Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 056 2005 June

Issue 56 June - July 2005

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Two Sherriffs and a Lake Barrington Atlantic salmon horan

• Atlantic salmon - Lake Barrington • IFS news • Northern Australian Winter options • Jan’s flies • Night netting gone forever • Lake Sorell strategies • On Soft Plastics - Starlo & Bushy • Sarah’s Kitchen

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CONTENTS

Night netting gone forever 4 Northern Australian Winter escape 6 The Minister’s view 10 Winter wanderings and tips - Peter Hayes

12

Sarah’s kitchen - Sarah Sherriff 13 Fishing and Boating Calendar 13 Lake Sorell carp strategy 14 Obituaries - David Scholes and Don Gilmour

15

Inland Fisheries Service news 16 On Soft Plastics - Steve Starling 18 Fishing and Boating Directory 20 Winter Atlantics - Lake Barrington - Damon Sherriff

21

Subscriptions and Back issues 23 Jan’s flies - Jan Spencer 29 Classifieds 30

My Say It is wet and cold as I write this. This issue details a little about the politics of winning a fight against fishers who wanted unrestricted netting. Some fishers, and I am talking recreational, want to take as many fish as possible. They are greedy and think little of other, or of the future.

ALLGOODS

There is absolutely no doubt that everywhere in Tasmania where netting has been restricted the fishing has improved. I am proud to have been one of those that fought to make this happen.

Tasmania now has a suite of netting arrangements that allows fishers to continue to net, whilst reducing the conflict and closing areas that were sensitive. In some ways nets are helpful in reducing the impact that escaped Atlantic salmon can have on native fishes. Most recreational anglers can now live with the new rules and are happy for the netting sector to continue with their practises in a carefully managed way.

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There will be two qualifying events and the a final. You can contact Leroy on 0428 347 736 for more info. We will publish all the details in the next issue.

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Fishing News - Page 3

Anglers win fight for netting restrictions to stay New rules for Scalefish came into place in Tasmania on 1 November 2004. Part of the rules was Rule 73, which removed night netting for recreational fishers.

Despite the fact that is was well accepted and it reduced long soak times, a practice that is seen as unsustainable, Legislative Councillor, Paul Harriss moved a motion to disallow that rule.

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News lobbied hard for the rule to stay, as did many others.

On June 21 2005 TARFISH Chairman, Beres Taylor briefed the Legislative Council. Below is a shortened version. It is still long, but worth reading.

It has taken many years to reach this position which will improve the fishery for the long term.

Presentation to members of the Legislative Council by Beres Taylor, Chairman of Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFISH). ad Salt Lines RIO FFAus.qxp 4/19/05 6:34 PM Page

Our Association is a voice for the 124,000 Tasmanians who go fishing in some form at least once a year. TARFish, as we are known, was formed following discussions between the various organisations and associations to which recreational fishers and others associated with the sector belong. Four regional committees operate around the state so that fishers in each have a mechanism to discuss and resolve local issues and have a process to make representations to government and other sectors. Tarfish was extensively involved in the public consultation phase of development of the current Scalefish Management Plan and made several submissions to the Minister on behalf of groups in different parts of the state.

At our annual general meeting at Ross last September, knowing the likely direction of the management plan in regard to netting regulations, a motion to oppose the implementation of the management plan was put to the meeting. This motion was lost.

At our last meeting on May 24th a motion not to support the disallowance of Rule 73 was convincingly carried, such is the growing support among members as they experience the new regulations in practise.

So what is the fuss about?

1

Rule 73 reads as follows:Setting of commercial and recreational gillnets during night.

73. (1)A person must not set or leave a recreational gillnet or commercial graball net in State waters between(a) one hour after sunset; and (b) one hour before sunrise.

(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to (a) the setting or recreational or commercial gillnets in the waters of Macquarie Harbour; and (b) the holder of a fishing licence (personal) that is endorsed to permit the setting of unattended graball nets or small-mesh gillnets in the waters of the north coast of Tasmania bounded(i) in the west by a line of latitude through Cape Grim; and (ii) in the east by a line of latitude through Cape Naturaliste.

So why the confusion?

Rule 73 does apply reasonable and fair constraints on the use of graball nets in Tasmanian waters. It is not a grey rule but clear and easily understood. The rule in fact clarifies previous rules and simplifies them.

The rule is well received in all fishing sectors. It would appear that all of the good in this rule is being clouded by the want of a few to have more unrestrained access.

Why would a disallowance be so destructive?

One of the many problems with a disallowance of this rule is that it destroys, in a single stroke all the work that has been done by successive ministers from both sides of politics, numerous committees for recreational fishing and many clubs and associations but more importantly it is not the right thing to do. If Rule 73 is disallowed, all of these groups and individuals will rightly doubt the effectiveness of consultation.

It will also return us to unfettered netting with its obvious consequences.

We have been warned at many times in the past but now we have all started to listen.

Until the mid 90s, gill netting was completely unregulated within the recreational fishery. This situation has existed from the time of European settlement in Tasmania and if you refer to documents previously presented in the Legislative Council we read that many of the submissions had concerns about the impact of nets. Some refer to a need to close areas to netting whilst others gave evidence of shrinking catch rates and wastage. In 1882 a report entitled “Fisheries of Tasmania – Report and Royal Commission 1882” was tabled in this place. On Page 85 of that report, Mr W Young of Ralph’s Bay is quoted as saying ‘The professionals are not nearly so wasteful as the amateurs, for they (the professionals) do sometimes make a show of putting the small fry back into the water, whereas I have known the amateurs to leave hundreds of large fish as well as small on the beach just taking a few,’ This gentleman goes on and requests that Ralph’s Bay be closed to netting. As I said, this report was titled Fisheries of Tasmania – Report and Royal Commission 1882.

As for back as the 1800s we were being warned about the unrestricted practice of netting and its consequences.

Now is our chance to do something.

TARFISH consultation

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We can’t necessarily help you with building that stiff upper lip and keeping your wits in the heat of battle, but just maybe the confidence you’ll have in knowing that you’re well equipped will help you make the shot when the opportunity ghosts by.

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Fishing News - Page 4

Over the past decade or so, MRFAC, the independent Ministerial Recreational Fishery Advisory Committee, has overseen the development and implementation of a succession of Scalefish Management Plans. Over that time, the Committee, assisted by the department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment has improved its ability to consult with the various sectors of the recreational fishery. The latest management plan and rules, tabled in both houses of Parliament in November last year were the end result of an extensive and exhausting consultation process which formally took the best part of 12 months and informally several years to complete and involved public meetings and discussions around the state considering at least 2 drafts of proposals and many pages of submissions by interested individuals and groups.

TARFISH held many consultation meetings across the State at about the same time as the Departmental consultation and made several submissions to the Minister on behalf of special interest groups around the State. It was in recognition of our submission and the circumstances faced by the fishers of the West Coast region that Macquarie Harbour was exempted from the provisions outlined in Rule 73, although in light of recent reports regarding fish catches in the hundreds and subsequent environmental damage this may have been an exemption that was not warranted.

Many other groups also held their own meetings and canvassed reaction to the proposed plans and agree that the plan was a step in the right direction that all could be proud of.

continued page 6......

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Fishing News - Page 5

Compromise

Many people have stated that they would prefer that all netting be banned in Tasmanian waters but it was felt better to reach a compromise that all could work with. This was done in the spirit of community and a fair, long-term approach to improving our fishery.

Other compromises

Rule 73 attempts to take into account claims that fish tend to move more at dawn and dusk and so are more likely to get caught in a net at that time. From a safety point of view it was said to be more sensible to only allow nets in the water during daylight hours, and research indicates that this would be just as effective in catching fish. However some net fishers are convinced that there is more movement of fish at dusk and dawn and want to have their nets in the water at those times so a compromise was reached. Those still wishing to net still have considerably more time than they may have had were it not for these compromises.

Research

Research by Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute scientists show that there is no benefit to long sets of nets. In his Sept 2000 report to the Ministerial Recreational Fishery Council, Dr Jeremy Lyle stated that, ‘the frequency with which gillnets were checked and cleared during the day had a minimal impact on catch rates. Day and overnight set comparisons indicated that, with the exception of mullet, there was little if any advantage based on catch rates (overall number of fish per set and number per net hour) of setting nets overnight.’

Dr Lyle also noted that catch condition generally declines with increased soak time.

This means that a fisher is able to do as well during the daylight hours as at night and that regular checking of the net has no impact on the number of fish caught.

Daylight regular checking does however allow for the release of recently caught undersized or protected fish with a reasonable chance of survival. This is not the case for fish that have been in a net all night and in many cases for considerably longer.

Rule 73 aims to achieve the regular checking of nets, preventing them being in the water for extended periods of time with the inevitable wasting of fish. It is to the net fishers advantage to abide by the rules-they get a better quality of catch, they can release excess or illegal catch alive and they can remove their net thereby not risking large catches in their absence. A net doesn’t know when it has caught the bag limit for that particular day or fishing trip.

What is the effect of a disallowance of Rule 73?

There is some confusion about what could happen if there was a disallowance. Disallowing Rule 73 does not reinstate the previous rules. Under Rule 102, those rules were wiped off the statute books with the adoption of the Scalefish Management Plan 2004.

If Rule 73 is disallowed, we will return to open slather netting with no controls on where or when netting occurs or how long a net remains in the water, killing fish and other wildlife. Remember that a net could be set and left untouched for days, weeks or worse, left and not collect at all.

At best we can expect more confusion during an extended period whilst a new rule can be developed, consulted throughout the fishing community and brought through the legislative process to where we are today. In that time we can expect to loose all the gains in fish stocks that have been painstakingly achieved over the past 15 years and, because of pressure from the vocal few, we can expect to all be back in this room, hearing similar arguments when that legislation comes before you again. The net fishers will likely still be arguing over their right to net long after the last fish has been caught and the recreational fishery destroyed.

What about other options?

The options were all covered at length and these included ideas from having only certain areas available to netters to having attended netting. These were all discarded after much discussion and investigation.

For instance • Small areas open for unrestricted netting. This would put even more pressure on these areas and would soon see the depletion of fish stocks in these areas.

• Attended netting. This favoured the large boat owners over the small and also increased the numbers of boats forced to stay out for extended periods.

• More nets for those netting a shorter time. This would see more nets placed in a smaller area and thus again,more pressure on that area.

• Remove all netting. This was seen as a major change that was perhaps avoidable with some smaller changes.

• Moving area seasons. Again this would see increased pressure on those areas during their particular season and people having to travel increased distances to net if they live in a different area.

You can see that these and many more options were distilled into what was in the end a fair compromise.

Many other issues that were considered in reaching the wording of the final rule and some that I would like to cover are:-

What about the risk of bad weather?

Policing

Night netting has the potential to develop into an illegal activity especially in areas that are closed to netting. Rule 73 gives a clear tool for policing of netting regulations-there should be no nets in the water between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise–if it’s there its illegal.

The advice I have from Marine Police officer Craig Jackman is this.

‘Rule 73 has had some 6 months of exposure to fishers and to date we have had no problem with encountering any resistance to the rule.

It would appear to us fishers anticipated the rule change. All but a few exceptions agree whole-heartedly with the new rule and already can see the benefits of the change. This recreational season we have seized fewer nets than previous years and not many of those due to night netting. Seizure is usually due to incorrectly marked buoys or lack of a licence number..........’

Bad weather is a safety defence if a net must be left in the water overnight. Netters only need to call the fishwatch number 0427 655 557 or the bushwatch number 1800 005 555 and report it.

Why should netters be disadvantaged?

- 94% of Tasmanian fishers don’t net and they should be considered. This includes many that want no netting at all.

- If any animals such as penguins become trapped in a net, and this would normally happen at dawn or dusk, there is a better chance for them to be found and released alive if nets aren’t set overnight.

- There is very little recreational netting anywhere in the world, and in Australia only WA still has limited netting.

- There is no attempt to stop netting but rather to minimise the harm it does.

- Compromise has seen more time allowed for netting than is prohibited. Under the present rule, a net can be in the water for around 12 hours during Winter, extending to around 19 hours in Summer, when the bulk of the netting is done. This gives the possibility of longer soak times Approximately 50 minutes from Launceston Airport. than were permissible under the Half way between Campbell Town and Swansea. previous regulations

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What about commercials netting?

- Netting is a commercial practise. It is necessary in some form to supply a sustainable commercial market. The average person needs to be able to go to the shop or market and buy a meal of fish, it is a necessary part of our diet.

- There have also been many restrictions places on Commercial netting practices in past years.

- Commercial netters waste little as they attend and work their nets to maximise return.

Regardless two wrongs do not make a right.

What about policing?

This rule makes it easier for the Police. Under the old rules, changing buoys for day and night sets meant that every buoy and

every net had to be scrutinised for its legality. Under Rule 73, if it’s in the water more than an hour after sunset or before sunrise, it is illegal, and the police can act. The Police were consulted extensively in the development of the plan.

It also makes it easier for recreational fishers and the general public to keep a check on their own fishery and report any suspect fishing.

Won’t netting be given an advantage if the rule is overturned?

I spoke earlier about the process of establishing a new rule or set of rules if Rule 73 is disallowed. If the disallowance of Rule 73 goes ahead there will be a huge push to remove recreational netting completely. This push will be supported by many anglers, including AFTA, the Australian Fishing Tackle Industry’s Association, and ANSA, the Australian National Sportfishing Association for example.

It was in a spirit of compromise that these groups agreed to only ask for a small restriction.

Is it really supported?

Netting, and netting practises have been discussed and consulted with the public at every fishery meeting for the last ten years. It has had a high profile so that all the issues could be teased out.

It is widely supported, including by Tasmania Police and the many NGOs detailed in this paper.

Do we know it will work?

There are many examples of improvements in fishing when netting has been removed or restricted in an area. This improvement in some cases has been evident after a very short period. Tasmania has an opportunity to see a revival in responsible recreational fishing such as has been seen in Georges Bay and in the Far North West. Reports of the improvement in the fisheries in these areas are common.

What about not only the moral but also the legal responsibility of netters.

According to Marine Police once a fish is in a net it is in the net owner’s possession. This means that any netter can easily have more than their bag and possession limit without any controls over their catch.

Fish die relatively quickly in a net, and certainly die overnight.

With regular daytime checks of nets there is a chance to release fish alive if too many of the target species or any protected species are caught.

Where is the science? The facts...

Reports that we have show that our fisheries are in trouble.

More people are taking up fishing every year.

Nets account for a disproportionate number of fish per person.

A net has no control over a bag limit or size of fish and yet all agree that both bag and size limits are a valuable management tool.

In conclusion

• This plan, including rule 73, has been arrived at by a long, thorough, consultation process that covered the entire state.

• The plan, including rule 73, was prepared with the advice of the Ministers Fisheries Advisory Councils that include representatives from all relevant Government Agencies, all recreational and commercial sectors, members of the public, environmentalists, police and scientists.

• That we have a demonstrated decline in all of our fisheries and this is part of a worldwide problem.

• That as far back as 1882 this Council received evidence of fisheries impacts and of fisheries that are now long collapsed. There was even then ample concern as to wastage by the net fishery.

• That we have an increasing population that has more access to fishing waters and technology and this is already having a serious impact on fish stocks.

• At least 94% of Tasmanian fishers do not net, and many of the few that do net agree with the new rule.

• That we have a serious problem with many of our fish stocks.

• That we can demonstrate the positive impact of reducing netting.

• That this plan was a compromise by all concerned and that some netting has remained.

Lets work together to move forward:

The opportunity you have today is to play the most important part in a process that has the support of recreational, commercial, scientific and government sectors but more importantly is for the wellbeing of our Recreational Fishery. On behalf of The Fishery and Recreational Fishers present and future Please do not disallow rule 73.

If you managed to read through all of that I am sure you will see how much work TARFISH put into it. It was clear and concise and put the case well.

The Result

Legislative Councillors voted 14:1 against the disallowance motion, Paul Harris being the only LC to support it.

✃

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Fishing News - Page 7

Northern Australian fishing and a few free tips to help A

s winter sets in, many Tasmanian anglers take a northern sojourn as a way of escaping the winter blues and adding a trophy tropical sport fish to their species lists. Many direct their endeavours on what many consider the nation’s premier sportfish, the barramundi. The Northern Territory is the el-dorado, but many are also focusing their attention to the man made impoundments of Northern Queensland. Others target equally desirous species as queenfish, giant trevally and other saltwater or estuary species which based on the number of articles in the various national publications is a matter of turning up and tossing a lure in the nearest billabong, estuary or dam and winding them in.

Upon making the decision to invest ones hard earned savings or testing the limit of the credit card, the attainment of the desired outcome seems a mere formality as one begins planning the what on the surface appears a very straight forward exercise. Over the past five years, I have travelled to both the Northern Territory and North Queensland in pursuit of my own piscatorial holy grails. As one begins the process, the first question is generally whether to use the services of an established tour organiser or to do your own thing. This decision is usually determined by how large the budget one has access to and the outcomes you are seeking to achieve.

This may also include influences as non fishing partners and young children. In my instance the arranging of my first trip

Dean Martin with a personal best barra—106 cm and 19 kg from Lake Proserpine.

was a case of ‘I know best’ as I had read every article on the countries northern regions. What, I wondered, could any specialist fishing outfitter tell me that I didn’t already know.

So where to go and stay. For my first trip, the decision of the Territory was the easy part, if I was going to catch a barra it should be in the Territory.

It was after this decision that  things start to get interesting.

From ones readings it would be fair to assume that at the best of times the barra will jump in the boat and even if things are quiet the fishing will be amazing compared to home.

It would also be fair to assume every location is the location, delivering up outstanding opportunities and fish rich snags at every turn. However, after much careful deliberation, finally you make your decision based on all possible facts you have accumulated from the safety of your home computer and magazine back issues.

Now if those weeks can just pass by.

Every night until the day of departure you watch the weather reports, cyclone warnings, Darwin tides and wonder if that other place might have been a better choice. Each morning Darwin weather will be of far greater importance that the falling temperatures  you are experiencing. But  eventually the day of departure   arrives and the 10.00 a.m. flight              sends you on your way. By the   time you get past the second   transfer the kids are starting  to get a little rough around the edges and you are sure the    weather pattern is going to    custard, Darwin is a long flight.    But finally you arrive, just be     fore midnight and you realise   its bloody hot. It’s midnight   and it is steaming hot, still 27    C and your carrying the jumper you left Tasmania in as well as all the kids who are wide awake now and tearing around the  airport. So it’s off to the check   out to collect your luggage and   precious rods and tackle.



 







Fishing News - Page 8

You see way back in Hobart you told your loving partner, you really need to take along that many rods given the wide range of opportunities that will present themselves over the coming days. While everyone else seems to quickly clear the checkout you wait calmly for those precious rod tubes to materialise from behind those doors, surely they haven’t been picked up by someone else? Eventually they do, its now 12.30 a.m. and with no one to collect you you’re feeling right outside your comfort zone. About then you also realise that there is no such thing as a four wheel drive taxi and you are never going to fit all those rods, soft sided tackle boxes in one cab.

Speaking of which, they all seem to have disappeared as you were last out of the terminal. A solution is at hand and eventually you and both your cabs arrive at your hotel albeit you have yourself transferring to your fishing destination at 7.30 that same morning. Good thing she loves you so much.

But now you can relax – you’re on your way and it all appears just as you imagined it. Even on arrival it is a mirror image of the brochure and your spirits are soaring. Time to unpack and hit the waterways but it’s around lunch time and your host tells you its probably not much use heading off now as the tides are wrong and will be around 3 hours before they will be much good. So lunch and a few beers, kids in the pool, this is ok, a chance to unwind before getting stuck right into them.

Finally you and the kids are in your hire boat, You have asked the lodge staff which way you should go and as you would expect have been given a mud map to take you to spot x and they to y & z if x is not happening. After 25 minutes of travelling on a river wider than the Derwent you think you are where you should be and its time to tie on that lure which has featured in every barra article over the past 6 months. You know you have the right pattern because you have been accumulating them at a frightening rate. In fact you have every pattern, the local tackle store owner has named his last borne child after you but upon opening your Plano Guide Series Tackle Box you become mesmerised and have difficulty choosing which one will bring home the bacon. Ok decision finally made, now how far back, speed right, what about that jig troll method you read about – gee its been five minutes and no gill flaring strikes and the guys at the lodge have a 5.00 pm curfew.

Before you know it, Day 2 is over – no fish and the kids got sunburnt in the pool. It’s not all bad though, the food is good and your hosts are great. Day 3 and your out of bed at sun rise, rearing to go. Today is yours, convinced the number of fish you are about to tangle with will be amazing. Your host tells you to relax as something about neaps or spring tides makes this morning less than ideal. Finally in the boat, at least the lure decision today is easy having spoken to another guest last night who assures you that anything in an Elton John pattern is killing them. It’s a good thing you bought so many lures of which only 2 in this guaranteed winning formula. So out the back it goes, rod tip vibrating nicely as you turn to remind the kids to sit down in the boat. Then it happens, rod tip bows down hard, line starts melting from the little baitcasters spool while you try and get an unfamiliar

boat away from the bank and out of gear, and just as you are about to get it under control the line goes limp, oyster covered rocks have just stolen your first NT prize and you only have one of the killer patterns left.

Maybe a spot of casting might be in order, and try another pattern.

You’re confident this style of fishing will be more productive anyway. You spent weeks before the trip with those Shimano tune up plugs casting at every tree, bucket and the dog as you honed your casting skills. However after an hour or so during which time you expended considerable time retrieving lures from overhead branches, retying new ones having donated to unseen underwater hazards you start to realise standing on your manicured lawn with your feet evenly spaced is not necessarily reflective of you in your hire dingy drifting on the breeze or run out tide. Oh well there is always tomorrow and today at least you had one on. Day 4, only today and tomorrow to go because of your flight time home.

You fish really hard today, must have made 400 casts in the morning and your arm is aching. You have seen fish but still not one happy snap to show the guys back home and you are starting to wonder about your own ability as you race from snag to snag, cast retrieve cast retrieve. But you now have a secret weapon, this afternoon you are going to fish with a guide. For some experienced anglers this is a bit akin to a visit to the local bordello, however, desperate times call for desperate measures and besides your getting a great deal – he had a half day job and you were bloody desperate to catch a fish. He takes you to the spot you fished the first day, spot x.

Hmm no bloody fish here you think, and he suggests you try a lure with some pink on it. After 3 casts he tells you to slow your retrieve, helps you with your casting and then before you know it, this leaping silver sensation is bouncing all over the river. Wind you fool, you have a barra on. He picks up your camera and fires of some actions shots then calmly picks up the landing net and secures the reason you have travelled from one end of the country to the other. In the 3 hours you spend with him you talk about good snags and bad, the tides and area your fishing and even catch some more fish. Then he’s gone, roaring off with his Landcruiser and custom barra boat in tow with every one of his words ringing in your ears.

That night at the bar you also tell of the barra you got today

and those other anglers who had also been fortunate enough to succeed in the pursuit communicate with you at the same level and share lessons learnt.

The last day, breakfast is a family thing, no need to get up early as the run won’t start until 9.30. You have a plan in your mind and even some ideas after yesterday. That angler who roared all over the estuary is now a distant memory. It’s no surprise when you connect with the first fish and even more pleasing when you add a mangrove jack and tarpon to the list. Things you try produce results and the cast and retrieve process is more purposeful and controlled. Have you got this place wired – far from it. Today you just happened to fish to suit the conditions.

In the trips I have taken to the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland I have come to acknowledge some given facts. It is a long way to either areas and as such things change between take off and arrival. Tides are more than just something that happens, they are the be all and end all in the estuary systems of the North and without an intimate knowledge of their effects and how they relate to each species the visiting angler will experience considerable frustration.

Something else we often don’t take into consideration is the distances you may need to travel once you arrive. Northern rivers and creeks can be mighty big places and Ariel maps such as found in the NT Fishfinder don’t show just how big these are. In many instances what appears to be a drain or row of trees is a creek 5–10 metres wide and seemingly goes on forever. Add to this one’s inbuilt desire to see what is around the next bend quickly eats into precious fishing time and increases to probability of obtaining first hand experience with mud banks, rock bars and increased heart rate as you push a dingy off a mud bank while wondering who or what is sizing you up. Then there are the bugs, mozzies are what most expect to battle but in real terms they are the pussies of the North.

Sand flies however can destroy what was intended to be a great and pleasurable event. No amount of prevention is too much to deter these little blighters. Suitable clothing inclusive of very liberal amounts of quality repellent such as Bushman’s and RID each with DEET are a must as these little blighters can cause no end of grief to the recipient of their attention.

Also ensure a liberal supply of Stingoes accompanies you as one can reasonably expect that notwithstanding all your

12 kilo black jewfish from Bynoe Harbour west of Darwin. preventative efforts the little blighters will find away to deliver a NT or QLD love bite.

Then the inbuilt desire to cover every style of fishing and as such a golf club approach to the rods you take along manifests itself. My experience has shown a good 6-8 kilo baitcaster rod, a 9-10 fly rod and a 10-kilo spin rod will see

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Fishing News - Page 9 7/1/05 5:10:44 PM

you through. Some might say that a spare casting rod is a good insurance policy, but the right 10kg outfit can be very flexible for some trolling of bottom bouncing. And all those lures, yes they are beautiful but you can only cast or troll one at a time. Trends, lure styles and patterns create a mind field for the travelling angler. However careful consideration can reduce the number of Plano boxes from 4 to 1 or 2. On each of my trips more often or not a gold bomber has found its way onto the end of my terminal tackle when casting to snags or a Killalure or Scorpion when trolling. Don’t be afraid to ask your intended hosts for advise in this regard and try and be reasonable. Also don’t forget to include some 4/0 and 5/0 hooks, 3 way swivels and sinkers.

Soaking a bait for a fingermark or jewie might be the best option when you arrive rather than hurling plastic and rubber all day and coming home empty.

Then there is the guide. Our inbuilt desire to minimise costs to placate our partners or allow us that extra days accommodation is in reality a false economy in terms of outcomes.

This stems from the fact we are no longer in our own back yard and all the mud maps in the world count for little when things are not going your way. What we often see as a large financial investment is simply representative of the pre effort the guide has completed on your behalf. Each prior day on the water, development of particular techniques for locations, conditions and testing of thousands of lure patterns and colours produces a wealth of information just for you. We also fail to consider those other times of the year when your trusty guide is holed up while it rains a foot or is blown off the water by a passing cyclone.

So–the lessons learned, yes there is a wealth of options available to the travelling fisho and his or her family. Do it yourself is an achievable option to a degree, a small degree. Once you have selected your location, listen to the likes of your accommodation supplier if you have chosen a lodge and enlist the services of a guide for at least one day albeit two is better.

Fine tuning your casting is a must and as stated it is easy on the lawn to regularly make casts near to target. However near is not really up to it and you are best served attempting to generate a high degree of reality into this practise. Simply aiming at the base of a tree will not prepare you for firing that cast back in under the overhanging mangrove or into the back of that small drain. You will find if you are not ending up tangling with tree branches or the like you are not close enough. Lastly and not least, be prepared to change your focus once you get there. If the barra have shut down when you arrive, all is not lost. Tangling with a GT or thumping black jew will quickly clear any feeling of depression or regret and believe me they fulfil the brag factors just fine.

Dean Martin

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Fishing News - Page 10

Jake Martin with a super barra from Hinchinbrook Channel.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Le Grew of the University of Tasmania and I recently signed a new Joint Venture Agreement with the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute for another 10 years, with an option to extend for a further 10 years. The Government has increased it contribution to the core grant by $45,000 bringing it to $2.46 million, in addition to this the Department provides an additional $300,000 for targeted research projects funded from industry licences fees. The University contributes $4.5 million, largely through the School of Aquaculture. In 2005 these funds have leveraged in the order of $4.6 million in external funds from organisations such as the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the Australian Research Council. The total budget of TAFI is currently $11.5 million. This new 10 year agreement has the potential to create over the term of the agreement research to the value of $110 million. What a magnificent effort by government, industry and the University working together. I understand that in 2004 TAFI produced a staggering 223 scientific publications and had 43 research higher degree students, figures which the University should be immensely proud of. TAFI’s reputation for marine science excellence continues to grow.

This is recognised by their scientists receiving the Dean’s award for research excellence four times in the past five years.

International recognition is also apparent with TAFI now widely recognized as leading the world in crustacean research.

This was highlighted by their recent and very well publicised success in rearing Peta the Puerulus (yes, it’s a girl!)

– an Australian and international first in rearing lobsters in captivity under aquaculture conditions. Their novel use of new technologies such as sonic and microwire tagging, GPS logging and infra-red underwater cameras is opening doors to a new era in the assessment and sustainable management of our fisheries resources. The new agreement will draw on strong collaborative partnerships with national partners such as the CSIRO Marine and other State Fisheries agencies, but also on international partnerships such IFREMER in France and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in the USA. This new agreement will allow us to meet new challenges with confidence and to respond to them with a high degree of professionalism, quality, initiative and

The Minister’s View

innovation. Taking advantage of the uniqueness of our location, the skill of our people and the concentration of marine scientists in Tasmania, the TAFI joint venture is a key plank in developing Hobart as the marine science capital of Australia.

You may also be aware that I recently launched the Fishwise Community Grants Program, an initiative to promote community participation in marine recreational fisheries projects. One in three Tasmanians (about 120,000) will be involved in recreational fishing during the year and of these up to 18,000 will be involved in one (or more) of our premier fisheries (rock lobster, abalone, or scallop). To ensure that the benefits of recreational fishing are sustained it is important that we manage our fisheries and improve community support for good fishing practices. More than $440,000 has been allocated thus far to projects since inception of community grants program back in 1997/98. In addition, since the introduction of the new recreational licensing system introduced last year administrative costs of the system have halved (down from $160,000 to about $80,000 this year) adding further to the available funds for the community grants program. The revenue raised from marine recreational fishing licences goes into a special fund that supports a number of activities, including the Fishwise grants scheme, which is open to individuals and community groups. I urge community groups to take the opportunity to build on the projects that have already been funded

by Fishwise, such as Take a Kid fishing days and the Mersey recreational fishing strategy and I encourage anyone with a good idea to submit an expression of interest for a Fishwise Community Grant by July 30 this year. If successful, they will be invited to submit a full project application. More details, and expressions of interest forms are available online at www.fishing.tas.gov. au or by contacting the grants office on 6233 7042 or by email at fishwise@dpiwe. tas.gov.au

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Fishing News - Page 11 25/5/05 3:59:32 PM

Winter wanderings

and a few tips on what you need L Get a guide ast night I downloaded my emails and amongst them found Virgin Blues latest cut price travel offers. Air travel has never been cheaper and we should all take up these opportunities more often than we do. After all we are all here for a good time not a long time.

Reminders of winters past

I have fond memories of my winter escapes over the past few years. Darwin and Weipa are two favourite places. The weather is sensational - every day. Shorts and light shirts are all you need to live in. The change of scenery is good for the spirit and these times have been shared with good fishing mates. The memories live long in my mind and I seem to get value from the trip long after I have returned.

My experiences

Weipa is certainly one of the greatest light saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world. Because it is in our own backyard many of us don’t realise it. Some mates fish there each year and they regularly catch over 50 different species during the week long trip. If cricket scores are what drives you then you will be interested to know that they caught some 1200 fish between the eight of them in the week.

Much of the fishing is sight fishing from boats however, if you prefer shore based fishing you can walk the beaches for miles. There are always tremendous schools of tuna in the bay and these provide great excitement if it’s a fight you are after.

A few years ago I spent a week on a fully guided mother ship trip out of Darwin. Michael Winterton organised the trip. We anchored at Port Hurd which is the site of the now defunct Barra Base. Again, we mostly sight fished on the shallow sand flats. I don’t remember how many species we caught but it was enough to keep everyone happy. If you are interested in Barra then this has to be one of the best destinations for them. Interestingly if you are planning a fly fishing trip to anywhere in the Northern Territory you need to consider the tides. Neap tides don’t move as much water as the floods and consequently it is clearer. A big help when sight fishing.

It was a luxurious experience to camp on a 4 star boat anchored within 5 minutes run of the fishing. Beautifully appointed double bedrooms and showers in the rooms meant we were very comfortable. The boat was 83 feet long and made something like 200 kg of ice and 500 litres of water each day.

We drank and ate like kings.

Broome was another great winter escape from the cold winter of Miena. Lisa and I had two consecutive trips there.

It is a bit of an exercise to get diagonally across this vast land and a little more expensive than Broome or Darwin but well worth the trip. The North Western Australian coastline is magnificent and the Kimberly region has to be one of the world’s last unspoilt wilderness destinations. We camped on remote beaches where the fishing was fantastic.

I fished in two fly fishing tournaments for sailfish where I had the best of fun. If you ever get the chance to go to Broome you must have a go at catching sails. One sailfish would pull a school of 20 tuna backwards. They jump like mad and are spectacular fighters.

Philliskirk, Winterton and Williams

Because of my work and family commitments I only get a short break each winter. It is important to me that I make the most of this fishing time so I always hire a guide. I think I appreciate this point because of my occupation. I see the results time and time again in my business. We get back to the lodge or the hotel and sure enough my two clients have often caught more fish than the combined effort of the unguided lodge guests. If my time in Darwin and Weipa had been unguided I would have had a good break away from the hum drum of my life in winter Tasmania. Because I was guided I had some of the best fishing times of my life.

It would have been a great pity to miss it for the lack of a guide.

Gear

Quality rods and several lines

For most people this sort of adventure is a once every couple of years and for some a once in a lifetime trip. My advice is don’t risk messing it up with poor equipment. On our Weipa trip last year 8 guys managed to break 6 rods. Inevitably they were cheaper rods. Take along a spare rod or two even if you have to borrow them. Buy quality saltwater fly rods. You will also need several lines in case fish eat them or wrap you around reefs. A clear intermediate or clear sink tip is the go.

Big fast fish will test your gear to the limit.

Flies – keep it simple

Flies are very simple. You only ever need White Deceivers in various sizes and weights. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

Flies like this can be tied quickly and cost effectively over a few sessions before you go. Oh, woops-a few crab patterns are a must for Weipa.

Apart from the sought after permit that eat them they have a fish there called a blue bastard. I’m not sure of what they actually are but they are great fish to target. The bastards live on a mixed sand and reef bottom. In 3 metres of water you can see them plainly snooping around on the sand looking for tucker.

Blue bastards behave identically to a tailing brown trout in that they have their heads down and they work a defined beat.

They are very blue in colour and are big. In the sunny, blue sky, clear water conditions they are easily seen. If you are able to get a static crab in front of them they will pick it up.

The first one I hooked took off for the reef at a million miles an hour. I couldn’t stop or turn him in the 15 metre dash for the reef and I broke the 25 pound line a metre before he made it into the rocks.

The guide suggested I use 2 metres of 50 pound next time as they were generally not leader shy. I hooked another one and the same fight was repeated but this time the wopping big stainless hook was straightened. I left after a week not having boated one but determined to return and win a round with these wonderful fish.

Reels are many and varied. A good reel can be expensive, but is a joy to own and will last a lifetime.

Trevally are one of Australia’s favourite fly caught saltwater species. Great to sight fish to and eager to eat your fly.

Other stuff

Most fish you catch will have a gob full of teeth and plenty of spikes. Long nose pliers are a great idea. A leatherman is fine. Take plenty of sunblock and a broad brimmed hat. Shorts and Columbia shirts are the order of the day as are good sandals.

Keep the water up during the day and you will be in good shape to down a few at night.

A White Clouser is about the only fly you need. It will take an enormous range of fish.

Fishing News - Page 12

A big bust-up is one of the most exciting things you will see. And if you are going to get a tangle this is when it will happen.

Do it

Find some time and some cheap airfares. You will never regret it and I can guarantee you will have a good time.

Peter Hayes

Sarah’s Kitchen

With plenty of Atlantic salmon around I thought I’d show you some different ways to cook them.

Poached salmon with pasta 250g pasta 3 teaspoon olive oil 4 salmon fillets ½ cup dry white wine ½ lemon sliced 1 cup fresh asparagus cut into 2.5cm pieces (steamed till tender)

Prepare the sauce by combining the mayonaise, cream, the water from the poaching, lemon juice and dill in a small bowl. Mix well.

Combine the pasta, asparagus, and 1 cup of sauce. Toss lightly.

Spoon pasta mixture onto plate and place the salmon on top; spoon the remaining sauce over the top of salmon.

Fresh salmon and spicy tomato parcels with tomato chilli sauce

Sauce ¾ cup light mayonaise ½ cup light sour cream 4 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon dill

30 g butter 4 fresh Salmon fillets (skin removed) 8 sheets filo pastry 60g melted butter

Cook pasta according to packet. Drain pasta and place it into a large bowl; toss with oil and cool to room temperature.

Place Salmon in a large frying pan with just enough water to cover it. Add wine and lemon slices.

Cook Salmon over a medium heat for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Place Salmon on a plate and cover with clear plastic wrap and chill.

Save ¼ cup of the water used for poaching the fish.

Heat butter in pan, add salmon and cook quickly over high heat on both sides until browned but not cooked through. Drain salmon on paper.

Lay 2 sheets of the pastry together, brush both sheets with the melted butter.

Fold the pastry in half.

Place salmon in the center of the pastry, top with a quarter of the tomato chilli sauce.

Fold pastry to form a parcel and enclose the salmon.

Sarah Sherriff Brush the pastry with the melted butter.

Repeat with all of the other pieces of fish.

Place parcels on a greased oven tray, bake in hot oven about 15 minutes or until browned.

Tomato chilli sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 x 425g can tomatoes

2 tablespoons dry red wine 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon chopped basil Heat oil in pan, add onion and garlic, cook, stirring, until onion is soft.

Stir in undrained crushed tomatoes, wine and paste.

Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until thick, stir in basil; cool.

Fishing and Boating Calendar 2005

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News is pleased to provide this calendar of events for the year 2005. Events and dates are correct, to the best of the editors knowledge, at the time of printing but are always subject to amendment or cancellation.

Date Event & Venue More Info JUNE 11-12 June Far South Contest, Southport (Southern Game Fishing Club).

John Brooker 6231 0255 AUGUST Sat 6 August Brown Trout season opens Sarah Burton 6233 8930 OCTOBER October 1 Rainbow Trout season opens Sarah Burton 6233 8930 October 1-31 Recreational whitebait season Sarah Burton 6233 8930 October TBA Tasmanian Boating & Leisure Show. Lindisfarne Motor Yacht Club Graham Floyed 0418123797 October TBA Boags Great Bronte Tie-in. Bronte Highland Village Robyn Wiss 6243 8078 October 30 Take a Kid Fishing, Beauty Point Wharf Quenton Higgs 0407502046 NOVEMBER November TBA IFS Free Fishing Day. Statewide Sarah Burton 6233 8930 November TBA Crayfish season opens. Statewide November TBA Abalone season opens. Statewide November 19-21 Lake Burbury Fishing Classic. Lake Burbury Joy Marshall 6471 2286 November 20 Take a Kid Fishing, Hobart Wharf Avril Brown 6233 2033 November TBA Tamar River Fishing Competition, Deviot Sailing Club.

Libby Simmons 6394 4426 DECEMBER December 3 Take a Kid Fishing, Stanley Wharf Damian Heran Fishing News - Page 13

New strategy implemented to combat carp in Lake Sorell The attempt to eradicate carp from Tasmania hangs in the balance. While there is a good chance that carp can be eradicated from Lake Crescent, Lake Sorell poses greater problems.

Over 7700 carp have been removed from Lake Crescent since they were officially found back in February 1995. There has been a steady fish down and the last mature female captured from this lake was in November 2003. There has been no successful recruitment in this water since the year 2000. Any females that remain should be on the verge of becoming sexually mature in the coming spawning periods (October–January). Population estimates show that if there are any females the numbers they will be very low.

Lake Sorell has some distinct differences to Lake Crescent and this is where the problem lies. From 1995–99 only 46 carp were captured in Lake Sorell. A mature female had not been caught for a long period of time and then wham juvenile carp turned up during surveys in 2001. It was quite a shock but showed that despite reducing carp to almost undetectable levels successful spawning could occur. Subsequent estimates showed that less than 3000 carp had come from this spawning.

Over 2200 of the fish from this cohort have now been caught. Intense effort was then put into trying to stop any further spawning occurring. Despite this effort in the December 2003 another spawning occurred at an isolated site in Lake Sorell. During regular surveys this spawning was detected,

the site was contained within a fine mesh barrier, fished extensively using a variety of techniques and then treated to kill any remaining carp.

This reduced the impact of the spawning but it is now known that some of these juvenile carp had already dispersed from the spawning site and have shown up in small numbers during recent work.

Lake Sorell (5310 ha) is over twice the size of Lake Crescent (2305 ha). It has a much larger catchment and therefore responds more quickly to any rainfall. This is important to carp success.

The lake also has numerous wetlands and marsh areas where carp prefer to spawn which makes it difficult to prevent spawning despite intense effort.

What next then?

From the information that we have collected it is clear that Duck Day is the ‘hot’ spawning site in Lake Sorell. An exclusion fence was constructed and has been maintained across the front of this marsh since 2001. This has been successful in preventing any spawning at the site since this time but has pushed the spawning carp to other locations. In the past two spawning seasons considerable effort has been put into fencing and placing traps to prevent access to numerous spawning sites around the lake. This has also been successful but further initiatives are needed to try and catch the remaining carp before they spawn.

Data collected from radio tracking over the past eight years has shown that there are clear movements of carp from the eastern to

This map of Lake Sorell indicates the movement of four radio tagged carp over a five day period. western side of Lake Sorell at different times of the year. All of the radio transmitter carp do it. A topographic examination of the lake shows that for the fish to pass from either side of the lake they need to pass through the isthmus between St Georges Island and the mainland (750 metres) or between the Island and Murdochs Point (1.5 km) through the Blowfly. This area is quite defined and becomes more so as the lake level drops.

There are distinct channels through each of the areas. For some time thought has been given to how this movement could be best exploited. Discussions with a local net manu-

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Fishing News - Page 14

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facturer have been held and a plan devised to run barrier nets across both of these areas of the lake, effectively cutting Lake Sorell into two distinct sections. It is intended to place traps in these barriers to capture the carp as they attempt to travel through these areas in a similar manner to the work that has already been undertaken to block off the marshes.

The barrier net is under construction and should arrive soon. It will be laid in place over the winter months.

Thought is being put into trap design and these will also be fitted. All of the marsh

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Obituary - David Scholes

Obituary - Don Gilmour

A

ustralia’s best know fly fishing author, David Scholes passed away Wednesday 25 May 2005. At 82 years old David slipped away after spending the last couple of months confined to bed.

Undoubtedly, David was the most loved writer on fly fishing for trout we have seen in this country, and perhaps he will be always regarded so.

The first book he produced Fly-fisher in Tasmania is still eagerly sought, not just as a collector’s book, but as a text book for fly fishing aficionados. The text on mayflies and trout food alone make it worthwhile. A reprint fortunately made it more accessible.

David’s contribution, just from this book alone, is inestimable. It became the Bible for so many anglers, the chapter Trout Foods and Fly Patterns a huge contribution on its own.

Then if you started your fly fishing life with a dry fly on a river, as I did the chapter Dry-fly Fishing: Rivers almost had the print worn off.

It was studied, by me, and others in such depth it was almost a security blanket when you were struggling to catch fish. If the fish were on the black spinners and you couldn’t catch them the night would be spent reading the relevant section.

I was fortunate to publish the last two of David’s 14 books and these were on the Break O’Day and Macquarie rivers. He had an intimate relationship with both rivers and I would have loved to fish them with him when he was in his prime. But anyone who has read David’s books will know what it was like to fish with him. Rex Hunt sums his books up well; ‘Although I have never had the privilege of fishing with David Scholes, I feel we are old friends of over 40 years.

In 1964 as a fat school kid, going nowhere, I stumbled on a used copy of David’s great book The Way of an Angler.

Although only 1 year old, the book was sitting amongst a pile of old books in the in the middle of a trestle at the white elephant sale at the local Church in Parkdale, Victoria.

I couldn’t get the 2 bob out of my back kick quick enough. I had heard on Geoff Brooke’s fishing show on the radio that this book was a little beauty. I decided right there and then to commence a search and track one down.

D

David Scholes and Rex Hunt share some time at the book launch of Macquarie River Reflections in 2003.

I can still recall being mesmerized at the romance of David’s writings. That unique style of taking the reader fishing with him. Indeed I was there when he dived fully clothed into the upper reaches of the Yarra after what he called a whale had attached itself to his humble Red Tag. I was there too when he caught that 6 pounder on Snoddy’s big bend at Launching Place. And of course I was right there with him and Fred Stewart when they were sprung fishing Mr.Findlay’s water race on that hot Sunday morning.

And along the way I fished the Woori with him, Stalked the big browns on nights on the Goulburn and learnt the true joy of little fish and little waters.’

Rex was captured by both the magic and the depth of David’s writing. Many others were too. He gave us a lot and he will live in many peoples hearts forever.

He was much more than an angler and author though. He was awarded a Distinguished Fly Cross for his bravery in WWII, painted over 600 water colour paintings and was awarded a Order of Australia Medal for services to fishing and writing.

I will treasure the many afternoons I sat with him in his sunroom just talking—not always or even often about fishing. We touched on politics, war, planes, weather, the pond at the bottom of the garden and delighted May he rest peacefully.

Mike Stevens

on Gilmour passed away 15 June 2005 at 77 years of age. Don did a lot over many years for Tasmania’s trout fishery and was for many year at the forefront of fishing politics. He never shied away from doing what he thought was best and it is sad that we have lost him.

When I was putting together Australian Fishing Books, a year or so ago, Don Gilmour books took up quite a lot of space and I will just detail some of the things he published over the years.

In 1962 when he had a sports store in Launceston Don published maps and advice for anglers these lasted until at least 1967.

There was a retail catalogue in 1963, then moving on to 1973 The Tasmanian Trout was published. This was a 300 page book and it is a collectors treasure now. In 1976 there was a small booklet Come Fishing with us and 1977 another book Trout Fishing in Australia. Also in 1977 he published Trout in North Western Tasmania for the North West Fisheries Association. Then came a trilogy Trout Fishery of Tasmania in 1996, 1997, 1998.

These were a significant addition to the history of trout fishing in Tasmania and books every trout angler should have. Not stopping there though in 2000 there was Trout Fishing Guide to Tasmania and finally Wild Trout on a Fly in 2002.

For 33 years Don also put together the Fisheries Associations Annual Reports and these were and are a great source of history.

He also wrote hundreds of fishing columns, presented a TV show and a radio show.

Tackle shop proprietor and well know angler, Steve Suitor, served as President of the Norther Tasmanian Fisheries Association for some time had this to say about Don.

‘Don was someone who was forthright, and had an encyclopedic knowledge about fishing, history, and what was said at previous meetings and by whom. It was a great attribute.

Another thing I found extraordinary about Don was how he knew his way around the public service so well. Whenever I needed to get something done Don always knew who it was who could do it. He had a great ability to direct me to the person who could make a decision without being given the runaround.

He also fished, and knew, the near Western Lakes long before they became popular and enjoyed the fantastic fishing they had to offer.’

Quite fittingly Don was inducted into the Angling Hall of Fame recently as recognition to the work he had done.

Up until shortly before his death Don still had enormous vigour and enthusiasm.

A discussion with Don was always lively and great fun.

Tasmania will be a poorer place without Don Gilmour.

Mike Stevens

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The barrier fences will be placed in Lake Sorell over winter. Anglers and boaters will not be able to tranverse these barriers. Access to either side of the lake will be available from boat ramps at Silver Plains and Dago Point. exclusion fences and traps will be inspected and maintained.

The division of Lake Sorell into two separate water bodies will have an obvious impact on people boating on this water. Boats

will not be able to pass through the barrier net zones but access will still be available from the boat ramps at Dago Point and Silver Plains enabling boating on each side of the lake.

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Inland Fisheries Service News

day licence has been extended to a 28 day licence, the 3 day licence has been extended to a 7 day licence and the previous 1 day licence is now a 24 hour licence from the time of issue.

The previous feedback on these changes was positive, and their achievement signals that the Service is genuinely listening to anglers and stakeholders within the industry.

Renewal forms to go out Tasmanian Inland Recreational Fishing Code

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Renewal forms will be sent to approximately 22,000 2004-05 Annual Licence holders at the beginning of July 2005. A range of simple payment options will be provided again this year, including payment over the phone or internet, or in person at Service Tasmania shops or through one of the many private agents (eg tackle stores) throughout the State.

Licence sales up

Latest figures show that the Service’s recreational licence revenue for the financial year 2005 - 2006 2004/2005 to May 2005 was up 9% on 2003/2004 figures.

This indicates an upward turn in licence sales over the past two years, halting the previous trend of declining sales of the past decade, and it goes against a national trend away from angling in inland waters towards marine fishing.

Licence changes for 2005-06

A list of proposed changes to the angling licence was discussed with angling groups and stakeholders over the past few months. Of these, the Service has implemented a “rounding down” of the licence fees and an extension of the time period for short term licences for this year. The previous 14

Boat prize promotion

So as to inspire more people to buy an angling licence this year, the Service is giving away a $10 000 prize of boat, trailer, motor and fishing gear to a lucky angler who purchases an Annual Licence before 31 October 2005.

Anglers will automatically go in the draw to win, and the winner will be announced in December. The Service is grateful for the support of its sponsors for this promotion, including Eastern Shore Marine, Yamaha, Dunbier and Stacer, as well as the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Fishing Tackle Association.

Great Lake rainbow stocking

As a result of the Great Lake Fisheries Management Plan and with some generous assistance from one of Tasmania’s State of the art salmon hatcheries – SALTAS, the Service has been able to continue progress toward maintaining and hopefully improving the dwindling wild stock of rainbow trout at Great Lake. The Great Lake is the only major fishery

within the State that has a significant head of truly wild strain rainbow trout.

In recent years there has been a noticeable decline in the number of rainbow trout in the spawning run at Liawenee Canal. In order to arrest this decline, the Service has implemented a suite of angling regulations aimed at protecting maturing rainbows. In addition to these measures, there has been a concerted effort to increase the number of rainbow trout stocked into Great Lake.

Over the past four years, the Service has stocked 1.2 million Great Lake rainbow fry that have been hatched and raised at the Salmon Ponds hatchery. While this has probably gone some way to assisting in maintaining the fishery in the short term, the size of the fish used for stocking (fry), has been somewhat of a bottleneck in achieving meaningful returns.

The Salmon Ponds hatchery is over 140 years old and summer water levels and high water temperatures have severely limited the number of fish that can be successfully raised to a suitable size. This season however, the Service was able to take up a generous offer made by SALTAS to hatch and raise 60 000 Great Lake rainbow trout as a trial. The difference in the size of the fish produced by SALTAS by comparison to the Salmon Ponds hatchery was amazing. At the end of six months, the fish have progressed from newly fertilised ova to healthy fingerlings of around 140 mm long, or around 20- 30 grams. At the end of the trial, the Service was able to stock Great Lake with 45 000 of these fish. Penstock Lagoon also received 1 500 of these fish as a back up stock of wild strain rainbows. It will now be up to anglers to protect these fish by abiding by the minimum size limit (400 mm) and bag limit (three rainbows only) put in place under the Great Lake Fisheries Management Plan.

The Service is examining a number of options to build on the results of these trials. The Service and anglers would like to extend their appreciation to the Board of SALTAS and their dedicated staff who nurtured a very important State resource – wild rainbow stocks!

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Fishing News - Page 16

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Fishing News - Page 17

On Soft Plastics

Whip it good

These extremely successful anglers were using a technique that later came to be known as ‘whipping’. This method involves the use of vari­ous reasonably tough, shad-style plastics, mostly 7 to 10 cm in length and rigged on relatively heavy (7 to 20 g-plus) jig heads.

The presentation strategy begins with a long cast downwind from a drifting boat or out from the shore, followed by a pause long enough to get the jig well and truly onto the bottom. The angler then picks up the slack, makes contact with the lure and gives it a cou­ple of very fast, metre-plus lifts or sweeps with the rod tip. These sweeping rod lifts are fast and hard enough to make the rod tip go ‘whip-whup’ through the air. This is followed by a pause to let the jig sink back onto the bottom, then ‘whip-whup’, it’s whipped violently upwards once again. This energetic process continues all the way back to the boat or shore, with strikes likely to come anywhere from the first lift until right under the rod tip.

The violent upward leaps of the jig, followed by its crippled, slack-line flutter back to the bottom, com­bine to create an attack trigger that can pull flathead from amazing distances. Whipping catches a lot of fish in 3 to 10 m of water.

It also seems to be especially effective on lethargic or shutdown fish. Some days, whipping is downright deadly.

A book review and tips on how to use them

S

teve Starling and Kaj Busch are two awesome anglers.

They don’t just do it though, they live and breath fishing, dream about it and try and improve every time they go out. I have fished with both and they are like highly wound clock springs waiting to be released. If you think you are keen spend a day with these guys and you will know you aren’t.

I remember a day fishing Georges Bay with Bushy and he was showing me a technique for catching bream on a hard body lure. It was just technique we were looking at because I knew there were no bream at this spot. ‘Watch the lure’ he said. ‘The bream will only take it when you stop and the lure floats slowly upwards, but you must watch and concentrate.’ What happened next you may have gathered by now. Just as he was explaining the technique carefully a bream of well over a kilo grabbed the lure. The bream was hooked and I was too.

These blokes know what they are talking about and this book will be essential reading for any angler who wants to catch a fish on a soft plastic lure.

There are heaps of photos, a big section with a huge range of different brands of soft plastics detailed. Rigging is shown in depth and a species by species guide is included. Rigging has been one of the big mysteries in regard to soft plastics, but it is well explained here.

When you do buy this book—as you will—read it slowly. There is a lot of in-depth stuff that is contained in a casual writing style. You will gain a lot from this book.

I’d like a waterproof version because mine is going in the boat as a ready reference guide.

On Soft Plastics and how to use them is published by AFN in full colour, 168 pages and retails for $29.95.

Your tackle store can order it from AFN if they don’t have it in stock.

Here is an excerpt that will show you just a little snippet of how fabulous this book is.

Flathead

If it weren’t for the not so-humble flathead, soft plas­tic lures might never have caught on in Australia. Flatties love softies, and Aussie anglers love catching flathead. Those simple truths lie at the very core of the soft plastic phenomenon in this country. The flathead clan—and those legions of anglers who chase them right around Australia—have definitely accounted for more soft lure sales than all our other species combined.

In the many soft plastic seminars and presenta­tions Bushy and I do around the country I sometimes refer to flathead as ‘training wheels for soft plastic fishers’, and go on to tell audiences that if they can’t catch flatties on softies, they should consider taking up golf. They are sometimes almost too easy!

Think about it. Flathead are ambush predators. They lie on the bottom using their colour and pat­terning for camouflage and when a little fish, prawn, crab or squid wanders by, they burst from conceal­ment and attempt to inhale it. Over that first metre or so, there aren’t too many fish faster or more deadly than an adult flathead.

It’d also be hard to conceive of a more effective flatheadcatcher than a soft plastic lure bounced, jigged, bobbed and slow rolled along just clear of the sea bed—right in that one metre ambush zone. It’s a red rag to a bull!

and smallmouth bass. I bought a bunch of these shad tails home—mostly in the pearl and black colour and the three inch (7.5 cm) size. Not surprisingly, they proved to be absolutely deadly on flathead, and soon displaced the old dou­ble tails as my favourite soft-bodied lure for lizards.

Mister Twister Sassy Shads remained at number one on my lizard lure hit parade until the late ‘90s, when I was introduced to two newer soft plastics that proved even more effective, at least sometimes. The first of these was the remarkable DOA Shrimp, and the second was the Mann’s George-N-Shad.

Since then, it’s all become rather confusing. It was about this same time that Bushy and I started really getting serious about targeting bream and estuary perch on ultra-light finesse tackle and small, soft plastic-tailed jigs. We weren’t surprised to catch a few extraneous flathead along the way, but the numbers and average size of these ‘sundries’ proved to be something of an eye opener.

At a point when I was landing enough flatties to keep me happy on DOAs, George-N-Shads and my ‘bream’ plastics, word filtered through the piscato­rial grapevine of some truly remarkable catches being made by a small band of dedicated flathead fishers casting lures from boats in Sydney’s Botany Bay and Port Hacking. While I talked of a good day as one that produced anywhere from half a dozen to 15 flathead on lures, these blokes were casually dropping num­bers that sounded like cricket scores, and mention­ing fish of sizes I rarely saw.

This clearly demanded further investigation!

Fishing News - Page 18

Of course, whipping is not always the best strategy for catching flathead on plastic. Bushy and I (and many other anglers) continue to take plenty of flat-head using much gentler lifts and drops that keep the jig closer to the bottom at all times and moving noticeably slower and with less vigour than it does when whipping. To contrast it with the violent whipping action, we’ve christened this tactic ‘wussing’. It’s sneakier and more subtle.

It has become obvious to me in the last few years that both whipping and wussing have their places in the flathead lurer’s bag of tricks, and that they can even be combined at times, with deadly effect.

As a rule of thumb, wussing is at its best in shallower areas—from ankle deep out to about 2 m—while whipping really shines in deeper areas. However, in very clear water or when the fish are par­ticularly aggressive, wussing can also work wonders in 3 to 8 m depths. Conversely, when fish are scattered or shut-down and the water discoloured or very cool, it can pay to do a couple of rather energetic whips at the beginning of a retrieve, even in waist-deep water, before slowing down into ‘wuss’ mode.

Mix it up

Mixing it up and trying different retrieves is vitally important, especially if you’re not catching fish. As soon as you start to attract strikes, narrow the action down to what’s working on the day, but be alert for changes from hour to hour or place to place.

Similarly, be prepared to swap and change tails and jig head sizes. Vary the colour, action, bulk and sink rates of your offerings until you start getting bites. If you’re fishing in known flathead areas and not catching fish, chances are they’re there, but you haven’t found the ignition key yet. Keep trying!

Gear

Early days

I no longer remember the first flathead I caught on a soft plastic lure, in fact—and I’d put money on that lure having been a pink Mister Twister double-tail. Several years and many flatties later, I discovered that the lime green or chartreuse double-tail Twister was also a highly effec­tive flathead tempter, and I added some of those to my slowly growing collection of plastics.

For a considerable period, that was about it and I didn’t really see the need to explore the subject much fur­ther.

Then, near the end of the 1980s, I moved to North America for a year to edit a Canadian fishing maga­zine and discovered the incredible effectiveness of the Mister Twister Sassy Shad tail on American fish such as walleye, pike, muskies

A time to ‘WUSS”

Steve Starling with the proof that soft plastics really work.

Both spin and baitcaster outfits work well, but on both, it’s hard to go past fine gel-spun polyethylene (GSP) lines, either braided or fused. These cast and fish better than nylon, with less wind resistance and water drag, and because GSP line has almost no stretch, it is much easier to work the lure, detect strikes and set the hook.

When it all comes together, working soft plastics for flathead in these ways can be downright scary in terms of its effectiveness. Most days, I’d back plas­tics with serious money against baits—even live baits—and that’s a big call!

Remember, any flattie over 65 or 70 cm in length is a female breeder and I no longer kill such vitally important fish. In fact, I limit my keepers these days to a handful of flatties between 40 and 55 cm, and I’d strongly suggest that you think about doing the same. I enjoy a few fresh flathead fillet in beer batter as much as the next per­son, but I’d also like to know that there’ll be plenty left for my kids and their kids to catch—on whatever ground-breaking technique eventually comes along to give whipping and wussing a serious nudge!

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Fishing and Boating Directory Fishing • Guiding • Charters

Fishing • Guiding • Charters

Tackle and Supplies

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Precision Charters

What YOU can do to prevent the spread of pest fish, plants and diseases • Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals or aquatic plants into Tasmania from overseas or interstate.

• Do not stock or transfer any freshwater fish species, invertebrates or plants into any inland waters (including private dams, farm dams or public waters).

• Report any unusual fish captures or sightings to the Service immediately.

• Wash mud and weeds from your fishing boat and trailer and clean all fishing gear (eg waders) and camping gear before entering Tasmania and moving between waters.

• Do not use willow as a rod support, as it has the ability to propagate.

• Buy aquarium fish only from registered aquarium dealers in Tasmania.

• Do not release the contents of aquaria and garden ponds (fish, plants and water) into lakes, rivers, farm dams, drains or down the toilet.

• Get involved with your local Waterwatch or community group to clean up waterways.

• Contact the Service for correct and responsible disposal of unwanted fish, aquatic animals and plants.

• Report any suspicious or illegal activities to the Service, Tasmania Police or BUSHWATCH 1800 005 555.

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Winter Atlantics at Lake Barrington It is strange how anglers get attached to certain waterways. Some people fall in love with a certain little lake, river or estuary that keeps drawing them back time after time.

As most people know my passion is chasing snapper in the Tamar estuary, but I normally pursue them in the warmer months. Last brown trout season I re-ignited my love of trolling and spinning for trout and salmon. It was not only the release of 200 adult Atlantic salmon into Lake Barrington which restarted me to the spot again it was the magical beauty of the whole area. It is a real hidden secret, Lake Barrington in the lush and beautiful Kentish country of Northern Tasmania has first class picturesque beauty. It has a reasonable head of brown trout, which average around 500 grams. But there are good fish in the Lake, which can grow up to 7 kilos.

A man-made impoundment created by the hydroelectric commission, Lake Barrington is also the home to Tasmania’s International rowing course. It also is a popular skiing and recreational area. Long and narrow with steep banks mostly covered with scenic forests, it is extremely deep with an average depth of 20-40 metres. The other great aspect of Barrington is it is open all year round. Inland fisheries and Saltas released Atlantic’s into the Lake during the season. The total was around 1200 fish, ranging between 2.5 kilos and 15 kilos. Yes that’s right 15 kilos (33 pounds).

There should be plenty left as the last was released in mid May. Now my Snapper rods are packed away and my trout rod gets a serious workout.

A recent trip was just a few days after the last liberation. I arrived early at the ramp with my eldest son Ben who is 6. Ben had caught

several Atlantic’s out of Barrington early last season. His biggest to date was 5.2 kilos but we know there are a lot of larger fish that had been released since then.

We put our little tinny in at Weeks Reach which is at the rowing course at around 7 am.

I have not fished the lake for several months and I had forgotten how much I missed this magical place. There is no wonder they call this the Promised Land.

It was flat calm. We put the boat in and started trolling down the shore towards Kentish Park. Three and a half-hours went by and not a touch. I had gone through every lure in my tackle box when we came across a beautiful small bay. It was lined with man ferns on the banks and submerged timber in the shallows. It was far too hard to troll this area so we decided to drift spin. My cousin Matthew Sherriff caught a 12-pound fish the day before using this method. We wound in the leadlines and flatlines. I sat back, put the kettle on and Ben started casting at the bank using his Rapala Shad Rap. I put on my favorite McGrath deep diver. After my third cast I had a small brown trout chasing my lure but it turned away at the boat. Five casts later I had a 6 kilo Atlantic do the same thing. I told Ben to keep casting. Shortly after Ben yelled, ‘I’ve got one Dad!’ I looked over to see my little boy holding a very buckled over spinning rod with screaming threadline. After two jumps and a few tense moments the fish ran for the submerged logs. He finally landed a lovely 3.7 kilo Atlantic hen fish. After a few photos we were back into it. After another 20–30 minutes we had 4 big Atlantic males follow up the lures. They were up to about 7.5 kilos. They just wouldn’t strike. Maybe because they had

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only been in the lake for a few days and were not hungry yet. That is my theory anyhow. I was getting very frustrated and started going through my tackle box again. After a couple more casts a salmon I estimate to be around 15 kilos followed my Rapala Shad Rap up to the back of the boat and swum right around to the front where Ben was sitting. Our eyes were popping gout of our heads. I couldn’t believe it. It was massive. I do taxidermy from home and I have mounted many Atlantic’s up to 10 kilos but none like this one. It was over one metre long. This has pumped me up for the rest of winter. I can’t wait till next weekend to fish in Tasmanians own Canadian Salmon Lake.

Tactics

There are a few contributing factors to make a successful Atlantic troller. The first is the correct lure selection. I prefer to use bibbed minnow for flatline trolling in deep water such as Barrington is a McGrath deep diver and my favorite in the McGrath range are fluoro carp, fluoro tiger deadly attractor, pink and violet, green and brown – these colours are proven salmon catchers. Another lure that is worth a shot is the Rapala Shad

Rap in the glass fire perch colour. These lures will dive to around 3 metres. Another dynamite lure on Atlantics is the 5 cm Rapala Taildancer in fire tiger. This colour is not available in Australia but some selected tackle shops have access to the worldwide Rapala market and may be able to help you out on this red-hot colour; so you might have to do some homework.

Another excellent method when trolling for Atlantic’s is the use of a leadline. Spool up a large baitcaster with four colours of leadline in conjunction with a 168 cm medium action baitcasting rod. I prefer to run Sting Cobras on my leadlines- they have a superior action and come in some great colours. Some of my favourite colours are #8-a frog pattern with a reddish belly, # 28 – glowgrub pattern, # 56 – pink and white with black dots and # 58 – fluorescent yellow pink and blue. All these lures work well for Atlantic’s but there are many more in this range that are worth a shot. Incidentally, a top fish catcher for big brown trout is # 30.

Another lure which, when fished on a leadline, has brought me great success with Atlantic’s is the Rapala 8 cm Husky Jerk.

Colours such as glass clown, brown trout and

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Fishing News - Page 21

rainbow trout are all worth a go and are lethal when fished with two to four colours of leadline.

Boat speed is another critical point. I troll at around 2 km/hr. I believe the fish have more time to grab the lures as they go past. Balsa bibbed minnows also get a flashy wobble at this speed and Atlantic’s seem to like this action, rather than a tighter action when trolled faster. Line is another important factor I prefer Platil Strong. It is skinny, has a low memory and is very user friendly. I do not recommend gelspun line for this type of fishing, it’s far too hard on the salmon. Many of the fish are lightly hooked and Atlantic’s have a soft outer jaw–hooks can pull out very easily. I recommend that you stick to monofilament, which will stretch considerably and act like a shock absorber. A light spinning outfit is all that is needed to land trophy Atlantic salmon. Time on the water is another important element to success. Every time we head to Barrington, I would say to myself we are not going to head home until we have a

big salmon in the boat, and this, method did seem to work!

Nevertheless, they never came easily. We had to put in long days for the results.

I hope the liberation of adult Atlantic salmon at Lake Barrington will continue for years to come. It draws anglers to try for these fantastic trophy fish and it so challenging to target them when they are in low numbers is such a massive expanse of water. Signs in the vicinity of Lake Barrington inform the traveller that he is entering places with enticing names such as Promised Land and Paradise – perhaps, at least for trout anglers it is just that why not try your luck!

Another lure to try that I have just received is the Pro-Troll lures with E-Chip. This is a revolutionary lure that emits a tiny signal like an injured bait fish. They have a great reputation in USA and are now being imported into Australia.

Tight lines Damon Sherriff

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Fishing News - Page 22

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A lure that will be well worth some serious trolling effort is the new E-Chip series from USA. These are imported by Clarkson Imports, so if your tackle store doesn’t have them ask them to get some in.

Lewis Marine Whittley Sea Legend 700 Australian Marine Industry Federation

Boat of the Year 2005

In the Trailerable Cruising category.

2005 AMIF award goes to Whittley - Sea Legend 700

Whittley Marine’s latest release model, the Sea Legend 700 has won instant acclaim with the boat taking out a key category win at the annual AMIF Boat of the Year awards. The Sea Legend 700 has been named Boat of the Year 2005 in the Trailerable Cruising category.

Conducted by the Australian Marine Industry Federation (AMIF), the annual award process is widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the recreational boating industry.

Presented at a gala function in Surfers Paradise, Whittley Marine’s Managing Director, Neville Whittley received the honour for the new Sea Legend 700. The Sea Legend was judged as being superior and ahead of a quality field of seven competitors by an industry panel of boating experts.

“Whittley prides itself on the string of awards and accolades bestowed upon both our line of cruising boats and range of Sea Legend fishing boats,” said Neville Whittley.

“We are extremely proud to be awarded this honour in front of our industry peers.”

“Having won the overall Boat of the Year award in 2003 with the Cruiser 660 model, taking a category win with our Sea Legend fishing marque is clear confirmation that the Whittley approach to boat design and manufacture is held in the highest respect.”

The AMIF awards were developed to honour manufacturing excellence and award design innovation across the recreational boating industry. The winner of each category is selected on the basis of a 90% or better score on criteria which include safety, ergonomics, performance and value for money.

The acclaimed Whittley Sea Legend 700 presents itself as a completely redesigned boat with both hull and deck based on new design work. The stylish new deck layout maximises fishing room out the back, while offering luxurious appointments in the cockpit and cabin. The hull design commands performance and has been built to accommodate either a V6 outboard power plant or a sterdrive engine configuration.

At the helm, the skipper is greeted with an array of engine monitoring gauges which are slotted neatly into the helm module.

Below the dash is enough space to accommodate both a sounder and a GPS unit integrated into the console.

At the business end of the 700 Sea Legend, the transom profile is smooth and uncluttered. The plumbed live bait tank is conveniently positioned on the starboard side with room for twin battery applications found behind a full height transom locker.

“This is a serious fishing boat,” said Neville Whittley. “Blue water anglers throughout Australia are coming to appreciate the exceptional qualities of fishing from a Whittley Sea Legend model.”

Whittley Cruisers is Australia’s leading trailer boat manufacturer, producing a complete range of fibreglass boats under the Whittley, Sea Legend, Clearwater and Savage Fibreglass brands.

Whittley Cruisers is a wholly family owned Australian company established more than 50 years ago.

For further information contact: Whittley Marine Industries Telephone: (03) 9358 9600 or in Tasmania, Lewis Marine Ph 6234 7266.

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Great packages available and expert advice.

Ph: 6234 7266 198 - 200 Campbell St. Hobart, 7000

Subscriptions and back issues Subscribing; Just fill in the form, or send your details as below. You can fax the subscription form to 03 6331 1278 or post to Stevens Publishing, PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250. or email details to fishn@bigpond.net.au Name;___________________________________________________________Address;____________________________ ___________________________________________________________Postcode;____________Phone________________ Subscriptions: $24; one year. $48; two years. Back issues; $3.95 each - Issue Numbers req’d.____________ Payment by; ____ Bankcard ____ MasterCard ____ Visa ____ Cheque ____ Money Order Credit Card No. __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Exp. date __ __/__ __ Total amount;______ From issue no.____ 1 year____ 2 years ___ Fishing News - Page 23

SAVE HEAPS SALE AT Look at what you get!

• 2 Tray Box • Squid Jig • Metal Scaler • 1/2’ Float • Red/White Floats • 4” Hand Caster • 3 Pkts asstd hooks • 3 Pkts asstd snaps • Hook Remover • Assorted sinkers • Plus much much more!

Stimulate products are fantastic for all fishing condition and styles, fish find it irresistible

STIMULATE INSTANT BAIT & BURLEY SYSTEM

Store those rods and outfits safely on this rack - can be assembled in more than one combination. Ideal for home and shed storage.

SURECATCH 200PCE JUMBO TACKLE KIT

2995

OKUMA FISHING ROD RACK

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CHECK THESE OUT Features include • Lever drag • 4 anti rust bearings • Stainless steel gears

Look at this for value!

Knives, fillet board and sharpening steel in a compact carry case

JARVIS WALKER PRO FILLET KNIFE SET

1995

$

SET SHIMANO TLD25 REEL

24995

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Reel is covered by Shimano’s 10 year warranty

Huge range of soft plastic lures, fresh and saltwater flies, Stimulate berley/bait products, River 2 Sea Tuna Lures and Maxima Fluorocarbon.

SET

If it’s available we’ll get it... - Phone Orders Welcome

The Fishing Connection

87-91 Harrington Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000.

Email: fishconn@bigpond.net.au

Ph (03) 6234 4880

Fax (03) 6234 8024

The Boat Shack Sole Tasmanian Agent

Winston Rods

IBIS - from $640 Boron IIX - from $1190 LT5 - from $1310 Quality fishing equipment, licences, live bait, accessories, waders, flies, lures, clothing and more. Owners Allan and Sue Davey.

Open 7 days a week during the fishing season

Fishing News - Page 24

EPIRBS MT 400 $565 MT300 $195 MT310 $295 Craypots $125

Large range of fishing gear and boating accessories Graball nets

-madetoorderfrom$250

Inflatable PFDs $225

The Boat Shack

MerseySlipways Woods Point Devonport Ph 6424 7944

Haines Hunter Classic 650 Fish and Family Fun

creating a large uncluttered fishing space. A folding transom door doubles as an internal step for passenger comfort.

Also in the transom is a deck wash and a live bait tank/ice box. Up forward, the stainless steel T-piece, with extending sun awning, has been redesigned to give the rod fishermen better access to the forward section of the cockpit. Conveniently, the T-piece also folds down for low level boat storage.

The 650 Classic cockpit features new inner linings providing increased storage. Bin storage has been raised to knee level for easy access and rod holders have been placed between the bins and the floor. Sides have been raised by 80 mm to give leverage to the fishermen and security for the toddlers.

The 650 Classic has a new rounded glass windscreen, carbon fibre dash and economically designed control box with

plenty of room for hand movement in a heavy sea. Navman chart plotters and fish finders are standard.

Pedestal seating is standard, with the option of back to back seating. Clip in carpet is not standard, but is an option.

Despite the large fishing area, the 650 cabin manages to include two full size (6 ft 2 in) bunks, with toilet facilities.

This boat weighs in at 1200 kilos, which is about 180 kilos heavier than any other boat of similar size. The extra glass delivers strength, which gives the hull its five year warranty.

Even items not usually seen - such as electrical wiring and hoses - are ‘heavy duty’ to last the life of the boat.

The 650 Classic is rated for single, twin or sterndrive power. With a 175 hp two stroke the 650 Classic would be priced from around $63 000 making it extremely competitively priced in the market.

H

aines Hunter’s new Classic 650 targets dual fishing and family fun markets.

What is now the largest boat in the Classic series - which previously included 530, 600 and 630 - is in response to research that indicated a gap in the market for a dual offshore fishing/family fun boat at around 6.5 metres.

Up until now, the Classic was aimed at family boating and, while the Classic essentially remains a pleasure boat with padded upholstery, sleeping facilities and toilet - subtle changes have been introduced which will increase its appeal for the offshore fishing enthusiast.

Externally, the 650 Classic is a completely new boat with a softer, rounder top deck, on a traditional Haines Hunter deep V hull, with 21 degrees dead rise out to full gull wings for stability.

Internally, a great deal of thought has gone into maximising use of existing space with coexistence of family fun and offshore fishing in mind.

With a 2.5 metre beam, the 650 Classic delivers a huge cockpit. A deluxe rear lounge folds away into the transom,

Exclusive Tasmanian agent for

Haines Hunter - all powered by YAMAHA

From $138.67 per week* 70HPYamahaoilinjectedoutboard,twotonehullwithstainlesssteelbowrail, boardingplatform,underfloorfueltank,Navman4150fishfinder,Dunbier trailer, boat and trailer registration. $28 314

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Per week $138.67 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 10.71%

Haines Hunter Classic 580

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130Yamahaoilinjectedoutboard,twotonehull,boardingplatform,160litre underfloorfueltank,Navman4150fishfinderandNavman5100GPS,Dunbier trailer, boat and trailer registration. $48 805 Per week $239.02 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 10.39%

See us at our in house BOAT SHOW 9-10 July From $281.29 From per week* $198.69 150HP4strokeYamahaoutboard,twotonehull,stainlesssteelbowrail,two per week* boardingplatforms,rearremovablelounge,s/swindscreengrabrail,2cabin 115HPYamahaoilinjectedwithflushmountcontrolbox,twotonehull, lights,2cockpitlights,210litreunderfloorfueltank,Navman4150fishfinder boardingplatform,stainlesssteelbowrail,120litreunderfloorfueltank, andNavman5100GPS,Dunbiertrailer,boatandtrailerregistration.$57436 cockpitcarpet,foldingtable,Navman4150fishfinder,Dunbiertrailer,boatand Per week $281.29 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 10.32% trailer registration. $40 569

Haines Hunter Breeze 530

Haines Hunter Breeze 630

Per week $198.69 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 10.48%

Eastern Shore Marine Now located at 14 McIntyre Street, Mornington, Phone 6244 1163

Fishing News - Page 25

Stacer 460 Sun Master - Packs a Punch!

The top-selling Stacer 460 Sun Master family runabout has it all… versatility, performance and best of all - affordability. Packaged “Ready 2 Go” this boat, motor, trailer is an economic runner from only $19,725 (excluding dealer delivery charges).

“With the influx of first time boaties, many young families and retirees are choosing the 460 Sun Master, because of its practical boating capabilities and minimal financial outgoings” comments Craig Ayers, Manager Port Sorell Marine.

Able to carry a maximum of five people, its 4.85M length overall and beamy 2.20M provides exceptional

Beautiful in winter - perfect in summer

Great fishing all year on Tasmania’s beautiful East Coast • 5 bedroom fishing lodge with large lounge and kitchen • 2 or 3 bedroom fully equipped units • Affordable family rates • BBQ facilities • Restaurant, bar and shop • Canoe lake • Cinema • Swimming pool

Fishing News - Page 26

• Stocked trout lake • Austar Half way between St Helens and Bicheno • 9 hole Golf course • Tennis Ph 6372 2228 www.white-sands.com.au Something for everyone • Private boat ramp • Fish from shore or bring your boat • Bait available All facilities and access to boat ramp included in tariff.

stability when traversing coastal areas. With 3mm press-formed bottom-sheets and 1.6mm topsides, the strong, durable aluminium is suited for extremes in salt and fresh water environments and requires minimal maintenance and upkeep.

Boasting Stacer’s acclaimed EVO hull and Mod Pod transom; this unique smooth riding combination incorporates stability, performance and safety in one rig.

“The EVO hull and Mod Pod design features are popular with family anglers as its offers faster, flatter planing and better stability than standard hulls. The Mod Pod gives fuel efficiencies due to the increased buoyancy at the transom” comments salesman, Andrew Weeks.

This model proved popular at boat shows this year due to its all-round boating value. The 460 Sun Master offers practical storage solutions with wide, deep pockets along the side - ideal for life jackets and beach bags and all Stacer “Ready 2 Go” runabouts come packaged with a canopy to give protection from the sun and the high windscreens with opening centre screen allows easy anchoring and access to and from the boat.

Stacer’s newly designed dash configuration is more aesthetic and has heaps of room for mounting accessories for those wanting more fishability from their boat.

“For those serious fishers many options can be fitted factory-direct including Eagle Sounder and GX294 marine radio. Mod Pod accessories such as burley bucket, auxiliary bracket, ski hooks and transom door are great for families who want to get more out of their boating, such as tubing and knee boarding” says Craig. continued next page....

.........continued from previous page This model is perfect to get started with as it’s a good size both on an off the water, “there’s no need for a 4WD, since its easily trailerable behind the family sedan and launch and retrieve processes are made simple with mechanical trailers specially designed for our hulls” comments Craig.

As part of Stacer’s philosophy of packaging its boats “Ready 2 Go”, the 460 Sun Master has many inclusions such as rod holders, roto moulded anchor well, windscreen and bow rails and swing back seats as standard, which competitors consider optional. Thus, reinforcing our vision of giving people the best value boat for their dollar.

This model comes packaged “Ready 2 Go” with 40hp 2-stroke Mariner, Stacer trailer, canopy, compass, rear lounge and backrest, rear ladder, relax anchor bow roller, swing back seats, safety equipment and boat and trailer registrations. Plus, all “Ready 2 Go” packages come with a reassuring factory backed three year warranty on boat, motor, trailer - to deliver complete peace of mind for you and your family.

Aussie boat builder in US move

In a bold move for new markets, Whittley Marine Industries has started up a US manufacturing facility in Georgia.

The multi-million dollar investment is aimed selling boats into both the US and Australian markets.

Whittley is a family-owned business with more than 50 years boat building experience. Based at a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Campbellfield, the company is Australia’s largest manufacturer of high quality, fibreglass trailer boats.

The boating fraternity often refers to the prestigious Whittley range of boats as the “Mercedes Benz of pocket cruisers”.

Whittley managing director, Neville Whittley, said the company started exporting boats to the US about five years ago.

“Like all exporters, we found the increase in the value of the Australian dollar squeezing the margins, and making the export program unworkable,” he said.

Neville decided the best way to solve the problem was to build boats in Americas. To that end, Whittley purchased a small boat building company in Georgia that was under financial pressure.

Whittley purchased the factory premises and some of the plant and started building boats in September last year. The US product range is different from those produced in Australia. The boats carry the “Clearwater” brand and consist of a range of bowriders and fishing boats that have a typical “American” appearance about them.

“Because the Clearwater range is built for a different market it doesn’t interfere with our export program from Australia,” said Neville.

“There is a synergy between manufacturing operations, allowing us to manufacture some of our Australian boats in the US to take advantage of dollar fluctuations and other factors.”

Neville said Whittley’s export potential was affected by a number of factors.

“Parity of the Australian dollar only compounds the effect of other relevant factors, including the state of the domestic economy in the US,” he explained.

“When the US economy is down, manufacturers take more interest in exporting to countries like Australia. Consequently, there is an increase in the number of boats being dumped here.

“A high Australian dollar compounds this problem. But, if the US economy picks up, the Americans become more interested in their own markets and leave us alone.

“Our investment in the US allows us to ride out those fluctuations to a great extent.”

The Clearwater range of boats has recently gone on sale in Australia and the results have exceeded expectations.

“Clearwater’s are selling well, particularly in areas where there is a need for a family day boat that can be used for water skiing, fishing, or just towing a boogie board or doughnut,” he said.

There are two models available at present. The Clearwater 1800 is a 5.3 metre (17.38 ft) spacious bow rider suited to all types of boating activities.

The Clearwater 2165 is a 6.5 metre (21.32 ft) boat that offers versatility. It is a spacious overnight cruiser with a 2.4 metre beam. The boat features a large, open rear deck area and a roomy cabin forward with double bed, toilet and a galley with fridge, stove and sink. There is also an aft cabin, with double berth at the rear of the forward cabin.

The range of Clearwater boats will be on display at the various State boat shows this year alongside the already well-known prestigious Whittley range.

Further information: Neville Whittley 03-9358 9600 or Lewis Marine in Hobart 6234 7266.

Yamaha announce VMAX price drop

Yamaha has just announced a price realignment on their VMAX 2.6 ltr outboard models from 150-200hp. The price reduction is effective immediately and applies throughout the Australian market.

Yamaha is the world’s largest outboard engine manufacturer and the largest selling brand in Australia.

The VMAX 2.6ltr High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) outboards from 150200hp offer refined, low emission technology from a proven V6 power plant. The drop in price places the Yamaha VMAX range in a strong price position, strategically placed above Yamaha’s reliable twostrokes outboards but below the high-technology Yamaha four stroke models.

‘Following the price adjustment, the 2.6ltr Yamaha VMAX models are now cheaper than Yamaha 4-stroke models of equivalent power,” said Danny Casey, Outboard Sales and Marketing Manager for Yamaha Motor Australia.

‘Customers who are tossing up between HPDI technology and 4-Stroke technology now have an incentive to choose the Yamaha VMAX outboard.

‘For boating enthusiasts looking to Yamaha to provide a reliable and well respected brand of outboard for their boat, there has never been a better time to experience the fuel saving benefits, smooth operation and scintillating performance of a Yamaha VMAX outboard.’

Since its introduction in 1999, HPDI technology has consistently provided boating customers with advanced outboard engines unparalleled in fuel efficiency, reliability and pure performance. Yamaha VMAX engines offer superior power to weight benefits with ‘4-Stroke like’ attributes of quiet operation and fuel efficiency.

‘We pride ourselves on offering the Australian market a full range and complete choice of proven and dependable 2 Stroke, HPDI and latest technology 4 Stroke engines,’ said Danny Casey.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. All Yamaha outboard models are fully backed by a comprehensive two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Fishing News - Page 27

When its gotta go first go to get you back safely.

Play it safe with a Marine Pro.

FLY ’n DRY NEOPRENE WADERS & THIGH BOOTS

• Specially designed for the rigors of heavy wave vibration.

• Century reliability to keep you safe on the water.

• A range for all needs.

•No1choicefor90%ofTas.troutguides • Hand made in Tasmania •4mmdoublelinedRadialFlexneoprene • Individually leak tested prior to sale • Excellent buoyancy characteristics • Double sealed seams •DoublereinforcedK-Toughkneepads •Suitableforsaltandfreshwaterfishing •Largechestpocketwithhandwarmer • Suitable for aquaculture/commercial •TopqualityTasmanianBlundstoneboots fishing • Warm, comfortable and durable • 12 month guarantee

Available from Marine dealers and leading battery outlets. Call 13 22 87

theUltimate line "No other line is so perfectly tuned for classic dry fly presentations - but it's also a great taper for wet flies, nymphs, and streamers." ... Neil Grose [ TROUT GUIDE + AUTHOR ]

““

“ “

Available from all good tackle, sporting and marine outlets Manufactured by Fly-N-Dry, 10 Negara Crescent, Goodwood, Tas. 7010 Phone: 03 6273 0666 Fax: 03 6273 0692

This unique line is a specially designed trout taper with a midlength head and concave compound front taper for positive turnover while maintaining a delicate delivery. The convex compound rear taper maintains good mending and casting properties without adding extra weight. This allows you to handle a broader range of applications with the ideal balance of distance and control. It’s a high floating line with a supple coating and low memory, the ideal line for all serious trout fisherman.

Available in Dark Willow >WF3F-WF7F-DT2-DT6F .

M AY F LY TA C K L E

Fishing News - Page 28

(03) 9621 2044

T R A D E E N Q U I R I E S O N LY

Jan’s Flies

Reading the history on some of Tasmania’s lakes the Red, Yellow Peril and Green Matuka’s were all very popular flies and still are.

Hope you all have a cosy spot to tie some flies and dream about the big ones for next season.

Black and Red Matuka

Jan Spencer

Hook: Thread: Rib: Body: Wing: Eye:

Fly tyer for the World Champion 2000 Australian Team

Winter has set in and many of our Tasmanian Lakes are closed. These lakes which are open are worth a look, although the fishing from now on till September-October can be difficult and cold. I must admit though, my gear is packed away in a warm place.

For those who wish to keep fishing think below the water surface. Ask yourself what aquatic life may exist to excite the trout. The water temperature drops dramatically and retards the activity of both the trout and aquatic life.

Wet flies are the the ticket. There are two different types of wets I prefer, one would be a fly which represents a variety of life which may be in the water, the other is an exciter fly.

The latter would be my preference as trout in the cold months need something to instigate a take.

If fishing from the shore a floating line will do the job, but if using a boat for deeper situation a sinking line to get down into those deep holes where that lunker trout may be.

Some flies to try are Matukas, Yeti, Mrs. Simpson, Hamills Killer, Tom Jones, Woolly Buggers, just to name a few. Fish deep and slow.

Agent for

Heavy gauge size 6 Black Silver Red seals fur Four black hen feathers Two jungle cock feathers

Method: 1. Take the thread full length of the hook shank, tie in rib.

2. Dub on a nice body with red seals fur.

3. Take the four black hen feathers, measure them together so they are all the same length, take two and place them together so the front fits against the back of the other, do the same with the other two, face both sets together place on top of the body and tie down firmly, nip away the feather stems.

4. Bring the rib forward through the wing with nice even turns, tie down with thread and cut away excess rib.

5. With one jungle cock eye feather in place it on on the cheek, repeat on the other side, form a nice little head with thread, whip finish and varnish.

This fly can be tied in different sizes and also carried in colour combinations. Some would say this flu represents a small native fish, but my explanation of the fly is that’s it an exciter fly.

If you don’t tie flies buy Tasmania’s best

Gibson’sFishing Flies Parachute Orange Spinner

Brown Parachute Emerger

Gibson Flies are tied in Tasmania with no compromise on workmanship or quality of materials. Every fly is individually tied to catch fish.

Flies of this quality can’t ever be mass produced and therefore they may cost a little more. However, when you’re about to cast to that trophy fish you’ll be pleased you tied on a Gibson’s fly, or did you?

Bridges Bros, Hobart BronteParkHighlandVillage CircularHeadMarineServices CompleatAngler-Bentleigh CompleatFlyfisher,Melbourne DevonportBoatnTackle

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Stacer Boats - all powered by YAMAHA

From $40.26 per week* YamahaCV30HP,extrudedsidedecks,rodholders,Dunbiertrailer,boatand trailer registration. $7 834

Stacer 420 Seahorse dinghy

From $159.99 per week*

Stacer 525 Sea Runner Sports

Yamaha90HPoilinjectedoutboard,transomdoor,rearladder,navlights, autobilge,bluehull,Dunbiertrailer,boatandtrailerregistration.$32667 Per week $159.99 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 10.62%

Per week $40.26 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 12.6%

See us at our in house BOAT SHOW 9-10 July

Stacer 480 Easy Rider

From $129.06 per week*

Yamaha60HPhighthrust4stroke,rearlounge,ladder,Dunbiertrailer,boat and trailer registration. $26 352

From $212.58 per week*

Stacer 605 Ocean Runner Sports

Yamaha150V6oilinjected,fishfinder,biminiplusclears,autobilgepump,nav lights,rearladderandlounge,Dunbiertrailer,boatandtrailerregistration. $42 900 Per week $212.58 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 10.44%

Per week $129.06 Over 60 months. Interest rate 9.95%. Comparison rate 10.77%

Eastern Shore Marine Now located at 14 McIntyre Street, Mornington, Phone 6244 1163

Fishing News - Page 29

Gemini Inflatables G

emini is a South African Company who have been manufacturing inflatable and rigid hull inflatable boats (RIB”s) since 1979. They have a worldwide reputation for quality, performance, strength and reliability.

Gemini Inflatables are used by the Australian Defence Forces, Police Special Forces, the Australian Surf Life Saving Association and many other commercial operators such as Seaworld on the Gold Coast and World Heritage Cruises in Strahan.

Gemini Inflatables have a range of boats available, from 2.6m tenders through to 8.5m. All models can be customised to suit the individual needs of the customer.

The most popular Gemini models include the adrenaline pumping Zapcat, the Surf 400 ‘rubber ducky’ and the Waverider RIB range of boats, which can be fitted with centre consoles, under floor fuel tanks, lounges, ski bars and an extensive list of options.

Gemini Zapcat

With 50 hp bolted onto the wash-through transom, speeds of up to 100 km/h are attainable and the G forces experienced when powering through a turn are almost unbearable.

The Zapcat is also quite a practical boat, there is plenty of power available to pull a skier out of the water, enough deck space to carry a cray pot or a few surf boards and it provides an incredibly stable platform to fish out of.

Gemini Surf 400

The Surf 400 is basically the same boat as that used by the Australian Surf Lifesaving Association. It too, is a twin hull design, which means that the floor of the boat does not come into contact with the surface of the water. The result is an incredibly soft and smooth ride for the passengers. This design is a vast improvement over the old keelson designed hulls, which are still used by a number of inflatable boat manufacturers today.

This inflatable makes for a fantastic family boat, especially for those people who just want a runabout to get them out to where the flathead are biting.

Being an inflatable boat it is a much safer option to that of the traditional tinny. It has a self draining deck and its payload of 840 kg is amazing when you compare it to other boats of the same size. Weighing in at 75 kg the boat can either be transported on a light weight trailer or can be folded up and put in the boot of the family car!

The Zapcat is a twin hull soft bottom inflatable that is designed as an all out race boat.

However, in the last couple of years more and more people are buying them as a recreational sport boat. One run in a Zapcat and it’s not hard to see why.

Put them in the surf and they are a Jet Ski killer. The twin hull cuts through the roughest of surf and the Zapcat is as happy in the air as it is piercing through the surf.

The incredible Zapcat

Waverider range

The most popular boat in the Gemini range are the Waveriders.

The 470 is 4.7m in length and is

suited to a tiller steer or can be fitted up with a centre console.

This model is popular with divers as it has great deck space for air tanks and is incredibly stable.

The 550 is 5.5m in length and makes a great all rounder.

Fitted out with a centre console, rear lounge and a stainless steel ski bar, it’s ready for fishing, diving and water skiing.

Like all the Waverider range it comes with pressure relief valves, which allow air to escape the tubes if over inflated or when the tubes expand due to air temperature.

The Waverider range of boats have huge inherent safety built into them. The boats are almost unsinkable. The fibreglass hull has inbuilt buoyancy surrounded by the Hypalon tubes. It is designed to float without the support of the tubes, while if the hull is damaged the 5 separate tubes will keep the boat afloat. Only a RIB can provide this level of safety.

No matter what your budget, Gemini Inflatables have a boat to suit your needs. Whether it be for fishing, diving or just a water sports/pleasure boat, give Inflatable Boats Tasmania a call on 0407 876 552 and they will set you up with a head turning Gemini Inflatable.

Classifieds Heading to Lakes?

Stop in at Deloraine Pizza and Pasta, 53 Emu Bay Rd, Deloraine. Ph ahead 6362 2000 to have your delicious pizza or pasta waiting.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm. Orders taken from 4 pm.

Sage and fly reel Sage 9’ #4 (RPL 490) fly rod. In factory rod sleeve and aluminium tube. Lamson LP2 disc drag reel.

Disc drag, extra spool, Cortland #4 line included. All exc. cond. $600 the lot (Orig. cost $1350).

PH 03 6343 0036.

R.L.Winston Rod 5 weight, 2 piece, 2.4metres, $450 Ph 03 62731200. 03 62734330

Wanted Fishing shack or land Arthurs Lake.

Prefer Morass area. Must have water views Tasmanian/Australian fly fishing books. Wigram, French, Sloane etc. Phone 63446866 (H) 0419 177706.

G Loomis DSR IMX Dropshot spinning rod

The ultimate in finesse rods for trout or bream. A perfect rod, designed especially for soft plastics. US import, brand new, full warranties. RRP $600, buy now for $480 incl rod tube and postage if reqd.

Other models also avail. Ph Jon Lane 6239 6840.

Marine Batteries Now available AC Delco Voyager deep cycle & starting marine/RV, maint. free batteries with built in charge indicator. Nor-Co Batteries, Devonport Ph 6424 6466

Fly Fish Magic Seminars each Frid to Sun. 2 people max. Bicheno and Lake Leake area. Beginners Yes! Fish guaranteed (conditions) pike mackerel, gars etc. rainbow and brown trout.

Ph 0429 344 566 52-55

Fly Rod Thomas and Thomas - Horizon 10’ 6 wt 3 pc $550 Ph 0408 170 973

Fly Fish Magic Evenings at Bicheno. Beginners Yes! Tuition. Fish guaranteed (conditions) Gear provided, pike, mackerel, gars etc. $65 for one $55 p.p for two Ph 0429 344 566 52-55

Wanted to Buy Flylife Magazine - Back Issues. In good condition. Any location.

Please send details to Erin at eabb@bigpond.com or call 6267 1144 or SMS to 0417 399 189.

Shack Wanted to rent Elderly couple with good references wanting to rent fishing shack in Miena area for 12 months with option for longer. 03 5259 1747.

Tasmanian Highland Holiday Cabins Currawong Cabin - Great Lake. Fully self contained, sleeps six, spacious lounge/dining, laundry, bathroom.

For bookings and information phone Geoff and Jill Parker 03 6428 7338.

51-57

5 metre Quintrex Hornet Trophy • Side console • 90 HP EFI Johnson 4 strk • M i n n K o t a R i p - tide electric bowmount • Lowrance X51 Fishfinder • Navigation lights •Battery switch • Fuel filter • Auto bilge pump • Positive flotation • Live bait tank • Rod locker • Lean seat • Tie down straps • 10 Hrs freshwater use only • 14” wheels • PFDs x 3 • Balance of warranty? (can be transferred). 2 yr manu-

facturers warranty for the Hornet and Johnson Outboard.

New? $36,000 Price? $29,500 Ph Vanessa or Mick 0411 229036

Advertisements.$11each.Youcanincludeupto30words-alladvs.mustbeprepaid.Justwriteoutyouradvert.andsend,Emailorfaxitwithcreditcarddetailsto Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News, PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250 Fax 6331 1278. Email: fishn@bigpond.net.au Name ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Fishing News - Page 30

Winter Special

10% off all MotorGuide™ products

Phone: 62671456 Fax: 62671016 10 Gemalla Road, Margate, 7054 www.mercurymarine.com.au

Port Sorell Marine

If you’ve got the boat - we’ve got the trailer Is your boat trailer wearing out?

Don’t wait until it breaks on the ramp - or on the way to the ramp.

Australian Trailers build trailers to suit harsh conditions - offering excellent features with strength and value for money. From PWC to 22’ boats.

• Strength and quality are our number 1 priority - it should be yours.

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A full range of trailers

For your new boat or for a replacement trailer INSIST on an Australian Boat Trailer

Tasmanian Stacer Dealer of the Year Owners Wayne and Maree Weeks have been running Port Sorell Marine since last April and have just won Stacer’s Tasmanian Dealer of the Year award in recognition of their exceptional effort and performance.

‘As Stacer’s Tasmanian Stacer Dealer of the year, Port Sorrel Marine satisfied a variety of stringent criteria to receive this award” says Damien Duncan, National Sales and Marketing Manager.

‘Proprietors, Wayne and Maree Weeks have shown incredible commitment towards the Stacer brand” comments Damien, “they are predominately a family-run business, but have installed excellent business practices, which has ensured strong business growth.

‘Stacer’s Ready 2 Go packages make it easier to get on the water at an affordable price. The superior design of the EVO Hull and Mod Pod Transom combined with reliability, quality and value for money set Stacer apart from competition” comments Wayne.

‘Port Sorell Marine offers a wide range of Open Boat, Runabout, Bowrider and

From left: Jason Parker (Stacer), Stephen Middleton (Stacer), Wayne Weekes - Port Sorell Marine, Damien Duncan - Stacer National Sales & Marketing Manager.

Cabin Boat ‘Ready 2 Go’ packages that are supported by Stacer’s manufacturer-extended 3 year warranty. Stacer’s extended warranty guaranteeing quality and reliability gives firsttime boat buyers with added peace-of-mind’ comments Maree.

‘We are located on the North West Coast and are a full “Ready 2 Go” dealer with excellent customer service and fully qualified mechanics. Ready 2 Go packages are perfect for first time boat buyers, they provide customers with the right boat, the right motor and the right trailer at the right price. We will be holding our in-house boat show in July to let customers experience our great Stacer packages.’ comments Wayne.

Submersible lights protected by checkerplate surrounds.

Drawbar extends to crossmember for added strength.

Checkerplate steps add strength to trailer and guards.

Ron Carter Caravans Easy loading rear roller assembly available

Airport Road, just before Launceston Airport Phone 63 919 165

Announcing our Boat Show 16O-p1e7n 9J-u5 ly both day s

Stacer, Allison, Seaquest, Northbank, Stejcraft, Skicraft For all boating and watersports needs statewide.

7 Club Drive, Shearwater. Ph 6428 7124

Open: Mon to Fri 9-5, Sat/Sun 9-12

‘Our prices make the drive worthwhile’ Fishing News - Page 31

‘Why I recommend Honda’ ‘Reliability to me is a must. I basically fish way offshore along the East Coast. This is the reason I chose Honda outboards. My boat is a 6.2 metre Stabi Craft HT with twin Honda 90s. It performs beyond expectation.

This isn’t the first time I have owned a Honda outboard, I have had them on my two previous boats in the past, so that must mean something. The business I work with, sell and service Honda outboards and I see very little if any concerns regarding these engines its basically oil filter and some fire tuning that’s all. One other thing I will mention to is the fuel economy, a good days fishing offshore to the shelf and trolling around I would use about 80 litres, plus there’s no two storke fumes to worry about and no oil to refill. I can not recommend Honda highly enough and wouldn’t own anything but!’ Andrew and Sue Tyson

For further details contact: • Lindsay Deegan Marine; 102 Eastland Drive, Ulverstone, Ph. 6425 2238 • Lifestyle Marine; 14 Dry St Invermay, Launceston, Ph. 6331 9507 • Maynes Marine; 119 New Town Road, Hobart, Ph. 6228 3999

Or phone Honda, freecall 1800 80 75 90

H

onda is the biggest manufacturer of four stroke engines in the world, producing around 10 million every year. Honda’s has a single mindedness and commitment to four stroke engines no other company can remotely match. Sure Honda know how to make two stroke engines, in fact we’re famous for them - winning seven of the last eight World Motorcycle Championships with them. In 2002 500cc 2-Stroke Grand Prix bikes were dropped and Moto GP 4-Strokes introduced. It was no suprise to anyone that Honda rider Valentino Rossi blitzed the field-leaving all other riders in his wake.

Honda also know that to achieve the ultimate in boating pleasure, comfort, fuel economy and performance, only a four stroke will do. Honda believes their four stroke outboard engines are the best in the world. Honda has a range of four stroke engines from 2 to 225 horsepower (and 52 models in between).

Honda remains solely dedicated to the advancement and development of four stroke and the benefits it will bring to our environment and the quality of your life.

Thankfully, Honda’s specialist dealers remain as passionate as our engineers. For you, it all adds up to value that lasts. In years to come, when you’re accustomed to the sheer joy of boating with a Honda 4-Stroke, you’ll truly know the satisfaction of having made the right choice.

Honda four stroke outboards - a natural evolution.

2 l 5 l 8 l 10 l 15 l 20 l 25 l 30 l 40 l 50 l 75 l 90 l 115 l 130 l 150 l 175 l 200 l 225 Horsepower

Po we r

i n t u n e wi th n at u r e Issue 56 June - July 2005

horan Two Sherriffs and a Lake Barrington Atlantic salmon

$3.95

• Atlantic salmon - Lake Barrington • IFS news • Northern Australian Winter options • Jan’s flies • Night netting gone forever • Lake Sorell strategies • On Soft Plastics - Starlo & Bushy • Sarah’s Kitchen