Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 080 2009 June

Issue 80 June - July 2009

$5

Kayak the Tasman Peninsula The season that was Art of bait fishing Swimcart wrap Buying a boat Winter trout Jan’s flies

Print Post approved; PP 702512 00027

and much more..

Todd Lambert with a nice rainbow - see more on page 4.

Bringing you the biggest and best in Tasmanian fishing news

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CONTENTS

4

Season in review - Todd Lambert

4

The ‘Art’ of bait fishing - Thomas Crawford

8

Jan’s Flies - Jan Spencer 14

8 20

Swimcart surf fishing - Gary Richardson

17

St Helens - The future - Jamie Henderson

20

Slowdown for Winter results - Leroy Tirant

22

Buying a boat - Hadley Deegan

24

Boating and reviews 25 Recreational marine news 34

24

‘Yaking the Tasman Peninsula- Craig Vertigan

36

Accommodation directory 37

36

Classifieds and Subscriptions 41 Fishing, boating services directory

42

My Say I am not sure if it is good or bad that it is possible to have a never ending trout season. On the good side there are some waters such as Brushy Lagoon, half an hour from my home that has browns, rainbows, brookies and Atlantic salmon swimming around its depths. There are a few others around Tasmania as well such as Barrington and Meadowbank that are easily accessed and at the right altitude. Although the weather at this time of the year can be cold and wet it can also be calm and mild.

Strong winds abate for some time and it can be quite pleasant exercising the arm.

Then you hear rumours, and these often turn into truths that the IFS has put some huge Atlantics into these all-yearround waters. Well they are fun to catch.

On the down side is the lack of build up. It is nice to plan the first outing; it is good to pull the gear out and slowly give it all a tune up without having to rush. It’s good to read a few books and catch up on some jobs, but boy those big fish are calling.....

You can turn to some great salt water fishing though. Huge southern bluefin tuna will continue on for at least a couple of months, if not longer. It wouldn’t surprise me of bluefin weren’t still being caught in August.

Then there is plenty of fabulous beach and estuary fishing as well with the Swimcart surf carnival having one of their best years for a long time in regard to catch rate.

I have been hearing of excellent garfish, bream and salmon catches from inshore and there are also some good silver and snotty trevally being caught as well.

Even one of the fly fishing clubs I am in has a Winter comp. in the saltwater and it is one of the best attended of all.

So don’t stop is my recommendation, just do something different and enjoy it.

These new pre-rigged 3” stickbaits from Yep Tassie tackle are designed to get you into the fish with the minimum of fuss.

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Have you checked out our website yet?

We are adding stories for all our back issues every week and if there is any sort of fishing, or any location you want to try there is a fair chance you can find it using the simple search facility. It is the easiest place to check the weatherand we have three different forecasts so one is sure to be right. There are tides and all sorts of tips etc. and if you register to get the emailed newsletter you can win a prize.

Registration gets you special offers and other notifications and deals as well. Check it out at www.tasfish.com and tell your friends too.

your plastic is swimming correctly, these lure are perfect straight from the packet.

Mike Stevens

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News

Published by Michael Stevens PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250.

Ph/fax; 6331 1278 Email; mike@tasfish.com Advertising: Quenton Higgs - 0427 129 949 Stevens Publishing, ABN 79 095 217 299

All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Print Post approved; PP 702512 00027

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Top left clockwise: Longford Fishing Club President, Todd Lambert, Janet ‘Laidback’ Lambert, Jacob and Demi Lambert at Lake Leake and club stalwart Jamie Morehouse at Four Springs.

The season that was Todd Lambert, President of the Longford Anglers Club, takes a look at the past trout season for both himself and his club members.

How was the season for you?

With increasing pressure on our fisheries due to the drought, one could be forgiven for wanting to put this season behind us.

We are praying for redemption in the form of record rainfall before next season comes around.

From a personal point of view, watching Arthurs Lake degenerate to its present state showed us all how fragile many our fisheries are. One wonders where this will all end if the rains continue to avoid our major catchment areas.

Much has been said of the plight of ‘the man on the land’ and no one is arguing that they need help in anyway we can give it, ‘including’ irrigation schemes, but surely common sense has to prevail and minimum legislated draw down levels need to be put on those catchments that these schemes will affect.

A balance is needed.

Obviously there is much more going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about and people more learned than myself will hopefully be working on solutions. It is worrying Fishing News - Page 4

that after numerous calls from countless people Minister, Mr. David Llewellyn (at the time of writing) continues to ignore people, our club (Longford) and representative bodies such Anglers Alliance who dare ask the question.

Anyway, that’s enough politics – on with the review.

Four Springs

Given the above mentioned situation, my family found themselves fishing local waters more consistently this year.

Four Springs got a lot of attention early and late season, but we kept clear from late December through to the early March due to the excessive weed growth.

The fishing for us was consistent if not outstanding and the fish were generally of good size. Our club’s opening day competition was a highlight, with nearly fifty trout caught by the members on the day.

Powerbait accounted for many rainbow trout caught by our shore based members. The interesting point to note is that this is the main catch on this bait, as very few browns seem to take it.

The best rig seems to be a standard running sinker and a small hook with a monofilament line strength of 6 pounds or under. This light line and decreased hook weight allows the Powerbait to float mid water hence making it visible to the unsuspecting quarry.

Soft plastics in the Gulp pumpkinseed colour both trolled and fished by the cast and retrieve method also accounted for many fish. John Dekkers Purple people eater (Woolly Bugger fly pattern) does well as does an orange bead headed nymph fished static under a dry fly or indicator. Tom Edson and son Selwyn caught many on their fire tiger coloured lures as well.

Brushy Lagoon

We witnessed some great fishing here, especially after news broke about the various stockings of Atlantic salmon and rainbows. The 1000 Liawenee browns that were put in during the spawning season seem to disappear, and I only saw three of those caught.

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Janet Lambert showing husband Todd how it’s done at Brushy Lagoon.

Callum Polonowski with a brownie from Four Springs Lake.

John Broomby weighs in a brownie at the tasfish.com Brushy Lagoon competition.

Gordon Bayles and his son in law Travis Preece at Lake Binney..

The number of fish that get put into this water by the IFS is astounding, yet, for some reason, the catch rate doesn't seem to reflect that effort.

Small Atlantics stocked early in the season seemed to drop off in condition very quickly with quite a few slabby fish caught later on. However, the bigger fish seem to thrive and hold condition. I suspect these big fish quickly adapt and learn to feed on the ever present redfin perch. Although I have never found any perch in their stomach contents, I have caught numerous fish casting into the direction of a water disturbance caused by fleeing juvenile redfin.

Club member Jamie Morehouse swears Stuart Barden and himself saw an Atlantic Salmon swim past their boat last year that was every bit of thirty pounds and since Jamie has caught a lot of big fish in his day, I don't believe he would exaggerate.

The last stocking of fish that big was a couple of years ago, so they have to be eating something!

The inaugural Tasfish.com Brushy competition was a great success in terms of participation numbers, but disappointing was the day’s catch rate of only nine large fish weighed in. It was obvious that word had gotten out of a stocking and many fish seemed to have gone to ground or had been caught earlier leading up to this event.

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It is hoped if we organise this event again for next season something may be able to be worked out with the IFS and Forestry to stop this information getting out and if it is to be stocked — perhaps closer to the event (we can only try!).

As our club’s adopted water, we need to be vigilant and support the IFS in their efforts to reinvigorate this area as a major family fishery, we can do this by handing on any information that may assist them in its management, i.e. quality of fish, illegal behaviour such as vandalism, excessive bag limits etc. After all we are the people that fish it all the time and are the eyes and ears of the area. If the IFS don't know about problems, they can’t find solutions!

went on. For most of the earlier months it seemed like the Arthurs of years past with reliable catches of trout falling to experienced trollers such as Stephen Johnson, whilst fly fishers like Tim Feely witnessed some great fly fishing.

Soft plastics gave excellent results virtually all year round including our Australia day long weekend fishing competition where over one hundred fish were caught by members.

Members consistently caught fish until the end but the decreased quality of the fish and the low water levels saw only the very keen consistently put in an appearance at seasons end.

Arthurs Lake

From the very start of the season until the end, what a water this turned out to be. It was a problem at times negotiating the road that, unfortunately, deteriorated quite alarmingly as the season went on.

The introduction of a five trout bag limit proved to be well accepted by the angling fraternity. We realise the need to preserve fish in a water that, due to its excellent reputation, and the decline of other fisheries in the area, found itself under heavy angling pressure.

Many members regularly caught their bag limit and fish approaching five pounds weren't uncommon.

Things that make you go hmmm — this seems to be the most appropriate start to this segment.

Ok, I’ve mentioned the negatives earlier, but what about the positives?

The season started well, and with the club van being placed onsite at Pumphouse Bay. Club members now had a place to stay. The van was well utilised over the season and it was a huge bonus for club members.

Very early in the season many members caught a lot of fish, although the condition of the fish subsided as the season

Woods Lake

Fishing News - Page 5

Soft plastics, wet flies and lures cast from the boat or even from the shoreline at the launching ramp all produced the goods for our members.

Renowned for being an early and late season water with a lapse in the middle, this wasn't the case this year.

The size and quality dropped off dramatically towards the end of the summer, so it will be interesting to see where it’s at next season. Hopefully it can repeat this year’s efforts and not throw up any unexpected and unwelcome surprises.

Lake Leake

Not a lot has been written about this water this year as it is another fishery suffering from low water levels.

My family fished it a couple of times earlier in the year but the turbid water made it almost unfishable.

We did manage a couple of fish on both outings, although I don't know how to be honest! The fish were still in surprisingly good condition.

We didn't go back after December and decided to quit while we were ahead. This is a fantastic water for both soft plastic, fly and lure so it was disappointing that we had to cancel one of our planned outings to this water in favour of another at Arthurs Lake.

Once again we hope it comes back, given the right rainfall and correct water management. There seems to be no reason why it can’t.

Great Lake

If anything good has come out of the drought, it is the raised awareness amongst the fishing public of the Great Lake as a premier fishery. This year it seemed more anglers than ever before started fishing it on a regular basis and found that it was worth the effort.

Ben Dodd and Jamie and Aiden Hume landed plenty, particularly early in the season.

Many were caught in Swan Bay on Gary Glitter, Squidgy soft plastics.

Trout guide and club member Garry France experienced some excellent early morning fly fishing in and around Cramps Bay with his clients, as did my family but with soft plastics.

Our club competition only produced about 25 fish weighed in for the day, with Jamie Morehouse winning everything, thanks in large, to finding a number of fish amongst the tree lines heading out of Cramps Bay on the left hand side. To add to his pleasure, he polaroided every one of them in the gin clear water, making this an experience himself, Matt Byrne and Demi Lambert won’t forget in a hurry.

Given the quality and size of many of the Great Lake fish, and the Hydro saying they want to raise its water level over the winter months, one would think this will be the major target for anglers again next season.

Huntsman Lake

This was the big news story of the season as the Huntsman Lake was opened for the public to fish on opening day for the very first time.

It’s probably fair to say that it wasn't embraced by our membership as much as one might have thought and there was only a few scattered reports coming in throughout the year.

Once again the Edsons did quite well, as did Rod Summers and his partner Louise Jackson, who caught on average over seven fish a trip.

As you would expect from a newly flooded area, the fish are as fat as you could imagine and reports received stated they were often gorged with worms.

Tom Edson haunted Four Springs and caught plenty of fish.

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Fishing News - Page 6

The ‘Free fishing day’ declared by the IFS was well attended at Brumbys Creek in November.

The growth rates are expected to explode in the next couple of years. It will be interesting to see if the expected ‘over population’ of juvenile trout due to the great spawning creeks nearby has an effect. Whether this will be a case of lots of fish and smaller sizes caught, or big trophy fish, is anyone's guess — the next couple of years will tell the tale.

Brumbys Creek

I usually haunt this place, especially the top weir, where I fish in my little tinny. I fish this with a fly and find either a snail pattern or an orange bead headed nymph works best.

For reasons unknown, perhaps a lack of time, I left this area alone this season and don’t really know how well it fished.

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Brushy Lagoon – top and bottom, is a great family fishery. It is the Longford Fishing Club’s adopted water and one that the club has worked hard to develop and look after.

Club member Garry Garwood did well near the bridge early in the season armed with the knowledge that a few of the fish stocked for the Trout Expo fish would still be swimming around.

I was lucky enough to catch a good rainbow early one morning. It was probably a stocky, but it was certainly fun chasing it up and down the river bank when you manage to hook up.

Kids Dam

The Longford Club has a ‘kids dam’ it is not a designated water as such, but it did fish amazingly well. This is for kids to enjoy catching a fish in an ‘easy’ environment.

Thanks to Viv Spencer, Severup fisheries and the Kappeller/ Barwick families this water produced some excellent fishing and some great exponents of our sport, being the club’s juniors, and later on in the season some of our ladies, showed us how is done.

One of the Longford Fishing Club’s projects is the ‘Kids Dam’. This encourages and allows children to catch a stocked fish, whilst having fun in a supervised area.

For many it is their first fish, and hopefully leads on to bigger and better fish.

This dam is now entrenched as a key to our continued success. Well done to all involved.

So that’s it, the season according to Todd.

Many members fished other waters not mentioned here, but this summed up ‘my year’. Not outstanding, but thoroughly enjoyed.

Todd Lambert.

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The ART of bait fishing In Tasmania Art is not commonly used when referring to bait fishing, but this form of fishing really is an artform.

Recently I was lucky enough to spend some time in the England in a district called Worchester. Here I was privileged to fish with one of England’s leading tournament fisherman, Graham Clarke. I was to learn about and appreciate a style of fishing that has unfortunately been seemingly forgotten in this state. Bait fishing is the way many of ‘us’ start out on our fishing journey, so it was exciting to revisit this style.

This article is about the UK techniques used for catching carp, but the lesson is on how we can utilise their methods for catching trout, bream other species. Coarse fishing, known to us as bait fishing, is very popular sport in England and I suggest you try it, or go back to it.

Basic bait fishing

When bait fishing for trout, and many other species, the best results are usually early morning and late afternoon and on into the night. This is usually done from boats around shorelines in bays and shallows near cover and fallen trees.

There are several effective ways of catching fish using bait, most of which we do not make use of fully. I will not fully explain the English techniques as it is very technical and extremely hard to get the appropriate gear in this country, but what I will do is explain the more popular methods we can use effectively with readily available gear.

Variations of a running sinker rigs or paternoster rigs are quite common here so I will focus on basic ways you can improve these techniques.

Trout and some other species often have a wary nature and feed by sucking bait into the back of their mouths and chewing, they will often inhale and expel the bait several times when tasting it. If you do not pay close attention, more often that not this goes on without you even noticing. There are several ways you can take advantage of this feeding behavior which I’ll outline below.

Relaxed approach - or doing nothing

If you prefer to sit back and relax and wait for a screaming run then there are a few things you can do to improve your chances.

1. Use a chemically sharpened hook made of fine gauge wire and check the point regularly.

The author, Tom Crawford, learned so useful new skills from England’s bait fishers.

Trout will often hook themselves when expelling the bait.

When they spit the bait out they will feel the hook prick the inside of their mouth and then panic and bolt which sets the hook. If you use a large, heavy gauge or blunt hook they will suck it in, spit it out and munch it all day and you’ll be lucky if you catch anything. Graham told me that if you can’t scratch your fingernail by gently dragging the point of the hook across it, then it’s too blunt and better in the bin. This could not be truer and applies to all fishing.

2. If you are not constantly looking over your rod use a relatively large sinker (perhaps a ball or bean, size 1 to 4 or heavier), as mentioned above, the trout will feel the hook prick and bolt, and the weight of the sinker can be enough to set the hook. When a lighter sinker is used this often won’t cause the hook to set fully and they are more likely to carry the bait and spit it soon after realizing that they are in danger.

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3. One of the questions I get frequently asked at work is ‘How often do I check my bait?’. Check your bait regularly, perhaps every 20 minutes even if you haven’t had a bite.

You should replace the bait even if it’s all still there. Bait loses flavou r and scent, and worms die and go limp. Trout rely a lot on taste and smell so you want your bait to be as appealing as possible when a fish is inspecting it.

4. Present your bait properly, this means making sure you fill the shank of the hook with bait, leaving the bend and point exposed. Push the bait up slightly over the eye of the hook to hide the eye and knot if possible.

5. Keep an eye on your rod, big fish can sometimes slowly bend a rod without ringing a bell or strike indicator. ...... continued on page 10

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Fishing 16/1/09 News 5:16:07 - PagePM9

Active approach - you can hold the rod

If you prefer the active approach of sitting by the rod or even holding a rod, here are a few things you can do to improve your chances 1. As above use a chemically sharpened hook made of fine gauge wire (check the point regularly). If you don’t have any it’s worth investing in some quality hooks. I prefer Gamakatsu hooks but there are many good brands.

2. If you prefer to handle your rod or pay close attention you can use a smaller sinker because you don’t need to rely on the fish hooking itself. You can set the hook by striking when you see the rod tip bend, the line lift quickly or feel a tug or pull on the line. Trout are more comfortable with lightly weighted baits and will often carry and then drop the bait if it feels weight from a sinker or line so attending your rod can result in many more hookups and a lot more fish.

3. As with before, check your bait regularly, perhaps every 20 minutes even if you haven’t had a bite, consider replacing the bait even if it’s all still there. If you feel or see a bite and miss it don’t leave it more than a few minutes before checking your bait, chances are it’s been stolen.

4. Present your bait properly, again this means make sure you fill the shank of the hook with bait, leaving the bend and point exposed. Push the bait over the eye of the hook to hide the eye and knot if possible. With this style of fishing you can have less of the hook point exposed as you will be setting the hook.

5. Big trout can give very tiny bites. Never assume a tiny tapping on the line is a small fish. When attending the rod you can strike at these small bites and quite often hook a decent sized trout, so expect every trout is decent.

6. If you choose to hold the rod keep the line slightly slack, Trout can be spooked by unexpected movement of the bait or rig. Keep you index finger on the line above the reel with the hand that is holding the rod and you will feel the bites transfer down the line. You will soon learn what is worth striking at and what isn’t. Windy weather can make this style of fishing difficult.

Random Tips

Try not to hammer in rod holders, push them in if possible.

I know the waters edge at some lakes is rock hard but the hammering transfers vibrations through the water and spooks the trout. Yes, I know it might sound over the top, but trust me on this one.

If you haven’t caught a lot of trout before, consider backing your drag off a little. Trout have more pulling power than they are given credit for and a hook can easily pull from their soft mouths, or they can break you off on light line. At worst they can drag your rod in if it isn’t secured properly.

Try not to get sun block or insect repellant on your hands because it will be transferred to the bait, and fish rely heavily on their sense of smell and taste. Wash them thoroughly if you do. Often rubbing your hands with a mild scent can be a good idea.

The idea of ‘big bait, big fish’ doesn’t necessarily apply to trout. You don’t need a massive hook or bait to catch a massive trout. You will catch many more on a smaller hook perhaps size 8-2. If the wind is blowing hard make sure your sinker is heavy enough to hold your rig in position, otherwise it can roll along the bottom and pick up weed or sludge and perhaps snag up.

Bait Selection

When fishing live baits for trout it can often be best to stick with simple baits such as a worm on a hook. When fishing a worm it is best on the bottom with a light sinker, or fish it suspended with a light weight under a float. By using these methods you will cover the middle column of water or the bottom. You can fish worms all year-around, but they seem to work particularly well in the wormer months.

There are many other good live baits for trout. Some of the more popular ones are crickets, grasshoppers, maggots and grubs. In the summer, grasshoppers and crickets fish particularly well. When rigging them you should hook them through the harder part of the body just in front of the front legs. Fish them slowly on the surface and sub surface and allow them to drift downstream into the trout’s cover.

When live baits are hard to access you can use some of the pre-packaged baits that are very effective easy to just as easy to use, or you can make your own trout bait recipe. Using cheese as the main ingredient you can make all sorts of trout baits.

But make sure what ever you use is legal in our waters.

Fishing News - Page 10

UK Techniques

The main style of fishing I tried in England was known as coarse fishing and I will give you a brief out line on what exactly it encounters.

Coarse fishing originated in the United Kingdom in the early 19th century. Before this recreational fishing was a sport of the gentry, who angled for salmon and trout which they called "game fish". Other fish were disdained as "coarse fish" Depending on what fishing style anglers are using, different types of tackle will be used. As is with Tasmania most common is a rod and reel, but where we would use a 6’6” to 7’6” their rods are typically between 10 and 13 feet long.

However, the use of "poles" is also very popular. Here, the line is fixed to the very tip of the rod, with no reel used at all. The pole itself is taken apart in sections until the line can be swung to hand. Because the line cannot be cast, poles are often very long in order to increase the angler's range - up to 16 metres. The pole often has an elastic rubber end which will stretch up and down to help aid in catching the fish.

The main techniques used in coarse fishing are float fishing, legering and spinning.

A float also called a bobber is a device used in fishing, which serves two purposes. It suspends the bait at a predetermined depth, and it serves as a bite indicator. Floats come in different sizes and shapes. The long, thin ones are very sensitive and are used for coarse fishing. There are many different types of floats and all are used in different circumstances. A thin tube of plastic, called a waggler, is the most common running line float on still waters and has the line threaded through an eye at the bottom.

An avon float has a largish oval shaped hollow area near the tip allowing it to be cast further because more shot should be added to the line to leave only the tip showing. An avon is used in slow flowing water.

There are also floats that allow you to control the direction of your float when moving. Using these in a river you only need to cast one time if the current isn't too fast, after that you can steer them left or right as they float down stream reaching areas you couldn't reach any other way. When fishing them on a lake with no current you can reel them ¼ the speed you would normally on a river.

Description

They might look like muddy ponds.

Carp might be a species Tasmanians detest.

But we can learn a lot from English ‘Coarse Fishermen.

• In float fishing, the bait is suspended beneath a float. These floats are made of hollow plastic, wood or quill. The top of the float is in most cases painted a bright color. This allows you to detect bites when the top of the float bobs under the surface of the water.

• Legering does not use floats. Instead the bait is held on the bottom of the lake or river by a sinker or large weight.

Bites are detected by watching the quiver tip of the rod for movement, or with the use of electronic bite alarms. Often people will spray paint rod tips in bright colors to help with bite detection. This is very similar to our running sinker rig.

• Spinning. Either a brightly colored lure or a small fish attached to a hook is towed through the water to attract carnivorous fish such as pike, zander and perch. This can work particularly well in Tasmania for sea run trout. This technique is popular with pretty fish. Although this is not as popular when coarse fishing, it works particularly well here.

When coarse fishing with a float and leger, ground bait is usually thrown into the water to attract fish to the area. Ground baiting, or berleying is illegal in Tasmania’s inland waters.

Outside inland waters it is a fantastic technique however.

Typical baits in England are worms, maggots, bread, luncheon meat and sweet corn and many pre-made baits.

We may use mashed up worms or maggots and natural substances. Lately, advancements in technology and market competitiveness have led to many types of other ingredients being introduced, including chemicals, such as pheromone attractants that stimulate the feeding response in fish. Boilies are popular baits for carp fishing. These are balls of bait that are compacted together.

Ground bait is used in coarse fishing in order to attract fish to the fishing area. We call this berley and is more popular in our Salt water fishing circumstances. It is often a mixture of

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Fishing News - Page 11 16/1/09 4:59:20 PM

multiple natural ingredients, for example bread crumbs, vanilla sugar, hemp, maize and other ingredients. It is moistened with water so it's possible to make balls. These balls are then thrown out into the water at the fishing spot. Often they will be thrown out before fishing has commenced in order to attract fish to that spot. Depending on the ground bait mixture, the balls may break up quickly and create a mist of particles in the water. This is particularly attractive for mid-water feeding fish, or it may sink to the bottom where it will slowly be released attracting species feeding on the bottom. When used by professional anglers, the amount and ingredients of ground bait being used is aimed at a balance. This is done to prevent the fish overfeeding. If the fish over-feed it will cause to the fish not to bite. The aim is to draw as many fish as possible to the fishing place and stimulated them to feed. Due to concerns about the ecological impact of introducing nutrients to a water system and them acting as fertilizer, ground bait in some waters are controlled by regulations on their use.

Bite Alarms

There are many different types of bait indicators and they can range from some thing as simple as a bell on the end of your rod to some of the more sophisticated electronic bite detectors. There are thousands of different ones and they all do the same result. It is just up to you on how far you want to go with them.

Quiver tip

Quiver tips are a good way of making an existing rod into a super sensitive bait rod. The tip of approximately 1-2ft in length that can be attached as an extension to the end of the rod by a put in or screw-in method. The quiver tip itself is a means of improving bite detection in conjunction with the ledgering method of fishing, whereby a weight is attached to the line close to the hook to assist in casting.

A variation of this method is the swim feeder, which is a small weighted container with small holes in which loose feed can be placed to attract fish to the area near the hook bait.

If you are fishing still water fishing spots after casting, the rod should be placed in a rod holder at a 90 degree angle to the direction of the cast with the tip near to the water to reduce the effects of the wind vibration on the tip. If you are fishing moving waters such as rivers the rod should be placed on a stand pointing towards the direction of the cast with the tip high in the air in order to reduce the impact of the water flow on the line. The line between the end of the tip and the weight/swim feeder should be tensioned so that a slight bend in the quiver tip exists.

This will allow you to detect different sorts of bites. One type of bite occurs when the fish takes the bait and moves away from you, causing the line to tighten and pull on the quiver tip. The second type of bite occurs when the fish takes the bait and moves towards you causing the line to slacken and the quiver tip to straighten Quiver tips can be bought in various strengths and this relates to how stiff the tip is. The ones I saw were measured in ounces. The lower the ounces, the less stiff the tip is. The number of ounces or strength of the tip should be carefully considered as it could drastically impact on the bite detection of your rod.

In Tasmania many of our fish can be targeted with bait with great success. Some of the my favorite are bream, gummy shark, rays, salmon, and of course trout.

Coarse fishing techniques work a treat on trout.

Bream

The two most popular rigs I use for bream are as follows.

If I am fishing from a boat I will use a small ball sinker sitting against a size 4 octopus hook. This allows the sinker to run freely up and down the entirety of the line. This works particularly well with a bit of slow moving water. This is also the rig I will use if I am fishing at night time. One of the main advantages of this rig is that it is almost snag proof. This will also allow the Bream to pick the bait up and swim away with it with little resistance.

My other favourite rig is a running sinker rig with a swivel used as a stopper. I will use a trace of approximately 50 to 70 cm with the trace being the same weight as my main line. I recommend approximately 8lb line. The sinker should be only as heavy as it has to be. The idea is to keep the bait on the bottom and oftem a small sinke will do this. If you are fishing a still water try using no sinker. This works well but you will nedd to pay close attention to your line to detect any bites.

Gummy Sharks

There are a few rigs I use for gummy shark.

When fishing from the shore I use a running sinker rig similar to that of which I use for bream but with the main difference being the weight of my leader. I tend to use a snap swivel as my sinker stopper with a nylon coated wire trace of about 100lb breaking strain. The trace should be crimped up with a loop on the non hook end. This loop is used to clip onto your snap swivel. The hooks I use are about a 5/0 octopus which is crimped on. The other rigs I use are variations of this for example having a running hook on my wire trace or using ganged hooks.

From a boat I will use a running sinker rig when possible but often a heavy duty paternoster rig will suffice.

Rays

All though I do not take rays for a feed they are extremely good sport. I find the same running sinker rig I use for Sharks

will be for perfect rays. Please take note that when handling rays some may have barbed tails and care should be taken.

Australian Salmon

In still water I will use a running sinker rig with a gang hook set up instead on a single hook. This works well in still water but you may struggle with turbulent water.

In the surf I will use a heavy sinker with a three way swivel approximately 40 cm above it. I will tie a trace off the three way swivel approximately 40cm long. I use either a gang hook set up or a suicide 3/0. This rig is designed to allow your bait to drift around in the current whilst the heavy sinker will hold the base down firmly in the sand.

Another popular way is to suspend a whole pilchard under a float. You will need a large oval float. I like the ones with a mirror on them but any oval float will do. The rig consists of a float stopper above float and a small piece of split shot below the float. This piece of split shot serves two purposes 1; It will act as a stopper for the float and 2; will hold the bait under.

Another small piece of split shot can be added just above the hook to help keep the bait under the water.

Some of the more popular places I fish include the Derwent river for bream. This is a superb bream fishery with many good sized bream about. Try the lower reaches around the Tasman bridge and area’s throughout Battery point.

The out side of Bruny Island is a great place for sharks and rays. Look for drop offs on your sounder or gully’s just off the beach. You can see these by looking for a drastic color change in the water. Salmon can be caught off rock ledges and in the surf.

I hope this article has given you a insight into what has become a dying art. Bait fishing can be one of the more challenging and relaxing methods in this sport an I hope you get out there and give it a go.

Thomas Crawford

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Fishing News - Page 13

Jan’s Flies Jan Spencer

Flash, flash and more flash is the point this issue. I have often said flies for fly fishing, especially for trout, have fashion run—just like the clothing industry. Fashion in flies changes every few years and it seems flash is ‘big’ at the moment.

I think people like Dick Wigram, Max Christensen and Stuart Napier would be taken aback to see the amount of flash we are using on flies today, even though there was a little used when those fly tiers were tying. Flies like Miss Tasmania and the Yeti had a small amount of flash material for eyes. I am really not sure what caused the flash fashion to start in fly fishing, certainly the lure trade has encompassed very bright flashy bodies made out of all sorts of flash papers even chocolate wrappers around for many years.

Mostly this generation of flies are in Woolly Worm styles but in a multitude of designs. You name the colour combination, and it’s been done. Searching for materials to tie these flies can be interesting to say the least. A look through your Christmas decoration box can be productive—it’s amazing what will come forward. Other than that, your local fishing shop can be of help with full sections of flash. Look and think hard just what and where these materials can be used. Tails, wings, bodies, throat and other section of the fly can be decorated.

Personally I don’t like too much flash. I like to keep it subtle, some fine flash in the tail, perhaps a little in the wing.

Although, there are some who tie the full fly in flashy materials and catch heaps of fish. As always, it’s a preference thing and having confidence in what you are using is essential.

The Fizzle Fly fly is tied full of flash and can be changed to suit the individual requirements:

Fizzle Fly

Hook: Heavy guage size 8-6 Thread: Black Tail: Olive green marabou Rib: Gold wire Body: Olive diamond brite Hackle: Olive palmer chenille

Method

Above is ‘standard’ chenille from sparkle to more traditional, whilst below is two types of ‘palmer’ chenille.

1. Take thread full length of shank.

2. Place fold wire rib in, cut away excess rib.

3. Tie in a small bunch of olive green marabou for tail.

4. Dub on a body with dubbing material, finishing just behind the eye. Bring rib forward making nice even turns, tie off firmly and cut excess rib away. Now with a piece of Velcro, rough up the body material a little, pulling it out between the turns of rib. When finished doing this, pull the fibres back toward the tail.

5. With a short length of palmer chenille tied in, make two turns around front of body close in behind the eye. When doing this, make sure the chenille fibres face back toward the tail, tie down firmly, cut away excess chenille.

6. Form a nice head, whip finish and varnish.

When tying these flies, I like to keep them in subtle colours of olive green, black, brown, etc. The above fly is one to experiment with by changing the colour combination. Try not to make it too much like a Christmas tree.

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Swimcart Open Surf Angling Championship

by Garry Richardson

They came from all over Tasmania, 36 towns were represented, and even a couple of entries from the mainland. It was the weekend of the 47th Tasmanian Open Surf Angling Championship.

Anglers had been leaving their caravans on site for the previous couple of weeks to “bags” their favourite spot. The Championship had been moved back to the Mothers Day weekend as April was too busy according to Christine Lowe, who has been on the committee of the St Helens Surf Angling Club for over 20 years.

“It was always Mothers Day weekend and if the old man didn’t win a prize there was no Mothers Day present.”

Mike Singline started this year’s competition by letting off a parachute flare that could be seen from all sections of Swimcart beach. The weather was light overcast and Vaughn Oldham, club President, said conditions would have been a better if there was a bit of a chop on the water to go with the overcast conditions. He has been coming to Swimcart for the last 40 events—since he was eleven years old.

It was not long before Robert Blackwell from Campbell Town and part of the Camp Tinny Mania group was lining up with the first fish caught by a male, a 4.7 kg skate. Robert was closely followed by Lily Haley with a 1.13 kg salmon to take out the first fish by a female. Lily is one of Michael Haley’s children and the Haleys caught quite a few fish over the weekend. I had a chat to Michael and their favourite bait for the weekend was a surf rig with a blue popper and a couple of hooks with blue bait, with the bait and the popper smeared with Shimano “S” factor.

Rob Leonard from Western Australia saw all the vans and called in to see what was going on. He is a keen surf fisher in the West and was surprised that no one here knew about or used a contraption called a “clever little devil”. This contraption helped you cast at least another 10 metres, perhaps it is something for the local suppliers to chase up.

After walking the beach a couple of times over the two days it is obvious that Swimcart is as much a social event as a fishing competition.

Des Bailey is a good example setting up a wind break in the later evening on the beach and over the night he gets plenty of visitors. Des was one of the originals who started the competition and has only missed three events. In all that time he

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Fishing News - Page 17

has only caught two fish and won one prize. So a bit of advice, if you find yourself next to Des it would probably pay to move—unless you like good company, and don’t want to get interrupted by the fish.

The ‘Camp Tinny Mania’ team are newcomers, and only been coming for 20 years. They are well set up with a big shelter tent and a spit roast on the go. I stopped by for a chat and one of their party, Roger Blackwell, pulled in a nice salmon that turned out to be the third heaviest fish caught. Roger has been coming to Swimcart for 25 years.

Checking the beach out at dawn on Sunday morning, it turned out a bit early for some. But there were a couple on the ball, Robert Matchett from Somerset has been camped here for two weeks and intended staying for at least another week.

He had kept the campsite for some mates from Burnie until they could make it. The Saturday night they fished until 11 pm and between the six of them picked up 20 salmon after dark.

After a sparkling sunrise the morning turned out clear and sunny with the occasional fish still being reeled in. Back at the club bus committee man and life member, Dennis Tucker, said there had been 249 entrants for the weekend. This was down from last year but of the 249 entrants 127 had caught fish and 211 fish were caught, a big lift on some other years. Some of the fish were released and others filleted

and BBQ’d on the spot. He also said it was the first time a skate had been the first fish caught.

There were some nifty little surf fishing aids to be seen. One of the most popular being the surf rod holder with the inbuilt bait board with stubby holder attached. There were also a couple of small wood stoves with swing out plates for cooking on and most parties had their wind break with a nice fire going to keep out the evening and early morning cold.

A concern from a many fishers was how the proposed Bay of Fires National Park was going to affect the Swimcart competition and camping in this area. When the Premier on a recent visit to St Helens was asked this question the answer was “A good question, but as I have said before, the locals should not be disadvantaged.”

The competition finished with another flare from Mick Singline.

The results were Kevin Reed won the major prize of $1000 open order from Georges Bay Marine with a 2.041 kg salmon. Nathan Freeman won the heaviest scale fish caught by a junior which was a $300 voucher from the Richey Fishing Company and Lyell Hatton won the St Helens Bayside Inn voucher with a 16.55 kg skate in the Shark, Skate and Ray section.

And that was the end of the 47th Swimcart, a great family and mates weekend.

Plenty of anglers here, and enough being caught to keep competitors happy.

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Fishing News - Page 19 21/5/09 3:00:10 PM

St Helens: What does the future hold?

For the last few years now the dooms dayers have been warning us that our oceans will rise and our way of life will change with the ever increasing global warming phenomenon. Our fishing practices and the availability of species will obviously change with it but how? All around our country the everyday angler is losing quality fishing grounds to marine zones closed to all fishing, fish numbers are dwindling due to commercial over fishing and environment is being lost to pollution and development.

In Tasmania we have our own little fishing mecca that just seems to become better and better with every passing season regardless of increasing water temperatures; as a matter of fact some have suggested it’s what has made some of the fishing even better.

If you look back 20 years or so and talk to the locals around St Helens about the fishing then there is a common thread that it was very poor. Back then you could recreationally net inside the bay along with the half a dozen small commercial fisherman that fished Georges Bay to earn a living. Many shack owners of the era struggled to be able to simply catch themselves a feed of fish from any of the jettys that line the shore of the bay. Taking to the water in a boat was a nightmare trying to dodge the many nets that were set mostly near the channel leading into the bay proper catching anything that swam into the bay. Many of these nets would be set by weekend holidayers and would stay set for the whole weekend catching 24 hours a day. Quite often the wind, weather and tide would make retrieving the nets very difficult or even impossible and they would float around for many days continuing to catch and kill fish that just went to waste. During 1998 the use of any recreational net was banned in Georges Bay and the last commercial fisherman handed in his licence making the bay a complete net free zone with no commercial take of any fish.

Since then it would appear that the quality of the fishing and the fish has increased ten fold, more schools of fish are

Mason Paull regularly gives up a game fishing day for some time in ‘the bay’.

seen in the bay and bigger versions of those fish seem to be caught on a regular basis. Twenty years ago it is said that you would have struggled to catch a fish on a daily basis, now it’s a struggle not to catch a fish and as a matter of fact many anglers complain that its sometimes impossible to get past some of the more less desirable fish in order to catch something more tasty on the plate……imagine that fisherman complaining about catching fish!

Take the humble silver trevally for example, it is one of the most prolific species in our estuarine waters and are one of the ‘bread and butter’ species that are caught by children on just about every jetty or out of every boat all around our coastline and are quite possibly the very fish that most of us would have cut our teeth on as a keen youngster. Trevally have exploded in numbers and size in St Helens waters over the last few seasons and where it was difficult to catch legal size fish now we are looking at fish in the 4lb plus range on a regular basis. This is evidence once again that the ban on netting is improving the fishery all the time and certainly helping St Helens keep the banner as the best sports fishing destination in Tasmania. The trevally in Georges Bay’s case, have fast become one of the best sportfish Tasmanian estuarine waters have to offer that can be easily caught by pretty much everybody.

Its not the only fish either, the Australian salmon once just netted for cray bait have come back with a vengeance and now we are seeing schools of fish in the bay all year round reaching sizes of 6lb and over. These fish offer some of the best sport an angler can have on light tackle, especially on the fly and can be quite a reasonable table fish. Then there are the bream, another fish that quite a few people didn’t realise were in the bay in such numbers and would have been quite susceptible to being netted. Now we are seeing the vast mudflats, sand flats and oyster racks teaming with quality bream up to 4lb throughout the summer and enough to warrant a round of the national bream tournaments with St Helens holding the record for the biggest bream in Tasmanian Tournaments.

We are now seeing other fish entering the system that once were unheard of and never caught. Tailor, small snapper, King George whiting, elephant fish and yellowtail kingfish have all been caught in Georges Bay in recent seasons and are becoming much more common catches.

With all these different species available to catch a new concept for some friendly competition has spawned. This is the concept of a multi species fishing competition whereby competitors challenge each other to catch as many different types of fish as possible with the largest of each species measured and then all the largest measurements totalled and the fish released.

One such competition was held by the Break O’Day Flyfishing Club during May, but it had a twist. Any fish caught on the fly was double the points—just to make it interesting.

The day was magnificent; weather was glassy calm and perfect and by the end of the day a total of 11 different species of fish were caught. These included salmon, trevally, tailor, flathead, garfish, mullet, wrasse, bream, weed whiting, mackerel and leather jacket. Some members of the Club showed their prowess with the long wand by managing to catch nearly half of these species on the fly demonstrating that not only does the bay offer a diversity of fish species but also allows anglers to target the fish with different techniques and styles and still managed to catch quality fish.

Publisher, Mike Stevens was very excited with his recent catch of several King George whiting from Georges Bay. Even the kids have taken to the concept with the local school conducting fishing on the wharf as one of the optional subjects. The kids attempt to catch as many different species as possible once again measuring the length and adding together the total lengths for a score. The kids also practice catch and release and it’s here that the future of fishery is evident. At no point do the young anglers of today baulk or protest at the “catch and release” philosophy opting instead to actively release fish back into the water to protect our fisheries future. It was 20 years ago that kissing fish and letting them go was an attitude a brave Rex Hunt started to introduce the angling public and now it’s commonplace within our angling youth which in itself is an exciting prospect for our fisheries future.

Georges Bay, St Helens offers a wide diversity of fish species and fishing options and is fast becoming known all over the country as a sports fishing hotspot providing one of the few places in Australia where you have the possibility of catching 8-10 different species of fish all in one day only minutes from the front door of your accommodation.

It is the perfect destination for family based fishing offering sheltered waters for small craft, excellent launching facilities; easily accessible jetty’s and wharfs for the land based angler, lots of quality affordable accommodation and all right on your doorstep.

So what does the future hold for Georges Bay? Well from where I stand it looks pretty rosy and if our young anglers are any indication then the path ahead is paved with better attitudes towards sustainable fishing than it was 20 years ago—even with global warming.

So the next time you need a fishing fix come to St Helens where the sun is always shining and the fish are always hungry, and while you are here stop in and see me, Jamie, at St Helens Bait & Tackle for all your tackle and tips on the East Coast.

Jamie Henderson

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Fishing News - Page 21

Slow down and give the Winter trout waters a try Leroy Tirant gets beaten by his son and learns a Winter lesson.

There have been many articles over time about fishing in winter. I love targeting Tasmania’s fish rich lakes on clear crisp winter days, perhaps almost romanticising it, because it’s quite easy once home and warm to forget how really cold it was—and how hard it was to finally find feeding fish. These can be swimming lethargically in 30 feet of water.

Most of my fishing is done from a boat, but occasionally and it seems only in winter, my young bloke and I will wander around the shoreline, mainly for his sake more than mine because he loves discovering things. At five years of age he competently fishes on his own with little instruction from his dad. As with most youngsters though he can become annoyed if he thinks I’m taking over.

It’s whilst working the shoreline edges that I do start to appreciate winter fishing. It’s probably the only time of year I do this as it’s very cold traversing a lake in a boat at any speed.

Fishing from the bank only really becomes productive in winter once the day and lake edges have started to warm up a bit.

You don’t need to rush your mornings and sleeping in followed by a casual breakfast sounds good to me these days especially when I’m fishing with my son Ethan. I don’t want to ruin his idea of fun when fishing by having him up at the crack of dawn and making him walk miles and miles for little return.

Ethan, just by being there, makes me slow down and work the water more efficiently, and usually this is more rewarding fish wise. We have to realize that there are always fish working a beat on a lake’s shoreline and although we may not see them, and may cast various lures and flies around them, just because they don’t take doesn’t mean they aren’t there. We have to be more thorough in our approach.

A big tip in winter that I’ve found works for me is to slow your retrieves down dramatically. I found this out whilst watching my young bloke outfish me on a recent outing at Lake

Match the hatch

Ethan Tirant proves there are plenty of rainbows in many of the all year round waters.

Macintosh. Whilst working a shoreline with the ever reliable Gary Glitter soft plastic he hooked and landed a couple of fish in quick succession whilst I had none. It was because whilst retrieving his lure he would stop and stare with his neck cranked back at the eagle flying over head or he would stop and look at his feet where a bug was crawling past. It was at these times when his lure was doing nothing that he would hook up. It seemed being easily distracted was the key.

The moment of truth was when he wanted to changed to a bibbed minnow diving lure that I thought he would be tested, but no, his distracted retrieve worked just as well for him with a totally different lure.

Obviously trout can’t be bothered doing much in the cold—much the same as me, and whilst the majority of fish are in spawning mode many don’t make the run, yes that’s right, not all trout will spawn every year. I believe that a couple of different things happen to a trout’s thinking in winter and I may be wrong and will remain corrected by science boffin’s that know a great deal more than I. From what I’ve seen I believe the following to be true.

Firstly the browns I normally see and catch on particular shores often aren’t there in winter but the rainbows are, so does it stand to reason to think that once the dominant

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Fishing News - Page 22

browns have taken off to spawn the lesser rainbows move in to take advantage of the empty shoreline?

Secondly I find bright reflective colours especially reds and pinks to really effective at this time of the year and find the fish hit with such aggression that the lure is almost entirely swallowed down the gullet. Is this red and pink thing related to spawning time? I’d be interested to hear from anyone that has a different theory.

If you don’t fish in winter or at least don’t take the opportunity to I think your missing out. I’ve never understood why so many good anglers hung up their rods and put their gear away until the start of next season. In fact it seemed odd to me that diehard anglers can go for so long without casting a lure. Doesn’t it seem odd to you?

If you do make the effort to get out regardless of where you go, West coast or the Central highlands you will find fish that will take a lure or bait in winter, and yes its freezing ass cold but clear blue sky days and watching your kids whom don’t feel the cold enjoy a day outdoors is reward enough.

Fact box.

• Fishing rods can freeze and will explode when you hook a fish so be aware of water on your rod.

• Hypothermia is deadly so be aware of clues to the onsets and watch your mates or kids for signs.

• Slow down retrieves.

• Use bright reds and pink colors on lures.

Try the Berkley TTails or Squidgies.

• Dress appropriately, eat well and keep moving and you can comfortably fish our lakes in winter.

Lakes open over Winter • Craigbourne Dam (empty so don’t bother).

• Great Lake (except Canal Bay). Fantastic water all year.

• Lakes Barrington, Burbury, Gordon, Pedder, Meadowbank and Brushy Lagoon. All great waters well worth a look.

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Buying a boat?

Don’t have a barbeque…

Hadley Deegan has been boating for virtually all of his (almost 40) years. From a toddler to taking over the Family Business (Deegan Marine) Hadley has spent thousands of hours in boats. From fishing and racing to selling boats he has done it all. So TFBN thought who better to ask about advice on buying a boat than Hadley.

Whilst this is skewed a little in regard to new boats it applies equally to used boats.

What is the best advice about buying a boat?

Don’t go to a barbeque and ask your nine mates ‘What sort of boat should I buy?’. You will get nine different answers, from nine different experts who all use ‘their’ boat for something different to what you will want. They will all try and be helpful, but you do need to figure out a fair bit yourself. Take on board what they say, but try and distil what is relevant for you. By the time you have owned two or three boats it will be much easier deciding on a boat.

You will probably have to compromise. As all boat owners know – every boat is a compromise in one area or another. So my best piece of advice is ‘Work out what you think you want to do 80% of the time and select your boat to do that.’

If you want to troll for trout as your primary use, you will be looking at quite a different boat than one you would use to take the kids water skiing. Bottom fishing for flathead, or estuary fishing will also be vastly different than travelling large distances offshore for deep sea or game fish species.

Try and narrow down the options with a few questions: • How many people do you want to take in your boat?

Forget about the rare occasion and focus on the 80% rule.

• What tow vehicle do you have? Is this going to be the tow vehicle? This will affect the size and material (ie: alloy or fibreglass etc) of boat to be considered as towing mass must be considered in regard to the vehicle and legal limits.

• What will the primary usage of the boat, and the core usage? Tasmanians probably use their boats for a bigger range of activities than anywhere else in Australia. Consequently we work hard to have boats that suit. Sometimes people do want to fish for trout and in estuaries, then tow a ski biscuit, skier and catch some flathead as well.

• Budget. This is, of course, important and especially so with people buying their first boat. It seems once people have owned a boat for a few years, and used it regularly, their love of boating certainly increases and the boat becomes a must have item.

• Alloy or Fibreglass? This has been a long standing question and quite a debated topic. I don’t know there is a right or wrong answer to this. Alloy has typically been a more popular choice due to ease of maintenance, durability, lighter weight and handling at ramps and shores with few facilities.

However we have seen some major improvements made to boating facilities by Marine and Safety Tasmania over the last ten years. This has made boating easier for all, and particularly for families and the less experienced. For years a boat had to be beached when loading and unloading at the ramp. Now we have some super pontoons and jetties and with excellent ramps, and with better trailers launching, and caring for your boat is much easier. While typically a heavier deeper v fibreglass boat will ride more comfortably than a more moderate vee lighter alloy boat there are some exceptions, some of the slightly heavier and stronger constructed plate alloy boats can now deliver exceptional performance and ride comfort. Each will have its benefits or compromises. Polyethylene is another alternative that is becoming more widely known and accepted.

It provides a tough low maintenance alternative but is heavier than alloy and doesn’t have the level of finish you will see in a fibreglass boat. As you can see there are many options available and each will have its appeal depending on usage and of course the individual. The decision now is really determined by what features, layout and hull design appeals and best suits your needs and style of boating or fishing, after also considering limitations if any due to towing, storage etc.

Fishing News - Page 24

Once we have gone through the basics we can try and narrow it down to something that suits.

Boaters are a lot better educated nowadays than they were ten years ago, and this often helps in speeding up the process of choosing the right boat. It is like the barbeque boys sometimes though and it can be confusing. Finding the right dealer for you is often the best way to go, and I will talk about that later.

For quite a few years the national average was a boat of 4.5 to 5 metres.

For runabouts and general use it is about the same in Tasmania however we have seen the average Hadley Deegan’s best advice about buying a boat is to size increase over the last ‘buy a dealer’. Find a dealer you like and trust, because few years. This has been you will probably be forming a long association. influenced with more boaters travelling larger distances and further offshore in pursuit of game fish and with one or two people in saltwater can be hugely different deep sea species. I believe someone’s first boat should not be at 1000 metres (Central Highlands) in freshwater. Add an too big. People should be able to comfortably handle their boat extra person and you might think there is something wrong out of into and in the water. A lot can be learned in smaller with the motor. Why? Because there is around a 10% drop in performance at 1000 metres of altitude. Add another 7-10% boats and then the step up is much smoother. because freshwater is less buoyant and you can see why you suddenly have a different boat. A good dealer will understand Choosing an outboard A significant change in recent times has been outboard this and make sure this is considered when rigging the boat. technology. We have several different technologies from Your dealer may have an alternative to try if necessary, and basic two stroke to direct injection two stroke and four perhaps even suggest you have a couple of props. This is not stroke engines. All these range in price enormously with a sales pitch, but a suggestion to get the best from your boat. small two strokes still popular at the budget end under about You might also benefit from a different prop for trolling, 30 horsepower. But with many people becoming increasingly skiing, tubing, knee or wake boarding. environmentally conscious they have embraced the newer low emission technology. Fuel economy on larger offshore boats Buy a dealer This is, in my opinion number one. Find a dealer you like, travelling bigger distances has also made these outboards a more popular choice. As many would know this is a more and can trust.

A good dealer knows they will need to look after the initial expensive option but one that needs to be carefully considered.

This new technology is extraordinarily quiet, economical and sale, but then also give solid after sales service as well.

The value of looking after a boat buyer might be several virtually pollution free. Fumes from new generation outboards boats over many, many years and if the initial deal is done are a thing of the past. poorly, they may never see you again.

Good dealers will take more than enough time to ensure Is a boat a good investment?

Unlike many other toys or motor vehicles, a well looked you are getting a boat that suits and to make sure you are well after boat can be quite a good investment. So apart from equipped to enjoy your new investment.

Find a dealer who will take you for a test drive. You giving you an enormous amount of pleasure they need not wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, so don’t buy a boat loose massive value. This is still evident today as many older without one. boats if maintained and looked after are in demand and retain Unlike cars, a boat can be setup with a myriad of hulls, their value well. It is not unusual over several years if a boat is motors, fish finders and accessories, a good dealer will get serviced properly and maintained well for its price to be, fully or, close to, recovered when buying a new boat. There is a lot this to suit you.

Chances are after you buy your dream boat you will call on of value in a good used boat. So look after it well. your dealer quite a lot for different reasons. It might just be for a service, warranty, or it might be for advice, or accessories.

Don’t skimp on the trailer Remember that your boat trailer is a very important If you have a good relationship with them boating will be component of the complete package. It needs to safely smooth and easy.

Hadley Deegan - Dealer Principal, Deegan Marine, Ulverstone. transport your boat possibly from one end of the state to other and anywhere in between, sometimes on rough roads.

A good trailer will make towing, launching and retrieving your boat easier and safer. Many people want a ‘drive on’ trailer typically with larger boats and some are happy to ‘winch’ and their needs in a trailer can be different. It does depend on the person, ramp and conditions. Take the dealer’s advice on getting the best trailer, but ‘do not’ compromise.

Propellors

The importance of the correct propellor for your boat can not be overstated. This is where a dealer is most important. It is especially notable in boats with low or marginal horsepower. An example a boat that performs well

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Slimmer Wider Better … the new 759 Super Cab Sport Stabi-Craft Stabi-Craft Marine is set to wow with the launch of the new 759 Super Cab Sport.

It’s a radical departure for an already popular boat – with the designers briefed to make more with less – and the result is stunning.

Although smaller on the outside it’s bigger on the inside.

With an exterior beam of 2.5 metres to comply with Australian towing rules, the internal beam of 2.01 metres is 20 cm wider than its predecessor and reflects a spacious deck built with fishing in mind.

The change in girth has been made possible by the G3 Pontoon that circles the boat.

In the 1980s Stabi-Craft made the first aluminium alloy positive buoyancy tubes modelled on the inflatable rubber pontoon. In the 1990s they changed the mould, squaring off the design and altering chines to create a boat with superior handling. Now, they’ve softened the profile once more, for an exponential increase in handling on an already superior boat.

The solid cabin wall is gone (although it does remain an option – and one which can be fitted retrospectively too), and there’s a trio of fuel tanks to choose from with 275 litre single, 380 litre single or 275 litre dual options.

Even fueling up is simplified with the petrol cap on the starboard side giving the same ease of access as the family wagon.

Along with an eight-rod rocket launcher in the canopy, there’s a choice of three transom boxes – the Super Chef has bait board and optional gas cooker, the Super Game has live bait tank for the serious fisher, and the Super Fish has a large kill tank and bait board with additional rod holders.

ITM fishing Show presenter Matt Watson has been

putting a pre-production model through its paces since February.

Showcasing nearly 10-years of design and engineering advances, the 759 Super Cab Sport has a sleek stylish profile which Matt describes as “a mean, striking looking boat.”

“Right from the word go, I was impressed. We negotiated a steep chop over the Hokianga Bar and the 759 sat right on top of it. When the GPS told me we were sitting on 22 knots, I didn’t believe it,” he said.

Matt really appreciates the extra room the slightly more narrow pontoons give. His first run was no cruisy ride; he had six passengers, two lots of dive gear and 500 litres of fuel on board.

With the smooth ride and a spacious interior made possible by the G3 Positive Buoyancy tube, this boat almost had even Matt fooled.

“I had to go out the back of the boat to get a feel for the speed, as it was so quiet and smooth inside.

“This is my fourth Stabi-Craft and I honestly didn’t think a ride could get any better, but with this new 759 Super Cab Sport, Stabi have done it again. I can put my hand on my heart and say I have complete faith in the Stabi-Craft brand.”

Stabi-Craft Marine pioneered positive buoyancy boats, turning out the first rigid-hulled aluminium pontoon boat from a back street workshop in 1987, launching a tradition of answering tall orders.

Today, there are 20 standard Stabi-Craft models and its boats are at work in waters world wide – relocating man-eating crocodiles, supporting big game fishers, even assisting the United Nations.

Stabi-Craft boats are built to stringent Coastguardapproved standards to comply with the New Zealand CPC standard that was voluntarily introduced by manufacturers in 1997.

Available from Deegan Marine Ulverstone 64 252 238 www.deeganmarine.com.au or www.stabicraft.com

Stabi Craft — renowned for outstanding safety, performance and stability You could ask yourself why these boats are so popular, but better still, ask someone who owns one. If it sounds too good to be true, come for a test drive.

Compare the ride, performance and stability against what some would call competitors and you will agree a Stabi Craft doesn’t have any.

Stabi Craft s 529 WFR package from under $40K

Stabi Craft 759 pictured.

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Fishing News - Page 25

We Take Tasmania Boating

Deegan Marine - Tasmania’s new home of Haines Hunter Deegan’s commitment is to provide Tasmania with the most competitive deals, and service you can count on from a locally owned company that has been taking Tasmanian’s boating for over 30 yrs.

495 Pro fish Powered with a 75hp Evinrude E-Tec Packages start from $33,900

575 Pro fish (right)

Powered with a 130hp Evinrude E-Tec Packages start from $49,900

HAINES HUNTER introduce 625 Pro fish (right) the new ‘PROFISH SERIES’ Powered with a 200hp Haines Hunter is set to release 7 new models with 10 Good Reasons to Consider!! This range is targeting what Haines Hunter specialise in the best, “the fishing market”.

The Profish Series comprising of 7 models within the range from 4.7 metres up to a massive 6.7 metres you are sure to find one in your size and budget!

The Profish Series comes with totally new configuration, new colours, new graphics and real benefits why customers should consider a Haines Hunter.

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Things to consider include: Yes, it’s a Haines Hunter with their legendry 7 Year Structural Warranty, Haines Hunter resale value, Australian Owned, Australian Made, Haines Hunter’s attention to detail and the list goes on.

The official launch will be based around the 49th Annual BIA Melbourne Boat Show. At the show you’ll be sure to see the Profish Series consisting of the 475, 495, 525, 535, and 575. You will also get to experience the launch of the big 625 Profish at the show where as those wanting to get a look at the massive 675 Profish will have to wait for its release which is due in October 2009.

However Deegan Marine has three Profish models on their way. Check out the 495, 575 and 625 rigged and ready to go.

The range, 575 and up targeting the hardcore fisherman without bursting their budget has been designed to cater for long range offshore fishing.

So chasing that Southern Bluefin Tuna and on the East Coast Marlin and Spanish Mackerel has never been easier and as affordable!

There is a Haines Hunter to suit every boater

See us now for the best deal on your new Haines Hunter

With the versatility of a large range of options the Profish Series can also be optioned up to suit every families needs!

For more information call Deegan Marine or visit – www.haineshunter.com.au – or deeganmarine. com.au Fishing News - Page 26

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Fishing News - Page 27

A look at one of Australia’s finest boat manufacturers

Haines Hunter

Mike Stevens

When John Haber walks around the factory checking the quality of the Haines Hunters in production he even makes a point of checking to see that all screws face the same way North, South, East, West. Is it important that all the screws line up? Hardly, but it shows that attention to detail goes into these vessels from the very bottom to the very top at Haines Hunter.

Legend has it, he once sent a boat back to Queensland from their manufacturing plant in Victoria at a cost because screws were not ‘headed’. It was an expensive way to prove a point; however he struggles to find a screw not ‘headed’ today.

As the Managing Director of Haines Hunter his passion for detail is most certainly the thing that has brought the company back from a stagnant manufacturer to one of the best. And as times get tougher for most John is keen to point out that quality and backup by an Australian company will see them get stronger.

Since taking over the company eight years ago John has risen Haines Hunter from the ashes and has taken their manufacturing plant in Queensland and merged it with their Victorian plant to a new purpose built facility in Derrimut, West of Melbourne, Victoria.

In 2006 Haines Hunter was inducted into the Victorian Manufacturers Hall of Fame. 800 companies vied for a place, 120 were short listed and 14 made it. There was only one boat manufacturer.

When I was looking for a new boat 18 months ago I went along to the Hoppers Crossing plant at the kind invitation of John. I was looking for a new boat and being involved in the industry John thought I might like a look around. My research had narrowed it down to a bass tournament style boat and I had a desire to go fibreglass. There were a few options, most were USA imports and they were all great boats, however I wanted to buy Australian if I could.

In my search I checked out the award winning Haines Hunter ProStrike at the Tasmania ABT Round in March 2007.

While there I heard that there was a new one on the way. So this was the route I was taking and after talking to John I knew I would be more than satisfied.

I have taken more than a passing interest in HH in the past couple of years and quite a few mates have bought new HH. They were, and still are, very impressed.

Back in the 1970s HH had the legendary V19R runabout.

Now there is the 600R, a contemporary model that is the leading edge in runabouts, and judging by the number of 600s under construction when doing my tour of the factory I can assure you they are very popular.

Fishing News - Page 28

Haines Hunter’s head office and manufacturing plant recently relocated to new premises in Derrimut, west of Melbourne. The new building at Derrimut East Cr was designed to accommodate the growing organisation, with space for further future expansion. Including Administration, Accounting, Design Services, R & D and Marketing Departments plus a state of the art manufacturing plant.

The new plant will allow increase production two fold to around 1000 units per year When boats built at HH there is no formal production line, It sounds odd, but every process is completely separate and carried out by only one or two people.

When they finish their process, they then have to sign off that they are satisfied with the product before it moves on to the next person. The product then has to be accepted before the next process can begin.

Then in the final assembly only The Editor’s awesome 60MPH Prostrike. A review next issue. one person ever works on a boat, they get their assembly kit and the assembled hull. It is then their sole responsibility to finish, fit in wind turbine blades, ship hulls, truck bodies and Haines out and quality control the final boat. They drive every screw, Hunter boats.

Transoms are over engineered to cope with the high fit every rail, rod holder, seat, windscreen, decals and so on.

When completed the boat is then placed in the QC area horsepower motors that many boaters desire these days. It where a quality assessment is carried out. This is one hell of a sounds silly, but many people go for the maximum horsepower test and it is with great pride that the assembler signs off that and Haines Hunter make sure their boats are engineered to cope with that. In fact Haines Hunter offer a seven year he would be happy to buy the boat he has just finished.

The staff love building boats and take huge pride in some structural guarantee on hulls.

Timber is used in some parts of Haines Hunter boats, but jobs others would not entertain. ‘Our fibreglass grinders are the best’ John tells me. ‘They have the messiest job, but take unlike boats of the past it is fully glassed over and watertight. huge pride in grinding and smoothing the hulls in places you It is an ideal material that is lightweight and gives the boat will never see. That is what I love about my employees. They good structural stiffness. share my passion for excellence.’

I have visited the Ferrari, Porsche and AMG Mercedes The final word Benz factories. AMG is the high performance enterprise, of, John Haber will never put his screwdriver down in his and for, Mercedes Benz owners. Their philosophy is ‘One search for the perfectly built boat. He has a desire to keep man, one engine’ and in part this is exactly what John Haber pushing the boundaries and for continuing improvement. has done at HH. ‘Like Ferrari, AMG and others we aspire to excellence Breaking News - Deegans appointed – and it shows when you own a Haines Hunter.’

Haines Hunter has just appointed highly regarded Deegan ‘We have a 7 year warranty; such is our confidence in our Marine as their Tasmanian dealer. Hadley Deegan said he was products.’ very excited to have Haines Hunter as part of their stable.

Another area in which John has a real passion is training.

‘They have an awesome reputation in Tassie and fit into our ‘The apprenticeship scheme, in particular, for boat building line-up perfectly.’ Managing Director, Hadley Deegan said. did not serve us well’ John said, ‘so we have developed our ‘Whilst Tasmania has had something of a preference for own systems that will train young people with skills that will alloy boats in the past improved boat ramps and facilities serve them, and in turn us.’ statewide has meant boats are easier to launch and new ‘In fact everyone in the company is highly trained and pontoons and jetties means boating is becoming much knows what they need to do. We put a lot of effort into training friendlier to boaters.’ and it pays off in a huge way. Every employee has pride in ‘We have a 495 ProFish, 575 ProFish, 585R and 625 their work and their boats’.

ProFish arriving soon and our prices will be competitive with Divinycell PVC foam is a high performance core material anyone in Australia. Deegans will not be beaten on price or used in Haines Hunter boats due to its high strength and is service’, Hadley said. specifically designed for sandwich constructions. The H grade ‘We are sure Tasmanians will be as excited as we are with is used in a wide range of applications where there is a need Haines Hunter. With over 20 models to choose from there is for a strong, lightweight construction material with excellent a model to suit most applications. mechanical characteristics. Divinycell is widely used and found

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Honda release new BF60 outboard

Honda’s brand new BF60 four-stroke EFI outboard engine expands the premium product range available to Australian

boaters.

Slotting in between the widelyacclaimed BF40/50 and BF75/90, the new BF60 combines exclusive Honda technologies in a lightest-weightin-class package that delivers best-in-class performance.

Weighing 110kg, the newly-designed, watercooled, 998cm3 threecylinder engine incorporates electronic fuel injection, Honda’s revolutionary Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST™) air/fuel ratio and ignition-timing technology, and lean burn control to deliver powerful start-up and acceleration together with outstanding fuel economy during cruising (ECOmo). A high-performance gear case further contributes to the BF60’s impressive acceleration and top-end speed.

Along with its powerful 17amp alternator, the BF60 is also NMEA2000 compatible, which allows the engine to communicate with onboard electronics to deliver a wide-range of information to head-unit displays.

Sporting a futuristic new look that reflects its superior performance, the BF60 is available in remote control (including a Power Thrust model) and tiller versions. Among its many features, the multi-function tiller handle incorporates a power trim-tilt switch which is conveniently located in the throttle grip, so the engine can be easily trimmed while underway allowing the operator to remain completely focused on the water.

Consistently leading the world in environmental performance, the smooth and quiet-running BF60 exceeds the latest US EPA emissions standards – the most stringent in the world; 2008 CARB standards; and domestic Japanese voluntary regulations.

The new BF60 will also achieve the Outboard Engine Distributors Association’s (OEDA) three-star rating for ultralow emissions.

Covered by Honda’s five-year warranty, the new BF60 will be available through Honda’s national marine dealer network in the second half of the year.

Further information: Honda Australia – (03) 9270 1111 or visit: www.honda.com.au

Whitworths marine and leisure open 15th Australian store in Hobart

The company beginnings can be traced to a meeting that took place in Brisbane in 1960 when Craig Whitworth and Bob Miller decided to team up in yacht racing. Craig was the Queensland Gwen 12 class champion and Bob Miller, a sail-maker, was beginning to develop radical 18-footer skiff designs. In 1961 Craig joined Bob as forward hand on Venom, the second of Bob’s super lightweight three man craft.

Drawing loud guffaws from traditional 18-footer enthusiasts they proceeded to sweep all before them winning the world championship in 1961 with six straight wins. This was the beginning of the modern 18-footer that we now know on Sydney Harbour.

In 1962 crew positions were reversed and Bob sailed forward for Craig in the Flying Dutchman class where they won both the Australian and Inter-dominion championships on Sydney Harbour. At this point Craig decided to leave his position as a Sales Representative and join Bob in sail-

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making. With little more than their sailing reputations they relocated to Sydney to begin business as Miller & Whitworth Pty Limited.

An old disused dance floor was found upstairs at 52A Spit Road, Spit Junction and although the rent of five pounds; five shillings per month ($10.50) was more than the budget, it was decided to throw caution to the wind and enter into a four year lease.

The sail-making prospered and in 1964 Miller and Whitworth joined with Hawker de Havilland, the aviation company, to design, produce and market a range of aluminum yacht spars which were starting to replace the traditional wooden spars. Also at this time a pegboard wall was erected at the top of the stairs to the entrance of the Spit Junction sail loft, to provide a few basic L W Riley shackles and blocks, etc., for the sail customers.

By 1968 it was clear that 52A Spit Road could no longer cope with the business volume and land was purchased at 109 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale, adjacent to the mushrooming Warringah Mall shopping complex. On 8 August, 1969 the then President of the Australian Yachting Federation, Mr E J Merrington, officially opened the new purpose built premises comprising sail loft, spar and boat building factory, yacht design office and administration.

Under the direction of Bob Miller the yacht design office flourished and John Bertrand, the successful America’s Cup skipper was part of the talented design team that worked for the company at that time. Successes included Sydney to Hobart race winner Ceil III, two of the three yachts in the Australian 1973 Admiral’s Cup team; Gingko and Apollo II; Half Ton Cup Pan Pacific champion, Plum Crazy and America’s Cup challenger, Southern Cross.

Despite the business growth, yacht racing continued and Craig won four more Australian Flying Dutchman class championships, an Australian Tempest class championship and numerous state championships. 1967 saw the prestigious Australian Yachtsmen of the Year trophy awarded jointly to Craig and Bob. In 1968 Craig sailed the company designed Contender class dinghy to win the IYRU single handed trials in Medemblik, Holland. This resulted in the contender being named the new International Yacht Racing Union Single Handed class. Ceil III, a 40 footer designed by the company with Craig as sailing master, won the 1973 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race and topped the point score in the Southern Cross Cup international ocean racing series.

In 1974 Bob moved to London to be closer to the international yacht design scene. Craig continued with the operation at 109 Old NAME Pittwater Road until 1979 at ADDRESS which time the manufacturing activities were divested, the CITY real estate sold and the STATE decision made to concentrate solely on the retailing of marine accessories. The Type of boat: company name was changed Length: to Whitworth’s Nautical World 25-32’(7.6-9.7m) and the first supermarket Construction: style store opened in Green Wood Street, Brookvale, adjacent to

street operation relocated to the purpose built supermarket, warehouse and administration complex on the corner of Cross and Dale Street. October 1989 saw the acquisition of our main Sydney competitor, Boat Supplies Pty Ltd with stores at Crows Nest and Drummoyne. The business of Caringbah Boating was purchased in October 1994, the Southport stored opened in August 1995, our purchase of Rockbottom Marine, Melbourne was completed in June 1996 and our Mona Vale store opened in June 1997. Our expansion has continued with new stores opened in Cairns in February 1999, Mooloolaba in April 2000, and Perth in October 2000. In June 2003 the Quin's Marine Chandlery business in Port Adelaide was purchased and converted to another Whitworth’s Marine and Leisure supermarket. In February 2005 Whitworth's opened a new store in Albion near Breakfast Creek and in July 2005 converted Alec’s Marine in Leederville WA to another Whitworth’s Marine and Leisure supermarket. The latest addition is the new Derwent Park Store in Hobart (formerly Taylor Marine).

Now with fifteen stores nationally, a thriving mail order business, and a burgeoning Internet presence, Whitworth's has grown into the largest marine accessory chain in Australia, employing over 150 staff.

New Alvey 6500GTS telescopic surf rod collapses to 1.1 metre

How many times have you driven on or near a beach seen a great gutter and wished you had a surf outfit with you?

Well, now wherever you are travelling you can have a 13’4” (4.1mtr) surf rod with you that will collapse down to just over 40” (1.1mtr). This rod balances up with any 650 series Alvey surf reel and will cast 4oz of lead and a pilchard a long way.

The rod has a short butt to suit the Alvey reel and a fold down stripper to ensure a great cast.

The rod has a great fighting action and we are sure will win hearts with a lot of Anglers.

The 6500GTS rod is great to have in the car, 4WD, caravan, or boat and no trouble to take inside your holiday unit for security.

Ask to have a look at one of the new 650GTS rods at your favorite tackle shop.

RRP $90 incl. GST

Send for a FREE 172 page DISCOUNT BOATING CATALOGUE

A COMPLETE FITTING OUT GUIDE FOR SAIL & POWER

Warringah Mall.

The first accessory catalogue was 76 pages and promoted as part of the December 1976 Modern Boating magazine. Initially the catalogues were an annual edition but with acceptance became a biannual publication and then later three times a year to match the seasons: spring, summer and winter.

T he catalogue has also increased to 172 pages and is now highly regarded as a complete fitting out guide for sail and power.

The Brisbane supermarket was opened in April 1984 and in July 1986 the Green

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Visit our website and order online: www.whitworths.com.au Fishing News - Page 29

Yamaha Dealer Retires - To Go Boating

After 20 continuous years as a marine retailer, owners Lew and Glenda Bush of Eastern Shore Marine, a Yamaha Platinum dealership, have announced their retirement.

Established in 1989, the Hobart based business is highly respected not only in Tasmania but throughout the Australian marine industry.

The decision to take a step back and enjoy a quieter life came about through the culmination of several factors.

“Lew has had a few health problems and after 20 years in business, we felt that we could do without the added stress of running our business,” Glenda Bush said.

“And then, while we were mulling over our future we received an offer for our property. It came right out of the blue and the timing couldn’t have been better. The purchasers met our price and the whole process came together quite nicely.”

The success of Eastern Shore Marine according to Lew and Glenda has been achieved by continually offering very personal and attentive service. Ever since commencing the business, the couple have prided themselves on delivering exceptional service and maintaining the highest standards.

With the Mornington commercial site being taken over by a non-marine entity, Lew and Glenda have been busily clearing their stock and getting ready for the next stage of their lives.

“Over the many years that we have been a Yamaha dealer, we estimate that we’ve sold more than 5000 Yamaha outboard engines. We have enjoyed a fantastic association with the Yamaha brand and the Yamaha people,” Glenda said.

As for the future, Lew and Glenda have a brand new Yamaha powered Allison rig in the showroom that has their name on it.

“We’re first of all going to spend some time at home and have a rest,” Glenda said. “We very much enjoy our boating and time spent on the water, so next summer we’ll be ready to get some hours up on our Yamaha four stroke engine.”

“What we will miss most of all will be our valued customers, the friendships we have made with them, our work colleagues and the many reps that call in. We have many customers who have supported us over our 20 years of business. In some ways we feel we are letting them down, but when we tell our customers that we are retiring, every one of them has been genuinely happy for us.”

Yamaha National Sales and Marketing Manager Brett Hampson, said dealers of the calibre of Lew and Glenda Bush are the backbone of the Australian marine industry.

“With Lew and Glenda retiring from the industry there will be a big hole left in our dealership group,” Brett Hampson said. “Eastern Shore Marine is one of those dealers that does a great job by their customers and a great job in representing the Yamaha brand.”

“As a company, we wish them every success and happiness in their retirement.”

BOAT SAFETY RECALL Savage and Bermuda 1999 - 2008

Marine Power International Pty Ltd has become aware that certain Savage & Bermuda models with an underfloor fuel tank may have been fitted with incorrectly rated hoses running from the fuel tank to the fuel filter and from the fuel tank to the breather/vent.

It is possible that under some conditions these hoses could degrade. If this happens fuel could leak into the bilge of the boat leading to a risk of fire or explosion which could lead to severe injury or death to the operator, passengers or bystanders.

As a result of this, Marine Power International has implemented a voluntary product recall for the inspection and rectification of all affected boats.

The product recall affects consumers who have bought a Savage forward steer aluminium or fibreglass boat with an underfloor fuel tank between October 1999 and December 2008 that was manufactured prior to December 2007. Or a Bermuda forward steer aluminium boat purchased with an underfloor fuel tank between January 2005 to December 2008 and manufactured from January 2005 to December 2007.

Boats with a portable fuel tank are not affected.

People with an affected boat should stop using it immediately. They should contact their nearest Mercury or Mariner Dealer who will arrange for the boat to be inspected and rectified at the expense of Marine Power International Pty Ltd. For your nearest dealer location please refer to the website www.mercurymarine.com.au or call during business hours in Australia 1800 701 202 Fishing News - Page 30

Suzuki’s new 60hp Four Stroke

Haines Signature celebrates 25 years

Since starting out in the 1960s, The Haines family of Brisbane have taken ‘messing about with boats’ to a whole new echelon – creating an enviable empire, which in its 50th year, is showing no signs of slowing down.

In 1984 the Signature brand was born as John Haines Snr (AM) unveiled the first of his Signature series boats. Signature became the biggest selling and most awarded fibreglass brand that decade. Signature established itself as the premiere fibreglass boat brand in the marketplace and The Haines Group went from strength to strength.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary, the Haines Group has released the first of a limited edition range of Signature anniversary models. There are eight special edition models 580BR, 600BR, 535BR, 600C, 675F, 602F, 580F & 543F. The Haines Group will only make five of each making them among the most exclusive boats on the water.

The first of the special editions to roll off the production line is the award winning 580BR SE. Considered an ultimate water sports toy, the 580BR has always been sleek, stylish and packed with innovative features. The anniversary edition is available in a striking black two tone hull with silver pin striping which perfectly complements the carbon fibre upholstery accents, dash, carpet and trimmings. Each of the 5 models in the series will carry a unique anniversary decal ‘1 of 5’ ‘2 of 5’ as appropriate signed by John Haines (AM).

Also included in the anniversary edition are the new high back sports seats and an Alpine IPOD marine sound system.

The boat motor trailer package includes a Suzuki V6 4-stroke outboard (up rated to 200hp for the special editions only) and Dunbier trailer with matching black alloy wheels and guards.

The 580BR has been cleverly designed for watersports enthusiasts with stainless steel ski pole, rear swim platform, ladder and a transom door which allows easy access in and out of the boat. The removable picnic table which can be positioned in the cockpit or the bow area is perfect for lunch or just relaxing in the sun with a few drinks. The 580BR is supported by the generation seven Signature Variable Deadrise Hull™ which offers outstanding performance and handling for skiing and watersports activities and provides a smooth dry ride for passengers.

The 580BR was awarded: “Day Boat of the Year 2006” - Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF).

“Sport/ski boat category 2006” at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat show.

“Family Boat of the Year 2007” – Modern Boating In the words of John Haines AM “When I built my first fibreglass boat 50 years ago, I made a conscious decision to make it high quality, strong and one that would provide Australian families with safe, comfortable boating. Today, under the future-thinking, professional guidance of our sons Greg and John Junior, we continue the tradition of building Australia’s most awarded, premium trailer boat collection.

Like our family, this collection is everything that is Australian in boating. If you love fishing, sporting around or cruising about, this series of boats will really impress you.

Every Signature is built on a sea of knowledge, our own experiences and those of other Aussie boaties. At the end of the boating day, it’s all about quality, and that is why we proudly put our signature to each and every one! We are confident your family will enjoy it as much as we do”.

For further information and pricing contact your local Signature dealer, Coastal Marine, or visit www.signatureboats. com

Suzuki’s second generation DF60 has proven that less can be more when it comes to advanced 4stroke outboard performance.

T his streamlined new 60 horsepower 4-stroke designed to be smaller, lighter and more efficient than other 4-strokes in its class will still pack a solid punch and will be an ideal fit for a wide variety of boats.

“Our engineers are constantly exploring new technologies to discover ways that we can make our outboards even better,” says Greg Haines, Managing Director sales and marketing for Suzuki Marine.

“Suzuki’s new generation 4-stroke outboards — the DF70, DF80, DF90 and now the DF60 aren’t only better than the competition, but leaner, meaner and stronger than our first generation 4-strokes.”

Fuel efficiency is further enhanced by Suzuki’s new Lean Burn Technology, a feature that predicts fuel needs according to operating conditions and allows the engine to operate on a very lean air/fuel ratio. The new Suzuki DF60 is expected to provide the perfect balance of efficient operation and top-end performance on a wide range of hull sizes and styles.

The new DF60 will be released for the first time at the Sanctuary Cove International boat show 21-24 May and available spring 2009.

For more information on the DF60 or other models in the range from 2.5 to 300 horsepower and to locate a dealer, visit: www.hainessuzukimarine.com.au.

Extension of Suzuki DF Portables and 2-Stroke warranty to 3 Years

With an existing reputation for reliability, customer service and going further faster for less, Haines Suzuki Marine have further strengthened the position in the Suzuki 2-stroke and portable 4-stroke market in Australia. Suzuki Marine have extended the warranty for all DT models and DF portable models – this product line is now backed by a three year warranty program from the previous two years.

Our warranty program will now be three years for all DT9.9-DT40 models and DF2.5-DF25, while the EFI fourstrokes (DF40-DF300) continue with the existing five year program. The 3 year warranty will apply to all ‘K9’ models bought and registered as of 1st May 2009.

For product information and to find your nearest dealer please go to www.hainessuzukimarine.com.au

New 125hp OptiMax – more power, same brilliant fuel economy

Mercury Marine has added to its fantastic direct fuelinjected OptiMax outboard range with its first 125hp model.

Weighing in at just 170 kilograms – the same as the existing 115hp OptiMax and seven kilos lighter than the 130hp Evinrude – the new engine has an impressive power to weight ratio which can be used across a range of applications.

“When you experience this new engine you immediately notice the great torque it produces, which quickly lifts you up to a plane and keeps you there at lower revs,” said Ken Evans, Director of Outboards.

“This is an engine which is ideal for inshore and offshore fishing, for family runabouts, cruisers – there are a lot of applications,” Ken said.

Of course, because it’s an OptiMax, the new 125hp version delivers amazing fuel economy – up to 30% better than the competition. All OptiMax outboards boast ultra-low emissions.

The 1.5 litre, three cylinder 125hp Optimax is based closely on its popular 115hp sibling.

“It has the same block, which is why we’ve been able to keep the weight the same, but we’ve reengineered the motor in several areas so it produces more power and more torque,” Ken said.

“It’s a very good result – low weight, powerful and economical. It’s the kind of engine a lot of people will be interested in.”

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Bar Crusher new 760 Hard Top

An exciting new offshore fishing boat making its official launch at this year’s Melbourne Boat Show is the Bar Crusher 760 Hard Top (HT), designed and built for long-range offshore sportsfishing.

Constructed from pre-stressed 5mm marine grade plate aluminum for the bottom sides and 4mm for the top sides, Bar Crusher’s super tough new flagship promises to get to the fishing grounds in comfort and style.

The 760HT is designed to deliver the ocean-going capability of a gameboat with trailerable convenience.

With a massive 8-metre LOA and an engine rating up to 300hp, it offers comfortable skipper and passenger seating, full length bunks, 65L stainless steel fridge, plumbed sink, food preparation area and optional gas stove, making this the ideal trailerable sportsfisher for extended offshore adventures.

It offers a choice of standard 300 litre or optional longrange 500 litre fuel capacity, and other options include deck wash, overhead Hella lighting, Stress Free anchor winch, SARCA anchor and Porta Potti.

The new Hard Top also features Bar Crusher’s high tech Waveslicer TM non-pounding, deep V hull and maximum strength Rigideck TM It is packaged on a tandem Easytow breakaway trailer with an approximate tow weight of 2500 kg, and typically priced from $110,000 depending on engine and options.

Bar Crusher is Australia’s leading plate aluminum boat builder, and offers a range of high performance aluminum boats from 5.3 to 7.6 metres.

Bar Crusher 760 HT scoops Tasmanian fishing pool

Anglers fishing in Bar Crusher’s new, super heavy-duty 760HT have taken home top honours in two of Tasmania’s foremost gamefishing tournaments.

The team scored back-to-back wins (tag and release) in the St Helens Game Fishing Classic and the Coles Bay Classic – a feat never before achieved since the events’ inception. A

23.8kg Southern Bluefin Tuna also secured heaviest gamefish at Coles Bay. Tasmanian Bar Crusher dealer Coastal Marine’s Anthony Wolfe said the 760HT was the envy of all competitors and the only boat to catch a Southern Bluefin Tuna during the tournaments.

“It was a very good result, a combination of good crew and an amazing boat,” Mr Wolfe said.

“There were 63 boats in the St Helens comp and about 35 in the Coles Bay, in very rough conditions, and the Bar Crusher 760HT pipped them all!”

Despite the rough seas at both events, Mr Wolfe said they were still able to troll side-on to the sea due to the solid construction and awesome performance of the big Bar Crusher.

“I’ve also had the 760HT in 3m seas and 30kt winds… it is simply rock solid and inspires a lot of confidence in those conditions,” he said.

“Onboard, the layout in the cockpit and the cabin is spot on… it’s the finest offshore boat I have ever been in.”

Coastal Marine has achieved good sales since the Bar Crusher 760HT was launched in February. The dealership

also hosted an in-house boat show in early April, which Mr Wolfe said was very successful.

“We had six sales over that weekend… the shop was busy and people told us they intended to buy,” Mr Wolfe said.

“Customers are champing at the bit to get into the new Bar Crusher 760HT… it’s created a real storm!”

Available from Coastal Marine, Somerset, 64252230 or visit: www.barcrusher.com.au

Save $7055 on Tournament Ready 760HT Bar Crusher

TOURNAMENT WINNING TOURNAMENT READY Bar Crusher 760HT Demo Release 2 x Suzuki DF150EFI Counter Rotating 4 strokes Garmin 10” Sounder/ Plotter VHF & 27Mhz radios

6 Disc CD System 65 L fridge High pressure deck wash Gas stove, with sink with fresh water tank under passengers seating.

Out Riggers Live bait tank Large Kill tank

Stress Free Anchor winch Fully lined cabin Deck lights Driving Lights Cabin Lights Twin batteries 2.4m bunks with in fill Porta potty 4 Wheel disc brake

trailer with electric brake away system.

This package is set up with every option available from the Factory plus a host of inclusions from Coastal Marine.

Described by everyone that has been on board as

the most awesome boat they have ever been in!

Normal Retail on this package $136955 Demo Release $129900 Save $7055

Bass Highway, Somerset, Burnie TAS, 7320 Phone: 64352200 E: anthony@coastal-marine.com.au W: www.coastal-marine.com.au www.tasfish.com - get the knowledge.

Fishing News - Page 31

Now Dealers For Tasmania

Websters’ Twinfisher – The perfect fishing boat –

Webster Twinfisher 4.9

Webster Twinfisher Bassmaster

Welcome to the world of Websters Twinfisher Aluminium Catamaran Boats, a very unique style of boat that you cannot find anywhere else in Australia One boat you will find different from the pack is the Webster Twinfisher. These twin-hulled aluminium boats offer single - outboard usage, which means you only have the one motor to purchase, fuel and look after.

This is where the Webster Twinfisher Series comes into the picture. Designed by Ron Webster and Manufactured

by Webster’s Enterprises in Orange NSW, the Webster Twinfisher series of boats offers the buyer the complete allround package. Combining the stability and rough-water pedigree of a catamaran hull, with the economy of a single engine, making it ideal for those on a budget.

In short, the Webster Twinfisher is the perfect fishing boat for Estuaries, Harbours, bigger bays and even off-shore.

2 The Esplanade Inverloch, VIC 3996 Ph: 1300 920 104, Fax: 03 5674 1088

sales@inverlochmarine.com.au, www.inverlochmarine.com.au

Come and see us at the Melbourne Boat Show July 2 - 6 4.3M, 4.9M & 5.2M boats available in Center Console, Runabout or Tiller steer models Packages tailored to suit.

Fishing News - Page 32

Quad Yamaha V8 Power Selected for Tasmanian Eco Tours

Hobart Cruises has put into service two brand new coastal expedition vessels, each both powered by four Yamaha V8 350hp outboards on the transom. With 1400 hp installed to these two identical 4m aluminium RIB’s, Hobart Cruises has established a new benchmark for the burgeoning eco-tourism industry.

O p e r a t i n g o u t o f H o b a r t ’s Constitution Dock area, Hobart Cruises’ new Bruny Wildlife Adventure takes customers on a unique boating experience into the Great Southern Ocean where wildlife frolics the way it has for centuries. This expedition has been designed for everyone to enjoy.

The mission was to achieve a boating experience that offered the utmost in passenger comfort, uncompromising safety and a rapid ride. The addition of a first class seating section is an innovation unique to these boats allowing customers the option of fully sheltered premium seats.

According to Neale Tomlin of Hobart Cruises, the design brief on the new expedition boats was a challenge from the outset.

A 14m long RIB with seating for 48 passengers was deemed the optimum configuration. Included in the design brief was under floor heating, an exceptionally appointed bathroom, remote operated under water video camera and on-board plasma screens which allow passengers to view the sea life from the comfort of their boat.

When it came to power for the boats, the big V8 Yamaha F350s were the obvious choice.

“When we looked deeper into the issue we found that there was a lot more to like about the Yamaha outboards than brute power.

The dealer support in Hobart is exceptional and the Yamaha brand is the preferred brand amongst commercial fishermen in Tasmania – we think that statement says something about the brand and is worth taking note.” said Neale.

“And given our company’s commitment to the environment, we were very happy to have selected the world’s cleanest outboard engine. Moreover they are ultra quiet, an important factor allowing our customers to come up close and personal with wildlife in wild places.”

Performance wise the Yamaha F350 engines deliver all the power needed. Loaded up with the full manifest of 48 passengers plus crew, each expedition boat tips the scales at 14 tonnes.

“The Yamaha V8s are the largest cubic capacity outboard on the market. This allows us to achieve our optimum cruising speed of 25 to 30 knots with engine revs hovering around 4000 rpm.” This just shows the power and torque these impressive engines generate.

Operating on the south coast of Tasmania, sea conditions can often be unkind. There is no room for anything but 100% reliability and that is exactly what Yamaha delivers.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. All Yamaha 4stroke outboards are supported with a full 4year manufacturer’s warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3 year warranty – standard conditions apply.

Huge broadbill caught off NE coast Andrew McDougall was drop lining for blue eye trevalla in his six metre Razorline near the Eddystone Patch and got more than he bargained for. Caught on a hand operated deck winch in 500m of water on Sunday 31 May this broadbill swordfish probably took a trevalla and then managed to entangle itself in the dropline.

The fish didn’t play up too much as it was tangled, but still took an hour or so to wind up.

Although not weighed, at 12’ 3” overall some digging around would put it well over 450 pounds, and heading towards 600 pounds.

Xiphias gladius only grow to about 14’ so its not far off the top end in length.

Big females reach 1000 pounds at that length, whilst males are much smaller.

Experienced angler, Nigel Stingel read that once blue marlin get to 12 ft they add 220 pounds for every inch in length so perhaps like blue marlin, broadbill bulk out enormously over the final two feet or so.

In Mexico, the broadbill is found along the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula, in the extreme southern portion of the Sea of Cortez, and along the mainland coast through to Guatemala and around all of the oceanic islands. It is reported to reach a maximum length of 15 feet and more than 1,300 pounds in weight. All trophy catches are females since the males do not exceed 300 pounds.

The broadbill swordfish is the major targeted species of the world’s commercial longline fleet and as such the supply of trophy fish has been significantly reduced with the average size now being less than 90 pounds.

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Fishing News - Page 33

RECREATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES NEWS Scalefish fishery review update

The public comment period for the review of the Tasmanian scalefish fishery management plan has been extended until 22 June 2009. The extension is to accommodate a one month public comment period on the draft legislation (rules) and associated cost benefit analysis which are now available. To date, people may have commented on the proposals in the information paper but not on the actual wording of the draft rules. This is the case with most reviews, however in this review the draft rules were not released at the same time as the information paper.

The draft rules reflect the intent of the information paper which was released in March and discussed at public meetings around the state. At the end of the consultation period (7 March 2009 - 22 June 2009), all submissions received will be

considered by the Recreational Fishery Advisory Committee, the Scalefish Fishery Advisory Committee and the Department before recommending any final changes.

All submissions received will be summarised in a report, which will be provided to the Minister with the final recommendations on the management plan.

To date, the Department has received more than 170 submissions providing significant feedback and discussion on a number of issues. If you have made a submission on the information paper, these will be considered, along with all other submissions received up until the 22 June. Everyone is welcome to make comment on the recommendations, cost benefit analysis or wording of the rules.

The information paper, draft rules, and the associated cost benefit analysis are available for download from www.fishing. tas.gov.au or by request from the DPIW 1300 368 550.

Recreational scallop season

A reminder that the recreational scallop season closes on 31 July 2009.

Scallop licences numbers are around 50% down on last year, primarily due to the closure of the D’entrecasteaux Channel. TAFI are monitoring these stocks and the Department will consider the results from dive surveys when devising an opening strategy.

If you have information about where scallop divers have located scallops in 2009, the DPIW Recreational Fisheries are interested in this information. We have received limited feedback about some scallop beds but would appreciate further details. The specific areas will not be publicly divulged during the season, however may be used for post reporting on the season or to help design future surveys.

Huge interest in Agfest fisheries display

Responsible and sustainable recreational fishing practices was the key message conveyed by DPIW staff and Fishcare volunteers to thousands of interested punters at Agfest this year. Keen fishers were “lured” in to the fisheries education and awareness exhibit and hands-on activities located at the front of the Department’s large Agfest display.

The fish punt full of of frozen fish and kids fishing pools were back this year and a few new activities were also trialed.

The fishing pools continue to be a massive hit with young kids and parents. Hundreds of kids had heaps of fun catching a magnetised cut-out of a Tassie fish, then identifying the fish using the DPIW fish-ID sign.

Agfest is a great opportunity to educate large numbers of young fishers about measuring and releasing fish to grow and breed.

A new biology display illustrated interesting biological and lifecycle differences in fish and featured dissecting microscopes. The filleting and fish handling demonstrations generated much animated discussion about various techniques which can be used. After three days of demonstrating the use of a de-hooker, filleting, identifying fish guts and body parts (including showing ear bones used to age fish), we were convinced that interactive displays such as these are both popular and worthwhile.

The touch tanks, aquariums and shark display provided by the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute attracted great interest. The large lobster “eyeing off ” a meal of the Centrostephanus urchins in the aquarium generated much discussion about this the invasive urchin.

If you have any feedback or suggestions on future displays, please contact the Recreational Fisheries on the details below.

Fishcare recruitment 2009

As with many of their activities, the Fishcare volunteers did a marvellous job at AgFest. If you want to be part of the Fishcare team please call 1300 368 550 and ask to be connected to the Fishcare Volunteer Co-ordinator – (North, North west or South – depending where you live).

Seeking more information?

• Get a copy of the recreational sea fishing guide • visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au; or • subscribe online to have fishing news information updates emailed.

• Phone 1300 368 550 or 03 6233 7042

Yamaha’s new generation 25hp Four Strokes

Yamaha has raised the bar with the release of two new 25hp four stroke models, the F25D and the FT25F. Both are four stroke engines and designated as 25hp output at the propeller. The F25D is the standard model, while the FT25F is the high thrust version, best suited to operate on heavier boats.

While both engines share a common powerhead, the structural difference between the two lies in their drive train. The FT25F utilises the lower unit, bracket and gear box housing that is used on Yamaha’s F40 model with higher ratio gears. This gives the FT25F the gear ratio for turning a low pitch dual thrust propeller providing ample forward and reverse thrust for heavy boat applications such as barges or house boats.

Due to the varied applications of this four stroke outboard, the F25D is available in a multitude of different configurations. It is available as a tiller steer or remote control engine, with manual or electric starting, manual or power trim and tilt, and finally in a transom Fishing News - Page 34

www.tasfish.com - get the knowledge.

height of 20” for the standard lower unit or 25” for the high thrust model.

For the technically minded, both models have a twin cylinder four stroke powerhead that displaces 498 cm³.

Weighing in at 78kgs, the standard F25D is in the lightweight category making it appealing for owners of inflatables, RIBs, dinghies, and barra style boats. It is also an ideal kicker for trailerable yachts.

While EFI systems are common on Yamaha four stroke outboards from 30hp and above, Yamaha engineers have embraced the tried and tested single carburettor induction system on the new F25 models. The starting system includes a prime start system and decompression device. The prime start consists of a microcomputer that controls ignition timing and a carburettor to deliver precisely the right amount of fuel on start up.

The decompression device ensures that manual or recoil starts are light and easy.

All the essential engine controls are conveniently grouped on the front of the engine and within easy reach.

Yamaha engineers have beaten the vibration problem with a counter balancer in the engine. The low vibration and low noise is top rate amongst outboards in its class.

Low exhaust emissions have for many years been a benchmark of Yamaha four stroke outboards. The Yamaha F25 is no exception. This engine exceeds the 2006 USA EPA emission standards and meets the US CARB emission standards and EU marine exhaust emission regulations.

There are five model variants, three in the regular F25D and two high thrust FT25D models All Yamaha 4-stroke outboards are supported with a full 4-year manufacturer’s warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3 year warranty – standard conditions apply.

Trophy 1703 Centre Console

The Trophy 1703 Centre Console with its updates for the current model year offers even more boat without breaking the bank. The Trophy story is quite special with its dedicated design team of engineers and boat builders also being passionate fishermen. This has led to a generation of products being built specifically and practically with other fishermen in mind.

Trophy fishing boats stand confidently behind their product and has an industry leading ten year transferable structural hull warranty. Other notable features that define the Trophy brand include unitised construction which provides a rigid framework of stringers that are bonded to the hull and deck to form a completely unitised structure.

This provides exceptional durability and a much smoother ride in rough weather.

Trophy also features the Drainage Response System in its entire product line which channels direct water toward main cockpit drains, where scuppers hurry the water overboard.

Fishability enhancing features have always been at the forefront of every durable reliable Trophy model and it’s no different with the 1703CC. The 1703CC is compact enough to tow while still providing ample room for serious fish fighting. Featuring a large baitwell, dedicated rod storage, overboard drainage and large freeboard you can take to inland waterways or costal fishing comfortably in the 1703CC. This fishing machine also comes with serious fuel economy from its standard 115 HP Mercury Optimax outboard power plant. Thanks to a deep V hull bow flare the 1703CC provides the soft dry ride Trophy boats are known for.

Trophy certainly did not skimp on the fishability – enhancing features that anglers have come to expect of the brand. So if you are passionate about fishing Trophy is the machine for you.

pocking milling technique, then clad in a proprietary finish called ‘Hard Alox’, an anodizing process wherein the aluminiun surface is converted to aluminium oxide giving it unsurpassed durability. Every aspect of performance, strength-to-weight ratio, line retrieval speed and storage has been improved.

Bigger, faster, lighter and stronger, pretty much sums up the new Velocity.

Like all Waterworks-Lamson reels, the Velocity is not short on visual appeal. The new engineered ‘truss’ wall structure design gives Velocity a distinctive personality all of its own.

Selling for around $420 the Velocity is available from Bridges Bros, Essential Fly Fisher, The Fishing Connection.

Go Fishing with an Ally Craft ‘Reel Mate’ Overall; 5.18 m, Beam; 2.18 m, Deadrise; 14º, Draft (hull); .33 m, Weight (w/std. engine); 850 kg, Fuel Capacity; 140 L More info. Tasmanian Sea Doo, Longford 6391 1543

Waterworks-Lamson new Velocity reel

The original Lamson Velocity reel was designed as a largearbor reel combining the best attributes of performance and durability in equal measure; a workhorse reel that provided leading edge technology, maintenance-free performance and at a value-for-money price. So why change a winning formula?

Well the team at Waterworks-Lamson believed that they could improve upon the old Velocity and still retain all the features that made it a winner. The result is not merely a revamp of the old model; in fact, the name Velocity is the only thing that remains the same.

The new Velocity has been totally redesigned. Machined from 6061 bar-stock aluminiun using a unique ‘3-plane’

This would have to be the best value for money boat on the market today! Ally Craft has just released the brand new 4.25 ‘Reel Mate’, the perfect boat for any budget conscious boating enthusiast looking to purchase a boat at a ‘Reel Deal’ price.

As a special offer Ally Craft is offering an opportunity to purchase this new model at a never to be repeated price via their dealer network. It is loaded with extra features you only dream of, and with its 40hp rating will efficiently and comfortably carry 4 passengers. To sum it all up … you will not find anything on the market that compares to this ‘Reel Hot’ priced Ally Craft boat.

Built with a 3mm bottom and clinkered sides, your new “Mate” comes complete with all of the following: • Anchor well • Side Rails • Short bow rails • Casting platform with storage hatch • Carpeted floor between the seats • Side Pockets • Carpeted fuel tank rack • Rear step and rail Further information; Captain Marine, Launceston and Tasmanian Seedoo, Longford. You will be glad you did!

Two super boats - available now at Tasmanian Sea Doo Allycraft 480 Bowrider

Packed with features and available now.

* Anchor well - self draining * Battery/Oil shelves * Deluxe sports stripe and decals * Double bow eye * Driver console, dash, steering wheel and cable * Fully carpeted floor with under floor floatation * Internal keel * Low profile split bow rail with bowsprit and nav light brackets

* Mega Pod * One split cross bollard by anchor well * Painted inside and out * Passenger console with dash and lockable glovebox * Screw in bung x 2 large * Side decks with rounded foredeck * Side pockets * Side rails * Transducer bracket * Two cross bollards

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on transom * Two plastic fishing rod holders * Two upholstered swivel seats * Under floor fuel tank with sender unit (60lt * Upholstered bow lounge with backrests * Walk thru to front bow area via curved opening windscreen and carpeted door Model Length: 4.80m

Overall Length: 4.90m Beam: 2.25m Depth: 1.23m Weight: 406kg Recommended HP: 60hp Maximum HP: 80hp Bottom Sheet: 3.0mm Side Sheet: 2.0mm - Flat Sides Shaft: L/S Maximum HP Weight: 178kg People: 5

1703 Trophy

A Centre Console with so much more

Compact enough to tow, big enough to fight, the 1703 Center Console is the ideal companion to help you sneak up on your prey. Equipped with an aerated 13-gallon baitwell, uninterrupted sight lines and spacious foredeck, the fish will have nowhere to hide. Choose

the customised trailer option and Bimini soft top to get you wherever you need to go. The walkthrough transom gives you easy access on and off the dock and bow storage keeps your gear under wraps. You and the 1703 Centre Console: a truly dynamic duo.

Tasmania Seadoo and Marine Centre 21 Wellington St, Longford TAS 7301 Phone: (03) 6391 1543

Fishing News - Page 35

Kayak fishing around the Tasman Peninsula

Looking towards Sloping Island between Cremorne and the inside of Tasman Peninsula.

There is usually some area around Tasman Peninsula to get some protection from the wind and a feed of fish is not too hard to procure.

Fishing News - Page 36

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Tasman Peninsula Kayaker, Craig Vertigan takes us to his favourite spot. It is a great place to catch fish all year around.

Tassie has many great spots to take your kayak. One of my favourite spots is the Tasman Peninsula. Hundreds of kilometres of shoreline start at Dunalley Bay and finish opposite at Blackmans Bay. Norfolk and Frederick Henry are the most friendly for kayakers offering protection in many small bays and coves.

The whole Tasman Peninsula area is a great spot for paddling and with beautiful scenery, you can always manage to find a sheltered bay somewhere and the fishing is great.

There are many options for kayak fishing on the Tasman Peninsula. The peninsula waters hold all your favourites such as flathead, salmon, couta, flounder, leather jacket, wrasse, whiting, trumpeter, trevally, cod, mackerel and reportedly yellowtail kingfish too.

For some bread and butter flathead fishing the Norfolk Bay side is a great place to start. The shallow bays from the Coal Mines all the way around to Eaglehawk Bay are full of good sized flatties, and schools of salmon and barracouta too. The shallow areas from 1.5 to 3 metres are also ideal for fly fishing for flathead and salmon. The rocky drop offs and weed beds are prime spots to find hard fighting wrasse as well leatherjackets and pike. After you’ve caught a feed, then it’s time to enjoy the paddle. Beautiful clear waters and shallow sandy bays make for some great kayaking. Eagle rays frequent the shallow bays and can be stealthily sneaked up upon while paddling your kayak, to get a close up look at these graceful yet powerful creatures. And then there’s the sunset on the sandstone cliffs, the abundant bird life and the schools of baby flathead and flounder in the shallows are a great sight.

If the wind is blowing the wrong way, then I take a trip around to Lime Bay or Sloping Main beach on Frederick Henry Bay or Parsons Bay at Nubeena. There are atlantic salmon farmed in Parsons Bay and the odd escapee means that there’s always the opportunity to pick up one of these fine fighting table fish while trolling a lure about.

Always be on the lookout for flocks of feeding birds or any surface activity such as schools of fleeing baitfish. That’s an indication that there’s schools of feeding fish such as salmon or couta and you could be in for some thick and furious action.

The presence of a kayak doesn’t seem to deter the appetite of feeding salmon the same way a motorboat can. They’ll continue on feeding even while you drift over the top of them.

The weed beds around the salmon farms are also prime real estate for squid. These delicious denizens of the dark can be found hiding amongst the weeds and a slowly worked squid jigs will be their undoing.

Swing round the coast a bit further and you find yourself at popular White Beach. A great spot for a swim as well as a paddle and a fish. If the weather’s a bit windy head on up the creek at the end of the beach. There’s the odd salmon and bream in the creek to provide some catch and release sport.

The next spot to try is around at Port Arthur. You can put in around Carnarvon Bay, just south of Port Arthur. The bay has all your usual species found around most bays on the peninsula. Depending on the direction of the wind it may be your best choice to find some sheltered waters.

One of my favourite spots is Fortescue Bay. It’s an awesome spot for a paddle, with big rocky cliffs, a beautiful white beach, and a boat wreck to check out. The last time I paddled there I picked up some monster sized squid and paddled with a pod of dolphins who were probably enjoying a good meal of squid themselves. I found a good concentration of squid in the deep weed beds behind where the sets of breakers were forming behind the beach. The sun was high and bright making polaroiding easy. Each time I dropped a jig head down to the tips of the weeds an ambush party of half a dozen squid would come and inspect the jig. I tried some gentle jigs to get them to take, but they’d just follow it up and down.

Some more aggressive jigging and dropping would get them more excited until finally one of them would take it. It was great to observe their behaviour to the different retrieves.

By this stage the surf was up fairly high, so a well-timed attack was called for to ride the waves in for a surf landing. I then spent an hour or so playing with some mini bream and trevally on mini soft plastics in the lagoon behind the beach.

These fish were around the twenty centimetre mark, so I used my smallest jig heads with 2 inch wrigglers and minnows.

www.tasfish.com - get the knowledge.

Norfolk Bay offers huge variety for sight seeing and catching a feed.

Fortescue Cliffs

There are plenty of fish to be caught around Tasman Peninsula.

Only take what you need for a feed.

Fishing News - Page 37

The next spot I need to try on the peninsula is Pirates Bay. I was talking to a tuna fisherman recently who said he came across a 4m tinnie pulling in tuna 200m off the blowhole. So if you can be there at the right time with the right gear tuna from a kayak is a real option down there. I reckon that would have to be the pinnacle of saltwater kayak fishing in Tasmania.

As you can see there’s plenty on offer down on the Tasman Peninsula and it’s only an hour and a half from Hobart.

Craig Vertigan

The Saltwater River area offers some great fishing.

Map courtesy of Tasmap.

Fishing News - Page 38

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Lime Bay is a gorgeous spot and protected from the southerly weather.

21 Morrison St Hobart Ph: 6234 5422

Structure always attracts fish. This wreck is in Fortescue Bay.

To locate you closest stockist

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Kayak accessories.indd 1

Fishing News - Page 39 4/09/2008 9:56:07 AM

Mad River Canoe – Synergy 12 Mad kayaker, Craig Vertigan checks out the Mad River Synergy 12.

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Mad River Canoe – Synergy 12. This is a bit of a hybrid beast, part kayak and part canoe. It looks more like a sit on top kayak, but has a deeper hull and no self draining scupper holes, essentially making it a canoe. Mad River Canoe calls it “a canoe version of a sit on top”.

The Synergy 12 is built specifically for the angler. With heaps of easily accessible storage with mesh gear covers that bungee down to keep your tackle in place. There are two rod holders behind the seat, and heaps of room between your legs to stow your rod and some tackle while you’re actively fishing.

One of the benefits I find when I’m fishing in my traditional canoe is that you can lay everything out in front of you at your feet. While the Synergy doesn’t have as much room as a conventional canoe, it is a lot easier to have a few tackle boxes, a knife, pliers etc along with a rod resting in the cockpit ready to go, than it is when fishing from your typical SOT kayak, where space is at a minimum.

The Synergy I tested didn’t have a rudder, which is an option. I must say I like rudders on kayaks. Rudders do make paddling in the wind easier and also easier to fish tight spots when trying to fish at the same time.

As I said a rudder is an optional extra with the Synergy which would certainly make it a more useful fishing tool. The place where I notice the lack of the rudder the most is when paddling up to some structure and peppering a few casts around it. With a rudder you can use the momentum of the kayak after you stop paddling in conjunction with the rudder to steer your way around the structure while you pepper it with casts. The Synergy without a rudder can’t be steered like this and it meant I had a smaller window of opportunity to get some casts in before having to pick the paddle up again and get the boat back on track. So I’d definitely recommend going for the rudder option on any kayak whenever it is an option.

Being a deep-hulled boat with no scupper holes makes it is a very dry ride. But probably more suited to small sheltered waters rather than to choppy waters. Because it lacks self draining scupper holes, things can get wet and uncomfortable if you are trying to forge against a decent chop, with waves breaking over the side of the kayak.

The real winner with this boat is the great storage. There is heaps of room, easily accessed behind the seat, whilst still sitting. And there’s enough room under your legs to carry everything you need to keep on fishing. There is also great storage in the bow as well. Paddle holders allow you to park the paddle while fishing or taking photos.

There is also plenty of room to add specialist things such as fish finders or more rod holders, and these can be removed when just using it for recreational paddling. The Synergy I used was fitted with an anchor trolley so a small anchor can

Synergy 12

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•Deepseatingpositionwarmer and dryer than others •Hydrodynamic,multichinehull quickandefficienttopaddle • Superb stability - worry aboutfishing,notstaying upright •Comfyadjustableseat,footpegs andthighbracesstandard •Rodholders,meshstorage areas+waterproofhatch Length3.66m,Capacity159kg, Weight 27kg

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Fishing News - Page 40

be deployed from the front to the rear without any hassle.

Stability is great, due to the multi chine design and despite my complaint of a lack of rudder it does have a reasonable keel which helps it paddle straight and reasonably quickly for a shortish kayak/canoe.

Constructed from Gen2™ high-density polyethylene it has amazing durability and is easy care.

As well as being a good fishing platform the Synergy is a great recreational paddler for cruising about in comfort. The padded An anchor is essential on any kayak when fishing. The Synergy 12 seat has an adjustable back and was later fittted with an anchor trolley which allows the anchor to footbraces so you can get it just be deployed anywhere along the kayak from front to rear. right. It’s a good medium size making it easy to handle on the water as well as getting on and off the car roof racks. And with plenty of carrying capacity you can spend all day kayaking, or even overnight trips.

Is it a kayak or is it a canoe? A kayoe or a canak or a yakanoe maybe?

Specifications: Whatever it is, it fills the job for fishing small sheltered waters Length: 12'/366 cm quite nicely.

Width: 30.75"/78 cm Max Capacity: 350 lbs./131 kg Weight: 60 lbs./27 kg

Your kayak and fishing specialists Pungo 120

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TassieTackle know Heapsofsealedbulkheadstorageinbowandsternforovernighters. kayaks,andfishfrom Hulldesignforspeedandstabilitywithrudderfittedstandardtokeep themregularly.The youontrack.Availablein125$1,599145$2,299165$2,690 best advice on: • Boat Selection • Paddle Sizing • Boat Setup •TransportandStorage 37 Wilson St, Burnie Ph 6431 6500 • Fishing Techniques Email: tassietackle@keypoint.com.au www.tasfish.com - get the knowledge.

Boat/kayak rod holder

Made from Polycarbonate and stainless steel the Norstream rod holder is one of the best around.

Easily attached to the gunwale of your tinny or a perfect addition to a kayak so you can lay the rod down closer to the water. Easily adapted to fit kayaks.

Whole unit folds and is adjustable for angle. Will never rust or corrode.

A bargain at $19.90 I found these at Tamar Marine.

Free Classifieds Advertisements of a non-commercial nature, to current subscribers of Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News, are free and can be inserted for two issues. Cost for commercial and non subscribers remains at $11 and must be pre-paid.

4.05 Quintrex Trophy Explorer 25hp electric start Yamaha 2 Stroke Outboard Motor. Includes • Galvanised trailer, • Lowrance sounder, • Cedar oars and electric Minn Kota trolling motor, • Rule Bilge Pump • Full Marine Carpet, • Upholstered Seats, • Custom Made Boat and Engine Covers, • Boat and Trailer registration for 2009, • All items are in 1st class condition, $8990 Call Brian Hall 0409221673

RL Winston Fly Rod Boron II 8ft 6in AFTM#4 fast taper, light Approx 80grm) yet powerful. Beautiful green rod, unused. Reluctant sale. Bargain at $700 neg.

Phone 6234 2456.

St. Croix Legend Ultra Fly Rod USA made 9 foot 9 inch, 7 weight, 3 piece. Rarely used, great for lake fishing. Includes 2 Cortland 555 floating lines unused in box. $300 the lot.

Call Tim (03)6331 2441.

E-Tec 150hp 2006 Saltwater, longshaft, still under warranty $10000 Phone Leroy 0428347736.

Channel Marine 275hp Verado Mercury outboards. 6 to choose from average 900hrs. Only two years old full service histories. From $15000 Ph

0362671456 Quicksilver 5.3mtr Firestar F/glass. 90hp Mercury, Dunbier Trailer, Brand new from $29000 Quicksilver 5.1mtr Dominator F/glass. 90hp Mercury, Dunbier Trailer, Brand new from $25000 Savage 440 Angler Bass style, 40hp Four/stroke Mercury, Side console, Lockers, casting, platforms, nav lights, rod holders etc, Dunbier trailer, Brand new from $17,000 Savage 420 Bay Cruiser, 30hp Mercury, Radio & Fish finder, Dunbier Trailer, Brand New from $14000 Savage 490 Bay Cruiser, 60hp Four/stroke Mercury, Radio, Fish finder & Nav lights, Dunbier Trailer, Brand new from $29000 Channel Marine 62671456

Port Sorell Marine 4.5m Pride, Trailer, 35hp Evinrude $3,800.00 ONO 490 Quintrex Dart, Trailer, 20hp 4 stroke Honda + extras $5,900.00 4.5 Striker, Trailer, 40hp Mercury & 5hp Aux Motors + extras $7,000.00 ONO 5m Glastron Fibreglass, Trailer, Johnson 115hp Motor + extras $9,900.00 ONO 18ft Swiftcraft 1/2 Cab Fibreglass, Triaxle Trailer, 90hp Optimax Mercury Motor $17,000.00 ONO 7-8 Club Drive, Shearwater, Tas, 7307 Phone 64287124

CENTR AL TASMA NIA

Tasmanian maps for any

Map Angli

A DV E N T U R E

and ng No tes

TASMAP’s Central Tasmania Map and Angling Notes is an invaluable guide to the world class trout fishing in the thousands of lakes and tarns located throughout the region.

It covers most of the Central Plateau, shows all of the lakes, how to get there along with launching facilities, accommodation, camping and caravan areas, fuel supplies and services.

The reverse side features detailed notes and maps covering the prime fishing lakes. The notes are packed with valuable information on regulations, fish types and the best fishing locations and methods.

It is available online, along with TASMAP’s full range of maps, books and historic charts, at:

www.tasmap.tas.gov.au Maps may also be purchased from Service Tasmania outlets and TASMAP agents statewide.

Depar tment of Pr imar y Industr ies and Water

Fly-fishing boat for Sale.

The Trout Whisperer hangs up his waders and sells his boat and all of his flyfishing gear.

Boat: LOA 5m Beam 1.8m, 60hp Yamaha motor 60hrs running time, regularly serviced with brand new sealed battery.

Fish finder with horizontal and vertical scanning function, e.g. forward and sidewise ‘looking’.

Bow mounted Minn Kota electric motor with both foot and remote control and separate brand new sealed Battery.

Full weather/travelling cover, life jackets, and many extras included.

Drive-on slide-off trailer with electric breaks, All registered and in excellent condition. $29 500 ready to hook up and go fishing

Contact: Helmut Samerski on 6397 3349

Subscribe today Subscribe, Back Issues: Just fill in the form, or send your details as below.

Fax to 03 6331 1278 or post to Stevens Publishing, PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250 or email details to fishn@bigpond.net.au Classifieds - FREE for subscribers

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Fishing News - Page 41

Fishing and Boating Directory Advertise here for $77. Contact Quenton Higgs 0427 129949

St Helens Your every need catered for • Eight en-suite cabins • Convenience store • Hot takeaways • Groceries • Newspapers • Boat parking • Fuel • Bait and tackle • Boat and car wash

Hillcrest Tourist Park & Mini Market

The Tamar’s fishing authority For the very best advice on fishing the Tamar River and surrounding area call in and see Sarah and Damon Sherriff.

For the best range of fishing tackle and watersport gear in the Tamar Valley.

Open: 9 - 5.30 weekdays 9 - 1 Saturday

Tackle and Supplies

Call in for all your fishing tackle including full range rods, reels, lures, landing nets and bait. Also life jackets plus diving gear and stuff for all water sports.

Scott, 53 King Street Scottsdale.Ph. 63522357 Julie-Anne, 41 Quail Street St Helens. Ph. 63761390

44 Macquarie St George Town Ph: 6382 2373

100 Chimney Heights Rd. 6376 3298

Boat building and repairs

Aluman

Engineering

Vandieman Seaman boats

Top Service – Top Price

Proplate BURNIE MARINE custom boats Services • Over 30 years experience on all types of motors • Approved Boat repairs insurance repairer to boats and motors • Propellor rebuild and refurbishing • Repairs of all types - including skegs etc.

• Contact: Cyril Stevens Phone 6431 3082 Fax 6431 1255

MOONSHINE CHARTERS

36’ Steber Sportsfisher Eaglehawk Neck - Jan-April Pedra Branca - July Bookings/info - Steve Gilbert 03 6261 1558 or 0408 105 311

Propellor repairs Mark Tapsell 424 Hobart Road, L’ton Ph 6343 3341

www.moonshinecharters.com.au

GREAT LAKE SHOP SPINNING RODS, REELS & LURES • Hooks, sinkers, bait including mudeyes, scubworms •Excellentselectionlocallytiedflies • Fishing licences • Maps Petrol, diesel, air, ice, gas bottle refills.

Full range groceries, magazines and papers.

Ph 6259 8149

Cnr.MarlboroughandGreatLakeHighways.

St Helens

STORAGE SHEDS

Brand new industrial sheds at St Helens

Strata titled - $60 000 incl GST. Size: 10m x 6m x 6.5m.

Facilities include: • Security fencing • Electricsecuritygates•Electricrollerdoors• Easyaccess•Designatedwashdownfacility• Greatforboatowners,smallbusiness,general storage, Industrial use.

PhilMcMaster0418524970orBarrySproal0408561370

Fishing News - Page 42

Protect your boat, motor and trailer with BEL-RAY. Waterproof grease and 6 in 1 Lubricant Available from selected dealers including: Webster Bearing and Engineering Tas Bearing and Chain, Launceston NBC Engineering, Kings Meadows Port Sorell Marine, Shearwater St Helens Mower Centre Trade enquiries P.M. Glover 6327 2322

Gone Fishing Charters

• East coast estuary and bay • Bream, salmon, garfish, flathead, mullet and squid • Specialising in BIG BREAM • Soft plastics, lures, flies and bait • 5.8 metre sportfishing boat.

Gone Fishing Charters St Helens

Michael Haley 63 761 553 or 0419 353 041 mhaleycharters@bigpond.com www.breamfishing.com.au www.tasfish.com - get the knowledge.

Airlines of Tasmania Your link to Flinders Island

DERWENT BRIDGE CHALETS AND STUDIOS

simply magic

Each chalet and studio has TV/CD/DVD

Ph. (03) 6289 1000, Fax (03) 6289 1230 See www.derwent-bridge.com

• Self cont. chalets and studios only 5 minutes from Lake St Clair, about 2½ hours from Hobart, Strahan and Launceston.

• Spark some romance in one of the luxurious spa chalets.

• Spacious 2 and 3 bedroom chalets.

• Studios for two people.

• Self cater or dine out nearby.

• Private laundries in each chalet.

• One studio has disabled access.

• Experience easy-medium wilderness bushwalks from 1 - 7 hours • Spoil yourself after the Overland Track, best facilities and value.

• Enjoy trout fishing - licenses available, launch your own boat, book a trout guide in advance • Take a day trip to Queenstown for the West Coast Railway • Cruise on the Lake St Clair ferry • AAA 3½ • Seniors - book direct to save 10%

Inspections are welcome 500 metres toward Hobart from the Lake St Clair Road Junction

Phone or book online info@derwent-bridge.com

2005960GL

GREAT TASMANIAN FISHING ACCOMMODATION

Explore King Island

www.kingisland.org.au 1800 645 014

2074249 dp

Flights available from Melbourne and Launceston Book online at www.airtasmania.com.au p: 1800 144 460 e: flinders@airtasmania.com.au

People search the world for a place like Flinders Island...

Stackhouse Beachfront Accommodation

Absolute beach frontage to Killiecrankie Bay. Explore endlessly the surrounds via the beach, rock-hopping or bushwalking tracks.

You can practically fish from the balcony or if your casting is not so good, walk the 30 metres to the fishing rock right outside the front door.

Phone: 03 6359 6518

Lady Barron Cottage A great place to stay while you explore, discover, sightsee and fish Flinders Island Fully equipped cottage with all home comforts. Contact Shane or Dianne.

Phone 6359 3703

Get around the Island in comfort Enjoy one of the best fishing destinations in Australia Fishing holiday packages,2to5days.

Continental shelf, inshore and surf cateredfor.Fromtunaandtrumpetertosnapper andkingfish-fishwithJamesLuddington03 6359 4507 www.flindersisland.com.au James Luddington Ph 03 63594 507

P & A Car Rentals •Businessorholidayrental.•MitsubishiMagna vehiclesfrom$66perdayinclGSTandinsurance.

•Bookingsareessentialpriortotraveltoensure availability.•Freepickupanddropatairport.

Ph:0364621603E:kimotors@bigpond.com Web: www.kingisland.org.au

Divers Paradise

Flinders Island is a diver’s paradise.

Diving, fishing, snorkelling; day or halfday fishing tours or cruises.

Shipwrecks, reef dives, scenic dives, drift dives, crayfish and abalone diving, photography, naturalist and research dives are all in abundance.

Flinders Island Dive - Mike Nichols (03) 6359 8429

Shannon Coastal Cottages Set on 2 hectares overlooking Currie Harbour and the rugged West Coast, Shannon Coastal Cottages offer a complete home away from home.

The air is clean and the sunsets spectacular.

Three kilometres from the main town of Currie or a fifteen minute walk along the beach and track.

One and two bedroom cottages accommodate up to 6 people.

Fishing rods are provided. Sightings of wallabies, possums, pheasants, turkeys and a variety of sea birds are common.

The perfect base to explore the island.

Denise O’Keefe 03 64611074 Moores Drive, Devils Gap, King Island TAS 7256 Email: denise@shannoncoastalcottages.com.au

Portside Links “ What a great place to stay! These quality, new bungalows have everything you could ask for to comfortably explore this beautiful region of Tasmania.” (Wendy & Harry- Ulverstone TAS)

Lady Barron Holiday Home—comfortable self contained accommodation in a garden setting with sea views of Franklin Sound.It is just a moment from the waters edge and within walking distance to restaurant, supermarket/post office/news agent and all attractions that Lady Barron has to offer.

This 3 bedroom home sleeps 6. The main bedroom has a king size double or 2 king singles. The other 2 bedroom both have twin singles. There is a fully equipped kitchen. The lounge room has DVD/VCR, TV.,& CD player and sliding doors to front patio—great place to watch movement of boats and yachts. A reverse cycle heater/ cooler has been installed for winter/summer comfort. Most of the year yiu have the choice of a gas or wood BBQ. Separate laundry has washer, dryer, airer, iron and ironing board.

Cnr Andrew and Harvey Sts. Strahan 7468. ph: 03 6471 7268

email: enquiries@strahanbungalows.com.au

The house is opposite the start to the Lady Barron coastal walk also the boat slip area one of the popular fishing spots. The wharf is also very popular with fishermen and within easy walking distance. The tennis courts are nearby and tennis racquets are supplied. A visit to Vinegar Hill is essential as the views of Franklin Sound and Islands are superb and is within walking distance. Flinders Island has a lot to offer and all attractions are amazingly close and a short distance by car.

Phone Allan or Pat on (03) 6359 3555

www.tasfish.com - get the knowledge.

JustoneklmfromthecentreofthetownofGrassy,ontheSouthEastcoastof KingIslandwithviewsoverBassStrait,theoldGrassygolfcourseandupto the town of Grassy.

Twoluxuryself-containedunits,plusaBedandBreakfastsuite,providinga quiet and relaxing atmosphere for the ideal get away.

FeaturedonNine'sTV‘Postcards’andSouthernCross‘DiscoverTasmania’.

Bookings or enquiries: Ken or Marilyn Chapman Grassy Harbour Rd, Grassy, King Island, Tasmania 7256 Ph: (03) 6461 1134, 0427 093194 Email: ki@portsidelinks.com.au www.portsidelinks.com.au

Fishing News - Page 43

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Visit the Yamaha website to find your local Yamaha dealer: www.yamaha-motor.com.au