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Plan Your Attack! Key Tactics For Reds, Jewies & Kingfish
HOW TO
ROCK FISHING
Learn A Classic Knot Trap Tasty Lobbies Make Fish Bite
Offshore Gummies
Head Wide For ‘Angry Sharks’
Breakwall Bream Stud Fish At Your Feet!
Old School Blackfish Techniques
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Loaded with features the 2015 Hobie速 Outback is kitted out with the comfortable Vantage CT seat, it has increased stability and is loaded with thoughtful features such as molded-in rod holders, generous below deck Keep scrolling to see exclusive iPad storage options, and the smooth Twist only extra pics and Stow rudder. The versatile Outback is ready for next outdoor adventure. Keepyour scrolling to see exclusive iPad only extra pics
The MirageDrive速 has revolutionised kayak angling by allowing you to fish as you pedal the kayak with your feet. Now with Glide Technology, resistance is further reduced, giving you more power per stroke for a smoother, more efficient ride than ever before. Find out more at hobiecat.com.au/outback
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CONTENTS fishingworld.com.au SEPTEMBER 2015
➤
14
The gun anglers who consistently catch quality fish share a common trait of fully understanding their chosen quarry. That means being in tune with what the fish eat, where they live and the environmental conditions they prefer. Once you get to “know your fish”, unlocking the secrets to catching them becomes much easier. Find out more about three key offshore species in David Green’s cover story on page 14.
Contents
REGULARS 13 EDITORIAL 20 NEWS 36 NEW PRODUCTS 52 DAVID GREEN 54 ROD BUILDERS 56 KNOTS & RIGS 70 Q&A 72 SHIMANO JUNIORS 80 THE FISHING SCHOOL 82 BOAT FISHING 90 DAVE RAE
COVER STORY
14 KNOW YOUR FISH!
46 OFFSHORE GUMMIES
BY DAVID GREEN
BY JACK MONKIEWICZ
Spending the time to research and study the habits, life cycle and habitat preferences of key species you like to target can make a huge difference to your success out on the water.
Most anglers from the northern half of the country just don’t understand the obsession southerners have with gummy sharks. This article helps put the sportfishing appeal of gummies into perspective.
ROCK FISHING
28 BREAKWALL BREAM BY SHANE CHALKER
Fisho staff photographer Shane Chalker has targeted bream from his local breakwall at Forster Tuncurry for close to 20 years. In the process he’s discovered a couple of near fool proof methods to get some bent rod action.
58 RETURN TO THE ROCKS BY GREG FINNEY COVER: Quality kings like this 20kg model displayed by keen angler Tim Staunton are on the cards when you refine your understanding and knowledge of these great sportfish. See David Green’s “Know Your Fish” article on page 14. IMAGE: BRENT HARDING.
SPECIES GUIDE
After 40 years spent trying to reinvent the wheel, Finney discovers the traditional float fishing gear he used when he first started fishing still produces the goods when targeting blackfish off the rocks.
36
SPORTFISHING
64 GO LIGHT, GET THE BITE! BY LUKE GALEA
If you want to catch more fish, then you should consider downsizing your tackle, lines and leaders. The positives far outweigh the negatives!
74
CRUSTACEANS
74 TRAPPING LOBBIES! BY DAVE RAE
Lobster meat does for the Rae Man what a meal of hobbit does for hungry orcs! Find out how to trap, prepare and cook eastern rock lobsters for yourself.
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 7
Focus your Passion
FORGET THE WORLD
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EDITORIAL
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FISHING WORLD is published by Yaffa Media Pty Ltd ABN 54 002 699 354 17-21 Bellevue Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9281 2333 Fax: (02) 9281 2750 All mail to: GPO Box 606 Sydney NSW 2001
Fishing World’s editorial policy is to include indicative retail prices with boat tests and product releases. These prices are sourced from the manufacturer, dealer or supplier. Fishing World does not accept responsibility if prices change before or after publication. ISSN 1320-2839
BY JIM HARNWELL
ONE of the more interesting aspects of editing a fishing magazine is the opportunity to meet and fish with anglers who are at the top of their game. Observing how talented anglers operate out on the water has helped make me a better fisho. It’s also made me realise that there are major differences between a journeyman angler like myself and those elite few who are true masters of the craft. Following are a few observations I’ve picked up over 20 years spent watching and learning from some of the very best anglers this country has produced.
Dedication
Without exception, all the top anglers I’ve fished with are hard-core fanatics. They start early and finish late, fishing hard the whole time. All opportunities to get a line in the water are fully exploited. They don’t give up – if one method isn’t working, they’ll try something else. Top-of-the-line anglers share a common personality trait in that they are relentless, committed and completely indefatigable. They are exhausting to fish with but you soon learn why persistence pays off. And even when they get zeros – as happens to all anglers, even the very best – not catching fish isn’t seen as failure – it’s a lesson learnt so that more fish can be caught the next time.
3/5/13 4:57 PM
Rigging experts
All the best anglers are rigging perfectionists. If a knot or rig isn’t perfect, it doesn’t go in the water. A common trait shared by leading anglers is that all the connections between angler and fish are managed as efficiently as possible. These finer points of detail are often the difference between a fish being landed and a fish being lost. It’s this attention to detail that separates average fishos from those who are truly exceptional.
3/5/13 4:57 PM
Technologically savvy
Top fishos use technology to their benefit. All the best anglers I know use their sounders and GPS units at the highest possible level. These guys have spent the time learning how to drive their electronics and they use these skills to find fish and fish-holding structure. GPS marks are carefully sorted, managed and backed up and sounders are constantly fine-tuned to get the best possible readings. Technology such as Google Earth and weather apps are used to assess locations and conditions before, during and after fishing.
3/5/13 4:57 PM
exception fully tuned into the natural world and have a deep understanding of the influences that environmental factors like weather, tides, moon phases and seasons have on fish. This inbuilt, almost visceral, insight into where fish will be at certain stages of the tide or moon phase only comes about by immersing yourself into the environment. Good anglers are often described as “being able to find fish in a bathtub”. If you ask them how they manage to find fish when no one else is getting a bite, they probably can’t really explain it. I’ve spent plenty of time observing how all this works and I believe it’s got to do with these guys being switched on to what’s going on around them. They’re tuned into signs that the rest of us see but don’t really take notice of. Birds, current breaks, baitfish, temp differences, thermoclines and any number of other signs are all pointers to fish activity. Being able to recognise and act on these sometimes subtle signs often plays a huge part in the difference between getting fish and not getting fish.
Humble
The vast majority of the really good anglers I know are far more interested in catching fish than they are in big noting themselves. Plenty of guys will strut around in the pub or local tackle shop and tell you how great they are, but more often than not the really good anglers are too busy fishing to be wasting their time gas bagging or trumpet blowing. The unassuming nature common to many top class anglers has, I believe, much to do with their understanding of their place in the natural order of things. It’s hard to get carried away with your own self-importance if you spend the bulk of your time on the ocean or fishing in wild and lonely places. Anyway, even the best anglers get outwitted by fish now and again. The knowledge that you’ve been dudded by a creature with the brain the size of a pea tends to bring you back to earth with a thud ...
Watch & learn
We all have at least one mate who has an uncanny ability to catch quality fish when the rest of us struggle to even get a bite. Watch and learn from what he or she does – you’ll almost certainly improve your own fishing as a result. See you on the water.
Tuned In
Many of the leading anglers I know have a background in surfing, skin diving, hunting and various other outdoors activities. They are without
Jim Harnwell Editor – Fishing World
3/5/13 4:57 PM
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 13
COVER STORY: OFFSHORE TACTICS
You can catch mulloway during daylight hours but most keen jewie hunters prefer to target these great fish at night. OPPOSITE PAGE: Quality kings like this brace of beauties are now available thanks to the banning of destructive commercial fishing methods, namely floating fish traps. But kings still need careful management if stocks are to continue to grow.
14 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Know Your
Fish!
Spending the time to research and study the habits, life cycle and habitat preferences of key species you like to target can make a huge difference to your success out on the water. DAVID GREEN reports.
F
ISHING is often at its toughest in the middle of winter. Cold water temperatures and windy weather can make it difficult to get a feed. In tough times it definitely pays to know the habits, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that relate to the common species you chase. The following is an overview of three popular offshore species. For every different species there are windows off opportunity, and other times where, despite all the effort you make, fish develop lock jaw. The message is that you need to know your fish, understand their habits and use this knowledge to improve your success. Catching mulloway on the offshore grounds in winter can be very productive, but they are a fish you need to specifically target. The following are all relevant to chasing these great fish. Strengths a. Mulloway are a very fast growing species. This means they are very active hunters, quite prolific breeders and don’t have time to accumulate much wisdom by the time they reach maturity at around two to three years of age. In southern Queensland a five-year-old mulloway is around 100 to 110cm in length; a bream of the same age is about 20-25cm. This means as a species mulloway are a very sustainable. The fact that they taste terrific and grow to a large size is a definite strength in my book. b. Mulloway have a very varied diet and feed on a wide range of baits. They are opportunistic feeders and at different times
IMAGE: BRENT HARDING.
Mulloway
of year follow the various food sources that are abundant at any given time. This means they are susceptible to a wide range of fishing methods. c. Mulloway, due to their opportunistic feeding habits, can be caught in a wide range of environments, from beaches to offshore reefs to most coastal estuaries throughout temperate and subtropical Australia. This gives anglers plenty of scope to chase these great fish. fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 15
COVER STORY: OFFSHORE TACTICS
wind blows from the west. I know if all three of these conditions are in play I’ve got an 80 per cent chance of putting a decent jewie in the fridge. Moon phases, water conditions and bait availability all play a big part, but if you have a good trip, pay careful attention to the conditions as they often repeat. Similarly, if you find good habitat with overhanging ledges, cracks and caves that provide shelter for mulloway in daylight hours, the spot will generally keep producing fish. b. Floods are another time of opportunity, and these opportunistic hunters use the dirty water to ambush their prey. Mulloway can be relatively easy to catch in daylight hours in periods of f lood run-off and are also very susceptible to hard-bodied lures at these times. Threats a. Mulloway populations can suffer if there’s excessive fishing pressure. The average size decreases and if a threat is prolonged and too many fish are caught in a specific area in a short time it can damage recruitment of smaller fish moving into the area. This is thought by some scientists to be due to a loss of “genetic memory” in a fish population. In simple terms, multiple generations of fish will live in the same spot and sustain it for many years. If you wipe out all the adult mulloway in a specific spot, you prevent these adults breeding effectively, and fewer juveniles have the “genetic memory” to move back to the reefs the adult fish spent most of their lives on. b. Another major threat to mulloway is the estuary prawn trawl fishery. In rivers such as the Clarence this takes a heavy toll on juvenile mulloway stocks. Bull sharks are a major predator of mulloway. In areas where fish are commonly caught by anglers, bull sharks tend to learn to follow boats and take a lot of hooked fish. In NSW stocking of major estuary systems with captive bred juveniles has been shown to have success.
Surprisingly enough, a mulloway of this size is probably not much more than five or six years of age.
Weaknesses a. Mulloway aren’t an easy target fish. While this may well be a strength on their part, as a fishing target species the difficulty of getting these fish “wired” can detract from their appeal. One of the major reasons that so many good anglers try and fail to catch these fish is that they spend most of their time fishing in daylight hours. While plenty of decent mulloway are caught in daylight hours, I think I’ve caught 10 times as many good ones fishing at night. c. While soft plastics catch quite a few mulloway, nothing beats a big flapping live bait. Catching a bait tank full of livies is part and parcel of reliable offshore jewie fishing, and this means you have to invest time on the bait reefs, carry a fully 16 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
circulating bait tank and plan your trip around catching bait prior to heading out. When catching live bait proves fruitless, it can wreck your trip. d. Mulloway are highly susceptible to barotrauma. Quite a lot of research has been done on their northern cousin, the black jew, and it shows the release mortality of the species when caught in deep water approaches 100 per cent. It is highly likely that mulloway have a high mortality when released. A better approach is to catch one or two for a feed and then fish for something else. Opportunities a. Once you lock into a pattern on mulloway it tends to be a repeatable event. I have a few offshore reefs that always fish well with a tide change an hour after dark when the
Snapper
Strengths a. Snapper fishing attracts a huge amount of interest in southern Australia. This is an entrenched fishery where many generations of Australian anglers have chased snapper both offshore and from the rocks. For this reason there is a good level of understanding throughout the fishing community as to the value of the snapper fishery, and they are a very popular eating fish. This popularity is both a strength and a weakness, but in general anglers understand the importance of size and bag limits and regulating this important fishery. b. Snapper are a challenging target, respond to a wide variety of methods and the fishing
F
or every different species there are windows off opportunity, and other times where, despite all the effort you make, fish develop lock jaw. The message is that you need to know your fish, understand their habits and use this knowledge to improve your success.� bag limits and increased size limits will hopefully arrest this decline. Opportunities a. Snapper tend to have a distinct season in most areas of southern Australia. This is generally related to the period prior to the spawning season. At this time of year they feed hard and tend to bite more freely. Early morning from first light to sunrise and later from low light to dark are prime snapper times. Snapper are opportunistic feeders and are highly susceptible to berley. A trail of chopped pilchard pieces, tuna frames or prawn shells will bring snapper to your baits from a considerable distance. b. A very important tactic I find useful when targeting snapper is to turn the sounder off once I’ve located the fish. Big snapper are cunning, shy fish and are extremely suspicious of sounder noise. While they are opportunistic feeders, you need to fish as light a line as possible and make your bait presentations perfect. c. After periods of rough weather or heavy rain and floods, snapper move inshore to feed on shellfish washed off rocks and bait in the river outflows. At home quite a few big snapper turn up in the Southport IMAGE: IAN OSTERLOH
methods used are in a constant state of evolution. Soft plastics, micro-jigging methods, octopus jigs and better marine electronics all lend themselves to new innovations that makes targeting snapper more fun. They are probably the most popular offshore species in the entire country. Weaknesses a. Unlike mulloway, snapper grow relatively slowly. A big snapper may be over 20 years old. This means populations in heavily fished areas can become increasingly vulnerable and it takes many years for stocks to be replenished. As populations of snapper decline in heavily fished areas, the remaining fish get harder and harder to catch. These wise old fish have seen a lot of baits and lures over the years. Over the past 25 years I have witnessed an enormous decline in the snapper population off the Gold Coast since the opening of the Gold Coast Seaway in 1987. It is important to note that nearly all of this decline is due to recreational angling effort. The fish traps, as are used in the commercial fishery of NSW to target snapper, are banned in Queensland. Over the past few decades catch rates on snapper off the Gold Coast have dropped. Restrictive
Broadwater after a flood. These type of events can be few and far between and the window where the fish bite may only be a few days, so make the most of dirty water snapper fishing opportunities. Threats a. As stated above, snapper fisheries are vulnerable due to the slow growing nature of the species and the angling pressure put on these fish. In NSW, commercial snapper trapping can take a big toll on populations of 30-50cm fish as well as smaller juveniles. Over many years this has greatly diminished the population to the point where in many ports snapper are no longer the target species. It is important that the inshore and offshore snapper fishery is extremely well regulated in all states due to the slow growth of this species.
TOP: Reds can be taken on a variety of baits and lures, with octa jigs, soft plastics and micro-jigs all working well. RIGHT: Not too many fish pull as hard as kingies. Even rats like this will give you a run for your money, especially on light tackle! fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 17
IMAGE: JIM HARNWELL.
COVER STORY: OFFSHORE TACTICS
K
ingies, when schooled up and feeding hard, can be almost suicidal at times ... They often seem to lose all caution. This is why bag and size limits are so important. Indiscriminate operators can catch a lot of fish fast.�
Kingfish
Strengths a. Kingies have had a major resurgence in their numbers since the banning of floating kingfish traps that decimated their populations in the late 1990s and beyond. Careful regulation of this fishery has seen increasing numbers in quite heavily fished areas, which says a lot for the resilience of these fantastic fish. They are one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean, are quite good eating when caught in southern waters and respond to a wide variety of fishing methods. They also grow to over 40 kilos which makes them a great challenge on any tackle. b. The popularity of this species is very important to the tackle trade. They eat a wide variety of lures, can be extremely
ABOVE: Snapper are universally popular along the southern Australian coastline. Midsized fish like this one caught by Dom Wiseman are great sport and fantastic eating. RIGHT: Jigging and livebaiting are gun techniques for kings, especially on the deeper offshore reefs. 18 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
challenging to catch in hard fished areas and can be caught in estuaries right out to deep water over the edge of the continental shelf. They grow relatively quickly. Weaknesses a. The vulnerability of the species was shown by the decimation by specific commercial fishing methods such as floating traps covered in shade cloth. The increased demand for kingfish as a table fish make them a high value commercial target. Years ago there was no demand for kingfish and they were lucky to get $2 per kilo in the markets. At the time this gave them relative protection. In more northern waters the flesh is often infected by a type of protozoan organism that makes it mushy and tasteless.
b. Kingies, when schooled up and feeding hard, can be almost suicidal at times. In a school when they have to compete for a bait or lure they often seem to lose all caution. This is why bag and size limits are so important. Indiscriminate operators can catch a lot of fish fast. Opportunities a. In winter the kingies are often big and fish of 15 to 20 kilos are relatively common on the wider reefs. Jigging metal lures is a fun way to fish and opens up plenty of opportunities to innovate. In deep water they are a very challenging fish on light tackle as they use any reef or structure to break the line. In periods of only slight current high pinnacles can produce great fishing on both live baits and jigs. b. The most effective way to catch really big kingies is with large live baits. Bonito, small tuna, big slimy mackerel or small salmon account for plenty of monsters each winter. Threats a. Sometimes a fish can just get too popular! Kingies need careful ongoing management, meaning that the commercial sector requires careful regulation due to an almost insatiable demand for kingfish sashimi. However, the resurgence after the kingfish trap disaster is encouraging. Also, there are significant opportunities to sustainably farm kingfish and further reduce impacts on wild stocks. Unlike mulloway and snapper, kingfish survive well when released after being caught in deep water.
Wrap Up
The above article focuses on only three species. It is important to develop a good knowledge of every fish you chase, and thinking about them in a business like way definitely helps me find more fish.
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Net-free campaign gains momentum ANGLERS in Queensland are renewing a push to hold the state Government to its pre-election promise of establishing three net-free zones. To achieve that goal the Queensland Recreational Fishing Network is now running a new campaign to support the implementation of the net-free areas, Nets Out Qld. The Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA) is also backing the push for the removal of nets from the Queensland zones. ANSA executive officer John Burgess said “While there may be some short-term readjustment in the commercial sector, this needs to be viewed in the longer term where the outcomes are all positive for Queensland communities and the Queensland economy. There is an Australia wide move to reallocate inshore finfish resources to the recreational sector as this provides the greatest economic and social return to local communities and will result in more resilient fish stocks”. Burgess commended Queensland Fisheries Minister for Bill Byrne on his work in taking this policy forward. More at fishingworld.com.au
BEST OF THE
WEB fishingworld.com.au Here’s a rundown of the 10 most popular stories recently posted on the Fisho site:
Mandatory lifejackets for rock fishers
➀ IS THIS A METRE FLATTIE?
➁ MONSTER COD FALLS FOR TROUT LURE
IMAGE: RFA OF NSW
location
➂ PB SNAPPER BEATS 40-YEAR-OLD RECORD
➃ FISHING JOURNEYS EPISODE 1
➄ FISHING JOURNEYS EPISODE 2
➅ REC FISHING LICENCE PROPOSED FOR QLD
➆ FOUR ESSENTIAL FISHING KNOTS
➇ FISHING JOURNEYS EPISODE 3
➈ VIDEO: THE EUCUMBENE RIVER
➉
20 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Australian Standards, and the legislation would be introduced with a dedicated education campaign. The Coroner’s findings outlined the consideration of “initiatives to facilitate the wearing of appropriate life jackets such as coupons or gift vouchers for free or subsidised life jackets or life jacket borrowing scheems for those engaged in rock fishing”. The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, the representative body for the state’s 1 million rec fishers, has welcomed Deputy State Coroner Forbes’ report and now awaits the NSW Government’s response. More at fishingworld.com.au
Anger over NT commercial fishing THE Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) has revealed 3/5/13 4:57 PM commercial fishermen are still operating inside newly implemented “Reef Fish Protection Areas”, despite government assurances all fishing in these areas would be banned. In a letter to NT Fisheries Minister Willem Westra Van Holthe, AFANT has highlighted its great displeasure at the development, stating “the vast majority of commercial fishermen are still allowed to fish and operate inside the newly implemented Reef Fish Protection Areas. This was despite (the NT the government’)s repeated assurances that all stakeholders – commercial, recreational, indigenous and tour fishing operators – were required to ‘share the pain’ and be excluded from fishing these areas to aid in the protection and recovery of at risk reef fish species”. Reef Fish Protection Areas were recently introduced in the Northern Territory to address dwindling stocks of popular target species including black jewfish and golden snapper. There are Reef Fish Protection Areas located near Bathurst Island, Melville Island, Charles Point Wide, Lorna Shoal and Moyle/Port Keats. IMAGE: SCOTT THOMAS
FISHO WRITER’S TOP 5 PHOTOS
THE NSW Deputy Coroner has recommended the mandatory wearing of lifejackets by rock fishers in the state, following findings related to several recent rock fishing related drownings. In announcing the findings, Deputy State Coroner Forbes recommended the “introduction of legislation requiring the mandatory use of life jackets by those engaged in rock fishing”. The Coroner also stipulated any requirements for the wearing of lifejackets by rock fishers could be subject to a 12-month grace period. Lifejackets used for the purpose of rock fishing would have to comply with
re
n
Recreational Fishing Trust funding announced NSW Fisheries Minister Niall Blair has announced $13 million will be invested in 63 recreational fishing projects within the state over the next year. Projects will be funded from Albury to Grafton and in Sydney’s waterways – including nearly $1 million to fund a fifth artificial reef off the coast of NSW. Artificial reefs already constructed off Sydney and Shoalhaven Heads are proving to be very popular with recreational fishers. The Sydney reef has now matured into complex fish habitat for a wide range of bottomdwelling and oceanic fish species such as kingfish and snapper. The funding for the 63 projects has been provided from the Recreational Fishing Trust to a wide range of priorities including: artificial reefs and fish stocking; fishing workshops; Fishcare Volunteers and primary schools education; fishing platforms and fish cleaning tables; aquatic habitat rehabilitation projects to remove barriers to fish migration; and research on recreational fishing.
RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival on again in 2015 THE RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival is set to continue its global tour beginning August 24 in Australia. The travelling festival serves as a stage for the best filmmakers in the fly fishing industry and allows the fishing community to share their passion for the sport by attending film screenings across the country. Now in its 10th year, RISE is celebrating a decade of bringing the best fishing entertainment to cinemas around the world. Australian audiences can this year look forward to stunning footage from Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and the USA presented in high definition on the big screen. Gin-Clear Media’s Backcountry – South Island is the feature film of the 2015 festival. The sequel film to the highly acclaimed Backcountry – North Island, the film once again explores the stunning fishing opportunities in the New Zealand backcountry. Presented by Gin-Clear Media, RISE will screen across Australia, including Brisbane, Central Coast, Sydney, Bowral, Canberra, Albury, Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Hobart, Burnie, Launceston, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. For screening dates visit www.gin-clear.com.
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FISHING NEWS
FISHINGWORLD.COM.AU
➀ ENVIRO NEWS: SUSTAINABLY SHIPSHAPE?
BY JOHN NEWBERY
AFMA is doing its best in the face of concerted anti-small pelagic fishery campaigning and there is some optimistic news from them on stock rebuilding and subsequent catch quota increases for trawl species, with, of course, sustainability assurances. Oh, but the company they have to keep, and keep on side. Pollies who think open cut coal mines and coal fired power stations are more attractive than...
➁ FISH FACTS:
PEACOCK BASS
Recfishwest backs park plan WA’S rec fishing representative body Recfishwest has said the release of the new Roebuck Bay Marine Park Indicative Management Plan provides a win for both conservation and the community, especially as it celebrates the role rec fishing plays in the Kimberley. Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said the new marine park demonstrates that recreational fishing is compatible with marine conservation. “We are pleased to see management activities focused on conserving the values that underpin good quality fishing experiences and where shared access can be enjoyed by all,” Dr Rowland said. “We’ve already seen important conservation activities in the Kimberley, namely the stocking of the iconic barramundi, where recreational fishers are giving back to help maintain a sustainable fishery.” The new management plan is also important in fulfilling the cultural aspirations of the Yawuru people who will play a significant role in the planned joint management arrangements of this park. “This type of management will bring the community closer together as it provides opportunities to share cultures around fishing.”
IMAGE: RECFISHWEST
ONLINE THIS MONTH
Shimano unveils new Aussie HQ TACKLE giant Shimano has officially opened its massive new Australian HQ in southern Sydney. Fisho recently attended an opening ceremony in Caringbah which showcased a state-of-the-art automated warehouse system plus detailed the merger between the Japanese company’s local fishing and bicycling operations. A gigantic warehouse housing the full range of Shimano fishing tackle and bicycling parts features a logistics and supply system designed by Dematic, a Luxembourg-based material handling and
logistics automation company. Shimano is one of only five Australian companies to use this high-tech automated system, which allows products to be sorted, packed and distributed to retailers quickly and efficiently. Fisho also got a guided tour through Shimano’s product information facility where the latest gear – both fishing and bicycling – is on display. Ipads linked to big screens allow guests to the Shimano offices to browse through websites and videos detailing product info.
FOR sportfishers everywhere, and freshwater addicts in particular, peacock bass are one of those “bucket list” species that keen anglers dream of. This group of tropical South American freshwater fishes are actually not bass at all, but are instead members of the Family Cichlidae. However, unlike the thousands of species of their close relatives the cichlids, angelfish, oscars, discus and tilapias of aquarium fame, peacock bass are desirable sportfish for several reasons. Peacock bass are the largest of the cichlids...
22 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
3/5/13 4:57 PM
IMAGE: W WW.MONDEPHOTO.COM.AU
BY BEN DIGGLES
FISHING NEWS
ARFF puts pressure on Colbeck
THE Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) has written to federal fisheries minister Senator Richard Colbeck in a bid to resolve ongoing concerns over super trawlers. In its letter ARFF sets out what it wants to achieve for Australia’s rec fishers in relation to the super trawler issue. The ARFF has resorted to writing directly to Senator Colbeck following the breakdown of talks between the national rec fishing representative body and the Small Pelagic Fishery Industry Association (SPFIA). Fisho previously reported talks between the groups came to a halt after the SPFIA provided what rec fishing leaders say is an “unacceptable” response to angler concerns. In its letter, ARFF states: “Since ceasing the talks with SPFIA the ARFF has been re-assessing its approach to the issue of commercial fishing on the small pelagic fishery including the operation of the Geelong Star. While it might be attractive to some to just outline the terms and conditions ARFF members might want in order to re-engage in the discussions, we are no longer convinced that we should be dealing with the Geelong Star group outside a formal government (AFMA/ Department of Agriculture) process as other stakeholders in this fishery are involved”. More at fishingworld.com.au 24 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
SNIPPETS
➀ DOWNLOAD FISHING APPS! WA Fisheries has released a “Saltwater Tales” app, aimed to showcase the Kimberly’s unique marine wilderness environment. It’s available for free download from iTunes or Google. And the NT Government has released its “NT Fishing Mate” app, which offers a quick one stop guide to the Territory’s new fishing rules,
Have your say on Hawkesbury Shelf The NSW Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) is investigating options for better, more integrated management of the Hawkesbury Shelf Bioregion as part of the development of its 10 year Marine Estate Management Strategy. The Hawkesbury Bioregion contains around a dozen disparate aquatic reserve-style protected areas, with a confusing array of regulations covering permitted activities in each. The 2013 NSW Marine Parks audit
identified the region as a “gap” in the overall state strategy. MEMA held a number of workshops with stakeholders in June to identify the benefits provided by this part of the marine environment and threats to its continued or improved health. More to follow, with interested individuals being able to have a say via MEMA’s web portal. See www.marine.nsw.gov.au for more information.
By John Newbery
Sydney Harbour hosts SBS including reductions in general personal possession limits (30 to 15 fish), the bag limit for golden snapper (5 to 3) and introduction maximum size limits of 90cm for barra and threadies in the Daly and Mary fish management zones. It’s available for free download on all iPhone and Android smartphones. By John Newbery
ROUND 6 of the Southern Bream Series (SBS) run by the Basin Lure and Fly Anglers Inc was recently held on Sydney Harbour. The event saw the biggest turnout for the series with 67 boating teams and 41 kayak anglers entered. While the Harbour turned on a great day with lovely weather, not a lot of fish were caught by entrants. Only 26 boating teams and six kayakers managed to present a full bag of fish at the weigh-in. The final winner in the Boating section was Team 13 Fishing2, with Michael Colotouros and Paul Mazarolli taking a 5/5 bag total of 3.340kg. Second went to Team Stealth Blades of Peter Cook and Phil Cook with a 5/5 3.220kg bag; third was Team Reel RC’s Andy Heskett and Gary Thompson with a 5/5 3.100kg bag; fourth was Team Skeeter/Bass Boat Shop’s Matthew Webb and Josh Batterson with a 5/5 3.070kg
bag; fifth was Team ABU Garcia/ Evinrude Australia’s Alan Loftus and Ross Cannizzaro with a 5/5 3.060kg bag. In the boating section there were a total of 188 fish caught for a combined weight of 93.350kg for 134 anglers. The Austackle Big Bream prize was a tie between Andy Heskett and Phil Cook who both presented great fish weighing 1.370kg.
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o Pad
FISHING NEWS
Europe’s fish stocks facing tough times WHILE stocks of commercially important fish in the North East Atlantic and the North and Baltic Seas are reported by the European Commission to be improving, with 50 per cent of fisheries assessed as being at sustainable levels in 2014 as compared to 14 per cent in 2009, there is still concern being expressed by Scottish researchers over ditching large numbers of over quota or undersized unwanted fish. Things are not that good in the Mediterranean, with 93 per cent of assessed stocks not being sustainably fished, and in the Black Sea, with 86 per cent of assessed stocks overfished. Not good ...
SNIPPETS
➁ GIPPSLAND COMMERCIAL LICENCE BUYBACKS URGED ANGLERS have requested the Victorian Government buy out commercial licences from operators in the state’s Gippsland Lakes. There’s anecdotal evidence that recreational catches of Victoria’s dusky flathead and black bream are declining, and locals are concerned that netting of these species is still permitted in the lakes. The Victorian Government also already has plans to ban netting in both Corio and Port Phillip Bays as part of its plans to increase the numbers of recreational fishers in Victoria to one million by 2020. Promising times lay ahead for rec fishers down south. By John Newbery.
Fish stocks are under pressure in the northern hemisphere.
Feds slammed over axing of SPF advisors THE federal Government has been criticised for axing an advisory committee responsible for providing advice on the management of the Small Pelagic Fishery – the fishery the controversial freezer trawler Geelong Star operates in. The Small Pelagic Resource Assessment Group analysed fishing practices within a 200-mile band off the coasts of NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, SA and WA. The Australian reports former group member Jon Bryan has criticised its disbanding, particularly in light of recent controversy over the Geelong Star, which killed nine dolphins in Australian waters over a matter of weeks. “We believe that this is a critical time for this fishery and the worst time for a scientific advisory committee to be abolished,” Mr Bryan said. Federal Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said the “outrageous” move meant factory trawlers are “off the leash”. “The situation has reached a point so bizarrely at odds with the public interest that the community is questioning the
probity of some politicians and bureaucrats, and indeed fisheries management in Australia,”Mr Wilkie said. Senator Ricard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, has insisted that stakeholders will still get a say, despite the decision by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to close the group on June 30. “The terms of each of the members of that group came to an end last month and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is considering how to best obtain future scientific and economic advice about the SPF,” Senator Colbeck said. “It is important to ensure a high level of advice is provided to the AFMA Commission and I am confident that AFMA will ensure that this continues to occur. I understand the independent AFMA Commission is taking into consideration the matters raised by fishery stakeholders about SPFRAG before making any announcement on a future science advisory process.”
26 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 C14024 Spanyid.indd 1
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Shane takes up position on a likely rock and drifts a bait close in to the wall.
28 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Back To
Basics! Fisho photographer SHANE CHALKER has targeted bream from his local breakwall at Forster Tuncurry for close to 20 years. In the process he’s discovered a couple of near fool proof methods to get some bent rod action.
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 29
BREAKWALL BREAM
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’M guilty of loving all types of fishing. No matter if the fish are big or small, or if I’m targeting them from boats, rocks or beaches, I enjoy it all. Having a breakwall not five minutes’ drive from home has provided easy access to some great fishing over the years. Although it’s not rocket science, the way I approach a session to catch some breambos off the wall might provide you with handy tips or at least food for thought in your local waters. I can remember going through a phase of addiction where I’d find myself zipping down to the stones at every chance, even between jobs for an hour to have a quick throw. I’d take a single bag of whitebait (my favourite bait) which meant I only had limited fishing time and thus wouldn’t run late to get to my other commitments. My mate Paul Hartman and I would often have competitions that would end with scores like 18 to 15 in a session that would only went for two hours. One particular day I climbed down to the water’s edge to a spot where I’d been doing pretty well. Everything looked
30 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
awesome: dirty water, run-out tide, baitfish nervously jumping around. On my first cast I got a good bite but missed it. I then caught three bream in a row, all good fish and one still my biggest at an estimated 1.4kg. I was working as the photographer for the local paper at the time. While I was rebaiting, my phone rang. It was a mate saying, “Can you see the main street of Tuncurry? It looks like the whole thing is on fire. There must have been an explosion or something”. I had my camera in the car and thought I’d better take a look. I climbed up the breakwall – it looked like doomsday over towards town. A huge plume of black smoke was coming up not a kilometre from where I was. “Damm,” I thought as I hurried down to collect my gear. I glanced into the water. Jeeez, it looked good. “Why not," I said to myself and and quickly baited up for one more throw. The fire was a massive news story but the fishing was just too good to leave. I ended up getting busted off by what felt like another great fish before heading off to get the shots!
Breakwalls create ideal habitat for bream, as well as a host of other estuary/inshore species. The key is to fish close to the rocks because that’s where the fish are! INSET OPPOSITE: You can see from this image just how tight the bream hold to structure next to the breakwall. This is where you want your bait, not out in the channel.
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 31
BREAKWALL BREAM
T
he next secret is to fish with minimal weight ... The small sinkers allow the bait a natural drift. More often than not, you’ll get a bite while your bait is sinking, usually well before it gets to the bottom.”
Keep it basic
Breaming off the breakwall requires only very basic kit. It’s this aspect of the fishery that makes it a great option for a quick fishing fix. All you need are three or four different size ball sinkers, starting from a 000, 00 and 0 (which is the size of a pea). When it comes to hooks, I prefer a bronze Mustad Viking pattern in sizes 1, 1/0 and 2/0. The assorted hooks and sinkers all fit into a small tackle box that can be carried in your pocket. I fish with 12lb mono on a 2500 size reel (10lb braid with a 12lb leader is fine) and a 3-4kg rod around seven feet long, which helps me steer the fish away from snags. A pair of pliers, a knife and a shoulder carry bag are about the only other things you really need.
Rigs
This is another great part of this style of fishing. I use the most basic rig possible: a small sinker which I loop my line through twice with a hook tied at the end. Once I’ve put the bait on, I slide the sinker down to the top of the hook and it’s done. It’s handy to have a simple rig because of the high number of snags you get.
Secrets
Let’s get this straight out of the way. Although many anglers out there already know what I’m about to say, I see far too many people fishing breakwalls and similar areas unproductively. Time after time I see people casting way out into the channel and winding their untouched baits back in. Fact is, there’s nothing out there. The fish are in close. Some of my casts are lucky to hit the water 10 feet from where I’m standing. The fish are in the structure that you’re standing on. This means snags and lost gear are part and parcel of this style of fishing. However, you will definitely catch more fish so the loss of a few sinkers and hooks tends to balance out. The next secret is to fish with minimal weight, which is why I use the 000, 00 and 0 sized ball sinkers. The small sinkers allow the bait a natural drift. More often than not, you’ll get a bite while your bait is sinking, usually well before it gets to the bottom. A shoulder bag, some bait, a 3-4kg spin outfit and a small box of hooks and sinkers is all you need for breakwall breaming. RIGHT: Shane likes whitebait rigged like this for bream. OPPOSITE: Chalks with a solid breambo. It’s basic fishing but extremely effective!
32 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Baits
My personal favourite is whole whitebait. I’ll often look through the freezer at the local tackle store and hand choose my packet. I’m looking for a pack with good sized fish and the least amount of damage or freezer burn. As with most types of fishing, bait presentation can mean the difference between a good session and a great one. I’ll occasionally take a slab of mullet when the pickers are thick. At low tide there’s an abundance of cunjevoi readily available. Remember to abide by state Fisheries regulations when collecting cunji for bait.
The fishing
I employ two different methods when fishing my local breakwall for bream. In many ways, they contradict each other but they seem to work regardless. The first method involves moving along the wall searching out the fish. Minimal gear means you can scurry along the water line, much like one of the scavenging crabs common in these areas. The most important item here is your shoulder bag which carries bait, a small tackle
box and provides a place to carry any fish you may wish to keep. A lot of fishos carry a bucket but a shoulder bag is much easier as it allows you to use both hands for balance while traversing the jumbled rocks. I usually have 3-4 casts in one area before moving onto the next good looking platform, which might only be a few metres away. Constantly moving provides access to numbers of fish, but if you want bigger bream staying put is often the way to go. Most times when you set up at a good looking spot, the fish eventually show up. The baits that fall off your hook and the pickers that rat your baits catch the attention of bream in the area. Curiosity usually gets the better of them and they come in for a look. I believe focusing your efforts in a single location is best for targeting bigger fish. A downside is that pickers can make it hard to get the lightly weighted baits down to the bream. I strongly believe that in places that are fished consistently pickers such as toads can see you above the water and congregate where you’re fishing, hoping for an easy feed. In this case, larger sinkers and tougher baits such as mullet strips can prove to be effective.
B
reaming off the breakwall only requires very basic kit. It’s this aspect of the fishery that makes it a great option for a quick fishing fix.” Picking a spot
I am a keen diver and use this to my advantage when it comes to choosing where to fish from my local breakwall. I dive often and keep an eye on the ever changing bottom of the channel. Huge rocks move all the time in mysterious ways, it’s an unbelievable display of the ocean’s power that largely goes unseen. I’ll find where the fish are schooling up and look up at the breakwall and count the light poles back from the end, giving me a great place to start my session. If you don’t fancy getting wet, look for places where a rock is out further then the rest and creates an eddy or current break. Cast your bait fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 33
BREAKWALL BREAM
up current and let it drift into the area you think might hold fish. I prefer to fish the run-out tide when the water is a little discoloured but have had great success in clear water with strong run-in tides. This means the fishery is accessible virtually all day and night. I’ve also had fish year round, although there’s definitely a run of higher quality fish around May through to July.
Hooked up
If you follow these few tips I’m pretty sure it won’t be too long until you find yourself hooked up off your local breakwall. The fight, although short, can be intense as the bream heads for cover. You will almost certainly get
reefed at some stage or another. To avoid this, attempt to steer the fish away from obstacles and always check your line for frayed weak areas if the fish took you through the rocks. This style of fishing opens up a great range of bycatch species. As well as common species such as flathead, salmon, tailor and small jewfish, I have hooked many fish that I never stopped and others that won their freedom after long fights. So don’t write off this basic, cheap and easy way of fishing – it can provide you with many memorable moments to look back on.
The lure option
While the basis of this article is on cheap, easy fishing used pre-packaged bait and very simple terminals, there are various lure options to investigate as well. At its core, lure fishing using soft plastics is almost as basic as bait fishing – instead of using a hook and sinker, you employ a lightly weighted jighead. And the whole whitebait is replaced with a 2-3 inch plastic in either a baitfish profile or grub/curl tail minnow pattern. The use of hidden weight or weedless style jigheads will help reduce snags and you’re probably better off using 4-6lb braid as mainline with a trace of 6lb fluourocarbon. A seven foot rod rated at 1-3 kilos with a 1500 size threadline will provide
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: It doesn’t get much cheaper or easier than this; Young Curtis Chalker is following in his old man’s footsteps and catching some top bream off his local breakwall; This split image again shows the importance of drifting your bait close in along the rocks.
34 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
you with plenty of fun on the hard-fighting bream. The basic technique is exactly the same as using bait. You cast the plastic up along the rocks and drift it back along with the tide. Depending on what style of plastic you use, you can augment the drift with small twitches or just let it dead drift. A curl tail pattern like the popular Berkley Jigging Minnow is very effective dead drifted along the edge of breakwalls and reefs, catching bream as well as drummer and blackfish. The Gulp scent these lures are impregnated with definitely increases the strike rate. Non-scented lures such as the Squidgy range (the Wrigglers and Lobbies are outstanding) or various other brands can be daubed with S-Factor in order to attract bites. Whether you use bait or lures, the fact remains that this is simple but very effective fishing. So what are you waiting for?
WE’VE SHOT CONVENTIONAL THINKING
FULL OF HOLES.
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Welcome to Generation Exo.location Where finesse meets firepower. Where an exoskeletal aluminium frame sheds excess weight without sacrificing strength. Where a mere 196 grams adds up to a colossal advantage on the water. Learn more about Exo PT ™ at www.quantumfishing.com.au.
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Fisho highlights the latest tackle, gear and accessories.
SURECATCH SOLID RINGS
W
ITH the increased popularity of micro jigging resulting in many anglers rigging their own jigs, SureCatch has released two smaller sized solid, exceptionally tough stainless steel rings. Now available in sizes 4 (36kg) and 5 (68kg), SureCatch Stainless Steel Solid Rings complement the existing range of sizes 6, 7 and 8, giving anglers the full breaking strain options from 204kg down to 36kg. Forged for extra strength and built with a seamless ring, the SureCatch Stainless Steel Solid Rings will allow you to rig your jigs and know you have the strength behind you when the going gets tough on oversized fish. More info: wilsonfishing.com.au
LIVE TARGET HYBRID SHRIMP
T
HE latest addition to the Shrimp lure family from Live Target is the Hybrid Shrimp. This bait earned its name by merging a hard lure with soft lure attributes built into a single design. The Hybrid Shrimp generates additional swimming action through the soft legs that wiggle and vibrate on the retrieve. Ideally used with a super slow retrieve and a horizontal lift and fall pattern, this bait will become a go to lure for all estuary species. It comes fitted with quality Owner hooks, internal rattle, holographic foil and a lifelike profile. Available in: 90mm 3/8oz slow sinking and 100mm 1/2oz slow sinking. RRP from $28. More info: ejtodd.com.au
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RIDGELINE HAS YOU COVERED
I
F you’re after some practical and hard wearing fishing pants, Ridgeline’s high quality Dargo Pants are well worth a look. Now available in Buffalo camo colour, Ridgeline Dargo Pants feature wind and waterproofness and the added feature of being able to adjust leg length to suit the wearer with a simple zip system creating its own hem. In renowned Ridgeline QuietTex material these pants are 100 per cent waterproof and windproof. RRP: $174.95. Perfect for travel, Ridgeline’s new lightweight Packaway Jacket won’t let you down when you need a quick waterproof solution all year round. The Packaway takes minimal space in your pack and is 100 per cent waterproof. Features include two side pockets, hard wearing zipper, generous sized hood and carry bag included. RRP: $59.95. More info: www.ridgelineclothing.com.au
BAG A GREAT NIGHT’S SLEEP
A
FTER extensive research and development, ARB says it has designed a sleeping bag with features that set it apart from the competition. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use during the colder seasons, the ARB sleeping bag was designed with warmth, comfort and durability in mind. Manufactured with anti-bacterial and fire-retardant treatments, the ARB sleeping bag is also machine washable. Weighing as little as 2.9kg, the sleeping bag is compact, lightweight and will even retain its ability to insulate when damp or wet. Perfect for adult 4WDers of all shapes and sizes, the sleeping bag boasts the luxurious size of a king single (200cm x 100cm x 100cm) offering plenty of room to move, keeping you warm and rested-up during your adventure. Manufactured from the highest quality materials, ARB has ensured its sleeping bag will be your best friend on a cold and dreary night. To ensure its comfort rating of -5°C, the sleeping bag is filled with high quality invista Dupont Thermolite Quallo 7 hole fill. Holding all of this together is a 100 per cent cotton brushed flannelette inner lining, treated with sanitised anti-bacterial treatment for maximum hygiene protection and longevity. More info: www.arb.com.au
FLY RIG HOLDER
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HE Smith Creek Rig Keeper is a simple but cleverly designed rig system that allows fly fishers to carry a number of pre-rigged leader set-ups. The Rig Keeper body is comprised of a piece of 5mm dense foam measuring about 110mm x 50mm which has eight “V” notches indented along its two narrow edges, into and around which the leader rig is wound. While the Rig Keeper has a wire loop for external attachment, the ribbing feature allows it to be stowed safely inside a pocket. All components are made from UV resistant materials. The Rig Keeper can hold eight pre-rigged leaders and several flies which, on its own, would be enough for a day’s worth fishing for most fly fishers. It weighs a mere 25-grams “empty”. More info: www.mayflytackle.com.au
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 37
NEW PRODUCTS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
SHADOW RAP
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HE “dying minnow action” of the new Shadow Rap Series complements Rapala’s already extensive offering of hard baits that feature the legendary, original “wounded minnow” and “escaping minnow” actions. Unlike other hard baits, the Shadow Rap kicks almost 180 degrees during the twitch on a semi-slack line, darting off to the side and turning back to look at its adversary with a dying quiver. With death only a moment away, the Shadow Rap is sure to trigger a reaction bite from the likes of big estuary flathead, mangrove jack or even an impoundment barra. Featuring internal metallic plating, a natural scale pattern and a flat sided 11cm minnow profile that is finished in a range of colours designed to mimic bony bream, mullet and herring – the Shadow Rap is the perfect snack. Available in both a shallow and deep model, the Shadow Rap comes fitted with premium VMC trebles. More info: www.rapala.com.au
TRIED & TRUE TORIUM
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ARB LAUNCHES SUMMIT
A
RB has announced the introduction of Summit, the next generation of vehicle protection systems for modern four-wheel-drive vehicles. Comprising a full range of protection systems, including front, rear and side protective options, ARB says the Summit system was developed and styled to provide a modern interpretation of the renowned ARB protection range. Building upon proven air bag compatible bull bar mounting architecture, the Summit bull bar is the first product in the new line and includes a host of design elements unique to the Summit range, as well as key design features renowned in ARB protection. Summit’s attention to detail continues throughout, with a patented side rail attachment system, which includes larger side rail tubing, along with an all new anodised aluminium tread plate. More info: www.arb.com.au
38 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
HIMANO’S Torium overhead is back and better than ever. The three all-new reels in the 2015 Torium lineup – the 16HGA, 20HGA and 30HGA – come equipped with Shimano’s legendary Cross Carbon star drag system, designed to provide 10 kilos of brute-stopping power. With a high gear ratio of 6.2:1 and a staggering 117cm of line recovered with every crank of the handle, high speed metals and jigs are going to fly through the water. At just over 500 grams in weight, the three reels feature a compact design with a low-slung gear housing, so they’re sufficiently light and ergonomically efficient for long casting sessions without fatigue. Additionally, three SA-RB bearings and one roller bearing make every cast accurate and as smooth as silk. Finally, given their rugged work environment, the inclusion of EI surface treatment on the aluminium frame and spool will ensure these Toriums continue to look the goods and perform for years to come. More info: www.shimanofish.com.au
Images for illustrative purpose only
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HE all new Samurai X-Tracta Light Jigging rods are lightweight, balanced and comfortable to use for hours on end. Built using class leading Fuji K Series SiC guides and Fuji components throughout, they are strong, tough and have been specifically designed after countless hours on the water. They exhibit a sweet tip return and bottom end power to allow your jig to fall seductively and bounce slowly right in the strike zone, while still allowing you to get the fish up. The blank is ultra thin yet strong, has a super smooth medium action and is available in four models ranging from a 40g right up to a heavy 120g model. As with all Samurai rods, the finish is exceptional with blue and gold highlights, sturdy and comfortable duralon grips and Fuji’s lock nut for added security. More info: www.frogleysoffshore.com.au
TESTED SHIMANO CURADO 200I
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FTER chatting to Shimano’s Joel Tegart about my fishing bucket list I asked him about an appropriate baitcaster reel to use in my quest for a barra. In a flash, Joel sang the praises of the Shimano Curado 200i. I’d already built myself a Sabre Nano barra rod, but it was short a reel, so the Curado 200i looked perfect. Sadly, my bucket list finance was getting drained and my barra trip up north was getting further away so I needed a “Plan B”. Fortunately, I can target jewfish – the “poor man’s barra” – locally with a baitcaster and hard-body lures. As Joel recommended, I purchased the 200i and was blown away when I opened the box – I was like a kid at Christmas time. It was so light in the hand and owing to a damaged wrist I had the option of getting a left-handed reel. It felt like a glove in my hand and I was champing at the bit to get some 20lb Power Pro Braid on it and put it to the test. For a reel straight out of the box and for a bloke who hadn’t used a baitcaster for many years I was amazed by the minimal amount of backlashes I got when casting. Mind you, I did set up the anti-backlash adjustment first and had a few dummy casts down at the local park. One thing that really caught my eye was the ease of access to the variable brake system. A simple slide of what I might call a small thumb lug, and presto, the whole brake system is exposed and easy to access. No more fiddly knobs or screws, just one slide and you’re into the whole box and dice of the variable braking system. Like I said before, for a bloke who hadn’t cast a baitcaster for some time I was amazed how easy it was to get back into the swing of things again. No jews unfortunately, but a few hook ups on salmon had the reel working within the first half hour of being on the rod. Another pleasant surprise was how smooth the drag was for a reel straight out of the box. Shimano has done its homework with the cross carbon drag washer. Eventually things came good and while not a stonker a nice 6kg jewie fell to one of my many casts in the Shoalhaven River. The Curado’s drag was smooth and at all times the reel let me feel like I was in control of the fish. Be it chasing the elusive barra, mangrove jack or cod, the Curado 200i is a reel worth looking at. It’s affordable and backed by Shimano’s 10 year warranty. RRP $239. More at www.shimanofish.com.au By Bob Russo
40 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
BALISTA CREATES FIRESTORM
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ALISTA says its Firestorm 120 Shallow features the maker’s LED technology that makes the lure dynamite when fishing dirty water. Balista says its LED technology is scientifically proven to increase strike rates; the light provokes both feeding and aggressive territorial responses from barra. The flashing red LED is water activated and turns off after removing from the water. You’ll get at least 120 hours of battery life, or about five years of use. The Firestorm is 120mm in length, dives to a metre and has a cracking swimming action. Strength is a must for barra, which is why this lure features upgraded wire, split rings and hooks. RRP $19.95. More info: www.balista.com.au
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NEW PRODUCTS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH CHALLENGER SPIN COMBO KIT THE Berkley Challenger spin combo kit is perfect for introducing anglers to soft plastics fishing. Pre-spooled with braid, the Challenger SP outfit features an IM6 graphite flick stick designed specifically for fishing soft plastics, matched with a 3 bearing spin reel and tackle kit full of soft plastic essentials. In the kit is a selection of Berkley PowerBait soft plastics, jig heads, leader material, and an instructional DVD featuring Adam “Mad Dog” Royter to get anglers on the right track from the get go. There are three Challenger outfits to choose from. RRP $149.95 For more information visit: www.berkley-fishing.com.au
MAGNUM SPIN REELS
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ILSON Fishing has developed its own spin reel, the Magnum SW, to perfectly match the brand’s Magnum series of rods. Magnum SW reels feature an aluminium body and rotor to ensure the components are able to operate in the harshest of conditions. The aluminium spool is fitted out with a high density woven carbon drag system that creates a tournament grade carbon drag. With 8 + 1 stainless steel bearing, you can be ensured of smooth operation for years and the anti-reverse bearing operates instantaneously. The handle is finished off with an ergonomic EVA knob design that is comfortable to use all day, finishing off this brilliant value for money reel. Four sizes are available ranging from 2000 through to 5000. More info: www.wilsonfishing.com.au
WIN PRIZES! As part of our New Product of the Month section, Berkley is offering a fantastic prize package. Simply email a photo of a fish you’ve caught on a Berkley Gulp! product (try and include pack in the photo) to “Berkley Gulp! Comp” at comps@fisho.com.au. Please include a few words to describe the capture and your full address and contact details and you’ll go into the draw to win this great prize pack which includes: • Powerbait large tackle bag c/w 3 large tackle trays • 6 x Dog lures, 8x Gulp soft plastics • Nitro Pro jigs • 2 x FireLine Tournament E xceed line • Value over $300!
Get your entries in now! THIS MONTH’S GULP WINNER Andrew Garner of Coffs Harbour caught this beaut snapper while fishing in the 2014 Dave Irvine Memorial Snapper Competition. The fish measured 752mm and took a 7-inch Gulp Shad in Pepper Prawn.
42 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
GEN 2 TONICS
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ONIC Polarised Eyewear has announced the release of Tonic Eyewear “Gen2” lens, claimed by the maker to be the thinnest polarised glass lens ever seen in Australia. The new lenses which are only 1.3mm thick and extremely light (50 per cent lighter than regular glass), reportedly deliver more clarity and performance than anything Tonic Eyewear has offered before. Tonic’s Gen 2 lens was specially developed by Tonic founder Doug Phillips, who says the product represents a remarkable leap forward in polarised optics. Tonic’s new 1.3mm Gen2 lens will be available in Photochromic Copper, new Photochromic Grey, Neon and three new Mirrors. Tonic is also releasing four new frames to coincide with its biggest expansion of styles since the brand began. All Tonic models incorporate the latest in Japanese optical technology. More info: www.toniceyewear.com.au.
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DESCRIPTION
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Venom 7' Spin 3-10lb 2pce
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Venom 6'6" Spin 20-40lb
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DESCRIPTION Venom Black Bass 2pce baitcaster 60lb Venom 6' Black Bass Spin 2pce 60lb Venom Deep Jig O/Head 150gm PE1-3 Venom Deep Jig O/Head 250gm PE2-5 Venom Deep Jig O/Head 350gm PE3-8 Venom Deep Jig O/Head 450gm PE5-10
Venom 7' Spin 10-20 lb 2pce
Venom 6'6" Overhead PE2-8 location RLFVCRS1 Venom 6'5" Crankbait Spin PE 2-4
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Venom Popper PE3 7'11" 2pce Spin
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Venom 7' Spin 10-25 lb 2pce
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RLFSSTXVP5
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Venom 7' Spin 15-40 lb Tap 1pce here to
RLFVCR4
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watch video
Venom 7' Spin 15-50 lb 2 pce
RLFVCR5
location
Venom 6'3"CrankBait PE3-5
RLFSSTXVP12
Venom Popper PE12 7'11" 2pce Spin
RLFVS12
Venom 7' Spin 15-50 lb 1 pce
RLFVCR6
Venom 6'3"CrankBait PE3-6
RLFSSTXVS150G
Venom Deep Jig Spin 150gm PE1-3
RLFVS13
Venom 7' Spin 20-50 lb 1 pce
RLFVCRS3
Venom 6'5" Crankbait Spin PE3-6
RLFSSTXVS250G
Venom Deep Jig Spin 250gm PE2-5
RLFVS14
Venom 7' Spin 20-60 lb 1 pce
RLFVBM
Venom Barra Monster 6' Baitcaster 50lb
RLFSSTXVS350G
Venom Deep Jig Spin 350gm PE3-8
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Venom Black Bass 6' Baitcaster 60lb
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Venom Deep Jig Spin 450gm PE5-10
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Chris George with a solid 25kg gummy caught from a small reef system out in Bass Strait.
46 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Offshore
Gummies! Most anglers from the northern half of the country just don’t understand the obsession southerners have with gummy sharks. This article by JACK MONKIEWICZ helps put the sportfishing appeal of gummies into perspective.
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 47
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ABOVE: While gummy shark – aka flake – is great eating, many anglers elect to release trophy sized specimens. MAIN: An “angry spotted shark” nearing the boat. The old gummy is more fun to catch than you might think! 48 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
HE pursuit of angling is a deeply personal experience. Whether you’re hunting a trophy fish which signifies a private achievement, catching bread & butter species to supplement your household’s dietary requirements, or perhaps just escaping the monotony of the office, all fishos dedicate time and effort on the water in the hope of producing a target species. For many who fish the cool waters of southern Australia, gummy sharks fit the bill. They’re a hard fighting trophy species which make great eating and require many hours spent in beautiful places to work out and catch. Traditionally, anglers who target gummies work strong tidal bays and ports, with many theories and anecdotes regarding how to improve the success rate. Everything from bait selection, moon phase, tide cycles, season and fishing pressure can influence whether a prospective angler will hear their reel scream as an angry spotted shark runs for cover. However, gummies aren’t penned in the bays and ports, and there’s a fantastic fishery, especially for large fish, out in the ocean. Sometimes it can feel like every bit of coast has been explored and fished. Spots which consistently produce fish are heavily targeted by those who aren’t confident about exploring and finding their own little patch. However, there’s a lot of satisfaction in moving away from the familiar and beginning the process of finding new ground and new opportunities. Sometimes that may mean coming home empty handed, but if you persist in scouting and methodically working new ground, the benefits can be considerable. Although a lot of Bass Strait is sand, there are areas of patchy reef and rubble offshore. These fish-holding structures often have minimal
pressure from anglers who tend to drive straight over them on their way to the 50m-70m line where mako slicks are common throughout summer. In 40m-50m, our cold Victorian waters support unique soft coral beds which provide ideal hunting grounds for a variety of species, including some monster gummies. Specifically targeting fish on deep ocean reefs does require a slightly different approach to working the fast moving water on the banks of bays and ports. Out on the wild side of Bass Strait anglers need to be mindful of swell, wind, current, passing yachts (I personally had to cut the anchor line just before a silent moving yacht ploughed straight through my boat) and big mammals which like to breach in season and aren’t expecting a boat anchored up in 50m of water. Deep on the ocean floor, where the light struggles to penetrate, gummies work gutters and reef edges seeking their next meal. Even large fish will confidently swim through tight kelp beds while on the prowl for a snack. As most Victorian anglers know, sending down a bait over heavy reef is futile due to the aggressive and prolific bluethroat wrasse; however, not all is lost when these seagulls of the underwater world are on a bait picking rampage. Snagging one of these large scaled slimy fish equates to some brilliant bait. Using a bluethroat as a swing/chunk bait has proven to consistently tempt big gummies. The longevity of wrasse over squid is incomparable. Squid is soft, subtle and food for almost everything in the ocean. It’s hard work constantly checking if the picker fish have liberated the squid strip without actually hooking up. Wrasse, on the other hand, has tough skin, firm flesh and plenty of bones to assist it staying where
SPECIES GUIDE: GUMMY SHARKS
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e had more big runs which only resulted in bust offs. Whatever was down there was tougher, faster and harder to land than a 25-odd-kilo gummy. We immediately planned our return, although for this next trip we’d be prepared with beefed up gear.”
happen to hook a serious fish, a light outfit might not be up to it. I’ve been caught out a number of times fishing too light and had the reel at mach 10 and almost spooled before the leader gave way.
New ground
Jack Monkiewicz with a 30kg+ school shark which was quickly photographed and then carefully released. Big schoolies like this are a prized catch for southern sportfishermen.
it’s meant to. There’s still bycatch when using wrasse, which includes various shark varieties as well as snapper, but I haven’t found tiny pickers, such as flathead, capable for damaging the bait enough for it to fall off the hook. And in turn this means the bait is doing its job more consistently. Every angler has “their” hook. They believe that their chosen brand will ensure the best hook up. For me, I look for a hook which is strong, has a distinct circle and is ultra sharp – that means a Daiichi Mutsu in a 5/0. Gummies have a tough mouth and getting a hook up even with a single circle is generally fairly easy. After considerable testing of both running sinker rigs and three-way swivels it appears both will get a result, however, for ease of use, the three-way swivel wins hands down. Checking on bait in 50m of water is inconvenient at the best of times, add to that twisted droppers, and your patience will be sorely tested. If, however, the current is running hard
and heavier sinkers are required, my preference is a running sinker rig, which allows the bait to be taken without the resistance of heavy lead. Adding a fluoro bead does jazz the bait presentation up a little as it stands out in the gloom where the gummies hunt. It should be noted that gummies do have reasonably good eyesight and will actively hunt baitfish. That said, don't be overly cautious of heavy leaders. Sixty pound is the norm for the ocean side and through summer even 80lb is advisable, just in case a thresher or school shark beats a gummy to the bait. Even worse is getting hooked up on one of those heavy, lazy seven gill sharks, aka “gorillas”. Join your trace to a Bimini twist to 40-50lb braid and you have a lethal combination. The braid assists in minimising drag in the deep water and allows for lighter sinker weights to be used. Some people subscribe to the belief that mono is better for rigs using circle hooks due to it having some stretch, but so far the braid is performing just fine for me. A medium overhead reel or a 5000 sized threadline teamed with an 8-10kg rod completes the tackle requirements. You can go much lighter but remember the ocean is a big place and if you
After watching the weather, a small high moved over Bass Strait and quickly flattened the seas. My fishing buddy Chris George and I had been discussing sounding over a stretch of new ground to try and pin-point some fresh deep water reefs. After the standard beach launch, my small centre console was making its way to deeper water, when a bubbling mass of Australian salmon rose to the surface. Never one to pass up fresh bait options, we jumped up the front on the casting deck and threw slugs and plastics as the voracious salmon obliterated the vulnerable whitebait. It was all over in a few minutes, however, three salmon had been landed and were now in the esky. As we reached the 40m line hard reef was evident on the sounder. Our preference is to work the edge of structure so we continued zigzagging, closely watching the zoomed in sounder screen for signs of intermittent weed or rock. I believe in spending as much time as necessary sounding. It is better to fish an hour less in the right spot than all day in the wrong place. Chris and I continued slowly edging along and circling on larger sand patches to see whether they looked suitable. After some time we had made a discovery that the reef edge stopped back towards the shore in 37m, and anchored off the edge of the structure. The day was warm, with a light cross shore breeze. The birds looked lazy as they unhurriedly picked themselves up, flew towards the boat, did a customary water ski landing and begun bobbing behind our lines. Everything looked good, and we were about to settle in when the first rod went, then stopped – bloody bluethroat. After donating all our fresh salmon to the wrasse community, we rigged the circles with chunks of bluethroat – which felt entirely fitting! As much as fishing is about catching your target species, it’s thoroughly enjoyable exploring new territory and waiting to see if it will produce a result. Time seems to naturally tick away without fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 49
SPECIES GUIDE: GUMMY SHARKS
constant checks of phones or Facebook. The silence was interrupted by Chris's spin reel humming with a run. Chris had positioned himself in the portside corner and frantically reclaimed as much braid as possible. The fight was lengthy, and the drag eventually backed off as Chris felt the tail kicks hitting the leader. Coming up we could see it was a gummy, a big gummy! The deck was cleared and camera prepped as we negotiated how to land a fish this big into a small boat. Grabbing her fins we both hauled the shark in and pounced. Gummies are notorious for going mental once landed and a fish of this size would be a test in the confined space. With the hook removed, Chris wrestled the fish while I snapped a few shots. We both noticed her girth and estimated the gummy to be at least 25kg. On her head was a distinctive white marking, which appeared to be a healed wound. If we were ever lucky enough to catch her again, we should be able to identify her by the blotch. Holding her dorsal fin, Chris gave her plenty of time to recover before letting her swim out of his hands. It looked like scouting a new spot had paid dividends. We had more big runs which only resulted in bust offs. Whatever was down there was tougher, faster and harder to land than a 25-odd-kilo gummy. We immediately planned our return, although for this next trip we’d be prepared with beefed up gear. I decided I wouldn’t take any more chances and chose a whole new outfit: A Samaki offshore rod, 6000 Tica Talisman loaded with 50lb braid and 80lb Strike Pro fluorocarbon. I also upgraded to a 6/0 Mutsu hook. At least now the fight would be a little more even.
50 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Finally a weather window opened and Chris and I were chafing to get back and even the score. We had both thought that the runs we experienced last time were indicative of school sharks. These are tough fish to catch, sensitive to wire and elusive to many anglers. After launching from the beach, we beelined to our new mark and set up with fresh bluethroat. I looked at my new outfit willing it to go. The Talisman boasts 20kg of drag, enough surely to stop most things from doing a bullet train run into the abyss. The 80lb fluorocarbon trace was a better choice with a 6/0 which would hopefully end up in the corner of the schoolie’s mouth and away from its rows of sharp teeth. Feeling quietly confident, I relaxed and thought of what size the schoolies would be – 18, 20, maybe 25kg? Generally a school shark the same size as a gummy would pull it backwards with its huge sprints at blistering pace. However,
ABOVE: A sizeable school shark materialises from the depths on a very calm day. These sharks are particularly prized for their fighting abilities. BELOW: Chris loaded up on a decent offshore gummy. These powerful fish make bullocking runs and are great fun on sportfishing gear.
I wasn’t prepared for what happened next … My bait was taken and the run began. It just kept going and going and going. I cranked the Talisman’s drag up, then a little more, and more again, finally slowing the fish down. Next we entered the stage where we’d lost so many fish previously. I could feel the directional changes, and suddenly the whack of a tail against the fluorocarbon. Working the rod and keeping the pressure on I eventually saw colour – it looked big. Catching an 18kg school shark is considered a great fish for Bass Strait, but this fish appeared to be in excellent condition and in peak fighting fitness. Once next to the boat Chris and I brought the fish aboard. We estimated it to be around 32-33kg. Photos were taken and the fish successfully released. The IUCN classifies schoolies as “vulnerable” on the threatened species list. They’re a particularly old shark which are wonderful sport fish and should be respected. Some anglers from northern states and territories can’t seem to appreciate southern anglers’ obsession with gummy and school sharks. In the north, sharks are considered a nuisance at best. Unfortunately for Victorians, we don’t have access to fish like GTs and queenies, so gummies provide that reel burning sound we all love. Fishing is a dynamic sport, with endless numbers of available species and equally as many methods to target them. I can honestly say there isn’t a fish I don't want to catch. I hope anglers in the northern states reconsider gummy and school sharks as being worthy of attention. Even though gummies don’t have teeth, the “gummy bug” can bite hard, so watch out, you northern boys could soon be sitting on a channel or reef edge actively chasing these fantastic sportfish, wondering how you got addicted to fishing for the angry spotted sharks!
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DAVID GREEN
Slow It Down, Get More Bites Tough times on the water require close examination of your tackle and tactics. A retrieve style that Greeny swears by involves super slow retrieves which give even the most shut-down fish plenty of time to eat your offering. A LONG-TIME FISHO CORRESPONDENT, DAVID GREEN ENJOYS CATCHING EVERYTHING FROM FLATHEAD TO MARLIN.
Greeny rates ultra realistic plastic prawns, like this Zerek Live Shrimp,as being amongst the best flattie lures available.
WHEN fish are not actively feeding, they rarely move much, tending to stay in areas where they’re safe from predators. In these situations lure fishing can be frustrating. In most cases the lure will be presented too far from the fish or go at a speed where it passes by without getting looked at. Over the past two seasons I’ve learnt a lot about using retrieves on shut-down fish. These retrieves are so painfully slow in many cases the lure hardly even moves. If you can get a small lure to stay right in the face of the fish for a prolonged period, your chances of getting a bite can greatly increase. I’ve had some almost fishless sessions transformed into productive ones by using the ultra-slow methods of retrieve. 52 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
If a lure is retrieved very slowly, or even just twitched in the one spot, the fish has ample opportunity to closely inspect it. For this reason lures used for ultra-slow fishing need to look very “real”. Detail, size, shape and colour are all very important. Over the past few years there have been some fantastic “reality” lures enter the market. The popular Cranka Crab is a great example. This is the best imitation of a real crab ever made, in my opinion. The detail is amazing. Soft vibes such as the Jackall Transam and the many similar lures now flooding the market are another example of a lure ideally suited to slow retrieves. The Zerek Live Shrimp is similarly deadly and is one of the most effective flathead
lures I have come across. Plastic prawns need to be worked slowly for best results. These lures can catch flathead in terrible conditions when the fish are almost dormant. The disadvantage of fishing ultra-slow retrieves is that you don’t cover a lot of water. It isn’t a good searching technique and you need to have confidence that the spot you are fishing holds fish which aren’t biting when conventional methods are used. A good example of this occurred this year on the NT’s mighty Daly River. After another poor wet season, there were relatively few barramundi in the river, but there were spots where they showed close to the bottom on the sounder. While persistent casting with deep running hard-bodied lures got a few fish, it was tough. The secret was to use lures like the Killalure 15 Flatz Rat or the Jackall Squirrel rigged to suspend. A quick start to the retrieve put the lure deep, where it just sat still close to the bottom. The occasional small twitch, a long pause, followed by another minimal twitch, greatly increased the number of bites on these lock-jawed barra. When the bite shut down on the hard-bodies, a soft vibe worked painfully slowly along the bottom reignited the fish. Indeed, this proved to be the best method to catch the Daly’s barra. I was using a Tackle World Fuse Bait, which proved to be very tough, quite heavy and very effective for ultra-slow retrieves on barramundi. Since that time I’ve enjoyed similar success on flathead with this lure. Soft vibes fished slowly require a lot of attention, particularly with species like barra and bass that have the ability to spit a lure out in a micro second. It took a long time to get this retrieve right. The lure is best cast up current, but if you’re casting down current you can still fish effectively if you increase the weight of the lure so the water flow doesn’t drag it away from you too hard. Let the lure hit the bottom, pick up the slack and then lift the lure, just fast enough so you feel its vibration. The lift is quite short, only about 20 to 30cm. Keep the rod angle low; on a “clock face” the lift is basically from 3 o’clock up to 1 o’clock at a maximum. The lift is quite gentle. Once you’ve lifted the lure, drop your rod quickly so the lure sinks back to the bottom on a slack line. Most of the bites come as the lure falls back down, and you will get a much better bite on a slack line as the fish can suck the lure in without resistance. The key is to watch the slack line and strike if you see any sudden movement. This is a fun way to fish and the more you practice, the better you get. After a fair bit of practice I think I’ve tripled my hook up rate on barramundi. Flathead are a bit easier but there is a lot of subtlety to ultra-slow retrieves of soft vibes. Fishing the Zerek Live Shrimp and similar soft plastic prawns requires similar attention to detail.
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The key to fishing these lures is to make them repeatedly hop and jump in the one spot without actually retrieving much at all. Part of the success of these lures seems to be in the small luminous eyes, but they really can be a drought breaking lure when you get the retrieve right. Even the most shut-down fish will eat a prawn, particularly when it is an annoying prawn jumping up and down in the fish’s face. It is important to fish these lures on light fluorocarbon leaders. With species with abrasive mouths a short 15cm “bite leader” of heavier fluorocarbon may be required, but in
shut-down bites using ultra slow retrieves it is very important to reduce any visibility of the leader as the fish has much greater time to inspect your finest offering. I fish the smallest Zerak Live Shrimp with a series of tiny hops and long pauses. The lure is commonly inhaled by flathead and bream while it sits on the bottom. Dead slow retrieves are an important lure fishing method that needs to be a part of every angler’s arsenal. I’ve been amazed how good these methods can be for a wide variety of species when most boats are scratching to even get a bite.
ABOVE: The popular Aussie-designed Cranka Crab is a prime example of a “reality” lure. Fished properly, these lures are an almost perfect imitation of a real crab. Fish just can’t resist them!
IMAGE: SCOTT THOMAS.
ead slow retrieves are an important lure fishing method that needs to be a part of every angler’s arsenal. I’ve been amazed how good these methods can be for a wide variety of species when most boats are scratching to even get a bite.”
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fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 53
ROD BUILDER WITH BOB RUSSO
Tip: FST: 7/2.2
110 mm
A Rod For All Seasons
KTSG 6
120 mm
KTSG 7
145 mm
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KTSG 7 170 mm KTSG 8
Looking for a versatile and lightweight rod for estuary and light beach fishing? BOB RUSSO has the answer.
205 mm KLSG 12
A nice South Coast whiting, a perfect contender for this style of rod.
JERVIS Bay on the NSW South Coast has many idyllic and pristine beaches with calm water. Callala Beach is one of these places. As I walked along this beach one afternoon last summer I noticed blokes fishing for whiting with long 12 foot rods. They were obviously heavy because the fishos were constantly changing hands. It was that sight which inspired this workshop. A 12 foot beach rod can be cumbersome and is certainly heavy when holding it for a while. What’s needed is a rod capable of shooting a bait far enough to tease the elusive whiting, and tackle any other by catch, yet not be too heavy for a long session on the beach. United Composites came to the rescue yet again with a cracking blank – the PU83M. This graphite blank is 8’3” long and weighs only 100 grams yet it can pull a serious four kilos. The 83M would enable the angler to fish effortlessly for extended periods of time. Whiting aside, the blank has the credentials to subdue any tailor, salmon, bream or flathead, and providing your reel had enough capacity, even a reasonable jewfish. This is a big statement, and not one I would use loosely, but in bay or estuary environments this blank just 54 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
245 mm
about has it all. I must add, it would certainly not be out of place fishing the gutters of a surf beach for any of the aforementioned species, except for a bigger jewie. There are places for longer rods but why use something big and heavy and cumbersome when a lighter pocket rocket can do the same job? As in any build, quality Fuji hardware was used throughout the 83M’s construction. I used 24 hour Araldite to glue the butt section of the rod. Owing to the fact that the guides are only over bound, special detail had to be paid when filing the leading edge of the guide feet. Any burrs left on the foot could damage the integrity of the rod blank. I then used pale green “A” grade thread with white trims which looked looked pretty special under two coats of Flex Coat epoxy. At the end of the build I had my first attempt at “marbling”. Hopefully I can do a piece on this technique in the future as I get more familiar with the technique. Matched up with my Shimano Ci4 3000 Stradic, this stick is now my go to rod whenever I’m heading out onto the Shoalhaven River or nearby Jervis Bay, be it from my boat, the shore, or kayak.
KLSG 16
300 mm
KLSG 25
Reel Seat: Fuji DPSDS 18
S PECIFICATIONS UC PU83M WHITING STICK
Grips: Cork 230 x 9mm tube
GUIDES USED: FUJI KLSG & KTSG KLSG SIZES: 25, 16 & 12 KTSG SIZES: 8, 3 X 7 & 6 TIP: FST 7/2.2 GRIPS WERE MADE FROM A CORK TUBE 230 X 9MM & CUT TO SIZE REEL SEAT: FUJI DPSDS 18 WINDING CHECKS: A-G-WCF-15, 14 & 13 GOLD BUTT PLATE: A-G-BP-25 GUIDE SPACINGS FROM THE TIP IN MM: 110, 120, 145, 165, 170, 205, 245 & 300
ILLUSTRATION: CHRIS PALATSIDES
IMAGE: JACK HARNWELL
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Gold Butt Plate: A-G-BP-25
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KNOTS & RIGS WITH MARK WILLIAMS
Lock It Up! As far as knots go, the Locked Half Blood is an oldie but a goodie. Learn to tie it right and it will serve you well! TECHNICAL EDITOR MARK WILLIAMS IS A HIGHLY EXPERIENCED ANGLER WHO WRITES REGULARLY FOR FISHO.
Between three and six turns are recommended for use with the Locked Half Blood Knot, depending on the breaking strain of the line being used. For example, when luderick fishing with light mono or fluoro lines of up to 3kg breaking strain I always use six turns with good success. There are four fundamental rules that apply when tying the Locked Half Blood Knot. All are equally important when tying the vast majority of knots that are commonly used by recreational anglers.
Rule 1: Avoid Haste
Steve Cooper and Chris Palatsides in their excellent Knots and Rigs book state this is the golden rule and that when knots are tied in haste, it increases the chances of knot failure. Take your time forming the knot to ensure the wraps or turns are all correctly positioned. If it doesn’t look right, do it again.
T
he Locked Half Blood Knot was the only knot I used throughout my youth chasing luderick, mullet and bream in the estuaries ...” Rule 2: Lube It Up Knots connect you to fish. So learn to tie your knots well!
FOR keen fishos, some knots become as familiar as old friends, trusted for their reliability and hanging in there when the pressure is on. That’s how I feel about the Locked Half Blood Knot. This was the first knot I was taught by my father and grandfather well over 40 years ago and I still use it today. To be honest, the Locked Half Blood knot was the only knot I used throughout my youth chasing luderick, bream and mullet in the estuaries of the NSW Central Coast. I always found it to be a reliable light line connection for use when attaching hooks and swivels to a main line. It sufficed for all my general fishing needs for well over a decade till I got my “P” plates and developed a penchant for pursuing fast moving pelagics off the rocks. To get the most out of the Locked Half Blood Knot you need to tie it correctly. The accompanying illustration by Fisho’s Chris 56 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Palatsides displays the correct step by step process for tying this connection. You can also view an excellent video demonstration of how to tie it by Pat Brennan at www. fishingworld.com.au. These days I mainly use the Locked Half Blood Knot when luderick fishing off my local coastal rock ledges using monofilament and f luorocarbon lines around 3kg in breaking strain. Personally, I consider the Locked Half Blood Knot to be ideally suited to use with monofilament lines up to around 15kg breaking strain. Above that I will switch over to use the Uni Knot which is much easier to form and pull up in heavier breaking strain lines. When tying the Locked Half Blood Knot it’s recommended to vary the number of turns in the knot depending on the diameter of the line being used. As a general rule, finer lines require more turns and heavier lines need less turns to successfully complete the knot.
Once you have the knot formed, you then need to lubricate the connection prior to pulling it up tight. Most anglers use saliva to lubricate their knots prior to pulling them up to avoid friction damage. Well-known knotologist and rigging authority Geoff Wilson recommends the use of powdered graphite or a dry stick lubricant to avoid friction damage when pulling up knots when seeking a rare or important target species.
Rule 3: Correct Tensioning
Always pull up a knot gradually with even pressure and carefully watch the knot form. Some connections such as the Ducknose Knot require considerable pressure to fully form. If you have too many turns in the knot they can be virtually impossible to pull up. Never jerk the line to pull a knot up as this can cause friction damage and significantly weaken the connection. Have a close look at the knot once you have fully pulled it up to ensure it has formed correctly. If it doesn’t look right or has loose loops, cut it off and redo it. A knot that has the potential to slip also has a very significant likelihood of failure.
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Rule 4: Practice
If you find a connection that suits your particular fishing needs, then you should take the time to practice tying it. Develop an arsenal of knots that you can tie well even in high pressure fishing situations such as in the midst of a hot bite. If you’re chasing species such as mulloway, snapper or drummer, then you’re probably going to need to learn to tie your knots competently in low light situations. Finally, if you’re having trouble getting the hang of a particular knot then I’d recommend you go online and watch a video demonstration on tying the connection. That’s
exactly what I did when I was first learning the FG knot. I’d been shown how to do it by a mate of mine who is a fishing guide and can tie them in his sleep, but I didn’t master the knot till I watched it being demonstrated online a couple of times. It was worth making the effort as I caught some really good fish on outfits I’d rigged with FG knots this season. The Fishing World website has the most extensive range of knot tying and rigging videos that I’ve seen on the web so if you need some help mastering a particular connection then you should go to www.fishingworld.com. au and check it out!
HINTS
WIN! A SPOOL OF BRAID
To enter, simply send us a photo of your original or innovative handy fishing hint or tackle-rigging idea, ensuring you include any relevant written information *
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LOCKED HALF BLOOD KNOT
TRAILER HITCHED
TO MAIN LINE 1. Pass the tag end of your line through the eye of the hook and back up toward your main line.
H ANDY
This simple idea of a stainless steel clip crimped to a short length of mono gives piece of mind when trailering your boat. The clip means there’s no way your trailer hitch can “bounce” off your tow ball.
TAG (end of line)
Eugene O’Connor – Orange, NSW.
TO MAIN LINE
2. With heavy diameter lines complete 3 twists back up your main line. This can be increased with thinner lines. The easiest way to do this is by placing your finger through the bottom loop and twist it around in a circular motion.
TAG (end of line)
3. First pass the tag end through the lower loop created near the eye of the hook and then back through the new loop created above it.
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location
TAG (end of line)
4. Lubricate the knot well and gently tighten it and slide it down toward the hook before locking it securely. Trim off the tag end to complete.
TAG (end of line)
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Send us a digital photo of your handy hint in action, with a 50-60 word description. Rigs, knots and hints for any fishing application are acceptable. The lucky winner will get his/her idea published, and will receive a 135m spool of Rovex Viris 10lb super sensitive braid. Send your e-mail entry to: fisho@yaffa.com.au
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 57
Kee see only
A classic rockfishing scene. Forty years ago the tackle would have involved centrepin reels and fibreglass rods instead of threadlines and graphite sticks. Now many blackfish enthusiasts are ditching the modern gear in favour of old school tackle. INSET OPPOSITE: Alvey’s superb machined blackfish reels have resulted in many modern anglers now experiencing the joys of using centrepins.
58 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Return To The Rocks After 40 years spent trying to reinvent the wheel, GREG FINNEY discovers the traditional float fishing gear he used when he first started fishing still produces the goods when targeting blackfish off the rocks.
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 59
I
ABOVE: Bob Russo with a nice ocean blackfish taken on his centrepin tackle. If you’re not confident about rock fishing, wearing a PFD is well worth considering (along with proper footwear). Safety gear doesn’t, however, negate the need to learn about rock safety and to avoid fishing if conditions are dangerous.
60 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
DID my fishing apprenticeship chasing blackfish from the rocks. My grandfather and father were both blackfish enthusiasts so it only stood to reason that I’d follow in their footsteps. I was about 10 when I first fished the rocks around Kurnell on the southern side of Botany Bay in the late 1960s and early ’70s with my dad and brother. Back then the reels of choice were Steelite centrepin reels made of Bakelite or, if you could afford it, an Avon Royal made in England of diecast and pressed aluminium with a hammer tone painted finish. You were looked on as a “proper” blackfish fisherman if you had an Avon Royal, so as a keen 12-year-old I spent a year collecting bottles and aluminium cans and saved up the $24 needed to buy one from John and Ken Bruce’s tackle shop at Taren Point. Teamed up with an old Conolon blackfish rod, it was my pride and joy for several years and caught a heap of blackfish along with the odd drummer that I managed to stop on 6lb Tortue trace. About two years after I bought that reel a bad thing happened. We met a guy called Norm Folks who lived around the corner from us at
ROCKFISHING
Peakhust in Sydney’s southern suburbs. Norm was a very keen blackfish angler and we bumped into him most weekends on various platforms out at Kurnell. Norm was an innovator and way ahead of his time when it came to chasing blackfish from the rocks. He’d been there and done the centrepin and float thing and had lifted the bar up a notch or two when it came to tackle and technique. Norm’s Avon Royal had been retired several years earlier and replaced with a threadline reel. It was matched to a rod that was 14 feet long and he fished with hand-made bobby corks that he fashioned from surfboard foam and fibreglass resin. Standing amongst a dozen other blackfish specialists with their Avon Royals, floats and 12 foot rods, he stood out like a sore thumb. Only problem was that he usually out fished most of them. There was a theory behind Norm’s choice of blackfish tackle. The bobby cork was much lighter and less buoyant than a traditional stem float, which meant less resistance when a blackfish ate the cabbage bait. He couldn’t cast the light bobby cork off a centrepin reel so he used a threadline. Norm also reckoned hooking blackfish was
difficult because you always had slack line in the water. Trying to lift that up and get tight when you got a “down” was only made more difficult with a centrepin which was very limited when it came to quick line recovery. The 14 foot rod and threadline reel eliminated that problem. It didn’t take much persuasion on Norm’s part to have the Finneys converted to threadline reels, bobby corks and long rods. I fished like that for the next 40 years and caught a heap of blackfish. Over a long period I refined the technique a little further. I ended up using a Shimano 3500 Baitrunner, had a 15-foot rod custom built using an extended Sportex blank and started using hi-vis Platypus Pre Test line. Being able to see your line and have it float when drifting a cork or float out is vital for line control. I even experimented with braided lines at one stage to see if they offered any advantage over mono for float fishing. We custom made bobby corks in balsa because they were less buoyant than styrene foam. We ended up with blackfish tackle and techniques that were far removed from how I learned to fish on those Kurnell ledges back in the 1970s. I can remember writing several articles in Fisho in the 1990s promoting the technique and believing it was a natural progression that all forms of fishing have experienced over the past several decades. There was never any doubt that the technique worked. I’ve out-fished many traditionalists over the years. Many turned up with their centrepins and floats and assumed the idiot (me) fishing for blackfish with a threadline and bobby cork had no idea. Over many years we refined the art of blackfishing to the point where we were using the latest technology in graphite rods, fluorocarbon traces and chemically sharpened hooks. We caught a heap of blackfish on that tackle but we got to a point where the graphite rods and gel spun lines eliminated any forgiveness and stretch in the connection between angler and fish. After a few years we realised we’d probably taken the technology a bit too far. The gear we were using was far better suited to sport and lure fishing than it was for chasing blackfish from the rocks. We’d fallen for the trap of taking things too far just for technology’s sake and it wasn’t working. The equation had just become too unforgiving when it came to fighting blackfish, which are renowned for thumping and kicking violently when hooked. A serious rethink was obviously required. About five years ago I did a re-evaluation of what worked and what needed to be eliminated from our blackfish tackle. First to go, in an effort to soften the connection, was the braided line and graphite rods. That combination was just too harsh for blackfish. I went back to using mono and an old Sportex fibreglass rod that was 13 feet long. I also went back to using Tortue trace line instead of fluorocarbon traces. I love the pale green colour of Tortue, although it offers no distinct advantages over three-kilo fluorocarbon. There was no way, however, that I was going back
F ACT BOX ROCK SAFETY
Proper footwear reduces the chances of getting washed in.
FISHING from the rocks for blackfish invariably puts you at the water’s edge. Getting wet up to the knees is par for the course. In flat seas this is safe but add any swell to the equation and you are gambling with your life. It’s been stated many times and there have even been advertising campaigns, government involvement, warnings and signs but rock fishermen still keep getting washed in. Unfortunately, the people who die in rockfishing tragedies don’t buy or read fishing magazines but I’ll say this anyway: Don’t go near the edge of a rock platform unless you know what you’re doing and the seas are flat. If there’s any more than half a metre of swell, be careful. Even if the rock you’re fishing appears safe and offers an easy exit if a larger wave comes through, consider wearing a PFD and always have rock plates on your shoes. Most rockfishing tragedies occur when inexperienced anglers fish from low platforms in a bit of swell. They get washed in on slippery rocks wearing thongs or joggers, panic, and drown while trying to get back out and swim against the wash. If they had rock plates or cleats on, they may not have lost their foot hold on the rocks. Personally speaking, I wear an inflatable PFD whenever there is a bit of swell. If you’re new to blackfishing, consider wearing a PFD every time you fish the rocks until you get some experience. The bag limit for blackfish was revised by NSW Fisheries late last year and is now 10 fish per angler and 20 fish in possession. Legal length is 27cm. The bag limit was 20 fish for as long as I can remember so don’t get caught out and try to plead ignorance. Ten solid ocean blackfish makes for 20 nice white fillets, which is surely enough for even the hungriest angler!
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 61
ROCKFISHING
A
fter a few years we realised we’d probably taken the technology a bit too far. The gear we were using was far better suited to sport and lure fishing than it was for chasing blackfish from the rocks.” to traditional Sneck or Suicide hooks as I was very happy with the Daiichi 2171 No. 8 chemically sharpened hooks I’d been using for a decade. I continued using bobby corks and the threadline reel for 90 per cent of my fishing from the rocks. I fished that tackle and technique for a few years and it got further refined here and there. We found that the bobby cork had limitations in rough and choppy water or if the fish were a distance away at the end of a wash. The cork was difficult to see. Maybe it was my eyes getting older but I could see other guys’ floats and not my cork in some situations. The solution was fish a float in choppy water or if the fish were out wide. I hadn’t fished a float in many years and it was quite a novelty to watch it disappear when a blackfish ate my cabbage bait. By this stage my blackfish tackle had almost done a complete circle back in time to 40 years earlier when I first started chasing them at Kurnell. The only remnant of the technology boom was my Baitrunner 3500 reel. Just for a change I decided to fish my old Avon Royal III one day. It hadn’t seen the light of day in over 30 years but with a quick clean up, some oil on the spindle and a new spool of line it was ready for a day out. It brought back some fantastic memories and I had an absolute hoot using it. It was a bit slow on line retrieve compared to a threadline but I enjoyed using it immensely, both for the nostalgia and the experience. For some
strange reason I decided to keep on using the old centrepin and stem floats and I must say I’m enjoying my blackfish from the rocks more than ever. The centrepin is just so direct that you feel every kick and thump of each blackfish and there’s definitely an art in casting it and fighting a fish on it. After talking to a few other blackfishermen I learned that centrepins are a big ticket item these days. In Australia they are really only used for blackfish from the rocks and in the estuaries, however, in Europe and the UK they are used extensively for coarse fishing with floats. They are also very popular with Spey fishermen in the US – you can spend upwards of $1000 for a handmade centrepin reel. My two old Avon Royals were looking a little tired and had some mild corrosion so I invested in one of Alvey’s CNC machined aluminium centrepin reels in a silver grey. This is a beautiful reel which has rekindled my love affair with blackfish. My only concession to the new age of tackle these days is that I fish Dango Wax floating mono off the Alvey. This is an orange line that floats and it makes line control very easy when float fishing. I’ve given up on the blackfish many times over the past 40 years but I’ve always gone back to them. I gave them away to chase gamefish from the rocks in the 1970s, I gave them away to sportfish from boats in the 1980s and I gave them
away to chase gamefish out wide in the past decade. It’s been a great experience and learning curve over the past few years to get back on the rocks and fish with some old school tackle. If someone had suggested a year ago that I’d be reliving my youth by chasing blackfish with the same tackle that I used 40 years ago I’d have told them they were crazy. But you know what? Standing on a rock ledge with the water running past knee deep and waiting for a float to disappear is as good as it gets. The feeling of feeding line out off a centrepin and seeing that float go down, striking, then coming up solid to feel that fish kicking with a direct drive centrepin and no drag is quite a novelty – even after so many years. Don’t get me wrong – I still love my lure and fly fishing, and my new boat – but I’m out on the rocks every chance I get these days and the feeds of fresh blackfish go down great at home so there are no complaints from the family!
ABOVE: A new generation of anglers is discovering how great blackfish are! Old school tackle still works – and is sometimes more effective than the latest gear. 62 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
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The most unique sonar on the water. Only Panoptix™ all-seeing sonar let’s you see what’s underwater, all around your boat, in real-time. You can see fish in the water column in 3D. You can see your bait hit the water, sink and watch it as you reel it in…like a 2D sonar video. You can see fish swimming in front of or below your boat. You can even see them chase and hit your lure. To truly appreciate Panoptix, you have to see it. Because all seeing is believing.
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SPORTFISHING
Go Light,
Get The Bite! If you want to catch more fish, then you should consider downsizing your tackle, lines and leaders. The positives far outweigh the negatives! LUKE GALEA reports.
F
INESSE fishing is popular with anglers around the nation, and with good reason. It’s seriously addictive and can be extremely productive. While light tackle sportfishing has been around for years, modern tackle technology now sees more anglers targeting larger fish on lighter gear. Fishos who employ patience and skill are often rewarded with some exceptional catches. Bread & butter species like bream, flathead and whiting are commonly targeted with standard light spin gear involving 6lb braid and 10lb leader. However, this gear can also be used to good effect on more prestigious species such as barramundi, mangrove jacks and threadfin/ blue salmon.
64 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Most fishos probably think these species require the use of heavier gear. After all, barra and jacks are well known as being tackle destroyers, right? Yes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t target these and other species on much lighter gear than you might think possible. Tropical finesse fishing is absolutely dynamite and extremely addictive. You may lose the occasional fish but this is more than compensated for by the extra strikes received as a result of going light. The fun factor is often enhanced as well. It’s well known that you get far more bites while utilising lighter gear, especially in hard-fished waters. What mightn’t be as well known is how effective “bream gear” can be on hard-fighting Aussie sportfish. That said,
The gin-clear water encountered when targeting sooty grunter and jungle perch in the north of the country, or trout and bass down south, requires finesse fishing tackle and techniques. But you’ll get more fish in just about all conditions if you downsize! INSET: A weedless hook used in conjunction with a softie like this Atomic Prong means you can downsize your leaders when targeting species like mangrove jacks.
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 65
SPORTFISHING
CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN: Light tackle brings out the best of sportfish like sooty grunter. And you’d be lucky to get a bite from these wary freshwater natives if using standard “barra style” gear; Luke with a nice saltwater barra taken on his 2-6lb Samurai Reaction rod and Rarenium 2500Ci4 combo. Even smallish fish put up a great tussle on such light and responsive gear; You can’t get a better hook-up than that. According to Luke, weedless worm hooks hit the mark 90 per cent of the time and allow an angler to go lighter as a result; A sweetwater barramundi taken in a crystal clear cascading riffle zone. The author’s mate Luke Vella used 15lb leader to get this fish.
getting the strike and hooking the fish is the easy part. Landing the fish requires a perfectly set drag, advanced fish fighting skills and a fair degree of patience. I’m using a 2-6lb Samurai Reaction 203 Estuary rod and Shimano Rarenium 2500Ci4 reel as my finesse fishing combo and find it absolutely ideal for this style of fishing. As mentioned above, you do need to adjust your techniques to suit the tackle. Go too hard on a fish and you’ll likely pop the leader knot. On the flip side, surely it’s better to go too light and lose the occasional fish, than go too heavy and not get the bite to begin with? It’s a bit of a catch 22, but to me the answer is a no-brainer. Lately, I’ve been fortunate enough to hook and land good
66 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
numbers of barramundi, blue salmon, javelin fish and even a few large mangrove jacks on my light outfit. It’s been great fun and a huge challenge. Re-running those electrifying sessions through my mind at night has kept me wide awake long after my head had hit the pillow. I’m sure other anglers who have encountered decent fish on this type of equipment can attest to the absolute adrenalin rush that light tackle sportfishing can give you. It’s certainly got me hooked. This type of fishing isn’t for everyone and there are definitely applications where I wouldn’t consider or recommend it. One such situation would be live-baiting, which often requires the angler to let the fish engulf the herring or mullet. A light leader would rub through on a raspy jaw plate or get cut on sharp teeth. Finesse tackle isn’t the best here, instead you’d stick with traditional 40-60lb hard mono leaders and 20-30lb braid main lines. Another situation where light tackle probably isn’t all that effective is when fishing areas of thick cover – for example, snags or mangrove edges – and rocky banks, reefs and bommies. Fish don’t have to move far in a snag or around mangrove roots to wrap you up. A proven tactic here is to immediately load up on the fish in an attempt to “bully” it out of the danger zones. Doing that with finesse gear will simply result in a bust-off. Heavy line and
locked-up drags are needed in these situations – and even then many fish still manage to bury you. When it comes to rocks, most estuary and inshore anglers know all too well that line or leader touching or rubbing against a rock, especially a rock covered in jagged oyster shells, is always a recipe for trouble. Most experienced lure casters will agree that heavier leaders of abrasion resistant mono or fluorocarbon are pretty much mandatory when casting lures or baits around rocky structure. In saying all that, there are certainly applications where specialised finesse scenarios are required. Using heavy gear will mean you just don’t get a bite. Targeting finicky jungle perch or sooty grunter in gin-clear rainforest streams is a good example of a fishery where going light definitely pays dividends. The use of a fluorocarbon leader is mandatory for this style of fishing, largely due to the fact fluorocarbon contains the same mirroring
qualities as water and is therefore almost invisible. Some of the best advice I have ever been given was to “pick my fights”. The same applies in fishing: knowing when – and when not – to utilise light tackle options is vital. The locations I fish allow me to utilise finesse techniques. This is due to the lack of significant hard structure. A creek near my home base of Mackay in central Queensland contains a shallow “run” which plummets away into a deeper section that contains a few oysterencrusted rocks. The fish hang out on this gutter/drop-off and wait for food and bait to be swept past them on the receding tide. I have no doubt that I’d hook far less fish if I was using heavier gear in this area. Also, I know for an absolute fact that I wouldn’t be able to cast extremely light soft plastics anywhere near as far as I do with the finesse tackle. I believe that there are a few other factors that have contributed to my strike rates of late. fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 67
SPORTFISHING
S
ome of the best advice I have ever been given was to ‘pick my fights’. The same applies in fishing: knowing when – and when not – to utilise light tackle options is vital.” Atomic Plazo Prong soft plastics rigged weedless on Gamakatsu Worm Hooks have been something of a revelation for me. The Prong is a prawn profile and thus a good option in estuary situations. After all, prawns are on the menu for just about all of the common estuary species … Rigged weedless, the plastic can be cast into some pretty nasty structure – oyster encrusted rocks, mangrove roots and weedbeds – without snagging up as much as a traditional jig head or hard-body lure. As detailed previously, fish can easily bust you up in this sort of rugged country – but being able to work a lure effectively without getting snagged up as much certainly increases the chances of getting a solid bite. And there’s a lot to be said for the school of thought that advocates hooking up first and then worrying about what the fish does! As with many of today’s innovative lure designs, the weedless plastic rig was originally designed for the American largemouth bass
ABOVE: Luke with a 44cm red devil taken on the bream gear. Note the characteristic jaw-hinge hook-up of the Gamakatsu worm hook. 68 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Sam with a nice little golden trevally taken on an inshore reef at Airlie Beach. This fish gave him more than a hard time on the light gear!
circuit. In the States, bass anglers cast weedless plastics into thick stands of acquatic vegetation, prime habitat for hungry bass. As already explained, you can bounce weedless rigged plastics over the worst structure imaginable and they will rarely hook up; however, when a fish bites down, the plastic compresses into the gape of the hook and the point gets exposed. You may miss the occasional strike, but I reckon the benefits of almost complete snag resistance far outweigh a few missed hook-ups. Another advantage concerns the shape of the hook. At least 90 per cent of the fish I’ve hooked on weedless worm hooks have been pinned fair in the jaw hinge. Barramundi and salmon (blue and threadfin) have abrasive jaws and are notorious for rasping through even quite heavy leaders. Hooking the fish in the corner of the jaw allows for much lighter leaders, which aid in presentation and are much harder for the fish to see. There’s probably much more work and thought to be put into this but at this stage my work utilising worm hooks in my rigs leads me to think it allows for a better hook-up placement, negating the need for a heavier leader and allowing the use of finesse fishing techniques. Another important element in finesse fishing involves a well-set drag. I’ve had conversations with various mates who spend the majority of their time live-baiting. They use 20lb braid, 40-60lb leader and tighten the drag to within
an inch of its life. Despite this, they still get busted off. They can’t fathom how I can use such light equipment and manage to land most of my fish. I look at it logically. It’s obvious that the tighter the drag, the more pressure is exerted at any given point on the line. Any slight abrasion or poorly tied knot offers a weak point. It’s here that the line will break once significant pressure is applied. By setting the drag lightly, it lessens the strain on the line and allows the fish to run. As long as there’s nowhere for the fish to stitch you up, and presuming you fight the fish efficiently, you should get it in. This was brought home recently when a lovely 63cm blue salmon had taken my three-inch Prong down its throat a little deeper than the jaw hinge. The drag was set lightly and due to the absence of rugged structure, I was able to take my time with the fish. After a 15-minute battle, I landed the fish, pulled on both ends of the leader and it broke easily. I have no doubt that if I’d done the drag up tighter, it would have exerted more pressure on the weakened leader and the fish would have been lost as a result. As already stated, finesse fishing isn’t for everyone. However, it amplifies the angling entertainment factor, gets more strikes and fine tunes your skill and ability. As such, it’s definitely worth including in your angling repertoire.
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EMAIL: COMPS@FISHO.COM.AU SNAIL MAIL: GPO BOX 606 SYDNEY NSW 2001 FAX: (02) 92812750.
SQUID ADVICE
Q
I need some squidding advice. I’m only new to squid fishing and I thought they would be easy to catch but I’m struggling to catch more than one or two each trip. I’m fishing with my snapper Keep scrolling to outfit with 20lb braid and see exclusive iPad or green squid jigs. I’m fishing orange only extra pics in six metre deep water in Sydney Harbour. I must be doing something Keep scrolling to see exclusive iPad wrong but I can’t work out what. only extra pics Geoff Burton – via email.
A
You’re fishing way too heavy, Geoff. I fish a 7'6" rod and 6lb braid with a 2m leader of 6lb fluorocarbon when I’m targeting squid. Squid have surprisingly good eyesight and will shy away from heavy leaders or unnatural presentations. They don’t fight hard and won’t bite through traces so go as light as you can and you’ll hook a heap more. Six metre deep water is fine but concentrate your efforts over kelp and weed beds where squid lie in ambush or shelter. Work your jig from just above the bottom to mid
ESTUARY JEWIES
Q
What lures do you use and recommend for estuary jewfish? I remember reading where you like the Squidgy Slick Rigs but I’ve been told that soft vibes with trebles give a better hook up ratio. Is this true? What tackle do you use and how do you fish your lures for jewies? Angelo Barrecca – Nambucca Heads, NSW.
A
I’m a big fan of Slick Rigs for jewies. I like the 80mm and 100mm sizes in black and gold. These lures have produced the goods for me many times over the past 10 years. They’ve also caught me some very big flathead. One problem that some anglers have is getting that one hook in solid and
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70 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
secure in a jewie’s mouth. For this reason I’ve started fishing with soft vibes also. I’m using Pulse, Spanyid and Samaki vibes in 100mm sizes that weigh around 22 to 25 grams. These lures have two trebles so hook up rates are better but can you believe that we still miss the odd strike on jewies? I still like the black and gold colour but some of the cream and grey mullet colours or with a tinge of red also work very well. If the fish are running up to around a metre, I fish 10lb Bionic braid and 15lb Stealth leaders by Platypus. If the fish are larger or the territory is harsh (around structure or breakwalls) I’ll go up to 20lb braid and 20 or 30lb leaders. I use an FG Knot to connect the leader to the braid and my leaders are around two metres long. I use a loop knot to connect the lure. I fish various retrieves from slow and almost stopped to long quick rod tip whips to lift the lure fast. I’ll play around with retrieves and depths until I find something that feels right on the night or produces a hit or fish. You won’t miss a jewie hitting the lure. They usually almost pull the rod out of your hands and hook themselves most times. Just take the fight nice and steady with constant pressure and no frantic rod work. Soft vibes with two trebles offer a much better hook up rate on jewies over a single hook in a soft plastic.
Light tackle and leaders will catch a lot more squid.
water with slow lifts of the rod tip. If this doesn’t produce results, work it back faster with sharp rod lifts. Squid can swim a lot faster than you think and will easily catch a fast retrieve over short distances. I like pinks and greens for most of my squid fishing but don’t be afraid to go for a darker jig in more natural colours.
Get in nice and tight with fill flash to get good photographic results of your fish.
FISHY PICS How do you guys at the magazine take fishing photos? They always seem perfectly exposed and the fish look great. My efforts are very ordinary despite a $1000 digital SLR camera. What’s the secret? Is it the printing process or are the photos good to start with? Jennifer Meakins – via email.
Q
I guess taking good photos becomes second nature when you’ve done it for so long but, yes, there are a few secrets. First is the use of fill flash. Then get in close and fill the frame with the subject. If there’s a nice sunrise or sunset then go out a bit and get a few shots of that but aim to get in as close as you can. Shoot at 80th or 100th of a second to get good depth of field so everything is in focus. I use around 16mm to 24mm lens length for tight shots with good depth of field. I’ll also take shots at 100mm or 135mm lens length and 200th or 250th of a second shutter speed. Use the flash no matter how far back you go with a longer lens. Only work with live fish that are wet and dripping water. Dead 3/5/13 fish never look good in 4:57 PM photos. Avoid shadows by shooting with the sun behind the subject so they’re lit up by the flash.
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FISHING CLUB
Fish like mulloway release well even if deep hooked. Instead of trying to remove the hook, cut the line and get the fish back in the water ASAP.
Q&A Easy release
Q
I release most of my fish but sometimes the hook is well down inside the fish’s mouth and throat. Will the fish survive in this situation? Matthew – via e-mail.
A
It is great to hear you actively release most of your fish, Matthew. I understand your concern in regards to deep hooked fish survival. Surprisingly enough, Fisheries research shows that fish can survive being deep hooked.
Above 75 per cent of bream, 70 per cent of snapper and 90 per cent of flathead survive after being deep hooked, studies show. The key is to not try to remove the hook – getting a deep hook out often causes damage which can kill the fish. Instead, cut the line as close as possible to the fish’s mouth and the hook will either quickly rust away or get expelled by the fish. Careful handling and getting the fish back in the water quickly further maximises survivability. All this said, deep hooking fish destined for release isn’t an ideal situation so think about using circle hooks, which hook fish in the corner of the mouth. Fish released on circle hooks have almost 100 per cent survivability.
See the light!
Q
Is it better to fish on sunny days or when the sky is overcast? Matt – via e-mail.
A
It will depend on what species of fish you chase, the local environment and the situation, Matt. In estuarine scenarios where the water is shallow and very clear, an overcast day might be the best option. However, when I’ve chased gamefish such as marlin or tuna well offshore, it seems the action has often been best on bright
sunny days after 10am. The best advice I can give is go fishing at every opportunity, overcast or sunny, and take note of how the weather and light intensity affects fish behaviour and characteristics.
Butt pain
Q
I was fighting a big fish and the rod caused a lot of pain when it was resting against my waist. Is there a way to stop this? Shane – via e-mail.
A
I’m glad to hear you hooked a big one, Shane, and hope you got to land it! Yes, I can testify
Grin and Win! 4 2 Each month as well as our lucky “Pic of the Month” major prize winner, five more junior fishos are selected as worthy winners from the entries and kitted out with a cool Shimano shirt and cap! So keep those Pic of the Month entries coming in for your chance to win! Finn McDowell, aged 10, caught his biggest southern sand flathead ever at Tinderbox in Tasmania.
1
Marcus (10) and Gideon (11) hooked this gummy shark in Western Port on a squid strip. It weighed in at just over four kilos.
72 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
3
Seven year old Riley Cranfield caught this 55cm flathead while fishing with his Pop at Port Hacking. He was using a 100mm Squidgy Pro Range Bloodworm Wriggler.
Aleksander Satici, aged 14, caught this 38cm coral trout while on holiday in Far North Queensland.
Win A Great Shimano Spin Reel!
WITH CHRIS CLEAVER
to hooking big fish and feeling the pain of the rod butt when it digs in during a long fight. As fatigue in your arms, legs and body begins, it seems to get worse as your fighting balance is out of sync. There are a few options that can help with this. The most common way to prevent the rod butt digging into you is by using a rod bucket or a gimbal. This is a belt that goes around the waist and the rod butt is placed in a special holder to holster the rod while fighting. Another option is something called a “Fighting Buddy”. This is an oversized rubber cap that goes on the end of the rod to increase the surface area and lessen the pain.
1
Send in your completed crossword and go into the draw each month to win! Post your entries to: Shimano Junior’s Crossword, c/- Fishing World Magazine, GPO Box 606, Sydney NSW 2001. Across 3. To successfully _ _ _ _ _ _ _ deep hooked fish, don’t try and remove the hook. 4. Chasing _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ offshore is often good on bright sunny days. 6. Most commonly a rod _ _ _ _ _ _ holsters the rod during a fight.
2 3
4
5
6
Down 1. Shallow and clear water and an _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ day might be the best conditions in an estuary. 2. The survival rates of deep hooked _ _ _ _ _ are above 75 per cent. 5. Fighting a big _ _ _ _ can be painful as the rod butt digs into you.
Last month’s crossword winner was Thomas Cornelius of Northwood, Sydney, NSW.
Send in your questions!
To Chris at: Fisho’s Shimano Junior’s Q&A , GPO Box 606 Sydney NSW 2001, email to comps@fisho.com.au or fax 02 9281 2750. Published questions receive a beaut Squidgy lure pack – make sure to include your name and address.
FISHO ONLINE!
For more info, go to www.fishingworld.com.au
Shimano Pic of the Across Month 3. To successfully RELEASE deep hooked fish, don’t try and remove the hook. [RELEASE] 4. Chasing GAMEFISH offshore is often good on Jack’s got bright sunny days. [GAMEFISH] 6. Most commonly a rod BUCKET holsters the rod the knack! during a fight. [BUCKET] KEEN young fisho Jack Thompson recently caught his first ever flathead. According to dad, Ken, young Jack pulled the flattie up the river bank by himself and also caught some bream. Well done, Jack!
CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS: 3:RELEASE, 4:GAMEFISH, 6:BUCKET DOWN: 1:OVERCAST, 2:BREAM, 5:FISH
5
Max Castiglioni, 11, from Perth, was on holiday in Exmouth when he caught this colourful 30cm coronation trout.
Tap here to Tap here Each month we will select a Pic of the Month Major watch video Prize Winner as well as FIVE other lucky winners for location our Grin & Win section. Pic of the Month winners receive ALL of the great prizes you see here, while Grin & Win kids will each receive a cool Shimano cap and Squidgy DVD (right)! Tap here to video andwatch contact
Down KIDS!
1. Shallow clear water Send usand a digital day might beofthe best co photo or print your catch and you could [OVERCAST] be the running forof dee 2. Theinsurvival rates some great monthly above 75 per cent. [BRE prizes! 5. Fighting a big FISH can butt digs into you. [FISH
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location E-mail your entry details to: pictures@fisho.com.au or post it to: Shimano Pic of the Month, Fishing World, GPO Box 606 Sydney NSW, 2001 Please include your name and age and details of your catch. Send a stamped, Visit the Shimano Junior Anglers’ self addressed envelope if you want your photo back! Good luck! website at www.shimanofish.com.au
Lobster pots – whether they be store bought or DIY – are easy to use and pretty effective at catching tasty lobbies! INSET OPPOSITE: Rosie Rae has good reason to smile – eastern rock lobsters like the one she’s holding are delectable on a plate!
74 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
Trapping
Lobbies! Fresh lobster meat does for DAVE RAE what a meal of hobbit does for hungry orcs!
IMAGE: IAN OSTERLOH.
I
’VE just put the phone down after a quick call to the local fish co-op and am reeling from the news that a live eastern rock lobster will set me back a staggering $79.50 per kilo. They’re even more expensive at peak periods like Christmas and Easter. At that price, a feast of lobster sits squarely in the realm of food fit for a king! I now know why I’ve never bought one and why I’m so keen to catch my own. Fortunately, anyone living in temperate Australia who enjoys regular access to shallow inshore reef should be able to bring home a few lobsters in season. Believe me when I say that the best tasting lobster is the one you’ve caught yourself. fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 75
CRUSTACEANS
My earliest recollections of lobster fishing come in the form of our annual family holidays to a tiny seaside village. Between the holiday house and the local jetty there was an old fisherman who had a stack of circular cane pots against his side fence. I’d walk past on my way to the wharf and watch what he was up to; sometimes it was making a net, sometimes he’d be on the front step drinking a long neck; and sometimes he’d have wires set out on a timber stump where he’d be weaving cane lobster pots. These are treasured childhood memories. However, not all my earlier lobster experiences are as pleasant. I spent my teenage years wondering why on earth pro fishermen thought they had the right to put their pots in such inconvenient places. The take-off rock at a favourite surf point was a chaotic spot when it was inundated with pots, and on more than one occasion I came a cropper as a result. I know that one of the lads experienced an unfortunate incident when he cut the floats off – not smart when the kitchen window of said pro fisherman looked right over the point in question. At other times corks would crowd in on our jewiespinning reef, lining the very crevice that would hold big jews during a flood. I always thought they were a mad bunch because the pots were so close to the rocks and it was dangerous in a small swell and downright terrifying in a decent swell! So, with all that negative baggage on board, it might come as a surprise that I am now a keen lobbie chaser in my own right, and that the young squirt is my companion; two Raes mean two pots. I used to have three little Raes at one stage, but they growed up on me! Now at this point you are thinking that I earn 10 squillion brownie points for each lobster I bring home. My “Loved One” might appear perfect, but the truth is that she misses the mark ever so slightly. “Another lobster, Davo … you are a clever boy, but you know
RIGHT: Close up of an eastern rock lobster. Tight restrictions on commercial and recreational fishers targeting these highly sought after crustaceans means there are good stocks available. 76 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
I’d rather a blue swimmer crab!” That’s right, while I’d kill for a feed of lobster, it’s the humble, and far easier to procure, blue swimmer that lights her fire! All the more for me, I guess ...
How Hard Is It?
Surprisingly, it’s not all that hard to catch lobsters. Sure, there are things to do and things not to do. If there were a deciding factor, for many it would be accessibility to their pots. It’s best to check pots every other day, or if that’s not possible, at least once a week; both to re-bait and to limit lobster theft – both from thieving anglers and octopi. Whilst Fisheries cop a flogging on many fronts, and while I share the concerns of many, I, for one, really appreciate their management of my local lobster fishery. They have made lobster-abuse a far more risky business than it used to be. Blokes using more pots than they should and the lifters-of-other-folks’ pots are fronting court and being issued with hefty fines thanks to hi-tech video gear and frequent on-the-ground surveillance. I’ve come to shore more than once and been quizzed regarding the lobsters I’d caught or not caught. Once they asked about the two lobsters I’d kept and I was complimented for returning an oversized beast to the water. When I asked how they knew so much, the answer was “Because we were watching you”… which given that it was a pre-dawn event about 200m from shore, is pretty impressive. I hate to think what would have happened if I’d kept the oversized one. For those who live away from the coast, lobster-chasing will be limited to holiday periods, while those of us blessed with a coastal location can get stuck into it whenever time and conditions allow.
Lobster Habitat
Lobsters walk inshore to spawn when the water becomes cool. For me that means between the
months of July and December, with September–November being the prime time. They are shy reef dwellers that hide in caves, crevices and kelp beds during the day, coming out to browse under cover of darkness. Therefore the best lobster reefs have all three hidey-holes. They need not be large reef complexes either as it’s the edges of a reef that are more productive than the tops because it’s the edges that contain the deepest caves and crevices. The reef should be broken, with channels of sand and fingers of rock as these have the longest edges. Broken reef in close proximity offers maximum edge length and it’s an edge that is most likely to have crevices and caves. It is generally held that lobsters are most active during dark nights, although my own records don’t seem to definitely point in that direction.
A DIY NSW-Style Pot
While you can purchase lobster pots online (for around $100), or maybe put some cash in the hand of a pro lobster fisherman, there’s a good deal of satisfaction to be had from catching a lobster in a pot that you’ve made yourself … just be sure to read the fine print of your state’s fisheries regulations before you start! I make my pots from what the local hardware calls “crab wire”. It’s a heavy-duty galvanised 7.5x5cm mesh that is folded into a D-shaped pot, either 90cm or 120cm in length depending on the width of the wire you purchase. It is important that you only use mesh that has been galvanised AFTER the wires have been welded together, as opposed to mesh made from galvanised wire which leaves the welds raw. It may be cheaper, but the cheap stuff doesn’t last. To further extend the life of your pot, add a sacrificial zinc anode (available from chandleries).
A trio of eastern rock lobsters on ice and ready to be devoured! LEFT: One of Dave’s DIY lobster pots. Follow the instructions in the article to make your own or outlay some cash to get one from your local tackle shop.
Before you get into it, you’ll need a pair of pliers (or hand held bolt cutters) to cut the mesh and multi-grips to twist the tags, a nice place to sit and a cold drink. Step 1: Unroll the mesh and cut a piece that is 21 squares in length. Cut at the end of the 22nd mesh in order to make wire tags. Step 2: Count out a base 8 squares wide and then roll the remainder over the base, forming a circular top. Secure by rolling tags around the starting edge; ensuring that the ends of the tags are left INSIDE the trap; otherwise you’ll scratch your boat and impale yourself on a regular basis. Step 3: To make the entrance insert, cut a separate mesh strip, 14 squares by 2 squares, again cutting at the 15th and 3rd meshes. Roll into a circle and secure with tags, keeping tag ends OUTSIDE the circle, otherwise you’ll catch your hands when baiting or removing a lobster ... which can be tricky enough without wires to snag the prize. Pulling out a wobbegong can take even more time! Don’t worry that the size of the hole is excessive, it’s a tried and proven design. Step 4: Flatten the middle three rows of mesh at the top of the pot and position the entrance insert just to one side of the midpoint. Cut out sufficient mesh to leave prongs to wire in the entrance. Step 5: Before adding the ends, ballast the pot with two “holey” house bricks (one each end or both on one end) with gal wire or aluminium brick ties. This will secure the pot on the seabed and help keep it from snagging up in heavy swell. Lobsters dislike noise, so a banging pot or loose brick are to be avoided. Step 6: Make two ends from additional mesh and wire into place, being sure to cut legal escape gap(s) as required. Add a sacrificial anode to one end in order to lengthen the life of your pot.
W
hile you can purchase lobster pots online (for around $100), or maybe put some cash in the hand of a pro lobster fisherman, there’s good deal of satisfaction to be had from catching a lobster in a pot that you’ve made yourself.”
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 77
CRUSTACEANS
Step 7: Add a rope bridle to one end of the pot by using a 1m length of rope that is attached to both corners of one end and then attach the haul rope with a loop knot. Step 8: Add a small float 2m above the trap to help keep the rope from snagging on the bottom, and a larger visible float on the end of the rope will enable you to locate and haul your pot. Clearly label the float as required. Sink floating rope with a 50 gm sinker attached 1m from the float. Step 9: Make a couple of bait bags from plastic mesh such as gutter mesh. Use a T-piece of mesh to add a hook to the bottom of the bag and another piece of wire to the top in order to make it stronger. Step 10: Bait it up and drop it in … you are going.
Setting a Pot
Next up you need to find a lobster friendly reef. If you aren’t sure where to try, look for other pots, then sound the same reef and try to find a possie away from other pots. As a result of spending an increasing amount of time in the water, chasing them with a snorkel as well as a pot, I’ve found that the best lobster holes are located on the edges of reef, either the outside edge or the rocks lining sandy channels. That’s probably why you’ll see pro fishermen dropping pots over the side and then setting them tight against the actual reef. Maybe you’ll lose the odd pot, but I think you get more lobsters as a result of being right on the rock. Due to the fact that my local ramp involves a beach launch, it’s far easier for me to chase lobsters with a kayak than with the tinnie; and what that means is that I’m also able to put pots far closer to bommies with the ’yak than I would with the boat. Not only does this limit the risk of lobster theft, it means I can drop my pot and then dive down and put it exactly where I want it. What I have learnt as a result is that pots don’t always lie flat, and they often need a helping hand. I’ve also learnt that it’s a good idea to tie everything down because kayaks and bommies mean capsizes now and again!
Bait
Any fish material works, although oily fish like blackfish, mullet and slimies are my favourites. I’ll use anything though, with snapper heads working fine. They do like fresh bait, so it pays to rebait the pots every other day. I know that pros use dried cow hoofs and such, but the idea there is to keep bait in offshore pots that might be hauled once or twice a month. To re-bait your pot, it is best to take baited bags onto the water as opposed to emptying stinky bait
and refilling the bag out there. When placing the bait bag inside the trap, locate the bag just below and to the side of the entrance. If the lobster can feel the bait without being able to eat it, there is maximum incentive for it to crawl inside.
Rules & Regulations
First off, you’ll need to appreciate that the regulations that govern lobster fishing are complex and different between states. Ensure you know and understand lobster fishing regulations as they apply in your home waters as the fines for illegal activity can be hefty. Your state fisheries department website will detail all necessary info.
Eating ABOVE: Dave with a nice lobster that ended up becoming a scrumptious meal fit for a king! RIGHT: Lobster mornay … Yummo! There are plenty of other ways to prepare lobster, with simple boiling being very popular. 78 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
I reckon a boiled lobster is hard to beat, although we occasionally get creative with spices, sauces and dips. Twenty minutes in boiling water, removing the legs after three minutes, is about right, with 30 minutes for a larger one. I reckon the legs are the best part, and you can always nibble on them while waiting for the rest. We anaesthetize the lobster before popping it into boiling water by sitting it in the freezer for 45 minutes prior to cooking. What are you waiting for?
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Keep It Clean! By sticking to a program of simple preventative maintenance measures, you’ll ensure your valuable tackle and boating equipment looks good and performs well. WITH SAMI OMARI
FISHING tackle and boats cop a heap of abuse, especially when subjected to harsh salt water environments. The more diligent you are with cleaning and taking preventative measures, the less hassle you will have when out on the water. While maintenance and cleaning isn’t always fun, it is necessary to ensure your gear functions well and failure is kept to a minimum. Following are a few simple tips to help improve the longevity and operation of your boat and tackle.
Keep things clean
Grime, salt and a general lack of cleanliness can lead to accelerated corrosion and sub-optimal performance of your gear. I wash my boat after each trip and it still looks as good as the day I bought it. By keeping my boat clean, I’m more likely to notice corrosion and identify any issues early and rectify them before they become serious. A good example of this was when I noticed a drop of hydraulic fluid leaking from the steering cylinder. That area near the tilt tube always has remnants of grease from the grease points and cops blood and guts that spill over from my cutting board. Had it not been kept clean, the leaking fluid would have probably gone unnoticed for much longer and might have caused grief when out on the water. Flush your engine, wash the salt off the boat and trailer and keep things tidy. Rinsing fishing gear under a mist of fresh water is better than blasting it with a hose. If you can get away with it, the easiest thing to do with tackle is to rinse it off with warm water in the shower.
ABOVE: Washing your boat after use keeps it looking good and allows you to check for any damage or potential malfunctions. RIGHT: Taking the time to maintain the internals of your reels means they’ll last longer and perform better.
80 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
F
lush your engine, wash the salt off the boat and trailer and keep things tidy ... If you can get away with it, the easiest thing to do with tackle is to rinse it off with warm water in the shower.” Inspect your gear
Inspecting your gear is especially important if it has been idle for an extended period. Even if you fastidiously clean your tackle, it doesn’t take much for salt water to penetrate the internals of your reel or boat electronics. With my reels I generally turn the handles and run line through the line roller periodically to make sure the bearings still roll freely – even though I maintain my gear regularly I still find problems every now
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LEFT: Simple things like using nylock nuts and anti-corrosion spray minimises the chance of any battery problems.
and then during a routine check. Boats also sit dormant either in the sun or in some covered corner of the yard, out of sight and out of mind. Tyres and batteries go flat, UV from the sun can cause plastics and rubber to perish while salt causes corrosion in metals and wiring. Run an eye over your boat periodically and if it’s sitting idle you should kick the engine over to keep the internals lubricated.
Protect exposed elements
Added protection for exposed elements or those that are highly susceptible to failure is something I do to minimise the amount of servicing required and likelihood of problems when on the water. Line roller bearings in threadline reels are notorious for seizing as salt water streams off braided line when it passes the line roller. This water invariably finds its way through small gaps and causes no end of grief for the tiny line roller bearings which are prone to corrosion. I protect the line rollers by using a small paintbrush to brush them with quality
reel grease when new. I push any excess grease into the bearing and ensure it is generously covered. I also periodically spray reels and rod guides with silicone spray to give them a protective coating once clean. When it comes to boats, my boat battery terminals are secured using nyloc nuts to eliminate them vibrating loose with all exposed terminals and wiring sprayed with an anti-
corrosion sealer to protect from salt water. To protect the boat, I cover it with a shade cloth which keeps leaves and most of the sun off it while allowing the wind to circulate and eliminate damp, mould and odours. Simple preventative measures like those mentioned above don’t have to be too onerous and if done periodically, will help protect your gear and reduce headaches down the track!
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fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 81
REVIEWED: QUINTREX TOP ENDER 510SC
Top Performer Quintrex has revamped its range of Top Enders, making these popular craft more versatile than ever. MARK WARD reports.
CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN: The 510 model has plenty of interior deck space for lure casters; The versatility of a Top Ender is what makes it such a popular boat; Features such as rod lockers and ample tackle storage make this boat suitable for serious sport fishos.
82 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
QUNTREX has been hard at work making a number of changes to its popular range of Top Ender tinnies. As a result, the boat now has more features and options, including a new 4mm bottom and 3mm sides for extra strength and rigidity. If you’re not familiar with the Quintrex Top Ender, there are nine different hull lengths with sports console and tiller steer configurations. The Top Ender is an extremely versatile fishing boat. Its generous freeboard allows it to be utilised offshore while being just as comfortable as a bay or estuary boat. As the name suggests, the hull was originally intended to provide a safe fishing platform for anglers in northern Australia. Combined with the smooth riding Quintrex Blade hull, the Top Ender has become just as popular in the south as it is up north.
The layout
Fisho recently put a Top Ender 510 through its paces to investigate these changes. The test boat was the SC version, which has a newly designed side console. At just over 5.1m in length and with a 2.25m beam, the hull is big enough to be used as a family fishing boat or for chasing snapper in the bay or mackerel from the reefs. Its versatility is no doubt a strong point. A big casting deck makes it ideal to be fitted with a bow-mounted electric motor for inshore lure casting. The sports console has been redesigned to allow for a generous amount of dry storage. The console also has plenty of real estate to house most of the electronics popular with this style of boat.
Changes to the Top Ender include underfloor storage, full length side pockets, new alloy pedestal seat mounts and posts, as well as deluxe carpet that resists heat – ideal when fishing with bare feet! There are also additional options that weren’t previously available. One involves is a large rod locker, making the Quinny ideal for tournament anglers or fishos with too much tackle. Add the bow mount thruster plate and live well, and the Top Ender becomes a very serious sportfishing unit. The deep freeboard and wide gunwales of the Top Ender, along with side and bow rails, give it a very secure feel, making it ideal for families with young children. The underfloor fuel is 95l. This can be upgraded to a larger tank but at the expense of underfloor storage. Quintrex has always offered plenty of options for its entire range, making customising your boat a breeze. The test boat was fitted with a number of options such as bimini, rod locker and a Lowrance HDS12 colour sounder. As mentioned, the Top Ender can be optioned up for tournament fishing, but families can add options such as transom door, ice bin and ski pole. This quickly converts what’s traditionally been known as a hard-core fishing boat to a family weekender. Quintrex has a number of standard features that many boat manufacturers consider options. These include a live bait tank, VHF radio, transom ladder, painted hull and carpet. The new and improved Top Ender hasn’t come at a cost. Quintrex told Fisho the improvements have been made without increasing the retail price of the boat.
C
ombined with the smooth riding Quintrex Blade hull, the Top Ender has become just as popular in the south as it is up north.”
fishingworld.com.au | September 2015 | 83
REVIEWED: QUINTREX TOP ENDER 510SC
T HE DETAILS
LEFT: The E-TEC 115hp as tested provided more than enough power for the efficient Top Ender hull.
QUINTREX 510 TOP ENDER SC Keep scrolling to
see TO exclusive iPad LENGTH (BOW TRANSOM): 5.14m
Performance
The Blade Hull is one of the best performing alloy hull designs ever created, I believe. The Blade offers a significantly drier, smoother and quieter ride, especially in the wind chop typical to bays and estuaries around the country. With a dry weight of 570kgs, the Top Ender is light enough to give excellent performance from as little as 75 ponies on the transom but has a hull design that gives the skipper the feel of a much larger, heavier hull. The test boat was fitted with a 115hp E-TEC, which had the hull straight up on the plane to
deliver a top speed of just under 37 knots. Tap here to Running at 3500revs, the Top Ender cruised at 19 Tap here watch video knots and was able to plane at just over 10 knots. location The test 115hp was max power for the 510 with a 90 an option if you wanted to save a few bucks. With excellent stability at rest and very easy slow Tap here Tap here to watch video speed manoeuvrability, the Top Ender seemed to location me to tick all the boxes for an alloy hull of this size. The control box felt a little high for my liking but that would be something that you’d get used to.
Fishability
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LENGTH OVERALL: 5.51m BEAM: 2.25m
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BOTTOMSIDES: 4mm SIDES: 3mm WEIGHT (HULL ONLY): 570kg MAX HP (ALSO AS TESTED): 115hp PRICE AS TESTED: $46,490. CONTACT: www.quintrex.com.au
Fishing is what the Top Ender is all about. The high sides, Blade Hull and flared bow means that the Top Ender is ideal for close reefs and bay fishing when the weather is being kind. And let’s face it, who wants to be out there when it’s not? The Top Ender is also ideal for family fishing with the kids or out soaking a few baits at night. Cockpit lights are standard and the comfortable, movable pedestal seating is ideal for relaxing with a bait in the water.
Sports, tournament and club fishermen can also have the Top Ender set up with electric motor, live well and decked out casting platforms to allow for lure or fly casting. The side console configuration allows for plenty of deck space and the rod locker option is big enough for seven and even eight-foot rods. That’s a lot of boat for a hull that is just a little over five metres long ...
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Maritime Offers A Helping Hand Government departments all too often get criticised for being overly bureaucratic but maybe we should give credit where it’s due when it comes to boating safety? BY DAVE RAE
stock. Let’s remember the 2008 tragedy on Sydney Harbour that claimed six lives and saw two young men jailed. Consider the one in a million accident that maims or takes life. How about safety gear? Do we treat flares, radios and lifejackets as the most important gear on the boat or does a new reel take pride of place? Are our flares up to date and does the marine radio have the range that it should? Are we meaning to attend to our safety gear but forgetting during the busyness of a hectic work week? These are questions we, as skippers, should address appropriately. Our vessels and our behaviour should be first rate. We must think safety first and moderate our behaviour accordingly. After all, we are responsible for our gear and our actions.
O
ur vessels and our behaviour should be first rate. We must think safety first and moderate our behaviour accordingly. After all, we are responsible for our gear and our actions.” NSW Maritime officers provide boating safety info to a group of Marine Studies students. A great grassroots subject which offers real benefits to young boaties and fishos.
MARINE Studies is a fantastic subject that is offered by the NSW Board of Studies. It is a non-HSC accredited course, but it is still a valuable subject. During 2014, I taught Marine Studies to a group of Year 9 and 10 students. We covered valuable topics such as: Swimming and Rescue, First Aid, Snorkelling, Dangerous Marine Creatures and Basic Navigation. We completed swimming and first aid certificates and snorkelled with a local dive company in the Solitary Islands and saw a school of snapper, a green turtle and a 2m grey nurse. The kids loved it! When I approached NSW Maritime for help to present boat safety and licencing during the Basic Navigation Unit, Dave and Mark were straight onto it. These guys work in the NSW Maritime Education Unit and are more than willing to help schools out. They met us at our local river and came fully 90 | fishingworld.com.au | September 2015
prepared for a big day. The lads went through safety and general boating skills and then the theory side of the NSW Boat Licence Test while I had students driving my beloved Red Barron tinny to satisfy the requirements of the NSW Boat Driver’s Logbook. We had a great day and everyone worked hard. The Maritime lads were very helpful and very enthusiastic. I got to thinking about why there isn’t more value and appreciation given to the Maritime staff who spend time on the water. Too often we limit our thinking to a negative tone in which we become threatened by speed and safety checks. There’s no denying that as responsible boat owners, we are answerable for our behaviour. We are, after all, operating a potentially dangerous and even lethal piece of machinery. Perhaps those of us who flaunt rules and think they are above the law might like to take
I, for one, admit that I would run the risk of being tardy with PFDs, flares and radios if I did not have the incentives provided by on-the-spot safety checks. I’m glad that my gear is in good nick and is high quality. Thanks must in part go to NSW Maritime and its safety regime. Personally, I’ve experienced a boating incident in which a large wave and a shallow reef resulted in a capsize. All that was left was a floating petrol tank, my camera case and my sunnies case. The fact that I’m here now may be a direct result of the captain carrying a waterproof VHF handheld radio. With the boat upside down, hours from shore and on a very big ocean, he was able to alert a nearby vessel as we remained perched on the upturned hull. We were out of trouble within the hour. Needless to say, the first purchase I made upon my return was a Lowrance Link-2 Handheld VHF, which now always travels in my waterproof camera case … just in case! So let’s give the Maritime a cheer; they might directly or indirectly save our bacon one day!
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