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• SPINNERBAIT KNOW-HOW • CATCH AN EASTER FEAST • Technique Spotlight

Elliot Fooks shares his spinnerbait tricks and techniques QLD

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Spinnerbait tips and techniques • Snag-proof your soft plastics • How to fillet a mahimahi • DIY life jacket service • Fish stocking debate • Hobie Kayaks: the naked truth •

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OUR COVER April 2021, Vol. 1 No.12 VIC

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QUEENSLAND Gold Coast Southern Bay Brisbane Northern Bay Noosa Bundaberg Gladstone Mackay Whitsundays Townsville Hinchinbrook Cairns Port Douglas Cooktown Lucinda Cape York Freshwater Kayaking NEW SOUTH WALES Pittwater Sydney North Sydney Rock Sydney South Ballina Coffs Harbour Hastings Forster Port Stephens Swansea Central Coast Illawarra Batemans Bay Bermagui Tathra New England Rivers Hunter Valley Lithgow/Oberon Albury/Wodonga Batlow Canberra VICTORIA West Coast Warrnambool Cobden Apollo Bay Geelong Port Phillip West Port Phillip East Phillip Island Gippsland Lakes Lakes Entrance Bemm River Marlo Mallacoota Robinvale Bendigo Ballarat Wangaratta Yarrawonga Shepparton Crater Lakes Eildon West/South Gippsland TASMANIA Hobart 6

APRIL 2021

From the editor’s Desk...

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This mangrove jack took a liking to a well-presented live mullet in Cudgen Creek. It put up a very fast and erratic fight before being landed by Leon McClymont. An Ashley Jones image.

I reckon that I’ve seen a lot of the East Coast in the last couple of months. We’ve been from East Gippsland in Victoria to Sydney, and the Central Coast/Hunter Valley, as well as the local haunts in Queensland. And what I’m seeing is a lot of people fishing. How long will this COVID spike keep up for? It’s anyone’s guess. Some think that the imminent termination of the JobKeeper payments will put on the brakes. Others think that it’ll remain busy until the return of international travel. Some think even longer. Whatever the case, I’m sure that nobody knows for sure what’s happening next month let alone over the next few years. Average Weight/angler 5.50

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

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REGULAR FEATURES Spinnerbait tips and techniques Starlo’s back to basics Tech Tricks DIY life jacket service Sheik of the Creek WIRF What’s New Fishing Recfishwest Tournament Calendar Track my Fish Trades and Services Hobie kayak review Tide page

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We were buoyant about the new Net Free area of Gippsland Lakes, though. Taking the catch rates from the last few ABT BREAM events in the area, there’s already a noticeable increase in angler weights for the bags they weigh in at a tournament. You can see by the graph hereabouts that the removal of nets are benefiting this cohort of anglers in the short term. But longer term, it’s also great to see that the VFA is proactive in their plan to help the system become an angling Mecca even more quickly. Modified regulations, stocking and habitat restoration are all part of the plan. Moving north and we spent an interesting exercise in March attempting to live broadcast tournament fishing to the masses. The Daiwa BREAM Australian Open is the pinnacle of BREAM events in Australia and runs on two major Sydney waterways – the Harbour and the Hawkesbury River. There’s always a shred of doubt in our minds when attempting things like this. Firstly, is the technology, but secondly, is there an appetite for viewing? Considering that the number of people trying to access the live scoreboard on Day 3 overwhelmed the server capacity, I’d say that the answer to the last question is a resounding yes! People love following fishing live. I suppose it’s just another sporting event with a footprint longer than the footy, but shorter than a test match. Broadly, fishing is in a good place. We look forward to you all continuing to ride the wave, enjoy the magazine and sending us your pics from out on the water.

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How to: Spinnerbait tricks and techniques sitting fairly still in shallow water trying to warm up with the sun, or if there are schooling forage species such as bony bream in the dam they may be grouped up in open water eating these small silver fish. Up in the shallows, small, lightly weighted spinnerbaits that can be worked slowly will get the best results. Pausing the retrieve will see them falling slowly, with the blades helicoptering

BRISBANE

Elliot Fooks

Spinnerbaits are nothing new in the fishing world, and Aussie anglers have been including these strange contraptions to their arsenal for over 25 years. Spinnerbaits have changed quite a bit from the days when they bore a closer resemblance to a coat hanger with Christmas decorations than a fishing lure. Nowadays, these compact and extremely versatile lures are a staple for many fishers, and while the lures have changed, a lot of the techniques and theories are the same. SPINNERBAITS AND FRIENDS Traditionally, a spinnerbait consists of a

These lures really shine on bass, and in dirty water like this they can be a presentation that outshines others.

Sooty grunter will take spinnerbaits readily, and usually aren’t fussy about colours. weighted head with a single hook, with a body made of a skirted material or a soft plastic trailer, sometimes both. Extending from the weighted head is a wire arm with a kink, where the line is usually tied. On this arm is one of more blades that catch the water when pulled along and spin, sending out vibrations and flash though the water. The most common blades are Colorado blades, which are rounded, and Willow blades, which look a bit like a willow leaf. Sure, they don’t really resemble anything in the animal kingdom, but no one 8

APRIL 2021

to try to replicate these fish. Heavy 3/8-1/2oz models in white and grey that will get down to 20-30 feet fairly quickly can be deadly when worked slowly through a school. It doesn’t always work, but if the fish are really keyed into the bony bream it should at least draw a bit of interest. YELLOWBELLY Yellowbelly are another species that respond well to spinnerbait techniques.

can argue with the results! Variations of this lure have become available over the years, such as beetle spins, jig spins, chatterbaits and buzzbaits, which are all often used in similar situations. In this article though, we’ll focus on the traditional skirted spinnerbait with a fixed wire arm. TACKLE Given that spinnerbaits can be used for a wide range of species, from bass in small streams to impoundment Murray cod over 40kg in large lakes, the preferred tackle for spinnerbait users varies widely. There are

certain principles that apply across the board, however. Unless using tiny 1/8oz models or lighter, baitcast tackle is highly recommended. An appropriately weighted baitcaster will give you the authority to throw heavy lures like spinnerbaits, and the control you can achieve with a baitcaster is very useful when fishing the snaggy terrain where these lures shine. Baitcast tackle also has the advantage of maintaining direct contact with the lure at all times, meaning you can feel everything through the rod. Being able to feel every vibration, contact with snags and bite will make your spinnerbait experience much more enjoyable, and you’ll likely land more fish. SPINNERBAIT SPECIES There are a huge range of species around the world that will respond to these lures, and knowing the right conditions to throw them for each species is good knowledge to have. The main Australian species that are regularly taken on spinnerbaits are bass, yellowbelly, Murray cod, saratoga and sooty grunter. There are other species that will take spinnerbaits, but we’ll focus on these five. BASS This is perhaps the most well-known spinnerbait taker, and the species with which all the original hype started back in the ‘90s. In the early days of ABT, tournament anglers would cast white Kokoda spinnerbaits at the lake’s edges and claim dozens of bass in a single session. While impoundment bass have since become a bit more educated, so have anglers, and spinnerbaits are still as deadly on this species as they ever were. Spinnerbaits can be used all year successfully for bass

(with the exception of the closed season in rivers), but the technique changes with the seasons. In spring and summer bass will be fizzed up, with their metabolism picking up after winter. In rivers and impoundments, they will be relating to structures such as timber, weed or rock and more than willing to leave their cover to chase anything that looks tasty. Heavy 1/4-3/8oz models in bright colours such as chartreuse and white are perfect for these aggressive fish. Spinnerbaits are fantastic when worked through cover, as their wire arm acts like a weed guard, particularly if you maintain a steady wind as you feel it bump over the structure. This is basically knocking on the fish’s door, and when it all becomes too much they should dash out and snaffle the spinnerbait. As it cools off a bit, bass will slow down. In impoundments where they can be targeted through the winter, they’ll either be

Spinnerbaits are seemingly made for Murray cod, and even smaller fish struggle to turn them down. and sending out flash and vibration to fish from afar. The ‘noisy’ colours preferred in spring and summer might be a little much for winter bass in the shallows, with more natural colours being more suitable. If fishing around a bony bream school, it makes sense

Being a foraging species that prefers the comfort of heavy cover, they lend themselves to these weird creations. The first thing to remember with yellas is that they are very seasonal with their feeding habits. They are at their most active in spring and summer, becoming more

Bait casters and spinnerbaits go hand-in-hand.

difficult in autumn, and becoming difficult to almost uncatchable in winter. In the spring when they are seeking warmth in the sunlit shallows, whether in a lake or river, they are very

responsive to spinnerbaits. In some cases, fish can be seen sitting motionless in the skinny water as they catch the first rays of the morning. It’s simple, if you see one sitting there, throw a spinnerbait

in front of it and see what happens. Sometimes they require the more subtle touch of a soft plastic or fly, but spinnerbaits are a good allrounder in spring. Weights of 1/8-1/4oz work

There’s a huge range of spinnerbaits on the market today, from all across the angling world.

well in the shallows for this small-mouthed forager. As it warms up over summer, the yellas will sit deeper, often forming schools in lakes, and huddling closer together in the thickest of snags in the rivers. Spinnerbaits are still a great all round bait, however heavier models such as 1/4-1/2oz models may be needed to reach these depths comfortably. Feeling the structure through your rod as the spinnerbait bounces over pieces of cover is a great way to ‘map out’ the depths as you fish your way around. Repeated casts to likely areas are a good idea when chasing yellas, as they may take a bit of persuasion to bite when it’s hot. MURRAY COD Spinnerbaits are a lure virtually made for this incredibly aggressive species. I can’t begin to imagine how many Murray cod have been taken on spinnerbaits and lures like them. Going cod fishing without any of these lures is like going to a St Patrick’s Day event without a case of Guinness. All jokes aside, you’d be mad not to have a range of larger spinnerbaits for your cod missions, and anything from 1/4oz and right up to 2oz (and possibly beyond) isn’t too silly to

In the warmer months, when yellowbelly are most active, spinnerbaits can outfish a lot of other lures. be throwing. At any time of the year, a spinnerbait is a good way to cover lots of water

searching for this territorial species, and having the ability to work it right up To page 10

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Central

OLD

Baitfish schools return BUNDABERG

Luke Truant

We haven’t had many good weather windows lately, but when we have gone out the fishing has ranged from above average to amazing. We have filled the box with reef fish nearly every time. Spanish mackerel have been biting as well, and

the average size is rapidly increasing, with 20kg fish now not uncommon. The run of lots of small fish (just legal to 5kg) is over, and now there are fewer fish but they’re larger. The Spanish are following the bait schools, and you can catch them trolling big dead baits or use a live bait such as a big pike. In fact, catching pike is part of the fun of targeting Spanish mackerel.

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You can collect these live baits by flicking little hardbodies around the rocks along the coast on the way out. All you need is a 1-3kg rod and a handful of cheap crankbaits. The pike jump and carry on, so they’re great fun for kids. When it comes to bottom fishing, grass emperor are a standout. They have started to show up in good numbers, and there are some big fish in the mix. The best bait is big squid; the grassies just can’t help themselves when they see one. You can fish your squid on a standard paternoster, or

Using big baits will help you get solid reds.

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a running sinker rig. I run my sinker down to a swivel, then use a 50cm length of trace (the same as I use for snapper). Having your sinker sitting on the swivel rather than on the hook lets the bait move more naturally. Use as light a sinker as you can to reach the bottom. You’re not quite float lining, but not far from it. We’ve been getting some really good cobia lately. If you want to catch cobes you can target them with live baits around the wrecks, preferably at night. Be aware that big reef jacks (5-10kg) inhabit the same areas at the same times, although they tend to hold closer to structure than the cobia do. Always be alert and prepared for a sudden jack attack. I use mono leader for most species, but if I’m targeting

cobia I beef up my leader to 100lb fluorocarbon. You want your leader to have really high abrasion resistance because cobia tend to swallow the bait right down. Cheap fluoro off eBay isn’t good enough for this scenario. I prefer Berkley Vanish, which is very hardy, but no doubt there are other quality fluoros that will do the job just fine. When hooked, both cobia and jacks will head straight for structure, and the first stage of the fight is similar. However, when the cobia realises it can’t reach the wreck, it will then head to the surface, whereas a jack will never do that. Interestingly, we’ve had a couple of trips without sharks, and have landed some really nice red emperor. Lately we

have been using large mullet strips on paternoster rigs, but you can also get good results with big squid heads or cuttle heads. When it comes to baits, reds don’t really care as long as the bait is big. Bizarrely, where we’ve been catching the reds the tealeaf trevally have been thick, and it’s been hard to get through them to find the reds. It seems that the bigger the bait, the more trevally you attract. You might not know that tealeaf trevally are spectacular eating if you bleed them immediately and put them in a brine slurry. They have white flesh like a reef fish, and taste even better than a grass emperor. They will freeze too – just be sure to cut all of the bloodline out so you are left with pure white flesh. If you do find that you’re getting sharked, you have to move a significant distance – far enough so they can’t follow you. I’m talking miles, not metres. We are just starting to see the first baitfish schools, which means we can send livies down for big reds. We are in for some very exciting fishing for the next month or two. As soon as you get livies you’re in the running for big predators like gold-spot cod, reds and trout. Put a single hook through the bottom of the livie’s mouth, up through the nose and make sure the loop

on the paternoster is long, at least 9-12” out from the main line. If you don’t know how to tie a dropper/paternoster loop, watch a YouTube video to learn how. I have seen too many inexperienced anglers tie a figure-8 knot on their droppers, and lose good fish because of it. In my experience, April is the month with the fewest offshore weather windows, so make the most of any opportunity you get. Alternatively, if the weather is bad you can fish inshore for the grassies. There are good numbers in 8-10m of water on the coastal reefs, so there’s always an option to catch a feed. • Truansea Charters specialise in 10-hour day trips chasing prized reef targets such as coral trout and red emperor, as well as arm-stretching pelagics like Spanish mackerel. The maximum number of anglers is 6, so you’ll never feel crowded. The price is $300pp (or $275 pp if you book the whole boat), which includes all gear, fuel, bait, ice, chilled water/ soft drinks and laughs! You’re welcome to bring your own reef fishing gear if you prefer. Other charter options include half-day reef trips, half day river trips and private guiding. To find out more visit www. truansea.com.au, or you can Like them on Facebook or call Luke on 0423 015 490.

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APRIL 2021

Using live baits makes it easier to dial in on a bigger class of red emperor.

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Tech Tricks

Step by step guide to filleting mahimahi BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

Whether you call them mahi mahi, dolphinfish or dorado, there is no denying that they are an extremely hard fighting, acrobatic and tasty species. Mahimahi (coryphaenidae hippurus) is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical offshore waters right around the globe and is one of the fastest growing species in the ocean. Fish less than two years old have been documented to reach weights in excess of 25kg. Mahimahi will often be found around offshore

structure, such as anchored buoys and transient flotsam, even something as simple as a single palm frond, breakaway commercial fishing buoy or Styrofoam lid. Mahimahi are fairly ravenous predators and often easy to hook once you locate them. They will engulf a lot of different lures and baits, especially live baitfish. They are one of the best pelagic species to eat, therefore maximising the yield from a single fish is desirable. There is a neat way of filleting them that is super easy and will leave you with a skinless and boneless fillet. Let’s check it out.

Use just the tip of the knife to penetrate the mahimahi, no more than 1cm deep, where the back fin attaches to the body. Begin cutting along this line just deep enough to penetrate the skin.

The first thing you have to do is go and catch that mahimahi! Brain spike (iki jime) and bleed it immediately and put into an ice slurry. With this filleting method you are able to process even a large fish with a relatively small 15cm bladed knife. Ensure the knife is super sharp to make the process easier and more efficient.

Continue right along the back to the crest of the head and then from the gills all the way down to the tail. Ensure this incision is little more than skin deep. I like to do the other side also at this stage, however you can do it later (after step 11) if you wish.

You will find that the skin at the top of the head will come away easily. Grip this with your fingers (or some sort of plier if you’re struggling) and peel backwards whilst keeping the angle of pull flat with the fillet. Peeling from the head back is much easier and cleaner than from the tail forward. 44

APRIL 2021

Cut around the pectoral fin to join up the two cuts at the head of the fish. This cut can go right down to backbone depth.

Continue until you have peeled the entire skin off the flesh all the way back to the tail. This can usually be done in a single motion on most fish. You will see there is virtually no flesh left on the skin.

Tech Tricks

You will be able to peel the entire skin off in one piece and leave a clean fillet on the mahimahi with the right technique. If you have cut too deeply when initially severing the skin then you may be left with a small strip of flesh still on the skin at the belly.

Once you have done this along both sides of the fillet, grip the fillet at the tail and lift whilst running the knife blade along the top of the spine nodules. If the last two deep cuts have been accurate, the rest of the fish will fall away from the fillet.

11 Next use your knife on an angle to remove the remaining rib bones. These are possible to cut out during Step 8 if you are careful.

Next cut along each side of the central (pin) bones up to almost halfway along the fillet. Remove this thin strip totally and discard.

Next repeat your original cuts on both the back and belly sides yet this time penetrate deeper until the point of the knife hits the backbone nodules. The flat of the knife blade will be guided by the vertebrae so that you get all the flesh with a single cut.

This is how your fillet should look. You will note that there is virtually no flesh left on that side of the carcass. A sharp knife is very important for this clean look.

Remove the fillet off the other side of the carcass using the same method and trim out the rib bone.

By using this method, you can fillet several fish quickly and be left with boneless and skinless fillets. Enjoy one of the tastiest pelagic species you will ever eat. APRIL 2021

All are welcome at WIRF WIRF

Cara Cummings

The WIRF network celebrated its third anniversary last month along with the remarkable achievements of its momentum and growth during this time. Our membership has increased to over 2.5k women who all share the same passion. This network is a space for women of all backgrounds, experience levels and ages to connect and share in their love of fishing, give and receive advice or perhaps to pick up a brand-new hobby. Regardless of how little or how much knowledge our members have, we can all learn from one another,

Kim Fairhurst with her bream. post fishing photos and adventures and join in on discussions covering many interesting topics! Although this group is primarily for women

WIRF Leader Michelle Brittain with Paul Worsteling on iFish.

living in Victoria, we also happily encourage female anglers from other states or countries to join. LEADERS IN THE MEDIA The ‘WIRF’ name is steadily increasing and becoming greater known within the industry, thanks to many of our hardworking Leaders who are spruiking the name and are seizing opportunities that are presented. Michelle Brittain headed out to film alongside Paul Worsteling as a special guest on IFISH. Michelle shared some of her secret hot spots in Western Port Bay and landed some monster squid, whiting and snapper. She also talks about the network and shares many tips and hints. To see Michelle in action head to 10Play to catch up on this episode (iFish – S15 Ep.15). Tiffany Newton was a guest on the new Talking

Fishing Podcast on 3MP with David Kramer and Adam Ring. “It was a great opportunity to talk about the WIRF network, what we have been up to and how far we have come.” – Tiffany. MEMBERS BRAG MAT The following three stories are highlights from the latest activity within the network. Not only do these women share their catches but they are also more than happy to answer questions and provide tips to the other members. Heather Delamare enjoyed a beautiful day fishing the Edwards River near Moulamein NSW. She caught two small Murray cod and when her fishing rod went ‘bang’, she knew she was onto a winner. “There were big swirls in the water, I got a glimpse and saw it was a Murray cod, my heart started racing. I brought him up to the boat and got him in our net. At 73cm I was so excited. What a catch, it certainly made my day!” – Heather. Kim Fairhurst was in Lakes Entrance, filming for Oz Fish TV. “We had been out the night before

Tiffany with her 84cm Murray cod caught at Torrumbarry, as mentioned during the podcast. WIRF MEET UP GROUPS Very soon, some of our Leaders will be running virtual local meet up groups (within Victoria) for like-

RECIPES THAT ARE ‘WIRF’ IT

Battered flathead tails with hand cut vinegar chips INGREDIENTS

(SERVES 4) 8 flathead tails 1 1/4 cups plain flour Salt 1/2 cups cold soda water 4 potatoes 2 cups double strength vinegar Sunflower oil (or vegetable) for frying

APRIL 2021

METHOD

1. Using a 1/4 cup of plain flour, coat the flathead tails and set aside. 2. Peel and cut your potatoes into chips (2cm thick). Place into a saucepan and cover with the vinegar. Par boil for 10 min or until the chips are soft when pricked with a knife. Remove from heat when done, spread out in a single layer and allow to completely cool. 3. Mix the batter by adding 1 cup plain flour with 1 cup of soda water. If the mix is too thick, add a little extra soda. Season with salt. Do not over mix the batter. 4. In a deep saucepan or wok, heat your oil (medium-high). Once oil is hot, dip the flathead into the batter and gently place into oil. Leave for 3 minutes before turning. Fish is done once batter has turned golden. 5. Once the fish is cooked, turn down the heat a little and add the chips, these will take 8-10 minutes to cook through and crisp up. 6. Sprinkle your fish and chips with salt and serve with a wedge of lemon and tartare!

Caitlin Berecry with her catch from the Snowy River. prawning and crabbing so the next day we decided to try our luck at the Mitchell River. We fished the lake side as the water was very murky on the riverside due to rain. I was so excited when I caught the biggest bream for the day measuring 40cm. Fair to say I definitely didn’t let the team down.” – Kim Caitlin Berecry caught a lovely bass out of brackish water in the Snowy River. There was much discussion over whether this was in fact a bass or an estuary perch, given the area is home to both species. General consensus resulted in bass. What do you think?

minded women who are keen to take up fishing, learn new skills or perhaps impart their own knowledge. Initially these groups will be run virtually. The ultimate goal however, is to be able to meet up throughout the year at individualised locations and get together for a fun fishing day out. To stay updated on this new and exciting project, please make sure that you are a member of our Facebook WIRF group. This month’s ‘Recipes that are WIRF it’ was seen on Ch 31’s Talking Fishing TV show, or you can catch up via YouTube. To stay up to date and see what else has been happening within the network and for upcoming events, please head to our Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/ womenrecfishing/ or via the VFA website/Facebook page. Are you a WIRF member? If not, we’d love to have you on board! Join us on FB today.

Heather Delamare with a Murray cod.

HOBIE FISHING FISHING

PRESENTED BYBY PRESENTED BY PRESENTED

* HOBIE FISHING WORLDS QUALIFYING ROUND * HOBIE FISHING WORLDS QUALIFYING ROUND

ROUND DATE ROUND DATE Rnd 01 * Rnd 01 * Rnd 02 * Rnd 02 * Rnd 03 Rnd 03 Rnd 04 * Rnd 04 * Rnd 05 * Rnd 05 * Rnd 06 Rnd 06 Rnd 07 * Rnd 07 * Rnd 08 * Rnd 08 * Rnd 09 Rnd 09 Rnd 10 Rnd 10

EVENT LOCATION EVENT LOCATION

Mar 13 - 14 VIC | Nicholson River Mar 13 - 14 VIC | Nicholson River

Mar 20 - 21 Mar 20 - 21 Apr 10 - 11 Apr 10 - 11 May 15 - 16 May 15 - 16 Jun 05 - 06 Jun 05 - 06 Jun 12 - 13 Jun 12 - 13 Jun 19 - 20 Jun 19 - 20 Jul 17 - 18 Jul 17 - 18 Sept 11 - 12 Sept 11 - 12 Oct 09 - 10 Oct 09 - 10

SPONSOR SPONSOR

EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE

** ALL DETAILS, LOCATIONS, AND DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Naturally Magic

hobiefishing.com.au

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WHAT’S NEW SAMAKI DREAMTIME SHIRT

PRODUCT GUIDE

DAIWA INFEET SPIKE 53SP

Fresh to the Samaki line-up is the Dreamtime shirt, featuring a collection of saltwater species for every female angler out there. The soft subtle scale pattern has been designed from the ground up to bring a feminine take to ladies fishing polos. Marlin, tuna, snapper and barramundi feature at the heart of the shirt, sitting atop a queen-like shield for all the gals. The lightweight fabric is perfect for all outdoor elements, protecting you from the harsh suns with Samaki’s UV50+ resistant technology. The soft touch 100% polyester material is comfortable on the body, and has the added benefit of being breathable, keeping you cool and dry. Samaki designs are brought to you by Australian anglers who love to design Australian species. Dreamtime shirts are available in adult, youth and kids sizes from size 2 through to 2XL, allowing the whole family to get in on the action and out onto the water. For more information and stockists, visit the Samaki website or follow Samaki Fishing on Instagram and Facebook. www.samaki.com.au

The popular Daiwa Infeet Spike has made a return in 2021. Made in Japan and featuring the design and performance that has made the Spike famous on and off the tournament trail in Australia, the new Spike is available in 12 proven fish catching colours, and has been meticulously designed for Australian species. Measuring 53mm in length and 5g in weight, and diving to a depth of 2m, the Infeet Spike is a suspending crankbait that features a weight transferring internal rattle to aid its underwater resonance and sound, while the rattle’s forward and rear transfer position ensures optimum castability and maximum casting distance. Featuring BKK hooks and designed with bream and bass anglers in the mind, the new Infeet Spike 53SP is destined for big things in 2021. www.daiwafishing.com.au

SHOCKWAVE S5 SUSPENSION

Mercury Marine’s Next Gen DTS system brings together an enhanced operating system, improved ergonomic designs and additional user-friendly features. The new system is replacing the former control system for use with all DTS compatible Mercury sterndrive, inboard, diesel and outboard engines. The Verado engine family comes standard with Next Gen DTS controls. Active Trim activation and adjustment buttons are now integrated on the Next Gen DTS control base, eliminating the need for an additional control panel on the dash. Active Trim automatically and continuously adjusts engine trim based on changes in GPS speed to improve performance, fuel economy and ease of operation. The operating system not only supports basic functions but has also been upgraded to intelligently and automatically enhance throttle control for connected SmartCraft systems such as Joystick Piloting and Skyhook. For single-engine configurations, there are panel and console mount controls. For multi engine configurations, boaters can choose the standard dual-handle console mount controls or the Premier dual-handle model, which includes a digital display integrated into the control base, to help you stay fully connected with the propulsion system through all phases of boat operation. www.mercurymarine.com

The Shockwave S5 gives recreational boaters access to marine suspension technology that has been tested for years with the military. The S5 is redefining the standard of marine suspension seats. This new suspension module allows boaters to be better protected from the shock of wave impact. The new S5 fits on virtually any boat and seat, allowing boaters of any size or design to benefit from suspension seating on the water. The surge protection suspension travel is 100mm vertical and 38mm forward, mitigating deceleration associated with wave impacts. Features include: simple robust construction with minimal parts, lightweight (9kg), diecast aluminium components, stainless steel hardware, high life cycle delrin bushings, military spec powdercoat finish, adjustable RockShox Shock absorber for all payloads and sea conditions, external bump stop protection, adjustable rebound rate, and 3-year warranty under recreational use. Price: SRP $2,159 www.bla.com.au

HOBIE MIRAGE ITREK 11

The Mirage iTrek 11 inflatable kayak is built for everything from day trips to overnight escapes. Its high-performance lightweight construction boasts the speed, stability, and tracking of a rigid kayak without the extra weight. It packs away in a roller duffle bag, so minimal storage space is required. The iTrek 11’s elevated seating features a cup holder and breathable nano-mesh fabric. Powered by the MirageDrive GT with Kick-Up Fins and integrated rudder for dual steering, this kayak is fun, nimble, and fast. The steering handle can be mounted on the left or right side of seat. It’s also ultra-stable with a 400lb carrying capacity. The rugged inflatable dropstitch hull has triple-chamber construction and EVA standing pads for improved traction. Attached to each side of the centre chamber is a single-chamber pontoon, providing you with an extra-wide platform for a stable ride. Its improved hull design delivers even more stability and increases total capacity, so you have plenty of room for all your gear. A 4-piece paddle, high-pressure hand pump, high-volume electric pump and drink holder are all included inside an easy-load rolling travel bag that’s portable and stowable. www.hobie.com.au

102

APRIL 2021

MERCURY NEXT GEN THROTTLE

ZMAN 3” BABY GOAT

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

From buzzing topwater to hopping deep structure, the 3” Baby GOAT has the power to thump and vibrate at all retrieve speeds. This versatility is due to the twin action tails that feature the same unique curved paddletail design found on other proven ZMan plastics. The GOAT’s segmented, slightly flattened torso transitions to dual thin-skinned kicking legs, each finished with a pulsating, deeply cupped paddle. Soft and buoyant, the 10X Tough ElaZtech construction means more fish per lure and a natural ‘claws up’ stance when at rest on the bottom, attracting fish and triggering strikes. Buzzing the surface, swimming the flats, twitching the drains or hopping deeper structure, the 3” Baby GOAT covers multiple presentations, and can be rigged weedless or on a standard jighead. It is also right at home as a ChatterBait, spinnerbait, buzzbait and skirted jig trailer. It is currently available in six colours, with six tails per pack. Price: SRP $15.30 www.z-man.com.au

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

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South Coast

LIGHT, POWERFUL, DURABLE… NO SACRIFICES MERCURY

Autumn adventures NO COMPROMISES INTUITIVE CONTROL ESPERANCE

Murray Johnson

NO APOLOGIES

We have enjoyed some great fishing in recent weeks, with the salmon continuing to school and spread along the beaches between the Cliffs right through to Albany. The size has remained consistent at around 4-8kg, and mixed in are some tailor up to 600mm, plus lots of herring, skippy and flathead. Choice beaches close to town have Oli Stevensonn with a cracking samsonfish. continued to be Salmon Image courtesy of @olistevensonn. Beach, Fourth Beach, and Nine Mile. anglers and holidaymakers. the peak period for squid Anglers fishing at Further out of town, being the middle of winter. Tailor Street jetty have the salmon are continuing We are still seeing sand been getting good numbers to school, followed whiting in the bay, and MELBOURNE of ALBERTON herring, particularly closely by bronze whalers. bluefin tuna have continued after dark. AtMARINE this time of Anglers are also picking MARINE to hang around too, with ALBERTON MELBOURNE CENTRE good numbers year39 we get marsh flies up the occasional gummy Johnson Street Alberton 92 Hallam South Road Hallam of fish up laying their eggs in the shark and mulloway, along to the 10kg mark. Choice P: (03)and 5183the 2344herring with the normal P: (03) 9703 2003 weed, skippy areas have been the closer (03)maggots. 5183 2219As you and herring. W: melbournemarine.com.au eat F:the islands around Charlie and would expect, maggots (or The choice fishing Cull, with the fish tending W: albertonmarine.com.au ‘gents’) are great baits at is still duringMORNINGTON the full PENINSULA to stay close to shore in the thisBENDIGO time. moon and newMYmoon on bay. Out wider the schools MARINE BENDIGO Bandy Creek has& been the bigger tides dawn Highway are bigger. CnratNepean & MARINE OUTDOORS Guys heading wide Ponderosa Place Dromana 160 Midland Highway Epsom have been encountering P: (03) 5448 3988 P: (03) 5987 0900 good numbers of samsonfish, with quite a W: bendigomarine.com.au W: mymarine.com.au few over 30kg. Yellowtail kings are also starting to MORNINGTON PENINSULA MELBOURNE school up, with fish up NAUTICAL MARINE BL MARINE to 15kg being caught. 141 Hotham Road 612- 614 Plenty Road Preston There is also good bottom Sorrento P: (03) 9478 1420 fishing for nannygai, lots of breaksea cod, queen F: (03) 9470 4638 P: (03) 5984 1666 snapper, harlequin and still W: blmarine.com.au E: info@nauticalmarine.com.au plenty of dhufish as well. W: nauticalmarine.com.au Dhufish are normally rare SHEPPARTON for our part of the coast but BOATS AND MORE TOORADIN we’ve been catching more P&J MARINE SERVICE CENTRE 207 Numurkah Road Shepparton and more ofP/L them. Areas west Road of town or far south, P: (03) 5822 2108 101 Tooradin Station Tooradin around 50-80km out, been F: (03) 5821 2908 P: (03) 5998 3107 the most productive areas W: boatsandmore.com.au E: pjmarine_services@bigpond.com for them. That’s probably because the water is a bit MORWELL colder there, which the GEELONG CRAWFORD MARINE dhuies seem to like. PORTSIDE MARINE CENTRE APRIL FORECAST 71-77 Chickerell Street Morwell 36-38 Geelong Road Portarlington Lachy Bigger skippy will be P: (03) 5134Warren 6522 with a beautifully coloured P: (03) 5259 1110 harlequin. Image courtesy of @lachy_warren. caught by shore fishers this F: (03) 5134 6455 E: info@portsidemarinecentre.com.au month, with specimens up W: crawfordmarine.com.au firing with good numbers and dusk, and W: at portsidemarinecentre.com.au night. I to 8kg not unheard of. As of King George whiting, recommend getting there the weather cools, more ECHUCA along with the occasional two hours before dark to gummies and mulloway MELBOURNE black catch salmon skippy and SHOP will be caught as well. The EADESbream, XTREME flounder MARINE THE MARINE and24 flathead. herring, and when it gets salmon will continue their Sturt Street Echuca 6 Holland Drive Melton The arrival of cooler dark that they’ll shut run through to Perth and P: (03) 5482 2333 (03)switch 9747 0588 weather will also start down and you P: can then start turning around 5482 turn 2133 up off to targeting gummies F: (03) 9747 to F: see(03)squid and 3999 and coming back around xtrememarine.net.au the W: jetties. mulloway. Bronzies tend the Easter period. W: themarineshop.com.au The other great news to cruise around both day It’s also a good time for BRAESIDE Esperance is that the and night. MELBOURNE to chase squid, as they original tanker WORLD jetty is now Anglers heading out will be gathering in bigger JV MARINE TRIPLE M MARINE complete, and this has east to Israelite Bay have numbers in readiness to 878 Springvale Road Braeside 117 Northgate Thomastown opened up the opportunity seen bigger numbers of Drive spawn in the cooler water. 9798a 8883 P: (03) 9465 for P: a (03) fishing 450m long mulloway, with guys 8787 • Established in 1986, F: (03) jetty in 9798 the 7554 middle of getting up toF: a(03)dozen Southern Sports and Tackle 9466 1418 town. Traditionally this fish per night. W: Averaging specializes in the supply W: jvmarine.com.au triplemmarine.com.au has been the main fishing around the metre mark. and servicing of fishing area and always produces The occasional big gummy equipment. They have an great herring, squid and going 6’6” isn’t uncommon. extensive knowledge of the garfish, along with other Boat-based anglers local area and provide all visitors such as sweep, the in the bay are seeing brands, whether you’re occasional King George increased numbers of squid fishing from beach, jetty or whiting and even the odd with the water temperature boat. Come and chat to the samsonfish. The jetty is starting to drop. Catches friendly staff at Shop 16, solely for fishing, so it’s will continue to improve The Boulevard, Esperance great news for both local in the coming months, with or phone 08 9071 3022.

VIC MERCURY DEALERS

LIGHT, POWERFUL, DURABLE… NO SACRIFICES MERCURY COMPROMISES INTUITIVENOCONTROL NO APOLOGIES

WA MERCURY DEALERS 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 MANDURAH MANDURAH OUTBOARDS 53 Gordon Road MANDURAH P: (08) 9581 7224 F: (08) 9581 6305 E: james@mandurahoutboards.com.au W: mandurahoutboards.com.au ALBANY RUSTY’S MARINE U2/205 Chesterpass Road ALBANY P: (08) 9842 1022 E: rustysmarine@bigpond.com W: www.rustysmarine.com.au

ROCKINGHAM MIDWAY MARINE 43 Hurrell Way ROCKINGHAM P: (08) 9527 6963 F: (08) 9527 6964 E: info@midwaymarine.net.au W: midwaymarine.net.au HENDERSON THE BOAT BUSINESS 1/5 Contest Link HENDERSON P: (08) 9437 5144 F: (08) 9437 6144 E: mark@theboatbusiness.com.au W: theboatbusiness.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

APRIL 2021

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recfishwest WA stocking bonanza Fish enhancement projects in WA cranked up a gear earlier this year as juvenile pink snapper, yellowtail kingfish and marron were released as part of three separate stocking programs. Recfishwest was stoked to help release 20,000 hatchery-

the beach at Woodman Point with all of the program’s fantastic supporters in the fishing community. It’s more important than ever that grandparents, mums, dads and kids can get involved with the fishery and marine environment close to their

said this package will see hundreds of thousands of fish being stocked over the next three years. However, it’s not just the sheer numbers of fish that takes Recfishwest closer to its vision. “We are now working closely with DPIRD scientists to deliver a rigorous and strategic monitoring program to test how effective these stocking activities are,” Dr Rowland said. “This will tell us about their survival and any increases in abundance and, therefore, critically, how much better we can expect fishing opportunities and experiences

Recfishwest’s Steph Watts releasing pinkies into Cockburn Sound from Woodman Point.

This marron will be legal size by next marron season! Image courtesy of Steph Watts. bred pinkies into metro waters on 12 February, intended to help boost the State’s future lower west coast pink snapper populations. The pinkies were bred at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)’s Fremantle hatchery from eggs collected in Cockburn Sound on 7 November last year. DPIRD’s aquaculture team reared the pinkies before helping release them when they were 97 days old and 5-6cm long. Rearing the fish in this way significantly increases the juvenile pink snappers’ chance of survival compared to in the wild. “These fish are set to reach the minimum legal size (50cm) in about four years from now,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. Thinking pink for the Sound Five thousand of the 20,000 pink snapper released into metro waters were intended to be released during February’s cancelled Snapper Guardians. After the community-driven event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Recfishwest made sure these fish were still released into Cockburn Sound from Woodman Point and filmed the event for a live Facebook feed, so community members were able to watch. “While it was unfortunate to call off the 2021 Snapper Guardians, it was still great to see these pinkies released into the Sound as part of the 20,000 released,” Dr Rowland said. “As one senior DPIRD scientist commented to me: ‘20,000 pink snapper is a lot of fish’. “Rest assured, Snapper Guardians will be back on 114

APRIL 2021

homes and hearts.” Stocking fit for a king Just 24 hours before the 20,000 pinkies were stocked, Recfishwest helped DPIRD’s aquaculture team release thousands of juvenile yellowtail kingfish at South

Kingies are hardy and fast-growing, making them an ideal stocking species. Image courtesy of Zach Relph.

DPIRD’s Mike Harrison overseeing the kingie release at South Mole. Image courtesy of Zach Relph. Mole, Fremantle. “It marked the third batch of kingies to be hatched and reared at DPIRD’s aquaculture facility and released into metro waters,” Dr Rowland said. “This stocking is aimed to help make the kingfish fishery off the metro coast even better. “Like the rest of their Seriola family, these kingies are hardy and fast-growing, making them a great species for stocking. Kingies can grow nearly 5kg in only 18 months, so it’s going to be great to see how many fishers will be hooking into the hoodlums over the next few years.” Monitoring marine fish stocking The pink snapper and yellowtail kingfish programs both form part of the State Government’s COVID-19 recfishing recovery package announced by Premier Mark McGowan in August last year. Among other great recfishing initiatives, Dr Rowland

in the future to be.” As all fishers know, it is a big ocean out there and tracking the survival, growth and movements of juvenile fish released into the marine environment is undeniably a big challenge. However, Dr Rowland said there was still a way that anglers could help. “All juvenile fish released as part of these programs have their otoliths (ear bones) stained with special dyes to allow captured fish to be

traced years later,” he said. “Fisheries scientists are able to identify these fish through ongoing monitoring programs such as DPIRD’s Send Us Your Skeletons program, ultimately allowing us to evaluate stocking success and improve the program design into the future.” Masses of marron for the masses If pinkies and kingies weren’t enough, Recfishwest launched a marron stocking program in February, which will see 300,000 marron released into South West freshwater waterways over the next three years. Recfishwest joined Solair Group at Logue Brook Dam, near Harvey, in February and released 2,300 marron. “That felt like a lot of marron, but it’s less than one per cent of what’s going to be stocked in the next three years,” Dr Rowland said. Funded through

recreational fishing licence fees that make up the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF), and announced by Premier McGowan, Dr Rowland said it was great to get the pointy end of this marron stocking project underway with the first of the one-year-old marron going in the water. “These marron have been bred at Solair Group’s Capel-based hatchery and were nurtured through the vulnerable stages of their life to maximise post-release survival,” he said. So, when will the near 10,000 marron licence holders be able to catch the recentlyreleased marron? “The great news for marron fishers is that will be legal size by next marron season,” Dr Rowland said. Safeguarding a WA freshwater fishing icon An essential part of this three-year program will involve scientific monitoring to determine its effectiveness, with the objective of future-

weather event, the general trend of declining annual rainfall and reduced stream flows are placing marron populations under pressure. “South West dams such as Harvey, Glen Mervyn, Waroona and Logue Brook will play an increasingly important role in supporting good marron catches,” he said. “While we can’t change the weather, we can support healthy population abundances through programs like this, in turn making fishing better.” Making WA fishing better Most importantly, Dr Rowland said the stocking program was designed to enhance the fishery and was exactly the sort of initiative that Recfishwest want to see fishing licence money spent on. “We want to ensure fishers will continue to be able to explore the South West and continue to catch marron for many, many more years to come,” he said. “The marron release was a great start and a major step towards

One of the 2,300 stocked marron getting acquainted with their new Logue Brook home. Image courtesy of Steph Watts.

Stocking hatchery-reared pinkies boosts survival rates.

proofing this fishery from environmental change. Marron are endemic to WA’s South West and provide excellent fishing experiences for the 10,000 fishers who hold marron fishing licences. Dr Rowland said despite unseasonal amounts of rainfall this year due to the La Nina

Recfishwest’s vision of expanding the current monthlong season towards yearround marron fishing.” Visit Recfishwest’s YouTube channel to see the pinkies, kingies and marron being released and visit www. recfishwest.org.au for more info about fish stocking in WA.

Tournament Calendar 2021 DATE

Tournament

Location

State

Contact

APRIL 10-11 April 17-18 April 17-18 April 18 April 18 April 24-25 April

R3 Hobie Fishing Worlds 2021 Pirtek Challenge East Coast Sport Fishing Flathead Pro R3 2021 BKK Hooks BASS Electric R2 East Coast Bream Series R2 2021 13Fishing BASS Pro R3

Nambucca Heads All Bellinger River Lostock Dam Lake Macquarie Clarence River

NSW All NSW NSW NSW NSW

hobiefishing.com.au pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au Kris Banks 0407 996 135 abt.org.au www.wsbb.com.au abt.org.au

MAY 1-2 May 1-2 May 15-16 May 16 May 16 May 22-23 May 29-30 May

2021 Daiwa BREAM R3 Glenelg Hopkins CMA Bream Classic R4 Hobie Fishing Worlds 2021 BKK Hooks BASS Electric R3 East Coast Bream Series R3 East Coast Sport Fishing Flathead Pro R4 2021 Daiwa BREAM R4

Forster,NSW Nelson Forster Clarrie Hall Dam Hawkesbury River Port Macquarie Ballina

NSW VIC NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW

abt.org.au www.vicbreamclassics.com.au hobiefishing.com.au abt.org.au www.wsbb.com.au Kris Banks 0407 996 135 abt.org.au

JUNE 5-6 June 5-6 June 12-13 June 12-13 June 13 June 13 June 19-20 June 19-20 June 19-20 June

R5 Hobie Fishing Worlds 2021 13Fishing BASS Pro R4 R6 Hobie Fishing Worlds 2021 Pottsville Beach Sports Greenback 2021 BKK Hooks BASS Electric R4 East Coast Bream Series R1 R7 Hobie Fishing Worlds East Coast Sport Fishing Flathead Pro R5 Daiwa East Gippsland Bream Classic

Mallacoota Cania Dam Blackwood River Pottsville Maroon Dam St Georges Basin Swan River Nambucca River Mallacoota

VIC QLD WA NSW QLD NSW WA NSW VIC

hobiefishing.com.au abt.org.au hobiefishing.com.au lionsgreenback.com abt.org.au www.wsbb.com.au hobiefishing.com.au Kris Banks 0407 996 135 www.vicbreamclassics.com.au

JULY 11 July 17-18 July 24-25 July

2021 BKK Hooks BASS Electric R5 Hinze Dam R8 Hobie Fishing Worlds Gold Coast East Coast Sport Fishing Flathead Pro R6 Macleay River

QLD QLD NSW

abt.org.au hobiefishing.com.au Kris Banks 0407 996 135

AUGUST 7-8 Aug 11-12 Aug 14-15 Aug 14-15 Aug 15 Aug 21-22 Aug 21-22 Aug

2021 13Fishing BASS Pro R5 BREAM Queensland Open 2021 Daiwa BREAM R5 East Coast Sport Fishing Flathead Pro GF East Coast Bream Series R4 2021 BKK Hooks BASS Electric R6 Atomic East Gippsland Bream Classic

Somerset Dam Moreton Bay Gold Coast Nambucca River Botany Bay Borumba Dam Marlo

QLD QLD QLD NSW NSW QLD VIC

abt.org.au abt.org.au abt.org.au Kris Banks 0407 996 135 www.wsbb.com.au abt.org.au www.vicbreamclassics.com.au

SEPTEMBER 11-12 Sept 11-12 Sept 12 Sept 13-17 Sept 18-19 Sept

R9 Hobie Fishing Worlds 2021 Daiwa BREAM R6 East Coast Bream Series R5 Venom BARRA Australian Open 2021 BKK Hooks BASS Electric GF

Georges River Gladstone Sydney Harbour Awoonga/Monduran Lake Lenthalls

NSW QLD NSW QLD QLD

hobiefishing.com.au abt.org.au www.wsbb.com.au abt.org.au abt.org.au

OCTOBER 2-3 Oct 9-10 Oct 9-10 Oct 15-16 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 26-27 Oct 30-31 Oct

Humminbird BASS Electric Aus Open R10 Hobie Fishing Worlds Club Marine East Gippsland Bream Classic 2021 Zerek BARRA R1 2021 Zerek BARRA R2 East Coast Bream Series GF Rapala BASS Australian Open 2021 13Fishing BASS Pro GF

Wyaralong Dam Burrill Lake Metung Lake Tinaroo Lake Tinaroo Hawkesbury River Clarence River Richmond River

QLD NSW VIC QLD QLD NSW NSW NSW

abt.org.au hobiefishing.com.au www.vicbreamclassics.com.au abt.org.au abt.org.au www.wsbb.com.au abt.org.au abt.org.au

NOVEMBER 15 Nov 16 Nov 18 Nov 20-21 Nov 27-28 Nov

2021 Zerek BARRA R3 2021 Zerek BARRA R4 2021 Zerek BARRA R5 2021 Zerek BARRA R6 NS Rods Sunline Bream Classic GF

Teemburra Dam Kinchant Dam Peter Faust Dam Peter Faust Dam Marlo

QLD QLD QLD QLD VIC

abt.org.au abt.org.au abt.org.au abt.org.au www.vicbreamclassics.com.au

DECEMBER 3-5 Dec

2021 Daiwa BREAM GF

Port Stephens

NSW

abt.org.au

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. APRIL 2021

115

BREAM SERIES presented by

BREAM AUSTRALIAN OPEN

abt

Colotouros rides final day kicker to Win They say that when it’s your time to win a BREAM Australian Open, it’s your time. 2021 was Michael Colotouros’ time to win. After a stout first two days of competition, he was sitting in a position where if he had a good day and the scoreboard leader, Jamie McKeown, faltered he’d have a chance to win. On the final day in Sydney Harbour the 30yo Sydney plumber did just that to box a 4.608kg limit and ran down McKeown by a mere 60g. In the process, he managed to land his PB

reasonable, if not outstanding, bag on the first day of the Open. Fishing a combination of docks, pylons and pontoons, he threw a mixture of Cranka Crabs and Gulp Crabbies to put together a limit. At one point, while talking to live coverage host, Simon Goldsmith, he hooked and landed a kilo-class fish in a spot that he didn’t really intend to fish. Little did he know that that scene would foreshadow what was to come on the final day of competition. The live coverage of the event was the first time ABT, in partnership with

Scan the QR code to watch the Winner Interview

Scan the QR code to watch the Runner-up Interview

You can see the full coverage on the www.abt. org.au site via the embedded YouTube links. DAY 2 DAY 2: HAWKESBURY 5/5, 3.946KG “Even though I live within walking distance of Sydney Harbour, I love fishing the Hawkesbury River much more than my local waterway. There’s so many big fish there and, although I weighed nearly 4kg on Day 2, I missed the fish that could have made it an extraordinary bag,” he said. Still, the 3.946kg registered took him up to within striking distance of Jamie. He fished rock walls between Brooklyn and Mooney Mooney in the lower part of the river. “I also went a bit old school on day two, dragging out the old Squidgy 100mm Bloodworm Wriggler to catch a few key fish,” he continued. The rest of the bag ate Cranka Crabs. His main outfit was a Millerods Bream Buster with Daiwa Luvias reel spooled with 10lb braid and 8lb leader. DAY 3 DAY 3: SYDNEY 5/5, 4.608KG There’s always an air of anticipation on the final day of the Open. Anglers know that crazy bags can and do happen and wonder which side of the ledger they would be on come 2pm. Michael

Colotouros loves the Hawkesbury River more than the Harbour. His 3.946kg Day 2 bag put him into a position where he had the chance to win the event on Day 3. Scan the QR code to watch the Day 1 Highlights

left the start in third place, 1.173kg behind the leader. He put together a solid bag of 30cm+ fork-

This is what it’s all about! Years of effort goes into winning a BREAM Australian Open and Michael has done it on his 6th attempt. He’s rewarded with $5,000 and a Daiwa reel. bream while being covered live to overtake the Queenslander and by doing so, make Open history as the first angler to catch the winning fish on a livecovered event. It was goosebump stuff for all tournament anglers watching. Here’s how he did it. DAY 1: SYDNEY 5/5, 3.382KG Micheal weighed a

event sponsor Daiwa, had attempted a multi-person coverage of a major event with a live scoreboard and expert commentary. Despite several technical hitches, including poor mobile phone coverage and a scoreboard crippled by the volume of people trying to simultaneously access it, it was a great success that left viewers with an appetite for more.

Kris Hickson is well and truly back on the horse after a bit of a COVID-induced break from tournament fishing. His third placing will be documented on one of Daiwa’s Pursuit videos.

RESULTS Place Angler 1 Michael Colotourous, NSW 2 Jamie McKeown, Qld 3 Kris Hickson, NSW 4 Tom Slater, NSW 5 Daniel Bonaccorso, NSW 6 Wally Fahey, SA 7 Mark Crompton, NSW 8 Denis Metzdorf, Qld 9 Steve Morgan, Qld 10 Luke Rogan, Qld 120

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length fish quite early in the session and then slowly proceeded to upgrade his limit centimetres at a time. Because the event was being run on the ABT Tournament Series app, anglers get real time updates on where they are standing and how close their nearest competitors are. However, due to the rapidly increasing interest in the ultimate day of the Open, the number of scoreboard requests overwhelmed the server capacity and most of the anglers were guessing as to their position. But when Michael was contacted by host Simon Goldsmith to chat and watch him fish a little, Colotouros decided to swap spots. With the audience staying with him for the run, Michael chose the closest option, the Lane Cove River. We’re unsure if he knew that this was the place where the angler emblazoned on the ‘Greg Lee Memorial Trophy’ used to love fishing and from where he famously brought in a 5kg+ bag to take the title in 2006. However, second cast in the ’Cove, the live audience watched and

Full results at abt.org.au

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 3.382 3.946 4.608 4.776 3.725 3.375 3.213 4.042 3.340 3.158 4.064 2.949 3.588 2.078 3.986 2.485 4.386 2.446 3.210 2.809 3.278 2.155 2.567 4.562 2.335 3.027 3.728 3.441 3.963 1.671

Fish 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15 15/15

Weight(kg) Payout 11.936 $5,000 + Daiwa Airity reel 11.876 $2,500 + Daiwa Infeet rod 10.595 $2,000 10.171 $1500 9.647 $1,000 9.317 Daiwa Infeet rod 9.297 9.284 Daiwa Infeet rod 9.090 9.074

BREAM SERIES presented by all hell broke loose. Michael hooked the biggest bream he’s ever caught and chaotically landed it. It ate a Gulp Crabby fished on a light jighead and cast to the back of a moored boat. It measured 41.5cm to the fork of the tail, which converted to a weight of 1.608kg. It was enough to leapfrog him into first position. MCKEOWN FALLS SHORT Queenslander Jamie McKeown fell agonisingly short of back-to-back BREAM Australian Open titles and back-to-back event wins after schooling the field at Lake Macquarie just days before. He did all of his Harbour damage on Sow and Pigs Reef and consolidated his lead at the Hawkesbury on Day two. After catching his limit

in five casts on the first day of the open on the very spot that he won the event from in 2019, you can imagine the confidence that Jamie left Day one with - especially Scan the QR code to watch the Day 2 Highlights

leading the event with a near 5kg bag. Like 2019, he fished Cranka Crabs on a Samaki Zing Gen 2 rod, Daiwa Tierra reel and 6lb braid with 8lb leader. “There was one of the cardinal marker poles where the fish were schooling on day one and my Lowrance Active Target showed me the fish there. After the

initial limit I upgraded slowly and finished the day exactly where I wanted to be,” he said. Day 2, however, was a gamble. “I just wanted to stay in the event on Day 2. I haven’t got that many spots in the Hawkesbury and I had no idea if they were going to fish well,” he continued. He started in the mouth of Cowan Creek throwing topwater, but soon moved upstream to a crowded and fruitless set of bridges before heading upstream again to his spots at Pumpkin Point and Spencer. It was there where he put together a decent limit

BREAM AUSTRALIAN OPEN

abt

Daiwa’s Taka Kawasaki embraces what the Open is all about. Have fun, catch fish, break gear and challenge yourself on two of Australia’s bream-iest waterways. end when his Day 1 fish at the reef failed to show. An initial giant of 1.43kg was accompanied by four sub-30cm fish that he failed to upgrade through the day. A pair of spearfishermen working the reef helped Scan the QR code to watch the Day 3 Highlights

It was a lucrative week for Jamie McKeown in NSW. He pocketed $4,250 at Lake Macquarie and $2,500 and a Daiwa Infeet rod at the Open. fishing crabs in the current in up to 7m of water. At the end of the day he retained the lead over fellow Queenslander, Luke Rogan, and entered Day 3 relaxed. That soon came to an

Jamie McKeown caught a limit in his first five casts of the 2021 Daiwa BREAM Australian Open to secure an early lead that he didn’t relinquish until nearly the end of the event. In the Harbour he fished Cranka Crabs around Sow and Pigs Reef.

neither the fishing or his confidence. A last-minute upgrade of 2cm – swapping a 26cm fish for a 28cm fish – cut Colotouros’ lead but it wasn’t enough to get him over the line. When the dust settled, he was 60g short.

BIG BREAM

Live Feed Success The BREAM Australian Open is one of the showcase events on the tournament calendar. Big fish, big names, and edge of the seat competition is what sets this event out from the crowd. Nail biting finishes and last fish heroics have helped make this event famous and

this year was no different. Being able to deliver this event live to tournament fans via our tournament app and daily live feed was an absolute blast and a major step forward in tournament coverage in Australia. I can’t wait to see more of it. Simon Goldsmith

BIG BREAM AWARDS Place 1 2 3 4

Angler Michael Colotouros Wally Fahey Jamie McKeown Denis Metzdorf

Full results at abt.org.au

Weight(kg) 1.608 1.430 1.430 1.430

Prize Daiwa Luvias 2500S reel Daiwa Infeet rod Daiwa Infeet rod Daiwa Infeet rod

Here it is – the 1.608kg bream that won Michael Colotouros the Open. Micheal’s 41.5cm fork length fish that he caught to seal the win was also the event’s Big Bream. It earned him a Daiwa Luvias 2500S reel. It ate a 1/24oz jighead rigged Gulp Crabby fished on his Millerods/Daiwa Luvias combo. It ate the lightly weighted Gulp Crabby off the back of a moored boat in the Lane Cove River at around 12:30pm on the final day. Not a bad time to register your PB bream! APRIL 2021

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Part I: Stocking, to keep or not to keep SUNTAG

Stefan Sawynok

I have had a whole bunch of conversations recently about fish stocks and it seems that a lot of them are based on discussions of rights and access rather than the reality of a fishery and what constitutes good practice. What I am always surprised at is how little time fisheries departments devote to explaining ‘how’ fisheries actually work and how fishers impact their fisheries. Worse, 30 seconds after you even mention the topic, politics takes over and the arguments immediately degenerate to who’s to blame. I find that pretty frustrating as often people are working from the wrong basis of focus on rights to harvest, over the reality (good or bad) of where a particular fishery is up to. Despite the endless calls to ‘respect the science’ of stocks the reality is almost all decisions are made based on political pressure. With that in mind, I thought as it’s a topic I haven’t covered for a few years it might be time for a how fisheries work article - how fishers impact stocks and why trying to measure that impact works often ends in a place other than where people want it to be. As this is a discussion that I don’t want to gloss over I will do it in two parts, this part focusing on fish coming into the fishery and in the second I will look at harvest and other mortality. MY VIEW OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT Everyone has a bias on these topics so I thought I would put mine upfront. I think fisheries management is way behind the eight ball, but they are trying to do what they can. I have no political dog in the fight in making that statement. I fully support the need for a commercial fishing industry, however one that is smarter and makes more money through value adding rather than taking more fish. I also support the rights of recreational fishers, but that right doesn’t extend to causing long lasting damage to a fish population even on a local basis. I fully support the environmental movements and fishers that see habitat rehabilitation as being their most important item on the agenda. In general, I don’t support 124

APRIL 2021

Fig.1 Bream Recruitment from Standardised Surveys in Gladstone showing relative stable recruitment from 2016-2020. lockouts of fishers, but I am a realist and support a sensible approach to Marine Parks. That list of views makes me about as milk toast as they get. Bottom line, I think there is a place where all the key stakeholders can co-exist but not if we keep doing things the way they are done now. Fisheries management circa 2021 is based on regulating outputs. It’s the hunter-gatherer mentality that we used when there were a lot less of us around. I could be wrong, but farmers gave up that method a long time ago. Farmers understand that in order to get sustainable outputs, you need to take care of and understand the inputs. I agree with them, it’s a sound practice. So, in a nutshell, my arguments with fisheries are not over the politics, but rather that humans gave up their method of management long before we built the pyramids. The argument that it’s a natural resource thus it’s different doesn’t wash with me because there is nothing natural about modern industrial harvest. How do fishers affect fish stocks? All natural systems, humans included revolve around a simple dynamic of inputs and outputs. As an equation that takes a year-on-year view it can be expressed as: P = P + R – (M E

+M ) O

is population at the

end of the year

P is the Population at the S

start of the year

R – is recruitment, the

new animals that survive past birth

– is deaths by natural

causes (eg old age, disease) M

– is deaths by other

means

(eg

harvest,

predation) A less nerdy way of saying it is – it’s all about births, deaths and marriages. The human impact covers all of the key variables in three ways: • Harvest (Other means of death) • Habitat impact, be that direct destruction of key habitat or longer-term changes in environment that slowly squeeze a species out (Recruitment and Natural Mortality) • Management decisions that may benefit or hinder a species Note that at a localised level migration due to habitat loss or food depletion is another variable but I am taking an overall view here in the same way fisheries managers do. It is relevant though as thanks to climate change, the range of some species is changing. RECRUITMENT In understanding where a population is at you really need to understand how successful a species is in reproducing year on year. That is why you see economists in the west in particular freaking out about the decline in the birth rate – we have amazing records on birth and death rates. The documentation of human mating rituals has been so successful that it’s spawned what is probably the largest industry in the world and drives most of the traffic on the internet. If we knew even a 10th of what we know about human reproduction for most fish species, we would go a long way to getting our head around

harvest strategies. Recruitment is a topic I know a lot about as we conduct surveys for people like Gladstone Healthy Harbours for many years and I have had to develop models based on 30+ year datasets. If fisheries managers and fishers used a good recruitment metric as the basis for decision-making, fisheries management would be revolutionized as fishing could be based on a useful indicator that isn’t driven by politics. It’s a simple equation – if you take out more than is coming in, you are in trouble – there are no banks to lend you fish. I am 99% sure the broader community would agree. There are a range of ways fisheries managers do look at recruitment be that genetics or age/ class assessments, but the problem is it takes time to get the data assessed so you are making decisions based on things that happened

2-3 years ago. That’s not very helpful if you want to make a decision on the year ahead. In defense of fisheries agencies, recruitment is a challenging topic and working out a useful metric let alone a strategy to track recruits takes time. That said, if you are going to use that as a defense when you have been in charge for 60-70 years, it’s not a good defense. STABLE VS VARIABLE RECRUITMENT AND STOCKING One of the most frustrating conversations I have ever had with a commercial fisher is on the topic of recruitment. In the end I had to walk away because there just was no point at which common sense entered the equation. His view was recruitment always happens and as long as they fish to quotas or regulations all is right in the world. This a rg u m e n t underscores why I hate output regulation as the only strategy. Output regulation is a rights argument that may or may not line up with reality. I get the whole MEY (Maximum Economic Yield) argument for commercial fishing but that requires much better tools than our fisheries agencies are realistically endowed with to pull off. The problem with Outputs management is inputs are not one size fits all. Some species are reasonably successful in most years when it comes to recruitment, Bream and Flathead are two species that fit well into that category. Bream and flathead do have their ups and downs when it comes to successful spawning but overall, they don’t seem to have ‘failures’ so low

that you lose a year’s contribution to stocks and the variation between a good year and a bad year is less. While climate/ conditions do impact recruitment, they don’t in a way that causes disasters. See Fig.1. Other species are more adapted to our natural weather cycles and thus recruitment varies, barramundi and king threadfin are two key examples. Both barramundi and king threadfin (and mulloway as another example) are boom bust species. Barramundi for example have a complex web of factors that need to line up for things to go well - the timing of rainfall, salinity levels, river flows and so on. Another interesting one that we have discovered in recent times that affects post spawning mortality is food levels. Bigger barramundi have no problems eating smaller barramundi, especially if food supply is low. This is exactly what we have seen in Rockhampton since the Net Free Zone, poor recruitment even in reasonable conditions due to predation. One thing to note with the net free zone is the net free component extended to nets targeting barramundi and Threadfin, not beam trawlers so while you increased the number of barramundi and threadfin that escape harvest, nothing was done to release pressure on food supplies. This is exactly what happens when you focus on the politics of outputs over the reality of inputs. Yet another factor for barramundi is nature itself. Barramundi typically head to off river water bodies that periodically connect up, precisely to get away from predators. Smaller

Fig.2. Barramundi Recruitment Rockhampton from Standardised Surveys showing Boom Bust recruitment from 2011-2020.

bodies of water however are subject to things like dissolved oxygen problems and while last year there was a reasonable spawning in Rockhampton with fish getting into off river areas, since then conditions have been poor leading to fish kills. See Fig.2. Other species again have been disrupted by human intervention, to the point where they are now largely dependent on the intervention of humans. In fact, I would go so far as to say there are species have developed a totally symbiotic relationship with fishers, because it’s the desire of fishers that keeps them alive. Australian bass is a good example. Australian bass typically

commercials over because TACs do not take into account the fact that stocks fluctuate thus in the good times they overharvest leading to extended periods of poor times. There is a case for harvest during the good times, as this will release pressure on food stocks but on the flip side going too hard means if what you are left with is a less robust part of the population you are putting the stocks at risk during their natural down cycle. Bottom line, a lot more brainpower is required than currently being used on stocks like this. Disrupted species are the worst kind of species to apply an output based control to as their chances

Fig.3 Bass Map 1995 live most of their lives in brackish to fresh water but require high salinity usually at entrance to an estuary to spawn. The problem is we have put so many barriers along waterways with mostly ineffectual fish passage (though this is improving over time) thus natural recruitment is at non-existent levels. We have great long term tagging maps of bass in Queensland and it makes clear that every 5 years bass have extended the range of places they can be caught in, yet there has been almost zero natural recruitment. See Fig.3 and Fig.4. RECRUITMENT AND HARVEST STRATEGY Stable recruitment species are the best species to develop output harvestbased regulations be it Total Allowable Catch (TAC) or quotas. As long as the TAC is below replenishment levels then this should be a good text book ‘sustainable’ fishery. Variable recruitment species are much more difficult especially if they are prone to multiple years of recruitment failures in a row. This is the species I have most arguments with

of regeneration is the worst. As soon as a species is disrupted on a larger scale the best and probably only option is to shut down the fishery and rethink how things will progress. This is where stocking comes into play. In the US for example the entire Salmon fishery is totally dependent on stocking as natural spawning has collapsed due to modifications of rivers. Is that a good thing? That is heading into moral territory, if you are fisher, yes it’s a good thing, if you are an environmentalist it’s a bad thing. I sit somewhere in between, so long as there is the opportunity for natural spawning and stocking is not disruptive to other species then really all you are doing is giving nature a helping hand. Should we do it? I will leave that one to the philosophers, that one is probably above my pay grade. THE MOUSE UTOPIA EXPERIMENT The Mouse Utopia project is probably the scariest experiment you have never heard of and it’s a salient lesson that mankind sucks at playing god. This experiment

conducted between 1958 and 1962 on Norway Rats by John Calhoun an ethanologist/behavioral researcher. The experiment was simple enough, create a space where a set of male/female pairs would have effectively access to unlimited resources – food and water and breeding space. Sounds tough for them, right? The purpose of the experiment was to look at explosive population growth. The problem was repeated iterations of the experiment even with modifications and trials with mice rather than rats ended in a different place. While the population rose rapidly the population hit the point of total collapse

each other’s company, thus the bulk of the population congregated around the feeding area despite their being ample room otherwise. The rats and mice failed to use the space optimally. Think about that for a second, perfect conditions combined with a normal behaviour led to not just a psychological stress reaction but a biological stress reaction. In a normal system, animals would leave the system to setup somewhere new but without that option, things turned terminal. WHY IS THE MOUSE UTOPIA EXPERIMENT IMPORTANT? The first takeaway from the Mouse Utopia

Fig.4 Bass Map 2020 long before they exhausted the available space or resources. Given the absence of any predators or any pressures what was going wrong? In this case several things were observed along the way. Firstly, as time went on a number of behavioural issues crept in, some of the males became more aggressive while others more withdrawn. In part this was due to the fact that females became more selective, choosing the best of the mates leaving most of the males without the opportunity to mate. As the males that failed to mate were unable to leave to seek other opportunities, they were essentially locked out of mouse society. Among the females, care of the young became more haphazard. More concerning was the impact on fertility, the longer time went on in these conditions the females were less and less able to carry to term. One of the key sources of this issue was what became known as the ‘Behavioral Sink’. The ‘Behavioral Sink’ was caused by the fact that rats and mice prefer to eat in

experiment is that biology is not passive, it’s responsive, sometimes catastrophically so. The second takeaway is that not all biological responses are in the best interests of the animals concerned. One of the key reasons the Mouse Utopia experiments always ended in disaster is that species don’t exist in vacuum. There is a complex set of interactions that we are adapted for, not just behaviorally but in the base biology. Take away some of the pressures that the biology was purposed for and all of a sudden things go wrong. Will you always end up with population collapse in a closed system? Not necessarily but changing the dynamics for an animal in a way that positively or negatively triggers biological responses is something we need to pay attention to. Back in time massive changes to environment tended to happen slowly but in modern times humans have the capacity to make changes on much larger scales in much shorter time periods.

One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist, just a reasonable observer to note humans are distorting natural ecosystems even where we don’t harvest. There is a part of the community that believes there is an ideal set of conditions prior to the existence of man where the animal kingdom lived in peace. I have had plenty of conversations with environmentalists that go along the line of locking up areas, preserving them as if we can put them in a Utopian bottle and the world will be better off. In reality there is no Utopian Bottle. Even if you could restore habitat back to before man and then wall it off from the rest of reality you would still distort the system because as with the Mouse Utopia experiment, there is no option to leave. Th e al t er nat i ve argument is providing a virtual wall creates a safehaven for animals, a refuge that they can all congregate safe from those horrible humans. Again, the Mouse Utopia experiment causes pause because that is exactly what happened, you had a forced aggregation of animals to catastrophic effect. I am not saying that animals won’t migrate to things like wildlife parks but it’s naive in the extreme to think that just because you decree it so, you will end up with fish Utopia. Having said that, I do support wildlife reservations – noting that biology is more complex than the swish of a righteous pen might account for. THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF GOOD RECRUITMENT Carp, tilapia and crown of thorns are all examples of what happens when a species is overly advantaged in Australian conditions. Pest species is a topic that gets ample coverage so my only observation will be that in general in addressing the topic we tend to use one of two methods, biological warfare or social pressures. Tilapia and carp for example have a twofold advantage, first from a reproductive point of view they have an advantage over natives in similar conditions but secondly because they are less desirable, they are not heavily targeted by the most efficient predator – man. With that in mind, our track record when it comes to fighting biology with biology is spotty at best. I think the community is right to have a certain amount of scepticism about things like the carp virus as the only time you have a good idea of the impacts of any biological measure, is after it’s out in the wild,

there is no way to predict how biological systems will react or adapt. On the other side, taking the fight to a pest species by valuesbased warfare is to me counterproductive. Establishing a set of behaviours in people takes time, but changing those behaviours takes even longer if you later find out that the behaviour was a bad idea. Here I am talking about fines for possession of pest species. This has the positive effect of educating the community that pest species are bad but disincentives interactions with the pest species taking one of your future management options off the table. Maybe a little humility when looking upon the face of god is a good thing. WHERE TO FROM HERE In this topic, I have attempted to tackle two concepts: • That regulating outputs without having a good idea of inputs is a highrisk strategy, especially for variable recruitment species and species disrupted by human activity; and, • That we don’t exist in a vacuum, that even without harvest we are distorting natural systems. That all decisions we make management wise are not simply ‘on paper’ there can be unforeseen biological responses to measures that on paper make sense and seem like a good idea. Which to be fair, is one way of saying that managing natural systems is a complex job and fisheries agencies are probably on a hiding to nothing trying to navigate those waters. Note I did mention humans make a poor fist at playing god. I don’t believe that ‘shut it down’ is the right response to either problem but I do think that it’s a strong argument to get the science right over politics and develop a good prioritization system – that is species at risk vs species not at risk. At the moment the species at risk is generally determined on harvest data, whereas my argument is that should be driven by recruitment levels as that is a more robust indicator of where a species is up to. Cost wise that is a challenge, but if you know the things that influence success/failure of spawning/recruitment then developing models, much as the weather bureau does is much easier and low cost in the longer term. Of course, when science gets politicised we end up in a bigger pickle but that can wait until part II of this article. APRIL 2021

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