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WATER
CONTENTS THE CREW EDITORIAL
Editor Jereme Lane Senior Contributor Al McGlashan
DESIGN General Manager Sam Livolsi Creative Director Ryan Weeks Graphic Designers Matt Tan
CONTRIBUTORS Al McGlashan, Shane Murton, Jereme Lane, Dean Norbiato, Andrew McGovern
PRODUCTION
October 2017 40 Andy CROCODILE HUNTER McGovern outlines a few
FEATURES 16 With MIXING IT UP inshore bay waters coming alive around the southern half of the country there’s some great mixed bag fishing on offer.
28 LIGHT TACKLE STICKBAITING Light tackle surface luring in the estuary is not only readily available to everyone, Pete Morris reckons it’s also highoctane adrenaline pumping fun!
Production Manager Bronwyn Rowe
strategies for deliberately targeting trophy-sized fl athead in estuaries and lakes
50 Norbs BACKWATER BASSING puts his head down in the trough and finds some of the tried and tested methods for catching pig-like golden perch this spring
58 Boony GETTING WRECKED loves pulling fish off wrecks and details here a few ideas to help you find and fish these hidden treasures!
ADVERTISING Director of Marketing Glenn Wright Ph: (02) 9741 3922 Email: gwright@expresspublications.com.au Creative Marketing Manager Tim Ferrier Ph: (02) 8719 3618 Email: tferrier@expresspublications.com.au Advertising Production Co-ordinator Claudia Balderrama Ph: 02 9741 3891 Email: cbalderrama@expresspublications.com.au
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SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (02) 9741 3888 Email: sales@emgstore.com.au Back issues call: (02) 9741 3888
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All material in this magazine is protected by copyright laws and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the publisher. Prices and dates quoted in this issue were correct at the time of going to press but might be subject to variation. By submitting an unsolicited contribution to our magazine you agree to provide us with a licence to reproduce your material in print and electronic mediums worldwide with the right to edit any written contributions. All prices quoted in this magazine are current at publication
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IN EVERY ISSUE 8 ON THE WATER The Ed looks at how some forgotten fishing tackle from yesteryear is making its way back into fashion.
10 SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR There’s been a lot of hype around Copeton’s monster winter cod and as Al recently discovered it literally is a fish of a thousand casts
12 THROUGH THE LENS Check out some of the epic captures from Modern Fishing readers and find out how you can win with just the click of a shutter
68 ALL ROUND ANGLER Incorporating a mixture of tactics into your bottom bashing efforts can be highly rewarding according to Shane Murton
70 PRODUCT PROFILE The Next Generation of Marine Pro
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71 PRODUCT PROFILE Fish-Tec Solutions has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Gary Loomis’ Northfork Composite Blanks
72 PRODUCT REVIEW The latest range of MFDs from marine giants Lowrance is packed with the best technology available on the market
76 THE GOODS! A sneak peek at the latest and greatest gear from AFTA
MODERN FISHING
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ON THE WATER with Jereme Lane
BLAST FROM THE PAST s I write this it’s early August and I’ve just FRPH EDFN IURP WKH $)7$ À VKLQJ WUDGH show on the Gold Coast, and as usual the show was a hive of activity with all the latest and greatest on display. It’s every tackle junkies dream with rods, reels, lures and anything else you can think of displayed by the tackle companies with retailers from all over the country descending on the Gold Coast to order the new stock for their stores. One of the big talking points at this year’s VKRZ ZDV WKH UHFHQW QHZV WKDW $OYH\ À VKLQJ UHHOV would soon be closing its doors for good after DOPRVW \HDUV LQ WKH À VKLQJ LQGXVWU\ $QG just like any iconic rock star, when the news of Alvey’s passing hit, sales went through the roof and stores sold out as people scrambled to get Alveys for unborn children and grandchildren or to get their hands on the Alvey that they never got around to buying years ago! Yep, guilty… All of this got me thinking about a recent liveaboard trip I did with some friends to Swains 5HHI RͿ *ODGVWRQH :H WRRN DQ DEVROXWH PRXQWDLQ RI À VKLQJ JHDU DQG WKH ODVW URG , WKUHZ LQ WKH WXEH ZDV DQ ROG À EUHJODVV RQH SLHFH 7RSD] NJ spin rod. From memory, I bought it for around $50 when I was in high school to match with my brand new Baitrunner 6500 that the folks had given me for Christmas. I used it for a few years for throwing squid at rat kings in Sydney Harbour before eventually switching to graphite rods and forgetting about it for more than a decade. And so, it was only as a backup rod for a mate that it got a start on the Swains trip but it didn’t take long for me to realise that this rod deserved ZD\ EHWWHU WUHDWPHQW WKDQ ,·G DͿ RUGHG LW 2QH morning, we anchored on top of the reef in the middle of a group of coral bommies to have a beer and throw some pillies out. Not wanting to rerig any of the lure rods I put a pillie on to the old 7RSD] DQG OREEHG LW DW WKH QHDUHVW ERPPLH EHIRUH putting the rod in the holder and cracking a tin. Almost immediately the rod doubled over and a À VK EXVWHG PH RͿ LQ WKH FRUDO I put my beer down, rerigged and cast a metre or two further away from the coral. This time I KHOG RQWR WKH URG DQG ZKHQ WKH À VK FDPH RXW
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and snatched it and made his lunge for the reef I ZDV UHDG\ DQG JDYH WKH 7RSD] HYHU\WKLQJ , KDG dragging a nice redthroat emperor kicking and screaming all the way back to the boat. :KDW IROORZHG RYHU WKH QH[W KDOI DQ KRXU RU VR ZDV WKH PRVW HYHQO\ PDWFKHG EDWWOH LQ À VKLQJ WKDW , FDQ UHPHPEHU IRU D ORQJ WLPH 7KH 7RSD] %DLWUXQQHU FRPER ZLWK OE PRQR YV FP redthroat and coral trout in tight amongst a pile of bommies. Cast too tight to the coral and you’d lose WKH À VK &DVW WRR IDU DZD\ DQG WKH À VK ZRXOGQ·W come out for it. There was no clear winner, with WKH À VK GRLQJ PH LQ WKH FRUDO MXVW DV PDQ\ WLPHV DV I managed to drag them clear. :KDW VWLFNV RXW IRU PH WKRXJK ZDV WKH DFWLRQ RI that rod. It was bent over at angles that I forgot were possible and that would’ve shattered a graphite URG LQVWDQWO\ ,W ZDV GHÀ QLWHO\ DQ RSWLPLVWLF NJ rating compared to some of today’s rods and didn’t KDYH D ORW RI KHDG WXUQLQJ SRZHU EXW JHH] ZDV LW IXQ WR XVH :H KDG DQRWKHU VHVVLRQ LQ D VLPLODU VFHQDULR and I eventually had to swap back to 50lb braid after getting my ass handed to me by a bunch of angry trout. I can’t wait for summer now to use this rod on some local rat kings and no doubt will get busted RͿ ZKHQ WKH ELJJHU À VK DUH DURXQG EXW , UHFNRQ it’ll be worth it to see that ridiculous bend in the rod DJDLQ DQG HYHQ XS WKH RGGV D ELW LQ WKH À VK·V IDYRXU 2YHU WKH \HDUV DV À VKLQJ WDFNOH KDV LPSURYHG out of sight I’ve dismissed plenty of gear as simply ROG DQG RXWGDWHG EXW TXLWH D QXPEHU RI À VKRV WKHVH GD\V DUH WXUQLQJ EDFN WR À EUHJODVV URGV restoring old reels, respooling with mono and scouring social media to buy, swap and sell classic VHFRQG KDQG OXUHV IURP \HVWHU\HDU DQG SOHQW\ RI RWKHU WKLQJV WKDW DUH JLYLQJ ROG À VKLQJ LGHDV D revival, whether it be because of nostalgia or the fact that those items still work as well today as WKH\ GLG ZKHQ WKH\ À UVW FDPH RXW 6R GRQ·W GLVFRXQW DOO RI WKDW RXWGDWHG VWXͿ gathering dust. Go and look through the shed and VHH LI \RX FDQ À QG VRPHWKLQJ WKDW \RX XVHG WR ORYH using and see if you still get a kick out of it. For me, I’m going to do something I should’ve done a long time ago and get an Alvey while I still can! I hope you land a few more this month.
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SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR with Al McGlashan
FISH OF A THOUSAND CASTS There’s been a lot of hype around Copeton’s monster winter cod and as Al recently discovered it literally is a ďŹ sh of a thousand casts HAVE YOUR SAY! Join the conversation at WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MODERNFISHING
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hen it comes to the biggest Murray cod in the country there is one lake that stands out from the rest. Copeton Dam has become synonymous with huge cod in recent times, with no other location in the country producing as many metre plus cod and, in fact, the average seems to be well over 70cm. Of course yours truly managed to À QG WKH VPDOOHVW RQH LQ WKH ZKROH GDP ODVW WULS Chatting with Dave the park manager at Copeton Waters, revealed that cod over the magic metre mark are caught on a weekly basis and guns like my old mate Curtis Parker have tallied several this season already. The biggest one recorded has cracked the 1.3m mark, which is a true beast of a cod that must be getting close to a hundred old fashion pounds. :LWK VRFLDO PHGLD RYHUà RZLQJ ZLWK SLFV RI monstrous slob sized cod there is little wonder the place has exploded in popularity. Anglers have come from as far as Victoria for a shot at these monsters and the lake was packed this year. However, it seems good old social media has been a bit misleading – as it’s prone to be – and for every À VK FDXJKW WKHUH KDYH EHHQ VRPH PDVVLYH KRXUV put in. This is one of the issues with social media as it never shows the true effort required to get a real WURSK\ À VK ZLWK VRPH RI WKH \RXQJHU JHQHUDWLRQ pretending they caught it easily so they get more likes. This is a long way from the reality where, especially at a place like Copeton, way too many anglers have arrived with huge expectations only to go home empty handed and disappointed. :KDW PDNHV &RSHWRQ XQLTXH LV WKDW LW À VKHV best during the winter months, as opposed to the
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warmer months like most cod locales, and being at KLJK DOWLWXGH PHDQV LW FDQ JHW FROG EORRG\ FROG Couple this with predawn starts to coincide with prime bite times and you suddenly start to see that catching one of these trophies is not as easy as the internet makes out. Braving the elements is only part of the battle, with repetitive casting also testing everyone’s determination. There may be a lot of big cod in the lake, but there is also a hell of a lot of water between HDFK DQG HYHU\ À VK $QG WR WRS LW RII OHW¡V QRW IRUJHW that cod are notoriously moody little buggers who will snap their heads off one minute and shut down the next. The only way around this is to keep casting XQWLO \RX EXPS LQWR D À VK WKDW ZDQWV WR IHHG , FDQ¡W H[SODLQ WKH PRQRWRQ\ RI à RJJLQJ ZDWHU WR GHDWK IRU GD\V ZLWKRXW D VLQJOH ELWH EXW ZKHQ D ELWH À QDOO\ comes it’s all suddenly worth it. 2WKHU LPSRXQGPHQW À VKHULHV IRU FRG VHHP WR reward trolling, but at Copeton it’s all about casting big lures in close to the bank. With fancy names like swimbaits and wakebaits that are ridicously overpriced anglers cast in amongst the drowned timber and boulders till they tire or they get bit. :KHQ , VD\ FDVWLQJ , PHDQ WKRXVDQGV RI FDVWV IRU PD\EH RQH ELWH 7KLV LV QR H[DJJHUDWLRQ , FDVW IRU two days and never got a bite while my partner in FULPH FRG PDVWHU &XUWLV 3DUNHU à RJJHG WKH VXUIDFH to foam for two strikes and only hooked one. That À VK ZDV D PDVVLYH FP ORQJ PDNLQJ LW WKH WKLUG biggest cod he has ever caught. :DV LW DOO ZRUWK LW" %ORRG\ RDWK %XW , VKRXOG DOVR DGG WKDW &XUWLV KDG À VKHG WKH GDP HYHU\ GDZQ DQG GXVN IRU D ZHHN WR JHW WKDW RQH WURSK\ À VK There is nothing easy about Copeton cod but LW LV D À VKHU\ WKDW RIIHUV XS WUXH PRQVWHUV LI \RX are prepared to put in the casts. Like so often is the case it’s about time on the water and the more time you put in, the more you cast, the better your chances. At Copeton you really earn each and every cod which makes all the hard work ZRUWKZKLOH -XVW GRQ¡W H[SHFW LQVWDQW JUDWLÀ FDWLRQ RU \RX PLJKW EH GLVDSSRLQWHG
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Mako Escape HOW TO ENTER Congratulations to this month’s winner! You’re taking away a brand new pair of Mako Escape polarised sunnies and a Mako fishing shirt and cap valued at over $390!
It’s pretty simple. Each month, we’ll be posting the competition on the Modern Fishing Facebook page and all you need to do is drop your best pics in the comments section and tag a fishing buddy. It’s that easy so get snapping!
R E N N I W
Basin flicking for flatties on Mick Coggins was fishing St Georges tight on this big jewie. After up ed pull he 8lb braid and leader when the net coming in at 125cm. a two hour fight his PB mulloway hit healthy to fight again. ased rele was she pics After some quick e pack! priz the y enjo Great fish Mick
Leigh Holtsbaum caught this 1.8m cobia live baiting in 18 fathoms off the Gold Coast. The beast took 45min to land!
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Chris Cassar was squidding in 10-15m depth outside of flinders, Victoria when he pulled this nice squid and a few others. Nice squid mate!
Tim Wood pulled this nice Wahoo and two others off a FAD while his mate could only pull a mack tuna! Nice work Tim, make sure you rub it in!
We know that fishos around the country love a good fishy image and we want to showcase those epic shots of yours and give you the chance to WIN BIG! Bruno Vuga almost got spooled three times before finally getting this mackerel on board near Townsville
Anthony Warwicker was drift fishing over a reef at the top of Fraser Island when he hooked up this big amberjack
Shane Mason and his mates got these nice jewies in the middle of day fishing plastics off the breakwall. Good haul fellas! Jesse Thompson pulled this nice bream off a boat hull tucked away in a little corner of Lake Macquarie on 3lb straight thru on a soft plastic
Three-year-old Jye Daly got this 6kg salmon and two others with a bit of help from his old man during the WA salmon run. Great work Jye!
Bryn and Aaron were dropp ing Gulps down to fingermark when this nic e sail hit the plastic on the drop! Good fi sh lads! MODERN FISHING
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BY
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More room, more features, more stability. More of everything for a great day on the water... all thanks to our revolutionary Apex Hull. 7KH UDGLFDO YDULDEOH µDUHG ERWWRP VKHHW extends to the bow gunnel as does the wide FKLQH 7KDW PHDQV PRUH LQWHUQDO VSDFH DQG storage, which lets us build new consoles, casting SODWIRUPV EXQNV XSKROVWHU\ DQG WUDQVRPV
GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH PRGHO :HÂYH DOVR DGGHG thicker and higher topsides and raised the deck, IRU PRUH IUHHERDUG :LWK WKH QHZ $SH[ +XOO \RX JHW PRUH RI WKH JRRG WKLQJV OLNH D VRIWHU ULGH DQG URRP WR PRYH Expect nothing less IURP RXU QHZ 4XLQWUH[ Apex Hull.
*Size and features comparison made with 2016 Quintrex models.
TECHNIQUE: BAY FISHING
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IT UP!
With inshore bay waters coming alive around the southern half of the country there’s some great mixed bag fishing on offer. WORDS & IMAGES BY SHANE MURTON
MODERN FISHING
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TECHNIQUE: BAY FISHING ou have to love this time of year, where there’s a sense of expectation and excitement in the air with warming waters ushering in D IUHVK ZDYH RI Ă€ VK LQWR RXU inshore waters down south. After a typically bitter cold winter, and the mixed fortune and weather that can be experienced over the ‘transition’ months of spring, it’s great to hit the water with a sense RI Ă€ VKLQJ LQ WKH SULPH SDUW RI WKH year and with pretty much the full species list on offer. Furthermore, an ideal place for southerners to take advantage of this new season inshore species diversity is in bay waters. Not only can bays provide easy DFFHVV WR PXFK XQGHUUDWHG Ă€ VKLQJ WKH\¡UH DOVR WKH SHUIHFW IDPLO\ Ă€ VKLQJ destination, and even in less than ideal conditions you can generally Ă€ QG D VKHOWHUHG FRUQHU WR ÂśKLGH¡ LQ
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GarďŹ sh are highly popular and taste great
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ZKLOH VWLOO NHHSLQJ WKH À VK VFRUHERDUG ticking over. Great for anglers of all ages and levels of dedication. 7UXWK EH WROG À VKLQJ VKHOWHUHG DQG semi-protected bay waters is some of the most relaxing and enjoyable À VKLQJ , GR DQG LI \RX À VK VPDUW WKHUH¡V D YHULWDEOH À VK\ VPRUJDVERUG to be tapped into at both ends of the challenge spectrum. At their best bays are a VXSHUPDUNHW RI À VK VSHFLHV DQG there’s a classy line-up waiting to be caught in these locations down south, headlined by the likes of VQDSSHU DQG NLQJÀ VK ULJKW GRZQ WR SHUHQQLDO IDYRXULWHV VXFK DV à DWKHDG King George Whiting and even the ubiquitous southern calamari. This of course is only a snapshot of what’s up IRU JUDEV IRU À VKRV ULJKW QRZ 6R KRZ best to take advantage of this warm season bay variety when a favourable weather day presents itself?
A scaling bag full of bay caught KG whiting
A feed of whiting, now time to chase another species!
MIXED BAG APPROACH Having pleasurable bay sessions for me is about catching mixed bags, and embracing the diversity you can HQFRXQWHU LQ WKHVH RIWHQ À VK IHUWLOH zones, more so than focusing on one species all day long. Putting the blinkers on can be so limiting in these areas, and I’ve seen it happen many times where we’ve EHHQ VPDVKLQJ VDOPRQ DQG à DWKHDG on plastics for example with diehard whiting anglers near us not even looking like getting bites during the slack part of the tide, and so set in their ways they were unwilling to move or change approach. You’d think all the hooting and hollering emanating from our hyped-up crew, along with FRQVWDQW À VK WKUDVKLQJ RQ WKH VXUIDFH could sway them, but not so! 6RPH RI WKHVH œJR ZLWK WKH à RZ¡ W\SH days, where you’re looking to catch a
bit of everything, can be so productive as sure enough even if your frontline WDUJHW LVQ¡W À ULQJ VRPHWKLQJ HOVH ZLOO typically take up the slack and make up for it. Mixed bags are great when it FRPHV WR HDWLQJ À VK DW WKH HQG RI WKH day, they also make a day on the water that bit more interesting and provide something for the whole family. If you’ve got your children onboard for H[DPSOH D KDUGFRUH GD\ RI à DWKHDG VRIW SODVWLF à LFNLQJ RU ZRUNLQJ VWLFNEDLWV for kings and salmon, probably isn’t going to win them over with this bay caper. But if you can berley up a heap RI JDUÀ VK RU KHUULQJ IRU H[DPSOH WKH\¡OO be catching constantly and probably remember the experience for years to come. That’s not to say you still can’t VQHDN LQ D OXUH À VK DURXQG WKH SULPH part of the tide however and still SUREDEO\ WLFN RII WKH À VK \RX ZDQW
/LNH DQ\ À VKLQJ \RX QHHG WR DSSURDFK a day on the bay with a loose game plan RI VRUWV 6RPH À VK UHO\ KLJKO\ RQ WLGDO à RZ WR ELWH LQ ED\V OLNH .* ZKLWLQJ IRU instance, while others actually prefer the slack water like squid - you may need to mould your movements and tactics around this. Having a game plan and being prepared also entails bringing a selection of tackle with you to cash in on WKH RSWLRQV DYDLODEOH LI FHUWDLQ À VK DUH clearly in shutdown mode. This doesn’t mean you need a forest of rods and every lure you own, but rather at least a basic spread of gear that could create day saving opportunities. Even a couple of lures or squid jigs can turn a slow day on whiting or inshore snapper into a seafood feast if you strike a mass of inkers, or you clean up trolling for snook for example, and you’ll save face on an otherwise hard day. MODERN FISHING
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HOT SPOTS & TIDES 0XFK RI WKH À VKLQJ GHWDLOHG KHUH LV RQ RIIHU DURXQG WKH VRXWKHUQ KDOI RI WKH FRXQWU\ WKURXJK 9LFWRULD 6$ VRXWKHUQ :$ DQG 7DVPDQLD ZKHUH WKHUH·V D VLJQLÀ FDQW FURVVRYHU RI VSHFLHV EHWZHHQ WKH UHVSHFWLYH VWDWHV :KLOH WKHUH·V DOZD\V VSHFLÀ F GHWDLOV IRU HDFK ORFDWLRQ PDQ\ RI WKH DUHD FKDUDFWHULVWLFV DQG WDFWLFV UHPDLQ WKH VDPH %D\ ZDWHUV PD\ ORRN UDWKHU LQQRFXRXV DW À UVW JODQFH SDUWLFXODUO\ RQ WKRVH Á DW GD\V ZKHUH WKH\ FDQ UHVHPEOH D GXFN SRQG ZLWK HYHU\ ULSSOH DQG QRLVH DPSOLÀ HG EXW XQGHUQHDWK WKLV WUDQTXLOOLW\ WKHUH·V D ORW RI KRW VSRWV WR EH IRXQG DQG À VKHG
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)XUWKHU WR DERYH LI \RX FDQ ORFDWH WKLV ERWWRP RXW RI WKH PDLQ WLGDO Á RZ \RX·OO À QG VSHFLHV OLNH VTXLG DQG JDUÀ VK WKDW DUHQ·W VWURQJ VZLPPHUV FDQ EH EXQFKHG XS KHUH 7KLV FDQ PHDQ À VKLQJ FORVH WR VKRUH ZLQQLQJ RU ED\ FRUQHUV GXULQJ VWURQJHU WLGDO PRYHPHQW FDQ EH SURGXFWLYH IRU WKHVH À VK ZKLOH ZKLWLQJ DQG VDOPRQ IRU H[DPSOH SUHIHU WR IHHG LQ WKH FXUUHQW /XVK VHDJUDVV EHGV SURYLGH SOHQW\ RI FRYHU DQG IRRG IRU WKHVH À VK DV ZHOO )LVKLQJ WKH H[WUHPH VKDOORZV LQ ED\V VKRXOGQ·W EH ZULWWHQ RII HLWKHU HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ WKH Á DWV DQG IULQJLQJ DUHDV KDYH D ELW RI ZDWHU RYHU WKHP )LVKLQJ
At their best, bays are a supermarket of fish species, and there’s a classy line-up waiting to be caught in these locations down south
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Squid are generally easy to track down, with drifting the preferred tactic
TECHNIQUE: BAY FISHING WKH Á DWV LV LGHDO IRU ERWK OXUH DQG EDLW À VKRV ZLWK Á DWKHDG VDOPRQ WUHYDOO\ ZKLWLQJ DQG PRVW RI WKH ED\ UHJXODUV IHHGLQJ KHUH ZKHQ WKH WLGH DOORZV , ORYH FUHHSLQJ DURXQG WKH VKDOORZV XVLQJ WKH HOHFWULF PRWRU GLUHFWLQJ FDVWV DW DQ\ SRLQWV RI LQWHUHVW RU FUXLVLQJ SDFNV RI VKDGRZV VSRWWHG &RQYHUVHO\ ZH DOVR DQFKRU XS DQG GHOLEHUDWHO\ À VK WKH Á DWV IRU ZKLWLQJ DW WLPHV DQG ZH·YH KDG VRPH FUD]\ VKDOORZ ZDWHU ELWHV RQ ELJ À VK 2Q D GUDLQLQJ WLGH Á DWKHDG DQG RWKHU SUHGDWRUV FDQ EH SLFNHG RII DV WKH\ IDOO EDFN WR GHHSHU ZDWHU DQG FDQ EH UHDOO\ VWDFNHG XS RQ WKH HGJH RI WKH GURS RII 2IWHQ RYHUORRNHG WKH Á DWV FDQ JLYH XS VRPH RI WKH KRWWHVW À VKLQJ LQ D ED\ &KDQQHOV DQG JXWWHUV DUH DOVR XVHG E\ À VK DV KLJKZD\V WKURXJK D ED\ 'RZQ VRXWK ZH JHW PRQVWHU NLQJV JXPP\ VKDUNV DQG ELJ UHGV XVLQJ HYHQ TXLWH VPDOO FKDQQHOV WR PRYH DERXW WKURXJK ED\ V\VWHPV ERWK GXULQJ WKH
GD\ DQG QLJKW ZKLFK FDQ EH D JRRG SODFH WR LQWHUFHSW WKHP &KDQQHOV DOVR WHQG WR KDYH D ORW RI FXUUHQW GXH WR WKHLU QDUURZ QDWXUH ZKLFK LQ WXUQ H[SRVHV D ORW RI VXEVWUDWH RQ WKH ERWWRP ZKLFK VQDSSHU DQG ZKLWLQJ ZLOO EH VQRRSLQJ DURXQG IRU D IHHG DQG WKHUH FDQ EH D JHQHUDOO\ XQHYHQ ERWWRP WKDW ZLOO KROG À VK 7KLV FXUUHQW DOVR DWWUDFWV SUHGDWRUV VXFK DV VDOPRQ WDLORU DQG NLQJV WKDW ZLOO ORRN WR VPDVK XS EDLW VFKRROV LQ IDVW PRYLQJ ZDWHU )LQDOO\ ZKHQ À VKLQJ GHHSHU LQ ED\V LI \RX FDQ LGHQWLI\ ORZ UHHI\ VWUXFWXUHV KROHV RU HYHQ D FRPELQDWLRQ RI URFN DQG VDQG \RX FDQ EH LQ IRU D JRRG WLPH 6QDSSHU WKXPSLQJ ZKLWLQJ JXPP\ VKDUN DQG P\ULDG RI RWKHU À VK ZLOO EH GUDZQ WR WKHVH VWUXFWXUHV HVSHFLDOO\ LI WKH\·UH LQ LVRODWLRQ WKH ROG WUHH LQ WKH SDGGRFN HIIHFW 6R ZKDW DUH VRPH JUHDW ¶PL[HG EDJ· WDFWLFV WR JHW WKH PRVW IURP WKHVH DUHDV"
Electric motors are handy for working the shallows when casting lures. Check out the calm conditions!
MODERN FISHING
21
Tea sorted! KG whiting are one of the more popular options down south
TECHNIQUE: BAY FISHING
BAIT & BERLEY There’s no need to dart around a bay chasing your tail all day long looking IRU À VK DV RQH RI WKH PRVW WULHG DQG true tactics is rather to anchor up and EULQJ WKHP WR \RX 7KH EURNHQ JURXQG DUHDV PHQWLRQHG HDUOLHU DUH WKH LGHDO SODFH WR GR WKLV %D\ EHUOH\ WHFKQLTXHV FDQ EH EURNHQ GRZQ LQWR WZR RSWLRQV HLWKHU D VXUIDFH EHUOH\ RU ERWWRP EHUOH\ ZKLFK LV VRPHWLPHV UHIHUUHG WR DV JURXQG EDLW $ EDVLF SODVWLF EHUOH\ SRW À OOHG ZLWK FUXVKHG EUHDG RU GHGLFDWHG EHUOH\ pellets with a splash of tuna oil is all \RX QHHG WR JHW WKH SDUW\ VWDUWHG ,I \RX·UH WDUJHWLQJ JDUÀ VK KRZHYHU \RX PD\ ZDQW WR FRQVLGHU D À QHU SDUWLFOH
EHUOH\ DV ZHOO %UDQ DQG WXQD RLO LV D JRRG EHUOH\ EDVLV IRU WKHVH À VK DQG the tuna oil will create a lengthy slick WR GUDZ WKHP LQ IURP PLOHV DURXQG /RRN IRU JDUÀ VK Á LFNHULQJ LQ WKH FDOP ZDWHU FUHDWHG E\ WKH RLO VOLFN DQG ZLWK D IHZ PDJJRWV JHQWV RU VPDOO SLSL XVHG IRU EDLW À VKHG XQGHU D Á RDW LW ZLOO VRRQ DFFRXQW IRU WKHP DQG RWKHU À VK OLNH KHUULQJ PDFNHUHO VLOYHU WUHYDOO\ DQG PRUH ,W·V DOZD\V DPD]LQJ KRZ DWWUDFWLQJ VPDOOHU À VK WR \RXU JHQHUDO DUHD ZLOO LQ WXUQ JHW PRUH SUHGDWRU\ VSHFLHV VQRRSLQJ DURXQG DOVR FUHDWLQJ PRUH than a few handy opportunities in WKH SURFHVV LI \RX·UH TXLFN HQRXJK WR
A few common bay species down south all caught in the same session
Drifting for squid is a productive way to spend time
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WDNH DGYDQWDJH RI WKHP :H·YH EHHQ WDUJHWLQJ JDUÀ VK LQ VKDOORZ ZDWHU DQG VXGGHQO\ KDG KDPPHUKHDG DQG ZKDOHU VKDUNV FRPH LQ RQ WKH VFHQW DORQJ ZLWK yellowtail kings all attracted by the DFWLYLW\ DQG WKH VPHOO LQ WKH ZDWHU DOZD\V SDFN WKH ELJ URG 2Q D VPDOOHU QRWH VTXLG DUH QHYHU IDU DZD\ LI \RX·UH FDWFKLQJ VPDOOHU À VK GUDZQ LQ E\ WKH VLOYHU Á DVKHV DQG FRPPRWLRQ KDYLQJ D VTXLG MLJ ULJJHG RQ DQRWKHU URG RU HYHQ D KDQGOLQH FDQ FDWFK WKHVH IUHVK EDLW RU WHD WDNH \RXU SLFN %HUO\LQJ GRZQ GHHS FDQ EH QR KDUGHU WKDQ ZHLJKLQJ GRZQ WKH VDPH EHUOH\ SRW PHQWLRQHG DQG VHWWLQJ LW RQ WKH ERWWRP RU ORZHU LQ WKH ZDWHU FROXPQ <RX FDQ DOVR KDQG EURDGFDVW KHDYLHU EHUOH\ PDWHULDO OLNH FUXVKHG SLSL VKHOOV RU WKH OLNH ZKLFK ZLOO VLQN TXLFN DQG EH G\QDPLWH RQ .* ZKLWLQJ 3XWWLQJ SLOFKDUGV RU D À VK EDVHG HOHPHQW LQ \RXU berley trail will also help bring around ODUJHU SUHGDWRU\ À VK OLNH Á DWKHDG WUHYDOO\ VQDSSHU DQG RWKHUV DGGLQJ WR WKH OXFN\ GLS \RX FRXOG FDWFK $ VXSHU KDQG\ GHYLFH IRU \RXU ED\ EDLW À VKLQJ HIIRUWV LV ZKDW LV FRPPHUFLDOO\ VROG LV D VFDOLQJ EDJ :KLOH WKHUH DUH YDULDWLRQV LQ GHVLJQ IRU WKH PRVW SDUW WKH\·UH D À QH PHVK VDFN LQVLGH D KHDY\ GXW\ VDFN ZLWK D GUDZVWULQJ DQG D EXR\ DWWDFKHG MXVW LQ FDVH WKH URSH WR \RXU ERDW EUHDNV 7KH scaling bag is then towed behind your ERDW DW UHDVRQDEOH VSHHG DQG DV WKH bag is twisting and rolling around in \RXU ZDNH LW ZLOO FRPSOHWHO\ UHPRYH WKH VFDOHV DQG VOLPH IURP À VK OLNH ZKLWLQJ DQG HYHQ VTXLG ZLOO FRPH RXW ZLWK DOO WKHLU RXWHU VNLQ UHPRYHG 7KH\ VDYH \RX D ORW RI WLPH EDFN RQ ODQG DQG LI \RX·UH OLNH PH FOHDQLQJ À VK DW WKH HQG RI D IXOO GD\ RQ WKH ZDWHU LVQ·W WKH PRVW HQMR\DEOH SDUW RI WKH GD\ VR LW·V D PXVW EULQJ
Respectable inshore snapper are on the cards if you can locate reefy structure and holes
MODERN FISHING
23
LURE OF BAYS %DLW ├А VKLQJ DVLGH WKH VFRSH WR XVH OXUHV LQ VRXWKHUQ ED\V LV HQRUPRXV DQG VR LV WKH UDQJH RI ├А VK ZLOOLQJ WR FRRSHUDWH )RU JUHDWHVW ├А VK YDULHW\ SLFN OXUHV RI D JHQHULF VL]H WKDW ZLOO KDYH EURDG DSSHDO %\ WKLV , PHDQ SLFN OXUH VL]HV WKDW ZLOO DSSHDO WR D UDQJH RI ├А VK DQG QRW OLPLW \RXU SRVVLEOH FDWFK )LVKLQJ ZLWK LQWHUPHGLDWH VL]HG PLQQRZV DQG SODVWLFV ZKHQ FDVWLQJ DQG WUROOLQJ FDQ SXW \RX LQ WKH UXQQLQJ IRU PRVW ED\ OXUH WDUJHWV 7KLV LVQ┬╖W OLPLWLQJ \RXU FDWFK DW DOO DV WKDQNIXOO\ LQFK VRIW SODVWLFV DQG VLPLODU LQ KDUG ERGLHV FDQ WDNH PRVW ├А VK KHUH ZLWK ├Б DWKHDG VPDOOHU NLQJV VDOPRQ VQDSSHU DQG RWKHUV DOO HDWLQJ WKHP
6RIW SODVWLFV DUH VR YHUVDWLOH DQG D LQFK SDGGOH WDLO LV LGHDO IRU ├Б LFNLQJ WKH XOWUD VKDOORZV IRU ├Б DWKHDG RU ZRUNLQJ WKH GURS RIIV IRU VDOPRQ VQRRN DQG RWKHU SHODJLF PLQGHG ├А VK ,Q DUHDV RI KLJK FXUUHQW \RX FDQ OHW \RXU SODVWLF IUHHIDOO WR WKH ERWWRP DQG MXVW ZDWFK \RXU OLQH IRU WKH KLW $Q\ XQXVXDO PRYHPHQW RI \RXU EUDLG ZLOO PHDQ \RX┬╖YH XVXDOO\ EHHQ HDWHQ :H┬╖YH EHHQ JHWWLQJ ELJ VLOYHU WUHYDOO\ DQG VDOPRQ LQ DUHDV RI KLJK FXUUHQW OLNH WKLV DQG LW┬╖V VR GHDGO\ DQG VR PXFK FRRO IXQ )RU VRPHWKLQJ GLIIHUHQW WDNH \RXU EUHDP VL]HG SODVWLFV DQG JLYH WKHP D UXQ RQ .* ZKLWLQJ RU HYHQ RWKHU VPDOOHU VSHFLHV IRU D IUHVK FKDOOHQJH
Silver trevally caught on soft plastics
Nice Squidgy eating ямВathead coming in
You can target crabs while chasing other ямБsh
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TECHNIQUE: BAY FISHING
KG whiting coming in
With hard lures trolling is a great WLPH À OOHU DQG ZLOO OHW \RX SUREH WKH GHHSHU DUHDV RI WKH ED\ WKH GURS RIIV RU HYHQ ZRUN WKH VKDOORZ ZHHG EHGV LI \RX DGMXVW \RXU OXUH VHOHFWLRQV , OLNH FP PLQQRZV VXFK DV WKH 5DSDOD 6KDGRZ 5DS VHULHV IRU JHQHUDO WUROOLQJ 3LFN D IHZ QDWXUDO FRORXUV DQG GLIIHUHQW UXQQLQJ GHSWKV DQG \RX FDQ KDYH D EDOO ,W·V KDUG WR JURZ WLUHG RI JHWWLQJ \RXU OXUHV VODPPHG RQ WKH WUROO ,I \RX À QG D VFKRRO RI VDOPRQ NLQJV RU VQRRN ZKLOH WUROOLQJ \RX FDQ UHDOO\ FDVK LQ E\ FXWWLQJ WKH PRWRU DQG DWWDFNLQJ WKH À VK RQ WKH FDVW ZLWK KDUG RU VRIW OXUHV <RX FDQ DOVR LQWURGXFH VXUIDFH OXUHV OLNH SRSSHUV
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25
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TIPS & TECHNIQUE: SURFACE FISHING
LIGHT TACKLE
STICKBAITING Light tackle surface luring in the estuary is not only readily available to everyone, Pete Morris reckons itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also high-octane adrenaline pumping fun! WORDS AND IMAGES BY PETER MORRIS
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MODERN FISHING
29
TIPS & TECHNIQUE: SURFACE FISHING ne of the greatest all-time scenarios in the world of angling LV ZDWFKLQJ D Ă&#x20AC; VK PDWHULDOLVH DQG charge down a surface lure. That initial bow wave or trailing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; behind your lure immediately sees adrenaline levels surge and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this often-overwhelming feeling that we continually crave. The subsequent smash or high impact hit brings together incredible visuals and next level excitement which has contributed to the popularity of surface Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ EHLQJ DW DQ DOO WLPH KLJK 7KH enormous bonus for all anglers is that many opportunities exist across a broad range of environments and while the offshore domain is well known for lure crunching JLDQW WUHYDOO\ PDFNHUHO DQG NLQJĂ&#x20AC; VK ZH can also scale it back and have great fun throughout our estuaries on bread and butter species.
O
ESTUARY EASE The beauty of our often very scenic and pristine estuary systems lies in the fact they are associated with calm water. This in itself holds serious appeal to just about anyone that loves to cast a lure and casting smaller stickbaits has now evolved to such an incredible point where we are now throwing stick baits at literally anything ZLWK Ă&#x20AC; QV :KDW DUH VWLOO NQRZQ DV RXU EUHDG and butter type species of bream, whiting
Craig Arthurs with a nice double taken ten minutes apart on a small surface stick bait
DQG Ă DWKHDG KDYH QRZ EHFRPH YHU\ VHULRXV targets on surface stick baits and I have often thought this is a fantastic thing to rejuvenate the enthusiasm or love for a certain species. There is something really satisfying about WHDFKLQJ D VHDVRQHG EDLW Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ DQJOHU WKH techniques involved in casting and working surface stick baits and have them in disbelief as they watch a hungry pack of big whiting charge down a lure. :LWK PRVW ORFDO HVWXDULHV DURXQG WKH FRXQWU\ SURYLGLQJ HDV\ DFFHVV IRU Ă&#x20AC; VKRV plus the added bonus of calm protected ZDWHU WKLV W\SH RI Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ LV DYDLODEOH WR anyone, no matter your age or expertise level. In many instances, a boat isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t required and going for an early morning or late afternoon walk along the sand or PXG Ă DWV LV DOO WKDW¡V UHTXLUHG WR JHW LQ RQ the action. Throwing light lures around the estuary would have to rate as one of our easiest forms of angling and once some basic principles are observed and followed, catch UDWHV ZLOO GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ LQFUHDVH :KLOH RXU HVWXDULHV DUH TXLWH RIWHQ KRPH to a large variety of species our focus here will be on our more readily available targets RI EUHDP ZKLWLQJ DQG Ă DWKHDG 'XH WR WKHLU large distribution range, the popularity of each species remains at all-time highs and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now more enjoyable than ever to VSHFLĂ&#x20AC; FDOO\ WDUJHW DOO WKUHH RQ VXUIDFH ZDONLQJ VWLFNEDLWV 7KLV Ă&#x20AC; HOG WKDW ZDV RQFH VR KHDYLO\ GRPLQDWHG E\ WKH EDLW Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ brigade has seen a serious shift, with many more anglers choosing to cast surface lures at the estuary staples. :KLOH WKHUH¡V D ELW RI RYHUODS LQ WHFKQLTXHV used between these species it does pay to look at each individually, as there are considerable differences in their behaviour and preferred habitat within our estuaries.
BREAM Firstly, I must say that I really have to roll my eyes from time to time as I look on social media and read various comments in relation to bream. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going on the record here to VD\ WKDW WKH QHJDWLYLW\ LV QRW RQH ELW MXVWLĂ&#x20AC; HG and a big bream is one seriously impressive Ă&#x20AC; VK $ EOXH OLSSHG DQG VLOYHU VLGHG HVWXDU\ dwelling bream caught over clean sand is one of the toughest of all estuary species WR IRRO DQG LI \RX FDQ FDWFK WKHVH Ă&#x20AC; VK RQ lures consistently itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say you are an H[FHOOHQW DQJOHU 7KHVH Ă&#x20AC; VK LQ FOHDU ZDWHU scenarios are both incredibly cunning and wise and have not become big by accident. Bream will hang around various types of terrain and habitat within an estuary and as a result can be targeted in many differing scenarios. Small surface walking stickbaits can be cast amongst and adjacent to oyster racks, rock walls, jetties, boat hulls, mangrove-lined edges, weed beds DQG VDQG Ă DWV
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The kissing noise of a big bream trying to slurp down your surface lure is as good as it gets in light tackle ďŹ shing
If you are after some of the best free entertainment going, try casting stickbaits for bream
One of my favourite environments for VWLFNEDLWLQJ LV DFURVV RSHQ VDQG Ă DWV DQG LI WKRVH Ă DWV KDYH D IHZ VFDWWHUHG ZHHGEHGV DURXQG WKDW¡V HYHQ EHWWHU %UHDP ZLOO DFWLYHO\ IHHG DPRQJVW WKH ULEERQ ZHHG RU VHD JUDVV DQG D FDUHIXOO\ SODFHG VXUIDFH ZDONHU LQ D QDWXUDO RU WUDQVSDUHQW FRORXU ZLOO EH WKH SHUIHFW UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ RI D VPDOO MHOO\ SUDZQ Ă HHLQJ IURP WURXEOH $ORQJ PDQJURYH OLQHG HGJHV URFN ZDOOV DQG DURXQG MHWWLHV the situation is no different in that you are ORRNLQJ WR LPLWDWH D Ă HHLQJ SUDZQ D ZRXQGHG EDLWĂ&#x20AC; VK RU IDOOHQ FLFDGD RU RWKHU LQVHFW IURP DERYH 7LGDO PRYHPHQW ZLOO RI FRXUVH SOD\ D KXJH UROH LQ WDUJHWLQJ EUHDP DQG LQ JHQHUDO D ULVLQJ WLGH ZLOO JLYH EHWWHU DFFHVV WR WKH Ă&#x20AC; VK $V WKH UDFNV PDQJURYH HGJHV RU VDQG Ă DWV Ă RRG WKH EUHDP ZLOO PRYH LQ WR IHHG ,Q WKH KXQW IRU ODUJHU EUHDP OXUH VHOHFWLRQ is a point of serious consideration. Surface ZDONHUV LQ WKH YLFLQLW\ RI PP ZLWK D JRRG OLQH XS RI FRORXUV LV LGHDO IRU FRYHULQJ WKH HQWLUH HVWXDU\ IRU EUHDP EXW LQ JHQHUDO IRU FOHDU ZDWHU VFHQDULRV VXFK DV VDQG Ă DWV DQG ZHHG EHGV , ZLOO VWLFN ZLWK OXUHV WKDW DUH ODUJHO\ WUDQVSDUHQW ,Q JHQHUDO WKHVH Ă&#x20AC; VK DUH more cunning and spookier than the average EUHDP DQG ZLOO EH VXVSLFLRXV RI DQ\WKLQJ WKDW ORRNV RXW RI SODFH $W WLPHV RI GLUWLHU ZDWHU RU DURXQG PDQJURYH OLQHG VWUHWFKHV FRORXU PD\ not be as much of an issue and there are days ZKHUH DOPRVW HYHU\ FRORXU ZLOO JDLQ DWWHQWLRQ /XUH UHWULHYDO LV DQ HTXDOO\ LPSRUWDQW IDFWRU DQG \RX VKRXOG DLP WR LPLWDWH D
Along the edges of canals and rock walls, bream will happily feed and a small surface walker is often too much to resist
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TIPS & TECHNIQUE: SURFACE FISHING
WHITING What was once a slightly whispered rumour very quickly became a mega craze and now whiting on surface lures is up there with our most popular styles of estuary fishing. There’s a very good reason behind this as watching several big bronze-backed whiting fight over your lure is massively addictive. It has also turned many ‘bait-only’ anglers around who now enjoy this seriously fun form of ultra-light lure casting. Surface poppers were initially responsible for this craze but many switched on lure casters quickly discovered that small surface stickbaits were arguably the more successful presentation. A small surface walker in that amazingly life like transparent pattern slashing across the surface is such a close PDWFK WR D Á HHLQJ MHOO\ SUDZQ WKDW LW FDQ even fool yourself at times and the whiting GHÀ QLWHO\ DJUHH Tidal movement is your critical starting point in your hunt for whiting on surface lures and is often the reason why some anglers have very limited success. As a JHQHUDO UXOH , À QG WKDW WKH À UVW WZR KRXUV
Berkley’s 3b Scum dog in the very natural ‘Hooch’ colouration accounts for many whiting for Pete
Sand flats like these are a dream location for the light tackle lure caster
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RI WKH UXQ LQ WLGH DQG WKH À UVW WZR KRXUV of a falling tide to be the very clear peak periods. It’s at these stages you are able WR LQWHUFHSW KXQJU\ ZKLWLQJ LQ WKHLU Á LJKW paths. Moving from deeper holes and channels a rising tide will see whiting quickly move up and onto the previously exposed banks with a deliberate intention to forage, hunt and actively feed. As the tide nears full, whiting are able to spread far and wide and will therefore become much harder to locate in the same numbers. A falling or dropping tide will see different scenarios emerge but the run out can also turn on some fantastic sessions. At this point whiting will be forced to move off sandbanks and back into deeper channels but excellent sessions can be had where these sandbanks drop into these deeper water channels. Whiting will often hold up along the edges and while facing up current, ambush any prawn, crab or ZRUP FDXJKW XS LQ WKH IDVWHU Á RZLQJ UXQ RXW Á RZ :KLWLQJ DUH YHU\ PXFK WKH ambush opportunistic feeders and make full use of both tidal phases.
Suitable stick baits for the estuary are those around the 50-70mm size range that are slimline, natural in colour and can be worked rather quickly along the surface. For whiting it’s important you keep the lure moving. While I often hear people mention that they receive hits from whiting on the ‘pause’ while working a lure, my experience has been the total opposite and I would say in ninety percent of cases the following whiting immediately shy when a lure is paused. I will only ever use a medium to IDVW UHWULHYH ZKLFK VHHV P\ VWLFNEDLW Á HH DFURVV WKH VXUIDFH DQG LPLWDWH D Á HHLQJ prawn perfectly. If you are ever in doubt about working a lure too quickly, stop to WKLQN DERXW KRZ TXLFNO\ D Á HHLQJ SUDZQ LV moving and you will be reminded of just KRZ IDVW LW LV WUDYHOOLQJ DV LW À JKWV IRU LWV OLIH
GEAR SELECTION Lets aim to make this very simplistic but at the same time seriously effective. This type of ultra-light lure casting needn’t be complicated and the setup is versatile enough for this type of surface luring as well as soft plastic work and even bait fishing if desired. But, the only point worth emphasising is that there’s no real room for compromise here as your gear must remain ultra-light otherwise you won’t be in the game. You need to punch out long casts with lures that are very light and the only way to do this is with purpose made finesse tackle. Rod selection is your beginning and you need to select a rod with a rating of 1-3kg in the vicinity of about 6’10, but you can go right up to 7’2 if you like. Whether you stay shorter or slightly longer is very much personal preference but what is definitely necessary is a rod that offers some sensitivity through the tip section. This is what is responsible for giving life to your surface walker and generates that desired left to right darting action. A stiff tip will only impede the action. Balance is the next factor and a suitably sized reel around the 2000 size should do the trick with this rod. My personal choice is the Abu Garcia Salty Stage KRX light casting 1-3kg 7’0” matched with an Abu Garcia Revo MGX20 spin reel which punches out nice long casts with the light lures.
There is something really satisfying about teaching a seasoned bait ďŹ shing angler the techniques involved in casting and working surface stick baits and have them in disbelief as they watch a hungry pack of big whiting charge down a lure
Even very small beds of ribbon weed will hold bream as they hunt for jelly prawns and small ďŹ sh sheltering amongst the vegetation
MODERN FISHING
33
TIPS & TECHNIQUE: SURFACE FISHING
FLATHEAD Admittedly, much like the majority of DQJOHUV P\ LQLWLDO H[SHULHQFH ZLWK Ă DWKHDG eating surface lures came about largely by accident. While targeting bream across the Ă DWV DQG ZHHG EHGV , VRRQ GLVFRYHUHG WKDW Ă DWKHDG DUH YHU\ DJJUHVVLYH WDNHUV RI D surface stickbait. Yes, you heard me right, D VXUIDFH VWLFNEDLW ,I SUHVHQWHG FRUUHFWO\ LQ WKH ULJKW WHUUDLQ D QHDUE\ Ă DWKHDG ZLOO KDYH zero hesitation in rising to the surface and punishing your surface walker. (QFRXQWHUV ZLWK Ă DWKHDG ZKLOH XVLQJ smaller surface stickbaits can certainly become quite a regular occurrence and WKHUH DUH PRVW GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ DUHDV ZKHUH WKHVH predators are most likely to be found. )ODWKHDG KDYH D SUHIHUHQFH IRU O\LQJ DPRQJVW VRPH IRUP RI FRYHU ZKHWKHU WKLV EH DGMDFHQW to or amongst weed beds or on the slightly angled sand created by a deeper water drop RII ,W¡V KHUH WKDW WKHVH Ă&#x20AC; VK ZLOO FXQQLQJO\ FDPRXĂ DJH WKHPVHOYHV ZKLOH KDYLQJ WKH additional security in the form of weed or marginally deeper water. Anglers must also remember that the body composition of WKHVH Ă&#x20AC; VK LV VXFK WKDW LW DOORZV WKHP WR OLH LQ YHU\ VKDOORZ ZDWHU ,I VXUIDFH Ă DWKHDG DUH \RXU GHVLUHG opponents you certainly need not be scared
Flathead wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to rise and smash a well presented surface lure
34
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LEADER Leader choice can be either ďŹ&#x201A;uorocarbon or straight monoďŹ lament and to be totally honest here â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;normal monoďŹ lamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is every bit as good if not better. If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m only ďŹ shing surface lures Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll use Berkley Trilene sensation but if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also ďŹ shing subsurface I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother changing leaders and will stick with my Vanish Fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon will sink faster which is not the best for small surface walking lures but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth changing leader all the time for. Regardless of your choice here I normally run 6lb, which is generally ideal for this type of work. If ďŹ&#x201A;athead are your primary target you may want to run a bit heavier to provide a bit of protection against their raspy jaws. about upsizing lures. These bucket-mouthed VQLSHUV ZLOO HQJXOI WKH YDVW PDMRULW\ RI lures coming past and anything from 50100mm will be met with a surface churning FUXQFK ,I \RX GR VWXPEOH DFURVV D Ă DWKHDG while targeting bream or whiting, always aim to take note of the type of terrain you DUH Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ DQG IRFXV RQ VLPLODU DUHDV throughout your estuary.
LINE Line selection is again a personal decision but for me personally I will always stick with a fused braid like Berkley Fireline Exceed for this ultra-light work. About 3-4lb breaking strain is perfect for this type of ďŹ shing and what these fused lines offer is way more resistance to wind knots due to the slight amount of memory they possess. This memory will see your line lay onto the reel well whereas the super limp and soft braids can wreak havoc and have you wishing you had not forked out the dollars that are so often involved. The old principal of keeping it simple really does exist here.
Weed beds are home to huge ecosystems and these small â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;glassiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are typical of the type of baitďŹ sh that bream love to hunt
Chasing larger whiting on small surface stick baits is both challenging and serious fun
Releasing two ďŹ sh from what was a double hook up across the weed
NO EXCUSES A point worth strongly emphasising here is that casting stick baits throughout our estuaries is a form of angling that is readily DYDLODEOH 6DQG Ă DWV RIWHQ VWDUH DW XV everywhere and the species covered here will be encountered with relative ease. Boat Ă&#x20AC; VKRV ND\DNHUV DQG ODQG EDVHG Ă&#x20AC; VKRV FDQ all have success here and wading across our Ă DWV ZKLOH KDYLQJ VXUIDFH OXUHV FRQWLQXDOO\ smacked is one seriously addictive pastime. No matter how experienced you are as DQ DQJOHU RU KRZ PDQ\ PRQVWURXV Ă&#x20AC; VK \RX KDYH WDQJOHG ZLWK \RX ZLOO Ă&#x20AC; QG \RX continue to come back time and time again WR FDVW OXUHV DFURVV \RXU ORFDO Ă DWV ,I \RX DUH not already casting light lures across shallow JURXQG JHW PRYLQJ QRZ MODERN FISHING
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40
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SPECIES: BIG FLATHEAD
Andy McGovern outlines a few strategies for deliberately targeting trophy-sized ï¬&#x201A;athead in estuaries and lakes. WORDS AND IMAGES BY ANDY MCGOVERN
MODERN FISHING
41
SPECIES: BIG FLATHEAD f you asked the average Aussie DQJOHU ZKDW Ă&#x20AC; VK WKH\ ORYH targeting the most Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d bet the PDMRULW\ ZRXOG DQVZHU Ă DWKHDG Regardless of your experience or VNLOO OHYHO Ă DWKHDG DUH D PDLQVWD\ IRU ODNH DQG HVWXDU\ Ă&#x20AC; VKHUV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ 7KH KXPEOH Ă DWKHDG WLFNV DOO WKH ER[HV 7KH\ DUH UHDGLO\ available from boat and land, they DUH JUHDW WDEOH Ă&#x20AC; VK WKH\ KDYH WKDW prehistoric appearance like no other Ă&#x20AC; VK DQG WKH\ ZLOO WDNH OXUH EDLW DQG Ă \ ZLWK JXVWR (YHU\ Ă&#x20AC; VKHU GUHDPV RI FDWFKLQJ ELJ Ă&#x20AC; VK EXW WKHVH GUHDPV become an obsession with an iconic VSHFLHV OLNH Ă DWKHDG )RU WKH SXUSRVHV of this piece I will concentrate on lure pursuits for that bigger bracket of Ă DWKHDG LQ WKH FP SOXV UDQJH 5HJDUGOHVV RI \RXU Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ experience, success on targeting TXDOLW\ HVWXDU\ Ă DWKHDG UHYROYHV around understanding the tides and the affects they have on your local ULYHU ODNH RU HVWXDU\ V\VWHP 7KHUH is no doubt that the best tidal phase IRU VSULQJ DQG VXPPHU Ă DWKHDG LV WKH UXQ RXW WLGH $OWKRXJK WKLV refers to only one phase of the cycle, in most east coast systems, the run out tide will last between Ă&#x20AC; YH DQG VL[ KRXUV 2EYLRXVO\ WKHUH are environmental factors that will DIIHFW WKH WLGDO Ă RZ VXFK DV QDWXUDO barriers in the system, recent rain DQG VXEVHTXHQW LQĂ RZ IURP WKH catchment area, and the topology RI WKH VXUURXQGLQJ PDUJLQV 5HJDUGOHVV D Ă&#x20AC; YH WR VL[ KRXU ZLQGRZ LV D VLJQLĂ&#x20AC; FDQW EORFN RI WLPH WR EH FDVWLQJ DQG UHWULHYLQJ OXUHV
I
42
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FINDING FISH
During the run out you will find that certain sections of a lake will fish better than others through this period, particularly if you are VHDUFKLQJ IRU WKDW WURSK\ IODWWLH 7KH key is to find concentrations of fish where they have congregated LQ D UHODWLYHO\ GHILQHG DUHD $V flathead are ambush hunters they will lay in wait for the current to EULQJ IRRG WR WKHP 7KLV PHDQV WKDW any area that receives water as it spills off the intermittent tidal flats, drainage zones, or feeder creeks KDV WKH SRWHQWLDO WR KROG ILVK ,Q WKH majority of estuarine systems this generic description is referring to a large portion of fishable water in DQ\ JLYHQ ZDWHUZD\ 7KH VL[W\ IRXU dollar question is, where is my best chance to catch big fish? 7KHUH DUH WZR FKDOOHQJLQJ questions you need to ask yourself if you want to taste success on big Ă DWKHDG 7KH Ă&#x20AC; UVW LV WKDW GLVWLQFWLYH run off areas, or collection point as we often refer to them as, will Ă&#x20AC; VK EHWWHU DW GLIIHUHQW SHULRGV RI WKH UXQ RXW WLGH WKDQ RWKHUV PRUH RQ WKLV LPSRUWDQW SRLQW ODWHU 7KH second challenge, and the key to success when chasing that better FODVV RI Ă DWKHDG LV Ă&#x20AC; QGLQJ ZKHUH the receding water will deliver the most food in the shortest period of WLPH &RXSOHG ZLWK WKLV IDFW LV WKDW the area should also be conducive to a short, sharp, strategic attack from a Ă DWKHDG ZKLOH PLQLPLVLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC; VK¡V HQHUJ\ RXWSXW IRU PD[LPXP JDLQ
The key to success when chasing that better class of flathead, is finding where the receding water will deliver the most food in the shortest period of time
Working the edge of weed beds on a dropping tide can produce trophy sized fish MODERN FISHING
43
SPECIES: BIG FLATHEAD
BREAKING DOWN THE RUN-OUT TIDE The early part of the run out tide is most productive around small, subtle channels, gutters, and creeks, which only hold minimal water. The change of tide in such areas will trigger any bait Ă&#x20AC; VK KROGLQJ DQG IHHGLQJ LQ WKH VKDOORZV to quickly exit or risk being stranded. If WKHVH EDLWĂ&#x20AC; VK DUH VWUDQGHG WKH\ ZLOO EH easy prey for birds and other predators. %LJ Ă DWKHDG ZLOO ZDLW LQ DPEXVK QHDU or adjacent to the main exit points and QDLO DQ\ Ă&#x20AC; VK IXQQHOLQJ LQWR WKHLU VWULNH zone. In most cases the bite window in these areas are short and intense. The mid-portion of the run out tide is when you need to cover plenty
of open water working drop offs and weed beds on the perimeter of WLGDO Ă DWV 9DVW Ă DWV ZLOO VSLOO ZDWHU for several hours and this is where large numbers of searching casts are required. Water temperature can be a VLJQLĂ&#x20AC; FDQW IDFWRU GXULQJ WKLV SHULRG with an increase of 1 or 2 degrees worth more concentrated efforts as these warmer temperatures will attract the big frogs. I tend to steer away from drop offs where the water is receding at a high velocity as this can affect the ODUJHU Ă&#x20AC; VK PRYLQJ LQWR WKH DUHD DQG LI they are present they will be hesitant to leave their â&#x20AC;&#x153;lieâ&#x20AC;?.
7KH Ă&#x20AC; QDO SRUWLRQ RI WKH UXQ RXW which occurs an hour or so prior to the bottom of the low water can SURGXFH VRPH RI WKH EHVW Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ Areas where the water has dropped WR D WULFNOH ZLOO DOORZ WKH ELJJHU Ă&#x20AC; VK the opportunity to cover several metres from their ambush location WR QDLO D EDLW Ă&#x20AC; VK :LWK OHVV ZDWHU PRYHPHQW WKH ELJ ERGLHG Ă&#x20AC; VK ZLOO expand the radius around their holding zone in which they will VWULNH :H KDYH VHHQ QXPHURXV Ă&#x20AC; VK LQ excess of 80cm power across three to Ă&#x20AC; YH PHWUHV RI ZDWHU WR VPDVK D VORZO\ working plastic.
How many times have you hooked a small ďŹ&#x201A;athead to have it either eaten or followed up by a true crocodile? SOFT VIBES
Soft vibes are now a consistent part of any ďŹ&#x201A;athead anglers tackle box. These amazing lures take the tricky part of rigging soft plastics out of the equation. Straight out of the box they can be tied on and you can start casting. Available in a range of weights, lengths, and colours these lures have another advantage over modular softies and that is vibration. As these lures are lifted and ripped off the bottom as well as when they plummet to the bottom, they emit a highly attractive tight wobble or vibration. Soft vibes are highly effective in deep water and in strong current. Soft vibes generate a tantalisingly vibration which big ďŹ sh ďŹ nd hard to resist
44
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SOFT PLASTICS
It is no secret but my favourite lure style for big frogs in the modular system of soft plastics. This is where you simply match your jighead with the body of a soft plastic. The Ă H[LELOLW\ DQG YHUVDWLOLW\ RI WKLV V\VWHP DOORZV Ă&#x20AC; VKHUV WR TXLFNO\ adjust and adapt jighead weights and soft body styles to the everchanging conditions of an estuary RU WLGDO ODNH 0\ SUHIHUUHG FRORXUV are white, silver, grey, gold, and JUHHQ ZLWK VKDGHV RI EODFN DQG UHG A subtle splash of red can be all the difference on occasions as it replicates WKH Ă DUHG JLOOV RI D EDLW Ă&#x20AC; VK RU LQGLFDWHV D EOHHGLQJ EDLW Ă&#x20AC; VK :KHQ it comes to the genre of soft plastic ERGLHV , DOPRVW DOZD\V VWLFN ZLWK minnow styles with either a wriggler or paddle tail. Another important factor is you carry a range of different jighead weights. Flathead are bottom dwellers and it is imperative that your lure is connecting with the bottom throughout the duration of each retrieve. However, there will be WLPHV SDUWLFXODU LI WKH Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ LV VORZ that a lighter jighead, that delicately GURSV RU VNLPV WKH ERWWRP ZLOO
SURGXFH WKH ELJJHU EUDFNHW RI Ă&#x20AC; VK Softies also lend themselves to a wide array of retrieval styles. First and foremost, regardless of what retrieval style you use your OXUH 0867 FRQWDFW WKH ERWWRP RQ D UHJXODU EDVLV 0\ VWDQGDUG UHWULHYH is a double hop and pause, which LV SHUIRUPHG YLD WZR GHĂ&#x20AC; QHG ZULVW Ă LFNV DV , OLIW P\ URG IURP ZDWHU OHYHO WR DSSUR[LPDWHO\ R¡FORFN 1H[W UHWULHYH LV WKH ULS DQG SDXVH ZKLFK LV D VLQJOH Ă XHQW OLIW RI URG tip and pause. Vary the speed of that single rip to ascertain what generates WKH PRVW LQWHUHVW 7KH Ă&#x20AC; QDO UHWULHYH worth having in your arsenal is NQRZQ DV VNLPPLQJ 7KLV LV ZHUH \RXU OXUH LV VNLPPHG DORQJ WKH bottom then paused. So rather than OLIW \RXU URG WLS NHHS LQ ORZ DQG H[HFXWH VHYHUDO URWDWLRQV RI WKH UHHO KDQGOH WR VNLP LW DORQJ WKH ERWWRP 6NLPPLQJ LV EHVW XQGHUWDNHQ LQ water less than three metres deep or when you are land based, at water OHYHO 0RVW RI DOO UHPHPEHU WKHUH DUH no hard and fast rules for retrieval styles so get out there and create your RZQ ´JR WRÂľ UHWULHYH IRU ELJ Ă DWWLHV
When the bite is slow adjust your retrieves to small hops and long pauses on the bottom. Mitch McGovern utilised this method for success on a slow day
MODERN FISHING
45
SPECIES: BIG FLATHEAD
SWITCHING UP
There is no question that oversized soft plastics are our mainstay for FRQVLVWHQF\ RQ ELJ Ă DWKHDG +RZHYHU D PHWKRG ZH KDYH EHHQ KRQLQJ RYHU WKH SDVW IRXU RU Ă&#x20AC; YH VHDVRQV LV ZKDW ZH UHIHU WR DV ´6ZLWFKLQJ 8SÂľ 7KH PHWKRG UHYROYHV DURXQG KDYLQJ WZR SUH ULJJHG RXWĂ&#x20AC; WV $ PRGHUDWHO\ OLJKW
DIRTY WATER TACTICS NJ RXWĂ&#x20AC; W LV ORDGHG ZLWK D EODGH and the other is a heavy 6-8kg set XS ZKLFK KDV D WR PP VRIW\ DW WKH EXVLQHVV HQG 7KH WHFKQLTXH LV UHODWLYHO\ VWUDLJKW IRUZDUG DQG LV PRUH HIIHFWLYH LI \RX KDYH WZR anglers operating the similar lure VW\OHV DW WKH VDPH WLPH
Heavy rain can play havoc with water quality in an estuary. However, the resulting dirty water can turn the big ďŹ sh on. Dirty, fresh water will push bait ďŹ sh out of the upper reaches of a system as they search for more palatable salinity levels. With the majority of quality bait ďŹ sh on the move, this signals the proverbial dinner bell for the ďŹ&#x201A;athead. Try using bright lure colours in white, pink, or orange. Slow down your retrieve to a crawl and use plenty of scent on both soft and hard lure selections.
Dirty, fresh water will push bait ďŹ sh out of the upper reaches of a system as they search for more palatable salinity levels. With the majority of quality bait ďŹ sh on the move, this signals the proverbial dinner bell for the ďŹ&#x201A;athead The capture of several mid-sized ďŹ&#x201A;athead will generally indicate there is a big ďŹ sh nearby
Tidal ďŹ&#x201A;ats scattered with mangroves are the life blood of many estuaries and provide fertile grounds for ďŹ&#x201A;athead to thrive
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Andy displays a quality ï¬&#x201A;athead of 78cm that fell to a soft plastic in 6 metres of water
MODERN FISHING
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SPECIES: BIG FLATHEAD Commence working a defined run off area with the blade. Generally, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve adhered to the first part of this article and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the right spot, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long to generate some interest from the small male flathead in the 30 to 45cm bracket. Once Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve caught a handful of fish this size I will switch over to the heavier soft plastic outfit and work the same area. The first dozen or so retrieves should be violent rips to get your lure up off the bottom quickly, displace plenty of water, and get your lure noticed. If this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t generate interest from one of the big girls then change your retrieve to a much more subtle approach. Long casts followed by numerous small hops off the bottom with plenty of extended pauses along the way. The theory behind this method is that all the activity from the smaller
Ă&#x20AC; VK LQ GLVWUHVV ZKHQ KRRNHG DV ZHOO as the excitement of the bite will not only attract the larger specimens but DOVR KDYH WKHP Ă&#x20AC; UHG XS WR WDS LQWR some of the action. How many times KDYH \RX KRRNHG D VPDOO Ă DWKHDG WR have it either eaten or followed up by a true crocodile? Personally, I have lost count over the years, and this is how this method was conceived. We WKHRULVHG WKDW WKH VPDOO Ă&#x20AC; VK DFWLYLW\ could and should be able to be WXUQHG LQWR WURSK\ Ă&#x20AC; VK DFWLYLW\ Targeting big flathead can be as rewarding as any style of fishing. Utilising some of the above mentioned methods and areas to fish will provide opportunities at that genuine trophy. Most of all donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be restricted by what you read, use it as a guide and then start experimenting with your own styles. This will see you on the path to big flathead success!
Ensure you support the weight of big ďŹ sh as their weight can cause damage to internal organs and cartilage in their mouth and jaw
TACKLE
There has literally been hundreds of pages dedicated to ďŹ&#x201A; athead tackle over the past decade or so from a raft of magazines. There is no question quality tackle will result in quality captures and this is particular pertinent when targeting trophy ďŹ sh. A smooth, ďŹ&#x201A;uent drag is a crucial characteristic of your reel and this fact will not be realised fully, until you hook that XOS ďŹ&#x201A;athead. A sticky drag that catches occasionally will cost you that big lizard that you have worked so hard to hook. Big ďŹ sh will stay deep and motor along the bottom, in short, sharp bursts. They will exert immense power through their tail and thick tail wrist. Each time they charge off on a run you need a silky, smooth drag that allows them to extract line under even tension. Matched with a fast tapered, high modulus graphite rod will ensure that the big lizard earns every inch of line they tear off your reel. The same style rod will allow clear transfer of feel from lure to tip to conďŹ rm your lure is swimming correctly and that all important connectivity with the bottom. I have two outďŹ ts for chasing ďŹ&#x201A; athead; My heavier outďŹ t is a Quantum Smoke 6-10kg rod matched with a Quantum Smoke Speed Freak SL40 that is loaded with 20lb braid. For my slightly lighter outďŹ t I run both 8 and 14lb on two different reels â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8lb on Quantum Smoke Inshore 030 and 14lb on Quantum Cabo 040. Both reels are interchanged on my 5kg spin stick.
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LEADER CHOICE
Leader choice will often be the difference in success and failure. Too heavy a leader and it will reduce the number of bites and how well your lure swims. Too light and a big ďŹ&#x201A;athead will wear through the leader within the ďŹ rst few minutes after hook up. Flathead have multiple rows of small, sharp teeth that, combined with their trademark side to side head thrashing, results in more big ďŹ sh lost ďŹ sh than possibly any other species in the estuaries and lakes around the country. The solution is not a simple one and relies on angler experience combined with a sound working knowledge of the water you are ďŹ shing. When speciďŹ cally targeting big ďŹ sh with big lures I almost exclusively use 20lb ďŹ&#x201A;uorocarbon leader. This size provides a nice balance between the two extremes and I have landed plenty of quality ďŹ sh on 20lb. If ďŹ shing open water on clear sunny days, I will occasionally drop down to 14 or even 10lb leader, if the bite is slow. Unfortunately, I have hooked a couple of genuine â&#x20AC;&#x153;crocsâ&#x20AC;? on 10lb that have worn through the leader. Never skimp on forking out a few extra dollars for leader material as quality leader brands will allow you to create sound knots while not compromising lure action.
The author with a trophy ďŹ&#x201A;athead of 89cm
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For more information on the GX750 visit www.gme.net.au
SPECIES: AUSTRALIAN BASS
BACKWATER Targeting Aussie bass in small backwaters as they make their way upstream after spawning is a productive method of ďŹ shing WORDS AND IMAGES BY ANDY MCGOVERN
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MODERN FISHING
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SPECIES: AUSTRALIAN BASS hasing wild bass in creeks, rivers, and streams can offer some of the most H[KLODUDWLQJ Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ available all the while connecting with the HQYLURQPHQW WKH Ă&#x20AC; VK OLYH LQ Hammering snags with all manner of OXUHV LQ ZLGH RSHQ HDVWHUQ Ă RZLQJ river drainage systems has been a mainstay of many coastal sport Ă&#x20AC; VKHUV ZDQWLQJ WR JHW WKHLU WDVWH RI WKH VZHHW ZDWHU $V FKDOOHQJLQJ and rewarding as this style of bass Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ LV IRU PH WKHUH LV VRPHWKLQJ even more special about targeting WKHVH $XVVLH LFRQV LQ VNLQQ\ WLJKW backwaters, which in some cases may RQO\ EH D IHZ PHWUHV ZLGH Those prepared to push up through this tight pocket water by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bushbashingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on foot or dragging canoes across long expanses of almost bone-
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dry rapids, are often rewarded with some larger pools and open water WKDW UHFHLYH IDU OHVV Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ SUHVVXUH WKDW WKH ORZHU UHDFKHV RI WKDW V\VWHP These often-undetected pieces of water can provide some outstanding Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ ZLWK VRPH VXUSULVLQJO\ ELJ bass calling these stretches home IURP VSULQJ WKURXJK WR HDUO\ DXWXPQ What is even more satisfying for the adventurous bass angler is that \RX FDQ Ă&#x20AC; VK WKH ODUJHU VHFWLRQV RI that system while searching for the EDFNZDWHU KRQH\ KROHV
HEADING OUT TO THE HIGHWAY
0DQ\ RI WKH EHWWHU EDVV Ă&#x20AC; VKHUV , know have a broad understanding RI WKH Ă&#x20AC; VK¡V OLIH F\FOH 6SHFLĂ&#x20AC; FDOO\ WKH\ XQGHUVWDQG KRZ WKH Ă&#x20AC; VK PRYH
throughout a river or creek system during the year and how environment FKDQJHV DIIHFW WKHLU IHHGLQJ KDELWV Garnering this knowledge will provide you with a clear picture of ZKHUH DQG KRZ WR Ă&#x20AC; VK ,W LV FRPPRQ knowledge that bass spawn during ZLQWHU 7KH PDMRULW\ RI 16: ULYHUV DUH FORVHG IRU EDVV Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ GXULQJ ZLQWHU WR DOORZ WKHP WR VSDZQ ,Q HDVWHUQ Ă RZLQJ ULYHU V\VWHPV WKH Ă&#x20AC; VK ZLOO PRYH GRZQ LQWR WKH HVWXDU\ WR VSDZQ 2QFH WKH\ KDYH VSDZQHG they will slowly move back into the IUHVKZDWHU 7KLV DQQXDO PLJUDWLRQ back into the freshwater can occur DQ\WLPH WKURXJK VSULQJ 7KLV LV without doubt one of the more productive times to chase these EURQ]HG $XVVLH URFNHWV IRU WKH VLPSOH reason is that they will be moving XSVWUHDP WKURXJKRXW WKH V\VWHP $V the bass move after spawning they
These ďŹ sh are constantly on the move and they will utilise what we refer to as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bass Highwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as their passage through the brackish water to the limits of the freshwater Small, ďŹ&#x201A;oating timber lures such as the iconic TaylorMade are perfect presentations for small water bassing
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Profile of a magic wild river bass that fell for a spinnerbait, helicoptered down an undercut bank
Check the girth of this chunky bass – 45cm of raw pulling power in tight water can provide challenges not available in other forms of sport fishing
SPINNERBAITS
Spinnerbaits are a great option when probing deep pockets. With the hook point riding up and the arm in which the blade is fixed protecting the hook, spinnerbaits are one of the most snag friendly lures available. It’s vital when fishing skinny water to use ultra-light spinnerbaits so they do not plummet to depths quickly. A slowly dropping spinnerbait (often referred to as “helicoptering”) that flutters through some submerged tree branches is irresistible to bass. will be constantly on the look out for food to regain weight and energy following the rigours of spawning. 7KHVH À VK DUH FRQVWDQWO\ RQ WKH move and they will utilise what we refer to as ‘Bass Highways’ as their passage through the brackish water to the limits of the freshwater. The snag lined edges, undercut banks, and thick overhanging shrubs will provide them with shelter and a launching pad to attack prey throughout summer and autumn until it is time to undertake their migration down stream to spawn once again. However, through spring is when WKH PRWKHU ORGH RI À VK ZLOO EH DFWLYH
covering plenty of water moving through the waterway. This is the WLPH IRU WKH VPDUW À VKHU WR VWULNH Finding the bass highways is not as difficult as it sounds but to the untrained eye these areas or stretches of river can easily be missed or mistaken for featureless, fishless water. Deep sandy channels are one of the primary bass highways along with deep straits that run parallel to the bank. If these long stretches of marginally deep water have tree roots, fallen timber, or any other form of woody features scattered along them, then these will be prime spots. When MODERN FISHING
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SPECIES: AUSTRALIAN BASS moving back into the fresh, bass often make long runs interspersed with periods of rest or breaks behind a snag pile or rock. In baron stretches of water even the smallest snag can hold fish. The fact that bass will be moving upstream is a primary indicator as to when will be the best time to target them. Due to the inherent fact bass are a highly evolved species they will utilise the incoming tidal current to help push them into the brackish zone. This will conserve energy and provide ease of passage into the fresh. Many of the creeks, rivers, and streams throughout NSW will
have substantial tidal influence many kilometres from where the river spills into the ocean and this incoming water assists the bass to move upstream. The tidal factor will over ride the time of day or weather conditions as we have seen fish, including some thumpers, powering upstream during the middle of a bright, sunny day. These fish have probably been the exception rather than the rule, as low light conditions are more suited to the highest concentrations of fish movement. The ideal conditions are when there is an incoming tide an hour either side of dawn or dusk.
STRUCTURE
It is a throw away line to say bass love structure. Put simply, to successfully target bass it is imperative that your presentations are probing and searching structure every cast. This is even more pertinent in skinny water where bass may feel more vulnerable to predators. The bonus RI À VKLQJ VNLQQ\ ZDWHUZD\V LV WKDW there is generally no shortage of features to provide bass with shelter. Obvious structure in the form of large submerged trees, root balls, rock ledges, and points are easy to identify. However, it’s some of the less obvious features of backwaters
These concealed gems can easily be passed by without a cast being made into the area, or dismissed as not having the potential to harbour any fish Productive yet highly challenging skinny water full of bass
LEADER
Carrying a selection of leader sizes will ensure your hook up rate stays high. In larger sections of water during low light conditions, marginally heavier leaders in the 5-6kg bracket may be required to extract that 45cm plus bass. As you move into the smaller backwaters and during bright days, a reduction in leader breaking strain will be necessary. 3-4kg leader will normally suffice but there will be occasions when 2kg leader may be required. If you’re fortunate enough to hook a big bass, and are using ultra-light leader then unfortunately the odds are stacked well in favour of the fish.
LINE MANAGEMENT
A challenging issue facing sport fishers using finesse tackle, in combination with ultra light presentations, is that of line management. In this instance I am referring to the line wound onto the spool of your threadline and more specifically how the line sits on the spool. Hours upon hours casting and retrieving small hard bodies and ultra light soft plastics will result in your line being wound onto the reel loosely with minimal resistance. This can create a series of small loop of lines that will sit inconspicuously on your spool. With anglers focus on the next snag and delivering that all important accurate cast, over a period time these loops with overlay on themselves and may result in wind knots and tangles. Paying close attention to your reel every few casts will help manage line on your reel and ensure that the line is packed firmly on the spool. If a loop or two appears then strip off 10 to 20 metres of line and rewind the line back on to the reel under pressure by clamping the line between the rod grip and the palm of your hand or by pinching the line between your thumb and forefinger. The other strategy we use is every 15 minutes or so make a long cast into open water (if available) and wind the line back onto the reel under pressure. Remember a tight packed spool means next to no tangles and will facilitate accurate, seamless casting.
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Underwater profile of a solid north coast bass
and skinny creeks that can hold some hidden gems. By being vigilant when navigating a waterway and constantly thinking outside the square will expose some covert ambush sites for some surprisingly big bass. Never overlook the most inconspicuous feature or characteristic of a waterway as it may just hold a bass. Several prospecting casts will quickly generate the interest of an everaggressive bronzed warrior.
DEEP POCKETS
Small creeks, streams, and backwaters will have unforeseen deep pockets of water in direct comparison to the rest of waterway. These concealed gems can easily be passed by without a cast being made into the area, or dismissed as not having the potential to harbour any fish. Many of the more productive deep holes we have extracted fish from over the years have been quite small in diameter; some as small as a wheelie bin, others the size of a snooker table, and many in between. But don’t be fooled as these can, and quite often will, hold some hidden surprises in the form of bass. Almost all deep pocket water
will appear on the outer edge of bends in the creek or directly down stream from a significant piece of structure. The outer shoreline of the creek, where there is a bend, will have sand, silt, and sediment scored out by current flow and transported down stream. The inner edge of the bend will not experience the same velocity of current flow and therefore most of the sediment will remain undisturbed on the bottom. In some creeks there may actually be a build up of sediment on the inner edge where it will settle creating a shallow sand, mud spit.
UNDERCUT BANKS
The spin off benefit for the bass is that flooding and high water inflow will gouge out the under side of the bank resulting is an undercut bank. These undercuts can go some distance beneath the bank creating the perfect shelter for wily river bass. As mentioned previously bends or “dog legs” in the creek will form deep holes, but they will also create undercut banks when the fast moving water scores out sand, mud, dirt, and soil. These areas can be fished by casting
HOT SPOTS AND HOW BEST TO FISH THEM Here are four of the most tried and tested retrieval techniques for plundering perch in our inland dams and lakes. While there is a myriad of variations, these are the staple stable to put a bend in any native fisho’s graphite this spring.
1. CREEK BENDS Work the outer edge of the bend as strong water flow will remove loose sediment and silt. Cast close to the bank across the deeper sections and work your presentation with the current. Utilise crisscross style casts and retrieves to ensure that you lure tracks through the strike zone of any resident bass.
2. UNDERCUT BANKS Use a mix of retrieval directions. Commence by working retrieves parallel to the undercut. Remember if you hook up immediately lift, and turn your rod away from the bank. With some luck and sound line pressure you can turn the fish towards open water. Expect a few fish to find their way back into the snags using the cast and retrieve style. Positioning yourself perpendicular to the undercut will also deliver results, but it may require numerous casts before generating some interest.
3. OVERHANGING SHRUBS A common bass haunt that are easy to identify. Work your lure as close as possible to the over hanging shrub. If you can get your presentation deep under the shrub, then hang on because if a bass is in there she will strike. In skinny water don’t overlook any overhanging shrubs. Even the smallest shrub can hold fish. MODERN FISHING
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SPECIES: AUSTRALIAN BASS parallel to the undercut bank or by facing perpendicular and working your lure away from the hidden undercut. Lures worked parallel to the bank have the advantage of being in the strike zone for the duration of the retrieve but are susceptible to a wily bass nailing your presentation and burying you deep in the undercut bank… Lure donated - time to re-rig! Casting perpendicular means your lure is only in the strike zone for a short period, however, if you hook up, you already have the fish well out from the undercut and swimming towards you. This means that if you maintain a taunt line and with clever rod work you should be able to coax the fish into open water. When fishing perpendicular try casting on to the actual bank just above the undercut. Gently wiggle your rod tip so that your lure
Snags based near the entrance of feeder creeks in backwater are prime bass haunts drops out of the grass or tussocks on the bank and into the water. Pause your lure there for a few seconds before commencing your retrieve. Be on alert as many strikes occur either immediately as the lure hits the water, or directly after you commence your retrieve. This is edge of your seat fishing, which will get the heart pumping, and adrenaline flowing! Now we are well and truly into spring the air temperature will continue to rise and the days will continue to get longer. With the LQÁ XHQFH RI WKHVH HQYLURQPHQWDO factors insect activity will increase and this above water action will be matched by an explosion of aquatic OLIH LQ WKH IRUP RI VPDOO À VK DQG crustaceans. Now is bass time, so put on your adventurous cap and VWDUW VHDUFKLQJ IRU WKRVH PDJQLÀ FHQW bronzed warriors!
RETRIEVAL TIPS
With any lure pursuits using a mix of retrieval styles will immensely enhance your strike rate. Variations in speed, imparting pauses of varying lengths, and using short sharp wrist flicks to dance your lure, will provide you with a sound blend of tantalising retrieves. However, the best advice is to not be governed too much by what you read. Come up with your own retrieval style that mimics a wounded or fleeing food item of a bass.
When moving back into the fresh, bass often make long runs interspersed with periods of rest or breaks behind a snag pile or rock, and in baron stretches of water even the smallest snag can hold fish
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TECHNIQUE: FISHING WRECKS
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GETTING
Boony loves pulling fish off wrecks and details a few ideas to help you find and fish these hidden treasures! WORDS AND IMAGES BY JOHN BOON
MODERN FISHING
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TECHNIQUE: FISHING WRECKS ver a very short space of time, things quickly spiraled out of FRQWURO 7KH Ă&#x20AC; UVW IHZ WLPHV ZH HYHU YHQWXUHG QHDU D VKLS ZUHFN RII WKH &DSULFRUQ FRDVW ZHUH VRPH of the harshest lessons I have ever EHHQ GHDOW LQ Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ , ZDQWHG more. I needed more. I had merely a taste DQG , ZDV DOUHDG\ EHFRPLQJ RYHU ZKHOPHG ZLWK IUXVWUDWLRQ ZKLFK KDG WXUQHG WR IXOO EORZQ UDJH , KDG EHHQ GHIHDWHG RQ VHYHUDO occasions. Stripped leaders, lost tackle and broken dreams had me eager to get back and WU\ DJDLQ , ZRQ¡W EH EHDWHQ , ZLOO HYROYH DQG outsmart the game! )LVKLQJ ZUHFNV LV D YHU\ DGGLFWLYH DQG H[FLWLQJ ZD\ WR Ă&#x20AC; VK 7KH EHVW SDUW DERXW ZUHFN Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ LV LW GRHVQ¡W PDWWHU KRZ SUHVVXUHG D ZUHFN LV LW ZLOO DOZD\V KROG OLIH 7KH\ ZLOO VWLOO GUDZ LQ TXDOLW\ Ă&#x20AC; VK UHJDUGOHVV RI VHDVRQ , KDYH VSHQW PDQ\ KRXUV Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ WKH ZUHFNV off the Capricorn Coast. We have had some DPD]LQJ VHVVLRQV EXW ZH KDYH DOVR KDG RXU
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Sometimes it can pay to move on when the sharks move in. No point just paying the taxman
ELW IXUWKHU VD\ NP WKDW¡V ZKHQ ZH VWDUW WR Ă&#x20AC; QG VSHFLHV OLNH FRUDO WURXW ODUJH mouth nannygai and red emperor more common. This is not a hard and fast rule as WKH VSHFLHV RXWOL QHG ZLOO RYHUODS EXW MXVW D general observation. 6R ZK\ DUH ZUHFNV VXFK D JUHDW SODFH WR Ă&#x20AC; VK" 7KH DQVZHU LV VLPSOH *HQHUDOO\ D VKLS RU ERDW WKDW VLQNV WR EHFRPH D ZUHFN FDQ KDSSHQ DQ\ZKHUH 0RUH RIWHQ WKDQ QRW WKH\ ZLOO EH LQ WKH PLGGOH RI QRZKHUH RQ Ă DW VDQG ,I \RX KDYHQ¡W JRW DQ\ VWUXFWXUH IRU NLORPHWUHV LQ DOO GLUHFWLRQV WKHQ WKDW ZUHFN LV JRLQJ WR SXOO LQ OLIH IURP D YHU\ ODUJH GLVWDQFH $OO WKDW Ă&#x20AC; VK activity from a massive area in the one spot; \RX FDQ EHW WKDW LW¡V JRLQJ WR EH D SRSXODU SODFH WR KDQJ RXW $QG JXHVV ZKR¡V JRLQJ WR be there to take advantage!
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Coby Pascoe with a thumper golden snapper (fingermark) that was taken on a 5 inch gulp jerk shad
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TECHNIQUE: FISHING WRECKS
GEAARIING UP So what sort of gear will be required to take on the beasts that call sunken ship wrecks home? This comes down to personal opinion. 7HQ GLIIHUHQW ZUHFN Ă&#x20AC; VKHUPHQ ZLOO SUREDEO\ JLYH \RX WHQ GLIIHUHQW DQVZHUV ,¡OO RXWOLQH D few setups that have been reliable. ,I EDLW Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ DQG VHQGLQJ GRZQ ELJ RU OLYH baits then this is a no-nonsense approach. 7KH Ă&#x20AC; VK \RX DUH WDUJHWLQJ ZLOO EH ELJ DQG DQJU\ <RX ZLOO QHHG VRPHWKLQJ ZLWK SOHQW\ RI GUDJ DQG D URG WKDW \RX FDQ UHDOO\ ORDG WR WKH OLPLW , UXQ D 6KLPDQR 6WHOOD 6: RQ D 6KLPDQR 'HHS -LJ 7 &XUYH ZLWK OE EUDLG , KDYH DOVR UXQ OE RQ WKLV UHHO DV ZHOO , DOVR UXQ DQ RYHUKHDG VHWXS $ 6KLPDQR 7\UQRV RQ D :LOVRQ /LYH )LEUH
Amanda Boon with a nice sized gold spot cod. Cod of this size are a bit easier to handle when hooked tight to structure
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9HQRP ¡ SH %LJ Ă&#x20AC; VK KRRNHG FORVH WR WKH wreck will need their head coming toward \RX LPPHGLDWHO\ (YHQ ZLWK WKHVH ZHDSRQV we still lose from time to time. ,I ,¡P ORRNLQJ DW ZRUNLQJ VRPH VRIW SODVWLFV , UXQ D 6KLPDQR 6DUDJRVD UHHO RQ D 6KLPDQR 7 &XUYH PHGLXP VSLQ /XFDQXV URG , Ă&#x20AC; QG WKH ZKLSS\ WLS JUHDW IRU ZRUNLQJ WKRVH VRIWLHV DQG LW¡V VWLOO JRW SOHQW\ RI JUXQW GRZQ towards the butt. /DVW EXW QRW OHDVW LV P\ VORZ SLWFK MLJJLQJ VHWXS 6ORZ SLWFK MLJJLQJ LV DQ DUWLFOH LQ LWVHOI DQG , UHDOO\ KDYH JURZQ WR ORYH D ELW RI Ă XWWHULQJ PHWDO 7KH VHWXS , UXQ LV D 6KLPDQR 2FHD -LJJHU UHHO RQ D =DJDQ SH URG ,W DOO FRPHV GRZQ WR EXGJHW , WDNH D
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Cobia love a good wreck. It's not uncommon for multiple cobia to follow the hooked one to the boat
The perfect show of Nannygai hanging mid water above a wreck
The generic wreck symbol is just to the left of the cursor. The actual wreck is approximately 3-400 meters to the NNE shown by the markers.
Yellow tailed scad (yakka's) are a prime bait to have in the freezer. These ones are being cleaned and sorted before they hit the cryo vacer
BAIT There is a large list of baits that have been used to fish on wrecks. Frozen baits like pilchard and squid are a good starter and easily acquired. If you want to get the best out of your time on the water then look at sourcing fresh bait. The age old saying of “fresh is best” still rings true on a wreck. The fresher you can get your baits the better the results. When the conditions are tough or the fish are finicky look to try and get baits from the area you’re fishing. ,I \RX·UH RXW À VKLQJ ZUHFNV DW QLJKW WKHQ make sure you have a squid light handy. It can be as simple as the deck lights on the back of your boat to something a bit more dedicated that you can hang over the back RI \RXU WUDQVRP +DYLQJ D VTXLG MLJ Á RDWLQJ out the back just on the edge of the light with the rod in the holder is a good option. If the squid move in thick then make sure to capitalise on one of the best offshore baits available. Bait fish are also attracted to those lights at night and will hang on wrecks during the day. Yakkas, or yellow tail scad, are one of the best bait fish for this area. Make sure you have a few bait jigs in the tackle box. We were having a tough time one night trying to get a bite going while anchored over a wreck. We were able to jig a few yakka’s just under the boat. Those live yakka’s were sent down and were converted into beautiful large mouth nannygai. As soon as we ran out of livies the bite shut down again.
MODERN FISHING
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TECHNIQUE: FISHING WRECKS
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This was the only amberjack Boony could get off the wreck with absolutely no chance on the bigger models!
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This coral trout took a liking to the Zerek shrimp soft plastic. Very effetive when jigged with a hop and drop retrieve
Boony and Tom Lewis with a couple of solid large mouth nannygai
BOAAT POSSITIOONING A fair bit of thought is always put into where to position the boat. Obviously if you are drifting a wreck and continually drift straight over the top of it then the likelihood of you getting snagged is high. Once you can get the correct GPS coordinates saved then you should be able to work a drift line that slides down either side of the wreck. , À QG GULIWLQJ WKH PRVW HIIHFWLYH ZD\ RI À VKLQJ ZUHFNV DV \RX·UH VHDUFKLQJ WKH HQWLUH DUHD DV \RX GULIW 6RPHWLPHV \RX will get hit up current or well off the back and you can quickly pinpoint where all the action is happening. ,I \RX·UH KDYLQJ D SUREOHP ZLWK JHWWLQJ busted off while drifting, a hot little tip is to NHHS WKH PRWRU UXQQLQJ ZKLOH \RX GULIW $V soon as you get hit then use the boat to pull
Fresh squid is a top bait to drop on your local wreck. This tiger squid isn't going to like where he's going
MODERN FISHING
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Dan Baker with a beautiful large mouth nannygai which fell for a pink Berkley squid vicious
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Fingermark love a nuclear chick en squid vicious. This one hit the plastic while the rod was in the holder. The rocking of the boat was all the action the plastic needed
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ALL ROUND ANGLER with Shane Murton
Shane Murton recently ticked off a bucket list species with a giant tarpon from the Florida Keys
Robbie’s Marina is a popular place to hand feed tarpon and grab a feed
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Shane with the 100 pounder that he flew half way around the world for!
Pinfish are tarpon candy!
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Hand feeding tarpon is a must do when you visit!
MODERN FISHING
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PRODUCT PROFILE With the MF Team
NEXT GENERATION The Next Generation of Marine Pro Batteries Has Arrived
entury Batteries has launched its latest line of Australian-made Marine Pro Sealed Maintenance Free (SMF) batteries. The new range of Marine Pro SMF products are designed and built right here in Australia, building on Century’s reputation for quality and innovation. Specifically designed for marine applications, these batteries are made for boats, just boats. The range features several design improvements and specialist internal components to better suit Australia’s extreme climate and harsh marine conditions and provide a good balance between performance and life. Unlike car batteries which generally travel on smooth, sealed roads, marine batteries must be able to resist vibration from constant wave pounding and trailer transport. The Marine Pro SMF batteries are built with a full frame cast plate design and Century’s exclusive Platelock Technology to handle the harsh and demanding effects of repeated vibration and wave impact that will ultimately cause battery failure in non-marine batteries. Marine batteries are not only required to provide sufficient starting power for high compression engines but also deliver power for on-board accessories even when the boat engine is switched off. The new Century range are dual purpose making them great for starting capability and they’re also semicycling to power on board accessories. When choosing a marine battery make sure you invest in a battery that has been designed and manufactured specifically to handle the extreme demands of marine environments and modern marine electrical systems.
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For more information on Century’s new Marine Pro SMF batteries or to locate your nearest retailer, call 13 22 87 or visit www.centurybatteries.com.au
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PRODUCT: PROFILE With the MF Team
NORTHFOLK COMPOSITES Fish-Tec Solutions has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Gary Loomisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Northfork Composite Blanks
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HM-GEN 2
These rod blanks are the lightest, smoothest casting and, Northfork believe, the most sensitive blanks manufactured in the U.S.A. In some cases, these blanks are up to 50 per cent lighter than comparable rod blanks. Using HM-GEN2 as the engine for your rod, you can instantly feel the smoothness of the cast. Northfork incorporates a progressive taper
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design for maximum cast-ability. In this series, Northfork has also integrated an ultra-ďŹ ne diameter tip for easy loading at short distances. The paper carbon scrim (PCS) delivers lightness and super strength. Finally, the modulus design blends are added to further reduce the weight and increase the speed of recovery of these HM-GEN2 blanks.
IM-GEN 2 The IM-GEN2 graphite brand optimizes sensitivity and offers the angler a snapshot of what his or her lure is doing every inch of the retrieve. Every bump, rock, weed, and strike is transferred directly into your hands. Distance is another key
2M-GEN 2
The SM-GEN2 rod blank is class leading tough, but still very light and are responsive by design. They have been constructed with aerospacegrade ďŹ bre with a proprietary resin system and are made to perform in the harshest of environments. These blanks offer outstanding performance value.
factor to these rod blanks. They are designed for thousands of effortless casts with the onus placed on added accuracy. IM-GEN2 rod blank tips are designed to resist side to side torque and they show no mercy when setting the hook.
DELTA
These blanks are modulus blends. Some are S2/carbon hybrids and some are HM/IM/SM blends. Traditionally, Northfork used just one type of material but these new blends . The actions of these blanks are replicated exactly to the blanks you know and love. They weigh the same as IM but are actually 20% stronger.
MODERN FISHING
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PRODUCT REVIEW With Dale Ward
LOWRANCE HDS CARBON The latest range of MFDs from marine giants Lowrance is packed with the best technology available on the market
This tailor was terrorizing a school of bait around a ï¬&#x201A;oating pontoon in Sydney Harbour
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Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of screen!
Dale runs a 16inch screen on his console and a 12inch screen at the bow
channel network application, including Chirp that allows the angler to have two separate frequency selections simultaneously granting the angler independent sonar feeds as a split screen. This processing power has raised the bar on Carbon models to an unprecedented level that was previously unavailable on any other model using the same transducer. This, in my opinion, not only gives anglers far better insight into target separation and clarity but also helps anglers to cover a bigger body of water to mark Ă&#x20AC; VK XWLOL]LQJ WKLV ODWHVW WHFKQRORJ\
*HQHVLV FXVWRP FKDUWV $QG \RX FDQ DGG various Lowrance performance modules like VesselView or the Motorguide Xi5 coupled with WKH 10($ FRQWUROOHG SLQSRLQW *36 JDWHZD\
3D STRUCTURE SCAN
SOLARMAX
FEATURES
Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure most would agree with me when I say that it can be a bit hard to see sounder screens when the sun is shining on them at certain angles. This sparked a new range of products to hit the shelves that provided a guard around the sounder so anglers can cut out some glare on their screens. However, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think any of them really worked that well, but Lowrance has addressed the issue with the SolarMAX screens for the Carbon units. The new screens feature a richer pixel matrix WKDQ WKH SUHGHFHVVRU DQG D KLJK GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWLRQ screen with the highest of visibility and clarity on the market. In everyday lighting the units have zero glare and offer the widest range of viewing angles. One thing I really love about the SolarMAX screen is being able to wear polarized sunglasses and still be able to view the screen without any distortion or glare hindering me from what is displayed. The screen features a 1920x1080 HD resolution and has been engineered to stand up to the higher temperatures of summer on the water here in Australia than many other conventional brands on todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market. The colour clarity KDV ERRVWHG WKH KLJK GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWLRQ UHSURGXFWLRQ and compliments the resolution nicely giving the on screen targets the benchmark on offerings of sonar technology.
7KH FRPPRQ Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ VRXQGHUV DQG *36 XQLWV UHDOO\ KDYH UHYROXWLRQL]HG WKH ZD\ ZH Ă&#x20AC; VK in this day of age, with the humble 2D sonar FKDUWV DQG EDVLF *36 QDYLJDWLRQ KDYH FRPH VR IDU LQ WKH ODVW Ă&#x20AC; IW\ RGG \HDUV 5H[ +XQW said to me recently at the Lowrance stand at a trade show event, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where does the paper come out on these HDS unitsâ&#x20AC;? signifying the advancements in the technology these days and comparing it to the ancient units that used to print the sonar charts on paper. Some units are more expensive than others, some are for larger vessels and others have far better detail and greater settings, but one thing is for sure, WKH\ KDYH VLJQLĂ&#x20AC; FDQWO\ FKDQJHG WKH ZD\ WKH modern angler operates. The way I look at it is you spend a whole EXQFK RI PRQH\ WR DVVLVW \RX WR Ă&#x20AC; VK EHWWHU Ă&#x20AC; QG Ă&#x20AC; VK DQG VWUXFWXUH \RX RZH LW WR \RXUVHOI to get the most out of your asset. I have been putting these new HDS Carbon units through some rigorous testing and they certainly hold up to all the hype that surrounds them. They really are a complete package that goes way further than easy navigation and high-resolution mapping. From Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity which provides control of things like power poles and audio streaming WR FRQQHFWQJ YLD WKH *R )UHH DSS IRU VRIWZDUH XSGDWHV DQG WKH *R )UHH GDWDEDVH IRU ,QVLJKW
The Carbon models also offer the same technology as its previous range with 3D Structure scan. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m constantly surprised by how many people either donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know of its existence, or have not yet delved into this amazing WHFKQRORJ\ DW KDQG 7KHUH DUH PDQ\ EHQHĂ&#x20AC; WV WR 3D side scanning imagery, and yes, there will DOZD\V EH D OHDUQLQJ FXUYH WR DQ\ VLJQLĂ&#x20AC; FDQW changes to the status quo but the results are worth it particularly in certain situations. Take for instance wild Australian bass that hold in tight to structure in our rivers. In a larger stretch of water there might be river banks for miles and how do you know which VHFWLRQV RI WKH EDQNV DUH KROGLQJ Ă&#x20AC; VK" 7KHUH is sometimes not enough time to plug your lures into all of these snags along the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge with the hope of a bass holding to strike your offering. In idle we use 3D side-scanning WR JHW D Ă&#x20AC; UVW KDQG LQVLJKW WR EDVV VXVSHQGLQJ in the structure in the most detailed form - so WKHUH FDQ EH QR PLVWDNH WKDW LW LV GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ the target species and therefore we can then VQHDN XS YHU\ HIĂ&#x20AC; FLHQWO\ DQG XQREWUXVLYHO\ ,I I see bass under a log, I can then set up a quiet approach to catch them, rather than tipping them off to my presence by idling in close to look around. I also use the 3D technology to make passes along bridge pylons looking not only for bait â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which might tell me which pylons WKH Ă&#x20AC; VK PLJKW JDWKHU DURXQG ² EXW DOVR WKH target species themselves. Once I discover
MODERN FISHING
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PRODUCT REVIEW With Dale Ward
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StructureScan 3D has been a game changer for bass holding tight in cover
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Using broadband sonar imagery means individual ďŹ sh like this jewie, stand out like dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balls!
I also use the 3D technology to make passes along bridge pylons looking not only for bait â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which might tell me which pylons the ďŹ sh might gather around â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but also the target species themselves THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
Lowranceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s down scan image technology really showcases more than just sharp well distinguished structure holding beneath the boat, in this image it clearly shows ďŹ sh feeding activity where these hungry kingďŹ sh are pushing bait to the surface
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THE GOODS! AFTA NEW PRODUCT GUIDE Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sneak peek at the latest gear to hit the shelves!
COLTSNIPER
ROCKDIVE The Coltsniper Rockdive 160F is Shimanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new long-range diving stick bait, and is equipped with our AR-C center of gravity movement casting system. The unique system adopts a moving spring weighted design, at the time of cast the weight moves to the back of the lure creating centrifugal force accelerating the lure. During the flight the lure stays straighter and more direct resulting in a longer and more accurate cast. Upon landing the spring shifts the weight forward and the lure regains its balance and action. The Rockdive has a keel head design that with a big downward jerk will result in the lure diving in an S-Shaped swimming action to entice the strike, it can also be worked in a skipping action across the surface. It comes equipped with all the tools required to tackle pelagic powerhouses, with full through wire and Shimanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new 3X body that combines new materials with a new reinforced body design, giving higher impact resistance and strength. It is also fitted with Owners new STX-58 ZO-WIRE hooks which are 3x strength and 20% stronger than original Owners STX-56. 0RUH LQIR DW VKLPDQRĂ&#x20AC; VK FRP DX
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ATOMIC HARDZ
VIB 70
Super tuned and super sized, the new 70mm Atomic Vib now sees the Atomic Hardz Vib range as the complete series, with three sizes (50, 60, and 70mm) make up this impressive range. Designed and tuned to swim straight and true all the time every time the new 70mm model is a lure that can handle a host of different retrieve speeds and deliver the angler a range of different presentation options. The largest of the series, the 70mm version will suit species VXFK DV 0XUUD\ FRG DQG EDUUDPXQGL WKDW ZLOO Ă&#x20AC; QG LW KDUG to resist the rattling intruder. Freshwater species arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only ones that will fall in love with these two new lures with Ă DWKHDG PDQJURYH MDFN PXOORZD\ WUHYDOO\ VQDSSHU DQG D KRVW of other species will love the new Atomic Hardz Vib. Available in all of Atomic Hardz 18 popular colours.. 0RUH LQIR DW DWRPLFOXUHV FRP DX )XUWKHU ,QIRUPDWLRQ )URJOH\V 2IIVKRUH RU YLVLW ZZZ IURJOH\VRIIVKRUH FRP DX
ROVEX ANNOUNCES
D:8 DEPTH FINDER
Rovex D:8 Depth Finder Braid enables anglers to easily measure depth and distance to ensure that their lures and baits are directly in the strike zone. Following the popularity of Rovex D:8, eight-carrier braid, the new Rovex D:8 Depth Finder Braid incorporates colour changes every 10 yards to indicate exactly how much line is in the ZDWHU ,W DOVR KDV EULJKW \HOORZ DQG EODFN VXE PDUNV HYHU\ \DUG IRU UHÃ&#x20AC; QHG DFFXUDF\ Rovex D:8 Depth Finder Braid harnesses the latest line braiding technology WR ZHDYH HLJKW VWUDQGV RI WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ -DSDQHVH +03( Ã&#x20AC; EUHV LQWR D UHPDUNDEO\ VWURQJ VPRRWK DQG URXQG SURÃ&#x20AC; OH 7KLV FXWWLQJ HGJH FRQVWUXFWLRQ achieves a neater line lay on reels, better casting performance, stronger NQRWV H[FHOOHQW Ã&#x20AC; VK Ã&#x20AC; JKWLQJ SRZHU DQG incredible value for money. The impressive strength-to-diameter ratio of Rovex D:8 Depth Finder Braid is 20 percent stronger than standard PE braids. It H[FHOV LQ DOO W\SHV RI Ã&#x20AC; VKLQJ but is particularly useful for anglers targeting deeper inshore or offshore waters, for trolling, or for those who simply prefer a highlyvisible strike indicator.
NEW SABIKI RIGS FROM GAMAKATSU
Gamakatsu introduces three new versions of the popular Sabiki Rigs, the multi-hook tool to catch a whole school of live bait at once. Each hook is rigged with an extremely durable, high grade latex attractant that mimic small bait and prawns as the angler twitches and jerks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to tempt the PRVW ZDU\ EDLW Ã&#x20AC; VK SOXV HDFK QHZ PRGHO FRQWDLQV GLIIHUHQW attractants such as UV glow beads. Gamakatsu says they are especially hot for catching slimies and yakkas, and but can also be used for herring and mullet. Every component of the rig is top of the line and hand assembled for unmatched durability, meaning these rigs are not just a disposable item.
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TIAGRA ULTRA SERIES RODS Shimano says the new Tiagra Ultra Series of game rods raises the bar and sets the new benchmark for aussie DQJOHUV WKDW KHDG RXW ZLGH WR WDUJHW WKH ELJJHVW Ã&#x20AC; VK WKDW swim. Drawing upon the latest in game rod building WHFKQRORJ\ WKH 7LDJUD 8OWUD IHDWXUHV %LRÃ&#x20AC; EUH DQG +LJK Carbon 300 construction, resulting in a superior blank that is lightweight and performs effortlessly under load due to a smooth parabolic action. 7R HQKDQFH DQJOHU FRPIRUW GXULQJ H[WHQGHG Ã&#x20AC; JKWV SDGGHG :,11 JULSV KDYH EHHQ Ã&#x20AC; WWHG WR WKH IRUH JULS and Alps RX guides ensure smooth line retrieval. To better suit angler preferences, straight and bent Pac Bay Channel Lock Carbon butt options are available and ZKHQ SDLUHG XS ZLWK D 6KLPDQR 7DOLFD WKLV RXWÃ&#x20AC; W SDFNV a serious punch. 0RUH LQIR DW VKLPDQRÃ&#x20AC; VK FRP DX
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THE GOODS!
NEW FLAVOURS FROM
MEGASTRIKE MUSTAD GRAPHITE
TRAVEL BAGS 0XVWDG KDV UHOHDVHG D QHZ VHULHV RI WUDYHO DQG VWRUDJH EDJV IRU WKH QHZ VHDVRQ $WWUDFWLYHO\ À QLVKHG LQ D JUDSKLWH JUH\ ZLWK EOXH WULP WKH 0XVWDG EDJV LQFOXGH IRXU GU\ EDJV WKDW DUH FODVVLFDOO\ VW\OHG D / GU\ EDFNSDFN DQG D UDQJH RI ODUJHU WUDYHO EDJV WKDW DUH DOVR KLJKO\ ZDWHU UHVLVWDQW &RQVWUXFWHG IURP ZDWHU SURRI 39& DOO ]LSSHUV DQG FOLSV KDYH EHHQ WHVWHG LQ WKH À HOG IRU GXUDELOLW\ DQG ORQJ OLIH 7KHUH LV DOVR D ODUJH À VK EDJ WKDW LV HDVLO\ VWRUHG DQG LQVXODWHG WR DOORZ LFH DQG À VK WR EH NHSW IRU GD\V &RQVWUXFWHG IURP 39& OHDWKHU RQ WKH RXWVLGH DQG ' 39& WDUSDXOLQ RQ WKH LQVLGH WKH À VK EDJ LV D GLVWLQFWLYH ZKLWH FRORXU DQG IHDWXUHV KHDY\ GXW\ ]LSSHUV DQG YHU\ VWXUG\ FDUU\ KDQGOHV WR HQVXUH HYHQ WKH OXFNLHVW RI DQJOHUV ZRQ·W RYHUORDG WKHVH VWUHVV SRLQWV
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À VK FRP DX
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www.modernfishing.com.au
VERITAS 3.0 FROM ABU GARCIA The latest release of Abu Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most renowned rod series comes with increased comfort and improved weight and balance. Veritas rods combine a 30-ton construction with SubLayer Armor for uncompromising strength and sensitivity. The SubLayer Armor 3URFHVV UHLQIRUFHV FDUERQ Ă&#x20AC; EUH IRU H[FHSWLRQDO durability and hoop strength while maintaining a lightweight and balanced feel. 9HULWDV EODQNV DUH Ă&#x20AC; WWHG ZLWK TXDOLW\
NEW SPINNERBAIT FROM GOMOKU
Storm has added a new spinnerbait to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing sub-brand Gomoku. The diminutive Gomoku spinnerbait features a single Colorado blade on a unique pivoting wire system which the company says increases swimming action and provides more solid hook-ups. Because the wire can pivot to obtain the perfect running angle, you can Ă&#x20AC; VK WKH *RPRNX VSLQQHUEDLW VXSHU VORZ RU burn it incredibly fast and it will maintain SHUIHFW VWDWXUH :KHQ D Ă&#x20AC; VK ELWHV WKH ZLUH pivots straight, resulting in a straight line pull through the tow point and hook resulting in EHWWHU KRRNVHWV 7KH VPDOO SURĂ&#x20AC; OH LV SHUIHFW IRU smaller bodies of water where a lot of native $XVWUDOLDQ Ă&#x20AC; VK FDQ EH IRXQG
Fuji components throughout the range. Fuji KR guides with Alconite inserts combine with lightweight graphite Fuji reel seats for the ultimate in balance and quality. Fuji KL guides with Alconite inserts feature on light jigging models. The Veritas 3.0 balanced design is completed with a hyper tactile Ultralon EVA grip system for improved ergonomics and
overall sensitivity. With 28 models in the line-up the Veritas series caters to anglers of all styles and techniques. Veritas 3.0 delivers a crisp and responsive rod with incredible casting distance, accuracy and balance. From $159RRP 0RUH LQIR DW DEXJDUFLD Ă&#x20AC; VKLQJ FRP DX
HALCO LASER PRO 140 Halco Tackle, Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest lure manufacturer introduces the Laser Pro 140. While taking considerable time to come to market, the boys at Halco believe the Laser Pro 140 will be worth the wait. At 140mm long, it is D SHUIHFW EDLWĂ&#x20AC; VK VL]H DOORZLQJ DQJOHUV WR FORVHO\ match the hatch. Externally, the lure has a detailed, slightly UDLVHG SHFWRUDO Ă&#x20AC; Q URXQGHG RXW ZLWK D VLON\ VPRRWK Ă&#x20AC; QLVK VR WRRWK\ SUHGDWRUV DUH XQDEOH to grip the lure - ensuring they slide straight down onto the waiting Mustad 1/0 trebles. The lure is ranged in all of Halcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular
blue water colours for the best possible chance RI WDNLQJ WKDW Ă&#x20AC; VK RI D OLIHWLPH ,QLWLDOO\ WKH Laser Pro 140 will only be available with a deep diving bib that runs at around 2.5m and trolls at up to 9kt. Designed like all other Halco products the Laser Pro 140 is tough, strong and dependable VWUDLJKW IURP WKH ER[ WKLV QHZ OXUH LV GHĂ&#x20AC; QLWHO\ one you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be without in your tackle box. 0RUH LQIR DW KDOFRWDFNOH FRP DX
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ZEREK FLAT SHAD PRO
Taking in the revolutionary design features of the original Flat Shad, the Flat Shad Pro comes with a series of innovations to make these lures even more amazing. At the heart of the new Flat Shad Pro lures is a softer TPE material. This softer material allows the lure to swim at slower speeds, allows lighter weight jigheads to be used and still retain the same strength and resistance to damage via stretching. The weedless worm hook that comes with the lures has also been tinkered with. Firstly it has been constructed with a little less weight as the softer material does not need as much weight to get the lure drifting through the
water column attractively. There is also a stinger attachment loop moulded into the hookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead belly weight - prefect for attaching a belly stinger hook or tying a longer assist style hook to. Smart anglers are also attaching a small spinnerbait blade to this attachment WR SURYLGH H[WUD Ă DVK 7KH RSWLRQV DUH HQGOHVV with this attachment loop. Available in the 7â&#x20AC;?, 5â&#x20AC;?, 4.5â&#x20AC;? and 3.5â&#x20AC;? versions, LQ D UDQJH WKDW LQFOXGHV Ă&#x20AC; YH QHZ FRORXUV 0RUH LQIR DW ZLOVRQĂ&#x20AC; VKLQJ FRP
MODERN FISHING
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GO YOUR OWN WAY IN THE 3-LITRE, 430Nm, 6-SPEED ISUZU D-MAX Isuzu D-MAX drivers put up with a lot from Monday to Friday. So when the weekend comes around, nothing beats getting away from it all. With a powerful and efficient 3.0L turbo diesel engine, 3.5 tonne braked towing capacity+ and a Terrain Command 4WD system, the D-MAX is all you need to pump up any adventure. Discover the Isuzu D-MAX for yourself – visit your Isuzu UTE Dealer or isuzuute.com.au
5-star ANCAP safety rating on 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards and 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards.+3.5 tonne braked towing capacity on D-MAX 4x4 and 4x2 High Ride models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit. ^5 years/130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers. Excludes trays and accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program”) applies to Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/1/15 at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. The 5 years Capped Price Servicing covers the first 5 Scheduled Services for 16.5MY and later vehicle models for up to 5 years/50,000km (whichever occurs first). CPS Program is subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au/service-plus.
Australia just loves a Century.
Matt Hayden
Australian Centurion
When it comes to batteries custom-made for life on the water, there’s one name that’s become an Aussie legend. Century’s Marine Pro range of boat batteries are designed & built in Australia to combat the harshest conditions, from wave pounding to engine vibration, and even damage from trailer transportation. You get ultra-reliable starting power, unmatched durability, maintenance free technology and semi-cycling capabilities* that make running your marine electrics and accessories a cinch. And just like Matty, they’re built tough right here in Australia. Find your local Century stockist at
centurybatteries.com.au
Proudly Australian made since 1928
*Selected items only
CB123-2196b
– once you start, we reckon you’ll love ‘em too.