

In days gone by, guided by government policy, research and angler consultation, the fisheries agency administered recreational fishing by a combination of compliance and fish stocking. It tended to be reactive to demands coming from anglers or affecting the recreational fishing sector.

Today, Victorian anglers are being gifted everything they’ve asked for in terms of exclusive access to inshore scalefish fisheries, unlimited fish stocking, artificial reefs, habitat restoration works and, now, boating and related facilities. Seen through the eyes of local and interstate anglers, the Victorian Government is well ahead of the curve in meeting the sector’s every wish.

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13

14

OCTOBER 2019

e v Sa

! e t a THE D

2020 , l i r p A 2-5

a GOFISH NAGAMBIE 2019 WAS A2019 BIGwas THUMBS AND WE’RE DOING IT ALL AGAIN 2020.

Big Thumbs Up and we’re doing it allIN again in 2020!

It’s time to lock in the dates and cast your way to $500K at GoFish Nagambie in 2020!

You could be like this guy who won $80k, or this guy who won a great boat, this girl who won a camper, and this lady who didn’t even have to wet a line to win hers.

GoFish Nagambie represents everything you love about fishing, amplified, and all the best parts of the tournament and festival will be returning for 2020. The $500,000 guaranteed prize pool is back. The Camp Ground is back.

The festival is back. The mateship, the camaraderie and family fun are all back!

standard fishing competition to a true fishing festival. This star attraction will return in 2020, ensuring that you don’t have to compete to have an amazing time.

• The Camp Ground will be back with camp fires and gas cooking facilities this year.

Did somebody say toasted marshmallows?

HECK YES!

Clint Alvey, happy with his win !

To be the first to hear prize releases, entry details and juicy event news, sign up to our e-news at www.gofishnagambie.com.au. We’ll send you fishing reports, fishing tips and other great fishing articles.

Here’s what you need to know so far.

• The 2020 event will be held earlier in the year, on 2-5 April, to give you the best chance of catching fish.

• There will be two age categories: Junior (ages 5 to 15), and Open (16+ years)

G’day fishos,

• Entries are still capped at 1,000 boats. GET IN FAST. WE SOLD OUT LAST YEAR! Participant numbers are capped at 5,000.

• You can fish from your boat, kayak, canoe, PWC and from the bank.

Carp O Clock boat winner.

• This is a catch, measure, release tournament chasing Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Redfin, as well as Carp (not to be released) • The app is being revamped. Our team is improving usability and out-of-coverage usage, and we will hold more test tournaments in the lead-up to iron out any issues and give registered GoFish Nagambie competitors the opportunity to win in advance of the comp.

• The festival was a true highlight of the event, elevating GoFish Nagambie from a

We bet you’re all wondering what the guaranteed $500K prize pool will be. Well, you’ll have to wait because we aren’t about to reveal everything yet – just watch this space!

GoFish Nagambie 2019 was as much of a hit as Steve Smith’s current form.

Except for one thing... It was bloody cold.

We all know who hates the cold more than we do: the fish. With 2,107 fishos catching a total of 1,156 fish, which we thought was a bloody good result, left some people cracking it like Nick Kyrigios.

So, this year we’ve moved the dates forward so you can catch more fish, and all you need to do is lock in the dates!

2-5 April 2020.

Camper trailer winner.

Catch ya then!

OCTOBER 2019

15

Become a citizen scientist NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.fishotopia.com

‘Citizen science’ is one of the latest buzz phrases to sweep the fishing world.

It describes a worthwhile trend that a lot more of us need to embrace.

Citizen science. Have you ever encountered that

best be defined as: “the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists”. In other words, it means people like you and me pitching in to help the boffins with their research by gathering information, monitoring various

population dynamics and post-capture survival rates of various marine species.

I’ve tagged a reasonable number of fish myself over the years and I’ve always been thrilled to hear of one being recaptured, knowing that the data generated adds to our pool of knowledge.

Recently, for example, I was delighted when a big dusky flathead I’d tagged

Tournaments like the annual DIMSC snapper event held out of Coffs Harbour, NSW, require competitors to carefully measure, record and release their fish, thus helping to gather valuable data. term? If not, I suspect you’ll be hearing more about it over the coming months and years.

I was first introduced to this concept some years ago by the publisher of this magazine, Steve Morgan.

Morgo explained that he believed citizen science may grow to become the strongest argument available to us as anglers when it comes to justifying our activities in the face of increasing criticism from anti-fishing forces.

In particular, Steve was thinking about things like competitions or tournament angling and the practice of catch-and-release. In some parts of the world, these activities are becoming increasingly unpopular and losing their ‘social licence’ or public support. Linking them to the collection of valuable scientific information is one way of countering that sort of disapproval.

Citizen science is

phenomena, reporting wildlife encounters and so on. Usually, this is unpaid voluntary work that can help to greatly expand the effectiveness of scientific research efforts, and it has plenty of relevance to fishing.

The longest running and most significant fishingrelated citizen science project in Australia is the highly successful NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program. This impressive research initiative began 46 years ago, in 1973, and is today the largest and oldest continually functioning saltwater tagging program of its kind anywhere on earth.

Close to half a million fish have been tagged with NSW Game Fish Program tags by recreational anglers and others across those 46 years, and well over 8,000 tag recoveries have been recorded, providing valuable data on the migration, growth,

OCTOBER 2019

The author was rapt when this flathead he tagged was recaptured a few months later and once again released. Citizen science at work! involvement in citizen science may be one of our best defences against those who seek to shut us down.

Direct involvement in valid scientific research is a powerful justification for

Nation-wide competitions like the annual Pirtek Challenge can help to collect important data on recreational fishing activities. in my local estuary on the Far South Coast of NSW was recaptured a few months later, quite a bit further upstream in the same system. Not only had it survived (despite

Save the date for the NRFC! 16

being deeply hooked and bleeding when I landed it), it had also grown a couple of centimetres and put on weight. This kind of positive feedback and irrefutable scientific data is invaluable. Apart from anything else, it provides excellent ammunition for arguments we may have with those who claim that catch-and-release fishing doesn’t work and that “they all die, anyway”.

The evidence consistently indicates otherwise.

But citizen science in the angling world isn’t only about tagging. Creel or catch surveys, the keeping of logbooks, and the collection of tissue samples or fish frames also provide valuable scientific data, as do organised competitions that collate detailed figures on catch-per-unit-effort and other statistics. In addition, there are organisations such as Redmap that collect, log and map citizen sightings of marine life around Australia to help build a better picture of distribution patterns, stock levels and any localised anomalies (www.redmap.org.au).

As valuable as the science generated by all of these citizen-backed

programs is, I agree with Steve Morgan that the credibility they lend to our on-water activities might ultimately prove to be even more important. As antifishing pressures increase,

continuing to fish, and — in the long run — perhaps the only socially acceptable defence of things like catch-and-release or competition fishing.

Fortunately, Australian anglers have some wonderful citizen scientist champions in the form of people like Dr Julian Pepperell (the father of the NSW Game Fish Tagging Program), Bill and Stefan Sawynok (Track My Fish, Infofish and the Crystal Bowl) and, of course, Steve Morgan himself through his Fishing Monthly Group titles and ABT competition circuits. These guys and

others like them understand the immense benefits of getting grass roots fishers directly involved in hands-on scientific programs. Their efforts may well help to ‘future proof’ our sport, at least for the next few decades.

It’s fitting recognition of the key role citizen science plays in our world that the next biennial National Recreational Fishing Conference (set down for 10 and 11 December this year in Hobart) will be devoted entirely to this subject. I’m looking forward to attending, and I’d strongly urge anyone else who’s passionate about recreational fishing to get along to it if they possibly can. Besides, December is a great month for wetting a line in the Apple Isle, so you can bet I’ll be taking my fishing gear!

You can find out more about the Conference by scanning the QR code on this page, going to www. arff.net.au/nrfc/ or visiting the ARFF (Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation) page on Facebook. I hope to see you at this important event!

VIDEO

Scan this QR code to find out more about the National Recreational Fishing Conference in Hobart this December.

A steady hand will score WEST COAST

Brett Carson

With spring slow to start, fortune has again favoured the brave with some great fishing. The prevailing winds have made it uncomfortable but the lack of significant rainfall hasn’t hurt the bite. Those putting in the effort have tasted some unbelievable mulloway action in the mighty Glenelg, with some of the best fishing on recent record. Warm spring days are filtering through more often and over the next month will be the motivation anglers need to get back on the bike.

Mulloway have been higher up into the system than is usual for this time of year.

The aforementioned lack of significant rainfall has left salt further up than normal and has held mulloway with it. The Caves and Dry Creek area has been producing its fair share of metre mulloway, as has the lower Taylors Strait.

Trolling lures is a good option in the dirty water, as the vibration can get the attention and spark a bite when visibility is poor. For the same reason, a vibe worked through a sitting school can be the difference between a catch or not. Persistence is key when feed times are so erratic.

A sounder is a must to find large numbers of fish to target, and then you have to figure out when they feed.

They have to feed sometime and usually there is a trigger.

Work through it with the usual suspects – moon, tide, dawn and dusk – as quite often they are consistent once you solve the puzzle.

The edge bite is still inconsistent in October, but it can happen in patches. Lure anglers always doubt their ability at this time of year, whereas bait fishos have more consistent results. Deep divers can reap the rewards, getting down to where bream and perch are lurking.

Plastics often require a slightly heftier jighead in the

Graeme Walker landed this impressive metre mulloway. heavier flow this time of year, as the line can balloon in the current and lift your normal jighead up from the bottom you are trying to work. I’ve often switched from a 1/24oz to a 1/16oz and been instantly rewarded because I previously hadn’t been presenting my plastic to the fish.

Crabs work best crushed or cut in half at this time of year and podworms are hard to beat. The small fish that come with podworms can be frustrating, but if bigger fish are amongst them persistence will bring them unstuck. Just remember to cut the line on any gut-hooked fish rather than kill them over a 20-cent hook – this way your kids might catch them one day.

Perch have been thick in the lower reaches in big schools, as they are still in the throes of reproduction. There have been glimpses of that highly sought-after surface bite. Sure, one day can be a diamond and the next a stone, but if you’ve ever tried it you’ll chase the next session. Perch usually show up as a very tight school on the sounder and once you recognize them they can be distinguished from

other fish. Small livies work well on them at night when they are most active.

The gutters in the surf beaches are awesome at the moment, so get amongst the local surf fishing.

Schoolies and gummies are the main target, with masses of salmon still about on their winter run. Mullet fishing in the river is also a great option at this time of year, as there’s plenty of large eating size fish about. Berley hard and try offering them podworms and pipis. Anywhere from Donavans to the mouth is a good starting point and if it doesn’t happen, move on.

• Good luck and feel free to come and see us at Nelson Boat Hire for the latest info, we have the local ‘live bait licence’ meaning we stock live mullet, crabs and podworms along with all the frozen bait, tackle and lures you need for the area.

We’ll do our best to give you some local knowledge and get you on the fish quicker.

Remember you can hire any of our boats without a boat licence, including our very popular houseboat.

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OCTOBER 2019

17

Warming up in Warrnambool WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

The wind has been an annoying constant over the past few months, not only for offshore anglers, but even river and lake anglers have been frustrated by the

frequency of the prevalent strong winds.

In the very few windows of opportunity though, some good fish have been taken. All the tuna action has continued to be well west in the Portland to Port McDonnell region, with both barrel and school fish available.

Bottom anglers locally

have still been getting onto some good-sized gummy sharks when conditions allow. October often does throw up some warm flat days that are ideal for getting out and targeting various shark species on the local beaches and piers as well.

Gummies and schoolies are the main target, with plenty of seven-gillers,

Prime browns like this can still be an option in October.

Port Jacksons, skates and the like providing annoying by-catch.

Salmon fishing off the beaches has been noticeably quiet this winter, but hopefully there will be some around in October, as they are great bait for all the shark species. The inshore reefs should also see a few squid around for you to stock up on for bait for the summer ahead, if you can resist the temptation of eating them. Shallow reefs around Port Fairy, Lady Bay, Warrnambool Breakwater and Port Campbell jetty are good areas to target the squid.

The local estuaries are quite dirty at the moment after the winter rains. The rivers with the smaller catchments have been producing the best fishing on the high tides. As we head into October, hopefully the rivers will start to clear and the fishing for bream and perch will improve.

Late in the month could also see some mulloway, as the October and November

Hopefully this month sees some mulloway present in the local estuaries. period in the past few seasons has produced some good fish in the Hopkins River. Mulloway are also often targeted in the Moyne at this time of year. The turn of the high tide is a popular time to try for them, with live mullet, spew worms and clickers (Bass yabbies) being the most productive baits.

October is still often a productive month to give the trout a try, particularly if we get a wet spring.

Trout have perhaps been

the saving grace for many anglers the past few months in the cold windy weather.

The fish aren’t ever in huge numbers, but the size makes up for it, with some good fish over 2kg being taken recently. The good rainfall of the past months also has raised the levels in the smaller local lakes like Gillear, Ellingamite an Aringa. Trout and redfin are best targeted by cast or trolled lures from small boats or kayaks in these locations.

A nice fresh start in the bay APOLLO BAY

Craig Rippon

The weather is starting to break at last and the days are getting longer.

Salmon have been on the bite at the local beaches with some fish around the 5-6lb mark. The afternoon on a high tide has been a great time to cast, with lures the key to catching these fish.

They have been at Wild Dog and Marengo beaches but most fish have been caught at the former.

Good catches of salmon

have been reported, with reports of gummies coming out of Johanna Beach. Fresh salmon fillet has been the best bait. Lures that have worked well are the Juro Lazer in white and the Halco Streaker.

Out wide there have been some decent catches of gummies, schoolies and snapper, with some quality size flathead. From Bald Hill to Cape Otway has been productive in 40-60m of water.

Slack water is the best to fish, so have a look at the tides and plan your trip around that.

It’s very hard to hold on the bottom in that depth if the tide

is running too hard.

After a slow start to the year, there have been a few whiting about. They’re only biting for a short time on tide changes, so when they stop, move around and find them again. Bass yabbies and pipis have been effective baits.

Tuna have been quiet lately but this time last year there were some nice fish taken, so keep chasing them and you might be rewarded. There is still plenty of bait about and the water temperature has started to rise.

The local streams are flowing well with all the recent

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rain. Bait and mullet have been moving about, getting bream and trout fired up, so it will be worth casting minnow type lures. Unweighted scrubworms are also a great option.

With the weather warming up, calamari have been moving into the harbour. Dawn and dusk are perfect times to get a feed on the local jetties. Keep changing the colour of your jig until you find one that they like. There are so many different ways to eat calamari; they take a bit of cleaning but are well worth it.

At the moment there are plenty of garfish, which make for a tasty feed as well.

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OCTOBER 2019

This solid bag of pinkies was caught close to Apollo Bay.

Offer your best bait COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

The Curdies is still running hard and fast but bream have been taken in the lower reaches of the system.

Bait has been the top option, with local shrimp, spider crab and greyback (whitebait minnow) fished on the edge of the channel just out of the main flow in the lake to great success.

Excellent gummy shark have been caught offshore, along with a few other

Apart from that, solid Australian salmon and the odd silver trevally have been taken.

FURTHER AFIELD The Glenelg River at Nelson, although running dirty like all our other systems, has been great for bream, estuary perch and mulloway. Many local anglers visit the Glenelg River at any time of year, as it’s a great fishery to provide a few days away from the local grind.

Bream and perch have been taken around

between the cliff faces. A few have also been taken on large soft plastics twitched over the bottom after dark.

Those travelling to and from Nelson should allocate a few hours for anglers to launch and wet a line at the Fitzroy River near Tyrendarra. Decent bream and perch have been caught here in recent times.

The water is dirty and flowing rather fast, so most catches are occurring down in the lake.

The reef adjacent to the boat ramp has been holding

Surf anglers took this trio of salmon off Newfield Bay while waiting for a King George whiting bite. species. Sharks have been moving in close to shore in anticipation of spawning and some quality rock cod, the odd flathead and plenty of cocky salmon have been around. Tough baits such as squid have worked best.

Whiting have been available around Newfield Bay and the other bays located in and around Peterborough and Port Campbell. Fishing at dusk has been the go, with a cocktail of baits performing well. Many have favoured squid strips, mussel meat and pilchard fillets. Bag limits are out of the question, but if you land half a dozen fish, expect them to measure around 40cm. If whiting aren’t on the chew, there are always plenty of salmon to steal your bait.

The Port Campbell jetty has seen a fair bit of action lately but not with something you would like to hook, as these leviathans would quickly bust you off! A pair of southern right whales recently entered the harbour, easily visible from the jetty as well as the main beach.

The whales hung around for quite some time, oblivious to anglers and tourists alike who stood and watched the antics in sheer awe.

the middle reaches of the river. Launching at Sapling Creek has been effective, either upstream or down – it doesn’t seem to matter.

The fish are sticking tight to the bank, so casting sinking minnow lures or soft plastics has been the go. Cut large crab and pilchard fillets have been effective baits.

Further down in and around the South Australian border, some good mulloway to over 1m in length have been taken on live mullet fished close to the bank, especially around mud flats that lie out from reed beds

good perch and bream have been schooling in the shallows down near the mouth. Soft plastics with a distinct scent such as crab and prawn patterns have worked well.

The water in our estuaries is still cold, meaning bream as well as other species will be holding in deeper depths.

However, they will also cling to the bankside verges to escape the fast flowing current and avoid wasting energy when sourcing food.

So, cast right to the bank but allow your offering to sink somewhat.

Once whales are spotted in the harbour, word gets around quickly. This pair was photographed thanks to drone technology.

OCTOBER 2019

19

BLACK MAGIC

MASTER CLASS

/

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

Fishing unweighted baits for big snapper When it comes to catching snapper in the shallows, one of the most deadly techniques known to anglers is the old unweighted bait down a berley trail trick.

Often referred to as floating baits or stray lining, this way of fishing is about as simple as it gets, to the point where many anglers, especially beginners, fall into the trap of thinking it’s not complicated or fancy enough to be effective!

Before we get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to have good base knowledge of the areas this type of fishing works best at. As a general rule, reefy, hard-bottomed areas

The author with a couple of solid early morning reds caught on unweighted baits. it’s important to have the right set up for the job. Too heavy and you won’t be able to cast, but too light

and you will be blown away by the majority of the bigger fish you hook.

It’s important to find an outfit that falls right in the middle of too light or too heavy category. I’ve found this to be a rod around 7ft rated at 8-12kg, matched with a 4000-size reel. On this I spool up with 20lb Black Magic Rainbow Braid, which has tremendous knot strength and casts like a dream. I like to run a 2m length of 20-30lb Black Magic Fluorocarbon leader for a trace.

Then it’s just a matter of tying on your hook on and you’re ready to catch some reds!

On some occasions when the current is running, you may need to add a smaller pea sized sinker to your rig, but only do it if you need to.

I always use Black Magic C-Points for snapper fishing

in 5/0-8/0 depending on bait sizes. These hooks are super strong and sharp and have never let me down.

For small to medium sized-squid I prefer to rig whole on a snell rig with two 6/0s while larger squid with 20cm plus hoods are best too cut into heads and strips to suit a single hook.

The same goes for other top snapper baits like pilchards, garfish, fillets of slimy mackerel and bonito.

Now that you know when where and what to do, there’s still a couple of things you can do to improve your success.

Berley is a big one of these that no doubt will catch you more snapper. Before each trip, I like to mash up a few blocks of pilchards into a 20L bucket along with a packet or two of chicken pellets and a few capfuls of tuna oil.

Hooked up and in the closing stages of a battle with a big snapper. from 5-30m would be the first thing I would be looking for.

Theses reefs can be the size of a house, or in some cases cover several square kilometres. Smaller isolated reefs are always high potential areas and a good place to start looking, as they take much of the guesswork out of the equation.

Baitfish love to congregate around these areas and snapper generally aren’t too far away.

On larger reef systems it takes a bit more experience to find where is going to fish best.

Before you fish these places, have a sound around and look for features on the larger reef that will attract and concentrate baitfish.

Things like bommies, gutters or drop offs are prime examples of what to look for before picking 20

OCTOBER 2019

the best of these, and your judgement should be based on the amount of baitfish holding there.

Once you’ve found a spot, the next most important thing is to fish it during the prime time.

About 90% of snapper caught in the shallows will come from the first two hours of the morning and the last two hours of the afternoon, as this is when snapper will move in and hunt in the shallows.

Outside of this window you’re better off chasing snapper on the deeper reefs using paternoster or ledger style rigs such as the deadly Black Magic Snapper Snatchers and Snapper Snacks. This is something I will go into in an upcoming Masterclass, but for now, back to the shallow water stuff.

Once you know where you are going to fish and when you are going be there, it’s time to think

about your equipment.

You’ll be casting unweighted baits, but you’ll still require distance, so

Larger baits like this whole squid are better snelled.

The author took this better quality fish around the 7kg mark.

When you first arrive at the spot you are going to fish, the first thing you should do is throw in a dozen or so handfuls into the water to get things going. After this, one or two is all that’s required every ten minutes or so.

If there’s any snapper around, it won’t take long and they will start stiffing out the berley.

Sometimes they can be so revved up by it that your bait has barley had time to sink and your reel is screaming.

I usually fish two rods if I’m by myself. One I cast out as far as I can and place in gear in the rod holder and the other I hold onto, ready to strike.

That’s all there is to it, so why not get out and give it a crack it?

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www.blackmagictackle.com OCTOBER 2019

21

Spring into the snapper rush GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

October is five minutes before peak hour around Geelong and the Bellarine.

Many fishos rate October as the peak of snapper while records show that the ‘red tide’ does extend well into November and December. This season is set to be a ripper if last season is anything to go by.

FRESHWATER The Barwon River in Geelong has been quite dirty due to the welcome rains we’ve had in the region.

Anglers bait fishing with worms have caught the odd small redfin in the river but it has been tough going.

I took my 11yo son Max and his mate Boyd out to Wurdee Boluc Reservoir in hope of nabbing a trout.

We sent some mudeye out under a float but the wind got up and soon put a stop to that. The reservoir was quite low with some lake floor exposed south of the main car park at the time of writing.

CORIO BAY We should start to see some quality snapper from

22

OCTOBER 2019

this month onwards. The eastern side of Port Phillip Bay often sees the snapper run before Corio Bay but it

is always worth heading out during October. Clifton Springs and Portarlington are hotspots. Time your run

Mark and Andrew found a good patch of whiting around 40cm out off Indented Head.

with a change of tide and dawn or dusk, and you’ll be in with a chance. They love most fish baits such as whiting heads, pilchards or silver whiting, but it pays to hedge your bets and send out a chunk of squid too.

Fishing for snapper with soft plastics seems to be more productive further inside Corio Bay, particularly around structures such as piers and moored boats. The Berkley Gulp Turtleback Worm is always effective on snapper.

I hate the look of this lure, but the results cannot be ignored. Baitfish imitations around 150-200mm also do very well worked slowly along the bottom in Corio Bay. Those seeking whiting and squid should concentrate their efforts along Curlewis Bank from Point Henry to Clifton Springs. There was a fair run of both species along here a month or so ago and it was only the strong winds keeping anglers on the land that saw a drop in reports.

Nathan Wright took his 2yo son Ryder for a fish inside Corio Bay. Ryder managed to hook and land a respectable silver trevally

Seven-gilled sharks show up in Bass Strait on occasion. Dave released this one to fight another day. and Nathan said that you couldn’t wipe the smile from his face for most of the day!

BELLARINE PENINSULA Whiting have been patchy but that is not

unexpected early in the season.

Rod Ludlow from Beachlea Boat Hire reported his clients have been searching for whiting

at St Leonards without much luck. Those that have had success have mainly scored around dusk and a few hours after dark.

While fishing with his dad Nathan, 2yo Ryder caught this solid trevally.

Rod has been busy cleaning lots of flathead for clients of late, with all the fish being fat and healthy. Several of his hire boats bagged out drifting off Indented Head around the drop-off.

Rod noted that squid have been patchy but in good size. Several of his clients commented that sand covered a lot of the inshore weed beds, so Inner Governor Reef and broken ground at Indented Head have been the best places for squid.

Andrew Philips and Mark Seasar found a good patch of whiting out off Indented Head recently.

They were decent in size, with the best around 43cm.

He and Andrew used pipis and squid for bait and reached their bag limit in about three hours fishing, which included a few moves when it went quiet.

SURF COAST Silver trevally have been biting well in the lower Barwon estuary. The best time to have a go has been as the tide is running in with clean seawater, as the river has been very brown lately. Pipis and pilchard fillets have been received positively by trevally.

Gummy sharks were biting out in Bass Strait last month, but windy weather

Garry’s long hours on the Lorne Pier paid off with this 70cm snapper.

has narrowed the window of opportunity somewhat.

Early October can see some big snapper caught out off the Surf Coast. Past seasons have seen them up to 9kg, with fair numbers of 3-5kg fish caught as well.

Garry Tianga spent many hours in the cold fishing the Lorne Pier.

He was finally rewarded with a ripping snapper of 70cm, which he caught on a paternoster rig with squid around 2am.

Grant Greenwood fished out off Barwon Heads with Dave Reynolds last month. They found the fishing slow but Dave did manage a small seven-gilled shark, which he released.

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).

Thanks to all those that have sent reports in – please note that I’ve updated my email address.

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“It’s the little things you don’t see that make a difference” OCTOBER 2019

23

Seasonal bay blues PORT PHILLIP BAY WEST

Alan Bonnici alan@fishingmad.com.au

Last month my article began optimistically, hoping that Melbourne would finally get some weather

relief. Unfortunately, I was wrong and it has been very challenging. Wet and windy conditions coupled with cold temperatures have made it tough to be an angler lately.

For locals, this has meant temporarily ditching boats

or kayaks and resorting to some land-based fishing.

Stephen Vessey had planned a day out on the water, kayak fishing with his son Logan at Campbells Cove. Despite the pleasant forecast, the weather changed for the worse and forced them to

Rob with a squid from Wedge Spit.

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ditch their beloved kayaks.

Logan suggested that they head to Wyndham Harbour rock wall, which was a short distance away and would still allow them to still fish. Logan started fishing with bait.

Steve decided to try his luck using a ZMan 8” Jerk ShadZ in pearl with a 10g jighead. He had assumed this would be much too large and heavy for the area. On his very first cast of the day, he thought the large soft plastic had become snagged. As he tried to free the snag, the line suddenly took off like a rocket!

fish on the line, he carried on to finally land his first mulloway, just shy of a metre in length. Once the catch was secure, Steve ventured off to the local hospital where he would receive six stitches to sew up his busted foot. It’s not every day you land a prized catch via the emergency room!

The news hasn’t been as positive for other land-based anglers or boaters. Many of the systems have shut down due to cold conditions. I have spoken with many who have poured in countless hours around Webb Dock, Werribee River, Williamstown, Altona

using soft plastics worked slowly and kept towards the bottom, encouraged with a little bit of scent.

Areas between Werribee and Williamstown have been doing quite well if you’re prepared to put in the hours.

I have been fishing in my kayak from Millers Road at Altona, Webb Dock and Campbells Cove and have managed my fair share of flathead. I have also managed to catch a handful of small gummy sharks, which were all returned to the water.

Squid fishing has also been quiet. Areas around Altona and Point Cook

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Be prepared to travel to find big squid.

Steve’s heart was racing as the reel started to scream. Bringing in a big fish has its challenges but landing a big fish from a steep and slippery rock wall is another thing altogether.

Steve carefully started climbing down the slippery rocks, but as he got closer to the bottom he slipped and sliced his foot open between two sharp rocks. With the

and Port Melbourne with little success. I sense that things will start improving as the days get longer and warmer, so do hang in there.

While the fishing has been a little lacklustre around Melbourne, the humble flathead has been a reliable option. Most anglers have been able to find a few flatties by land, boat or kayak. The recipe for success has been

have had quite murky water, forcing anglers to head further out to areas such as Wedge Spit, Corio, Queenscliff and Portarlington. Early mornings and evenings have been the most productive times.

I have hit the bay several times with Rob from Rob’s Fishing Adventures lately, and he has been showing me where and how he targets

squid around Melbourne.

Rob’s a bit of a squid whisperer, with an expert technique refined over years – he uses an 8’ rod with sharp erratic lifts, then a three or four second pause followed by more erratic lifts. He’s also quick to change colours and weights to adapt to the conditions. It’s invaluable to meet other keen local anglers and share a few tips between mates. It helps everyone learn, grow and connect, which is what fishing is all about.

been removed from Altona and the Warmies Newport boat ramps. In outer Melbourne, launching fees have been removed from Mornington, Rye, Safety Beach, Sorrento, Hastings, Tootgarook, and Anthonys Nose, and from further out at Port Welshpool, Cowes, Corinella, Newhaven and Portland. Even some of our major lakes have had launching fees removed, including the Eildon, Nagambie, and Tooradin boat ramps.

hope that this trend continues for other boat ramps across the state.

Soon we should see regular reports of snapper starting to surface around Melbourne.

All the discussion this past month has revolved around our neighbouring state, South Australia, and their battle to improve snapper numbers, which have declined to catastrophic measures in recent years. Some proposed kneejerk reactions like completely banning

Flathead are still a common catch even during unfavourable conditions.

Last month, I wrote about the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing movement around boat launching fees.

It’s great to report that launching fees have finally

In addition, there have been heaps of repairs and new constructions getting underway. It’s great to finally see the state government live up to election promises. I

Stephen Vessey was pleased to land this Wyndham Harbour ghost.

snapper fishing catches for the coming years have been considered.

One thing for certain is that you will never please everyone. Hopefully, key people within the industry can come together and make some logical choices to ultimately provide some level of relief to recreational anglers, while having measures in place to encourage snapper numbers to increase and flourish once again. With any luck, they will also take the opportunity to look at the impact of mass commercial fishing and how it can be better managed with the data we have.

Thankfully the Melbourne area doesn’t have such a problem, and it looks to be a ripping snapper season ahead of us.

That’s all from me this 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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Rain unlocks this season’s species potential have once again been doing most of the damage in close from Frankston to Mount Martha during calmer days.

Garfish numbers have slowed a little in recent weeks, but Mornington Pier has been producing regularly on calmer days.

Good bags of big gars have been caught with berley.

Maggots have been decent but silverfish and peeled prawn have been the best baits fished under a lightlyweighted float.

Big schools of salmon have been harassing the

PORT PHILLIP NE

Wayne Friebe wfriebe@bigpond.net.au

After a long, cold and wet winter that offered limited opportunities for bay anglers, the onset of spring has been welcomed with open arms on PPB. In contrast to previous winters when we received small amounts of rain, this year the rain has been constant and plentiful, and this trend has continued into the start of spring.

Although the dirty water around the inshore areas can be annoying spring rains are often crucial to kick-starting the bay’s food chain, especially for the annual snapper migration, so let’s hope that the current trend continues.

Many have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the snapper season, and with Westernport Bay already producing some lovely fish at the top end in less than 10°C water, local anglers are already very excited.

Kayak anglers and calamari go hand-in-hand. The inshore reefs have been producing well during calmer weather.

Photo courtesy of Brendan at IFISH.

Consistent snapper reports have been coming in for the past couple of months, mostly from kayak fishers working

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closer to the top end of the bay, especially around the piers and docks close to the mouth of the Yarra River. Anglers fishing with lures amongst the pylons and rocks have been doing particularly well. This is a great sign for the start of the migration, as the snapper tend to head for this area of the bay first when they enter the bay from the ocean to feed.

Recent land-based snapper captures during rougher weather from various locations around Mornington and Mount Martha have been very encouraging, and I would expect to see many more of these in the weeks to come.

Areas further north, especially around Sandringham, Brighton and Mordialloc, have also been producing a few nice reds when conditions were right.

By the time you are reading this edition, the footy finals will be all over and more consistent snapper numbers should be moving along the eastern seaboard.

With months of decent rain and some lovely resident fish already being taken in other areas of the bay, the signs look pretty good for a cracker season ahead.

Squid fishing has been very reliable along the inshore reefs and from the piers and rocks, although the wet weather and windier days tended to dirty the inshore water, slowing things down for a while.

Mornington Pier has been the most reliable location for land-based anglers, and has produced some larger spawning models lately.

Natural coloured jigs like red, brown and green have performed the best, with UV white working well in dirtier water. Kayak fishers

Snapper from the rocks will be the prime target for land-based anglers over the coming months, especially during rough weather.

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local baitfish population around Mornington as they have done for the most of the year. Recently they have been popping up close to shore, especially during strong onshore winds, and have been providing landbased anglers with some good sport on light line around the rocks and jetties.

Small baitfish profile lures and plastics are best, and small slugs that can be cast further are worth trying as well.

Patterson Lakes has been fishing well for

Mornington Pier has continued to produce good numbers of gars over the past month, as Harry ‘Muscles’ Bould found out recently.

Photo courtesy of Brendan at IFISH.

bream for the past couple of months, especially throughout the canal system. Small soft plastic grubs and hardbodies have been productive fished slowly along the rock walls and around the pontoons.

While water temperatures are still low, bream will move slowly and stay close to structure so keep your lures in the zone. Quality EPs have been taken on small vibes and bladed lures, especially close to the main floodgates during the run-out tide.

Bait fishers have been doing well in the main river system for bream using scrubworms and small freshwater yabbies. Good numbers of smaller salmon have been taken from the mouth of the river in recent weeks, which is great timing for many anglers looking to get prime snapper and gummy baits. Small slugs and soft plastics cast from either point has been the best bet either early or late in the day.

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It’s time to slide into the prime fishing season you try for either flathead or whiting off the end of the pier. Often early October to November can see a few excellent table fish caught.

The White Lady and the Pinnace Channel are always worth a look for squid and

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Julian Frank

The season has started to kick off on the Peninsula, and there is plenty of action happening across the board. Whether you’re land-based or out on the boat, there’s been a heap of activity in the last few weeks leading up to this month and I think it’s safe to say we are in for a cracking season.

MOUNT MARTHA/ SAFETY BEACH It’s snapper time, and what better way to start the season than by catching a couple of big reds off the mud! There are plenty of local anglers who have been getting fish out wide in around 20-24m of water.

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Pillies, silver whiting and yakka have been the go-to baits.

ROSEBUD From the jetty we have had a few mixed reports.

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whiting, and we usually find some really fat ‘tings at this time of year, especially up the Pinnace.

Reports of a few gummies have also come from this area by those fishing for snapper.

BLAIRGOWRIE /SORRENTO Around the marina has been great for salmon in recent weeks. This month I’d expect to continue seeing this large school of salmon stick around. Anglers have been catching the fish from both the beach and boat by trolling lures to find them and then casting soft plastics

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flood tides seem to be the best time.

Sorrento Pier will pick up from now onwards as far as squid go. Early mornings are always really good from the pier, but they can also be caught later at night.

OFFSHORE With the weather improving we will start to see anglers heading back offshore now. If you are thinking of going outside the reefs are a great start for pinkies and the occasional gummy, while fishing between the 30-40m lines is great for big blue spot and tiger flathead.

A nice catch of flake for local angler Shawn.

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There are plenty of good flathead out the front of the wall, and whiting can also be caught at The Sisters where these fish have been going crazy of late. Pipis have been the best baits and the

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more catches of these fish, as they do come in closer as the water starts to warm a little more.

Rosebud Reef area is a good place to start looking for pinkies and whiting. The pinkies are best fished for early in the morning or late in the evenings, while the whiting can go at any time of the day.

There are plenty of squid back in towards the beach from here as well.

RYE We hadn’t heard a lot of reports from the jetty, but now I would expect things to really start firing up. Give the squid a good crack in the evenings or just set up a couple of bait rigs while

Dave put together a feed of calamari recently.

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SBT are still on the cards for gamefishers GAME FISHING

Lee Rayner info@fishingfever.com.au

Summer is well on the way and it’s time to get really excited with the anticipation of what the coming months will bring. The first lick of warmer summer currents start to push into our part of the world about now, and with it comes the warm water fish.

While November will see a change of species move in various areas, there is still every chance some of the cooler water species such as the jumbo tuna will hang around for a bit longer before moving out in search of cooler water.

For the most part, however, the coming weeks will see the majority of anglers busy on the snapper in and around the Victorian coastline, but for a growing number each

year it’s the yellowtail kingfish that will draw their attention.

These arm-stretching bandits love to frustrate anglers and wreck their tackle. If all goes well and this November is similar to the previous ones, then there should be some really big early season kings on offer for those anglers who put in the time.

WEST COAST While anglers are regularly catching big snapper off the Portland breakwall

and surrounding waters just offshore, this area can sometimes put on some mindblowing big tuna fishing. In fact, some of the best tuna fishing over the past few years has been in the months of September and October.

However, just like all big tuna fishing situations, it’s all about having the bait there to hold the fish, and it proves that there are no set months or season for big tuna.

This month locations such as Port Fairy and Julia Percy Island will also be good areas for anglers looking for a big early season kingfish, however be warned that even if you find some kings, it can be frustrating to get them to bite.

Further to the east Apollo Bay has and will see some great jumbo tuna fishing in October, with the fish often pushing right in close to shore on the Nine Mile Reef and the Pinnacles down to the west off Johanna and other areas close by.

October has also been the month that we often get a more local bite to Melbourne, with locations between Barwon Heads and Phillip Island often producing big tuna in numbers. This can be a very exciting area to chase the tuna, as they will often be following the whales as they migrate along the coast, so it pays to fish close to any whales you may find while out there.

EAST COAST There is no doubt that this part of the world is getting more popular, and for good reason. It’s one of the best offshore fisheries going around, with loads of islands off and around the Wilsons Promontory area that are full of kingfish that range in size from tiny to scary, and best of all there is still much to be discovered and learnt in this area.

Further offshore and

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Big southern bluefin tuna will still be hanging around in certain areas during October.

Nick Taranto and his mate were over the moon with this 122kg bluefin. up off Lakes Entrance, this month sees an increase in water temperature out along the shelf, and with it comes the first of the warm water predators, with the odd mako and even some tuna being a real possibility. In fact, years back we fished off Lakes in search of big yellowfin tuna after workers on the rigs were seeing them swimming around the area.

For the deep dropping anglers, the warmer lick of current will also see the return of some good bottom fishing for blue eye and gemfish, and as always the pinnacle of big fish in this part of the world, the swordfish, could always be a real chance. If

you’re heading offshore it will be worth taking a sword bait or two.

Back in closer to shore and up further east the grounds off Mallacoota and down towards the Star Banks will be worth a scout around in search of some big early season kingfish, and best of all, it’s during this time of the year on the calm sunny days that they will often be up sunning themselves. This makes them easy to spot, and from there you can cast to them with stickbaits.

So that’s about it for this month – it’s time to get excited, as with November not far away we are right on the doorstep of what will hopefully be a very exciting summer!

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Hot to trot offshore PPB OFFSHORE

Gerry Morsman

As Victoria is now in the heat of spring, there’s a wide array of destinations over the whole state with

Fishing for squid offshore is a must when there are monsters like this around.

very promising numbers of fish. Whether you like to fish fresh or saltwater, there is something for everyone.

Freshwater fishing has been bigger than ever with huge stockings of fish. The Goulburn River has been the standout so far and the reports have been amazing, with some incredible trout being caught thanks to Victorian Fisheries Authority.

Saltwater fishing has been just as good if not even better than usual, which is very promising leading into the warmer months.

MORNINGTON Whether you are chasing squid to fill the freezer with bait or to put a meal on the table, Mornington is the place to go for fast numbers. Even though squid there haven’t been very large, they have always been plentiful.

Amy Day has been getting amongst them lately and reports that her most successful areas have been around Fishies Beach in around 3-5m of water, using brighter coloured jigs in the clearer water during the day over patchy or heavy reef structure. Her theory is that squid can see them from a much further distance. I can vouch for this because

Julian Rennie caught this cracking gummy shark offshore. she has out-fished me on squid almost every time we’ve gone out!

For land-based anglers, the small pier at Mornington is always a very successful fishing spot at night. The lights there attract squid to come in close, giving you a very good chance at getting some (if not your bag limit) in no time at all. Using dark jigs at night is always a safe bet, as darker jigs tend to throw a better silhouette.

CORINELLA Snapper fishing is

starting to fire around Corinella, as it does most years around this time. They swarm into the bay in huge numbers and often like to sit around the higher parts of Western Port.

Using a sounder is crucial for a successful trip, so if you can’t see them arched up on your sounder keep searching until you do.

Many snapper fishers will sound for quite a long time before they decide to drop anchor. As a school fish, they like to move around

ACTIVE TRANSOM

32

OCTOBER 2019

and will not generally stay in one spot for days at a time. Fresh squid strips have been the go-to bait.

At Corinella, you always have a very good chance at landing a number of eating size gummy sharks. They tend to swarm these areas and if you want to target them consistently, use either large prawns or mantis shrimp as bait.

Although I’m not sure why, they really like eating them and that is a good enough reason for me.

TRUE SELFDRAINING DECKS

GOULBURN RIVER If you want to target a trophy trout, look no further than Goulburn River. Victorian Fisheries Authority has stocked the areas near Eildon with tons of broodstock rainbow trout. Thornton has been the hotspot, with countless amounts of reports coming through over the last couple of months of fish up to 15lb.

The time of day hasn’t mattered, as these fish always seem to be hungry.

Bait anglers should not go past using the faithful Berkley PowerBait.

If you want to challenge yourself at lure fishing, I would highly recommend using plastics. Anything bright like pink or orange to spark attention will work just fine. If you want to use hardbodies, use either a gold lure or something in rainbow trout pattern.

OFFSHORE GUNNAMATTA Fishing for big gummy sharks has been getting more popular, with many seeing other anglers’ great success offshore.

Gunnamatta has definitely been the standout area.

When you get out

A quality red from Michael Haddad kicked off the season.

Once you have your bait, put it on a big bait 8/0 circle hook using a paternoster style rig and send it down.

MIDDLE SPITWESTERN PORT Although they’re not

Whiting are in great numbers and size. Amy proved this when landing a stellar 48cm fish. there, it can seem quite daunting with the amount of area there is to cover but don’t let this get you down! There is a carpet of gummy sharks out there and it is surprisingly quite an achievable task to land at least one. Simply use your sounder and look for reef or broken ground in around 25-40m of water.

Once you have found a spot, put the anchor down and start to berley using cubed pilchards. Use small pilchard slithers on a small set up to catch fresh bait over these reefs. A paternoster style rig with a size 4 bait holder hook will work well.

Fish such as barbers perch make perfect bait to use for gummy sharks while fishing offshore. Gummy sharks tend to love any fresh flesh baits.

Try not to fish too many rods at a time because this can end up quite chaotic if you get a double hook-up.

in massive numbers just yet, there have still been some very good reports of whiting starting to enter Western Port. Middle Spit has once again come up in local fishing reports as one of the top areas to bag a feed. Pipis and squid have been very effective but others have relied upon mussel.

On the run-out tide, your best bet is to fish the edge of one of the Middle Spit’s banks. In theory, the food running off the banks gets pushed into the deeper water, hence why whiting like to sit there.

It is the complete opposite on the run-in tide; the food tends to get pushed up on to the banks. Whiting get a chance to get up on to the banks that are usually exposed at low tide and feed on any crustaceans that inhabit these areas, such as Bass yabbies.

Amy Day with one of many squid off Mornington caught in a productive session.

OCTOBER 2019

33

You can feel it in the air WESTERN PORT NTH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Can you feel it? I can, and so can many other anglers. That’s right, if you haven’t realised we are already a month into snapper season, and while it can be a little slow in September, it is fair to say that spring is the kick

off to snapper season and now we’re into October.

With that said, the top end of the port has been fishing reasonably well these past few weeks, and in typical fashion, those who dodged the early September weather managed to catch some magnificent early season reds.

In reports from Amazing Bait and Tackle’s Facebook page, snapper to

8.65kg have been caught on squid baits. In another report from the top end, a 60cm model was also landed. I am sure if the weather played its part there would be many more fish caught, but you can only get out when you can get out.

In saying that, the latest snapper reports I have heard of have been very promising for this season

Joes Island is where you’ll encounter some solid reds at this time of year.

Despite snapper feeding actively, they can still be tricky to hook.

To ensure a solid hook-up, use the best tackle available.

to really heat up, especially this month. With the water temperature rising, snapper are becoming more active in their feeding patterns.

This has increased the chances of hooking one for anglers, and it will only increase more as the temperature rises.

Those looking for a location to target reds should concentrate on a few reliable locations such as Bouchier and Boultins channels. While they are the two main channels in the top end,

they do fish extremely well throughout October.

Although it is recommended to fish two hours either side of a tide change, up here it is recommended to fish the top of the high tide until three hours into the run-out. The main reason for this is that as the tide retreats from the mud flats, any fish feeding on them during the high tide will swim off into the main channels and into the deeper channels. Bouchier and Boultins, being the main two channels, do see

a lot of fish in these areas as this occurs.

Other locations such as Joes Island and Long Reef are two other prime locations worth exploring.

However, if you are going to fish these areas, it pays to sound up fish on our fish finder first, then anchor and don’t move. Providing you’re fishing with quality baits such as fresh calamari, pilchards and garfish, it is best to concentrate on the chosen area and wait until a fish comes along.

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of catching snapper is on the minds of many, some anglers still won’t worry about them until November, when snapper are in full blown feeding mode. In the meantime, there are still plenty of other species to target, such as whiting and calamari.

The whiting fishing

fish taken in the Eastern Channel.

They have not been easy to find in numbers, but putting in the hard work has led to some good catches of solid fish.

There has been no stopping the calamari along the banks either. These guys are in plague proportions if you know where to look

producing plenty of good size calamari. Fishing the edges can be done in a few ways, with drifting the preferred method; however, if you have an electric motor, you can easily work your way along the edge of the bank without having to motor in and out, because the current and

If you’re not that keen on hunting snapper, whiting are prolific on the banks. in the top end of the port has continued to be exceptional. from winter through to early spring.

Although, I must say, most of the reports of whiting have been along both sides of the Middle Spit, with some quality

and what bank to hit. They are not that hard to find at all, with the southwestern side of the northern arm fishing extremely well on the high tides.

From Stony Point right along up to the Hastings Channel entrance has been

wind continues to push you way from the edges. Still, working these edges with size 2.5-3.0 squid jigs has been very productive in recent weeks.

On the land-based front, the fishing is just beginning to fire up with

the influx of snapper into the port. Though access is extremely limited for landbased anglers wanting to get to deeper water, the easiest location to try for a solid snapper is from the Stony Point Pier.

This pier can become very busy, but get there early and you’ll have a good chance at a solid red.

Ideally, the prime time is two hours either side of the high tide and you should try to situate yourself at the very end of the pier.

The tide can run quite hard, so expect your lines to running up or down the port, depending on the direction of the tide. When fishing here, ensure you’re using fresh calamari rings, pilchards or garfish, and rig them with a running sinker rig with snelled 5/0 suicide hooks for best penetration when you get a bite.

You want to ensure you set those hooks immediately, as you might only get one chance at a bite and you want to be sure the hooks stick in at that exact moment.

As the water temperature increases this month, the fishing will just get better and better.

Concentrate on the key locations, use quality baits and you should be rewarded.

Frank Saunders managed to get this 2kg brown on a very slow day at Eildon Pondage.

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Snapper and friends will invade the bay also on offer, but these have mainly been caught during the night. Baited jigs suspended under floats work well when left to drift

WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

One of the most difficult things to contemplate at the moment isn’t what to target but where to fish. It is fair to say that snapper season is certainly upon us and in traditional fashion, with some real quality reds coming from the top end. Then again, some real whoppers have come from the North Arm and Corinella areas as well.

The guys from Amazing Bait and Tackle have reported some impressive snapper, including one fish that measured 90cm, which was caught from Stony Point. While this fish has

Elizabeth Island is known for producing snapper, gummy sharks, seven-gill sharks and bronze whalers. session, it is important to use berley to attract them to where you’re fishing.

While the Western Entrance hasn’t really started to fire just yet, land-based anglers have been doing well from the Cowes Pier. Of course, the tide can run at a rate of knots, and it does pay to fish two hours either side of a tide change. Flathead, barracouta, gummy sharks, pinkie snapper and the odd whiting can be caught. To be successful,

Whiting are still a popular target for land-based anglers around Balnarring, Somers and Point Leo.

Dayne and Matt had a solid trip out searching for an early reddy and had no complaints, landing this stonker 8.65kg fish. been a standout, there have been plenty of other nice fish ranging from 2-4kg that have been caught in the main channel, which runs adjacent to the Corinella Jetty. Other reports of snapper have come from the edges of the banks at Blue Gum and Spit points.

Anglers fishing the run-out tides have seen most of

the action, while the few fishing the entrance to the Tenby Point Channel have also encountered some nice fish.

In saying that, with the increase in water temperature, some nice size gummies have also been caught in the local area. Those who have been fishing with squid

Dayne and Matt’s solid red from a session near Stony Point.

36

OCTOBER 2019

because small fish are attracted to the lights and the calamari can stay out of sight and pick them off one by one. A squid jig or

baits have been doing exceptionally well on both gummies and snapper.

An angler I was speaking with recently by the name of Jack has been fishing from his kayak off Lang Lang and landed his first ever gummy shark.

Funnily enough, he caught it using banana prawns for bait. Over the years, I have heard a number of anglers using banana prawns for bait and doing very well on gummies in the Lang Lang area.

Heading a little further south, there have been continued reports of whiting being caught in the Coronet Bay area. While the area is a mixture of mud and weed, whiting are quite prolific if you know where to look. Just out from the boat ramp in 5m of water there is a significant amount of broken ground where whiting, flathead and calamari are all worth targeting, but there’s one thing you should keep in mind. If you want an epic

Jack showing everyone how it’s done from his kayak. This gummy took a banana prawn bait from Lang Lang. use a running sinker rig and an appropriate hook size for the species you’re targeting. Calamari are

around the pier lights.

During the night, calamari hang on the outskirts of the pier lights

baited jag worked outside of the light tends to work very well.

In calm conditions, casting baited jigs from the beach at Ventnor has seen some nice calamari being caught. This will only get better throughout this month.

If you’re on the other side of the Port, land-based whiting are on offer from Somers, especially a little east from the Yacht Club.

While it is quite shallow here, fishing on a high tide can see a good half dozen caught.

Anglers fishing from boats have also had similar results, with the sand holes producing some impressive whiting. Pipis are the top bait, but don’t go armed with just one option, as it always pays to take along a bag of mussels or some calamari strips as well.

Although there are still many species on offer, snapper is certainly focus and as the water temperature increases over the next several weeks, the fishing will only get better.

If you are looking for a reliable area to concentrate on, focus your efforts around Corinella, Spit Point and Elisabeth Island.

These areas produce some real quality fish for those putting in the effort and waiting out the tide.

Looking forward to clear skies PHILLIP ISLAND

Craig Edmonds

This time of year is generally unsettled and often when we have plenty of rain. The fishing days can be limited but it is also when we see the first signs of things to come for the snapper season. The wet won’t last long and we will be seeing plenty of hot weather soon.

There have been plenty

snapper grounds.

The squid grounds have been hectic, with limited opportunities over the last month or so making bait collection difficult. Because of this, many have been collecting their fresh bait on the way to snapper spots.

Collecting bait on the way out can be the difference between coming home with fish and coming home empty-handed. The fortunate thing about fishing in our corner of Western Port is that

have a squid jig down. I am starting to see it more now, but it has taken several years to convince customers that it works. We regularly get reports of calamari from all areas of the bay.

It can take a bit of getting used to but once set up it is very easy and you can get the bonus of fresh calamari. You need an old rod or hand line and a large sinker but the reel and line specifics don’t matter. I use a paternoster rig with either one or two droppers and a couple of very bright large jigs. Drop it down to the bottom and wind it up every now and again. With this rig, I have found calamari in the bay anywhere from 1.5-15m of water.

Snapper reports have started to come in slowly for early spring, but the weather had a lot to do with that. A handful of reports came into the shop back in August,

which was a long way off last year’s bumper early season but with probably as many people fishing as there were fish caught, it wasn’t too bad. The fish we have seen seem to be all from the same school, with the reports being between 4.5-5kg. There’s been no sign yet of any bigger fish.

The usual spots towards Corinella and the channel along French Island have been the most successful.

With some anglers trying to get away from the crowds, a handful of reports have come from some of the not-so-regularly fished corners of the bay, both deep and shallow, so don’t assume because somewhere doesn’t get mentioned in the reports that it isn’t worth trying. Every year, strong winter winds and rough seas move the bottom around and uncover new grounds for spring, but you have to

Weekends are best spent with the family, so it’s great when they also enjoy fishing!

the bait grounds are either a very short detour to other fishing areas or are actually in the same area.

If you are a smart angler, no matter where you fish in Western Port you will always

A typical bag of snapper for this time of year.

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aggressively I am sure they will fill out. The length is reasonable, averaging around the mid-30cm range, which is promising for the season ahead.

It won’t be long before the weather clears up for offshore boating and we will start to see the bags of flathead come in. We will start to see species like kingfish and mako sharks, both of which seem to be here earlier and earlier each year, especially kingfish since people worked out how to catch them. We should also see the odd bluefin tuna, which have been regular visitors over the last few years as people have been actively chasing them.

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A quick fish after work produced a few calamari for the table and some leftover for bait. out when possible and while it has looked extra busy, it was more to do with the Corinella boat ramp not being available and the island ramps being the next closest to the early season

be prepared to look for them.

Whiting are living up to their reputation as a frustrating species and reports are all over the place with no consistency. That’s not to say the reports have been bad – they have been plentiful, just without any sort of pattern.

The reports are coming from exactly where you would expect to see them, Cleeland Bight and Dickies Bay, and that is probably the only constant, with other areas not producing any yet.

Be prepared to give both areas a try.

The fish available don’t seem to be in quite the same condition as last year. However, once they start feeding a bit more

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OCTOBER 2019

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PRIME TIME The warmer months are prime time for targeting bass in the lake. This time of year is when they are most active and tune into surface lures, especially cicadas.

Winter fishing can be okay but it is definitely a lot harder.

THE GEAR When lure fishing the lake, 2-4kg graphite spin rods and 2500 sized reels loaded up with 10lb braid will cover most situations.

With big bass over 50cm on offer, you can bump the outfits up slightly if you find yourself getting smoked on giants.

THE RIG Bait fishers tend to use a small running sinker rig when fishing around timber for bass and redfin. Jigging baits and lures up and down can also be an effective way to catch fish when the going is tough.

BAIT AND LURES As I mentioned earlier, in spring and summer bass can’t resist a cicada. Tiemco

Dan caught this solid bass fishing the banks.

Soft Shell Cicadas are by far are the best imitation you can get and are a favourite in any serious bass angler’s tacklebox.

Hardbodies like Lucky Craft Bevy Shad 60s work well when the fish aren’t eating off the top.

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Daniel Griffin loves catching redfin and Glenmaggie has some solid models on offer.

jig spin. This combination is deadly and when things are tough, it often gets the bites when a lot of other methods fail.

BEST METHOD For best results, fish timber and rocky shorelines. In the morning, start in shallow casting lures towards the banks and lay down snags that come from the bank. As the day goes on and the sun gets up, move out off the banks and fish deeper.

By doing this, you’ll find out what the fish are doing so you can focus on the technique that works that day, as like most fishing it continually changes.

MOTHER NATURE Bass are definitely seen as a sportfish in most people’s eyes and are generally not killed for a feed. There are plenty of other species in the lake that taste a lot better, such as redfin. So, think twice before you hit one on the head, as this fishery is still relatively new in the scheme of things.

HOT TIP You can use your sounder in a couple of ways. Look for fish then concentrate around those areas. It’s a big lake and the hardest thing can be finding the fish to start with.

You can also use it to mark likely looking areas to come back to later. If it looks fishy, chances are there will be fish there at some stage and it’s just a matter of finding out when and at what time they feed.

OCTOBER 2019

39

Bream going hard on soft lures GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

Soft plastics have been the real feature of big bream captures recently, and I mean big trophy fish caught in river snags. Estuary perch are still turning up in good

numbers, and there’s news of mullet and even schools of whiting turning up in new areas. It’s a busy time on the Gippy Lakes and I’ve got plenty of news for the weeks ahead!

RIVERS FLOW AGAIN First up, a quick report on the state of the local streams.

The Latrobe River finally burst

A nice perch hauled from deep river timber on a very slow sinking grub rigged on a homemade jighead.

its banks after days of steady rain north of Moe and south of Traralgon. This is vital fresh water for the future long-term health of the lakes that have become so salty over the last few years. The Mitchell River is also flowing hard, giving the lakes a further boost and there will be a ripper snowmelt this spring after the local hills were repeatedly covered deep with the white stuff. The bad news is that the Avon River refuses to budge and has hardly had any flow for ten months, with the Nicholson and Tambo rivers not much better.

BREAM ON LURES Keen lure anglers have had some of the biggest river bream captures for months or even years, and it’s all about using soft plastics. Landing good numbers of these bream on plastics requires a bit of finesse and the stand out method is once again extra slow retrieves with plenty of pauses using extremely lightlyweighted jigheads.

The upper Mitchell continues to be the number one bream hotspot, especially around Bairnsdale and even much further upstream. That whole area has fished so well for months now and it should get even better right up until late November. Like all bream

October opens up BEMM RIVER

Robyn Sturgess

At the time of writing, the water level in the lake is extremely high and the fishing has been quiet.

By the time this article goes to print, there is no doubt the entrance will have had an opening and hopefully it will remain open.

With an entrance opening in early spring, it will give us an exceptional fishing season for our warmer months. We should consider ourselves very lucky, as we have not seen an entrance opening this early for some years.

Avid anglers who have persevered have been rewarded with some good fish around Siberia and below the old post office. The river previously produced a run of perch as well as tailor and bream.

When weather permits, the surf has been sensational with quality salmon. If it stays fine, we should receive a prawning season. I look forward to providing details in future reports.

Dust off your boats, check your wheel bearings, start your 40

OCTOBER 2019

motors, check the date on your flares, lifejackets and all safety gear, so you can take advantage of the warm weather.

• 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!

fishing, it’s been hit and miss, with some days red-hot and the next day totally shut down.

So many of us are seeing lots of fish, and big ones too, but they’ll refuse to take lures or bait. However, some sessions have been outstanding and provided some of the best river sport any angler can hope for.

GRUBS AND WEEDLESS RIGS I’ve also experienced some cracking river fishing with good buddy Jason Deenan who jagged a new PB bream that weighed in at a whopping 1.85kg. I always have calibrated digital scales with me just in case a real trophy turns up. That huge bream was so close to a good old classic 4lb brute and swam away strongly after I took a few quick pictures for one very happy angler. We got a shock when the ruler revealed its length at ‘just’ 46cm!

We expected it to be longer and it really was a stunning black bream.

Over two days we searched the snags with very lightly-weighted grubs and fished them super slow and deep close to the river edges.

Our final two day tally was over 50 bream, with most of them 38-44cm and 15 estuary perch all 36-45cm. It was some of the best snag brawling we have had for many years and hopefully it will continue over

Jason Deenan with his new PB 1.85kg beast.

This 46cm river bream was caught on a soft plastic grub rigged weedless. at the nose of the lure to stop it getting pulled down along the hook as the fish grab the tail of the soft plastic. I make my own lightly-weighted jigs using fly tying eyes as my weight instead of lead, and I tie them to the front of the hook.

Both of us rigged our grubs weedless, and this lethal set up was fundamental to our

us are putting in 7-8 hour days, and a lot of luck is needed too.

I remove some of the luck by fishing 10-12lb leaders and a totally locked drag.

WHITING AND MULLET I’ve know a few anglers at Paynesville who have seen schools of whiting on the move and are catching a few big mullet around the jetties

For on the spot and up-todate 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.

The author is always looking for new ways to make lures snag proof. This time he’s used Hurricane Sub Grubs and ZMan soft plastics and fly tying eyes to make weedless rigged lures.

When the lake opens, hopefully anglers can expect some quality luderick to be amongst the captures.

the next few months. We also lost count of the fish dropped and the dozens of plucks and takes. It really was hours of busy lure fishing!

We had to rig our plastics up weedless to get them through the timber.

Done correctly it will hardly ever snag up in timber and surprisingly won’t diminish your hook up rate either. It pays to use a bit of super glue

success over the two days of horsing in such impressive fish. All of us are so blessed to have such big perch and bream still available in the Gippy Lakes. I don’t think there is any special angling skill to catching so many quality fish, because quite often our lures are getting hit during the slow sink deep in the structure.

I reckon it’s more about perseverance, because some of

in town. Sandworm is a must to target both species and the local cured worm, which can be stored in the freezer for months, works brilliantly. I’ve had it last many weeks just in the fridge and it doesn’t deteriorate at all. Expect big numbers of bream to turn up in this area over the coming weeks. This is a time when Newlands and Duck Arm can hold large schooling bream.

FIND FIND THE THE

LOGO COMPETITION

There are 15 Logos hidden throughout the There are 15 Logos hidden throughout the pages of Fishing Monthly. pages of Fishing Monthly.

The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of each month The first 40 correct entries drawn at the end of each month will win a Neck Scarf will win a Neck Scarf

Fill in the entry form below with the page number of each Fill in the entry form below with the page number of each logo location and go in the draw to win! logo location and go in the draw to win!

entries will Prize draw All entries will then thengo go into the Major Prize draw to win 1 of All entries will then go into the Major Prize draw to win 1 of to be bedrawn drawnon on31st [DATE].

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MAIL MAILENTRIES ENTRIESTO: TO: MAIL ENTRIES TO: NSWFM Find the DAIWA Logo Competition, V&TFM Find the DAIWA Logo Competition, NSWFM Find the DAIWA Logo Competition, PO 3172, Loganholme PO BOX BOX 3172, LoganholmeQLD QLD 4129 4129 PO BOX 3172, Loganholme QLD 4129 Entries must be received by 30TH DATE 2019 Entries must 31st OCTOBER, Entries mustbe bereceived receivedbyby 30TH DATE 20192019 Original entriesonly. only.No Nophotocopies. photocopies.

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41

Spring weather greetings arrived right on cue CORNER INLET

Will Thompson allwaysangling@bigpond.com

Good weather turned up right on cue with the change of season. It didn’t take long for some of our favourite local species such as whiting, calamari

and gummy sharks to get on the chew.

Inside the inlet has fished great. With nice weather in early September, the water temperature bumped up a few degrees and large calamari showed up in good numbers, with most anglers getting their bag of ten calamari per

person. The Lewis Channel has been productive and anglers have been drifting the weed beds with size 3.0 and 3.5 Yamashita jigs with great success. A few colours have been outstanding this month such as white, black, gold and red foils. Captures have ranged from 25-45cm hood length.

Whiting have been on the bite since winter and they will only get better.

Mixed sizes ranging from 30-42cm have been the norm, with pipis the best bait. They have been in the Lewis Channel at Corner Inlet and also around the Port Albert and Drum channels at Port Albert.

The key has been to fish tides with good flow.

There have already been a couple of snapper caught this month. It didn’t take long with just a slight increase in water temperature getting a couple to bite, but over the next month we should start to see snapper going berserk.

Offshore has been good for gummies on any opportunity you can get out there. They have been fishing well on the 35-50m line and aren’t small, with

Matthew Jones and Scott Henning caught this bag of whiting and flathead at Port Welshpool. a few nudging 15kg. There have been plenty of big flatties on the 30m line and beyond, so get out there for a drift and you will get a good feed.

If you are trying to

target the gummies, use bigger baits and either anchor and berley or drift.

Don’t be surprised if you get a few big seven-gilled sharks either, as there has been plenty around.

• For more information, contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 5174 8544. You will get expert advice and great deals on fishing bait and tackle.

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Jay Johnstone landed a cracking gummy shark off Port Welshpool in 50m of water.

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The weather has been cold, windy and overcast but no rain to mention at the time of writing. It seems nature has been on hold and hopefully this month will revive the estuary with warmer days, sunny skies and some good spring rain to refresh the fish.

Anglers have reported that schools of golden eye mullet have entered the system and can be found from the entrance all the way up both rivers. Using sandworms on a paternoster rig has gotten the best results for mullet in the

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river system. Golden eye mullet are a prized table fish because of their white flesh and sweet taste and can be cooked several ways, such as crumbed, battered, grilled or whole.

With the schools of mullet entering the system, schools of bream and luderick should follow, so hopefully next month I will report on some good river fishing.

The surf beaches have been good as usual, but with the huge storm front that moved through Bass Strait the huge seas have gouged out the beach at Point Ricardo, presenting surf fishers with a 20ft drop to the surf. What comes with one storm the next storm will take away, putting the beach back as it was. That’s just nature doing its work – there are several surf beaches that anglers fish so one out of action for a little time is no problem.

There have been plenty of salmon, tailor, flathead and sharks on the other beaches. With the stormy weather it hasn’t been possible to go offshore often, but when the weather has permitted anglers have reported getting good bins of flathead, gurnard, barracouta, pinkie snapper and gummy sharks.

As spring progresses, we should see more quality catches like this bass.

Turbulent tides at Tyers LAKES ENTRANCE

Steven Pryke

The windier months are here, with September and October often the wildest time of year throughout Gippsland.

Challenging weather conditions have limited the amount of fishing for locals in recent times.

LAKES ENTRANCE Windy weather has tested many anglers and only few have ventured out in these conditions. Schools of smaller Australian salmon have scattered throughout the lake

mostly targeted these fish with small lightly-weighted grub style lures or Cranka Crabs.

LAKE TYERS All the wind and warmth has kicked the lake off to an early summer bite, with bream and flathead making their way up on to the flats. The shallow sand and mud flats between the Glasshouse and the island have mostly held quality bream, depending on the wind direction and the day. Long jerkbait style hardbodies have been the top offerings, matching the whitebait and small baitfish present in the system.

Further upstream, the timbered edges of the Nowa Nowa Arm are beginning to come into play, with the water level steadily increasing post a long dry winter. These barnacle encrusted logs provide great habitat for bream, which are commonly seen grazing on the sides of the logs as they crush barnacles and small mussels off the timber.

These fish can be fussy to catch, but the combination of a quiet approach, accurate casting and a non-weighted soft plastic will generally see hook-ups.

Small

Recent storms have brought big seas with massive waves and some much-needed water has been added to the lake system.

Long pencil style jerkbaits such as the Atomic Hardz Jerk Minnow have been standout lures for bream and are great fun to throw across the shallows. and will commonly be seen breaking the surface early in the morning. Small surface lures like the Atomic Hardz K9 or Bassday Sugapen have been quickly taken once cast into the feeding action and worked back rapidly along the surface.

King George whiting have continued to pop up around Baxter and Flannagans islands, with the deeper weed beds producing quality fish. Traditional methods of catching whiting have been doing the job, with fresh mussel one of the best baits.

Schools of yellowfin bream have been on the move in the lower lake, with the wharfs and boat docks around Cunninghame Arm and Metung holding some quality bream. Lure anglers have

creature style lures like the Berkley Gulp Crabby or Atomic Plazos Prong on a small EWG worm hook are brilliant for this presentation, as they have good body weight and make it easier to cast.

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.

Chelsea Vercoe from Melbourne had a blast on a Mary River trip to the NT with Barefoot Fishing Safaris. She landed this saratoga and a barra.

Grubbing the edges has still been productive, especially on cooler days.

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43

Your fishing licence Recreational fishing licence fees are funding 12 new projects, worth more than $1.1 million, to improve fishing opportunities in Victoria.

Northern

» » »

Central

$68,630 to increase native fish habitat in the Little Murray River. $37,000 to relocate native fish from irrigation channels undergoing maintenance into other waters including into urban family fishing lakes. $110,000 to create two new family fishing lakes at Rainbow and Yaapeet.

$16,210 to improve the Rippleside Jetty in Geelong.

»

» » »

Gippsland

»

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$127,200 for Fishcare to deliver 100 ‘All Abilities Clinics - Fishing is for everyone’. $52,877 for better access and facilities at Ferntree Gully’s Quarry Lake. $20,370 for a filtration system to improve trout survival rates at the Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society.

State-wide

South West

»

»

$110,000 to install woody habitat into the Gippsland Lakes. $50,000 to extend Reeve Landing Jetty at Lakes Entrance.

»

$56,500 for Fishcare to deliver 200 workshops through its ‘Creating Sustainable Anglers & Empowering Angling Clubs’ program. $166,000 to undertake creel surveys and expand the angler diary program to inform sustainable management of wild catch fisheries in Port Phillip, Western Port, Corner Inlet and the Gippsland Lakes. $300,000 for educational products that make it easy for fishers to understand and comply with catch limits.

Licence fees also contribute to Target One Million and fund extra Fisheries Officers, fish production at Snobs Creek Hatchery, VRFish, Fishcare and the Small Grants program.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

44

OCTOBER 2019

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vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants OCTOBER 2019

45

Luring rain to the lakes MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson

The last few weeks we have seen Mother Nature at its best with sharks, minke whales and dolphins all patrolling the beach breaks and tons of pilchards present.

There was a dead whale washed up on the rocks at Tathra, which was very unfortunate, but these things happen. The whale actually attracted plenty of great whites with a few 12-13 footers visible from drones. These whites were very close to shore, in only 6ft of water at times, so

swimming or diving should be off the table until the whale is removed and they move on.

The sharks were also very visible from Tathra Wharf, with council closing the wharf for a few days.

It’s back open now, which is good news, because there’s plenty of salmon to

be caught and anglers have been itching to start fishing again on the historic wharf.

At Merimbula, the main wharf in Merimbula Bay has been fishing well for salmon. Anglers casting metal shiners have fared best, with plenty of fish around that 2kg mark.

There’s been a few tailor mixed in with the odd rat kingfish and some solid trevally. Bait fishing with light strips of tuna fillet has worked well. Using a little berley will help and if you catch a slimy mackerel or yellowtail, put it out live under a bobby cork or balloon. I know several anglers have seen big kings down deeper over recent weeks so they’re possible and definitely worth a try.

On the beaches, the usual suspects have been playing the game with salmon, tailor and bream all chewing at times. Bream numbers have been rising and beaches close to estuary entrances have fished best, with the southern part of Merimbula Main Beach near the Pambula River mouth a standout. Several groups I know who have fished this area have caught 15-20 bream in a session

Chris caught and released this thumping 47cm estuary perch.

A solid five fish bream bag just under 5kg was caught within 15 minutes of Merimbula. with some big whiting mixed in too. Every October seems to be the same, with this area really firing up both species as they re-enter the estuary for the oncoming spring

period. Live beachworms and pipis have been the better baits, but if fishing after dark, cut pilchards have worked a treat.

In the estuaries, the To page 47

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Washing in waves of fish NAROOMA

Stuart Hindson

It’s been a very windy past few weeks along the coast with some decent swell crunching the beaches and salmon firing up in plague proportions at times. Not all beaches are holding fish but when you find a deeper gutter that has been gauged out recently, you’re in for some serious fun.

The sambos are not huge, averaging 1.5-2kg, but they’re still great fun on the right tackle. Quite a lot of anglers have been targeting salmon on soft plastics in the washes with great success.

Metal lures are another way to have some fun on this underrated sportfish while allowing you to cover some ground.

Those fishos using traditional paternoster rigs with a bait/popper combination have done well too. The better beaches to try are Narooma Main, Tilba and Brou. Just north of Tuross, Coila has a decent gutter at present, with bluebait, pilchards and beachworms the preferred baits.

On the stones, the usual bread and butter species like blackfish, drummer and bream should keep the rock hoppers happy, as October is a good month to target them. The inside southern wall of the Narooma bar

entrance has been a hotspot for blackfish anglers, with bag limits reached in a few hours on the right tides. For best results, fish a flooding tide with only the freshest of green weed.

This species can be hard to catch consistently sometimes so it pays to look at the older generation that fishes in this area and study them. Their experience is endless and most of the folk there are more than willing to share a secret or two with you!

If you’re after pelagics, salmon, tailor and the odd bonito are all possible at the golf course rocks in town and down at Mystery Bay to the south of Narooma.

Casting metal lures or ganged pilchards slow rolled should see a fish or two.

With the bigger swell of late, there’s plenty of whitewater but care must be taken in these conditions, especially if fishing alone.

Those after snapper and other bottom eaters are in luck, as the heavier seas of late have really turned them on. I know a few locals are doing extremely well off Potato Point, as so often is the case since it’s this region’s hotspot for reds. There’s so much awesome looking ground up there, with reefs and gravel beds from 20-60m all producing at times.

The fish don’t leave the general area – they might move around a bit and can be

tricky to locate, but once you do it’s all systems go. Fresh bait like squid, cuttlefish and tuna strips will work, with anglers casting softies when currents allow getting amongst the fish. You can expect morwong, trevally, pigfish, John Dory and heaps of sand/tiger flatheads just off the hard ground on the gravel and sand edges.

At Montague Island, it’s been an excellent couple of weeks for the kings, averaging 65-75cm. They’re not firing everyday but more days than not they’re active, which is awesome to see.

Some big greenbacks have been seen on the surface but getting them to bite can be hard. If you cast a bait into the middle of them, you will get a fish and a few around that 12-14kg mark have been caught.

Further offshore, there’s still a few SBT and yellowfin about and the yellowfin fishing from North Batemans Bay has been exceptional.

It’s great to see 70-80kg fish being caught again and I suspect the Island might see a few yellowfin caught this month just like the old days.

In Wagonga Inlet, the main channel has been holding good quantities of bream, trevally and flathead, with huge schools of mullet towards the entrance. Every day on the flooding tide, anglers have been having a ball on mullet near the 8-knot sign on the eastern side of

the channel near the main wharf. Bread and dough is all you need for fish up to 1kg.

With cooler water still in the system, bigger trevally have kept anglers happy in the fast water as well. Small plastics up to 80mm should do the trick, with natural colours performing best.

If using bait, live nippers, fresh local prawns, striped tuna cubes and worms will suffice.

The main basin should continue to fish well.

Tailor numbers have been increasing, with bigger fish up to 3kg common.

Casting smaller metal lures at working birds will do the job, and dropping a big soft plastic beneath the tailor schools could see you rewarded with a mulloway as well. You will go through a few plastics with this method, but if you connect to a bronzed brute it will be all worth it.

Up at Tuross, things have slowed down but there are still some quality fish available. Flathead will start to move upstream this month so try the river with smaller soft plastics and fresh bait.

Fishing the shallower banks will work well as the water cools off.

Down the front of the system, blackfish and bream should be abundant, with mullet schools also active.

Anchor up and berley with fresh bait like peeled prawns or squirt worms for best

John Williams from Melbourne caught a few bream fishing a local estuary. The fish were released in great condition.

SEASON

7

IS HERE!

Every Saturday 5.00pm on

Matt Collins caught this solid flathead. In October, flatties like this and bigger can be expected in our southern estuaries. results. A few mulloway should be lurking around the mullet schools and bigger soft plastics are the best way From page 46

water has been crystal clear and still very cold, around 13-14°C. We are in desperate need of rain, as all the local estuaries are overdue for a decent flush out. I hope it happens sooner rather than later, as it will only improve the fishing in the long run.

Merimbula Lake has been performing okay. The main basin upstream is the place to go, as the lower sections in the channels downstream have been pretty tough lately. You will get a few trevally and blackfish if you work for them, but if you give it a few more weeks it should start to turn. You’re better off concentrating in the top lake where tailor, trevally and some decent snapper have been caught.

The draining tide seems to be fishing better, with smaller soft plastic grubs the go if fished slowly. A few of the reds are nudging 45cm, which is decent for the lake. With tailor, the tide changes are fishing best regardless of the time of day. They fire up for 20-30 minutes then go deep again, so being there around those

to tempt one. Try a bigger soft vibe around the tide changes, with the falling tide a personal favourite. times should improve catch rates.

Offshore, the water has been cold and the snapper excellent. Locals have been having a ball, with fish up to 3kg common.

A mixture of bait, soft plastics and metal micro jigs has worked, with every day being different.

Most reefs are holding a few fish, though the southern reefs seem to be better at the moment.

Haycock has been the best, with Lennards Island a little further south also worth a look.

Fresh squid and pilchards have been the gun baits to use and for lures, pink micro jigs have done the trick.

Further offshore, there’s been a few SBT about but they are very wide of the shelf. Some good albacore have come from the 100-fathom line with fish up to 18kg caught.

I haven’t heard of any yellowfin but with anglers catching plenty north of Batemans Bay, hopefully the currents will do the right thing so these speedsters show up on our doorstep.

OUTDOOR & FISHING SHOW

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47

Treat yourself to tigers BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

The freshness of spring is in the air, with warmer weather and new life all around

us and the anticipation of what a new season is going to produce.

One species of fish high on the target list is flathead, which can be caught from the shore or out of a boat, from rivers, lakes or the bright briny

blue of the ocean. At the top of the list is the colourful tiger flathead, and with plenty to be caught this time of year, where do you start and how can you find them?

The deeper you fish, the bigger the fish. Start in around

Fish are firing up MALLACOOTA/EDEN

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

Previous months have seen little rain falling in the Mallacoota Eden area.

The lakes and rivers need a good flush out to fire up the spring fishing.

The town has been quiet with windy cold weather, but visitors always return to fish when the weather improves.

Very little offshore fishing has been done over the past month. With strong winds came big seas, making for unpleasant fishing conditions, and cold water temperatures shut down most species.

When the weather has allowed, snapper, morwong and a few flathead have been caught offshore at Eden. As the water temperature warms,

the fishing will liven up.

Salmon have been on all local beaches in numbers and plenty of gutters have held fish.

Either lures or bait have caught fish with the best action coming on the top of the tide. Aside from salmon and the odd tailor, the cold water has lacked the variety of fish that will arrive once the water warms. The better the entrance to the ocean, the better the recruitment of fish for better fishing over the summer months, so hopefully the estuaries will get a good flush out soon.

The past month has seen some good fishing for black bream, with fish caught from the Top Lake through to Gypsy Point. Anglers fishing with lures have caught plenty of fish and fresh prawn has worked well for those using bait. Spring is always a good time to fish for black bream. As

the saying goes: ‘when wattle is blooming, bream are moving’.

Dusky flathead have started to liven up as spring progresses.

Some have been caught over the past month but not in great numbers. Locating and getting them to bite has not been easy in colder conditions.

Silver trevally have been in good numbers visiting all the estuaries in the area. They love soft plastic lures and bait fishers have done the job on live bait, with nippers and worms a good choice.

Some good size pinky snapper have been caught in the Bottom Lake. Usually these fish would have left the system when it was opened to the ocean, but as it’s such a poor entrance they probably were unaware the system opened.

With spring here and summer on its way, the fishing is only going to improve.

Flathead are an attractive fish wherever you find them, like this dusky that was caught in a berley trail.

50m of water in places like the inside of the Four Mile Reef, further out in 60m towards the bottom end of the Six Mile Reef or for the real big ones, out in 100-140m around the Twelve Mile Reef.

Starting on the fringes of these structures will also account for plenty of tasty reef fish like pigfish, which seem to be increasing in numbers. Plenty of jackass, blue morwong and snapper have been mixed in, while out wider Tassie trumpeters have been showing on the Twelve Mile Reef.

If you are going out wide, try some deep water trench fishing for blue trevalla, hapuku, cod, gemfish, perch or the other oddballs that call the deep home. If it’s not

happening for you, while you are out there you might as well catch a gamefish or two.

Makos are an option while at rest, so use a berley trail (preferably of striped tuna) and you may just encounter one of the best gamefish out there.

The reason you should use stripies for berley is that they have started to show along with albacore, yellowfin and the odd bigeye tuna. These fish have been taken on the troll with a variety of skirted surface lures or diving minnows.

The edge of the shelf is a good place to start working out wider to the Canyons, keeping an eye out for birds. Always expect the unexpected, as marlin have been caught at this time of year before. Keep

an eye on the water charts for the warmer areas as the season progresses.

Stripies can be taken into the estuaries as well, where they can be used as berley for many species such as bream, flathead or trevally.

One of the best ways to use stripies is to take off the fillets and salt them, with the frames put through the berley bucket. If you find some good structure and use the tide to disperse it, some very large dusky flathead can be captured this way.

The Brogo Bass Bash is on again this year during the weekend of 6-8 December.

Contact the FSCBSA by email at fscbsa_brogobassbash@ hotmail.com if you would like more information.

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51

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Boundless bluefin bounties TASMANIA

Kelly Hunt

The weather at this time of year is always the focus when anglers are getting excited for the upcoming season. While we still have some cold days on the water ahead of us, we should not let that hinder or dampen our resolve now the sun has started to make

its presence known.

Tasmania has been really fishing well over the last few months, proving what an amazing year it has been offshore. Those that have dyed-in-the-wool opinions of when and where southern bluefin tuna will be have been totally flummoxed.

Some say SBT return when the apple blossoms are out, whereas others say they are not here at all and took off

Bluefin are plentiful around Tasmania at the moment. Clea Hallam found a few solid models.

with the ducks when they flew somewhere for winter.

These speculations seem to hold little weight, as there are tuna here all the time.

The general scientific consensus is that between September and April they skedaddle out of the waters of Southern Australia and hit the waters of Southern Indonesia to spawn. It is not known whether all mature fish go every year, every few years or only once in their long lifetime. I say long, because when juvenile fish are swept into the Great Australian Bight, they are only 1-2 years old and there are records of fish living older than 40 years!

So why are we seeing more and more bluefin captures outside these times?

There are a few things at play. Firstly, there simply are more tuna in our waters than before. I fished the waters in and around Eaglehawk Neck in my 20s for ten years and very rarely would you get the catch rates we enjoy now.

The fish stocks have most definitely grown.

Also, I believe that the fish stocks have splintered into many groups that migrate and spawn at varied timings. These groups seem to start off as big schools of smaller 10kg fish and as they grow and move around, they do so at different timings.

The timing differences could come from the availability of baitfish or some other environmental effect such as a current or weather pattern.

So while there may well be fish migrating to the waters of Indonesia to spawn, they are doing it at other times to when we think they do. In addition, if the fish leave, they must by and

large return, and if they leave at different times they may well be returning at different times. This in effect has fish schools coming and going at slightly different times of the year and this may be giving the feeling that they don’t leave.

Of course, this is conjecture. If the food and conditions are good, maybe certain size fish don’t bother leaving at all. This is why we need more satellite tagging to really get to the bottom of it. The proof in the pudding for me has been Jonah Yick catching a SBT here in Tasmania every month in the year. As long as you are out on the water with lures in the water, you should be in a great position to hook a tuna.

These days, boats are bigger and better equipped to be handling trips to the continental shelf and areas normally seen as to be treacherous. People are accessing great fishing grounds off the East Coast and the Wild West in Tasmania. These people find feeding tuna by targeting them specifically or as by-catch from other activities like stripy trumpeter or blue-eye fishing.

With technology, it is also easier to find a spot that held fish from previous trips and stay on them. The SIMRAD unit I use is more often than not the difference between a reasonable trip and an absolute winner!

OFFSHORE The coast of Tasmania has been holding good stocks of school size bluefin with the odd jumbo turning up as well. Crews have found them off St Helens and Bicheno on the East Coast and not very far from their respective

When tuna go quiet in and around the East Coast, there are always big squid to find. ramps. Andrew Smith and his sons went out and managed to find tuna very close in off St Helens, showing you don’t have to be on the shelf to catch fish. Many anglers would have drove straight over these fish in a hurry to troll lures all day on the shelf before coming in to tell everyone the fish are just not there!

Running the lures in early and doing a big circle around an area is a good way of prospecting for fish. This way, you are approaching from all angles and in all sea conditions on the day. This

gives you the best possible chance of finding fish that like the look of your lures.

Schouten Passage and the area seaward of Schouten Island is a great place to prospect for tuna at this time of year. There is plenty of sheltered area to work in and out of and if the weather gets really good, lots of other fishing can be done.

The launching facilities have really improved at Swansea as well. Those that don’t know the area could do worse than to have a day out on a charter service, which will instruct you how to go about

HYDRO TASMANIA WATER STORAGE INFORMATION Water Storage Information as at 12th September 2019 Lake/Lagoon

Metres from full

Comment

Trevallyn Pond..................................5.75........................................................Steady Lake Mackenzie................................1.80........................................................Steady Lake Rowallan..................................0.97........................................................Steady Lake Parangana................................0.02........................................................Steady Lake Cethana....................................1.53........................................................Steady Lake Barrington................................1.10........................................................Steady Lake Gairdner...................................6.98........................................................Steady Lake Paloona....................................1.61........................................................Steady Lake Augusta....................................3.32........................................................Steady Arthurs Lake.....................................1.44........................................................Steady Great Lake........................................12.89......................................................Steady Little Pine Lagoon.............................0.51........................................................Steady Shannon Lagoon...............................0.00.......................................................Spilling Penstock Lagoon..............................0.00.......................................................Spilling Woods Lake......................................0.88........................................................Steady Lake St Clair.....................................1.47........................................................Steady Lake King William.............................0.51........................................................Steady Lake Echo.........................................5.46........................................................Steady

Dee Lagoon.......................................0.00.......................................................Spilling Pine Tier Lagoon...............................1.16........................................................Steady Bronte Lagoon..................................1.11........................................................Steady Bradys/Binneys/Tungatinah..............0.35........................................................Steady Laughing Jack Lagoon.....................1.06........................................................Steady Lake Liapootah.................................1.94........................................................Steady Wayatinah Lagoon............................0.63........................................................Steady Lake Catagunya................................1.01........................................................Steady Lake Repulse....................................0.27........................................................Steady Cluny Lagoon....................................0.79........................................................Steady Meadowbank Lake...........................0.31........................................................Steady Lake Burbury....................................1.06........................................................Steady Lake Margaret..................................0.27........................................................Steady Whitespur Pond................................6.07........................................................Steady Lake Newton.....................................4.04........................................................Steady Lake Plimsoll....................................0.00.......................................................Spilling Lake Murchison................................10.02......................................................Steady Lake Mackintosh..............................1.56........................................................Steady Lake Rosebery..................................0.02........................................................Steady Lake Pieman.....................................1.60........................................................Steady Lake Pedder......................................0.34........................................................Steady Lake Gordon.....................................22.49......................................................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

52

OCTOBER 2019

Tasmania finding the fish yourself.

The West Coast has been surprising anglers with more good catches of bluefin tuna. These fish may well be part of a different migrating group and will be off there as long as the bait is about. If you find you have some time off and the weather looks awesome, head out from the safe harbour of Strahan for a great day of fishing all along the coast.

Eaglehawk Neck is the go-to destination for SBT and has earned this reputation for good reason. There are plenty of fish there, the boat ramp is usually sheltered and easy to use at all tides, and there is a good car park that, if not too busy, is generally a great place to start any fishing mission.

The shelter often continues while on the water and for this reason a lot of fishos love the place. Tuna really come on in a southerly blow and the land mass allows people of all skill

a minute or when you get around to it. Just nick the fish about 1cm deep and 2.5cm behind the pectoral fin right on the lateral line.

This will lead to fish being much more presentable for the table whichever way you like to eat them.

Do not be one of the crowd that think of it just as cat food. Take the time and give your catch the respect it deserves in the initial after catch treatment and its trip to the plate. It is a culinary treat among many and we are lucky to have it available on our little island.

I hope to take advantage of the improving weather and get some lures in the water around Schouten Passage and the anchorages of the West Coast. Get a crew together, find a weather window and come and join the fun! This time of year you need a crew that is keen and has all the right gear for a long day on the southern ocean. The weather is getting

come to you.

Make sure your lures are rigged perfectly. Use as light a leader as you can get away with, as this will help not spook fish due to bubble trail or the leader itself. Hooks must be sharp and you should check them before they go in the water.

Have a little file or rub stone at the rear of the boat and give them a once over any time they need it.

Watch your lures early and get a really good feel for how they are running and behaving. If there is any change to rod tip action for divers or what you can see from surface lures, chances are you have some weed on them and you won’t catch a fish with a weeded lure. Be vigilant and have all your lures fishing all the time.

SBT are big and bold opportunistic feeders, meaning they prey on a large variety of food including crustaceans, cephalopods (squid) and small pelagic

Match the hatch’ is not only for trout fishing – it also works well for southern bluefin tuna. level and vessel size to fish where they feel comfortable.

Should that comfort zone be removed, it is just a simple task of turning out of the weather and returning to the shelter of whatever headland or cliff set you are near.

Speaking of the cliffs, not only do they provide great shelter but they also provide a spectacular background while you drag lures around.

This in itself can provide a great day on the water, taking in all the sea life and scenery. Of course, catching a few SBT would be icing on the cake.

Once you have found some fish and put them on the deck, the work doesn’t finish there. Bleed the fish straight away – not in

better as each day passes towards Christmas but it is still cold. When that sun goes behind a cloud or gets low in the sky, it will be chilly. This is the time you should be on high alert. If the day has been a little slow, the low light conditions may bring some fish up at your lures.

Make a plan based on the weather report for the day and stick to it. Too often I see a plan made only to be changed every half hour a fish is not caught. This makes for a number of half formed plans that will have you travelling and second guessing yourself when you should be putting your four or five best lures over and over the spots that hold fish. The conditions have to

fish. Tasmania has jack and slimy mackerel and Pacific and Atlantic saury on offer depending on the time of year.

However, the most prolific baitfish is the humble redbait. Redbait are a fabulous food source for all types of tuna, not just SBT. To that effect, lures fashioned to mimic them do very well.

When feeding, SBT will hit anything that moves. I have seen them feeding on mid water swimmer crabs and was also witness to a skipper bird and two mutton birds being removed from the gullet of a 100kg SBT at Eaglehawk Neck. So, now I am on the lookout for a swimming mutton bird lure!

OCTOBER 2019

53

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Goodness me, more SBT HOBART

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Andrew Large

Southern bluefin are still plentiful in the South East around Eaglehawk Neck and Fortescue Bay, with confirmed captures coming in as breaks in the weather have occurred in recent weeks. Bluefin earlier this month have been as close as 500m offshore at Bicheno.

SALTWATER SBT in Peninsula waters have varied in recent weeks.

The temperature has dropped and water turned a cold green colour after the last bout of snowy weather. Bait was a little scarce as well.

There’s plenty off school-sized fish being reported at Pedra in the 20-25kg size range.

Striped trumpeter, like the SBT, have been targeted when the weather permits, and good captures have been made in the South East at the Friars at the bottom end of Bruny Island.

Sand flathead were caught throughout the South East and East coasts, again when weather has allowed boaters to get out over the grounds.

A capture of very early tiger flathead appeared on Facebook earlier in September, so fingers crossed this month.

As the month progressed sandies showed their faces a little bit more along the East Coast, mainly out wide in 50m or more of water.

Fortescue and Marion bay saw plenty of early season fish caught. Further up the East Coast had the Mercury Passage firing, as you would expect around now.

Australian salmon are available at Cremorne feeding and transiting the Pipeclay Lagoon mouth, and fish up to 2.8kg have been landed, with average around 750g.

Flounder are still available for those braving

the rare calm and cold nights.

This last month has been good for settled weather, allowing many dedicated flounder anglers to get out before the onset of daylight savings, later nights and the first of the sea breezes.

Minor flooding in the lower estuaries has lead to clarity issues, but anything seaward of a river was generally fine.

Perch are available in Peninsula waters, with rocky structure holding winter schools at the moment.

Calamari are returning as the southerly swell abates, and these are traditionally a deep water option in the cold, but they will now transit to shallower areas as the water warms up.

ESTUARY Sea trout have been caught in all reaches of the Derwent River, but the best catches have been higher toward New Norfolk by those fishing at night with soft plastics. With rains this month and flooding in both the Derwent and Huon, 4” Gulp Minnows fished slowly across the bottom will work well.

One local angler Matt Risely caught 2-3 good fish on his commercially tied Game Changer pattern.

Some nice sea trout were caught during the last part of September in the Derwent estuary, although conditions were far from ideal. Murky water made fishing tough in both the Huon and Derwent, but those using bait and hardbody bibbed lures from the shore seem to do well.

Another regular customer, a fly fisher, caught a nice 2.5lb searunner near the Tasman bridge fishing the edges with a fly imitating a baitfish similar to a Risely Leech Bugger just before the whitebait run while the trout were still searching for a feed.

Bream have been slow, but certainly available in the clearer edges of larger

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54

OCTOBER 2019

Phone: 0410 173 060 www.basscataustralia.com

A nice Derwent sea trout that fell to a well-presented wet fly.

Freshly landed SBT near Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Peninsula taken aboard a local charter. estuary systems. Anglers have enjoyed some success fishing beneath freshwater layers floating on top of salt with soft plastics. Gulp Minnows are working wonders, as not only do they mimic prey, but they can also be sniffed by foraging fish.

Bream remained patchy for most of September, but reasonable fishing can be found at the mouths of inflows such as Newtown and Hobart rivulets, where fish had schooled up further south. We saw the same thing occur at Browns River, near Kingston. The Jordan River north of Hobart saw many fish caught up to the bridge.

FRESHWATER The beginning of October is the eight-week mark of our freshwater trout season, and traditionally fish are always in a recondition mode at this point after the spawn and spend the majority of their time feeding up on the bounty of spring offerings. Galaxias, crustaceans and spawning whitebait all form a rich mix of food for trout. This month also generally sees the first of the dry fly activity, which many keen trout bums wait in anticipation for.

Fly fishing at Penstock Lagoon has been very productive, with many fish falling to both boat and shore-based anglers. Woolly Bugger patterns have been very successful.

Both browns and rainbow trout up to 2kg

have been taken at Penstock.

Shore anglers have done well sight casting unweighted Woolly Bugger patterns to fish cruising the shallows.

Those in boats have been very productive with most anglers doing well fishing teams of 2-3 wet flies on a DI3 sinking line, and flies with UV beads have been most productive.

Woods Lake, although windy last month, was producing good fish mainly for those trolling.

Great Lake has produced fish, but at a higher altitude, the trout that we have seen are in lean condition, most likely not having recovered from the recent spawning run. Some fish have been in very good condition at just under 2kg and have undoubtedly been feeding over it’s many weed beds.

This lake has seen good results for those fishing the edges with galaxia imitations. Searching with both fly and lure has been equally productive. Trollers have accounted for their fair share of trout as well.

Lake Leake, although near empty, did fish well during the few last weeks from the shore on both lure and fly – with some nice browns being caught.

Tooms Lake remains quiet and low.

Highland reports have been very slim this month due to large snow dumps throughout the entire plateau.

Inland Fisheries Service

A great opportunity to try somewhere new IFS

Tim Farrell

With the 2019 World Fly Fishing Championship coming to Tasmania from 30 November to 7 December, there will be temporary closures for fishing at the five venue waters. Regulations to support this event are shown below.

If the venues for the championship are your home waters, why not try somewhere a bit different for the short period when the closures apply?

There is a variety of lake fishing on the highlands.

Bronte, Dee, Pine Tier, St Clair, Laughing Jack, Talbots and the Nineteen lagoons should all be fishing well at this time. Lake Echo is filling quickly and along with lakes King William, Rowallan, Mackintosh, Burbury, Huntsman, Leake, Four Springs, Bradys Chain and the numerous lakes that make up the Derwent system fishing opportunities abound.

Arthurs Lake is showing continued improvement and the fish in the spawning run were in excellent condition this year, so this should be

good spot to try. We would love some reports from Arthurs Lake.

Much of the Mersey and Meander rivers will remain open, but there are numerous rivers in the area if river fishing is your thing.

There’s the Leven, Inglis,

Vale, South Esk, St Patricks and Macquarie rivers to name a few.

The following temporary regulation changes apply to the following locations: The lake venues of Little Pine Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon and Woods Lake,

Blackmans Lagoon is exposed to the elements, but it’s a great fishery for those after better than average trout.

will be closed to recreational fishing for the duration of the event, from midnight on Sunday 1 December to midnight on Friday 6 December 2019 inclusive.

The competition sections of the river venues will be closed to recreational fishing, from midnight on Sunday 24 November to midnight on Friday 6 December 2019 inclusive.

The Mersey River downstream of the Olivers Road (on the C 138) bridge to Hoggs Bridge (on the C 153).

The Meander River downstream from the Huntsman Lake dam to Barretts Bridge, Long Ridge Road (on the C 166).

The competition sites along the Mersey and Meander Rivers (see above) will close seven days before the competition starts. Fishing at the non-competition sections will remain open on these rivers.

For more information about the temporary regulations please phone us on 1300 463 474 (1300 INFISH).

If you are interested in supporting the event yourself, head to the 2019 World Fly Fishing

Championship website and contact a member of the organising committee.

BLACKMANS LAGOON FISHERY PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT Blackmans Lagoon is well known for growing large trout that can be difficult to catch.

During the 2019 Central Highlands brown trout spawning run, we transferred 500 wild brown trout into Blackmans Lagoon.

Before we released them, we clipped their adipose fin. This was in preparation for a Fishery Performance Assessment so we could estimate the population and better understand the health of the fishery.

In the third week of July, we set 40 traps around the lagoon for two nights. We caught 291 brown trout.

Of those caught, 10% were fin clipped, the average length was around 480mm, the average weight was 1,661g and the largest fish was a female of

596mm and weighing 2761g.

An improved type of rainbow trout stocked in recent years has led to a small population of younger wellconditioned, healthy fish and some poorer older fish that have had trouble getting rid of their eggs.

Being a part of the Waterhouse Conservation Area there are some special rules about fishing Blackmans Lagoon. These are available through the Parks and Wildlife Service website – Waterhouse Conservation Area Management Plan 2003 For anglers using a boat, be careful when launching and be prepared to use four-wheel drive when retrieving your boat from the shallow, sandy, ramp area.

Fishing at Blackmans Lagoons is exposed to the elements but for anglers seeking a better than average fish it may be worth a visit.

A detailed report will be available from the IFS website in the coming months.

BLACKMANS BROWN TROUT SURVEY Fish caught 291 % of fish fin clipped 10% Average length 480mm Average weight 1,661g Largest fish 596mm and 2761g

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55

A look at heads and tails CANBERRA

Richard Barnsley

Surface fishing is without a doubt once of the most exciting forms of fishing.

Whether seeing the nose of a brown trout slide out of the creek to inhale your hopper pattern, or to nearly lose your rod to the explosive smash of a popper munching cod or barramundi, these are moments that will linger in your mind long after the sun dips below the horizon.

Popper fishing generally calls for less finesse than the dry fly and suitable offerings are easy to tie. This month

tails patterns retain less water and hence weight, making them easier to cast.

The hollow or cup faced head generally traps more air when pulled under the water – increasing bubble trails, giving more ‘bloop’!

The middle pattern has a synthetic tail and solid head. Synthetics retain even less water and are much limper than deer hair.

This feature is excellent for spooky fish in clear water. Generally such tail materials hang down from the head when the fly is at rest. A subtle strip imparts a ‘kick’ action to the tail, which is difficult to achieve with stiffer materials. This can trigger a bite from cautious targets. Solid

head to use when you need to ‘wake ’em up’. Often they fish best when coupled with an intermediate line.

This accentuates the dip and dive action. The bulkier tail is also an advantage, as it increases the sonic output of the pattern.

Slider style heads and slim bodies are an excellent choice when searching shallows. The slider head will react subtly to gentle short strips. Situations where this is an advantage is when prospecting above standing weed beds.

Fish can sit in the weed cover, but very close to the surface. A noisy, active style popper head may only put fish down.

The second photo is

This image shows the different shapes for popper heads, which determines the action of the fly.

I’ll run down on the basics of popper design, how to tie effective patterns efficiently and a few tips on how to fish them.

The first photo shows the three basic popper patterns.

The upper imitation has a deer hair tail and hollow head. Slim

heads are useful in rough water or for sustained sessions. They also wear better to repeated strikes.

The lower pattern has a slider style head. The nose shape of these allows them to dive under the surface on the strip and then resurface.

This is a terrific style of

another angle of the popper heads and re-enforces the variations available.

Generally I like to tie a variety of tail patterns and carry a variety of foam heads. Depending on conditions I can mix and match styles and colours out on the stream

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

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

July Aug Sept Mulwala (Yarrawonga) 90 93 90 Newlyn 87 101 101 Nillahcootie 26 29 36 Rocklands 24 25 27 Tantangara 18 22 27 Taylors 21 33 52 Tullaroop 38 55 79 Waranga 21 28 48 Wartook 36 47 57 William Hovell 99 100 101

July Aug Sept

Cairn Curran

38

43 52

Dartmouth 63 61 58 Eildon

36 39 45

Eppalock

37 37 40

Eucumbene 24 25 26 Fyans

69 72 78

Hepburn

68 100 103

Hume

25 36 42

Jindabyne 69 67 66 Lauriston

81 82 96

(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.)

56

OCTOBER 2019

Some different popper head and tail combinations.

Each has its use in specific situations. with a limited number of patterned hooks.

The third photo shows a couple of tail options.

Bearing in mind my comments on the action of differing tail materials, the lower tail collar of rubber skirt material is awesome for twitching poppers. The legs are a terrific enticer and on occasions I’ve removed the foam head and fished the skirt sub surface. New England cod love them! The other tail can also be fished as a large streamer and also demonstrates the diversity of the adaptable foam head and body system.

The fourth photo demonstrates the difference between tail dimensions.

The upper bulky tail can assist in floatation, however to achieve more of a ‘walkthe-dog’ action, I prefer a slimmer tail. Consider the areas and conditions you fish and tie a variety of tail configurations so you can adapt.

Popper tactics may vary greatly given the target species and conditions.

New comers often perceive the role of the popper as being a surface crunching, bell ringing dinner advertisement, and indeed at times this is the way to fish them – with vigorous, long strips and plenty of surface disruption.

However, poppers can

also be a subtle enticer. If conditions are right, such as early morning bream in the half-light along the oyster rack, they’re already awaiting prey. Overly aggressive retrieves may well spook them, but a small bodied, slider headed offering sneaking along the margin of open water and cover is a wonderful tactic.

crash, bloop and generally create havoc, so a slow, wiggling strip retrieve perfectly imitates these winged invertebrates.

Another point to consider is that poppers will definitely draw fish well out of cover. I’ll often cast tight into the sticks and give a couple of solid strips to wake them up.

Even tail material can have an effect on the popper’s action.

Equally so at certain times of the year, New England gorge cod are locked onto cicadas, as are brackish water bream in summer.

Struggling cicadas don’t

Thicker or more sparse tails can really affect the popper’s action.

Once a metre or so clear of cover a gentle but sustained retrieve is often too much for predators to ignore.

Fish the popper right to the bank and often you get a hit close to your feet.

The mix and match style of popper tying gives the angler options. It reduces the number of flies we need to carry and allows infinite combinations of colour, body action as well as head style. Popper flies and popper tactics have come a long way from the ‘strip and bloop’ habits of popper pioneers.

Think about the conditions and your target species, then go ahead and create your own design. Adapt your retrieves and fish them hard. Life’s too short not to catch a fish or three on a homemade popper!

Trout promises golden October for anglers WAGGA WAGGA

Rhys Creed

Spring is in full swing and with the constant warmer temperatures comes increased fish activity. If

option is to target the root balls of standing sapling trees that can be found in clusters around the edge of the lake. The fish will be schooling up and feeding in these areas.

Other possibilities

Rainbow trout are great to target as the water warms up. This fish took a Rapala CD5.

Mumblers are the go-to lure with active fish in warmer water. you’re more of a casual fisho and aren’t keen on cold winters and super hot summers, this month is for you! The main target on our radar for October is golden perch and trout, with the latter season opening on the October long weekend.

BLOWERING DAM Golden perch By this time of year the golden perch bite will have started. We had a warm end to winter, which will have triggered some solid feeding patterns from perch. They don’t follow dates like us; they follow the temperature, so every

the dam around the wall and island will be the best option for chasing cod at this time of year. Fishing during the night will also yield results, but with such fine weather it’s worth fishing during the day.

MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER The river has started to kick into gear now. The flows will be starting to rise and the fish will be active. Make sure to use smaller lures such as diving hardbodies and spinnerbaits to minimise your chances

metal blades, lipless crankbaits and even small spinnerbaits around the standing trees are the best options. If you can, try to fish areas with wind, as this will switch the fish on and they will feed better in these conditions compared to a flat and glassed out lake.

Camping along the lake’s foreshores and bait fishing overnight with yabbies is a great alternative.

Fishing close to bankside structure like this is perfect for catching golden perch at this time of year.

The river should be full of quality golden perch like this one during spring.

Murray cod If you love chasing cod, don’t put down your rod! They will be feeding extremely well, especially with the rising water temperature. Cod are right

in the middle of their breeding patterns and will be aggressive, so using loud lures should trigger some solid bites from them.

Spinnerbaits and mumblers around 1-1.5oz work well fished down the rocky banks. My go-to is the Mud Guts Mumbler Pro 1oz, which I find perfect for large and smaller cod.

Downsizing plastics to 150-180mm will ensure a better hook-up rate than larger lures. This is because the smaller fish will be active and a majority of the hits will be from fish under 80cm.

The bottom end of

Adam Smith with a decent Tumut River brown trout taken on a FTL spinner.

Jack Flanagan landed this solid spring cod from Blowering Dam. year they will bite at different times. If we have warmer weather earlier in the season, they will be feeding earlier.

With fish well and truly feeding, you’ll want to head out right at the start of this month. Your best

of catching cod. My top two lure choices for this month would be the Mud Guts Mini Guts 3/8oz and AC Invader 70mm.

The best areas to fish are close to the roots of trees littered along the banks, spindly timber and willow trees. Fishing the afternoon will be best and there will be a bite window during the last hour of light.

TUMUT RIVER Trout season opens in rivers and streams on the morning of Saturday

include fishing along the creek beds in the back of bays and on the flat banks early and late in the day.

You can start working the rocky banks, although they usually fish better as we head into November.

Casting soft plastics,

Baily Steed caught this beautiful rainbow trout from the Tumut River.

5 October. I always get excited for this date as it means the next few months ahead are going to be action-packed. This first weekend will be busy with anglers up and down the river, but it’s still worth fishing, as those trout haven’t seen a lure for three months.

Warmer weather means more food and more active fish. The river still won’t be high yet, so it should be relatively easy to fish by walking the banks with lures. I’d be using spinners, soft plastics, and fly at this time of year.

There are so many options this month. It’s the best time to get out on the water and enjoy the great weather!

OCTOBER 2019

57

Focus shifts as weather warms YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

Native fishing opportunities that exist in and around Lake Mulwala throughout September and into early October are very limited.

Traditionally, mid to late October sees the yellas fire up in the shallower backwaters around the top end of the lake and in the Murray River itself up to Bundalong. Other good returns of yellas can be found by searching out the numerous backwaters and lagoons that are accessible above Bundalong that come off both the Ovens and Murray rivers.

All anglers must keep in mind that until 30 November inclusive, the targeting of Murray cod is not permitted, and the crays are off limits until next June. The Murray River below Yarrawonga downstream through the Cobram area to the Tocumwal

traffic bridge it totally closed to all forms of fishing from until 30 November inclusive.

Looking back, August reports were constant, as the new age ‘cool water cod catchers’ continually plied their trade, albeit in some pretty ordinary conditions. To see them rugged up to the nines with thermals, gloves and beanies questions their sanity, but capture returns proved otherwise.

Conservatively, we would have received reports of 20 or more metre fish for the month, with a few common denominators with them.

Most came from 1-2m of water, with the majority being taken on swimbaits. Chicken fillets returned some monsters too, and chicken seems to be becoming as popular as the good old bardi grub, worm or yabby.

Plenty deserve a mention for their efforts, but I’ll just mention a few. Young Hudson ‘Chicken Man’ Crothers is lucky enough to live on the lake and has a rod in his hand

at every opportunity. Hudson’s missed a couple of big’uns over time, but was lucky enough to land 105 and 110cm fish in consecutive days!

Chris Burbidge, Clarke Wilson and Joel Crosby, a trio of kayak based boys, made the regular visit to Mulwala averaging at least one metre model per trip. The boys landed a couple each, with Joel finishing off the season with a 115cm beast.

Yarrawonga locals, Steve and Tanya Cannon hit the water at every opportunity.

Traditionally Steve catches more fish while Tanya is an expert on the net. That all changed one cold August morning when Tanya’s Gantarel was slammed by a beautiful looking Murray Cod that measured 111cm.

It’s always a tradition to award the title of ‘Lake Mulwala Fisherman Of The Year’ once a season has ended. This year the undoubted winner is Mick Massier. Mick’s the most passionate cod fisho who

has been fishing here for years. The joke has been that he’s never caught a decent cod but has seen plenty of others bring them aboard on his boat. Finally the curse was lifted late last year, and Mick hasn’t looked back. With around 10 metre fish for the season plus many others to his credit, along with strong showings and several wins in Mulwala based tournaments, Mick is the undoubted overall champion for 2018-19 season.

A couple of names spring to mind when looking for a new season ‘champion’, and I reckon it will be a battle between Mick and Hudson Crothers and Nick Gamble.

Keep an eye out for them next season!

Coming up on 19 October is the popular Golden Do$$ars fishing competition, an event designed to specifically target golden perch. Entry forms are now available for this and the Cod Classic. Again the Cod Classic promises to be huge

Tanya Cannon with her beautiful 111cm Murray cod taken before the season closed. with an amazing prize pool that includes 10 boating packages!

• For more information on either of these events or how the lake is fishing in general,

call in and see us at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, the official Cod Classic shop, Mulwala or Yarrawonga. Call 0439 441 667.

Golden lake fishing has arrived ALBURY/WODONGA

Connor Heir

We have been welcomed with sunny spring days, making for absolutely perfect conditions. Calm lakes, green views and blue skies are just a few of the gifts we have been blessed with to get us out fishing.

For many freshwater anglers, October through to November is their favourite time to be on the water chasing golden perch and I’m

the Hume Dam at my back door. I’ll be hanging up my walking shoes this month and giving the four-stroke a run for some lake pig searching!

Warmer days raise the water temperatures in lakes, making fish metabolisms speed up after being so shut down during the cooler months. This ultimately means that targeting them becomes much easier, but finding an area that holds golden perch and then getting them to eat your chosen lure/bait can still be challenging.

When I first started lure fishing, especially for golden perch, I thought 20lb all round was the perfect line class in all fisheries. After trial and error, I have found that going lighter can play a key role in your success catching these fish.

You can absolutely still catch golden perch using heavier gear and this is proven time and time again during cod season, where I have seen golden perch smack lures bigger than themselves.

They are fish, so, of course, they must eat. However, I have found landing numbers of golden perch can come down to line class and I would recommend between 6-10lb.

The reason why lighter line is key varies. The three factors I keep in mind are: firstly, to ensure maximum action from lures, such as small vibes, blades and soft plastics.

Secondly, lighter line often can be less visible, making a difference in areas that cop a bit of pressure. Finally, it gives

you a better handle on what’s going on at the end of the line.

Lure choice is another important factor. In my last article I touched on lure size, which is important to keep in mind during cod closed season.

Having smaller lures is often a good way to avoid catching cod and in turn, get better results catching golden perch.

My lure recommendations are never limited to certain brands or styles. I always suggest you choose what you feel confident with because confidence is key to fishing, regardless of the type. For good results in golden perch fishing, make sure you have a variety of soft plastics, vibes, blades, small hardbodies and beetle spin clips, as all are good ammunition.

Whether you’re hopping vibes, flicking plastics or trolling deep banks, changing it up to match the hatch of what they are feeding on is a great way to figure out what’s best. Some days they will only

There’s no need for a boat – if you’re a keen angler, you can score a fistful of gold with just your two feet. with them. Light line, spin gear or finesse baitcasters loading up onto spring pigs is definitely one of the most addictive fishing options there is in the freshwater game. Whether you’re new or familiar with the sport, we can all agree that it gets the adrenaline kicking and the heart pumping.

This month, I will be focusing on lakes, as I have 58

OCTOBER 2019

Many anglers target golden perch differently, so it’s up to the individual to figure out what works for them. I’m big on changing things up with goldens. Small details can mean the world of difference, and I don’t just mean your lure or bait choice.

One thing I’ve picked up on after chasing golden perch in dams and lakes is that line class can be so important.

Perch are plentiful in the rivers and lakes this month.

No matter your technique, spring pigs make for great freshwater fishing. smack natural presentation, whereas on other days bright ‘out there’ lures can be hot cakes. An easy and effective way to start can be to have two rods set up with totally different styles/colours on.

Throwing both will help you nail what they really want. On some days, it could even be both!

Finding where golden perch are in big lakes is the first step to catching them.

Using a fish finder can be a massive help, however without that, fishing absolutely everywhere is the best way to find them. Rocky points and tight messy structure are my two favourites, and depth also plays its part. They are a schooling fish so once you do find some, most of the time there are more there.

One thing to keep an eye out for as it warms up is that

once you hook a golden perch and bring it to the side of the boat, have the net ready to scoop up more than one fish, as often more will follow the hooked fish up!

What’s better than one fish?

Two fish or more!

The techniques to catching golden perch are numerous and if you don’t have the luxury of being able to fish from a boat, don’t lose hope.

You can still find golden perch walking the banks, and I’ve done so time and time again. I recommend doing some research on the fishery before you go out and as I always say, just fish hard and enjoy it and eventually it will swing your way. Effort equals results and it’s a great time of year to be fishing.

Bring on the spring fishing ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

With the Murray cod season closed in our local waters, it’s as good a time as any to reflect on the season as a whole.

Swan Hill remained the hot spot for big Murray cod, with numerous captures reported over the metre mark.

It seems anglers have once again taken to lures, as the majority of the larger fish were caught trolling or on the cast.

Of course, some large cod were also landed on bait, with a vast array of edibles tempting bites. While chicken and cheese have been accepted cod baits for a few seasons now, it seems the humble dim-sim is fast becoming the cod bait of choice. How you get them to

stay on the hook is anyone’s guess but cod are definitely keen on them.

A few big cod were landed late in the season around Mildura and Wentworth,

once again mostly on lures.

Several of these fish surpassed the 110cm mark, which is great news for those keen to target larger cod. An all-round improvement on cod captures

the warming water and a few of these pinned on a hook are sure to tempt a fish or two.

It’s a similar story downstream around Mildura and Wentworth, with most lure

There are few holes of this size left on the Darling and most won’t last through the summer.

This cod was partial to a StumpJumper lure.

in local waters sets the bar for next season, where hopefully these larger fish will continue to show up.

The warm spring weather has set the tune for the annual golden perch bite. Around Swan Hill, the lakes are starting to produce some goodsized golden perch on bait and lures. While the Murray River at this location has been a little slow, they will no doubt show in better numbers as the water temperature climbs.

The Murray River at Robinvale and Wemen has seen some good catches of larger perch on bait and lures.

Shrimp have started to move in

and bait anglers managing at least a few good perch.

DARLING ALL BUT DOOMED The Darling River has unfortunately gone from bad to worse, as mismanagement and the prolonged drought have all but sealed the fate of this once mighty river and its fish. In many places, it’s doubtful any of the cod will last the summer as the temperature climbs and the water disappears. It’s worth noting that there is talk of relocating some of these stranded cod but only time will tell with this proposal.

How has it come to this, yet there has not been a royal

Perch have started biting on bait and lures.

This one took a Tubby Native Minnow. commission? The Darling is just the first of the catchments to fall. With no guarantee of rain and big irrigators going full speed ahead with what water we have, the whole basin is staring down the barrel of a collapse. It’s already started and most are oblivious to the impacts to come.

The Menindee Lakes are the breeding grounds for an estimated 80% of golden perch numbers in the lower Murray. That is all but gone, and it’s unknown where any

future stocks of golden perch could come from. One of the strongest breeding populations of Murray cod in the Basin was in the Darling below the Menindee Lakes. That too is all but cooked. The roll-on effects of this are huge yet slip by unseen until it’s too late.

From the outside looking in, it seems water managers are set to have us fishing for our native fish in impoundments, while the basin itself is turned into nothing more than an irrigation ditch.

Rivers and lakes are showing great promise BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

The region has had some reasonable inflows into our river systems and local impoundments and there is great potential for the season ahead if we have more significant rainfall over the next two months.

The southern catchments are saturated with moisture and any good rainfall will produce good run-off. While inflows into our impoundments have only been small at this stage, this could change in the near future.

The Coliban River catchment has three reservoirs on the southern side of Lake Eppalock.

If these reservoirs reach capacity, Lake Eppalock can fill quite quickly. If this does occur, there will be some great fishing opportunities ahead.

LAKE EPPALOCK Water clarity is still good in the majority of Lake Eppalock. Water clarity is

currently the poorest in the Twin Rivers and Derrinal Pool sections of the Lake due to recent inflows. Productivity has been low, but by the end of October we should see improvement.

The biggest factor in determining how significant that improvement will be is the amount of rainfall the region receives over spring.

If rainfall is below average and water level rises are

minimal, improvement in the fishing will be small. If the lake receives good inflows and there is a significant rise in water levels, productivity will be excellent.

Small numbers of redfin have been making up the majority of captures. Most redfin have been caught in depths greater than 10m of water. Casting soft plastics and vertically jigging with soft plastics and ice jigs have been

the most productive methods.

Redfin fishing should improve significantly by the end of this month, as the warmer water will see redfin feeding more aggressively.

Not many golden perch have been caught lately, but this can change very quickly.

There is a good amount of regrowth around the edges of the lake. When surface water temperatures reach 18°C and above, the lake experiences

By the end of the month, we should see great improvement in the golden perch catch rate in the Bendigo region.

good inflows and water levels rise over the regrowth, golden perch will actively feed around these areas. Anglers will in turn see a significant improvement in catch rates.

CAMPASPE RIVER Water clarity has been average in the Campaspe River. It can change very quickly at this time of year due to good inflows after heavy spring rainfall. While heavy rainfall may not be good for fishing in the short term, good flows are important for long term.

At present, small numbers of redfin are being caught in the Campaspe River. The majority of redfin have been caught along the edges of weed beds and along Cumbungi lined banks. The numbers of golden perch have been low, but by the end of October we should start to see a significant improvement.

Lipless crankbaits and suspending hardbodied lures are some of my favourite lure choices when fishing for golden perch.

CAIRN CURRAN The water clarity is still

below average. The water levels have been rising in recent weeks, which is encouraging, but we do still need more rain over the next couple of months if we are going to see the reservoirs reach maximum capacity.

Redfin have been making up the majority of anglers’ captures. Anglers fishing with soft plastics have produced the best results. For those anglers bait fishing for redfin, small yabbies and worms have been the top options. Golden perch have not fired up yet.

LODDON RIVER The water clarity is poor in the Loddon River at present due to recent inflows. With the current conditions being poor, the numbers of anglers fishing this location has been low.

By the end of this month, we should see a good rise in water temperatures and resident golden perch should start to fire up.

If we get enough rain to fill up the impoundments, fishing should improve in the long term.

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59

Snowy spring strategies SNOWY MOUNTAINS

Anthony Bentley

Even though spring has sprung, you shouldn’t put away the winter woollies just yet! The next few weeks should see some very mixed conditions, with snow falling at times and sunshine and t-shirts at others.

Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene have both been fishing reasonably well over the past couple of weeks and the fishing is only going to get better as the weather gets warmer. Fish have been moving into the edges in search of food. The warmer conditions are starting to produce some good insect hatches of midge and early season mayflies, which is very encouraging to see.

The sunnier days will be the most productive fishing.

Polaroiding is the method of choice for fly and lure fishers. A slow and careful walk around the edges of the lake can put you onto some very active fish cruising the shallows in search of something to eat.

Look out for slow moving shadows along the foreshore. The fish are usually quite close to shore, so be careful not to spook the fish with a hasty approach. A carefully placed cast with either a small celta style lure or a black or brown unweighted nymph into the path of an unsuspecting trout should get you into the action.

Overcast and windier days can be a lot of fun, albeit a little uncomfortable.

Casting larger flies and lures into deeper water and working them off the bottom is a very effective way of finding fish when

you can’t see any.

Rivers should be open for trout season this month and with the amount of snow up in the mountains, some good snowmelt should see us into summer if we don’t get any decent rainfalls. The hatchery has seen some good numbers of browns and rainbows in the traps. The Gaden Hatchery staff have put some ex-brood rainbows into Eucumbene and Jindabyne recently, adding to the release of some very large Atlantic salmon in Lake Jindabyne. These are fantastic opportunities to catch trophy fish with some of these fish in excess of 12lb.

Keep things simple this time of year with fly and lure selection; natural colors will often work best.

Remember that presentation is the key to success and that

you will pretty much only get one shot at fish in the shallows, so make it count!

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

Nathan Salakas landed this nice Atlantic salmon.

Longer daylight hours means more fishing!

WST/STH GIPPSLAND

Steve Haughton steve@habitatcreations.com.au

Late winter rainfalls in the region have been very much welcomed along with daylight savings, which kicks in on 6 October. Spring is definitely in the air, and the prospects of a good fishing season ahead is exciting for freshwater anglers.

Mt Baw Baw has had a great snow season and we should start seeing plenty of that snowmelt over the coming month topping up the catchments below.

Good flows will bring plenty of food downstream for hungry post spawn trout and spawning blackfish.

Blue Rock levels will also welcome snowmelt from Mt Baw Baw as it inches towards capacity.

The rivers of the West

ut Hatcher o r T n e d y Ga

Above and right: Gippsland local Brandon Scott has been enjoying fishing the shoreline of Blue Rock Lake over the last couple of months, landing some good-sized brown trout on bait and lures.

Gaden Trout Hatchery

Gaden Trout Hatchery See how premier sport fish are bred and raised!

Closed Anzac, Christmas, Boxing day.

Guided tours 10 am and 2 pm.

Self-guided tours on selected days.

Small admission fee.

Gaden Rd (off Kosciuszko Rd) Jindabyne. 02 6451 3400 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au 60

OCTOBER 2019

leaping fish * 4 species * aquaria, ponds, AV show * beautifulbreeding picnic–BBQ * smoked trout for sale area * find out about kids fishing workshops. *

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Open 10 am–4 pm daily.

and South Gippsland regions are flowing hard and are a little dirty, depending on where the flows originate.

Over the next few months the stream trout action will intensify with insects hatching as the weather warms up.

Closer to Melbourne, the Lang Lang, Bunyip and Tarago rivers will all be worth a try over the coming months.

Heading out a bit further into the Noojee Valley is the Latrobe, Loch and Toorongo rivers. All are picturesque stream trout locations that will suit those wetting a fly, lure or bait. Waders are not essential, but can be handy to have as it does allow better access to some great trout feeding zones. Brown trout are the more common catch, but there is the odd rainbow trout about, and even some redfin in the system.

October is a good month for fishing Blue Rock Lake.

Bass will start becoming a bit more active on the surface, trout will still be taken on the troll but start to head into deeper water as the water temperature rises, and you’ll start to see a bit more redfin action too. Trolling and jigging is popular over the winter months, but as the fish start coming to the surface to feed, casting lures and flies will prove more successful.

Fishing early mornings and late afternoons is the way to go.

This is a good time to remind everyone that that if you haven’t been to Blue Rock Lake for a while, it’s worth a visit to see some of the changes in recent years. Blue Rock Lake is very much evolving, with the success of the bass stocking program attracting more and more visitors.

Restrictions have lifted on boat and engine size, so the lake is now open to all vessels, but a speed limit is in place, so please follow the rules.

The Old Tanjil Road boat ramp is well set up with new floating jetties for both lanes, boat ramp lights, toilets, picnic tables, heaps of parking and well-kept lawns for picnicking. The Dam Wall Road boat ramp is similarly set up, but the single lane ramp is best suited to smaller aluminium boats.

The Old Tanjil Road boat ramp has a scenic 1.5km walking track following the shoreline to Blue Rock Road. This gravel track provides great access for

land-based anglers to a number of coves along the western shores. The coves are nice places to get out of a southwesterly wind, but don’t dismiss the points, as these are often where the fish, in particular bass, like to hang out. The dam wall boat ramp has good access to the lake too, and has about 500m of shoreline.

Please remember the river blackfish season is closed until 31 December 2018.

Feel free to send me a report or photo, particularly if you have any success stories from the opening of the trout season or out in the lake. Please email me any questions too.

Ovens captures are heating up WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

By October, things get exciting in the fishing circles around North East Victoria, as warmer weather starts to really switch the fish on.

TROUT October is possibly the best month of the

Small blades that vibrate through the water are one of the most underrated trout lures on the market.

Small minnow style lures tend to work well at any time of year and this month should be no exception.

As a rule of thumb, the dirtier the water, the brighter your lure should be. If the water is too dirty for even a bright coloured

there are a few options worth trying.

At Beechworth, lakes Sambell and Kerferd often produce redfin in October, particularly towards the end of the month as temperatures start to warm up. Try using a small soft plastic, metal blade or a bunch of worms if you intend to go bait fishing.

Kerferd is closed to all

for yellowbelly here this month. I think November is better, as it is slightly warmer then, however October is still definitely worth a try.

As with redfin, if you’re in a boat or kayak try and get out past the ribbon weed. If you’re shore-based, look for gaps in the weed and learn to rig your soft plastic weedless.

If you’re yet to master it, research ‘Texas rigging’ to understand it better.

You can also try using vibes of some kind. Lipless crankbaits and blades are great yellowbelly lures.

If you’re further afield, try Lake Nillahcootie if you enjoy a feed of yellowbelly.

There is a very healthy number of yellowbelly in Lake Nillahcootie that

This redfin was caught at Lake Moodemere.

Moodemere is well known for its carp, however there is the odd redfin in there as well.

40-50cm size range are the best eating. Although there is no maximum size limit of yellowbelly, fish over 50cm

Wangaratta region during October, and practically all waterways are worth throwing a line in. I enjoy

October is a great time to target trout in North East Victoria.

Both the streams and lakes are worth trying this month. year to fish for trout. The streams are usually still flowing well, the water is cool enough to keep trout comfortable and actively feeding and insect activity increases with the warmth

lure, then it might be time to tie on a hook and drift some worms.

If you’re fishing for trout in lakes, Lake William Hovell is the number one trout lake in the Wangaratta

boating but Sambell allows boats, including kayaks.

Use your boat or kayak to head out deep past the ribbon weed in Sambell, as it’s hard to fish in. I would advise you to research how to rig a weedless soft plastic before you go so you can fish the lake better.

Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell, the two best redfin fishing lakes in the Ovens River catchment, usually fish very slowly for redfin during October.

YELLOWBELLY Yellowbelly are not in great numbers in the Wangaratta area but there are some around. Lake Sambell is probably your best bet if you are fishing

Terry Alexander with a Lake Nillahcootie yellowbelly. Although outside the Ovens River catchment, it is worth making the trip to Lake Nillahcootie during October if you are after a feed of fresh yellowbelly. are the perfect pan size.

If you are after a trophy yellowbelly, head to Lake Hume, where monsters are caught each year.

FYI: yellowbelly in the

tend to get quite fat and taste worse than licking your nanna’s armpit!

GENERAL FISHING There are plenty of angling options around the

Bait fishing is popular during spring, as most anglers prefer to leave their lures at home when fishing in the Ovens River to minimize their impact on spawning cod. of the spring sun, offering plenty of food for trout.

In the streams, deciding which bait or lure to use will be largely dictated by the weather. For example, if we get lots of rain you may wish to use worms as bait. If it is unseasonably warm and sunny, we may get an early hatch of grasshoppers.

In most cases, a shiny metallic bladed spinner such as a Rublex Celta or Blue Fox Super Vibrax can be a great place to start.

area. Try trolling a winged lure such as a Tassie Devil early in the morning or late in the day. If you are lure casting, use a metal blade of around 7-10g.

A little further afield, Lake Dartmouth is a great option for trout fishing. It is further east in the Mitta Mitta catchment, but fishes well each year in spring.

REDFIN October is not the greatest time of year to target redfin in the Wangaratta area, however

Targeting big carp with light gear is a great way to satisfy your fishing cravings while waiting for the Murray cod season to open in December.

bait fishing with worms in the Ovens River, right in the heart of Wangaratta. I don’t care what I catch and am happy to just catch a carp or two.

You do not want to catch a large spawning Murray cod and interrupt its spawning cycle, so steer clear of using lures or baits such as yabbies and bardi grubs. Worms will still catch cod, however they tend not to catch big fish that often, and they are the ones most likely to be spawning. This greatly reduces the risk of accidently interrupting a spawning Murray cod.

Yellowbelly and redfin numbers in the river are very low and you are unlikely to catch either.

All you will be doing if you try is interrupting the spawning Murray cod and trout cod, and arming the growing number of people who want the entire river closed to all forms of fishing during spring.

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There are places to fish in every climate SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

We have been waiting a few years for a decent spring rain event and fingers crossed the forecasters have buggered it up for 2019 and we do finally get a good natural rise in our local rivers and lakes.

Past springs have been an easy time of year for predicting how good the fishing would be. We would simply wait for the rains then fish the rivers and lakes a couple days after the start of a rise.

Unfortunately we have not had substantial rain events in recent years and artificial river rises don’t seem to have the same effect. A rise of 1-2ft can make for some quality fishing but 6ft river rises seem to just wash away the banks and make access near impossible during and after.

If we do get some decent rain, head out to the following areas and try your luck at yellowbelly. The obvious areas are the two weirs in the Broken River out towards Dookie and Benalla. These weirs hold plenty of fish below the walls and you can

find good numbers of fish holding in the pockets of still water or even hard up against the walls.

Casting lipless crankbaits or spinnerbaits in these areas are the best methods. Those wanting to bait fish can be successful in the calmer water areas around the wash using yabbies, shrimp or worms.

The options are the rock bars near the Shepparton cemetery or out towards Loch Garry. The Goulburn River can host some magnificent yellowbelly fishing if we get a small pulse of water down the river. Casting spinnerbaits downstream is the way to go in these areas but if you want to troll, I would use smaller hardbodies like the 10ft Codgers.

If we don’t get rain (as predicted) I would still fish these areas, but don’t spend huge amounts of time there if it’s quiet. Move around, fish plenty of different spots and change up where you’re casting. It can be hard work without a good flow but if you put the work in and crack the code on the day, you could land yourself a good handful of fish.

KIALLA LAKES While winter months are often the hardest at the

NEW

Kialla Lakes – there was some reports of carp and redfin caught but yellowbelly numbers were down – the good news is the next two months are normally the most productive for bait and lure fishers.

Standard lures like a lipless crankbait rigged with a beetle spin or a smaller spinnerbait in black and red will do the damage. The main lake may not be huge but it offers different bank types with rocks, sand, weed and trees in the surrounding areas.

You will find different areas working on different days so make sure you keep moving around until you find the fish. Expect to get multiple bites in an area. I have seen 15 fish caught in a 100m area near the playground at a fishing competition; so don’t leave after catching one fish as they could be holding together.

Bait anglers should target the drop-offs and trees with fresh bait. Redfin have been caught near the rocky edges up the Archer Road end of the lake.

LOCAL CHANNELS The channels are back up and flowing for another irrigation season and yellowbelly seem to come on

the bite with the flow. It was a bit difficult to land a fish in the channels at the start of spring, with some locals targeting cod prior to cod closure and having no luck.

I fished the channels three times in the week leading up to writing this report and got one small yellowbelly around the 20cm mark for my efforts. I hope the fishing has picked up once this magazine hits the stands because if the channels drop off significantly, locals will lose a great fishing source.

Targeting bridges and drop bars with lipless crankbaits or spinnerbaits is the best method around structure. If you’re fishing the open water, I would cast vibes to cover plenty of water.

I have had some success catching redfin on the edges just on sunset with the 75mm Daiwa Double Clutch in a sparkly red colour.

SHEPPARTON LAKE Weed and the Shepparton Lake have always gone hand in hand but fish may have their advantage challenged, with a new product on the market being a game changer around the weed.

The Zerek Weedless Fish trap will be dynamite in the lake, as the hook is totally

concealed in the lure without changing the standard Fish Trap action. You will still get some weed caught on the line above the lure but this will give us extra time with a lure in the heart of the weed and in fish’s faces for longer. Fishing the weed edges will be perfect and should work well for redfin, yellowbelly and cod once the season opens.

Almost every school holidays, the lake gets a restock of trout so keep your eyes on the local newspaper.

If this is the case, grab your small spinners and floats and target these fish about 8-10 days from release.

CRAIGMUIR LAKE Craigmuir is another local lake that fishes well in spring and just like the Shepparton Lake, there is plenty of weed here so give the Weedless Fish Trap a go. I always get reports of standard fish traps working well in the open water, so fishing a weedless one should at least match those reports.

The amount of fish caught in Craigmuir has dropped off in recent years so if you’re not going to eat your catch, grab a quick photo and release the fish as soon as possible. It’s a great little fishery and we all want to see it fish well for

years to come.

WARANGA BASIN The basin has reached 2018 heights and was sitting around the 62% mark in early September. The water was pretty dirty but hopefully the water clarity has improved since then, as it was tough to turn a reel on a decent fish.

Trolling to cover lots of ground seemed to be the best method and depths from 12-16ft have been the most productive, with smaller Codgers and RMGs doing the damage. Those casting lures from the points were having some luck on smaller fish using Ecogear ZX40s or TT switchblades, rolling them nice and slow from depths ranging from 6-10ft.

In recent springs, the same methods have had success but the size and numbers of fish being caught normally rise around now.

Remember spring can be windy so take care on the basin. It’s a dangerous waterway even in low wind as it’s so open. Work out a timeline that suits the wind and stick to a weather plan regardless of the fishing conditions. The wind conditions at Waranga should dictate when you pull the boat out.

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OCTOBER 2019

Big month for Eildon EILDON

Peter Burtchell

Lake Eildon is where a multitude of fishing activities and competitions are on offer in October.

With no closure on Murray cod fishing, Lake Eildon’s calendar of October public fishing events begin on October 11, 12 and 13 with the Lake Eildon Boating and Fishing Show. But first, let’s take a look at what’s been happening.

The last weeks of winter brought on some fabulous fishing around the lake, as larger trout and Murray cod were very active.

Bailey Thomas landed a cracking 61cm brown trout

and is Victoria’s newest boating and fishing event at Lake Eildon. The show includes displays, demonstrations and trials of fishing boats, fishing and boating gear, fishing clinics, hatchery tours, houseboats and towboats.

The entertainment on offer includes fireworks, stage presentations, food, beverages and a twilight cinema. For more information check online at www.lakeeildonboating andfishingshow.com.au.

On the same weekend (12-13 October) the Mountain Bay Classic is held. This is a family friendly fishing competition located in Mountain Bay 25km from Mansfield on the shores of Lake Eildon.

With over $10,000 in prizes like rods and reels, fridges, sunnies, lures, camping gear and more to be won, it is sure to be a fantastic weekend.

Camping facilities are available at main camp, with dinner provided in ticket price on Saturday night. Cut off for Early Bird Prize is 6 October (drawn Friday 11 October at main camp) . Tickets for adults are $85, $25 for juniors (under 18), and non-fishing tickets cost $40.

Tickets are available online or in Person at Mansfield Hunting and Fishing High St Mansfield.

For more information or tickets visit www. mansfieldfnc.com.au/

Bailey Thomas with his healthy 61cm brown trout that ate a swimbait intended for cod.

October is sure to provide some great opportunities for trophy Murray cod like this one. while targeting Murray cod with a Zerek Affinity swimbait fished amongst the timber structure towards a point near Jerusalem Creek. Regular catches of brown trout were reported along the main and Big River Arm as the weather turned to its coldest during August. There is no closed season for trout fishing in Lake Eildon.

Early September saw the Victorian Fisheries Authority stocking large trout for the free Goulburn Fishing Festival at Eildon on 7 September.

John Fife caught a 95cm Murray cod just off Rabbit Island at the Howqua End of the lake just after sunset recently.

The first three weeks of August saw many large Murray cod landed, but it was only the last week in August that the Murray cod switched off the bite.

UPCOMING EVENTS The Lake Eildon Boating and Fishing Show is a free event

product/mountain-bayfishing-classic.

On 19-20 October the Lake Eildon Events Big Fish Challenge takes off.

It is a great family event with great prizes for all in attendance. Tickets cost $10 for juniors, $25 for adults and $50 for a family of four. For more information about this event go to www.facebook. com/EildonBigFish.

October ends with the 2019 AYC-Trellys Outdoor $10,000 Eildon Cod Classic on 26-27 October.

The entry fee is $195 per angler. You may have up to three members per team.

The entry fee includes

an Eildon Cod Classic tournament shirt, Eildon Cod Classic Brag Mat, and your chance to win $10,000!

The briefing kicks off at the Jerusalem Creek Holiday Park at 7pm Friday, and fishing starts after the briefing and finishes at 8:30am on Sunday morning. That’s one day, two nights and one morning of Murray cod mayhem!

The biggest cod wins at this catch, photo and release comp. For more information visit aycfishing.com.

With so much fishing activity planned for October, some great Murray cod and yellowbelly catches will certainly be made.

We are expecting some of the best Murray cod

anglers at the lake for some of the competitions being held this October. They will definitely be giving large underwater timber structures a good work out as that is where the large Murray cod will be.

• Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park is a friendly, family-orientated caravan park, and makes the perfect home away from home.

While there you can opt to hire one of their Boatel floating apartments, hire a boat or book a fishing guide at competitive prices.

For more information on all of these services and other attractions in the area, visit jerusalemcreek. com.au, or give them a call on (03) 5774 2585 or email i n f o @ j e r u s a l e m c re e k . com.au.

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality.

Open for breakfast from 6am 7 days a week (Closed Mother’s Day)

Coffee Light meals Pastries Cakes Bread September saw the Victorian Fisheries Authority release some large trout into the Goulburn River.

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Looking for that golden hour NAGAMBIE

Sunny Martins

It’s been a frustrating month with sunny windy days and calm rainy days, and anglers have had good weather conditions only a handful of times. Together with fluctuating water levels affecting the water

worms under a float have proven to be successful on the occasional redfin and smaller size golden perch. Those hoping to fish Majors Creek should do so in a kayak, as it will grant you access to the upper reaches of the creek.

Lure anglers should use brightly coloured spinnerbaits such as orange and black or chartreuse and

This 50cm golden was caught in weed on a lipless crankbait. temperature and clarity, the Nagambie area has been a tough one to crack, with water temperatures not getting a chance to reach that optimum level for the golden bite just yet.

However, there is hope on the horizon and the sunnier days, consistent water levels and warm water are set to ramp things up.

MAJORS CREEK From all reports, Majors Creek is continuing to present murky water due to scattered rains this month, making it hard for anglers chasing golden perch up the creek on lures. Medium sized garden

red. Small hardbodies around 70mm in bright colours will work well too.

Reports have come in of great carp action off the surface in the early morning and dropping bread on an unweighted hook just off the side of the main bridge has proved to be awesome fun.

MITCHELLSTOWN The river around Mitchellstown is starting to show signs of firing up.

With water levels becoming more consistent and the days getting warmer, the river will have the chance to clear up and stay clear.

More importantly, it will

give the river the chance to warm up in preparation for goldens to spawn.

Around Mitchellstown, target golden perch along the grassy, weedy edges around the main stretch near the boat ramp at the main bridge.

Don’t forget to check out the willow trees upriver, as when the weather starts to warm up yellas love hanging out under the shady willows.

Fishing the lily pads in the backwaters has proven very successful in past years.

Small white spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits have worked well. For bait fishos wanting to fish lily pads, try a small yabby under a float.

Drop your bait and float right in the middle of a segregated clump of lilies, and goldens and reddies will find it hard to resist.

NAGAMBIE LAKE Nagambie Lake is always a tough area to fish, as it sees the most boat traffic of the whole system. That being said, the fish habitat is still present and it does hold some well kept secrets.

The boardwalk right in the middle of town has

proven to be a hot spot for redfin fishing for a few years.

Reports from a couple of local young anglers have come in about some good redfin being caught on small spinners and worms right in front of the rowing club in town.

One of the anglers also managed to catch an eel-tail catfish on scrubworms, which is incredibly rare for this area, as carp have driven most of the bottom dwellers away.

For casual fishers or those just looking to take the kids out as the weather warms

This golden was caught on a Jackall TN60 fished near lily pads.

A 43cm golden caught around the grassy banks at Mitchellstown on a Bullet Lures prototype diver.

This yella measured an impressive 51cm.

up, the boardwalk in town is a must!

KIRWANS BRIDGE The Kirwans Bridge area is really starting to fire up now as the sunnier days bring warmer waters, which can only mean one thing – a hot yellowbelly bite! Typically, I’m looking for water temperatures of 14-16°C this time of year.

The warmer it is, the better the fishing. The water will progressively warm up as the season goes on.

Good options for around the Kirwans Bridge area are lipless crankbaits and small hardbodies up to 70-80mm. Anglers trolling the river edges have had great success using size 2 Stumpjumpers and small deep diving Codgers.

Bait will still be a go-to this month as golden perch make their way up from the deeper water in preparation to spawn. The best baits have been a combination of shrimp, yabbies and medium to large garden worms. The area to target near Kirwans Bridge is around the willows between the bridge and the Picnic Point boat ramp. It’s also worth paying attention to the upright standing timber lining the river edge and up on the flats.

Remember you will most likely encounter a Murray cod practicing these techniques, but it is extremely important that they are handled with care and returned to the water as fast and as safely as possible.

They will be smack bang in the middle of breeding season so please let them rest.

Rising water a welcome relief CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

For some hardcore anglers a few nice fish have been coming out of Lake Purrumbete lately, with beautifully coloured brown trout to 60cm taking the centre stage.

Some of these fish have been taken on minnow style soft plastics worked around the lake’s edges.

This is understandable, as the browns are in close, especially in low light or nighttime conditions looking for prey or for a way out so they can spawn.

Lake Elingamite is steady for browns and

This Elingamite reddy couldn’t resist the Pontoon 21 Pacer.

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OCTOBER 2019

rainbows, with the odd redfin thrown in for those casting or trolling minnow lures or static fishing with bait presented under a float.

Levels at the ramp are approaching 50cm, which is great. The more it rains, the longer this little lake will stay open to boaters.

Over Warrnambool way, the Merri has been productive for some solid brown trout, with some fish weighing in at over 2kg. Local anglers have been casting shallow to medium diving minnow lures into the fast-flowing water. There’s plenty of road bridges that span the Merri, with about five in town. Most allow easy access to bank anglers to try their luck.

Lake Gillear near Allansford has seen the redfin population wake up, with some fish easily topping 40cm in length.

The lake can be easily

accessed via a small boat, but if you want to do a bit of walking, there is some areas of shoreline not smothered in bush.

Many fish have been caught using bait such as scrubworm fished unweighted or with a running sinker on the bottom, but medium diving minnows or soft plastics worked just off the bottom will also work. This small lake is also regularly stocked with trout, both brown and rainbow, and is a favourite amongst fly anglers as well as bait danglers and lure casters.

More stocking news.

Late August saw Lake Bolac receive a further 8,000 rainbow trout fingerlings and Lake Purrumbete received 5,000 rainbow trout fingerlings to compliment the earlier release of 6,000 browns.

West Barwon Dam near Forrest in the Otways

A feisty Elingamite brown taken on the troll. The Pontoon 21 Pacer is certainly attracting attention. received 5,000 of each brown and rainbow trout while lake Elingamite got 2,000 browns and 1,500 rainbows.

It’s still wintry weather down here in the South West, however any old tick of the clock will see us enter spring and to be honest, the quicker the better!

Last month I paid a quick visit to Elingamite on a wet and windy day and saw that the water levels at

the boat ramp were sitting at 55cm. This is great for this lake for this time of year, and as it’s still wintry weather with no sign of this letting up in the short term, it will continue to fill. I also noticed a dozen or so cormorants on the water. This is one bird you rarely see on the lake.

No doubt these greedy birds are there to feast on the new releases. How do they know?

A slow start to the season BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

Angler numbers around the district have been down, as snow has blanketed the shorelines of many of our lakes and streams on numerous occasions over the past month. The snow and freezing cold winds have kept the temperatures

that has not had water over it for a few years. All the grubs and such that live in the ground will have replenished in numbers due to not being under water for a few years. As fish come into very shallow water to feed on this newfound food source, we as anglers can reap the rewards but only if we adapt to our surroundings and change the way we fish.

A common thought is that you need to cast out a long way. This is sometimes correct, but not always at this time of year, as they are cruising in the shallows feeding. Cast anywhere from 5-10m or less from the shore and you’re in the strike zone.

Lake Bolac is back on the radar again with excellent rainfalls in the region filling the lake. The Victorian Fishing Authority has released more yearling rainbow trout into the lake.

Anglers have been quick to respond with reports coming in of some lovely rainbow trout caught, not just of the newly released fish but of some that survived through last summer’s low water levels and high temperatures. Trout were reported as dying due to low oxygen levels in the water.

Rainbow trout up to 12lb have been caught but ones that big seem to be few and far between. Other reports of rainbows around

the 5lb mark have filtered through, being caught on PowerBait, worms and salted blue and whitebait all fished on a running sinker rig. The newly released fish will grow very quick in Bolac given the amount of food that is available to them. The lake is full of minnows, so don’t be surprised if the fish grow to be 4 or 5lb by this time next year.

Newlyn Reservoir is full and overflowing. Reports have been coming in slowly but this will change when we see some insect activity.

As I touched on earlier, fish a bunch of unweighted worms on the bottom if you like to fish bait. For fly fishers, a Woolly Bugger, Hamill’s Killer or Mrs Simpson are good early season choices fished very slow with a figure eight retrieve. For anglers who like to cast plastics or lures, small hardbodies in bright colours work well or OSP Bent Minnows early in the

The author with a chunky brown trout caught from Newlyn Reservoir on a Hammill’s Killer fly pattern while walking the bank.

Billy Stevens caught this lovely rainbow trout on Berkley PowerBait fished on a running sinker from Lake Bolac.

Photo courtesy of Heather Oliver.

well down with many days staying below 10°C. Cold water temperatures have delayed any insect activity.

Water levels on our lakes and reservoirs have continued to rise with persistent rain and many of them are overflowing at the moment. The inflow of water has meant that water is creeping over ground

The ever-reliable garden worm is deadly bait at this time of year. Fish a bunch of worms unweighted (without sinkers), as the fish are just cruising along at the moment feeding on drowned worms and your bunch of unweighted worms will be picked up by trout if they look just like they are the ones they are feeding on.

One of the City of Ballarat weed harvesters in action as it cuts weed from Lake Wendouree.

Ben Young nailed this golden coloured brown trout from Lake Wendouree on an OSP Bent Minnow.

Photo courtesy of Ben Young.

morning or on overcast days will get the job done.

Like Newlyn, Hepburn Lagoon is full and overflowing. I’ve heard no reports from Hepburn at this stage, but it’s certainly worth a look as trout will be in feeding in the shallows.

In exciting news, boating is now allowed on Hepburn, with only non-powered craft able to be used and other normal boating regulations applying. We must thank Victorian Fishing Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water for allowing the use of watercraft on not only Hepburn but also other waters in the state.

I’m sure we will see some interesting reports coming in from Hepburn over the next few months,

especially when water levels drop and limit where we can fish due to the weed growth. Anglers using canoes and kayaks will be able to access water that is clear of weed.

Lake Wendouree fishing is slow at the moment. I’ve been out a couple of times without catching a fish; we have had some chances but not able to set the hooks in any.

Ben Young has been out casting lures and plastics with some success, landing a couple of nice browns on OSP Bent Minnow lures off the surface. Wendouree will fire up once we see some insect activity and mudeyes start to move.

The City of Ballarat weed harvesters are in full

swing at the moment, with three weed cutters working around the clock gathering the lake weed, so anglers and other watercraft users can access the lake. The lake provides a perfect growing environment for the weed given its shallow nature and nutrients, which the weed thrives on. The City of Ballarat harvests an average of 50,000 cubic metres of weed from the lake annually.

The weed can sometimes be a nuisance to users, but at the same time it provides a perfect environment for all the aquatic insect life that trout feed on. It’s home to scud, mudeyes, nymphs, snails, stick caddis etc. and without the insect life we have in Wendouree, our fishing simply wouldn’t be as good.

Tullaroop Reservoir reports have been very lean over the past month. The water level has risen to its highest levels in nearly ten years, meaning more food for hungry trout that reside in Tullaroop. Trout mooch around in the shallows feeding on worms and grubs so you can poke around the many shorelines and bays to find the fish feeding in only inches of water.

I’m excited for the fishing over the next few months, given I’ve experienced these sorts of conditions before when the water levels are high. The fish will put on a lot of weight and condition given the feeding opportunity they have at the moment, so keep Tullaroop on your fishing radar for the next few months whether you fish lures, fly or bait.

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AFTA FISHING TACKLE, MARINE AND OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW

BEST OF SHOW AWARDS

2019 AFTA Tackle Trade Show

AFTA FISHING TACKLE WRAP UP : 15TH - 17TH AUGUST 2019 The biggest event on the Australian tackle industry’s calendar is without a doubt the AFTA Tackle Trade Show. The biggest brand names in the tackle industry descend on the Gold Coast each year, mingling with innovative up-and-coming enterprises hoping to be the next big thing. It’s a time when new products are unveiled and new fishing trends begin, and for the first time this year the public got to experience it first-hand.

Like all trade shows, the AFTA show has never been open to the general public, but AFTA decided it was time for a change.

It was decided that the final day of the show should be a Public Day, so that any angler could see the latest and greatest gear from their favourite brands. No one in the trade was sure how popular this experiment would be, but the 2019 Public Day turned out to be a great success. Due to its popularity, it's likely that AFTA will run it again in 2020.

If you missed the 2019 Public Day, there are a number of reasons to check it out next year.

• Unlike a boat show, the AFTA Show is purely for tackle and outdoor products, which means that brands can exhibit a much larger range of gear; • Exhibitors have pro staff and tackle designers on-hand to chat and answer your questions; • Because the event is used by many companies to unveil their new releases, it’s the perfect place to be if you love seeing the latest gear; • Well-known fishing personalities attend each year, so you might have the chance to meet your favourite presenter or tournament pro; • There are interactive attractions for both adults and children to enjoy, including fishing simulators, the Supertank and personalising your own lure; and • There’s a variety of free branded merchandise to bring home in your sample bag.

The fact that the average visitor stuck around for 3-4 hours is testament to how much fun the day was!

BEST NEW PRODUCTS For members of the tackle trade, one

of the most exciting things about the show is the Best of Show Awards.

Each year the exhibitors enter their new releases in the Best Of Show, and the retailers and media then judge the products based on criteria such as innovation, quality and practicality.

There are 20 categories, covering tackle, accessories and apparel, and the competition is fierce – especially in the rod, reel and lure categories.

Tackle retailers are always hungry for

something different, so those product entries that are particularly ingenious or unique are often the ones that come out on top. You can see the evidence of this in some of the most popular entries this year, which included a spider, a lure tray full of spikes, a rod butt with interchangeable tips, a hard rod tube that conveniently folds out flat, a waterproof bag sealed with magnets, and an octopus that releases its own ink.

Read on to see which products were voted the best of 2019!

WHAT IS AFTA? The Australian Fishing Trade Association does a lot of important work behind the scenes that most anglers don’t know about. As well as supporting its wholesale and retail members, it also lobbies governments to protect angler access. In today’s political climate, our fishing rights are increasingly under threat, and for this reason it’s vital to maintain pressure on governments to protect our right to fish.

If you work in the tackle, boating or outdoor trade and would like to know more about AFTA, visit www.afta.net.au.

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RUNNER UP

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Yeti Rambler R12 Bottle

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This new release brings Humminbird’s unmatched coverage of 360 Imaging technology into the megahertz range for nextlevel detail. Like underwater radar, the MEGA 360 Imaging beam rotates, giving you a 360° view of the water that’s constantly updating, with your boat at the centre. Fish won’t ever see you coming, allowing you to cast and hook fish before they even know you’re there.

MEGA 360 Imaging is compatible with Solix Series and Helix Series fishfinders equipped with MEGA Imaging+. In addition to superior detail and coverage, Humminbird provides built-in mapping, impressive screen resolution, intuitive control and more. For a full list of features, plus photos and videos, visit the BLA website. www.bla.com.au

On-the-go coffee enthusiasts, meet the ultimate drinking vessel for filling up and hitting the road. While this 12oz (354mL) bottle is conveniently light and fits in standard cup holders, it holds more than enough coffee to jump-start your day, whether you’re gearing up for an early morning trip or need an energy boost before a full day on the water.

Even better, this Rambler is topped with a unique, 360°, 100% leakproof HotShot Cap that lives up to its name by letting you sip from any side while locking in piping-hot temperatures for hours on end. With just a half twist and a click, you can sip from any side and enjoy that perfect, piping-hot temp.

And as an added bonus, you can put the Hot Shot Cap on any of Yeti’s Rambler Bottles, because it’s compatible with all of them (although not the Tumblers). The 1” thick lid keeps the heat in, and it’s also shatter resistant and dishwasher safe.

Price: SRP $39.95 au.yeti.com

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Gorilla Grip Rhinoflex A5 Cut Gloves

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Atomic Casting Gloves

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For many fishing applications, to light tasks and heavy-duty work, the Gorilla Grip patented gloves are the go-to for anglers and tinkerers alike. With maximum durability, dexterity and a trusted neverslip grip, Gorilla Grip guarantees superior grip every time.

On the boat or at the cleaning table, Gorilla Grips A5 Cut gloves are a must for every tackle box, and landing big fish by hand or cutting through tough hides can be done with complete safety.

This glove features a highly breathable, flexible design with an ANSI level 5 industrial cut protection rating featuring proprietary polymer technology on the palm that pulls moisture away from the surface and provides maximum grip in wet and oily conditions.

The formfitting design, breathable nylon shell, fitted elastic cuff, patented non-slip technology and stain resistant finish make these gloves the ultimate clothing accessories for a range of fishing applications. www.jmgillies.com.au

So many of us like to work hard, and play hard, especially when it comes to fishing. It’s for this reason that anglers like to take care of their hands, especially since most of us aren’t battle-hardened warriors with leather hands!

The Atomic Casting Gloves offer your hands protection at a reasonable price for thousands and thousands of casts, meaning you can fish hard and not have to pay the price for it!

Atomic Casting Gloves are designed for anglers by anglers, and offer more than just protection from heavy tackle. The fingered gloves also offer great sun protection and make for safer fish handling when dealing with spiky and toothy predators.

The gloves come in standard Australian sizing.

Your hands are a valuable fishing tool, so why not give them the best protection you can? www.frogleysoffshore.com.au

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Abu Garcia’s Salty Stage KR-X Jigging rod and Light Jigging Reel have slid in as runner up in the Best Combo category, and this truly is a match made in heaven for those who like this bare-knuckled form of fishy fun!

The KR-X Jigging rods have been designed using the latest in jigging technology fresh from Japan and come packed with highquality components and special features, including a crisp 80% carbon + 20% glass construction, cork and EVA slit handle, butt joint, Fuji reel seat, Fuji K-Guide Alconite guides and X-Wrap blank design. They come in medium, medium light, and medium heavy (PE 2.0-3.0, PE 1.0-4.0 and PE 2.0-4.0) in 6’3”, 6’3” and 7’0” respectively.

The Salty Stage Light Jigging reel is its perfect match, and features 7.3:1 gear ratio, Powerstack Drag System, Oversize Powerknob handle, 8 bearings system including two salt shielded bearings, Infini Brake system and Duraclutch. With a maximum drag of 14kg and a weight of 254g, this reel will sit beautifully on any of the three KR-X Jigging rods. www.purefishing.com.au

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Taking out the Best Combo category at the 2019 AFTA show was Daiwa’s Tatula 702MHB rod and Tatula 150 reel combo.

The iconic Tatula series of rods has been upgraded with new components, new actions and enhanced performance, making them Daiwa’s best Tatula rods ever.

The 702MHB is one of 11 models (eight baitcast and three swimbait models), and features an SVF blank with 3DX carbon, Fuji’s brand-new LKW frame guides, Fuji PLS Palming Support reel seat and Spiral Palming grip.

The Tatula 150 is a fantastic casting reel, and is tailor made for those looking for a midsized workhorse. It features an aluminium frame and gear side plate, Daiwa’s famous Digigear gear system, TWS, Magforce Z, UTD drag, 100mm Swept Handle and large paddle knobs. The 150 comes in 5.4:1, 6.3:1 and 7.3:1 gear ratios.

These two combine to make a perfect casting set-up for fresh and saltwater predators that has the ultimate balance between price and performance.

Price: from RRP $249.99 (rod) and RRP $289 (reel) www.daiwafishing.com.au

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Based in Plymouth in the far South West of England, the team at Snowbee are spoilt for choice with their fly fishing options, and understand the need for quality products. Snowbee’s XS-Plus Thistledown weight forward floating line is no exception, and the addition of the new 5-7wt model will be welcomed by the fly fishing community.

Following the success of the 2-5wt model, the introduction of the 5-7wt was a no-brainer.

The Thistledown is a unique flyline, and is the ultimate in fly fishing finesse, and perfect for small stream trout fishing. Sometimes however, the trout aren’t always small, which is where the new 5-7wt comes into play.

The new and improved braided core means a finer and stronger core, and a more supple line over all, which also means less memory issues than before.

The XS-Plus is 90ft long, and comes in olive and buckskin colours, which blend in beautifully to the countryside of a trout stream. www.ejtodd.com.au

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Rio is known for producing a wide selection of flylines for anglers of all abilities in all conditions, and Rio’s Direct Core Flats Pro is one of their specialty flylines.

Whether fishing flats for bones and permit, peppering the mangroves or jacks and barra, sinking flies for schooled bass of presenting small dries to finicky stream trout, it’s important to have the right flyline, and Rio always have you covered.

The DC Flats Pro flyline is built with sophisticated tapers and the latest technology for the modern flats angler, and has easy annealing, and a low-memory core that lays perfectly straight on the water, which is perfect when trying to convince that trophy permit or bonefish to eat your fly!

The DC Flats Pro comes in 7, 8, 9 and 10wt in floating, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12wt in intermediate, and 8, 9 and 10wt in sink tip. www.jmgillies.com.au

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Sage Trout 4/5/6

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Alvey Saltwater Fly Reel

The new Sage Trout 4/5/6 mixes classic aesthetics with modern performance.

Drawing inspiration from the historic Sage 500 series reels, the Modern Classics collection introduces reels designed for the angler longing for a nod to the past.

This reel has a romantic appeal to designs and colours that reflect a classic feel of old yet packed with performance features that will assure you’ll never lose that fish of a lifetime.

While honouring their heritage with a fullframe design, narrow profile, and classic styling, the backbone of the Trout is Sage’s proven One Revolution, Sealed Carbon System (SCS) drag. The 4/5/6 is the heart of the series, which will balance perfectly with the majority of all-around trout rods.

The Trout 4/5/6 also features a large and concave arbor for fast line pick-up and greater strength and capacity, easy conversion from left to right-hand retrieve, and a Neoprene and embroidered ballistic nylon reel case.

If you want to fish with a classic Sage design but have all the benefits of their modern cutting edge technology, the Sage Trout is the perfect reel for you. www.jmgillies.com.au

Alvey Saltwater Fly Reels are renowned for their performance, catching small marlin, swordfish, tuna and more with their smooth, powerful drag.

Uniquely, these reels don’t require the hours of maintenance most other fly reels do. A rinse in saltwater while fishing will keep you going, and when you get home you just give it a rinse out in a bucket of fresh water, put a couple of drops of oil on the moving parts, and you’re ready for the next trip.

The reel features a strong metal foot, stainless steel line guides, and metal pins in the clutch housing that protect the metal clutch washers from overheating and damaging the spool. The fixed handle plate makes handling a big fish a lot safer, allowing the spool to turn backwards under clutch pressure.

Alvey Managing Director Bruce Alvey says their customers have had great success with this reel, and the new version is even stronger and lighter, with the use of carbon and titanium to ensure this reel keeps on catching large fish. It will be released in the coming months, so keep an eye out for it at your favourite tackle store. www.alvey.com.au

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Sage Trout LL Series

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With a delicate touch and medium action, the Trout LL family has been designed with the trout angler and dry flies in mind.

Through blank taper optimisation and specialised length offerings, the Trout LL is perfected for wade fishing, closer casts, small flies, and light tippets. A relatively supple tip maximizes light tippet protection and gives way to a smooth, easy-loading mid-section that increases feel and feedback throughout the casting stroke.

When the hatch is on, the Trout LL is an angler’s best friend.

Drawing inspiration from historic Sage rods of the past, the Trout LL is a nod toward tradition with a classic appearance and a smooth casting taper, yet adds modern performance features in accuracy and loop control through the backbone of Konnetic HD blank material.

The Trout LL series is available in a combination of classic dry fly line weights and lengths 7’9” though 9’0” while beautiful wood inserts and premium componentry add an elegant touch to these high performance rods. www.jmgillies.com.au

A complete Allfly set lets you fish most freshwater fly fishing conditions with one package.

When waterway conditions change, anglers need to change rods, which is frustrating to do with a conventional rod tube. The Allfly makes the process much easier.

The first step is to start with the universal Allfly base, and then you attach the 3-piece TryCD rod that suits your fishing needs – either the 5/6 or the 7/8. There’s also the option to include the 1ft Extender, to extend the rod from 9ft to 10ft.

Allfly rods are made using the best Japanese high-modulus materials. Each blank is handmade with precise amounts of laser-cut 40T carbon and constructed in a unique helix formation. The blanks are light, crisp and very strong.

The rods come in a unique case that folds out horizontally, and it has soft holders to push the pieces onto, so they don’t touch each other. This case makes it much quicker and easier to access your rods, as you don’t have to slowly feed the sections into a tube. www.trycd.com / www.facebook.com/ Trycd

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WINNER Black Magic Equalizer Twin Pin Pro

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Chasebaits Ultimate Squid 300mm

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The Bluewater series was developed for the hard-core saltwater and game anglers.

Every model in the Bluewater series has been rigorously tested and engineered to ensure that they are up to the task of doing battle with some of the oceans largest predators. The new Bluewater Speed Skirt fits into that way of thinking perfectly!

The Bluewater Speed Skirts are a highspeed trolling skirt, and as such they are capable of being trolled at speeds of up to 18 knots.

With their tolerance to such high speeds, they are absolutely perfect for species such as wahoo, tuna and other high speed pelagics that don’t mind a fast chase!

The Speed Skirts come in four great colours, including purple black, lumo green, lumo, an pink. At 240mm and 115g they are a perfect snack size for many offshore predators, and the realistic pattern on the head and skirt itself will fool any hungry offshore predator into striking! www.jmgillies.com.au

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Following on from the runaway success of the Ultimate Squid, Chasebaits has released a 300mm version.

The upsized model has the same ultrarealistic, rolling wing action as the smaller 150mm and 200mm versions, and boasts an incredibly durable TPE construction (10X strong). It can be slow trolled or jigged to great effect on large reef fish, kingfish, tuna and more.

Chasebaits recommends matching the 300mm Ultimate Squid with the Ultimate Squid

Rig, whose weight range now covers everything from 3/4oz right through to 9oz. The Ultimate Squid Rig is custom made to suit the Squid perfectly, balancing it so that the wings give off that true squid action. These custom jigheads have offset twin assist hooks and a flash blade (which can be swapped out for a treble or extra assist hook). The heavier models have 9/0 hooks, and the attachment snap is rated to 82kg.

Other features include custom 3D squid eyes, custom scent, contracting tentacles and extended candles that flutter with any movement.

Price: SRP $19.95 www.chasebaits.com.au

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The Mustad Titanium Plier is Mustad’s newest plier that fits into the elite level Black Line of tools.

Built with rugged performance for the toughest conditions, these pliers exude excellence at every turn, especially when chasing trophy fish.

With high-quality titanium, an ergonomic design and carbon inserts that support the heavy-duty construction, the pliers allow you to get a strong grip on anything you encounter, and will be a handy addition.

On the side of the pliers there is a scissor-style clipper to cut lines without the need to change tools, giving anglers a more complete plier that will serve them for years both on and off the water.

Each set of 6.5” Titanium Pliers comes with a premium moulded leather sheath with a lanyard attached, so you will always have your pliers safe and secure when on the water. www.wilsonfishing.com

Black Magic Equalizer Twin Pin Pro

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The best just got better, with Black Magic’s new Equalizer Twin Pin Pro. Whether you’re using a bent butt or straight butt rod, it gives you maximum leverage and no restrictions.

As the name suggests, the patent pending Twin Pin Pro has two pins, one in the traditional recessed position, and a new pin in the front of the rod bucket.

This gives you maximum leverage whether you’re using a straight butt or a bent butt rod, without the need for an adaptor. Simply choose the best pin for your style of rod, and you are fishing without restrictions.

To make it even easier to battle that dream fish, you can match the Twin Pin Pro with ever-popular Equalizer harness.

The lightweight harness/webbing can be worn all day, then you simply slip on the gimbal in seconds when the fish strikes. It allows you to apply greater pressure on the fish without increasing strain on your back, arms and legs, and it’s also lighter and less bulky than other harnesses, without sacrificing strength. www.blackmagictackle.com

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Venom Ocean Gladiator

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Daiwa Spartan S74-4/5

The team at Venom Rods has designed a series of rods to take on the biggest predators in the ocean – the Ocean Gladiator series.

Within the range are four rods: a 15kg slick butt stroker, 24kg slick butt stroker, 37kg 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 one-stamp 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.

Of course, the Venom Ocean Gladiator series is built on the high modulus Venom blank, a blank that 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

The Spartan rod series brings X45 Cobrashield technology to offshore saltwater rods for the first time, delivering a range of technique specific actions that outcast, outperform ad outclass all others.

X45 Cobrashield is 25% more efficient than standard X45 technology, significantly reducing blank twist and distortion. With increased torsional stiffness, Spartan is able to resist blank twist during casting and jigging.

The Spartan series also features HVF Nanoplus graphite blanks, 3DX carbon to increase lifting power and V-Joint to increase joint strength. Equipped with Fuji stainless steel SiC guides and reel seats, this battler is offshore ready!

There’s 13 rods in the range (10 spin, 3 overhead), and it was the S74-4/6 model that was runner up for Best Game Fishing Rod at the 2019 AFTA show.

This model is perfect for many lure casting and jigging scenarios offshore, from GT popping, stickbaiting on reef flats, and even jigging. This model is 224cm long, has a heavy action, breaks down at the butt, and will cast weights from 50-100g! www.daiwafishing.com.au

Daiwa Spartan S74-4/5

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Barambah Lures Bony Shad

The Smuggler is a water blooping, rattling walker with a very life-like swimming bird action.

This new lure has a long tail to simulate tail feathers, a matching head feather, and colours to imitate the most common birds that big fish feed on. As The Smuggler walks, its wings splash and make a very noticeable blooping noise while the wide body action attracts the attention of nearby fish.

Designer Grainger Mayfield said the lure took a long time to perfect.

“A good walker must have perfect balance and sit well in the water,” he explained, “and the challenge was to combine those qualities with a lifelike bird shape. The Smuggler definitely isn’t your typical rattling walker; we’ve designed it to provide maximum attraction, including a blooping noise that predators can’t resist.”

The Smuggler is available now in 65mm and 90mm sizes, and has ultra-strong BKK hooks and an extremely robust body.

It comes in six colours, including budgie, black cockatoo and sparrow. To see it in action search for ‘Chasebaits Smuggler’ on YouTube.

Price: SRP $26.95 www.chasebaits.com.au

RUNNER UP Barambah Lures Bony Shad

The swimbait craze is still well and truly alive in Australia, and Barambah Lures have continues to push the envelope for innovation and originality!

The Barambah Lures Bony Shad is no exception, and is the perfect bait to imitate a bony bream or other herring found in many fresh and saltwater bodies around Australia.

The Bony Shad is irresistible on the sink, the lift and the slow wind, making it incredibly versatile, and not just a bait for specific conditions.

The Barambah Lures’ original Interchangeable Weight System allows the angler to change up the weight (35 or 48g) and therefore the sink rate of this incredibly life-like swimbait, making it easy to adapt to different situations.

At a length of 120mm, or 4.7”, this is the perfect snack size for a hungry Murray cod, barramundi, mulloway, or other big predator that enjoys a decent meal, and it has the hardware to handle it!

The six eye-catching lures make it easy to match the baitfish in a variety of areas all over the country. This is an Aussie swimbait for Aussie fish! www.barambahlures.com

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To meet the demands of anglers and the hard-fighting species they target, the pull strength of the new Ocea 8 is up to 25% greater than the previous Ocea EX8 for the same diameter.

A premium quality braided line manufactured in Japan, the new Ocea 8 has been designed to match Shimano’s flagship Stella SW and Ocea Jigger series.

This line uses Shimano’s exclusive Izansas X-Filament Fibres and ‘Tough Cross’ braiding technology, so it is more manageable in the water and on a reel, and also has increased abrasion resistance.

Shimano Exclusive Heat Sink Coating also means any heat build-up from guide friction and drag pressure is evenly distributed to maintain line performance.

Ocea 8 is multi-coloured, and available in eight breaking strains from PE 1.5 (30lb) through to PE 10 (139lb), in 300m spools from 30-41lb, 400m spools from 58-137lb) and 500m in 139lb.

Price RRP from $139 www.shimanofish.com.au

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When going after big game fish, there’s no replacement for quality, and having quality braid will put you in a much better position to land that fish of a lifetime.

Daiwa’s new Saltiga 12 Braid UVF (Ultra Volume Fibre) brings quality to the table and covers just about every casting and jigging situation you can think of, coming in poundages from 13-130lb.

Made from UVF and Evo silicone, Saltiga 12 is the ultimate high-density braid, exhibiting supreme abrasion residence and superior strength.

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smooth surface for less friction/resistance on the guides and spool rim, allowing for longer, smoother casting, less noise, minimal water penetration and incredible sensitivity. Saltiga 12 is the ultimate heavy duty jigging and casting line for big game fish.

It’s colour-coded in 10, 5 and 1m increments to allow you full line control, and come in 200m spools from 13-31lb, 300m spools from 36-130lb, ad 44m spools from 100-118lb.

Price: RRP from $99 www.daiwafishing.com.au

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FINS Fighter PRT Braid differs from the original PRT in that they have improved the resin system that is applied, as well as the method to apply it.

This results in a rounder, more abrasion resistant product that has a better strength to weight ratio than the original PRT. Fighter PRT is also somewhat firmer than its predecessor, without being stiff, and this allows for better performance in regards to casting distance and reduces the chances of rod tip wrapping.

Features include 100% Spectre Fibre, high strength durability and is a 4-carrier braid. This line is ideal for all tough, predatory fish.

Fighter PRT Braid comes in poundages from 10-60lb, in spools of 150yrds (1060lb), 300yrds (20-60lb), 600yrds (20-60lb), 1200yrds (20-60lbs) and 4000yrds (20-60lb). www.jmgillies.com.au

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Daiwa Saltiga 12 BEX UVF PE+Si

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Matt Fraser from Barambah Lures is well known for his timber lures, but he recently made the crossover to production ABS hardbody Lures, all featuring the new Lure Fastening System.

“I couldn’t keep up with demand in timber lures,” he explained. “So I went to production lures that are more affordable and can incorporate a heap of innovative features.”

Using a built-in stainless steel threaded nut and screw, the Lure Fastening System allows bibs, weights and claws to be easily attached or changed, to quickly adjust a lure’s action, buoyancy or appearance. Topwater lures can be changed from a paddler to a wakebait.

The divers can be changed from shallow to deep, and the soft claws of the Hectic Yabbie can be swapped out if damaged, or to change claw colours. The swimbaits have a hidden weight chamber, so you can adjust buoyancy, giving them a depth range from 2-30ft plus!

All this is done using a phillips head screwdriver, which comes supplied in the pack. There are nine hardbait models in a range of proven colours.

Price: from $34.95 www.barambahlures.com

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The 2019 AFTA show was once again oozing with originality and innovation, but Mustad have really taken it to the next level with the amazing new InkVader!

The Mustad InkVader is a revolutionary TPE octopus soft bait that is built to look and move like a live octopus.

The InkVader even squirts non-toxic and soluble scented ink from tablets that can be added to the head cavity!

Whether you’re bouncing the lure off the bottom, slow trolling or slow pitch jigging this lure, the InkVader is the closest thing you’ll ever get to the real thing. The deception is real!

The InkVader comes pre-rigged with wickedly sharp Mustad Assist hooks that are forged for extra strength and feature a needlesharp point for ease of penetration.

Available in three sizes and 10 weight configurations from 60g through to 340g, the InkVader comes to the market in nine brilliantly natural colours that represent real octopus from around the world! www.wilsonfishing.com

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The Link-Micro from Spypoint is the easiest-to-use, most affordable, and smallest cellular trail camera available on the market. It’s the answer for everyone who said cellular trail camera technology was too expensive and too complicated.

The Link-Micro is a photo-mode only camera, with multi-shot mode capabilities.

Given its small size, there is no menu screen for setup, all camera settings are managed in the Spypoint app, where you can also view images. A simple, three-step process activates the Link-Micro using the free app.

The app also allows the user to change settings, monitor camera status, and view images from virtually anywhere in the world.

The Spypoint Link-Micro uses the 4G network, has a trigger speed of 0.5s, and has a flash range of 80ft. It’s powered by eight AA batteries (not included) and is compatible with the 12V battery kit and the range extending antenna. It’s also backed

by Spypoint’s ‘Know you’re covered’ 2-year warranty. For a full list of specifications visit www.spypoint.com. www.jmgillies.com.au

In response to customer demand, Yeti has released a new cooler on wheels, the Tundra Haul, which Yeti says is the toughest cooler on two wheels.

The NeverFlat Wheels feature a solid, single-piece tyre construction that is impact- and puncture-resistant. The StrongArm Handle is a durable welded aluminium arm with comfortable grips.

The curved design tracks left or right for heel-friendly towing.

With rotomoulded construction, this cooler is armoured to the core and virtually indestructible. It has Permafrost Insulation, consisting of pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam in the walls and lid, so your ice lasts longer.

Other features include heavy-duty rubber T-Rex lid latches, robust NeverFail hinge system, and recessed LipGrip handles moulded into the side of the cooler.

It measures around 28.5 x 18.5 x 19.5” (72 x 47 x 50cm) and is available in three colours – white, tan and blue.

Price: SRP $599.95 au.yeti.com

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Shimano Stradic FL 2500 HG

The release of the 19 Certate LT combines Daiwa’s most advanced technologies an designs and elevates those traits to a whole new level, with their Light & Tough (LT) concept, reducing reel size while at the same time increasing strength and power.

Made in Japan, the foundation of the 19 Certate LT is its aluminium MQ Monocoque body, which eliminates the need for a side plate and allows for a more rigid body and larger gears, for improved winding power and torque.

The new super-sized, ultra-strong machine-cut forged Tough Digigear is 2mm larger in diameter than its closest competitor and rotation efficiency is up to 15%, creating an effortless feel when retrieving.

Additional feature like a super-rigid stainless steel main shaft, Log Cast Abs spool, Magseal, ATD drag, One-piece Air Bail, new Drag Knob, Perfect Line Stopper, machined Aluminium Air Handle, and Air Rotor make the 19 Certate LT Daiwa’s most advanced Certate ever.

Price: RRP from $629 www.daiwafishing.com.au

The new Stradic FL will carry forward most of the Shimano technologies that have made the Stradic series so strong, durable and uncompromising.

The Micromodule Gear II ensures that the gears can align and perform with minimal resistance, and SilentDrive technology educes the smallest of clearance gaps and tolerances within the gearing system. The Hagane Gear has been upgraded for added strength and smoothness.

On top of all this, X-Protect has also been added to the Stradic FL. The internal labyrinth-type structure gives the reel a superior level of water-resistant performance without impeding the rotation or lightness of the reel. The new Long Stroke Spool has been incorporated to improve casting distance, giving you the ability to cover more water when fishing. The 1000, 2500 and 4000 models have felt washer drags whilst the C3000 and C5000 models have upgraded cross carbon drags.

With 6+1 ARC ball bearings, the new Stradic is sure to impress anyone who picks it up.

Price: SRP $339.95-$389.95 www.shimanofish.com.au

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TD Commander is a name forged from the beginning of the ‘Team Daiwa’ movement in Japan. The new TD Commander rod series debuts brand new Daiwa X45 Cobrashield technology, bringing this series to the forefront of Australian angling and rod design.

X45 Cobrashield takes everything to the next level, and is 25% more efficient than standard X45 technology, significantly reducing blank twist and distortion.

Featuring HVF Nanoplus blanks, TD Commander rods feel like nothing in the hand. 3DX further stiffens up the base of the rods near the handle, eliminating unwanted flex. Daiwa’s newest and most advanced Air Sensor reel seats are made from a lightweight carbon infused resin, and represent the pinnacle of reel seat design.Daiwa’s innovative AGS and Fuji TiSic guide train is unique and unparalleled in performance. Titanium framed Fuji SiC guides on the lower section of the rod with AGS guides above, control the line out through the tip, and deliver unmatched sensitivity.

Price: RRP from $499 www.daiwfishing.com.au

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The legend continues, the new Terez series of rods built on Spiral-X and Hi-Power X blanks are the ultimate saltwater enforcer.

This is the most advanced Terez Shimano has built to date.

The Terez series of rods has built up tough as nails reputation amongst Aussie anglers. For 2019, the Terez series has been upgraded by the engineers at Shimano and now features the exclusive Spiral-X and Hi-Power X blank technology.

Extremely lightweight and powerful, the 23-model line-up features models based on the original Terez series, with additional models based on the actions of the TCurve and Deep Jig models.

Shaped EVA grips and custom Shimano reel seats have been incorporated and the blanks are fitted with Fuji BKW Alconite framed guides to ensure durability and performance in saltwater conditions.

If you’re serious about offshore fishing, be sure to check out this range of awardwinning and proven saltwater rods from Shimano.

Price: RRP from $319.95 www.shimanofish.com.au

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Daiwa TD Commander 742 LXS

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The Phantom Spider looks as good as it fishes. Just like the rest of the Lunkerhunt range, it is incredibly lifelike and a proven performer.

It features a hollow body weedless design and walking legs that stride, glide, and twitch as the spider is worked across the water surface.

The Phantom Spider features a self-righting ballast in its sternum to ensure a consistent natural action that aligns with the realism of the design.

It comes in six colours, which are modelled on real spider patterns, and is sure to draw some curiosity from opportunistic predators.

At a length of 2 inches (main torso) and a weigh of 1/4oz, this bait can be comfortably cast on light tackle and is a great snack for bass, bream, trout, sooties and jungle perch.

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The Zerek Weedless Fish Trap is a brilliant adaptation to the already amazingly successful Fish Trap!

This lure features all the same swimming characteristics as the Fish Trap, but has been uniquely designed to give a weedless presentation.

The features include a replaceable single worm hook that is positioned point down to provide exceptional hooking in the bottom jaw, a built-in hook trap to keep the worm hook in place while fishing, the innovative and Zerek-owned crush slits that expose the hook point when fish strike and a construction from the tough TPE material that gives strength and movement to the lure!

This means you can fish this lure in exactly the same places and in exactly the same way as you fish your existing Fish Traps, but you can now explore the most snag-ridden places for the most wary and cautious fish that are usually the largest!

It means the days of worrying where the snags are in case you lose your lure are finished, and it means that the Fish Trap is still many steps ahead of the competition.

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weedless Fish Trap will be available only in the 95mm version for the time being.

Brilliance rarely strikes more than once, but here it is! www.wilsonfishing.com

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BEST SUNGLASSES CATEGORY

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Spotters Zane Carbon

Costa Del Mar Rinconcito

The award-winning Spotters Zane is built for performance and style.

This is one model that can take you from fishing to fashion in no time at all. The lightweight frame coupled with Spotters’ signature Crown glass lens options combine to create the ultimate pair of sunglasses for both males and females.

The Zane is currently available in the following lenses: Photochromic Halide, Photochromic Carbon Grey, Ice (blue mirror), Nexus (green mirror) and CR-39 Grey.

Photochromic Carbon Grey is a new option in Spotters’ photochromic range, which includes four lenses that automatically go lighter or darker in response to a combination of UV, general light and temperature.

To browse the Spotters range or find your nearest stockist, head to www. spotters.com.au. You can also look them up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ SpottersSunglasses), follow them on Instagram (@spotterssunglasses) or check them out on YouTube (SpottersTV). www.spotters.com.au

Almost 30 years ago, a group of anglers in Florida had a goal: to design a pair of sunglasses to help them better See What’s Out There. Costa Del Mar have come a long way since those days, but the fact is, their passion hasn’t changed at all. They’re still in Florida, and still happiest when the sun is up and they’re fishing out on the water, just like Australian – and they’re still obsessed with making the best lenses on the planet.

Now Costa would like to introduce the little brother to Costa’s Rincon frame, Rinconcito blends West Coast style lines and edgy curved temples. This medium style, named for the iconic Southern California right point break, features bio-resin construction, polarized 100% UV Protection Lenses, integral spring hinges, and Hydrolite nose and temple pads.

As anglers, we devote our lives to chasing the most remote places that bring us to life. That’s why Costa developed the best sunglasses in the world to help us reach these soughtafter locales. Because Costas are more than sunglasses, they’re the badge of the explorer. www.rapala.com.au

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Spotters Zane Carbon

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Plano Edge Stowaway 500

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Plano Edge Stowaway 500

Wilson Tackle Backpack

Plano have once again stolen the show for tackle management, with their new Edge Master series, and specifically the Crankbait SM taking out top honours. This amazing new concept will change the way people think about lure storage.

The Edge Master series has all the same features as the Professional series, along with tackle specific designs.

The Edge Master Terminal has unique liftout trays for weights, hooks and small parts.

The Crankbait SM and XL have silicone fingers hat protect lures, hooks and finishes. This is the concept that stole the Show at AFTA 2019, and helped them to take out the Best Tackle Management category at the show. These are available in both shallow and deep models.

The Jig and Spinnerbait models feature adjustable, removable dividers and side moulded handles.

For ultimate protection and longevity for your expensive lures, there’s nothing better than the Edge Master series from Plano! www.jmgillies.com.au

Designed specifically for fishing, the Wilson Digital Camo Backpack offers a host of features to anglers that will make their day fishing just that little bit easier.

At the heart of the new system is the side access to the internal cargo area. The side access allows anglers to easily keep the backpack over one shoulder while accessing the internal cargo area. This is great as there is no longer any need to completely remove the backpack while you’re on the water fishing.

Other features that excite in this backpack include three tackle trays inside the main cargo area. There are two standard large trays and one large tray that has no dividers for bigger lures such as swimbaits and surface lures.

Combined these boxes allow a mountain of tackle to be taken with you. An external sunglass holder and a retractable tool lanyard are also included to make life as simple as it can be on the water. There are also four external zippered pockets for accessories such as leader, fishing gloves and more, as well as two Velcro secured tool holders and a massive front flap with even more storage for things such as plastics, spare hooks and more.

The Wilson Digital Camo Backpack really is a complete tackle kit and while it can easily be used while hiking and fishing, this backpack will also serve as a complete kit for your boat or when you’re jumping on someone else’s boat. www.wilsonfishing.com

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WINNER Halco Single Strand Wire Traces

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energy leakage. It’s fully adaptable to all marine batteries, and installation is easy and Yeti SideKick Dry can be completed in less than 15 minutes.

ANBI also provides a theft deterrent waterproof gear case by virtually immobilising the vehicle when The SideKick Dry is designed to keep activated. This can result in significant your most important items accessible, savings on insurance premiums. secure, and 100% dry. This waterproof The ANBI Switch is designed and gear case is the worry-free way to carry manufactured in Australia, is anti-corrosive, your keys, wallet and phone safe. and exceeds international standards for salt Some waterproof cases can be fiddly to and sea spray. open and close, but not the SideKick Dry. Its Price: SRP $39.99 Hydroshield Closure uses powerful magnets www.afn.com.au to create a 100% waterproof shield, and it opens and closes quickly and easily.

Its tough-as-nails DryHide Shell uses similar materials and construction as high RUNNER UP TIED performance whitewater rafts. It’s completely Scotty Kayak Fishing waterproof and resistant to puncture and UV Starter Pack rays, ensuring Mother Nature won’t touch your valuables, and the RF-welded seams Scotty is recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of rod holder repel any sign of wetness.

The SideKick Dry Gear Case Measures mounts. With innovative designs and 18.1cm x 29.8cm x 8.3cm, and is available many versatile mounting options, you’ll in three colours. It’s designed to be secured be able to find the exact combination to any model Yeti Hopper Two, Hopper Flip, you’re looking for.

Hopper BackFlip, Camino Carryall or Panga Scotty also caters to beginners. The Kayak Fishing Starter Pack includes a 282 Backpack using the HitchPoint Grid.

Baitcaster Spinning Rod Holder with Gear Price: SRP $69.94 Head and Track-Holds a baitcaster reel au.yeti.com securely in the cushioned cradle.

RUNNER UP TIED 438 Gear Head Track Adapter-slide the Gear Head into any of our 440 series ANBI Battery Switch track, just twist the gear head clockwise to Even when your ignition key is off, there securely lock. are still components that draw current 440-4 4” Low Profile Track-top load and continue to drain your battery. That’s design allows for quick and easy setup. why it’s common to find it flat when you 311 Drink Holder-fits cans, coffee mugs to go to start a boat or ride-on mower and insulated sleeves mean you can enjoy a after it has been sitting for an extended refreshment while out in the kayak. period. This is both inconvenient and 136 Paddle Clip-holds your paddle, net, costly, as a completely flat dead battery gaff and boat hook. 455 Baitboard and can often become damaged if left Accessory Tray-Exterior tray walls lets you cut bait and prep lures. Also included are uncharged for too long.

The ANBI Battery Switch is a simple, your Stainless steel fasteners. high quality, robust solution to solve this If you’re thinking of getting into kayak problem. The Switch eliminates drainage of fishing, make sure you check out the Scotty stored power by isolating the battery from Kayak Fishing Starter pack! power-hungry components, and general www.jmgillies.com.au

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Many anglers consider the eye of the baitfish to be a strike trigger to predators, and the eyes on TT Lures’ Big EyeZ make for a big trigger!

These premium hand-painted jigheads were created in response to customer requests, and feature a realistic sculptured fish head profile and bulging 3D eyes, as well as the proven ‘head lock’ grub keeper system to make rigging easy, and lock your soft plastic in place.

These jigheads are built on brutally strong Mustad black nickel chemically-sharpened hooks for solid hook sets and holding power.

These new jigheads are available in a variety of colours, including versions with glow eyes, to complement your favourite soft plastics and match the hatch.

Big EyeZ jigheads are available in the following models: 1/4oz 3/0, 3/8oz 3/0, 3/8oz 5/0, 1/2oz 5/0, 3/4oz 7/0, 1oz 7/0. www.tackletactics.com.au

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Halco’s new Single Strand Wire Traces are based around American Fishing Wires premium American-made stainless steel, pre-straightened wire.

These new traces come in two lengths and three different breaking strains, giving you plenty of options for a quick, easy trace that you can count on at short notice.

There are short 25cm traces for all your shore and boat-based casting needs and longer 50cm traces that should get the trolling crew in the water quickly and with a minimum of fuss, should the toothy brigade turn up.

Available in breaking strains of 58lb, 86lb and 105lb, these packs of five individual traces also feature a premium rolling swivel at one end, and Halco’s popular cross lock snaps at the other. They are all beautifully finished with tight and precise haywire twist connections.

For more information check out the new Single Strand Wire video on Halco’s YouTube channel. www.halcotackle.com

Scotty Kayak Fishing Starter Pack

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2019 WIRF: Women in Recreational Fishing More and more women are going fishing, to the point where it has been dubbed the ‘new yoga’ in the US! Our talented female Aussie anglers are starting to make a big impact too, and we are at the pinnacle of the next big thing to hit our shores.

There are some amazing and well known females in the industry, including anglers, ambassadors (including WIRF ambassador and AFLW player Chloe Molloy) and those working behind the scenes.

WHAT IS WIRF? The WIRF network was inspired by a survey conducted in 2018 to find

Coast we were met with a welcome weather change compared to the dreary cold Melbourne we had left behind. We swapped our boots for flip flops and headed off to the Gold Coast Exhibition and Conference Centre, eager to get started.

We all gained a wealth of

The Roundtable Discussion participants.

2019 WIRF Mentors, clockwise from top right: Jo Larkin, Tiffany Newton, Karen Rees. out more about why women fish, and how to get more females involved. Some of the challenges cited were gender biases, parenting responsibilities, facilities, and hygiene and personal safety concerns. Based on this feedback, we created the WIRF network – a space where women of all ages, experiences and backgrounds can come together and share their love of fishing.

Our goal for this group is to inspire and educate women in the recreational fishing world. The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is committed to growing the network and promoting it throughout the state to encourage more women to be involved in fishing through events, engagement and education.

We encourage husbands, partners, friends and children to take part in the WIRF

product knowledge and general impressiveness of product display. This was a tough call as most of the stands were exceptional!

We were truly grateful to all those who took time from their busy schedules to share, educate and provide further insight to their industry. This

message by spreading the word, attending events and supporting the women around them. Recreational fishing is a great family pastime and is meant to be enjoyed by everyone.

This network will: • Promote the benefits of fishing as a healthy and positive outdoor activity for the family.

• Provide a space for females to discuss, share, engage with other females and ask questions • Address barriers and offer solutions to encourage more women to go fishing and promote positive images of women in recreational fishing • Provide women with the education and knowledge to give them the confidence to fish.

Following a very successful AFTA program in 2018, the WIRF leaders worked tirelessly to

boost the WIRF network: building numbers; inspiring, encouraging and teaching women; organising and

running workshops, ladies nights, info nights, family days and many other events. All helped to spread the message far and wide.

Due to their outstanding achievements, three of these amazing leaders from 2018 were promoted to be mentors for the 2019 program. (Meet L-R: Jo Larkin, Karen Rees, and Tiffany Newton) insert pic #1.

Still reaping rewards from the 2018 AFTA program, Cast 2.0 was created for 2019. This year’s leaders were selected based on their passion, vision, initiative and motivation.

(L-R: Michelle Brittain, Kelly Derks, Shea McCormack, Cara Cummings, Jaclyn Threlfall, Izzy Sesto, Michelle Jackman and Niki Duckstein) insert pic #2.

Cast 2.0 AFTA Experience Cast 2.0 instantly connected with each other, in part due to our common love of fishing and we quickly established that half the group were freshwater anglers and the other half saltwater.

This naturally led to many interesting and great fishing stories (the ice was broken!)

Arriving on the Gold

WIRF Leaders 2019, clockwise from top left: Michelle Brittain, Kelly Derks, Shea McCormack, Jaclyn Threlfall, Niki Duckstein, Michelle Jackman, Izzy Sesto and Cara Cummings. knowledge from roundtable discussions, workshops, informative talks from guest speakers and even enjoyed a morning of product testing thanks to the team at Pure Fishing. All participants were provided with a rod, line and tackle and headed off behind the Exhibition Centre to wet a line.

This year, Cast 2.0 had the epic challenge of voting on the best stands at the Expo. The criteria given included: how welcoming/ approachable stallholders were, their willingness to strike conversation (particularly with women),

WIRF Mentors, Leaders and Chaperones did some product testing at the Gold Coast.

encouraged us to network with industry leaders, experts in the field, exhibitors and special guests, which in turn bolstered our confidence as 2019 leaders.

The AFTA Show provided the perfect space and opportunity to allow WIRF to be heard. The acceptance, encouragement and willingness from others (particularly in a maledominated industry) was well received. Cast 2.0 may also have successfully unveiled one of life’s toughest questions… ‘what do women want?’!

We all returned to Victoria feeling inspired to follow our passion and continue promoting this industry.

The next 12 months will be very busy!

To join the WIRF network head to www. facebook.com/groups/ womenrecfishing/, #WIRF or email belinda.yim@vfa. vic.gov.au for more info!

We are aiming to reach 5000 members by 2020. The VFA encourages female anglers of all experience levels to join the online network and learn from one another, share their best fishing photos and have numerous opportunities to engage in discussions on interesting fishing topics. - WIRF Written by Cara Cummings on behalf of WIRF Cast 2.0 Leaders OCTOBER 2019

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The 2019 Peninsula Snapper Challenge The Peninsula Snapper Challenge is Port Phillip Bay and Western Port’s most innovative and sustainable fishing event. This user-friendly competition runs over nine days from 2-10 November.

Entrants can safely fish around weather, work and social commitments in their pursuit of winning fish in the Open, Kayak and Junior divisions. Tournament judges will determine the snapper champions by the longest snapper submitted using a digital photo (using a smart phone) of the captured fish placed on a measuring device. This allows anglers to release the snapper if

they want to, and for any upgrades the tournament. sunglasses will

also try later in Spotters provide

a sunglass gift pack to all the top ten lucky anglers who capture the longest snapper entered.

Entrants who don’t manage to tangle with a big red, don’t have to worry about going home emptyhanded. There is a pirate’s booty of lucky draw prizes where all entrants go into the draw to win. A $20,000 prize pool will be given to entrants just for fishing with family or mates in the Challenge.

There are thousands of dollars of top quality Shimano outfits, including the ultimate snapper combo of a Stella 5000 matched with a Grappler 735, which form part of the lucky draw prizes.

Other top prizes include: a $2500 Tackle World shopping spree, Humminbird GPS/fishfinder, BLA anchor winch, Stormy lifejackets, Life Cell marine safety units, Club Marine insurance vouchers, Rapala lure packs and Spotters sunglasses from Karingal Optical.

Our Junior anglers have been given a great incentive so they can also join in all the fun of the Challenge.

Every Junior entrant at the presentation will receive a Wilson rod and reel combo matched with a Black Magic Snapper Snack.

The Peninsula Snapper Challenge presentation will be held on Sunday 10 November from 2pm at the Frankston Bombers Football & Netball Club in Baxter, which is only 20 minutes from the Mornington, Frankston, Hastings and Patterson River boat ramps.

Trophies will be presented, prizes given away, and all things snapper will be celebrated!

Entries open on Monday 14 September at www. peninsulasnapperchallenge. com or from the Peninsula Snapper Challenge Facebook page. – David Glennie

9 DAYS OF COMPETITION FISHING WESTERNPORT & PORT PHILLIP BAY 2nd to 10th November, 2019

OPEN, JUNIOR & KAYAK DIVISIONS

Over $20,000 in prizes

1 in 5 entrants will win a prize

Every junior entrant wins a Wilson rod & reel and Black Magic Snapper Snack Presentation event on Sunday, 10th November at the Frankston Bombers Football Club, 15 minutes from Patterson River, Frankston, Hastings, Mornington and Warneet boat ramps.

Lucky draw prizes include: Humminbird Marine Electronics; $2500 Tackleworld Shopping Spree; BLA Anchor Winch; Premium Shimano Outfits & Loads More

Top ten longest fish will win a Spotters sunglass pack

www.peninsulasnapperchallenge.com

Full details and entry at:

Phone entries available – call David on 0412 441 074

Follow us on Facebook for competition updates.

Frankston Bombers Sports Club Inc permit number 10542/19

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OCTOBER 2019

Keeping It Reel dominate at the Hopkins The weekend of 22-23 June saw Round 4 of the 2019 NS Rods Sunline Vic Bream Classic Series head to Warrnambool on the Hopkins River for the Glenelg Hopkins CMA BCF Bream Classic. 36 teams of 2 anglers made the trip to

all the anglers in the field.

Local anglers Isaac Primmer and Morgan Flook from team Keeping It Reel had the experience on their local water to claim victory.

Day one saw the boys from Keeping It Reel headed off in last position and with 35

searching for the fish.

As the day progressed, they started getting good bites and when their fifth fish came in, they knew that they had a very good bag considering the conditions. When they approached the scales, it was clear that Morgan and Isaac were in form on their home water as they weighed a tournament leading 5/5 bream for 4.06kg. Team Savage Trailers Doug Phayer and James Blazewski, who weighed in 5/5 bream for 3.69kg, followed them closely. The $500 Glenelg Hopkins CMA Prized Perch was set and won by team South West’s Shane Lowery and Clint Northcott, who went searching for perch after the bream session

The top three pose for the camera – Pioneer’s David Harding and Danny Torgenson placed third, Tackle Tactics with Corey Mclaran and Adam Brown came second and taking out first was Keeping It Reel’s Isaac Primmer and Morgan Flukes.

Michael Hunt and Buck Saunders from Tornados display some bream from their 4.27kg Sunline Best Bag. tackle thumping Hopkins black bream.

The fishing in the lead up to the event was extremely challenging for many anglers, with the mouth of the river opening and then closing again, playing havoc with the system. Finding the big bites during the tournament was going to be hard for

other boats in front of them, they decided to stop at the ski lane and start fishing. Using a combination of Daiwa Reels, Samurai Rods and 6lb Unitika braid, the team worked their way up the river casting 2.5” ZMan grubs in motor oil colour on a 1/12 jighead. They used the same combination all weekend and just kept

Isaac Primmer from Keeping It Reel holding the 1.36kg JML Anglers Alliance Big Bream from day two.

Helen Taylor presented Michael Hunt and Buck Saunders with the Graeme Taylor Memorial Trophy for landing the heaviest bag on day two. proved quite tough for them.

Day two was a different morning for team Keeping It Reel. With Primmer and Flook now heading off first for the day, they were able to head straight to where they caught fish the day before. The fishing was slow initially but they ground it out until Primmer hooked a cracking 1.36kg bream that took out the JML Angler Alliance Big Bream, cementing their winning bag.

After things slowed down again, with only an hour to spare they decided to head

back down river to finish off the session by finding a few more quality fish to round out their bag.

As the boys walked up to weigh in their bag, it was already known that with most of the field struggling on day two, a solid bag of 5 would get them over the line. With the scales pulling down to 4kg exactly, it was beyond doubt that Primmer and Flook had easily taken victory with a total of 10/10 bream for 8.06kg and was crowned the 2019 Glenelg

Hopkins CMA BCF Bream Classic Champions.

Keeping It Reel’s winning performance wasn’t the only highlight for day two, as their day one bag of 4.06kg was smashed by Tornado’s Michael Hunt and Buck Saunders, who weighed in the Sunline Best Bag on day two of 5/5 bream for 4.27kg.

That cracking bag rocketed the boys from 25th place to 7th position and handed them the Hurricane Monster Movers

Prize. As their bag was the heaviest on day two, they also took home the Graeme Taylor Memorial Trophy.

The next stop sees the 2019 NS Rod Sunline Vic Bream Classic Series head to Marlo for the Atomic East Gippsland Bream Classic on 12-13 October. To get more details for the tournament, visit www.vicbreamclassics. com.au or call Tournament Director Bill Hartshorne on 0409 823 070.

Team Tornados Michael Hunt and Buck Saunders took out the Hurricane Monster Movers prize by moving from 25th to 7th with their 4.27kg day two bag.

OCTOBER 2019

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2019 Cod Classic 20th Anniversary Special Never before has there been as much excitement in the lead up to a fishing competition as that shown in the lead up to this year’s 20th Anniversary Yamaha Cod Classic! The Cod Classic celebrates the opening to cod season and is an iconic event on the Australian fishing

calendar not to be missed.

On 6, 7 and 8 December will see the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala come alive, with 3000+ fishers expected to descend on Lake Mulwala, the home of the Murray cod!

The event will have an amazing prize pool

that tallies in excess of $150,000, including 10 boating packages.

Amazingly, after the completion of this year’s event a staggering total of 120 boating packages will have been given away through the history of the Cod Classic. Other prizes include the chance to spend

Kevin Brooks with the sort of cod this amazing event is known for.

30 seconds in a cash grab machine, a list of major goods too long to mention, along with 1000+ minor lucky door prizes, and the majority of competitors will be going home with a smile on their face.

Designed for the family with all levels of fishing skills catered for, everybody has a chance of winning one of the many great prizes on offer, whether fishing from boat or bank, using either bait or lures. The majority of prizes are randomly drawn, with you not even having to catch a fish to be a winner! Those who are lucky enough to register either a legal size Murray cod or 45cm+ golden perch go into additional draws to win extra great prizes.

Pre-sale entry fee for adults is $95, or $100 on weekend, and $50 for juniors. Entry includes four meals, souvenir stubby holder, a free ticket in major boat raffle, Wilson Slickback lure and Bassman spinnerbait (for the kids), entry into thousands of lucky door prize draws and the promise of a great weekend.

Monsters like this 105cm model caught

by Hudson Crothers will be on everyone’s target list going into the weekend.

To page 81

+JUNIOR COD CLASSIC DECEMBER 7TH AND 8TH ~ LAKE MULWALA & THE MURRAY RIVER

150,000

$ TOTAL CATCH & RELEASE FOR ALL MURRAY COD & GOLDEN PERCH

+

IN PRIZES!

ENQUIRIES: TONY BENNETT 0439 441 667

www.codclassic.com.au

80

OCTOBER 2019

CHANCE TO WIN

1 10 of

BOATING PACKAGES

Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic on again The Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic, at Lake Hume is on again on 26-27 October this year. The event has been moved back in the month to hopefully allow for slightly warmer water to bring the golden perch on.

This year’s major prize is again a Quintrex boat with Mercury outboard package on a trailer, along with other great prizes for the various prize categories.

All competitors who enter the Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic will go into the draw for the boat. The event is a catch, photo and release competition only. This has been well received by the From page 80

Being ran in conjunction with the Cod Classic is the Native Watercraft Australian Canoe & Kayak Cod Fishing Championships.

Entering its ninth year, this event caters for the new breed of anglers who choose to fish from either a canoe or kayak.

The Fishing & Outdoors Expo will be a main feature, with the chance to grab a bargain not to be missed. Other

competitors and will continue for the foreseeable future.

Rules for the catch, photo, and release are available on the event website.

Held on Lake Hume, the event is open to all ages. Both lure and bait are allowed. The centre for all non-fishing activities is the Lake Hume Tourist Park. The boundaries for the event are the confines of Lake Hume from the Wymah Ferry on the Murray Arm and Tallangatta on the Mitta arm.

There are four categories for fish. Golden perch (catch and release only), trout, redfin and carp. Angler categories are seniors and junior male and female. The

champion team will go to the team with the greatest combined length of golden perch caught over the two days. Each team can have a maximum of four members.

The Elk’s Hunting and Fishing champion angler is open to all anglers and based on the combined length of golden perch caught over the two days by an individual angler. Champion angler is for all angler categories.

Anglers may only present a maximum of five golden perch per day for the event.

Pre-entry for the 2019 classic is $70 for adults and $25 for juniors. Entry on the day is $75 for seniors and $30 for juniors. To be a

popular parts of the competition include iconic entertainer Flathead Fred for the juniors, Venom Rods Cod Talk with Rod ‘Codmac’ Mackenzie, and the Samurai Rods Australian Pro Casting Championships.

You would be crazy to miss this iconic event held at the home of the Murray cod, Lake Mulwala.

Sharpen your hooks, pack the boat, grab your swag and baton down the hatches as the 2019 Yamaha Cod

Classic is going to be huge!

See you all in Yarrawonga/ Mulwala for the chance to catch a legend!

For more information, check out www.codclassic. com.au, call into Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, now at two locations, 74 Melbourne St Mulwala (Opposite Post Office) and 61 Belmore St Yarrawonga (Between Rivers and One Zac) the official Cod Classic stores, or call Tony Bennett 0439 441 667. – Yamaha Cod Classic

junior, you must be under 16 on 25 October 2019. Entry includes a meal on Saturday night and a sausage sizzle on the Sunday at presentation.

All competitors receive a Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic stubby holder and an information pack. Early bird entries close on 11 October. The prize for this year’s early bird entry is $500 of fishing and camping goods. Registration at the event is from 4pm-8.30pm on Friday 25 October and from 5am-10am on Saturday 26 October sharp. A lure wall will be running as usual, simply place a lure on the wall for a chance to win the entire wall. Lures can be new or used, but only entire packs of soft plastics will be accepted if you choose to donate them. Various raffles will be available over the weekend.

Competitors are reminded that golden perch must be 30cm or over, the minimum legal length in Victoria. Redfin and trout must be 30cm or over to be eligible for measuring. There is no size limit on carp.

Sponsor’s draws will be held on Saturday evening commencing at approximately 8pm, with

plenty of great prizes to be won. Competitors simply need to present their registration card in order to collect their prize. The main presentation will be held on the Sunday after all results are compiled, usually around 1pm.

For more information, visit the event web site at www.lakehumeclassic.com. au or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic Lake Hume. – Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic

Golden perch will be the main target species at the Leigh Martin Marine Mercury Classic.

FISHING NEWS

Inaugural Lake Eildon Boating & Fishing Show Regional Victoria is proud to announce its first major boating event this spring, the Lake

Eildon Boating & Fishing Show. The event held from 11-13 October is expected to attract over 8,000

Rex Hunt will be on hand to talk to participants and kiss a few fish.

boating enthusiasts to the area across the three days.

“We’re so proud to support the Melbourne Boat Show and bring this fantastic event to regional Victoria,” says Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes.

CEO of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, Steve Walker, said “This new event will include two key features that Melbourne Boat Show cannot – a massive houseboat display with over $10m worth of houseboats to view and a thirty-boat demonstration area in Houseboat Harbour for punters to view, test and just maybe, buy, a ski, wake, cruising or fishing boat!”

The event will be held at The Houseboat Harbour (locally known as the Alliance Boat Ramp) just beneath the Eildon Dam wall and will feature everything from fishing and ski boat demonstrations, water-sports, houseboating, cruising and fishing vessels, boating equipment, electronics, entertainment, Twilight Cinema, special School’s Day, the Waterfront Bar & Cafe and fireworks.

The event is family friendly and free. Fishing identities, Rex Hunt and Lee Rayner, are proud ambassadors of the Show. – Regional Victoria

Lee Rayner is a proud ambassador of the Eildon event.

From left to right: Mike Dalmau, (President, Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association), Cr Sandice McAulay (Mayor, Murrundindi Shire Council), and Craig Lloyd (Chief Executive Officer, Murrindindi Shire Council).

OCTOBER 2019

81

Hobie Worlds 8 a huge success On Friday 26 July, 2019, on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, Andrew Death (pronounced Deeth) from New South Wales, Australia, was crowned the 2019 Hobie Fishing World Champion.

Death was the seventh angler to claim the world title after Scott Baker (AUS) 2011, Marty Mood (USA) 2012, Richard Somerton (AUS) 2013, Steve Lessard (USA) 2014 and 2016, Xiaohong Ma (CHN) 2015 and Salah el Barbouchi (GER) 2018.

For the tournament, 43 anglers had qualified and travelled to Australia from 16 countries to compete in Hobie

as well as other accessories including the Hobie V2 Livewell, which recirculated fresh saltwater to keep the fish healthy.

The fishing arena basked in amazing weather throughout the world championship, with mid-winter temperature maximums ranging from 22-26°C. Light breezes persisted daily and there was no rain in sight. Never in eight championships has a Worlds seen such perfect conditions.

After registration and the mandatory briefing on Sunday afternoon, competitors and their guests partied on, cruising around the affluent mansions that line one of the world’s

of alternative locations. The Sundale Bridge pylons were hit hard by up to 15 international anglers, but they did not have a lot of success because their timing was wrong and the tide was not suited for that type of strategy. Nevertheless, many persisted in the area, a mistake a few would continue to make over the championship days.

The big story, however, was at the line-up of trawlers, which were closer to the event site. As their decks were washed down, prawns fell off into the surrounding water, attracting plenty of good-sized hungry bream. Like a flock of seagulls, more than a quarter of the competitors headed

The trawlers provided some great bream fishing and gave up many legal bream for the competitors.

Fishing Worlds 8 presented

by Daiwa. Most international anglers had not previously fished for the target species, yellowfin bream. They were given two pre-fish days to acclimatise themselves to the arena and to the species.

All had researched bream, the techniques, and the lures and tackle required to bring home the three fish they aimed for each day.

The championship was a catch, weigh and release tournament. Anglers brought their fish back in Hobie V2 Livewells for a live weigh-in at the event site. The fish were placed on scales, their weights recorded and then the fish were released to swim away.

Each angler competed in exactly the same type of kayak, a Hobie Pro Angler 14, which were provided brand new and decked out by the Hobie Asia Pacific factory located a lure’s throw from the waters of Jervis Bay in New South Wales, 1000km south of the event location.

All kayaks were equipped with a MirageDrive 180 (forward and reverse) pedal system, Lowrance Hook2 7” Triple Shot sounders and a Power-Pole Micro anchor,

largest artificial canal systems.

PRE-FISH The next morning, 43 excited anglers pedalled off from the Power-Pole Starting Line on Lowrance Pre-Fish day one, which was the first chance for many international anglers to fish in Australian waters. Others had planned their trips to arrive early, and to adjust to the new species by fishing in alternative systems to the championship arena where a pre-fish ban was not in place.

To the delight of competitors across the arena, not only were there plenty of bream about but also anglers from all continents were catching fish! Another surprise to competitors was how awesome the fish were to catch on light tackle. The first angler to pull a fish on board in the event was Joe Komyati (USA). As he held a nice 35cm yellowfin bream in his hands he commented, “It’s my first bream ever. I watched some videos the Australian Hobie guys put up, and I used what they told me to use, and it definitely worked!”

Power-Pole Pre-Fish day two saw a similar pattern, with anglers getting a taste

straight there from the start.

Despite being hit hard the day before, the location held up with some quick bites.

Nate Gloria (USA) was onto his first bream in just a few casts. That first fish was in his Hobie Livewell just on twenty minutes after the start, fifteen of which were spent travelling to the location.

Most of the people that hit the trawler fleet were sensible enough to leave the area after half an hour, not wanting to sting the honey hole, however some persisted for too long.

Fortunately, they caught no fish, so the damage to the bite during the championship days was minimal.

DAY ONE Well before daylight on Wednesday 24 July, the vibe around the event site was one of excitement and anticipation, as anglers prepared for the start of the world championship.

The sun rose and reflected off the high-rise buildings around the Gold Coast, as the world’s best kayak anglers massed for the official start.

As anglers respectfully stood in their Hobie PA14 kayaks, the Australian National Anthem was played.

A countdown began and off

BIG BREAM WINNERS Day.............. Angler.................................. Country............................ Weight Day 1........... Felix Frey.............................. Sweden............................. 1.06kg Day 2........... Lars Lundberg...................... Sweden............................. 0.91kg Day 3........... Richard Benson.................... Australia............................ 1.01kg 82

OCTOBER 2019

the fleet blasted – Worlds 8 was on! The action at the start was fast and furious, with a lot of barging and contact around the turning buoys. The intensity was well up from the two pre-fish days and shouts echoed across the water as the field split evenly to the north and south.

Once again, the trawler fleet was the early target for 10-12 anglers. Finn Sloth (DEN) was among that group, and twenty minutes in he became the first international angler to land a yellowfin bream in the championship, while much closer to the start an Australian had already bagged two.

Many of the anglers from across the world who had never previously targeted bream did quite well, with just two days of pre-fish to learn to adapt to the new species and the unfamiliar light tackle.

Seven anglers from outside of Australia managed to get a full bag of three bream, while all of the Australian team had full bags. Seven unfortunate anglers battled it out for the Lowrance Donut Award for catching no fish.

A heavy concentration of Chinese and Brazilian anglers got amongst the donuts. Most of those anglers caught bream but disappointingly they were under the competition legal length of 26cm. The dubious honour and first recipient of the award was Patrice Gotti from France. Gotti had caught plenty of fish, but they just didn’t measure up to size.

There were a number of large bream caught weighing over a kilo, and it was just a matter of grams that separated them. In the final countdown, the largest fish landed weighed in at 1.06kg and was caught

by Felix Frey from Sweden.

Hobie Worlds 8 was a great event, with smiles and camaraderie all around. led the championship on 2.16kg, followed by Andrew Death (AUS) on 2.08kg and Edi Brader (AUT) on 1.99kg.

Australians Tyson Hayes, Richard Somerton (2013 world champion), Simon Morley and Kris Hickson made up the next places. Two USA anglers followed, Nate Gloria in 8th and Tyson Peterson in 9th, with Danish angler Finn Sloth (3rd in China in 2015) in 10th place.

Overall, 37 anglers brought a total of 84 fish back to the scales on day one of the world championship. Their accumulated weight was 44.35kg at an average of 530g, which is an impressive average for the species in any waterway.

DAY TWO As the sun rose on Thursday, competitors once again took off in superb conditions for the second day of the world championship.

With late threatening winds predicted to blow from the south, the majority of anglers headed in a southerly direction, while only a small group of nine or ten pedalled to the north. Fortunately, the wind didn’t blow up as forecasted.

Like each day prior, a group of ten plus anglers headed for the trawlers where

Patrice Gotti, had more luck on day two, while four others in the same area still had no fish, including 2015 world champion Xiaohong Ma from China.

At the end of the day, it was another impressive performance by the Australians. However, the Americans showed a great ability to adapt to the new species, making up a quarter of the top twenty. Nate Gloria flew the highest flag for the USA, sitting in 6th place, equal with 2013 world champion Richard Somerton (AUS).

Gloria bagged 1.78kg on day one and 1.77kg on day two, giving him a two-day total weight of 3.55kg.

Edi Brader from Austria, who sat in third position at the close of day one, dropped back a place but remained the bestplaced European. Brader had a day two bag of 1.59kg, giving him a total of 3.58kg. Finn Sloth (DEN), the next best European, was in 11th place followed by Felix Frey (SWE) back in 19th. Lars Lundberg became the second Swede to catch the Power-Pole Big Bream, which weighed 910g.

The Chinese were having a difficult time adapting to the new species. Lai Wang, their highest placed competitor, was

Simon Morley, Andrew Death and Jack Gammie (L to R) display some of their better fish for the tournament.

Frey, a pike specialist, was thrilled to receive the PowerPole Big Bream trophy, which was presented to him at the Hobie Kayak Europe Dinner that evening after the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo had reverberated around the room.

At the close of the day one session, Jack Gammie (AUS)

two fish were caught by Nate Gloria (USA) and Eric Seddiqi (USA), once again within 20 minutes of the start. The rest of the anglers had little luck, most leaving within 15-20 minutes.

By mid-morning a large slice of competitors had fish.

Anglers who had struggled the day before, such as France’s

in 16th, while the remainder of the team sat among the bottom ten anglers. Rafael Renzetti led the Brazilians in 23rd, with the rest of the team languishing close to the bottom. Tim Percy (CAN) received the Lowrance Donut Dough Award to rousing cheers and hugs of jubilation, at the Power-Pole

dinner that evening. To the delight of all in the room, the idea of a police officer winning a donut award set off the USA team into raptures. It was a great moment.

Once again, the class acts were by the Australians, with eight in the top ten. Jack Gammie increased his lead from the previous day with

and anyone in the top ten could take out the championship if luck went their way. The final day of the Worlds was set to be intense and full of excitement.

DAY THREE When the action started on day three, reports kept coming in that Death and Morley were going head to head on the same reef to the north of

Winner Andrew Death explains how he secured his winning bag. another 2.02kg, giving him a leading bag total of 4.18kg.

Andrew Death maintained his second place, with 1.86kg for 3.94kg overall, 249g behind Gammie. Simon Morley (AUS) moved up into third place, knocking Austrian Edi Brader back a position. Morley added 1.97kg for a total of 3.79kg, 150g behind Death, and 399g short of Gammie.

90 fish were caught on the day, weighing in at 44.02kg at an average of 489g, slightly down from day one.

The field was tight at the top

the event site. Their reels were screaming and each bagged out around the same time. On the turn of the tide, they both began to upgrade fish after fish after fish.

In the meantime, Edi Brader was one short of a bag and fishing well to the south under the skyscrapers around Surfers Paradise, where he had been quietly bagging out over the two previous days of competition.

The leader on the first two days and the favourite to maintain his lead, Jack

Gammie, also went south, much further than Brader, and was hard to find among the canals along the Nerang River.

Then, a report came through late in the day that Gammie only had an average size bag.

Nobody had sighted Gloria from the USA or Somerton from Australia. The weigh-in was going to be insane!

At 2:30pm, anglers began walking up on stage to the scales and the lead changed continually. When Gloria got up, he hit the lead with a day three bag weighing 1.77kg and the USA contingent went bananas. Gloria remained on stage at the top of the table, with just three anglers to follow – Morley, then Death and finally Gammie. Could this be a huge upset? The Americans watching online and at the event site were hoping so.

Gloria was on 1.77kg for the day and sitting on a total of 5.32kg. Simon Morley handed over his bag to the tournament director and it was placed on the scales, weighing 1.97kg for a total of 5.75kg. Nate Gloria was 430g short (almost a whole fish). Morley took the lead, but what a brilliant performance by Gloria.

Up stepped Death with his

bag, needing 1.81kg to take out Morley. The scales rolled over, settled and stopped. At 1.85kg, he was just 40g more than Simon Morley. Death became the new leader. Morley stepped off the stage and Death stayed, hoping his 5.79kg was enough.

He nervously waited while a tense Jack Gammie was interviewed in front of the live audience and those watching the broadcast.

Gammie walked up the steps with a nervous smile and handed his bag to tournament director Steve Fields. Fields played with Death and Gammie’s emotions for a few seconds, building the intensity of the moment before Death called out, “Just put it on!” and the audience laughed.

Gammie only needed 1.62kg to win the championship. Andrew Death (AUS), who had sat in second on both previous days, was now the current leader and waited in anticipation. Gammie’s bag went on the scales, and boom!

It weighed 1.43kg and was 150g short!

Andrew Death fist-pumped the air and turned away in disbelief of his unforeseen fortune – the new 2019 Hobie Fishing World Champion was shocked! A disappointed

Kris Hickson shares some wisdom on camera at day three of the event.

Jack Gammie dropped to a commendable third after a brilliant performance, and Simon Morley took a welldeserved second. Australia had its third 1st-2nd-3rd from three world championships held in the country.

Richard Benson (AUS) caught the Power-Pole Big Bream for the day, Marco Pasquini (ITA) won the Donut Dough Award, and Felix Frey won a Power-Pole Micro Anchor for the biggest fish of the championship.

An incredible 265 bream

were brought to the scales during the three days of the championship. They weighed a total of 133.32kg, at an average weight of 500g, and every single one of them got to swim away to live another day.

Andrew Death (The Reaper) became the new Hobie Fishing World Champion. It was a great performance by a humble winner.

With another fantastic Hobie Worlds done, anglers are now super excited for HFW9.

We can’t wait! – Hobie Cat Australasia

RESULTS Place...........Angler.................................Country............................ Total Fish........................Total Weight (kg) 1..................Andrew Death......................Australia............................ 9/9....................................5.79 2..................Simon Morley......................Australia............................ 9/9....................................5.75 3..................Jack Gammie......................Australia............................ 9/9....................................5.61 4..................Nate Gloria..........................USA................................... 9/9....................................5.32 5..................Richard Somerton...............Australia............................ 9/9....................................5.30 6..................Tyson Hayes........................Australia............................ 9/9....................................5.28 7..................David Shanahan..................Australia............................ 9/9....................................5.03 8..................Tyson Peterson....................USA................................... 9/9....................................4.87 9..................Kris Hickson........................Australia............................ 9/9....................................4.87 10.................Richard Benson...................Australia............................ 9/9....................................4.78

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2019

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

12-13 Oct

Victoria Bream Classic Round 5

Marlo

19-20 Oct

ABT BREAM Round 8

Port Stephens

23-24 Oct

ABT BASS Grand Final

Lake St Clair

26-27 Oct

ABT BASS Australian Open

Glenbawn Dam

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

billhartshorne@hotmail.com

abt.org.au

abt.org.au

abt.org.au

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.

OCTOBER 2019

83

Why we should turn fishing into a sport I find the term ‘sportfishing’ confusing. Why? After all, ‘sportfishing’ comes with rules, scoring systems and all the basic trappings of a sport, why would you not call it a sport.

Rules are of course an important part of sport, they define the boundaries and responsibilities of those involved. There is a key missing ingredient though to fishing transcending to being a true sport and that is the regulations. Regulations differ from rules in that they act to define the objectives of the sport, including the pathways into the sport, progression, responsibilities of administrators and umpires and how events become part of the sporting environment.

Regulations also define important limitations on key elements such as scoring and equipment and seek to provide a balance between skill, luck and technology.

Fishing has overall done a good job and the rules but has been far less successful at the regulations. In the heyday of the club scene there was progress made with national affiliations, rules that provided the foundation for competition as well as state championships that were hard fought and meaningful. At it’s peak the Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA) embodied the push to take fishing seriously while recognising the need to balance that with conservation of the resource. It was a powerful combination that defined a generation of fishers. The club structure provided much of the same regulatory structure of other sports.

Unfortunately, as time wore on the thing that had been the strength of ANSA, its passionate base of volunteer members became its greatest weakness as the baby boomers aged, lost their competitive drive and slowly drifted away.

ANSA is still an important part of the fishing scene and is a foundation member of ARFF but as a base for competition it only enjoys a stronghold in a single state and is a shadow of its glorious heyday.

The Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) is even older, hailing back to 1938. GFAA is based on the rules developed by the International Game Fishing Association and has probably enjoyed a lesser decline due to its niche of game fishing, a high octane form of fishing that requires big investments and even bigger fish to match.

Australia currently holds 538 world records through the IGFA, a good many of them

by GFAA members, many standing for decades. While taking big fish has become 84

OCTOBER 2019

less acceptable to the wider community there is little doubt that the skill and tenacity required to master a massive shark or marlin should be recognised amongst the greatest sporting feats. After all, strip away the trappings of modern technology, drop a person in their territory and let’s see who takes home who for dinner. That is not to say that I am an advocate for the mass slaughter of big fish in the name of sport, but the reality is that the game fishing community have fished responsibly for decades and the hugely successful fish tagging program based in NSW stands as testimony. I am not going to admonish someone who has secured victory in the battle of man over beast and bought his prize home for all to see.

Nature loves a winner.

Rightly so, it’s not called survival of the fittest for nothing.

During the decline of the club scene a new set of tournaments sprung up based on the American BASS rules. This new competitive format revolved around live weigh-ins and limited bags as an ethical alternative to the traditional weigh-in. This format combines all the flash of fish on the podium while ensuring they all get to fight another day, provided they are handled with care. The biggest exponent of this new format the Australian Bass Tournaments (ABT) became the dominant format in the post ANSA/ club universe, hoovering up competition fishers with a combination of showmanship, press coverage and rules unencumbered by decades of amendments. With its ‘who shares wins’ philosophy ABT in particular defined itself to stand out in a fishing world dominated by secrecy. The GFC however seemed to mark another point of change but may also just be a generational shift as well. As the 2000s rolled on into the 2010s though the competition market started to fracture more and more as the dominant monoliths of the industry gave way to a myriad of one-off events and series, each seeking to differentiate itself in the market.

With the decline of the of the bigger players, out went standards and now we are faced with an ever-increasing array of competition formats, driving the fishing pastime further and further from being a true sport.

If there’s one thing ABT should have bought forward, but only did in a limited way, it’s competitor profiles. Despite a decade of data, there is still far less real data available on fishers performance than their should be. With each new arena, you would think a decade of data would see nominated favourites, yet at best favouritism is defined

by a loose combination of scuttlebutt on performances during the year intersecting with the collective memory of who won in the past. There are few real metrics to guide us.

ANSA and GFAA run a set of state and national records that stretch back decades and form the closest thing fishing has to Cricinfo, but if there is one area the fishing lets down a sports tragic like me it’s definitely in the stats department. One of the things that defines modern sports is the multitude of measures used to define and separate competitors.

This comes at two levels, information to the public that seeks to best describe the performances of players and the even more detailed layer the forms the tactical foundation of the modern sports team. Mathematicians have had a field day in the past decade, commanding ever more luscious salaries as the data pumping devices that track athletes demand ever more nuanced analysis.

We are no longer in the game of gaining percentage performance improvements, we are in the era of a matrix of performance indicators, from personal history to elite performance markers that now defines a players role.

Fishing has taken an abominably long time to define the most basic of metrics.

Sure, most fishers would have a sense of what they need to do in terms of bags, but short of time on the water, there are no real tools to assess let alone define a performance.

That might not seem like much of a problem, but when it comes to accessibility to a wider world you need the language of maths to make sense of things. How good is Steve Smith? While the likes of Warney and company can wax lyrical about the poetry of his shot making, it’s two numbers that truly define him as a player. First is one of the most beautifully flawed numbers this side of pi, Don Bradman’s batting average of 99.94, a single boundary short of perfection, but probably more memorable due to its imperfection. The second is Smith’s current average of 64.81, the second best in the history of test cricket. If Bradman’s figure is forever marked by his inability play one ball, it’s still the mark by which all others are measured.

It’s not how good you are that defines you, but how others are measured against you.

Why make the transistion to a sport?

First up I should address the key reason why being a sport is even important at all and here is a simple reason – it’s time to complete what the clubs started.

The disadvantage of

the current system, first and foremost, is it entrenches the unfairness of fishing. To be competitive in any circuit is hard work, but fishing conspires in many ways to make that even worse, from home ground advantages to differences in equipment, to points systems. Moreover, the diversity of systems makes assessment of performance impossible.

What defines a true sport?

‘Sport’ seeks to minimise the differences in the environment and equipment such that the skill and ability of the competitor is maximised.

If you equalise the playing variables, all the unfairness accumulates in the heady mix of genetics, brains and brawn that is the competitor. All sport is unfair, we just want it to be unfair because one team or person is better than the others, not because they had better equipment or because the rules suit their fishing method. A few years back swimming tried out an exercise with flirting with unfairness beyond muscle and sinew with disastrous effect. A number of companies started a technological war producing swimsuits that resulted in drastic improvements in times, sending long-standing world records tumbling. Needless to say, it didn’t last.

Unlike most sports there is no clean progression. There is no joining the E grade team and working your way up the ladder. There is no weekend tournament series leading to a final. For parents who don’t fish, there is no easy way to get their kids into the sport where they can learn skills, receive training and learn the tactical and time management side of competing. Everyone has to learn on the run.

In other words, where most sports have an organised ecosystem that supports players, in fishing you are on your own. While I admire the strength of character this leads to, in reality this is the greatest limiter in terms of growth in the ‘sport’.

WHAT DOES FISHING AS A SPORT LOOK LIKE I have spent a lot of time analysing data on competition different systems to get a sense of how they all work, and their relative merits as a sport. The traditional measure of fishers is the biggest fish, but I think catch rates are every bit as important particularly if you are aiming to build an audience. Cricket compressed its format more than once to limit the resources, increase the risks and maximise the rewards from taking risks.

This in turn created more excitement for the audience.

I have used fish/minute as a yardstick for events for some time and increasingly discussed using time as a key part of the format by limiting more and more the time

available. Reducing the time, increases the risk taking which in turn increases the innovation and excitement.

This is a lesson fishing could learn.

Is there an existing system that works, or do we start again? The objective is to equalise the outcomes as much as possible and statistically the bag system is the one that equalises outcomes the most, because the bag acts as a limiter on the best fishers.

Bags of five work best because this acts both as a target and separator. As a target, a five bag takes some skill to obtain while motiving fishers to keep fishing for upgrades. I did an analysis of the ABT data around three years ago, which established that the combination of ‘who shares wins’ and bag limits have all but eliminated the home field advantage for boaters.

While the same can’t be said for non-boaters, that is an artefact of the way non-boaters typically only compete in events in locations nearer to where they live. The five bag is also a good indicator of the quality of the fishing arena, in general the greater the proportion of fishers complete their bag, the better the arena.

In other words the five bag provides data that is relatable to the lay person on more than one measure.

As such, I think that the ABT is the closest series we have as a sport, not least because it uses weight, not length as a foundation. While I know that length is considered the modern measure, especially with the ever-growing importance of catch and release fishing, weight is still an easier measure for non-fishers to follow. We run a number of length-weight events on the Track My Fish app, so there is no impediment to using weight as a measure.

I’m an advocate for the mix of live weigh-in and app or photo-based entries. Both offer different experiences to fishers and audience alike, but with a common measurement system both can be deployed allowing fishers flexibility in competing all the while ensuring consistent standards are enforced.

WHAT SPECIES? Every fisher is going to have a favourite species or an opinion on targets, but in this case I am just looking at equalisation. Which species have the potential to sustain a large organised sports version of fishing? Here my main consideration is access in terms of location, universal spread and craft (eg kayaks).

I have three species on my list, bream, bass and barramundi. Bream are a logical choice, because they are found in one form or another in almost all locations. Bass are an inland/impoundment

alternative, while barramundi are key competition species across the northern half of Australia and cover areas where bream are not as common or widely targeted.

All three are relatively hardy and with good handling have excellent survival rates on release.

EVENING THE PLAYING FIELD There are some things that definitely need to be clearly defined, such as tackle and technology standards. Bass boats with big motors have a huge advantage, especially in barra comps where mobility is key. Similarly, expensive sidescan units can reduce the time taken to locate fish by a significant measure and provide an edge over other competitors.

This has to be addressed, but I don’t think that banning technology will work.

Ultimately, a handicap system will probably be required with some objective data collected on how much of a real difference these technologies make. In this case I don’t think that a weight-based handicap is appropriate so much as a time penalty. Most of these innovations provide time/ efficiency benefits and thus a time penalty in the form of a later start or earlier finish would compensate for that. In other words you want the fast motor and best electronics, you get less time to fish and then if you can make up the time – good on you.

BRINGING IT TOGETHER This is the trickiest but most necessary step. The transition to a sport doesn’t require the creation of new events, so much as the myriad of existing events to aggregate under a national platform, rules set and regulations, much as cricket, soccer and other sports have. This aggregation would need to provide a national register of competitors and a national tracking process so that competitors can easily carry their results with them.

This is a big challenge when egos are involved.

One of the key elements of that aggregation would be a national body with five key responsibilities – tracking and managing competitors, establishing formal recognition for fishing as a sport, providing state and national championships, coaching and athlete recognition, developing a sponsorship funding base and of course promoting the new sports option.

Of course, this is a lot of work, but I think it’s about time fishing takes itself seriously enough to go through the growing pains that come with offering a true sport option.

It won’t come without compromise, but most sports that have made that leap have never looked back.

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FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS COOK YOUR CATCH

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The subscriber prize winner for August is P Long of Old Beach, who won an E.J. Todd prize pack valued at $300.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

Shrimpton of Rosebud, S Brightwell of Mordialloc, J Beer of Williamstown, F Weber of Corack East, R Pool of Invergordon, R Morgan of Dingley, A Landers of Mt Evelyn, R O’Sullivan of Altona, G Finco of Sunshine West, T Edwards of Castlemaine, A Pollard of Darley, P Merrick of Shearwater, G Bannister of Lorne, F Wilson of Hoppers Crossing, A Grant of

Geelong West, B Sharp of Wendouree, P Wickham of Corinella, S Ward of Curlewis, J Morrison of Clunes, C Kelly of Cranbourne, F Hutchins of Sunbury, M Fallon of Hamilton, N Bryant of North Albury, C Hale of Sorell, A Strange of Cardigan, M Pearce of Devonport, A West of Emerald, K Morrison of Moama.

Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks.

– V&TFM

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE DAIWA LOGO

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OCTOBER 2019

GUESS THE FISH?

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Australian Herring

The answers to Find the Daiwa Logo for August were: 8, 13, 15, 18, 22, 26, 29, 36, 40, 46, 50, 53, 66, 74, 81. – V&TFM The Find the Daiwa Logo prize winners for August were: G Bell of Mernda, G Ball of Tatura, P Musgrove of Casterton, S Waters of Pahran, M Shaw of Ringwood, K Tripp of Glenroy, R Coombes of Vermont, R Meaney of St James, T Kubeil of Euroa, T Radas of Parkdale, A Darker of Daylesford, C Hehir of Belmont, R

Answer:

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat

Inside story...

Bar Crusher leads the industry in design and quality to produce some of the most advanced plate aluminium fishing boats on the market. Incorporating exclusive innovations, Bar Crusher boats are renowned for their superior performance.

Made for...

Bar Crusher’s philosophy is all about ensuring that the buyer ends up with a boat that’s ideal for their offshore boating needs.

Bar Crushers deliver a super-smooth ride – a far cry from the uncomfortable, pounding ride of traditional aluminium boats – and superior stability at rest.

This month...

Editor Steve Morgan climbs into the Bar Crusher 535C, powered by a 90hp Suzuki 4-stroke. Check it out on page 94!

90 SUP camping prep

Justin Willmer prepares for an SUP-based camping adventure, detailing the sort of equipment you need and the considerations you need to make.

92 Inside a used boat Wayne Kampe explains what to look for on the inside when purchasing a used boat.

96 Clark 427 Fishmaster with 40hp Suzuki Peter Jung has a ride and a fish out of this wonderfully efficient lake and estuary rig on the beautiful Lake Nagambie.

FEBRUARY 2019

89

Gearing up for SUP camping BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

After a couple of years of paddling and fishing from the SUP (stand-up paddle board) I have landed

it and make sure that she was confident with the paddling and control, stand-up paddling, fishing and then the camping adventure when she was ready.

We weren’t just looking for any SUP though – we needed enough width,

and in turn its payload capacity, ease of paddling, speed, tracking and so on.

You may be able to test paddle or hire the board you are interested in, otherwise check the reviews on the board to find its strengths and weaknesses.

model. However, this model will better suit her once she is more confident. Her board is 3.8m long, 71cm wide, weighs just 15.5kg and has a payload of 125kg.

It is designed for touring, traveling longer distances, and hence it tracks well, and has a rounded nose and rails to glide through the water with minimal resistance. It is much like her kayak in that it is longer and narrower for speed and tracking, while also being lighter for both carrying and manoeuvrability.

Time for a test run!

I loaded the gear onto my board, which was on wheels, while Sheri attached her carry strap and carried her board over the road. So

Ready for dinner. Everything packs inside the bowl and plate for each kit.

Speed and glide on the left, payload and increased stability on the right. a bunch of quality fish, including bream, grunter, flathead and trevally. I’ve also had a great time on the water exploring, observing

length and buoyancy to handle longer adventures with additional gear on board, along with decent speed and tracking to

The SUP I paddle is designed for fishing. It’s 3.6m long, 80cm wide and 20cm thick, weighing just over 20kg, while supporting a payload of almost 160kg.

It is a brilliant craft, easily floating myself and my gear, with a dry deck and a single fin to ensure it tracks well.

Unfortunately the brand is currently unavailable in Australia and I purchased the last available board from the store that brought them into the country. Still, I’m sure you will be able to find a suitable model out there, and there are even some quality inflatable models available that have a large capacity.

In the end we had a tip-off from a mate that there was a board like mine in a second-hand store.

Sheri and I visited the shop, made an offer and scored a bargain that included what looked like a brand new travel bag and paddle. It was the same brand as mine, in a similar colour design, however in a different

Tentative first steps but it didn’t take long for Sheri to have sit down paddle confidence. far so good.

We slid the boards into the water and Sheri put one foot onto her board and sat onto the icebox, which we have strapped to the board for when you feel like sit down paddling or chilling and fishing. By the time I was on my board Sheri was on her way, sit down paddling. Instantly I could see how fast her board was through the water, as I was flat out catching up with her for a photo.

Our plan was a simple paddle from home, along the waterfront, out around a mangrove island and back,

First attempt at standing up, and still dry.

Sheri is kayak confident and the SUP is the next challenge. wildlife from the elevated position, and sneaking into shallow pockets of water and flats that are not accessible for boats.

My wife Sheri showed some interest in getting a SUP for herself and before we knew it we were planning not only to fish from the SUPs but to load our ultralight camping gear and actually go on an overnight or multi-day camping and fishing adventure from them.

First though, we had to find a suitable SUP, get Sheri onto 90

OCTOBER 2019

cover the distances we were planning. As the sport has grown in popularity there are more and more options available, and the boards have become more affordable. It’s important to select a board that suits your needs, and this may be recreational paddling, surfing, touring, fishing or even racing. Do some research and find out what suits your requirements, remembering to take into account the length, width and thickness of the board

a bit over a kilometre. This would be a good test for both Sheri and her craft, because we would need to paddle into, across and with the breeze. Along the way we chatted, took some photos, saw a few fish and a big school of stingrays, while only throwing a few casts due to the wind. Sheri attempted standing up a few times, however it was mainly sit down paddling as she got a feel for the SUP. Her verdict at the end?

Great fun – and she felt as stable as on the kayak when seated.

Our next mission will be on a day without the wind

In this shot you can clearly see the different board shapes.

and we’ll focus on standing up and fishing from the SUP. Who knows, we may even christen it with a fish. Then will come our SUP camping and fishing adventure, so stay tuned.

In the meantime though we have been planning and sorting our SUP camping kit, as outlined below.

STORAGE When it comes to storing gear on the SUP we will use iceboxes strapped to the board, a 35L on my board and a 20L on Sheri’s board.

One box will be used for food, stored in plastic clip lock containers, and any freshly caught fish. The

other box will be used to store items that need to be kept secure. Anything that needs to be kept dry can be stored in dry bags and then inside other containers.

Plastic water drums with a larger opening and screw top lid with a rubber seal are ideal for strapping to the back of the icebox to carry a tent, bedding, lighting,

consider the pack size and fit size, temperature rating and whether or not you require a hood. You will also find small colour tags or swatches to let you know the colour of the bag and an ‘L’ or ‘R’ or ‘Left’ or ‘Right’ to let you know which side the zip is on. If you select a hooded bag then it is especially important which

Time on the water builds confidence. Relax and move with the board.

Cooking made light and simple, including a fire steel knife for lighting the stove. cooking, safety and other gear. With an icebox and drum on each SUP it’s easy to split the gear to minimise the weight being carried on each. To balance the weight on the SUP, a dry bag containing clothes and other items can be strapped under the webbing toward the front of the board, however it is likely to get wet, so ensure that the dry bag is waterproof and in good order. We will load more onto my kayak as it has the larger payload.

SHELTER Modern materials have reduced the 2-person hiking tent to less than 2kg in weight, and compact enough to fit easily in a water drum or medium size dry bag with other gear. When selecting a tent consider erected and packed dimensions, weight, configuration, waterproof rating, the climate and environment that you will be camping in, bug screens and ventilation. There may also be additional features that may be important to you, such as internal storage pockets and a gear hammock inside the top of the tent.

One configuration option that some lightweight campers prefer is a door on either side that allows each person to exit the tent without climbing over or waking up the other.

BEDDING We will use ultralight air beds and air pumps from Sea to Summit, as their air beds pack down to fit in your hand and yet inflate to provide both comfort and insulation. Adding one of their ultralight fitted sheets is a good idea as it adds further insulation, while reducing noise and slippage when your sleeping bag meets your air mattress.

When selecting a lightweight sleeping bag,

side the zip is on as you may wish to select a zip that is on the side that will make zipping easy, across your chest with your dominant hand. You may also want the zip to open on the side where you enter and exit the tent, and most importantly if you are zipping two compatible sleeping bags together to

also carry a small battery area lantern that can be used to light an area when cooking, chilling out where you can’t have a fire and for use inside the tent.

COOKING There are a variety of lightweight cooking options, including hexamine tablet stoves, methylated spirit stoves and more. We will be using a micro butane cooker that runs on a canister as this is quick, easy and instant heat, that can be regulated and a number of canisters carried as required. To light this stove we carry a Swedish fire steel that can be

FOOD When it comes to food, some people choose to eat survival style with dehydrated meals, while

bacon and egg breakfast, and a dehydrated meal each to test over the journey.

WATER We always calculate

water bottle on the deck between our feet for easy access when on the move, and the remainder stored in containers in the iceboxes, drums, dry bags and other storage.

TOILET AND SHOWER The elephant in the room… there will need to be a plan in terms of toilet and shower, so we will be carrying a compact folding shovel, small container of wood shavings and a toilet roll in a small dry bag.

When it comes to showering we are only doing a one nighter, and could probably get away without one or with a container of wipes.

However, we will include a micro shower bag and warm water on our butane cooker, so that we can freshen up before bed and feel good for the next day of paddling and fishing our way home.

The SUP has produced some nice fish over a couple of years. others go all out and carry meat, vegetables and other foods you would normally prepare at home. We will opt for simple meals, and will carry wraps to which we will add some basic salad and hopefully some fresh fish, sauce and seasoning, or our back-up tin of tuna. We will also carry a selection of snacks,

the amount of water that we will need, and then carry more. One tip when it comes to transporting water for any type of camping is to split your water into multiple containers to avoid one single large water container being punctured, lost or contaminated. We generally keep one doublewalled, vacuum-insulated

The camping gear will all fit in a water drum that’s bungy strapped behind the icebox. make a double then you will need one right and one left hand zip bag otherwise one person will have a hood on their face!

LIGHTING When it comes to lighting, we will each carry a quality, lightweight and powerful headlamp, opting for battery over rechargeable so that we can include spare batteries in our kit. We will

used to throw a spark, even when wet, along with a tin of tinder that can be used with the fire steel to light a fire if required.

A small pot and fry pan are included in our cooking kit, along with ultralight tongs, cutlery, plate, bowl, cups and paper towel. Also included will be a small container of oil and a spice box.

Cruising and making the most of a section of water sheltered by the island.

SAFETY Always remember: safety first. Carry a first-aid kit to suit the number of paddlers, the time away, distance from help and the environment that you are going into.

We always carry phones in dry bags, a powerbank for charging them and an EPIRB or PLB in case of emergency. I also carry a MacGyver kit that includes zip ties, tape, waterproof matches, survival blanket and a stack of other bits and pieces. Do some research on lightweight safety gear and you will find some really cool kit available.

So that’s it from us, the new SUP has been tested and given the thumbs up, and the camping trip is in the planning stages. It will probably take one or two more paddles, with a bit of SUP fishing, before we are ready to roll.

Hopefully you get some time out on the water soon, and make sure you stay tuned for the next stage of Sheri’s SUP journey.

See you on the water.

OCTOBER 2019

91

The inside of a used boat BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

Last month I opened a discussion on the purchase of a used boat. Buying a pre-loved boat can make a lot of sense when life’s timing just does not suit the acquisition of a shiny brand new one. A used craft is definitely better than life without a boat!

For the record, my first brand new boat did not come home until I had owned about four used ones, and to

Things look good here: everything is neat, clean and tidy. allowing for some normal signs of usage such as a few scuff marks here and there on a fibreglass rig, or a scratch or two on an alloy craft. If modifications are evident, you need to ascertain their origin or the

standard without too many marks, scratches or other signs of wear and tear, the chances of the rest of the boat being similarly well cared for are certainly looking good. Conversely, if fittings are tarnished, corroded, or generally looking shabby, you can tell that the owner hasn’t given the boat much TLC. When it comes to upholstery, it’s OK to cut it a little slack. The fact of the matter is that most boat seating does live a hard life. The seats get wet with saltwater, they can be easily overlooked in a clean up, and if they’re put away salted they can become damp in wet weather. A bit of stitching coming apart is no big deal. However, whole sections coming apart are a different matter – that’s sheer neglect.

When we see the transom area looking like this there’s probably not much point in checking out the interior! be fair I had quite a good run from those pre-loved boats.

That is because I took time to consider exactly what I was buying before parting with my money, and you should do the same.

COME ABOARD! In the previous issue I centred the discussion on the exterior of a boat, along with

environment than any road, whether it’s smooth bitumen or gut busting gravel. While misuse of a watercraft might be somewhat difficult to detect, neglect is often obvious to those who know what to look for. The clues will be there, the trick is to recognize them. More on that later.

These seats are fairly worn and the battery case has some corrosion, but the engine looks like it hasn’t been on the transom for long. Be sure to check that it’s within the rated horsepower specs.

There are quite a few under floor compartments set up in this rig. It’s a good idea to inspect them to see if they’re free of debris. the all-important trailer, but now it’s time to have a look around inside the rig.

When you cast a critical eye over the interior, you will glean some information as to what sort of life the boat has had. Remember first off that used boats are not like used cars, as a boat’s working life involves a far more hostile 92

OCTOBER 2019

MODIFICATIONS First of all, consider the brand of the boat under consideration. Is it a well known brand, built by a company that enjoys a good reputation for seaworthiness, ride and easy handling? If so, things to consider here might be whether the rig is in original ex-factory layout,

reason they were done.

An engine replacement can be regarded as par for the course, but you should ensure that any new engine does not exceed factory specs. The maker’s plate in the boat will confirm the maximum horsepower it is built for. If this is exceeded, it can have very serious ramifications regarding ease of use, handling and, in a worse case scenario, it can void insurance claims.

LOOK FOR THE SIGNS Metal and other fittings on any boat can reveal a lot. Boat fittings start life in a brilliant shiny condition but will usually only stay that way if they are cared for. Naturally, if fittings and other items within a boat are of a general high

Half cabin boats have seating up front and storage below them, so it’s a good idea to lift up a seat top to have a look at the storage compartment beneath. This might provide some clues regarding how the boat has been treated. There’s no doubt that a clean, mildew free, storage area is a good sign.

Dash instruments, if fitted, should have clear, uncrazed and uncracked faces and must work as intended, and an engine start up might reveal some information in this regard.

If the boat has a steering wheel, it should turn freely without any binding.

Hydraulic steering systems are common on larger boats, and if one is fitted you

With small open boats, what you see is exactly what you get. should look for any signs of hydraulic oil residue on either the hydraulic arm at the engine or up near the steering wheel.

It’s not a bad idea to lift any flooring, if possible, to have a glance at what’s happening under it. Sinkers, swivels or other tackle in the bottom of a tinny are sure warning signs that the owner hasn’t looked after the boat as well as they could have, and these items are also an invitation for electrolysis to occur.

Bilge areas in any boat are also places where things can accumulate or gather to cause mischief at a later time. Giving consideration to bilge areas in a boat might also involve assessing how accessible that bilge is as regards to cleaning and maintenance of a pump.

THE BIG PICTURE Open, tiller-steer boats, especially tinnies or dingies, are very much an open book: what you see is what you get. In an entirely open boat there’s not much to hide apart from what’s under any flooring or areas which have a cover over them. Most of the potential issues I’ve already discussed will be easily assessed in an open boat.

In different styles of craft, such as half cabins, runabouts or centre consoles, you need to go a step further and suss out the available storage, particularly storage compartments. You should be looking for ease of access and overall convenience, and also think about what items you’ll want to store, how well they will fit and whether they will get wet.

TEST DRIVE Putting a boat in the water for a test run is something that a dealer would hardly hesitate to do: a private seller perhaps not so readily so the usual thing is to pay a deposit to show bona fides interest and good faith. Distance from a ramp is the key and my view is that if a ramp is handy an owner should at least offer to put the rig in the water for a test run. As a buyer it pays to be reasonable here but the more money changing hands the more essential it is to be sure that all is well with the boat. And naturally, once aboard it’s very easy to assess ride and handling and have the opportunity to sit in the skipper’s seat and review the driving position.

All going well, that used boat might just be the one for you.

It’s OK for seats to have a bit of wear, as they usually do it pretty tough in boats, but these seats are in pretty poor shape. This can indicate that the boat had a hard life.

WHAT’S NEW BOATING HIRE OUT YOUR BOAT

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National trailerboat hire company has bought into tech start-up Book My Boat.

This Airbnb-style marketplace connects boat owners with prospective boat hire customers.

Boab Boats managing director Anthony Gelfius said it was an exciting time for the company, which operates a number of franchises around Australia.

“Our experience in the boat hire industry and our extensive franchise network really complements the offerings of Book My Boat,” Gelfius said. “This partnership allows our franchise operators to generate some additional income operating as regional dealers for Book My Boat.”

As an online peer-to-peer marketplace, Book My Boat allows people with suitablyregistered boats to list them for hire on days when they’re not using them. Listing a boat on www.bookmyboat.com.au is free, and the platform provides comprehensive insurance to cover both parties during the rental period.

While Book My Boat’s core business is providing an online marketplace, it also provides support services to boat owners wishing to commercially register their underutilised boats for recreational use through ‘hire and drive’ registration. bookmyboat.com.au

KOMS ELECTRIC MOTOR LOCK

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Secure your Minn Kota electric motor and prevent it from theft with the high quality KOMS Electric Motor Lock from Kovix.

This lock features a plastic cap to provide maximum water and dust resistance, and a 5.5mm cylinder locking pin secures the quick release mounting base, shielding it from cutting and hammering. It has a stainless steel body for durability, and can also be used with the Kovix Hitch Pin. Kovix also makes locks for outboards, as well as a range of alarmed locks (trailers, cables, bolt locks and padlocks). For more information visit the Kovix Australia website.

Price: SRP: $34.95 www.kovixaustralia.com.au

EVOLUTION COASTAL 3 CLASSIC The Evolution 360 rod holder is the brainchild of angler Jim McQuade. One day he was bottom fishing in 70m of water with his rod in a plastic flush-mount rod holder, and the direction of the current created an awkward bend of the rod. The direction the line was running was also not ideal. Jim realised that a rotating rod holder would solve his problem, and the rest is history.

The first models released were the 30°, 15° and 0°, all rated to 60kg/135lb tackle. They cover most fishing needs for a regular straight stock rod and curve butt rod to allow finetuning of a position for trolling under outriggers or live bait and bottom fishing.

Now Evolution has added the Coastal Classic fixed rod holders to the range, with the same quality as the rotating models.

The footprint is the same, so you can easily change the configuration.

Evolution rod holders are installed the same way as any other flush-mount rod holder.

They’re made of marine-grade 316 stainless steel, and are backed by a 5-year warranty.

Price: SRP $107-$236 explodingfish.com.au

YELLOWFIN FHT 5800

PRODUCT GUIDE

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The new Yellowfin Plate Folding Hard Top is easy to fit in most garages, and comes in 5800, 6200 and 6500 versions.

The FHT can be changed on the fly. If unruly weather hits, put the clears up. When it’s sunny, put the top up. Lastly, fold the FHT and windscreen down and the highest point will be just 212cm.

The captain and navigator chairs are large, comfortable and placed on top of an aluminium tackle box storage, sealed storage box or esky. There is a wide walkthrough from the cockpit to the cabin, and the dash has plenty of space for controls and a fishfinder up to 16” fishfinder, which is large enough to see from anywhere in the cockpit.

Serious anglers will choose the Platinum Pack and fit their boats up with a berley bucket, transom cutting board, deck wash, cabin cushions and more.

The durable Offshore HD hull delivers a soft, stable and dry ride. The 5800, 6200 and 6500 FHT have fuel capacities of 190L, 240L and 260L respectively, and a maximum hp of 140, 175 and 200 respectively. www.yellowfinplateboats.com.au

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244CM GLOMEX VHF 5 ANTENNA The RA1225HP 244cm Classic HighPerformance VHF Antenna from Glomex Marine Antennas features innovative engineering and robust construction that provide years of trouble-free service. It’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

With a frequency range of 156/162 MHz, the RA1225HP collinear-phased antenna has a gain average of 6dB, maximum input power of 100W and 50 ohms impedance. Vertically polarized to minimize signal reflection on the water, it’s ideal for inland, coastal and offshore vessels.

The internal elements are made of spiral copper wires inserted into brass radiator tubes. This is what provides its superior range, clarity and power to enhance the radio’s overall performance.

Weighing only 742g, the double-thick fibreglass tube has a smooth polyurethane finish with five layers of anti-yellowing paint.

The 25mm ferrule on the RA1225HP is cast 316 stainless steel with an integrated feedthru. It comes with 6m of RG-8X low loss, twin screen coax cable with a pre-wired FME connector and PL-259 adapter for simple connection. www.glomex.it

NAVIONICS SONARCHART

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Navionics Australia has announced that all Platinum+ Australian Charts now include SonarChart Shading.

SonarChart shading is included across the Platinum+ XL and XL3 chart range, and enhances the satellite overlay layer with new shading created by high definition contour data. The new feature displays seafloor structures in varying shades of blue, making ideal fishing locations visible at a glance.

Users can now clearly see channels, dropoffs and other underwater structures over a wide area, while using the chart on a broad selection of compatible plotters.

Platinum+ charts also incorporate many other exclusive features for greater situational awareness, including panoramic photos of marinas and ports, 3D view and satellite overlay layer.

For more information on Sonar Chart Shading visit the Navionics Australia website. www.navionics.com.au

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

SCAN THE QR CODE!

OCTOBER 2019

93

Bar Crusher 535C with Suzuki 90hp 4 stroke

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more of a task than a chore.

Featuring a large cockpit and available fishing space for the size of the boat, the gunwales are high enough to feel comfortable and the folding transom bench seat stows in seconds to create the

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Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

As Bar Crusher’s Matt Urzia explained, their 535C Cuddy Cabin boat is aimed squarely at the angler who wants to take their fishing to the next level of range and comfort. We’ve all done days in the small tinny and although you can sometimes get to where you want to fish, there are often only small windows when this is comfortable and safe.

“It’s all about better comfort, ride, stability and range,” Matt said at the Patterson River boat ramp on a picture perfect day on Port Phillip Bay. And although the 535C is on the smaller side of the Bar Crusher range, it lacks none of the features of its bigger brothers and sisters.

PERFORMANCE

Main: Bar Crusher’s Gen2 hull design features for’ard reverse chines.

You can see them here diverting water down and away from the hull.

Above: Powered by a Suzuki 90hp 4-stroke, the 535C Cuddy Cabin is a very efficient rig on the water. At optimum cruising efficiency it delivers over 3km/L, giving a theoretical range of over 300km. the hull lower in the water, which increases stability for the given beam.

When the boat moves, the water dumps out of the transom holes virtually

SPECIFICATIONS Hull.Length ..............................................5.35m Beam........................................................ 2.15m Bottom.sheet ............................................4mm Side.sheet..................................................3mm Fuel ............................................................ 100L Dry.tow.weight .......................................1150kg Min.hp ........................................................60hp Max.hp .....................................................100hp Trailer.height ........................................... 2.15m Capacity ............................................ 5 persons Starting with the Gen2 hull, the 535C features the reverse chines to turn away spray and their water ballast system. If you’re unfamiliar with Bar Crushers, it’s a chamber with several hundred litres volume that floods as the boat sits at rest. It drags 94

OCTOBER 2019

get 3.5km/L at 37km/h. With a 100L underfloor fuel tank, that gives a theoretical range of well over 300km for this rig – plenty for even the most ambitious angler.

The test boat was supplied

by Bar Crusher and as tested,

instantly. It’s a way that Bar Crusher deals with boating’s constant compromise of ride quality versus stability at rest.

Another point of interest with this rig for ex-tinny owners is the fact that these boats are designed to fold down to fit into standard garages. The

windscreen folds over and the targa top has hinges at the gunwale line (with the removal of a single pin) so this model can fit into a garage 2m high.

All Bar Crushers that I’ve tested from the factory have been supplied on Victorian made Easytow trailers. This 535C is cradled on a single axle trailer with skids and central rollers. The Easytow not only looks good, but because it’s designed exactly for that model of boat, you know that it’ll be fit for purpose.

In my experience, these Easytows coupled with the Bar Catch deployment system makes it really easy to spend minimal time on the ramp itself. And it’s always nice to be the fast guy at the ramp rather than the muppet undoing his tie down strap after reversing down the slope.

At 1,300kg dry towing weight, nearly all cars with a towbar can tow it.

From a practical point of

view this Crusher, like most of its ilk, are built for durability and ease of maintenance. The abundance of chequer plate flooring with minimal carpet and vinyl means that cleaning the rig at the end of the day is

RPM......Speed.(km/h). Economy.(km/L) 1000 ......................... 7 ....................... 6.7 2000 ....................... 11 ....................... 3.7 3000 ....................... 21 ....................... 3.0 4000 ....................... 37 ....................... 3.5 5000 ....................... 49 ....................... 2.7 6000 ....................... 60 ....................... 6.0 ideal area to seriously fish.

Performance wise, the test boat seemed to be propped for rough water handling rather than top end speed. Still, at 60km/h at wide open throttle, 6,000rpm was achieved at 1.8km/L economy. Drop the revs down to 4000 and you can

attracted a price tag of the mid-$50,000s. Packages start from mid-$40,000s.

For more information, visit your local Bar Crusher dealer or go to www.barcrusher.com. au. Make sure you like Bar Crusher Boats on Facebook for all of their latest updates.

The test rig was propped for hole shot and rough water rather than speed. As a result, it rocketed out of the hole.

The cabin in this Bar Crusher is definitely more spartan than luxurious.

That said, it’s super easy to maintain and does offer a place out of the weather to take a breather. It’s very open to the cockpit.

An underfloor kill tank is a near necessity in a fishing boat these days. This Bar Crusher’s sits in the rear middle of the cockpit floor.

The dashboard is small to facilitate easy access to the cuddy cabin and there’s still space to flush mount your sounder and see it from the cockpit.

The transom shelf keeps your batteries and switching off the floor and relatively dry.

Bar Crusher features a unique pod and duckboard design that sets the outboard back from the main hull while still maintaining flotation.

Once you’ve had a Bar Catch trailer, you’ll never want to own a rig without an autolatching and deployment system.

Every factory Bar Crusher I’ve tested has been supplied on a custom designed Easytow trailer. This single axle model, foldable windscreen and targa top means that this rig will fit into a 2m high garage if required.

The 535C features 16 degrees of transom deadrise. The water ballast system pulls the chines into the water at rest and makes the beam seem a lot wider when it comes to stability.

Top: We like Bar Crusher’s simplicity in design – the fewer moving parts and pumps the better.

This transom livewell gravity drains onto the duckboard via a series of overflow holes.

Above: Remove a single pin and the targa top can be folded over to get the boat into a garage.

Top: There’s a removable cutting board in the transom bait station and a few rod holders. Bar Crusher’s rigging stations are rarely complicated.

Above: The test boat was also fitted with a Stressfree anchor winch – a virtual necessity in Victoria!

Clever in-base tackle storage will tick a few boxes for organised anglers.

OCTOBER 2019

95

Clark 427 Fishmaster with 40hp Suzuki 4-stroke - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

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SPECIFICATIONS Length overall .. 4.33m Beam................. 1.95m Depth ................ 0.75m Hull weight ....... 282kg Min. hp ................ 30hp Max. hp ............... 40hp Bottom sheet ..... 3mm Side sheet........ 1.6mm Max. persons ........... 4 96

OCTOBER 2019

Main: The ride and handling of the Estuary Fish Master package was excellent. Very little trim was needed to get the most out of the boat and motor package.

Above: The stability at rest was incredible.

There was no visible lean or tilt with two anglers casting lures from it.

As long as the entire tackle store hasn’t come fishing with you, two to three anglers can comfortably cast lures from the Fishmaster. If bait fishing is your go-to, both seats swivel 360º and allow you to anchor up and fish.

RIDE AND HANDLING With 40hp being the maximum power rating for the Fishmaster, you would expect it to get up and going pretty well, which it certainly did. With myself, Simon from Boats & More and another team member on board, it got onto the plane quickly and was very easy to drive. Very little trim was required to get the maximum effort out of the hull and motor package.

It also manoeuvred around beautifully with its tiller steer.

What was impressive was its stability at rest. Simon and his staff member had a fish and at rest there was no

DE FOR EX

Queensland manufacturer Clark Boats have had popular boat tests in Fishing Monthly magazines for many years. Their range of entry level to premium sportfishing packages hits the mark with many of our readers.

We have examined a number of models over the years including the Kakadu series, Estuary series and most recently, the 520 Legend. All the tests have revolved around a similar theme: a package that is suitable to use on our inland waterways and estuaries, whether you like soaking a bait or casting lures.

We just tested the Clark 427 Estuary Fishmaster at Lake Nagambie and it definitely falls into this category as well.

TESTED AND FISHING READY In many cases when we go and do boat tests, it is with a base set-up that shows the

visible lean; it sat perfectly on its chines.

TOWING, LAUNCH AND RETRIEVE Your average family sedan would have no issues towing this Clark package. Boats & More matched a Dunbier single axle trailer with it.

Simon explained that people purchasing this style of boat tend to spend a bit of time on the road heading to their favourite destination.

It is very important to them that not only does the trailer make towing easy, but also ensuring launching and retrieving is simply and can be done by one person if necessary.

That was definitely the case with the tested package.

FINAL THOUGHTS What you want from a package like the Clark 427 Estuary Fishmaster is

CO

pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

features of the package and the potential options it has. On this occasion, the team from Boats & More in Shepparton and Echuca had set the boat up to use in an upcoming tournament.

With a lure casting focus, they added a MotorGuide bow mount electric motor, dual sounders (a Elite 4 Lowrance at the bow with its transducer mounted on the electric and a Lowrance 5” sounder mounted near the skipper’s seat) to the package.

In addition, they included full internal and external paint and a Suzuki 40hp 4-stroke motor (maximum horsepower).

At the time of testing a base package would have been with a 30hp 2-stroke, but with emissions laws now in place a base package would be a 30hp 4-stroke.

FISHING SPACE In many ways, fishing space relates to deck space and the 427 has a good-sized forward casting deck and enough space around the seats to not feel cramped. The tiller steer configuration assists with freeing up some space, however it is the underfloor storage that allows you to keep this space open.

There is reasonable storage under the front casting deck (wet storage) and a couple of side pockets for anything you need to get your hands on quickly. The front deck also incorporates a plumbed live well that could double as storage if not in use.

R

Peter Jung

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FMG

something that gives you the ability to fish in places like the Murray River, Lake Eildon, where we tested at Nagambie or on the waterways and estuary systems that dot the coastline. You want to be able to fish with your mates, your family or by yourself. You want the power to get from A to B, but also the stealth to quietly go about your business.

Last but not least, you want to it to be affordable.

The tested package met all of these requirements. The tested price was a little over $28,000, however a blank canvas started at $18,000 with a 30hp 4-stroke outboard.

If this is the type of boat you are looking for, contact the team at Boats & More on 03 5822 2108 or check out the range of Clark boats on their website www. boatsandmore.com.au.

The Clark 427 Estuary Fish Master waiting for the team to go and cast a few lures around at Lake Nagambie.

Left: The Suzuki 40hp 4-stroke was perfectly matched to the Fishmaster. It provided power to burn with maximum economy via its Lean Burn systems.

Right: The Lowrance sounder mounted at the bow of the boat allows you to understand what is underneath you while you are fishing.

Launching and retrieving is simple and can be done on your own if required.

There is enough storage via the side pockets and under the front casting to keep your fishing space clear of obstacles.

The hull has a shallow draft, which is ideal for calmer water conditions.

The seating in the package is plush and swivels 360ยบ so you can soak a bait in comfort.

The Dunbier single-axle trailer ensures easy towing and was perfectly matched to the package.

The MotorGuide bow mount electric motor ensured that casting lures to and around structure was a breeze.

There is plenty of space for two anglers to cast from the front deck of the Fishmaster.

A plumbed live well comes standard with the package. It allows you to keep your catch alive or gives you some extra storage space if not in use.

Boating is stress free in the Clark 427 Estuary Fishmaster.

OCTOBER 2019

97

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.

98

OCTOBER 2019

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