Issuu

• LEARN ABOUT BREAM LURES • SPRING SESSIONS BLOOM • FIND THE

LOGO COMPETITION QLD

NSW

VIC

TAS

Features

Learning about bream lures • Hidden secrets of Lang Lang • Understanding gear ratios • How sustainable are bream stocks? • Citizen Science: tagging •

Tested

Location Spotlight

Wilson’s ATC Combat 100 baitcaster reel • Stessl Trophy 590 Territory with Mercury 150 ProXS • Power Pole Micro Anchoring System •

QLD

Tom Wilson shows us the hidden secrets of kayaking at Lang Lang

NSW

November, 2021 ISSN 2652-5798

9 772652

wp.fishingmonthly.com.au

579005

Registered by Australian Post Publication No:100002088

$6.95

(GST inc.)

issuu.com/fishingmonthly

fishingmonthly

Fishing Monthly Magazines

FishingMonthly

• 46 Years of Ongoing Innovation •

www.stessl.com.au

The ultimate finesse and heavy duty inshore spinning reels are coming.

AVAILABLE NOVEMBER www.daiwafishing.com.au

SUPERCHARGE YOUR MINN KOTA WITH BLA MARINE LITHIUM BATTERIES Less than half the weight of AGM/SLA

Up to 8 times more cycle life than AGM/SLA

Longer runtime compared to AGM/SLA

HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDERS

LITHIUM BATTERY 36V/17KG

ULTRA COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT AVAILABLE IN 12V/24V/36V VISIT BLA.COM.AU

SCAN TO WIN A BLA LITHIUM BATTERY PACK!

MINN KOTA TROLLING MOTOR 112LB/36V

Fast Recharge

Extremely low self-discharge rate

FREE BLUETOOTH APP AVAILABLE Monitor the health and state of your battery from your phone.

Integrated Battery Management System (BMS)

AVAILABLE FROM YOUR MINN KOTA PRO STORE

CONTENTS

OUR COVER November 2021, Vol. 2 No.7 VIC

TAS

QUEENSLAND Gold Coast Jumpinpin Southern Bay Brisbane Northern Bay Noosa Bundaberg Mackay Whitsundays Townsville Hinchinbrook Cairns Port Douglas Cooktown Cape York Freshwater

16 18 22 26 28 30 34 36 38 40 42 42 46 47 46 48

NEW SOUTH WALES Pittwater Sydney North Sydney Rock Sydney South Ballina Coffs Harbour Coffs Coast Hastings Forster Port Stephens Swansea Central Coast Illawarra Batemans Bay Bermagui Tathra New England Rivers Hunter Valley Batlow Albury/Wodonga Lithgow/Oberon Canberra

54 57 56 58 60 62 63 64 65 68 68 69 70 71 72 72 74 74 76 77 75 78

VICTORIA Warrnambool Portland Cobden Phillip Island Geelong Port Phillip West Port Phillip East Marlo Gippsland Lakes Lakes Entrance Mallacoota Bemm River Robinvale Bendigo Ballarat Wangaratta Shepparton Crater Lakes Eildon Yarrawonga Gippsland Freshwater Shepparton Crater Lakes Eildon

88 88 89 90 91 94 96 96 98 99 98 99 100 100 103 102 104 106 107 106 104 96 96 97

NOVEMBER 2021

From the Editor’s Desk...

Alan Bonnici was very happy with this beautiful snapper he caught from Port Phillip. An Alan Bonnici image. Come and visit Fishing Monthly Group’s official Facebook page for all your monthly fishing information. Download QR Reader to access.

TASMANIA Hobart

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Esperance Augusta Bunbury Metro Mandurah Lancelin Exmouth Karratha Broome Freshwater

110 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118

REGULAR FEATURES Learning about bream lures Hidden secrets of Lang Lang Starlo’s back to basics Sheik of the Creek Track My Fish How sustainable are bream stocks? Testing Booth: ATC Combat 100 Fun page/Sub page What’s new fishing Tournament Calendar WIRF Recfishwest Tournaments Trades and Services Tide page Boat test: Stessl Trophy 590 Territory Testing Booth: Mirco Power Pole

8 12 14 25 50 52 81 82 80 106 108 109 120 126 127 128 130

COMPS AND OFFERS Find the logo

108 WIRF

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL We can all see the light at the end of the tunnel. There will come a time in the not too distant future when we can get back to living as normal a life as possible, post COVID. Despite the vocal minority, Aussies are getting vaccinated quickly and this will let us travel to fish again as safely as we can. Throughout the pandemic response, fishing seems to have been one of the activities that has kept people sane. In that way, we are lucky that we are in an area that hasn’t suffered as much as many industries. Even in the harshest lockdowns, there was the ability for most people to get out and fish, even if your area offered limited opportunities. The COVID-induced national Fishing Monthly has had mixed response. Around 90% of people gave positive feedback. It opened their eyes to the mountain of domestic opportunities when it came to fishing. And in a climate when we couldn’t travel anywhere else, that was great. Around 10% of you hated it. We get that, too. There’s nothing better than reading about different views on your local waters.

13 38

The consolidation reduced that amount of local content. The question we often get asked is whether we are going to go back to the state format? Currently, no. COVID effected Fishing Monthly and we lost around 1/2 our staff due to panic advertising drops and, although the industry is buoyant, we aren’t at the advertising levels that allow us to do this. In the current form, we stay in business and get to keep making the magazines that we love making and you love reading. So the new format is the new-normal for us. 25 YEARS OF GARY BROWN Congratulations to Gary Brown, our long time southern Sydney scribe who has contributed for 25 years this issue. I know whenever we (used to) do boat shows in Sydney, it seems like every second person walking past was taught to fish by Gary in his TAFE classes. Thanks for the support, Gary, and we know that the readers have loved your work! BARRA ON FIRE As we go to print with this issue, the Queensland barra dams are on fire. It seems as though 2021 will be a year to remember for lakes, from Monduran to Tinaroo. If you want to visit Queensland when the border (finally) opens, come up and make the trip, catch a barra of a lifetime and make some fishing memories. The local operators would love to have you and who wouldn’t like to add a metrebarra or three to the photo album. Come and visit Fishing Monthly’s birthstate when you get the chance!

FISHING MONTHLY MAGAZINE Published by:

Qld Fishing Monthly Pty Ltd ABN 72-010-542-195

SINCE 1987

Business Office: Unit 1, 11 Knobel Court, Shailer Park, Qld, 4128 FREECALL: 1800 228 244 Fax: (07) 3387 0801

Managing Editor: Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au Editorial Manager: Jacqui Thomas Editorial: Nicole Penfold Field Editors: Jason Ehrlich Publishers: Steve Morgan, Matthew Drinkall

Advertising: Copy and materials should be sent direct to: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au Advertising Enquiries: Peter Jung: pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au Phone: 0410 662 927 Nicole Kelly: nkelly@fishingmonthly.com.au Phone: 0407 369 333 Fax: (07) 3387 0801 Printing: APN – News Corp Australia Production: Matthew Drinkall Website: www.wp.fishingmonthly.com.au Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Pty Ltd Subscriptions: Kym Rowbotham

PARTNER CONTENT

QLD NSW

Office Manager: Marie Dykstra

109 Recfishwest

SUBSCRIPTION HOTLINE FREECALL 1800 228 244 $65 for twelve issues (GST inc.)

All material is © copyright, and cannot be reproduced in part or in full, by any means, without written permission of the Managing Editor. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

$SUZUKI MARINE

www.suzukimarine.com.au

Learning about lures: catching a bream bounty CENTRAL COAST

Jamie Robley

Four decades ago, when I first started offering lures to my local bream population, we called it ‘bream spinning’, because back then almost any form of cast and retrieve lure fishing was commonly referred to as ‘spinning’. If you didn’t spin, you trolled! Fast forward to the current day and it doesn’t matter exactly what it’s called, casting lures for bream continues to grow in popularity. Perhaps the biggest individual turning point in the game that I can think of would be the advent of bream tournament fishing. In fact, the guy behind this very magazine, the highly respected Steve Morgan, was

The author has spent his whole life chasing bream and almost four decades of lure casting for them. After all that, the best advice he has is to simply get out there on the water and cast, look and learn as much as possible. Sure some lures may be better than others, but there’s no one magic bullet or top secret lure! smaller models, which would interest bream, bass or trout. Perhaps the biggest brand name of this period,

which made an impact was Rebel, with their miniscule models, the Crawfish and Crickhopper, as well as a small shallow swimming frog and a few other slim profile types. The Crawfish though, was the one that went onto bigger heights and became our most popular bream lure for a few years. In fact, still now a lot of keen anglers have a few Rebel Crawfish lures in their boxes. We didn’t have much else to compare with at that early stage, so these small, traditional crankbait lures remained the main type of bream lure for many years. Obviously, different brand names and models kept coming onto the market and our choices continually expanded. The question is, does this type of lure still remain a valid choice and have its place in the modern angler’s tackle kit? The answer is a very firm YES. These lures are an ideal choice for a variety of different scenarios.

them as soon as they land, even without being retrieved. They can also be retrieved in different ways, from very slowly, to much faster and more aggressively. It’s largely up to the angler, how they want to ‘drive’ a lure, but my main tip here is to go slower and more cautiously during the cooler months and a bit faster, with more stops, pauses and faster rips through the warmer months. Black bream are also often more inclined to hit a lure worked slowly, as opposed to yellowfin or pikey bream, which tend to prefer some faster, more erratic movement. Once again though, this is a variable thing and I’d always be considering the time of year and prevailing weather when deciding what sort of retrieve to employ. Another way we can use these lures, which shouldn’t be ignored, is to slowly troll them behind a boat or kayak. This isn’t the way to go about things during a tournament,

Hardbody crankbaits have been the longest serving lure type on the bream scene. These modern versions are exceptionally effective when used at the right time and place, with the right angler input! one of the main players in getting the ball rolling with bream tournaments in this country. I still remember the old days at Brunswick Heads, on the NSW North Coast, where I watched Steve and his brother Tim Morgan cast lures for bream in the river there. I can say in all honesty, these guys were ahead of their time and it’s no wonder that their names ended up becoming so known in the angling world in the years to come. HARDBODY CRANKS Way back in the early days the main type of lures aimed towards bream were actually the smaller bass lures. It was widely known for many years that our freshwater bass would keenly smash a small diving hardbody or crankbait. The concept of catching bream on lures didn’t start to take hold until the 70s, and more so during the 80s. So back then, we didn’t have the enormous variety of lures that we do today. So at this stage, some 8

NOVEMBER 2021

of the smaller bass lures were gradually building a reputation as bream lures. As this relatively new style of Aussie angling took off, more people also started experimenting with little trout lures, such as

Nilsmasters and Rapalas. By the late 80s, a number of smaller, more suitable lures started arriving, mainly from overseas, although a few switched on local manufacturers were also beginning to make new,

An historic photo of the author at Bemm River with a nice black bream. Although both species share very similar habits and can happily live side by side, generally speaking, black bream respond better to slower or less aggressive lure fishing techniques than their northern cousins.

Surface lures come in a variety of different forms and we’ve seen a number of weird and exotic models emerge over the years. Overall, they work best in shallow water during the summer months, but be aware that there can still be times and places in the middle of winter when bream will still hit them.

Perhaps the main application that comes to my mind is casting to fallen timber, rocks and other bankside structure in our creeks and rivers. In these snaggy places, a floating crankbait can be cast and retrieved over or through potentially snaggy structure, with a pretty good chance of not getting snagged. However, because they float and generally don’t dive more than a metre or two, even if they do get caught up in timber or rocks, it’s normally pretty easy to get them back off again. Overall, they’re possibly the most versatile type of lure to cast for bream, as they can also be fished in a number of different ways. When in the mood, bream will smash

but it works well and is an excellent technique to try when bream aren’t coming your way. Just keep it slow and about 15m or so behind the vessel. You’ll feel the lure vibrating through the rod and if it stops vibrating than wind it in because chances are the hooks have picked up a bit of weed or debris. If you hook a couple of fish in the one spot then stop and try casting there. Trolling is a great way to find patches of bream in lakes or rivers. SOFTIES Soft plastics were the next big thing and they sure made a big impact on all forms of fishing around the country from the late 90s and early 2000s. This time, Steve Starling was

one of the main players in helping Aussie anglers learn about fishing with softies. Although these newer rubbery lures appealed to a wide variety of species, keen bream enthusiasts embraced them more than anyone else, myself included. Once the basics of soft plastics fishing are understood and they’re put

to work in the right way, their effectiveness becomes very obvious. I’d say that my own bream catch rate and numbers of fish caught possibly doubled, after years of hardbody crankbait use. As good as they are, softies aren’t the Holy Grail of bream lures and they really shine in some departments, but aren’t so

effective in others. When casting amongst a patch of fish, few lures could equal a well presented soft plastic. However, the key is finding the fish in the first place and this is where softies lag behind. Due to the slower way we use them, it normally takes longer between the time you fire off a cast and have the lure wound back

The author caught this nice bream on a surface lure in a Lake Macquarie feeder creek. Surface lures are great when fishing timber lined creeks and they’re perhaps the least likely types to get snagged.

This bream took a diving hardbody cast towards a wharf. Hardbody lures were the first style of lure to be employed for bream, as far back as the 1960s, and they became more popular by the late 80s. All lures have their place and one area where hardbodies continue to shine is casting towards structure, like jetties, wharves, pontoons, fallen timber, bridges and rockwalls.

to the rod tip, ready to cast out again. So during a given timespan, other lures like hardbodies or vibes could be cast and retrieved a lot more. Plastics may also be harder to use in windy conditions or when fishing with a strong current flow. These situations can put quite a bow in the line and one of the key factors that

brings success when using these lures is to maintain a reasonably straight line between the water and rod tip. This is so we can visually detect bites or other movement in the line. The more prominent a bow in the line, the less we can do this. So overall, I’d be keeping soft plastics (especially scented or flavoured types)

as front line weapon of choice, providing you’re confident of finding where the fish are in the first place and the prevailing conditions are suitable for this slower style of bream luring. VIBES Another turning point in bream lure evolution was around 2007 when metal To page 10

Tokuryo Line Lab has been established in Taiwan since 1983 and weaving their history for over 30 years. Tokuryo Line Lab is committed to producing high end fishing lines including PE Lines, Fluorocarbons and Monofilament Lines using the finest Japanese raw materials on the latest most updated machinery and technological breakthroughs in the manufacturing of PE Lines, Fluorocarbons and Monofilament lines from around the World.

CASTING PRO 8

FINESSE GAME x 4

FLUOROCARBON 100%

For more information visit: www.jurofishing.com 1-2 PAGE ADVERTS.indd 16

Proudly Distributed by NOVEMBER 2021

13/07/2021 9:26:42 AM

Southern

OLD

Heat brings on hungry fish BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

Warming conditions will produce some hot fishing for many anglers during November. Rising water temperatures will increase the metabolism of many species resulting in them being hungrier and more aggressive. Heightened presence of baitfish will also aggravate many fish into a feeding frenzy, especially the pelagics. Whether you fish in the creeks, rivers, estuaries or bay, November promises some rather exciting options for all. Let’s check out some of the piscatorial possibilities. THREADFIN For anglers fishing the Logan and Brisbane rivers, better numbers of threadies will be caught in the coming weeks. This action will be heightened if we receive any decent rain due to it flushing prawns schools down the systems. The Brisbane River is a very healthy threadfin fishery and specific targeting will increase chances of scoring your target species. For those who prefer the more relaxed approach with baits, live offerings work exceptionally well. Herring, mullet, pike, gar, banana prawns and biddies are all worth using. These baits are generally fished close to the bottom with a minimum of sinker weight. Allow the threadfin to mouth the bait and begin running away before you set the hook. Dead baits of these same species, plus pilchards, can also get the job done however live baits are

definitely your best bet. Baits can be fished in a lot of locations along the river with great success because threadfin move up and down the river with the tide, following prawn and bait schools. The declines into the main river basin are usually reliable as are other passageways, such as creek mouths and the fronts of the major jetties where bait species often congregate. Known areas include the Oil Pipeline, Swing Zone, under the Gateway Bridge, around the dredge near the mouth, the rocky ledge just in from the sewerage outlet and the Caltex reach. Obviously, many of these same areas can be fished with lures including soft vibes, blades, soft plastics, micro jigs and numerous other offerings. Good quality sounders allow you to find threadfin by scanning many of these areas, especially with side-scan models. This means

you are not casting to fishless water. However, just because you can find threadies doesn’t mean you will be able to catch them as they can be quite pedantic at times, especially when feeding on the prawn schools. Heightened numbers of threadfin will be found in the lower reaches of the Brisbane River during the warmer months, and you will even find them in most other river and creek systems so get out and have a crack. MACKEREL School mackerel numbers have been decent in recent months and usually it is not too hard to find a couple if you’re keen for a tasty feed. They have been located in major channels and around the bay islands and by now will probably also be found in decent numbers around the beacons. They will respond well to cast and retrieved chrome

Quality flathead are regularly taken in the Brisbane River while fishing for threadfin and other species, but results will improve with specific targeting.

CUSTOM MARINE WELDING n Aluminium

Boat Repairs and Modifications and Fuel Tanks for Boats n 4X4 Vehicles Campers n Caravans n n Trucks VehicleTool Boxes k Body Repairs n Aluminium and Steel Truc Canopies n T Tops Shed 1 281 Jacobs Well Road Marine and Auto Electricial All types of Welding n Water

Stainless Steel n Aluminium n Mild Steel n Boats Repaired n Fuel & Water Tanks n Canopies n Bow and Stern Rails n Custom Vehicle Tool Boxes n

Behind Freedom Service Station, Alberton 4207

Phone 3807 7846

Mobile: 0414 736 606 or 0427 142 201 Fax 3807 2468 Email: Remoplains2@bigpond.com

www.custommarinewelding.com.au 26

NOVEMBER 2021

slugs, trolled minnow lures and spoons, most live baits and even the humble pillie. Floating out a pilchard whilst targeting other species such as snapper and whiting can be rewarding because mackerel regularly patrol these same zones. Gang-hook rigged pilchards can be dropped adjacent the shipping channel beacons, especially around the tide changes. The Measured Mile is one popular area that regularly holds good numbers but all the beacons north of here are worth trying. Dropping chromed slugs and slices to the bottom and then retrieving as fast as possible will also entice strikes. Whilst deep diving minnow lures to around 120mm can produce strikes, trolling with spoons, like the Kimberley and Halco Barra drone in the 3-4” sizes is usually a better option. These are usually put down to around

5-6m using a paravane or trolling board set up. This is a great way to cover a good degree of ground in your search for mackerel and ideal for trolling the channel edges on the falling tide. We may see the odd spotted mackerel show up but these are usually more reliable in December, if they show up at all. Last year was an extremely poor spotted mackerel season in Moreton Bay despite there being good numbers at times in areas both north and south of our location. MULLOWAY Despite warming water temperatures, anglers will still be able to score a few mulloway around the bay islands, artificial reefs and lower reaches of the Brisbane River. This time of the year often sees some better quality mulloway caught with specimens over a metre in length not that uncommon. Mulloway can be caught on a broad array of baits and lures. Live baits of mullet, large herring, squid, banana prawns, yakkas, slimey mackerel, pike and several others can all be

In previous months, many longtail tuna have been caught as by-catch, however surface feeding schools should become more prevalent in the coming months. put to good use. These are best fished close to the bottom employing a minimum of sinker weight and a single hook or snelled hook rig. Allow the fish time to mouth the bait and begin swimming away before striking to set the hook. Some use circle hooks but I prefer a simple suicide (beak) pattern hook. Fish bait along ledges, adjacent prominent structures (such as wrecks) and in deeper holes (such as the dredge hole at the Brisbane River mouth). Best action will often come within an hour either side of the tide change. Lures such as soft vibes, prawn profiles, large curl tail grubs and paddle-tail shads will all work a treat. Soft plastics are generally fished on jigheads with just enough weight to get them into the strike zone. Slow rolling retrieves or hopping your offering can work well. Lighted areas are worth trying at night with lures because baitfish attracted by the luminescence will tempt all manner of predators into this zone, including mulloway. There are several spots along the Brisbane River and also in residential canals where lights shine onto the water from residences, restaurants, boats and bridges. As predators are attracted closer to the surface than usual, these spots also offer great opportunity for the fly fishers to stick a couple of solid mulloway or threadfin. Land-based efforts can also be well rewarded at many locations. The artificial reefs and wrecks in Moreton Bay can hold quality mulloway. Larger schools can often be located, however these regularly have large sharks close by and hooked fish regularly get eaten. Whilst the numbers of mulloway will be

waning throughout the month there will still be some quality specimens to be caught for a while yet. LONGTAIL TUNA November can offer a few decent surface busting schools of longtails throughout Moreton Bay. These are more commonly seen in areas such as the shipping channels, northern side of The Paddoc’ green zone, Harry Atkinson to the Rous Channel western entrance, Middle Bank, out from the Moreton Island Sand Hills and the NW Channel. However, longtails can show in all corners of the bay at times therefore having a rod rigged and ready with a chrome slice, stickbait, casting minnow or pencil popper while transiting the bay is a good ploy. When a school pops up you will be ready to deliver a cast into the fray. The fly fishers also have a great chance of success when delivering a baitfish profiled fly on an intermediate or shooting head style line. Longails are less spooky early in the season therefore approaching a school is somewhat easier. However, the baitfish are also usually very small therefore getting a strike can be quite difficult at times. You will often need to cycle through several different lure types and profiles until you get a positive result. Some days you still won’t be able to get longies to bite and will eventually depart in frustration. I usually resort to a small surf candy type fly when they are being pedantic. This cast out and stripped back at speed using a doublehanded strip or it is just allowed to sink through the water column like a wounded prey. As water temperatures rise, the prevalence of baitfish and surface activity will increase within Moreton Bay.

OLD

Therefore, surface activity will be more likely, which is the easiest way to pinpoint all pelagics from a distance. FLATHEAD Good numbers of flathead have been caught in recent months and we should see this continue for a few months yet. Brisbane River anglers targeting threadfin and mulloway will encounter flathead readily, especially when hopping vibes around the wharves and along the declines into the river basin. All creek, river, canal and estuarine areas will have decent numbers of flathead to be caught. The trick is pinpointing their ambush locations at certain times of the tide. On the higher tidal stages they will be up on the banks or the shallows. As the tide begins to fall they will take up ambush spots along the edges of the banks and at the mouths of drains and gutters leading off the flats or out of the mangrove expanse. Inspecting various areas at low tide will allow you to pinpoint likely areas to try on the higher stages of the tide. You may even see the elongated recesses in the sand where they have been laying in ambush. These areas can be worked over by cast and retrieve fishing with various soft plastics, blades, soft vibes, diving minnow lures, flies and many other artificials. Trolling

lures is a great way to cover a good area of water and ideal for sussing out a new area. Brightly coloured lures, which bang and rattle across the bottom are perfect for this approach. Trolling the edges of the banks on the falling tide is a sure-fire way to find a few. Flathead will eat a wide array of baits with small pilchards, whitebait, frogmouths, herring and diver whiting being prime offerings. Drifting the tops of the banks on the higher tidal stages or in

the gutters on the lower stages will work well. Use enough sinker weight to keep the bait on the bottom. The disturbance caused by the sinker dragging through the mud and sand will increase the chances of flatties honing in on your bait. A small set of ganged hooks or a snelled hook rig (see October issue for tips on making these) will present the bait well and increase chances of hooking up. Decent numbers of flathead can be caught virtually any month of the year with the

right approach. PRAWNS Sometimes during November we may get an early run of prawns but this is highly dependant on getting some rain. The lowering salinity higher up in the river systems will push the prawns down. Usually it is mainly small to medium sized prawns but these are very tasty and also make great bait. The Caboolture and Pine rivers are usually the best bet

November often produces some quality mulloway from the Brisbane River, artificial reefs and deeper ledges out from the bay islands.

early in the season, however the Brisbane River can also be decent, especially at night. The best prawning is yet to come so check your nets, make relevant repairs or shout yourself a new one. A 12ft top pocket only net is the best option for serious prawning. I have been using a Pro Throw net for several seasons and it is still going well due to having heavier mesh than many other models on the market. SNAPPER Some of my best quality bay snapper are scored during November. Although snapper numbers have depleted since the cooler months, there will still be good knobbies to be caught. The artificial reefs, various wrecks and surrounds of the bay islands are prime places to target. Quality fresh baits and a broad array of lures can all work a treat. I find the larger tidal movements offer the most aggressive bites on lures. I predominately use Samaki Thumpertail 100mm these days but have had great success on a broad array of plastics including curltail grubs, jerk shads, T-tails, paddle-tail shads and ripple-tail worms. I think it is more important to fish the offering well than it is what type or brand it is. Fishing quality baits, such as fresh fillets from bonito, mullet, pike, gar or tuna is highly recommended. The humble pilchard or frozen

Southern

squid can also work a treat when presented well. All baits should be fished with a minimum of sinker weight. Use just enough weight to keep offerings in the lower third of the water column and use long leaders so the baits can waft in the current. Fishing from an anchored position or drifting can work well. Early mornings, evening and nights can be pleasurable and productive times to be out chasing bay snapper. Sweetlip, tuskfish, morwong, cod, mulloway and numerous others will be welcome by-catch. CONCLUSION I reckon November is a top month to be out probing the waters of Moreton Bay, Brisbane River and other waterways. The aggressiveness from bay pelagics, mangrove jack, threadfin and many other species can be attributed to warming water temperatures, which heighten metabolism and aggressiveness in many species. Early morning starts are a pleasure after the coldness of months past. I love the hot sun beating down during the day but ensure to take slip, slop, slap and slurp precautions to avoid the effects of UV. As the waters warm, the fishing will be hot so get out and get amongst them.

We’re Australia’s oldest boat builder. Since 1898 we’ve learnt one or two things about boat design. Like – simple and practical are best – reliability is paramount – and every model must have all the essentials you need for a safe, fun day with your family or mates. So whether you’re buying a Savage dinghy or a Savage Cabin we’ve got what you need at an incredible, value price. Without any of the expensive extras. Everything we’ve learnt in 123 years, we’ve put into our boats. You can feel it the moment you hop onboard.

Find your closet savage dealer at savageboats.com.au SAVFMTRDH 001

NOVEMBER 2021

OLD

Winds drop and fishing fires up COOKTOWN

Justin Coventry

This time of year is my favourite with the winds dropping and the seas calming, and the reef fishing windows grow longer in duration. It’s a great time to head out for extended fishing trips. Taking the family out

them ready to snorkel and be confident to do it easily and get the most enjoyment from it. We were lucky enough to go north towards Lizard Island and camp out on the boat for two nights and the weather was dead calm. Fishing wasn’t the priority but we still caught enough for a fresh feed each night, and being close to the islands we could cook up on

that it was going to work as it has the appearance of a baby shark with no colour, but he proved me wrong as it was the first to catch a mackerel. Only problem was the bib broke so it couldn’t be used again. But not bad for a find on the beach and you couldn’t keep the smile off Jonathan’s face! So lots of fun to be had as the weather will continue to improve this month and there will be more opportunities to venture out to the islands and reefs for extended stays. Make sure to watch the weather and plan well as getting stuck in bad weather can be more than uncomfortable and can turn the family off from wanting to do it again. Having some protection around you when

you stay overnight is worth it, as the calm days usually means that the storm season is coming and weather can change quickly. Being out in open water or having to head home at that time can be unpleasant. So look for multiple calm days and plan to shelter around structure at night or if the afternoon breeze picks up. Travel home in the mornings as this is usually the calmest period. It’s such a pleasure to cruise when it’s calm rather than to fish longer and bash your way home. The wharf has also been producing some nice mackerel and, as mentioned before, we do get some really large specimens come into the river mouth. One local angler had a

Joshua Coventry with a large saratoga. for overnighters can be a mission with all the gear you take but memories will last a lifetime. The weather is usually windy and only as summer approaches do we get some calm days as the build up to the wet season starts. The islands and reef cays are amazing with the crystal clear waters around them, and with no breeze around it can get hot and cooling off with a snorkel on the reef is a great option for a break from the heat. The kids here are getting into underwater hockey and its been such a great way to get

the beach and enjoy some fresh fish with a bottle of wine and watch the sunset with the calm seas all around. Couldn’t get much better. We did also have the first reef closure on, so only trolling was available on the last day but we managed to find some nice Spanish mackerel, which was a great way to finish the trip and provide a nice meal on our return home. Reminder that the next fin fish closure is on 2-6 November. My son Jonathan caught his first mackerel on a Shark Halco lure that he found on the beach. I had my doubts

Yindilli Kamholtz captured this beautiful coral trout.

Jonathan’s Spanish mackerel that he caught on a Shark Halco lure he found on the beach! big Spanish on but was unable to stop it and it took all his line – the fish won that fight. The grouper are on hand as the fishing improves, as they wait patiently until you get your prize catch right up to the side of the wharf and then a big sink hole opens up in the water as they devour you dinner. So be aware and be prepared to lift your fish quickly out of the water and it’s also good to ask for help from other anglers around you as no doubt they might need your help soon to land their fish. Exciting times can be had at our local wharf and bait fishing is so much fun with the kids and schools of herrings are in large numbers this year, as well as pike, so lots of fun to be had with the kids.

The barramundi closure will be on this month and they will be moving around the waterfront as the breeding season starts, so be aware and leave them alone as much as possible so that the opportunity is there to increase their stocks. I know it can be tempting to catch and release them, but with hooking fish there is always the chance that permanent damage can be done. The large females can often be seen swimming around the wharf as winds drop and the water clears. It’s great to see these large fish each year and know that future generations of them will continue to stock our waterways if they can be left alone to breed.

The heat is on and we love it

Settled into predictable places for clued up anglers to plan around and hence target their chosen quarry. On both the west coast around Weipa and the opposite side between Cooktown and Cape Melville, billfish will have arrived to keep fishers focused on teasers, pushers and trolled baits. The big boys up to and past the

CAPE YORK

Tim O’Reilly wildrivercompany@gmail.com

The dust and corrugations are making their presence felt. The flies and late year mosquitos are congregating for the build-up. Distant clouds begin to rumble off to the west. Waters are shrinking, most not fit for drinking. Why would fishers choose November to fish

Beautiful calm conditions looking towards Icolette.

Hooked up on the flats. 46

NOVEMBER 2021

This big Maori sea perch was from the flats.

the Cape? Put simply, this period often sees some of the best weather and brilliant fishing. Late spring can see estuary species thicken in numbers, billfish begin to turn up in their usual haunts and reef species chew their heads off. This is the time of year where a good late previous wet-season starts to count. All those organisms born from the large influx of freshwater into the creeks, rivers and tidal mangrove areas will have settled.

Calm mid-spring conditions on the east and west coasts.

magical 1000lb will be showing up on the Ribbon Reefs, having followed their secret trails around the Pacific to pull in close to the coast for a late spring feast. The barra season has now closed on both the East Coast and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Anglers need to be cautious to release any hooked barra in perfect health and with as little stress as possible. It is in everyone’s best interest to have a successful spawning season and with La Nina upon us again for another wet season, this is To page 47

OLD

Pushing quickly into summer PORT DOUGLAS PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton Lynton Heffer Heffer www.fishingportdouglas.com.au

The change in the season happened very quickly this year, over a matter of days in fact. By late September air temperatures jumped From page 46

a distinct possibility. Following what has been an unsettled dry

dramatically, and it will only get hotter moving forward. This shift in temperature has transpired across to the fishing scene triggering certain changes to occur. We’ll start with the reef fishing, and it is quite safe to say that a lot of species

have spawned in the first set of closures at the start of October in our region. All the indications were there with female coral trout going into lock jaw mode prior, male coral trout were being caught up in the shallows in readiness for the females to do their business, and a lot of

season on the east coast, this should be a window to finally see some of the glamour weather East

Coast sport fishers have only dreamed of in recent months. A great crosssection of species will be firing up. The water temperatures should allow awesome shallow-water sight fishing. Pretty soon the shallow reef-tops will warm up and some species will retreat to slightly cooler depths. Jigging deeper shoals and reef sections will become more productive as temperatures increase. A Coral Reef Fin Fish closure applies 2-6 November 2021, so be super cautious not to transgress. November is a month I look forward to each year as the weather transitions from cool try season to warm build-up. Many fish who have been quiet over the past few months will be getting busy and ready to jump on a line.

Mid-morning popper-caught barra.

other species were fully roed up, including red emperor and Spanish mackerel. This was a classical tell tale sign the local fishing population was ready for copulation. With water temperatures rising a lot of these fish will revert back to the deeper waters in the next couple of months. The November reef closure could be a non-event for fish reproduction according to many. Despite the changes, overall the fishing has been quite positive with good numbers of fish coming back to the docks on most days from the reef. The biggest move on the fishing scene has been the early arrival of big black marlin along the edge of the outer reef along the shelf. This started late September and it is happy days ahead. A lot of trips have seen the boats hooking up to multiple marlin on any given day, some tagged and others jumping off, which is the nature of the game. Fish have ranged between 200-900lb and the weeks ahead will no doubt see several 1000lb Titans hooked up too. Importantly, the signs are very positive for a big

The early arrival of big black marlin on the edge of the outer reef along the shelf has game fishers excited! heavy tackle season with sea conditions having flattened out in general. A lot of business trade for the marlin season has been lost due to border closures but there are still quite a few Queenslanders wanting to take on this ultimate format of the sport. Naturally our rivers and creeks have seen water temperatures rise, which has sparked the likes of fingermark (60cm), mangrove jack (50cm) and legal size barra. Barra have to be released as of the 1 November for the following three months, but good catches of fingermark and jacks will continue for many weeks to come, before the wet season kicks in.

There’s also been some cracking javelin fish caught up to 60cm and there’s always a golden or river trevally cruising around. Tides with some run-in the water are prime times to see more action. If you want to see an array of species, the Daintree River just north of Port Douglas is the best system to get the best results. On the tourist front we saw a good little burst of activity during the school holidays, but as a community we are all extremely nervous moving forward with our fate in the hands of the State Premiers, which will tip the scales either way. Our little seaside fishing village is waiting with bated breath.

Manning River Marine

www.tournamentboats.com.au 1/11 Knobel Ct SHAILER PARK QLD 4128

514 Canterbury Rd VERMONT VIC 3133

(02) 6552 2333

0427 326 464

(03) 9874 4624

13 Victoria St TAREE NSW 2430

Regal Marine

NOVEMBER 2021

NSW

Fun fishing the flats THE HASTINGS

Mark Saxon castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com

There is something inherently peaceful and exciting about fishing the vast flats we find in our

down the front of systems such as Hastings and Cathie. These are typical shallow, sandy areas mostly devoid of much structure. At this time of year they are home to mullet, whiting, bream and flathead. Fishing these areas generally means not

and nippers – this way you can get a mixed bag of fish. For the flathead enthusiasts, soft plastics work too – just cast and retrieve, throwing in plenty of pauses. Paddle tails, jerk baits and wrigglers all catch fish. For those who put in the effort to gather live bait, a poddy mullet drifted or slow trolled is spot-on over the next few months. Hard bodied lures come in all shapes and sizes and a few that can be very effective on our local flats are the shallow running chubby style lures and just by casting and slow rolling them back you can catch fish this is a proven bream technique. The other lure that is very handy is the hard jerkbait patterns like the well known Double clutch, these lures are made for flats fishing and retrieves

Ryan Ford with a great fish taken on a big Cossfire surface lure. can be slow roll but the flatties love a retrieve very similar to using a plastic wind it down then a couple of rod lifts take up the

The author rolling some hardbodied lures over the shallow rock bars. local waterways in the Port Macquarie region. We have plenty in the Hastings, plus also Lake Cathie and the Camden Haven, so to the newcomer what are we talking about with flats fishing? Firstly, we are looking for water that is a metre or less in depth, and mostly fishing in the half metre sections. You have sand flats, mud flats and in some systems you have rocky flats. Let’s have a look at each and what we can expect to catch and how. Sand flats can be found

sitting in one spot. You can drift in a kayak, use the electric motor on your boat or good old leg work if you are wading to cover a wider area. Depending on your target species there will be several options, and most of them (except big lure flatty fishing) will require only a 1-3kg rod on a small threadline with 3kg braid and 3-4kg leader. What to tie on? November can be worth casting a surface lure for whiting, and it can also be a time to use beachworms

Mandy showing the spoils of a Pelican Island whiting session.

Gavin with a nice flatty caught while fishing plastics in the shallows.

slack pause and repeat, the hits can be awesome in the shallows and its very common to have flathead clearing the water on the strike. Mudflats are very similar to fish but we can often have some weed beds mixed in and this is the

PORT MACQUARIE • CALM WATER LURE FISHING EXPERIENCE • QUALITY FISHING GEAR • LIGHT REFRESHMENTS CALL MARK

• MAX 3 PEOPLE

0427 239 650

EMAIL castawayestuarycharters@bigpond.com OR VISIT THE WEB

w w w. c a s t a w a y f i s h i n g . c o m . a u 64

NOVEMBER 2021

The results of a session using shallow divers on the flats.

point of interest because at this time of year these weeds will have prawns in them and seriously guys its game on casting around these areas all the above methods work but here any of the amazing prawn imitation plastics is ideal, it will not take you long to work out which weed beds are firing, keep your lures or baits in the zone. Last flat scenario and it may not even be classed as flats fishing but it is those upriver rock bars such as in the Hastings locations like Narrow gut this has rock throughout and can produce excellent bream fishing over the coming months again using surface lures such as sugar pens or slow rolling shallow hard bodies is great fun. Plastics do catch in these areas but weedless is preferred as you will lose gear, remembering in tidal water it can run pretty fast over these areas.

NSW

Bumper prawn feast FORSTER

Luke Austin

November really starts to heat up here in the beautiful twin towns of Tuncurry and Forster. Fishing options are numerous and the amount of aquatic life getting about is just insane!

prawns, crabs and loads of fish! Sand whiting are a summer specialty and they’re becoming very prominent among catches now as they begin to populate the numerous sand flats and adjacent gutters in big numbers. Targeting these fish with small surface lures is very

There are loads of chunky flathead getting about now. The local estuary fishing is simply amazing at this time of year; the tidal waters of Wallis Lake are alive with all sorts of marine life, including

effective and can be done on any of the shallow sand/ patchy weed flats in the main parts of the lake, from Pacific Palms in the south all the way to the

mouth of the system. If you find yourself on the water around the low tide and unable to target the shallows, have a go at fishing the deeper holes and channels that sit near these sand flats. You can use grub or worm style soft plastics, metal vibes or baits of beach worms, pipis or yabbies. Trumpeter or winter whiting are still about in good numbers, but they will start to move about a bit in the coming weeks. If you find yourselves drifting the usual spots up around Lanis/the Step or The Duckpond and not getting much action, don’t be afraid to go searching for the fish. Areas worth trying include the northern side of Regatta Island or up towards Green Point upriver, or possibly the main channels closer to the mouth of the estuary down as far as The Paddock even. If you’re lucky enough to have a good depth sounder, simply sound around likely-looking areas until you find the schools of fish. Flathead are becoming easier and easier to find now, and the quality of the fish is really good thanks largely to the bumper crop of prawns that we are seeing this year. While they are responding to wellpresented 3-4” soft plastics, the better sessions are coming on the back of soft and metal vibes. There is a growing number of anglers throwing swimbaits, stickbaits and large soft plastics about the sand flats, and the effectiveness of these techniques is just insane. I don’t think I have ever seen so many large 80cm+ fish being landed so easily! The local bream have well and truly zeroed in on this year’s emerging cicada

Ricky Noonan with a cracking November red. population. Local anglers have been having a ball up the rivers throwing cicada lures to fool some very nice 35cm+ fish. There are also good numbers of fish schooling up on the broken ground and cockle beds to the south of Wallis Island down around Coomba Park and Pacific Palms. The majority of the fish in these schools are only small but there are plenty of nice specimens mixed in if you are happy to fish through the numbers. The local beaches are tracking along nicely as they settle into their summer pattern. Bream and whiting are dominating catches and can be found on most beaches fairly easily. There are still schools of hard fighting Australian salmon cruising the coastline with

the odd tailor mixed in. Unfortunately, reports from the rocks are very few and far between, as is often the case at this time of year. The ledges down around Pacific Palms and Seal Rocks are holding some very nice tailor and the odd small kingfish, but that’s about it. Offshore fishing can be a bit of a mixed bag this month. The deeper reefs in 45-80m are fishing the best and seem to be holding plenty of nice pearl perch, trag and snapper. The shallow reefs are holding snapper but they are fairly well spread out, so if you decide to target these fish don’t be surprised if you only manage to land a handful with a lot of casts in between. On the upside, the quality of the fish that are hanging about these shallow

areas has been very good lately, with most fish up over the 50cm mark. Heading wide is absolutely worth it this month. It is often November that sees the biggest mahimahi of the season landed, and there is always a good chance of running into some yellowfin or possibly even a marlin. • Luke is the owner of Great Lakes Tackle – your ‘local’ bait and tackle store. They only sell the best brands and offer sound, friendly advice on where you can go to land your next trophy fish while visiting the wonderful Great Lakes region! They are open 7 days in the main street of Tuncurry, and you can phone them on 02 6554 9541 or find them on Facebook to see what they have been up to!

Need tackle? Need a new boat?

Give Kris a call for a quote!

3 FINANCE AVAILABLE

Australia’s Number 1 Dealer

It’s very hard to beat a 3-4” minnow-style soft plastic when hunting flathead in November.

02 6552 2333

13 VICTORIA ST TAREE NSW admin@manningrivermarine.com.au

www.manningrivermarine.com.au NOVEMBER 2021

WHAT’S NEW SUZUKI MARINE FINANCE

Suzuki Australia has allied with Bank of Queensland Finance (BOQF) to provide a suite of marine retail finance products under its white-label Suzuki Finance brand. BOQF, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BOQ, a mid-market financier providing deep industry and product skills to its partner base, servicing over 100,000 customers. This alliance will give customers additional opportunities for purchasing both new and used OBMs and BMT packages, accessories, rigging components, insurance, and more. Suzuki Finance will supply both consumer and commercial finance solutions across the Suzuki product suite. Suzuki, in partnership with NM Insurance, has also announced the expansion of its whitelabel insurance brand Suzuki Insurance. Key benefits include: • Replacement of the boat in the first two years of original registration (subject to availability of same make, model, or series and up to the sum insured) • Genuine manufacturer parts used where available • $10,000,000 liability cover as standard (other options available) • Personal accident cover (up to $50,000) • Australia-wide transit cover when transporting a boat with its own trailer • Agreed value options available • Lost keys cover (up to $1,500) • Option to finance your premium and pay instalments monthly. www.suzukimarine.com.au

ZMAN 9” GRUBZ COLOURS

ZMan’s popular 10X Tough 9” GrubZ curl tail is now available in some dynamite new colours. These new shades will have offshore anglers pumped, along with those anglers targeting mulloway, barramundi and XOS flathead in the salt and Murray cod in the fresh, standalone or as a ChatterBait and spinnerbait trailer. The proprietary ZMan ElaZtech construction means that not only is the 9” GrubZ extremely durable, to stand up better to aggressive fish and toothy critters, it also has a super-soft and flexible feel that keeps fish biting, and a natural buoyancy that sees it come to life in the water. The long curl tail creates a seductive action that draws the bites on the drop, on the bottom or even when left in the rod holder to dance with the water movement. New colour additions to the range include coconut ice glow, nuked chicken glow, fusilier, pink glow and atomic sunrise. Price: SRP $12.95 (pack of 3) www.z-man.com.au

DAIWA BEEFSTICK Z

An evolution of the popular Beefstick series, Daiwa’s new Z range once again features a composite graphite blank integrated with a traditional fibreglass tip, but takes it to another level with a new carbon outer scrim on the rod blank. This higher carbon design reduces blank weight to further enhance rod balance, feel and performance. Fuji Fazlite guides provide ultimate connectivity between angler and fish, with their ultra-tough construction designed to stand up to the rough and tumble of fishing, yet still have the sensitivity to deliver anglers unmatched feel for a rod of this price. Flat-top EVA grips blend perfectly with the Beefstick Z’s graphite reel seat, with their ultra-sensitive design delivering angler comfort and in-hand control. A composite cork butt cap adds a classic look to the Beefstick Z’s traditional design, with its robust construction made to handle the knocks and bumps of life on and off the water. www.daiwafishing.com.au

NOVEMBER 2021

PRODUCT GUIDE

SAMAKI PERFORMANCE TUNA

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Looking good on the water just got easier, with the Samaki Performance Tuna shirt. The stealthy tuna stands out from the crowd as the feature species in Samaki’s new Performance wear. The navy colour is perfectly complemented by a metallic tuna hitting the bait, making this shirt a standout on the water or at your local. Performance Tuna is ready to wear straight off the rack, with camouflage under the arms and a detailed shield design behind the aggressive tuna – one of the newest designs to hit Australia. This shirt features super soft-touch breathable fabric is perfect on or off the water – a cool moisture wick away material that offers UPF 50+. Sizes range from S-3XL. All Samaki shirts are designed by Australian anglers for Australian anglers. For more information follow Samaki Fishing on Facebook and Instagram. www.samaki.com.au

HONDA BF115-BF150 RANGE

Completely redesigned and redeveloped, Honda’s all-new BF115, BF135 and BF150 offer VTEC* and PGM-FI technology for rapid acceleration and outstanding performance. This joins an ECOmo system for greater fuel efficiency and Honda iST technology that delivers precise engine response. The main technological advancement for 2021 is the addition of iST, Honda’s Intelligent Shift and Throttle (Drive by Wire) technology. This feature enables precise electronic engine response, allowing owners to control multiple engines with a single lever and ensuring comfortable, easy operation for stress-free boating. All three Honda Marine outboards feature multiple rigging options for a customized on-the-water experience; choices include both Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) and mechanical control options. VTEC* optimises engine performance throughout the entire rpm range. Honda BLAST technology, with PGM-FI electronic fuel injection, delivers instant acceleration to an optimum cruising speed all while ensuring fuel efficiency, whilst Honda’s Outboard Alert system allows for safer cruising. Efficiency is further enhanced by Honda’s unique ECOmo system which adjusts the fuel-to-air ratio to optimise fuel economy. This improves fuel consumption while cruising and maximises efficiency to reduce the impact on the environment. *only available on BF150 model www.honda.com.au

HURRICANE SPRAT 85 HYBRIDS

The Hurricane Sprat 85 Hybrid is one of the newest releases from Hurricane Lures, and field tests in Victoria, NSW, WA and Queensland have been sensational. Hurricane is confident that even the inexperienced lure fishers will catch fish with these lures, because Sprat Hybrids are like a fish snack that’s irresistible and cannot be ignored. That’s how good the field tests have been! Features include: thin profile, enticing action, worm-like swim, fish-like appearance, buoyant Flexitech tail-up position, scentholding ribs. The Sprat 85 Hybrid is currently available in seven hand-picked experienced angling colours: motor oil UV, super oil UV, camo UV, sickle UV, dagger UV, tomahawk and hatchet. www.hurricanelures.com

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

SCAN THE QR CODE!

PRODUCT GUIDE

TESTING BOOTH

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ATC Combat 100 baitcast reel from Wilson Fishing

As we head towards the latter end of the year, many anglers’ thoughts and plans will be around what our warmer months offer of the piscatorial variety. Golden perch, Murray cod, Australian bass, sooty grunter and saratoga come to mind in the freshwater with barramundi, mangrove jack and many other estuarine saltwater species becoming more active as the water warms. As much as the current Covid challenges will curtail some of our efforts, we anglers are a resilient bunch, meaning that thoughts, plans and preparations are a positive, at a time when we all need it.

a lightweight, compact and tough baitcast reel that covers the challenges the previously mentioned fish offer. In the field I decided to match the test reel with a Bone Voyage BVC654M travel rod. For some that may seem strange but to have a rod that will fit into a small suitcase, that is suitable for my bass, golden perch and small water Murray cod fishing needs is a win for me. Previous testing of other models (Bone Travel rods) made this an easy choice to make. As with all my baitcast reels I spooled it with 20lb braid, in this case 20lb Tufline XP Indicator braid (also distributed by Wilson Fishing). It has been an interesting few months of using the outfit as it has very much been a transition period for the native fish in our SE Queensland impoundments. The bass tend to school up in big numbers in the main body of water of the lakes, the golden perch bite slows as the water temperature cools and rain saw our few Murray cod waterways rise significantly and the fish hard to find. The challenge has been to find a consistent method to put the Combat 100 through its paces.

The author decided to match the reel with a Bone Voyage BVC654M travel rod. Inset: The newest model to the ATC range of reels, the Combat 100 baitcast reel.

Casting spinnerbaits from his kayak is one of the author’s favourite pastimes.

Top: A beautiful bass caught on ATC Combat 100 and Bone Voyage combination. Above: Golden Perch just one of many fishing targets that Combat 100 is suitable for.

the rod are the

With that in mind, many anglers will target the above species using a baitcast outfit, so I figured it would be an opportune time to check out the new ATC Combat 100 reel from Wilson Fishing. The nuts and bolts The Combat 100 is the younger sibling of the Combat 200, which has been a popular choice for anglers looking at the heavy-duty end of baitcast reel applications. The 100 is aimed more towards casting lighter offerings and more general use, but with similar heavyduty features. Breaking the information on the reel down. It is available in left or right hand wind. It weighs 180g, contains 9+1 stainless steel ball bearings and has a retrieve ration of 7.3:1. Add to that 9kg of drag and you have

This has seen me casting everything from 20-30g metal spoons, tail spinners and large blades at schooled fish on Somerset Dam to lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits and mumblers in our urban lakes from my kayak. Mix in casting hardbodies around the weed at these same locations and I can attest that the castability of this reel is excellent. Minor adjustments are easily made on the reel’s cast control systems, simply click either the magnetic control system or the spool system tighter or looser depending on the weight of the lure or your casting ability (I love the fact that they are click adjustments, it makes the process easy for everybody). A more recent encounter has provided me with an excellent insight into the quality of the ATC Combat 100 reel. Most of my better

captures up until recently have been fishing from my kayak. I tend to fish a medium drag and let the fish fight and tire away from the kayak, making it easier to slip the net under them when they are at close quarters. The Combat’s smooth drag has made this easy and some nice fish have been tagged and released. However, a sneaky mission into the timbered upper reaches of Somerset Dam, offered a different challenge. Any fish caught

around the structure will quickly bust you off on it, resulting in the need for much tighter drags and a bit of combat angling when you hook up. I had a very well conditioned 48cm Australian bass take a liking to my spinnerbait in the middle of a log pile on that day. I may have said a few choice words as I extracted the fish out of said log pile. The end result, one very happy angler, as the outfit and the Combat’s 9kg drag worked a treat. Final thoughts First and foremost, I have to say that the castability of the Combat 100 is the standout feature. I am sure that as I use it more over the next few months other things will come to the fore, but castability is an important feature of a baitcast reel and it has it. I am also confident that it will satisfactorily deal with the fish species mentioned at the start of this testing booth. The strong and smooth drag will be popular and a key feature for those anglers targeting them. A minor thing for me is the retrieve ratio, I would love to see a slower retrieve model that suits the spinnerbait and mumbler lure fishing I do a little better. Overall the ATC Combat 100 reel is a lightweight, tough, strong, very castable reel that is well worth considering if you are chasing a new baitcast reel. Check them out at your local quality tackle outlet or for more details go to www. wilsonfishing.com.

A bit of combat fishing in the upper reaches of Somerset Dam resulted in the capture of this beautiful 48cm bass. Every reason to smile, the author with a late afternoon golden perch capture.

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au NOVEMBER 2021

VIC

Cod Classic all go YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

First up, it’s great to be able to announce that the Mulwala Football Netball Club’s iconic Cod Classic fishing competition is going ahead once again in 2021. Albeit on a slightly smaller scale, Lake Mulwala and the Murray River will come alive over the weekend of December 4-5 with anglers descending on the home of the Murray Cod to celebrate the opening to a new cod season. A raft of new implementations will be put into place for the Cod Classic to maintain a Covid safe event. All efforts should be

worth it as competitor interest is strong. Many anglers are looking to get back on the water and enjoy some fishing freedom. At the time of writing, planning is being put in place to allow competitors to be able to register/weigh in fish in either NSW or VIC depending on what travel restriction allow them at the time. A vast haul of prizes will be up for grabs with three Yamaha/ Quintrex/Humminbird boating packages topping the list. All up, in excess of $60K prizes will be given away. Entry fee will be $90 for adults and $45 for juniors. Best bet for anyone wanting to get involved is get on the blower and give Tony a call on mobile 0439 441 667. It’s a guessing game

this time of year when and where the yellas will fire in and around Lake Mulwala. Currently a few locals are picking up a smattering in the usual haunts at the train bridge behind the old police station and at the outlet to the Yarrawonga Channel. Ryan McMaster has been the ‘master’ by landing eight on two different occasions whilst scoping. Traditionally, by late October we’ve received enough warm days to see the golden perch up and about. History shows the water above Majors Creeks up to Bundalong and surrounding backwaters are the most productive. TN60 Jackalls, hardbody lures in the 50-80mm size range or smaller profile spinnerbaits in natural colours would be my preferred option.

Eve Sharp with a 50cm+ yellowbelly taken off the foreshore in Yarrawonga.

The lakes are in good form after lockdown redfin caught by those using metal bladed lures worked off the bottom and back up through the water column. Bait anglers have done well fishing live mudeye under a bubble float close to the weed beds. There have been 900g trout coming out of the lake, along with the previous release that are fast approaching 2kg in weight. Lake Purrumbete has a few browns and chinooks taking lures both trolled and cast with the odd fish exceeding 3kg. Medium to deep divers in popular minnow patterns are doing well. Late afternoon through to dusk remains the prime time followed by dawn. Again mudeye is working well here when presented close to the weed edge under a float. Plenty of cheetah, tiger and any other hybrid trout species

CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

We are back open for fishing, well, for the time being anyway! Rather than further lockdowns, it looks like we are trying to vaccinate our way out like many other countries are doing. Time will tell. Lake Elingamite’s levels are good so there is no problem launching the average tinny there. Some good brown and rainbow trout have been caught along with some sizeable redfin. Trolling lures remains popular, followed closely by cast and retrieval. Surface to deep diving lures can be employed depending on what you are doing. The deeper section has seen school

The author with a sizeable Elingamite redfin taken on the troll.

are being taken mainly by lure casters working the water from the weed edge out to about 12m. Schooling redfin are taking live minnow and soft plastics worked at depth around the lake’s edges. Schools can be located via a boat’s sounder and those concentrating in depths from 12-18m. Lake Bullen Merri has been reasonable for Chinook salmon and rainbow trout over 60cm, taking trolled minnow lures in depths around 6-8m not far from the shore at all. Bank anglers are experiencing similar success casting out to similar depths using live minnow, powerbait, scrub worm and pilchard fillets. Soft plastics cast out on a heavier than normal jighead has also worked well.

Tournament Calendar 2021 DATE

Tournament

Location

State Contact

13 Nov

Carp & Tilapia Eradication competition

Wyaralong Dam,

QLD www.lafma.org

15 Nov

2021 Zerek BARRA R3

Teemburra Dam

QLD abt.org.au

16 Nov

2021 Zerek BARRA R4

Kinchant Dam

QLD abt.org.au

18 Nov

2021 Zerek BARRA R5

Peter Faust Dam

QLD abt.org.au

20-21 Nov

2021 Zerek BARRA R6

Peter Faust Dam

QLD abt.org.au

27-28 Nov

NS Rods Sunline Bream Classic GF

Marlo

VIC www.vicbreamclassics.com.au

3-5 Dec

2021 Daiwa BREAM GF

Port Stephens

NSW abt.org.au

4-5 Dec

Mulwala Cod Classic Fishing comp

Lake Mulwala

VIC

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER Tony 0439 441 667

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au Just supply a date, venue, tournament name, telephone number and contact name. 106

NOVEMBER 2021

VIC

The Juniors leading the way EILDON

Peter Burtchell

Countless hours and countless fishing trips to Lake Eildon finally paid off for our local junior angling legend, Archie, during the September school holidays.

session the day before, his efforts finally hit pay dirt with a fine 105cm early morning beast. A purple 2oz Assassin Spinnerbait was Archie’s choice of lures for the morning’s successful session. On top of a great fight and cracking photograph, Archie’s hard earned

brand of spinnerbaits, sinkers and lures based on the great job Archie has been doing. It is great to watch the Australian tackle manufactures obtain some great exposure as their Junior Ambassadors showcase product effectiveness while the Juniors advance their fishing, networking and social

It is only a theory however, carp are a major food source for the Lake’s Murray cod as they begin to reach lengths of nearly twice that of their carp prey. Again with lockdowns in force across much of the state, only a select few were able to try their luck. Andy who is a regular angler to the lake managed to catch some nice brown trout flatlining a purple Tassie Devil. Kate Norman another regular angler and local to the lake continued to catch Murray cod and even a nice brown trout whilst flicking a Magdraft for Murray cod on the western banks of the Jerusalem Creek Arm. A local resident Murray cod, aptly named ‘Chops’, once again has been dragged from under the boatels. This time the successful angler was

Young Andy with his brown trout. would normally be overseas, along with boat ramp parking (as extra parking will be metres underwater), a sit

Junior Archie with his first Eildon 1m+ Murray cod. Archie is an ALVEY Junior Ambassador and with his Alvey Baitcaster combo in full swing he finally managed

rewards kept growing with a Spinnerbait Sponsorship Deal. Obsession Spinnerbaits have been following Archie

media engagements skills. Later in September the magnitude 6 earthquake stirred up a lot of speculation of whether you could feel the quake if boating on the water and whether the fishing action was affected. We can confirm that if you were on the water in a vessel you would have felt the shockwaves and viewed a jelly type water action on the surface of the lake as the shockwaves rolled through. As for the fish being

Kate Norman with a very early Murray cod capture. Brendan Everett who enjoyed the relaxed fishing atmosphere from his floating hotel. During October and November surface action

down meal with the ongoing COVID distancing rules and Guided Fishing Tours – as one of the lake’s gun anglers Mick Caufield has saddled up with Jack Harder Guided Fishing for the spring and summer seasons. Mick’s knowledge, technical ability and high success rates when targeting trophy size fish on Lake Eildon

are just some of the reasons why Mick is in high demand. His recent angling projects include an appearance in Total Native 2 the largest native fishing film ever made, which is a true cinematic experience of the Mighty Murray cod. He’s also a content development and presenter for Tackle Tactics, and columnist for various fishing magazines and books. Be sure to book early should you be looking for the ultimate in native fishing tuition, outfitting, strategy and tactics to be used to hook into, fight, land and release a trophy native fish species that you will never forget. • Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park is a friendly, family-orientated caravan park, and makes the perfect home away from home. While there you can opt to hire one of their Boatel floating apartments, hire a boat or book a fishing guide at competitive prices. For more information on all of these services and other attractions in the area, visit jerusalemcreek.com. au, or give them a call on (03) 5774 2585 or email i n f o @ j e r u s a l e m c re e k . com.au.

Brendan Everett likes fishing in comfort. to land and release his first 1m+ Murray cod flicking everything his tackle box has to offer. After a nine-hour fishing

on his Instagram account (#archiethefisherman) for quite some time and were quick to offer Archie an Ambassadorship for their

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality. Mick Caufield is the resident fishing guide.

Kate with a nice by-catch after flicking a Megabass Magdraft for Murray cod.

spooked, large masses of carp presented on the surface of the lake, which had not been seen for some time due to the cold water temperatures. The carp began to surface from the depths within an hour after the quake, which may suggest that after the Murray cod had encountered this novel event they were pumped full of adrenalin and were off on a hunting spree forcing the carp to head for higher water.

will really heat up as the Murray cod take advantage of ambushing the many ducklings that are now present on the lake. With water levels of 81% at the beginning of October the newly inundated grass beds will prove very productive for redfin and yellowbelly for the remainder of the spring. The only things predicted to be in shortage this year will be accommodation due to the influx of local tourists who

Open for breakfast from 6am 7 days a week (Closed Mother’s Day)

Coffee Light meals Pastries Cakes Bread 10 Main St, Eildon Victoria 3713 03 5774 2362 0438 881 629 NOVEMBER 2021

107

Warmer waters send trout deep FRESHWATER

Peter Fragomeni

With the warmer weather we normally experience here in WA this time of the year, November can result in elevated temperatures in our northern waters. This can send trout to cooler water down deep. It mainly occurs in the latter part of the month, so my advice is to keep this in mind if you are keen on landing a trout from our waters close to Perth. This does not apply to our southern waters and those streams and rivers that remain shaded, or are fed by cool water released for irrigation that normally starts this time of the year. Generally, the reports coming in have indicated a below average season in some waters, however, others have been fishing reasonably well. Most of the hatchery stocking has been completed with around 40,000 yearlings, 2,000 brood rainbows, 500

Redfin are great fun on the fly rod. This one was caught by Simon Holland in the Pemberton region. careful if you are on the water because ski boats and jet skis will be very active in the warmer weather. Redfin fishing has been quiet of late, but things should improve in this warmer weather.

activities were on offer with displays from Fisheries, Recfishwest, fishing clubs and more. It was good to see an old mate Cha’s heading the Fishability stand and offering

the young children involved in the release with them running to the water with buckets of trout. Some nice browns and rainbow trout were in the mix so these should still show up through this month if the water remains cool. Logue Brook Dam Not many reports have come through with most anglers preferring to fish the more productive waters close by. Ski boats and jet skis can make this dam unpleasant to fish, especially on the weekends. Harvey Dam Along with other anglers, I fished this water a few times with limited success despite

Andy Barns was delighted with this brown trout he caught at the Troutfest. He chose to release it so others can enjoy the same experience. FFRG (stocking committee) because of the unforeseen rapid water level increase over winter should see better results in the next few weeks. This dam went from 20%

full resulting in a lot of water between fish. Around 6,000 rainbow yearlings have gone in with more planned from the reallocation so hopefully they will grow out and survive

The quality of trout being released by the Pemberton Trout Hatchery is impressive this year. This one put up a great fight after hitting Wendy’s lure. brood browns and 350,000 fry going into our waters this year. Redfin numbers seem to be lower than previous years with mixed reports coming in from shore anglers and those that fish exclusively out of boats and kayaks. DAMS Waroona Dam This dam fished reasonably well this season, however, most of the trout caught were some of the 400 odd ex-brood rainbows and 80 brood browns stocked in winter. There were around 2,000 yearling rainbows stocked at the same time, but the reports indicate they are still small and not offering much action considering many being caught. There should be a few around this month but be 118

NOVEMBER 2021

Drakesbrook Weir This was the venue for the annual Troutfest held in early October with a great turnout, considering the unusual cool day we experienced. Lots of

an opportunity to those with disabilities to fish for trout. The main event was the release of trout by Fisheries WA that come from their Pemberton hatchery. It was pleasing to see

PREDICTED DAM LEVELS Overall storage in our dams that allow public access and recreational activities are currently 78.5% as of end of September 2021, compared to 49.3% at the same time last year. Harvey Dam rose from just 22% in autumn to around 88% at the end of September, Wellington Dam also went from around 32% to 90% at the end of September. There are rumours of a hot long summer so these good storage levels will be handy for irrigators and fishers. WAROONA DAM DRAKESBROOK WEIR LOGUE BROOK DAM HARVEY DAM WELLINGTON DAM GLEN MERVYN DAM BIG BROOK DAM

80% 92% 83% 91% 93% 98% 100%

Tight Van-Leeuwen with a little brown trout from the Lefroy Brook. several hundred ex-brood rainbows being stocked over the winter. I’m getting mixed reports with some claims of good catches being had. A further stocking of trout that were relocated from other waters on the advice from the

capacity in autumn to 80% in September, which resulted in a massive inundation of grasslands and timber regrowth being flooded by the rising water. Considering the dam covers 550 hectares when

over summer. Again, this dam was the venue for the annual Harvey Water Bash held in October. With around 70 anglers battling it out for the many prizes on offer over the 2-day event. Tagging a number of trout a few days before the

competition has taken place by Fisheries WA with a $50 prize offered by the organisers if caught over that weekend only. It will be interesting to see what Fisheries will do with any information gathered both on that weekend and the preceding time after the event. Full details in the next issue. The redfin fishing has been mixed with some finding it hard to find the fish with the elevated water levels.

with the warmer weather after a slow start to the season. A few browns are starting to get caught but mainly early morning and late afternoon. If you are keen on flyfishing and can handle a fly in the dark, then this is the time big browns cruise the shoreline sometimes only a metre off the bank. I generally don’t wade and stand well back to avoid spooking these fish. My go-to fly is

into structure. Northern Jarrah Streams Things have slowed down with most of the trout safely back in the dams. A few resident trout are being caught in the lowline streams, but landowner permission must be obtained beforehand. Brunswick River This water received a yearling stocking so it’s worth a look if you are driving past. Collie River above Wellington With flows well and truly subsiding redfin fishing has picked up with reports indicating we maybe in for a better than average season. Good bank access is available both above and below the town of Collie. Collie River below Wellington Dam Undoubtedly our premier hot weather fishery, this section has both brown and rainbow trout. It receives a

Troutfest was a family affair with plenty of attendees this year.

Some of the key personnel that attended this year’s event: (from left) Andrew Beer, Senior Research Scientists Fisheries WA; Terry Cabassi, Manager Pemberton Trout Hatchery; Jonty East, Hatchery staff; Wendy Banks; Peter Fragomeni, Recfishwest Stocking Committee member; Danielle Hartshorn Recfishwest R&D Officer; Dr Andrew Roland, CEO; Aaron Moses, Operations Officers; and Sam Russell far right.

over east. Small dry flies like Red Tag’s, Humpies and one of my favourites the Greenwell Glory can be deadly if presented correctly and all attempts are made to avoid line drag and sloppy presentations. Lure fishers have their fair share of fun as well. Top areas are generally throughout the whole system with the section above the hatchery being an old time favourite, other areas are the Cascades and the stretch before it enters the Warren. Donnelly River Reports have been slow of late, but this doesn’t necessarily mean fish haven’t been caught. It’s had a good stocking, so my advice is to get a good map but, preferably one of those that rely on satellites as mobile reception is unreliable. With the good rains experienced this year and

Blackwood River November is the time to explore this river. My advice is to get your-self a copy of the brochure put out by the WA Trout Foundation. It details some of the better options and a must in my opinion, as this river is not easy at the best of times. Warren River As with a lot of the rivers in the area the Warren flowed high and discoloured until early October. Most avoided it, however, those that persisted were rewarded with a few trout of both species. The trick was to fish big and heavy to get down in the fast current. This water received a huge stocking so hopefully the future should see some reasonable trout coming to the net. Redfin are still showing up in the big pools with big soft plastics dominating in tackle choice. Hardbodied lures are working well with certain anglers having their own favourites, even the humble fly has turned a few up recently. Lefroy Brook Simon Holland from

the record numbers of trout stocked throughout our state, now is a great time to explore our dams, rivers and streams. Remember you need a freshwater licence if you intend to fish in our inland areas and snakes are very active, especially around water.

Cha’s Riegert from Fishability releasing one of the many trout with Fisheries Minister Don Punch and MLA for Murray-Wellington Robyn Clark at this year’s Troutfest. Wellington Dam A few of the 10,000 small yearlings have been showing up in amongst the anglers chasing redfin. It will be interesting to see how these rainbows do in a predominantly redfin water. Glen Mervyn Dam This little dam does not receive much attention despite it filling to capacity buy mid winter. It only gets around 200 rainbow yearlings so I’m not sure whether this is a suitable number to offer reasonable rewards for the effort. Redfin are an option if you happen to be in the area. Big Brook Dam Things are picking up

a Craig’s Nighttime but most of the commonly used patterns do work. Redfin are also being caught from the wall right up to the back section. RIVERS Murray River The water has dropped considerably since the flooding that occurred earlier in the season. A few of the yearlings are showing themselves in the faster sections above the town of Dwellingup. Well upstream a few redfin have been caught on red spinners. A report came in of a kayaker getting into a few larger fish using soft plastics like paddletails and marron patterns cast

lot of attention that can put a strain on the stocks, so my advice is to practice catch and release to preserve stocks for the future. All the runs hold fish however, the going can be tough with a slip on the slimy rocks a real possibility.

Simon Holland, Daniel Simpson, Callum Madden and other members from Southern Forest Freshwater Angling Club at this year’s Troutfest. They contribute plenty of photos from the Pemberton region.

Daniel Vermeulen with a nice silver perch caught at his secret spot. If these species were added to the official stocking program, it would improve our trout fishery by providing year round opportunities in selected waters through our state. Southern Forest Angling Club has reported that this little water is fishing well, and it was confirmed by a couple of other anglers that ventured down that way recently. November is the month when dry fly fishing excels, and the Lefroy can (at times) match some of the best streams

NOVEMBER 2021

119

BASS SERIES presented by

BASS ELECTRIC AUSTRALIAN OPEN

abt

Bostock wins Humminbird Open with PB technique Long time BASS Electric competitor, Peter Bostock, emphatically won the Humminbird BASS Queensland Open on Wyaralong Dam with a combination of a magic spot and an innovative technique. His 10/10, 14.315kg limit over two days easily outdistanced Scan the QR code to listen to Pete Bostock explain his new PB technique.

runner-up Adrian Wilson (10/10, 11.950kg) and earned him $2,500 cash. Adding to the win was the fact that Peter captured all of his limit catches on the ABT action cameras and you can scan the QR code hereby to watch the excitement and his innovative technique. Destined to be known as the ‘PB Technique’, Peter fished a small, Berkley PowerBait Power Shrimp (2”) on a wide gape hook with a running 1-ball sinker – yellowbelly bobbing style. Scan the QR code to watch the Pete’s Perfect Morning

He targeted fish on his live, downward facing sonar and used incredible finesse to tempt the bass into biting. Each day, he landed a limit early and his two limits were the best two of the event, dropping 7.50kg on the scales on Saturday and 6.815kg on the Sunday. Bostock fished his ‘magic tree’ in the southern arm of the lake, concentrating his vertical presentations in around 6m of water. “When I got the bait to the right depth, I’d just gently tap the rod butt to move the lure enough to get them to bite,” Peter said. Sure enough, the highlights revealed an incredible finesse touch that yielded bass after bass.

Brisbane’s Peter Bostock was a popular Open Champ and took home $2,500 for his efforts. especially Day 2. It’s not everyday where you see someone hook a bass while singing along to Pink Floyd. WILSON A SMILING SECOND BASS Electric co-organiser, Adrian Wilson, was the only other angler that managed to fill his full limits each day on his way

Scan the QR code to watch Adrian Wilson explains his runner-up techniques

“I’d marked the pile a few years ago and you can be certain of one thing in this lake – if there’s a snagpile, there’ll be bass in

Peter’s fish averaged over 1.4kg a piece. Peter fished the lure on a light Phenix jig rod, Shimano Chronarch reel and 8m of 20lb Daiwa J-Thread fluorocarbon leader over some Sufix 832 braid (20lb) behind it. “I did a fair bit of practice in the sink at home Scan the QR code to watch the Day 1 Highlights

to make sure that I had the rigging and the action right,” Pete revealed, “There are different segments in the tail that give the lure a different actions and it’s definitely one fish per bait.” Do yourself a favour, watch the highlights -

The Humminbird BASS Electric Australian Open offered 100% of payback to competitors.

RESULTS Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 120

NOVEMBER 2021

Angler Peter Bostock Adrian Wilson Mick Horn Steve Eldred Chesley Lennon Tom Reynolds Luke Atkinson Christian Manolea Charles West Blake O’Grady

Adrian Wilson spends a lot of time at the lake and was happy with his second placed finish and the only other 10/10 bag. to 11.95kg, which averages nearly 1.2kg per bass. He started reasonably slowly each day and relied on a logpile that he’d marked several years earlier to box the bulk of his bass.

Full results at abt.org.au

Fish 10/10 10/10 7/10 4/10 8/10 2/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10

Weight(kg) Payout 14.315 $2500 11.950 $750 7.765 6.760 6.425 1.470 1.200 1.180 0.965 Humminbird Helix 0.715

it,” he said. Wilson primarily used a single-hook-rigged lipless crankbait fished on an old G Loomis 485 Crankbait rod fitted with a Daiwa Steez reel, 20lb braided line and a ‘light’ 16lb leader. “Everytime I got a fish, I hit timber,” Wilson said, “You have to get down and in the structure to get these fish to bite.” HUMMINBIRD GEAR HELPS While you’re online, check out the Humminbird Mega-360 imaging in the video that ABT produced with Mick Horn before the event. It’s technology that lets you know just where the bass are in the trees.

Fishing stories

Insects from Hell Rottnest Island is fishing with one of the other comprised mainly of sparse guys in the club and we’d vegetation, the occasional fished well into the early tree, the occasional beach hours of the next morning, Insect repellant is a on the eastern side and but ultimately that torrential product that I strongly hundreds of reefs. It truly is rain was just far too much recommend for all anglers. a magnificent place to spend and we decided to call Many years ago, when I a weekend: sightseeing, it quits. was an invincible young fishing, riding push-bikes, That left us with fisherman, if someone had getting pissed at the hotel, somewhat of a dilemma. Either we’d traipse the 2km said to me as I was about and so on. to head off on a weekend’s And be sure to take your back to camp carrying the fishing trip, ‘don’t forget seasickness pills before the fish we’d caught and all of the insect repellant,’ I’d boat trip over. Trust me – our gear, or seek emergency have just laughed, spat on someone always throws up shelter. We opted to take 40-60HP the ground, scratchedFOURSTROKE my during the approach to the refuge in a nearby cave, and crotch, lit a smoke, and island, and if the motion of that, my friends, was the PERFORMANCE then moseyed on over to the water isn’t enough to biggest mistake we could my trusty Landrover. make you want to heave, possibly have made. You Nowadays, insect a sandal-full of someone see, we weren’t the only repellant is high on my list else’s pungent, congealed living creatures seeking of essential fishing supplies. vomit surely will be. shelter from the storm. I learnt from experience, as Anyway, enough of that. By my estimates, there is often the case, and the The eastern side of the would have been close to ALBERTON main offender is the humble island offers MELBOURNE welcoming thirteen thousand, three ALBERTON MARINE MELBOURNE CENTRE mosquito. They’re annoying accommodation for MARINE hundred and seventy-five a half mosquitoes in that little when those who appreciate 39 #@!!s, Johnsonbecause Street Alberton 92 Hallamthe Southand Road Hallam comforts of home. We, on 2003 cave. The trouble was, we theyP:jab (03)their 5183blood-sucking 2344 P: (03) 9703 attachments into your skin, the other hand, opted for were both so exhausted that F: (03) 2219a small the ‘roughing it’ W:approach, melbournemarine.com.au they first5183 inject we didn’t notice. So, due to W: albertonmarine.com.au amount of anaesthetic. That as die-hard fishermen tend physical exhaustion, mainly, means that you don’t feel to do. No fancyMORNINGTON hotels and PENINSULA we each somehow managed MY MARINE for our to drift off to sleep, and as theBENDIGO bite until they’ve gorged three-course-meals themselves your &blood fishing club guys back then. Highway the rain& continued to pelt Cnr Nepean BENDIGO on MARINE OUTDOORS and160 areMidland ready toHighway fly off.Epsom It’s No way, it wasPonderosa a bus tripPlace down outside, the hungry Dromana rather an intrusive action, to the western end of the mass of mosquitoes lining P: (03) P: (03) were5987 left 0900 the rocky walls of the small really, and5448 I’ve3988 always felt island where we W: bendigomarine.com.au W: mymarine.com.au strangely relieved that they to our own devices until cave watched on with glee. don’t grow to more than a being picked up again the And at that very moment, MORNINGTON PENINSULA MELBOURNE centimetre long. following morning. they had but one thing on BL MyMARINE most devastating It’s occasions their little minds – dinner! NAUTICALlike MARINE experience mosquitoes men Road Waking up in the 141the Hotham 612- 614with Plenty Road Prestonthis that separate occurred on Rottnest Island from the boys. There’s morning and discovering that (03) 9478during 1420 a trip a lot of good Sorrento oneP:weekend reefs from you’ve been eaten alive is F: (03) 9470 4638 P: (03) 5984 with my old Angling Club. which to fish, but there are 1666 not a good feeling. We were Rottnest Island, incidentally, also plenty of E:steep hills both well enough covered in W: blmarine.com.au info@nauticalmarine.com.au is a 6km long, 1km wide to negotiate, W: andnauticalmarine.com.au you’ll waterproof clothing so that island, 20km off the coast find yourself doing a fair only our hands and faces SHEPPARTON of BOATS Perth,ANDthe MOREWestern amount of walking. TOORADINBut were exposed. But, at first Australian Capital. it’s worth it, believe me. light, when my eyes slowly P&J supplies MARINE SERVICE CENTRE P/L glancing Road 207 For Numurkah the benefit of Shepparton any There are abundant opened, I recall P: (03) 5822 2108 101 Tooradin Station Road Tooradin non-local readers, Rottnest of Australian salmon, down at my hands to see a Island was5821 originally which you 3107 swollen, purple and reddish F: (03) 2908 named crayfish (for P: (03) 5998 Rats’ Nest Island, because need a license, E:ofpjmarine_services@bigpond.com course!) coloured pulped-up mass of W: boatsandmore.com.au of an abundant population yellowtail kingfish, herring, skin and flesh. My face was of MORWELL small marsupials called trevally and so on. You the same. I then looked over GEELONG Quokkas. Unique to Rottnest name it, it’s there; one of at my friend, who had woke CRAWFORD MARINE CENTRE Island, the island’s original our guys even PORTSIDE pulled in MARINE a before me and looked as 71-77 Chickerell Streetthat Morwell dhufish. Now there’s fish though he’d been savaged discoverers thought 36-38 aGeelong Road Portarlington in his sleep by some kind of these harmless marsupials worth catching,P:and P: (03) 5134 6522 (03)that’ll 5259 1110 looked like big 6455 rats. give you an idea of how wild animal. And, like me, F: (03) 5134 E: info@portsidemarinecentre.com.au It’s got me beat why. deep the water is off of he was staring at his hands W: crawfordmarine.com.au W: portsidemarinecentre.com.au To me they look like a some of the reefs. in shock and disbelief. cross between a wombat The other good thing We both immediately is that it’s panicked, and shouted andECHUCA a wallaby and they hop about the islandMELBOURNE EADESonXTREME MARINE means that SHOP around two legs. But, an island. That THE numerous expletives (not MARINE whatever reasoning, if it starts blowing a gale, suitable for publication 24 Sturt their Street Echuca 6 Holland Drive Melton that’s what they2333 named the you just pack up and move in this article), before P: (03) 5482 P: (03) 9747 0588 island, and the name was to the other side so that staggering back to camp, F: (03) 5482 2133 F: (03) 9747 you.3999 where all eyes immediately eventually changed to what the wind is behind xtrememarine.net.au W: one themarineshop.com.au Unfortunately, the thing turned towards us. it isW: today. Rottnest Island is a you can’t escape from is the The looks of horror we BRAESIDE fisher’s paradise. Reefs that rain, which leads me to the received from the other MELBOURNE protrude intoWORLD extremely gist of this littleTRIPLE story. M MARINE club members will forever JV MARINE deep surround the The rain did fall on that remain in my mind. I recall 878water Springvale Road Braeside 117 Northgate Drive Thomastown western end of the island. fateful night. And when feeling like a hideously P: (03) 9798 8883 P: (03) As with any type of fishing I say that it fell, I 9465 mean 8787 mutated creature that had F: (03) 9798 7554 F: (03) 9466 in these sorts of locations, that it reeeeeaallly fell. The1418 wandered in from the wild. jvmarine.com.au youW:need to be careful. Heavens opened up like And for the record – it hurt W: triplemmarine.com.au Some of the Rotto reefs are never before. Yep, the giant like hell! hundreds of metres wide, hose in the sky sure was on So, take my advice – and full of holes. My advice full-blast that evening…(I put insect repellent on your is to dress lightly, and to think you get the picture). fishing gear check-off list. avoid wearing those chest- When it does rain that Those annoying, centimetrewaders with the steel-cap heavily, fishing is really long, proboscis wielding, compoundboots. Sure, you won’t get the last thing you feel like six-legged, wet, but what chance have doing, regardless of how eyed, buzzing little blood you got if you step into a many fish you might catch. suckers can inflict some hole or slip over the edge? I’d spent the whole day serious damage! WA

Colin Joyce

A POWERFUL PACKAGE

VIC MERCURY DEALERS

WA MERCURY DEALERS

40-60HP FOURSTROKE PERFORMANCE

BUNBURY BLUEWATER MARINE 18 Hawkins Street BUNBURY P: (08) 9791 1499 F: (08) 9791 1497 E: bluwater@bigpond.net.au W: bluewatermarine.com.au EXMOUTH EXMOUTH AUTOMOTIVE & BOATING 5 Griffiths Way EXMOUTH P: (08) 9949 2795 F: (08) 9949 4795 E: exautomotive@bigpond.com W: exmouthautoandboating.com.au

ALBANY RUSTY’S MARINE U2/205 Chesterpass Road ALBANY P: (08) 9842 1022 E: rustysmarine@bigpond.com W: www.rustysmarine.com.au WANGARA HI TECH MARINE 12 Uppill Place WANGARA P: (08) 9309 2888 F: (08) 9309 2397 E: sales@hitechmarine.com.au W: hitechmarine.com.au

MANDURAH MANDURAH OUTBOARDS 53 Gordon Road MANDURAH P: (08) 9581 7224 F: (08) 9581 6305 E: james@mandurahoutboards.com.au W: mandurahoutboards.com.au

NOVEMBER 2021

121

BREAM SERIES presented by

BREAM QUEENSLAND OPEN

abt

Blake O’Grady breaks through for the win

Blake O’Grady has been knocking on the door (with a battering ram) for an ABT win for a while now and he finally got the chance to smash through it for his first win at the Queensland BREAM Open sponsored by Samaki. Weighing in via the ABT Tournament App, which has now been used successfully on a few events including the BREAM Australian Open, O’Grady kept Shane Wolhuter at bay by 0.566kg with a final weight of 10/10 fish for 6.567kg. This means ‘Geoff’, the lovingly nicknamed bream on the trophy, will be living on O’Grady’s mantlepiece for the next year. Much like the Australian Open, the Queensland Open was run on the ABT Tournament App with great success. This allowed anglers and spectators to keep a keen eye on each other as their competitors logged each of their fish into the app. O’GRADY TAKES HOME THE BACON Blake O’Grady has recently made the move to the Brisbane region and has fully immersed himself into the local breaming offered on the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay areas. Having a local edge certainly has its perks when it comes to tournaments too. Pre-fish for O’Grady started weeks in advance as he got a good feel for

with 5/5 fish for 3.997kg meant he was well and truly leading after day one. Day two and the start location had been moved to Cleveland boat ramp where O’Grady chose to head to Scan the QR code to watch the Winner Interview

Blake O’Grady finally gets the win he’s been looking for at the Samaki sponsored Queensland BREAM Open. what the fish were doing in advance of the tournament. Spending the pre-fish day around Redcliffe, O’Grady got together a plan for the two days ahead that was consistent with what he had discovered in the weeks prior to the pre-fish ban. “I pretty well knew where the fish were and what they wanted to eat, so I was more just going down to check it out and make sure I could fill a bag.” Each day had a different start location. On day one, take off was from Spinnaker Sound Marina at Bribie Island where O’Grady opted to make the run through the chop down to Redcliffe.

As the Samaki BREAM Queensland Open was run on the ABT Tournament Series app, all fish count - no matter what the size.

Jamie McKeown targeted the bigger bream in Raby Bay.

BOATER RESULTS Place Angler 1 Blake O’Grady 2 Shane Wolhuter 3 Jamie McKeown 4 Luke Rogan 5 Tristan Taylor 6 Darren Borg 7 Steve Morgan 8 Peter Cashman 9 Scott Sandilands 10 Sam Peck 122

NOVEMBER 2021

Brisbane to crankbait a set of rocks he had been saving. “As soon as I got there, I could see bait getting smashed off the point of the rock bar.” Targeting that feeding frenzy saw him land his first fish for the day, a 35cm

Fish 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 7/10

Fishing around Redcliffe on the low tide, the morning was slow with only one 31cm fork length fish hitting the scales. With the fishing slow, the decision was made to move to an edge he knew held good fish, and it proved to be the right one. Within a few casts, O’Grady had logged a 38.5cm to the fork, 1.266kg bream, which remained the unbeaten Big Bream the whole tournament. This set the tone for the rest of the day with the big fish falling to the same custom-painted Atomic Hardz 38; you may remember him using to fool another big bream at Ballina earlier in the year. Rounding out the day

fork kicker fish weighing just under a 1kg. However, the fish that came up with it was the one that really caught his eye. “I was devastated I didn’t get one of the other five or six that were with it because they were all bigger by a long shot. I didn’t realise until I measured it that it was 35cm and all those fish would have been up around 40cm.” Things got tough from there as he only got one fish for the next 3 hours, which meant it was run and gun time. Shooting over to a reef at Redcliffe got him his third for the day, then running back to Brisbane to get his fourth on a mangrove edge. Finally, in a last ditch effort,

Full results at abt.org.au

Weight(kg) Payout 6.567 $4000 6.001 5.777 5.570 5.255 5.200 BREAM QUEENSLAND OPEN 4.297 3.961 3.929 3.572

abt

BREAM SERIES presented by running back to Redcliffe in the dying minutes of the final hour to secure his fifth fish. All weekend O’Grady put his trust in the one rod and reel combo of a Duffrods Broken Bones Edition Black paired with a Daiwa Certate 2004 spooled with 10lb Gosen and 8lb leader. “This is my go-to rod and reel for pretty much everything.” He would also like to give special thanks to AV Tech Solutions in Brisbane for helping keep all the electronics on his boat in top shape, as well as his partner

BREAM QUEENSLAND OPEN

abt

Scan the QR code to watch the Day 1 Highlights

Lauren for helping him keep his sanity. SHANE WOLHUTER SNATCHES SILVER Another Brisbane local, Shane Wolhuter has so much confidence in the arena that he didn’t even need a pre-fish to claim second place. He started on the Brisbane River on day one, Scan the QR code to watch the Day 2 Highlights

before heading to Mud Island to throw a Seven And Six Fishing 40mm crankbait in muddy prawn colour across the flats. Wolhuter had landed roughly 20 fish to start the session, which meant the rest of the day was for upgrading. Making the move to Tangalooma wreck to throw 3” shads Tough Yabby’s on a 1/8oz jighead did the trick, and

Blake O’Grady landed the biggest bream of the event from Redcliffe – it was nearly 40cm to the fork of the tail.

he landed some nice fish to bump up his bag. “The 1/8oz jighead was crucial as there was just too much current for anything lighter.” The final hours of day one were spent at the ‘poo chute’ where Ecogear Aquas and olive Cranka Crabs continued to make slow but steady upgrades to his bag. Filling his bag on the Brisbane River on day two, Wolhuter worked from the Gateway Bridge back down to the mouth throwing his same combination of Aquas and Cranka Crabs from day one. “I swapped between the two depending on how deep it was.” He chose to fish an old school G.Loomis Mossy Back 4-8lb with a 2500 Shimano Stradic with 6lb Exact depth braid and 4lb Ocea leader for plastics

and Cranka Crabs. While the same combo, but with a longer leader, the 1000 size Stradic was the choice for crankbaits. Those following on the app would have noticed the late charge made by Wolhuter on day two that very nearly saw him snatch the crown from Blake O’Grady. All because of a move back to Mud island that landed him 3 crucial upgrades by fishing the drains with his crankbait before heading back to the port of Brisbane for one more upgrade before the end of the session, finishing day two with 5/5 fish for 3.269kg and the second biggest bag of the tournament. Thanks to Josh and Kate at Samaki Australia for putting their support behind the event so we can continue to put the best bream anglers in Queensland head-to-head. NOVEMBER 2021

123

BARRA Series presented by

Schwerins take the Barra Open win

The Venom rods BARRA Open was one hell of an event! Four days on two of the most renowned barramundi dams in the country, pitting the countries best barramundi fishers against each other is certainly a recipe for some pretty memorable moments for the ABT archives. Anglers fought it out over 4 days and nights to try and fill their 5 fish limit of the biggest barramundi they could keep hooks in. The first two-day and night sessions were held at Lake Awoonga, renowned for XOS barra in years gone by. Just to keep anglers on their toes, the third and fourth sessions were held on Lake Monduran, another impoundment returning to its glory days after years of

GOOD FORMWORK FOR SCHWERIN CONCRETING Keeping the BARRA Open a family affair, first placed father-son duo Jake and John Schwerin of team Schwerin Concreting took home 5,000 reasons to smile Scan the QR code to see the Winning team interview

about their week’s fishing with $5,000 in their pockets. “We had Awoonga pretty sorted with spots and fish. We had a lot of spots to hop between,” Jake commented in their winners’ interview. And they certainly did,

Father-son team Jake and John Schwerin of team Schwerin Concreting had plenty to smile about after being named the Venom Rods BARRA Open champions!

Second place honours went to the only other father-son duo of the event, team SCmarine Doctor Rob and Tommy Wood. Clawing back from a 20kg deficit to do it! successful stocking efforts. In an epic back and forth battle that went down to the final half hour, father-son duo John and Jake Schwerin of team Schwerin Concreting took first place honours over 2nd place father-son duo Rob and Tommy Wood of team SCmarine Doctor by just 560g. A small enough margin in a bream or bass comp, it’s an even smaller margin considering these two teams caught 173kg of barramundi each! The podium was rounded out by Team Dobyns Rods, Michael Slade and Ben Wilcox, in 3rd place with 17/20 fish for 161.40kg.

boating two very solid 55kg limits in the first two days at Lake Awoonga. “We didn’t actually think we were going to get a day bite until we went into this gully on day one and the sounder lit up, which was a bonus for us because all our bites had been at night.” Once the sun went down, the pair went to work hopping between roughly six spots they had to choose from to find the active fish. The spots varied from points to ledges of weed where the two had narrowed the fish down with their Humminbird 360 and side scan. Once they found the fish,

RESULTS Place Team 1 Schwerin Concreting 2 SCmarine Doctor 3 Dobyns Rods 4 Team Tracker 5 Venom 6 Warwick Outdoor & Sports 7 Renegade 8 Imakatsu 9 Anita Barra 10 Fishing Monthly 124

NOVEMBER 2021

Anglers 18/20 18/20 17/20 15/20 13/20 12/20 13/20 14/20 11/20 11/20

the key was to present their baits just that little bit slower. “Being early in the season, I think it’s important to slow everything down.” Fishing with a slower ratio reel of 6.3 with 35lb F4 #3 Toray braid and 80lb leader matched with a 7’4” Edge Rods Delta, their combination of Molix shads, Squidgie Slick Rigs and Squidgie fish baits were kept in front of the fish for a lot longer, which was crucial for the bites. After their solid bags at Awoonga, it was time to make the move to Monduran for the final two sessions where things got slightly tougher, with the pair only bagging 4/5 fish in the third and fourth sessions, however it was just enough

to get it done. “We pretty much stayed in the one arm at Monduran and just kept moving. Covering ground quickly but fishing with a slow retrieve still.” Scan the QR code to see the Runnerup team interview

All their bites at Monduran came on a 7” Castaic Swimbait on a 1/2oz. Jighead fished tight to the edges in less than 10ft of water. Again, using their Edge Rods combos from Awoonga. On the last session at

Rounding out the podium in 3rd place was team Dobyns Rods, Michael Slade and Ben Willcox, finishing with 17/20 fish for 161.40kg. Full results at abt.org.au

Fish 173.83 173.27 161.40 139.90 127.50 118.79 118.76 117.04 97.71 95.89

Weight(kg) Payout $5000 $2500 + Venom rods Big Barra $1000 + Venom rod Wilson prize pack Wilson prize pack

BARRA Series presented by Lake Monduran, the pair put on an epic back and forth battle with team SCmarine Doctor that went down to the final hour. “That was a heartstopper at the end there, when the other boys got that 95cm. We weren’t sure what was going to happen, the fish hadn’t uploaded to the scoreboard yet and we were all sitting around the ramp waiting to see what happened.”

monster caught at the death in the fourth session. In the first session on Lake Awoonga, the duo only just managed to scrape together a bag of fish, however it was enough to keep them in the hunt. A change of tactic was required for the second session. Unable to fill a bag and with the clock striking 8:30, they only had 1.5 hours to get their fish. “We headed to a bank

Holding up the 17.2kg fish that closed the gap between them and Schwerin Concreting. Tommy Wood knew they were going to give the Schwerin boys a run for their money.

Jake Schwerin with one of the stout Monduran barra that helped them secure victory.

choice. A 30lb braid meant long casts could be made with their Redic jerk baits, while 50lb monofilament leader meant the lure didn’t sink down past the fish on long casts. Learn more about the intricacies of jerk baiting barramundi with Tommy Wood by scanning the QR code. The barra in Monduran required a different approach, as the fish were holding a lot tighter to the edge than they were at Awoonga, often in

3ft or less. Black and gold Slick rigs were again the lure of choice, however the standard jighead they used at Awoonga was too heavy for the shallow fish. Instead, the stock jigheads were replaced with TT SL12 1/2oz heads to trim substantial weight off the lure for those shallow fish. Day three was a grind with the team only landing 3 out of 5 fish, however a dropped fish of considerable size was to set the tone for the fourth and final session.

It all played out for the boys in the end when the final scores were tallied up and they’d taken the win by the smallest of margins in a battle for the ages. BIG BARRA Tommy Wood held onto the Venom Rods Big BARRA with his 109cm, 17.12kg Monduran horse that was a turning point for their whole comp. DOWN TO THE WIRE Our second-place father-son team of Rob and Tommy Wood (Team SCmarine Doctor) fought tooth and nail with Schwerin Concreting until the dying Scan the QR code to see a How To: Jerkbaiting Barramundi with Tommy Wood

minutes of the last session. The father-son duo finished the weekend with 18/20 fish for a total weight of 173.27kg and just half a kilogram off their first BARRA victory. Wasting no time in prefish on Lake Awoonga, the pair boated a 120cm fish that would have scored 26kg and taken out Big BARRA by at least 8kg. Some might say peaking too early? Fortunately, Tommy ended up holding onto Big BARRA for the tournament with his 109cm, 17.12kg Monduran

Glen Smith from team Barra Bandits with the previous Big BARRA of 16.84kg before being pipped at the post by Tommy Wood. that I knew fished well on a southeaster and as soon as we did, we banged a whole bag of 90cm+ to fill and upgrade our bag.” This move saw the pair heading to Monduran for the third session in 6th place. At Awoonga, the pair targeted where the thick weed edges finish off the bank in 9-15ft of water. The lures of choice were a Squidgie Slick Rig ‘modded’ with an extra stinger treble under the belly and a Samaki Redic Jerkbait in pink. A Shimano Tranx 200 paired with a 7ft Samaki C12 baitcast rod from Tommy’s proud sponsors at Samaki were the weapons of

“I said to dad we just need to go for it. We need one good fish to close that gap and we know where we can find it.” Going into the final session sitting in 3rd place and 20kg off 1st, the pair returned to where they had dropped a good fish the day before and no sooner had landed a 109cm barra to start them off. Weighing 17.2kg, they had all but closed the gap between them and Schwerin Concreting with one fish. The rest of the bag came in quick succession and according to the app, they were headed home victors with half an hour to go. “We followed Morgo back to the basin to head in before he stopped us to say that Schwerin Concreting had just uploaded another fish to snatch the lead, and we better have one more crack.” And have a crack they did, boating a 95cm fish to close the gap, and it was almost the fish they needed. “Full credit to the Schwerin’s, it’s hard to be upset about losing when it’s that close. Those boys fished really well, especially at Awoonga,” Tommy Wood concluded.

Anglers await briefing at Compleat Angler Gladstone before a big four days of fishing. NOVEMBER 2021

125

Stessl Trophy 590 Territory with Merc 150 ProXS - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

CON

AN THE

DE FOR EX

T FMG

Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

This is the first boat test that I’ve done in the Northern Territory! And it’s even more special since we dodged COVID restrictions to get it done. A window of opportunity opened and we caught up with Mick Denny and his capable team from Precision Marine in Darwin to check out some of the rigs that get a lot of use in the Northern Territory. It says a fair bit about a boat when the dealership chooses it to be their demonstrator/staff boat for the season. It means that it’s the rig that the guys want to go out fishing and camping in (as well as taking customers on test drives, I suppose). And although this looked like a new rig, Mick assured me that it had already been on a few adventures. Chief Precision salesman, Dan Hayes, explained the benefits of the Territory build of this PERFORMANCE RPM.... km/h.....km/L 1000 .......... 5 ..... 1.42 2000........ 11 ..... 1.41 3000........ 26 ..... 2.16 3500 ........ 35 ..... 2.18 4000........ 40 ..... 1.87 4500 ........ 48 ..... 1.71 5000........ 53 ..... 1.65 6000........ 70 ..... 1.34 128

NOVEMBER 2021

Main: The Stessl Trophy hull is deep, strong and ready to take on any of the trips you want to take in the Northern Territory, or your part of Australia. Above: The test rig has been set up as a Precision Marine staff/demo boat, so you can be sure that it’ll get some serious use over the next 12 months. popular Platerix2 hull. “With the 2.5m beam on this hull, we have been able to have this rear centre console rig that allows you to move between the seats, and also fish in the bluewater from the back of the boat,” Dan explained. Some rigs in the Territory keep the seats right against the transom that removes this option. Stessl’s new style console is also impressive – it holds a 16” sounder flushmounted. You can’t do that in some boats that are much longer than this rig. “We like our big electronics in the NT and the customers have been responding favourably to this option,” Dan continued. The other part of the equation is the huge, raised

front casting deck. In the Northern Territory it is important to keep your esky out of the sun and there is more than enough room under this front gate to keep the big esky out of trouble. Also under the front deck is a pair of 12V batteries to give 24V power to the front electric motor. “It is also the small details that make this a great rig for the NT,” explained Dan, “There is not much plastic on this rig, everything is welded that can be: cup holders, rod holders and so on. It makes it last up here!” Precision Marine boss, Mick Denny, explained the rationale of running this boat with the 3L 150 Pro Access rather than the maximum 175hp V6 Mercury.

“It makes the package around $5,000 dollars cheaper and the 150hp motor is actually more efficient than the 175hp,” he said, “That 3L block is as reliable as they come and the transient spark technology gives this rig heaps of power to get up and on the plane.” Of course, Territorians will take advantage of Mercury’s 6-year warranty. You get three years right out of the box and an extra three years if you choose to get your local Mercury dealer to do the annual servicing. “It takes all of the risk out of buying a new outboard,” Mick continued. The test rig was supplied on a twin axle trailer, which is the bare minimum for a

boat of this size. As tested, this rig comes in at around $80,000, although package prices with the 150hp outboard start from around $70,000. SPECIFICATIONS Length: ...................6.0m Beam: .....................2.5m Depth: .....................1.5m Bottom: ..................4mm Sides:......................4mm Max.hp: .................... 175 Capacity:........6 persons

For more information ask at your local Stessl dealer or give Mick and his team a call at Precision Marine in Darwin.

Territorians love the three-across seating. It makes sense to sit towards the back of the boat where it’s most comfortable. Check out the new Stessl console, too. It holds some big electronics.

A massive front casting deck not only gives you height for sight fishing and lure casting, but it makes space underneath for a big esky – a Territory must-have!

The 24V system for the electric motor is secured under the deck up front.

There’s room for your biggest electronics, as well as your accessory gauges at the helm. And some very dry storage for your valuables underneath.

Yep, that’s a mountain of room under the front casting deck.

A transom door and rugged, aluminium fold down steps are standard. The abundance of freeboard keeps out the biting lizards.

Top: The 590 Trophy hull cuts a mean shape heading down the river. Above: Everything you need to reach or check is accessible at the transom.

The other side of the new Stessl console shows a handy grab rail for when you’re moving around while underway.

Keeping your live baits kicking in the built-in transom baitwell is as simple as flicking a switch.

You can see the gunwale here that holds Railblaza mounts and accessories. Very handy.

With the size of this rig, a twin axle trailer is a must. Driving on and off is pretty easy, as long as you get the tides right.

You can keep your readily accessible gear in the side pockets, but they’re not weatherproof. NOVEMBER 2021

129

TESTING BOOTH

PRODUCT GUIDE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

A stealthy approach for the small boat user Power Pole Micro Anchor

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

CON

AN THE

DE FOR EX

parts: this first article will be covering the installation, and the second article will be a review once I have had a bit of time to use it. Is your boat suitable? I first became aware of the Micro Power Pole system when watching a Hobie Bream Grand Final event at the Gold Coast. All of the Hobie kayaks were fitted with systems enabling the users to hold position in shallow water and fish more effectively. From a small boat perspective, most small tinnies will have space on either the port or starboard size to fit a Micro Power Pole. Once fitted, like with the Hobie kayaks, you will be able make your way up into shallow water, lock yourself in position (the pole is 8ft long, so it should hold in 6ft of water), and fish an area without the noise of deploying an anchor or having an electric motor running on spot lock. The Power Pole will decrease the ability for the fish to hear you and reduce your impact on the environment around you. The install You will find herewith a QR Code covering the install process. We (Steve

- SC

As I begin to write this, I cannot think of a more appropriate time to be discussing shallow water anchoring options than right now. As we push into the warmer months the shallows in our estuaries and dams come alive. Whiting, flathead and bream (just to name a few) in the saltwater, and Australian bass, trout and redfin in the fresh. As anyone doing this type of fishing will know, stealth is a key component to better success. This means being very quiet getting to your location, and then also minimising noise once there. Enter the Power Pole Micro Anchoring system. The smaller sibling of the larger hydraulic systems that can be seen on many larger sports fishing boats, it is a compact system that can either be hard wired to your small boat, or can be portable using the clamp bracket and lithium battery accessories available from Power Pole through your local Power Pole outlet. As someone who owns a small tinny and enjoys targeting the above species, I have the task of testing the Power Pole Micro Anchor, which I will be doing in two

You can either purchase your Micro Power Pole system as a single unit and hard wire it to your small boat or alternatively you can purchase the clamp bracket and lithium battery accessories and make your unit completely transferable between boats.

The only assembly when using the clamp bracket is to attach the mount to the bracket, the unit to the mount and the battery to the unit. All tools required are supplied.

Left: It took no more than 15 minutes to have the unit ready to use and attached to the author’s boat using the clamp bracket. Right: Steve explaining to the author how easy the unit is to use. Double click either up or down and the Micro Power Pole unit does the rest for you. 130

NOVEMBER 2021

Morgan and myself) decided that we would use the clamp bracket system initially to find the best place to eventually mount the anchor system and then hard wire down the track. I am the first to admit that when it comes to installing most things, I am better off getting someone else to do it. At times it feels like I make what is simple complex, however, in the case of the Micro Power Pole that was not the case. When using the clamp bracket, there is no need to drill any holes and all tools required were supplied. From go to whoa it took about 15 minutes to have an operational Micro Power Pole. So simple to use Once the pole is in place (inserted into the top of the unit) you have four methods of operating it. The top of the unit has up and down buttons, and you are provided with a lanyard and toggle or a boat mount with similar buttons. Another option is to download the C-Monster control system app to your phone and control it using that. You can manually depress the buttons to move the pole up or down, however the best process is to double press the

button and let the unit do all the work for you. Two presses down will see the anchor go down searching for the bottom, once it finds the bottom it locks down with a few additional pushes and you are set to fish. Two presses of the up button reverses the process, stowing the pole in the correct position. During travel, the pole can remain in place or be removed and placed in your boat. I will be traveling with it in the boat rather than having an 8ft pole above the transom. Time to hit the water Thankfully we are not far off sending this issue to the printers allowing me a bit more time to get out on the water and put the Power Pole Micro Anchor system through its paces. I have to say that I am very impressed with how simple and effective the system looks to be. I can see some shallow flats fishing for flathead in my very near future. To check them out for yourself, go to your nearest Power Pole outlet. To find them go to www.power-pole.com.au. Peter Jung

visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!

SCAN THE QR CODE!

MAKING MEMORIES SINCE 1953

www.whittleyboats.com.au

SL25 HT OB

Boat, motor, trailer package from $166,990* GOLD COAST F 8/9, 1 Boatworks Drive, Coomera, QLD, 4209 Laurie Jackson 0409 830 078 laurie@whittley.com.au

SYDNEY U 2, 2 Waterways Court, Rozelle, NSW, 2039 Brock Cohen 0478 834 753 brock@whittley.com.au

NEWCASTLE U 4, 1 Kullara Close Beresfield, Newcastle, NSW, 2322 John Cohen 0421 922 650 johnc@whittley.com.au

MELBOURNE 12 & 14 Somerton Park Drive, Campbellfield, VIC, 3061 Alan Whittley 0421 170 192 alan@whittley.com.au

*The MRRP (Manufacturers Recommended Retail Price) is the estimated drive away price for private Australian customers only, for the standard base Whittley BMT package. The estimated drive away price includes all local taxes, minimal dealer pre delivery costs, freight from the Whittley Factory Melbourne to the closest capital city in each state (except Darwin), basic marine safety equipment and 12 months registration costs on the Trailer and Boat. Images may show options fitted which aren’t included as standard.

NOVEMBER 2021

131