Vic/Tas Fishing Monthly June 2017

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June 2017, Vol. 12 No. 8

Contents WEST COAST West Coast

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Warrnambool 16 Cobden 18 Apollo Bay

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CENTRAL Geelong 20 Port Phillip West

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Port Phillip North East

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Port Phillip North

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Mornington Peninsula

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Western Port North

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Western Port South

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Phillip Island

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EAST COAST Gippsland Lakes

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Marlo 39 Lakes Entrance

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McLoughlins Beach

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Bemm River

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NSW SOUTH COAST Bermagui 92 Eden 93 Mallacoota 93 Narooma 94 Merimbula 95

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Horsham 100

From the Editor’s Desk...

Did you know that all VFM readers get a sneak peek of what’s going on at the Melbourne Boat Show this month? That’s the chunky, gloss centre section that makes this magazine feel as big as the Christmas edition.

It’s the exact same guide as will be given out to all of the paying customers at the show this year.

We are proud to be official Boat Show Program creators and hope to see many of you there to take advantage of our latest subscription offer. And, of course, the hundreds of amazing boats at the show.

WATCHING LIVE FISHING A pretty cool thing happened last month – and it wasn’t winning the BREAM Australian Open in Sydney – although that did happen.

My eyes were opened to how much people like watching people fishing. Live.

On their computers and phones

and tablets. Carl Jocumsen and Craig Simmons are to blame.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last six years, you’ll know Carl as Australia’s most popular export in the world of professional bass fishing in the USA. Carl has massive social media followings and is quite possibly the most likeable angler on the planet. Carl’s fans love watching him fish. In modern history it was via the images, blogs, live scoreboards and limited live coverage in the Bassmaster Elite series.

We’d all wake up early in the morning and click on the live weigh-in, enduring hundreds of other anglers presenting the fish to the weighmaster so we could catch the moment when Aussie Carl could have his 60 seconds of fame.

This last year, with FLW Tour’s permission, Carl has started to live stream his days on the boat. With a simple rig – a phone, bracket and solid data plan – he set about delivering

as much as he could of his tournament day to his audience.

And they love it. I’ve had the gear to do it for a while, but I didn’t believe that people would want to watch a bream angler in a bream tournament for hours on end. Bass Cat Boats’ Craig Simmons persuaded me to do otherwise and try it out. I was wrong and he was right. There, I said it. Over three days, the sporadic stream, plagued with technical problems, reached over 60,000 people and the videos themselves were viewed over 40,000 times in 72 hours. Yikes!

It’s clear that Aussies love watching live, raw fishing.

Maybe it’s because it’s not staged, not done with placed sponsors’ products and not scripted? Maybe it’s because it’s comforting to know that EVERYONE experiences long periods without a bite? And maybe watching fishing can take you away from the mundane tasks of everyday life? After all, the Open was held on weekdays.

Whatever the reason, there’s clearly an appetite for it and that has been noted.

We’re working on addressing the technical side of delivering live audio and video coverage from a moving boat in a saltwater environment with dodgy mobile coverage in an event that nobody has any idea about what’s going to happen using an array of components that often don’t like talking to each other nicely.

All of a sudden, catching the fish has become the easy part! If you want to check out the action from the Open, there’s Live Highlights videos available on the Fishing Monthly YouTube channel - or you scan the QR code here to get direct access from your mobile.

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Ballarat 101 Robinvale 103 Mildura 102 Yarrawonga 102 Wangaratta 104 Shepparton 105 Jindabyne 106 Eildon 107 Bonnie Doon

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Bendigo 108

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BOATING AND KAYAK

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REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics Chappy’s Hotspot

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Dam Levels

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Fun Page

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Spearfishing 91

Sub-Editors: Bob Thornton Nicole Penfold Cordelia Adams

Tasmanian Lake Levels

Field Editor: Kelly Hunt

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Tournament News

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Trade and Services Guide

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Victorian Tide Times

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What’s New Fishing

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What’s New Boating

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Getting to the point on hook choice

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Understanding estuary perch

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JUNE 2017

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Estuary Perch

EP stands for much more than estuary perch GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

When talking about EPs even my closest fishing buddies call me sneaky, deceitful, and swampy, and for good reason. Actually they call me a lot worse and I love it! You see, it’s all about finding the perch, catching the hell out of them and not saying where.

Then you share photos with dodgy background clues!

It’s simply all about close mates having a bit of fun. There are no real secrets in the fishing world these days, and I’m sure everyone has heard or experienced

so easy to trick on lures, they counteract this by being highly mobile. There are times when they are completely shut down like bream or their close cousins the bass, but this is pretty rare. Generally when you find EPs they’ll be willing to bite more than most species we know. However, they will totally refuse lures if they get barraged and see too many of them.

You don’t need skill to trick a perch, but I challenge you just to find them. EPs can be caught from the ocean entrance right up to the first fresh waterfalls. In fact, I’ve even caught EP well above these barriers, right up into tannin water.

Around 80% of the author’s EPs are taken on soft plastics, and 90-100mm shads or grubs work a treat. plenty about perch so I won’t waste time telling you what you already know. I won’t bother talking about lures or techniques either. In this article I’m going to explore perch in a new, maybe even deeper way and pose a few questions to think about.

Here’s the thing: the more I catch and the closer I get to EPs, the more they confuse and totally bewilder me. In fact, for someone who has caught so many

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The author never gets sick of tricking big perch with surface lures, and EPs come to the top right through winter as well. found them! Big perch were everywhere and nearly all of them 38-45cm.

What a shock and a mind-blowing new surprise find! And it’s just one example of perch turning up for the first time in an area I’ve fished for over 15 years, with no snags or fish-holding structure in sight.

I’ve been back three times now and have caught plenty more. On my second trip I landed nine big perch to 45cm on surface lures in

After these dolphins went through at dawn, the author caught a few EPs right under where they swam. Perch often live at the mouth of an estuary and have even been caught by surf anglers.

This fish was fin clipped and a sample was sent away for DNA analysis. It looked like an EP/bass hybrid, and that was proved correct. Anglers catch perch and bass side by side, and interbreeding is common. perch, I’m still in the dark!

I thought I knew it all, but ‘EP’ stands for more than what you think.

ELUSIVE PREDATOR The hardest thing about being a perch angler is locating them. For a species

greatest perch conundrum: where to find them. I can already hear some of you say, “That’s easy! I know where they live.” Get ready for a shock, because those perch are going to hurt you one day. I’ve seen perch completely disappear from snags and sections of rivers or creeks where they once lived in big numbers – even hundreds of fish. But when I say disappear, I mean for good!

Yes, there are some areas or snags where they turn up year on year, day after day, but you should still be prepared for a shock. All my keen EP mates have at some stage been wounded. They’ve told me horror stories of not catching a single perch in the usual hotspots for months on end, and declaring them impossible to find, overfished or even worse – dead and netted! Sometimes the fish eventually reappear for no apparent reason. In other areas they seem to be gone forever.

One thing I know for sure about perch, they can travel enormous distances between estuaries. Just like sheep, they will follow each other right down to the very last individual. EP tagging and recapture data has backed this up, with perch travelling

Just as I celebrate a bass capture, a big estuary perch stares back at me. EPs have even been caught by anglers surf fishing the beach, sometimes not even close to an estuary mouth.

Therein lies the single

enormous distances across open ocean.

EXCELLENT PRIZE In a way, these mass migrations are a good thing.

It means the fish can turn up when you least expect it. Just recently I was targeting and catching some ripper flathead to 64cm near Wilsons Promontory, way out in open estuary water.

I also caught a couple of pinky snapper and even a flounder on a lure. Happy with my bag, I was ready to head home when a fish twice plucked but missed my soft plastic lure.

Alarm bells rang in my head and I smelled EPs in the air! I quickly changed to a blade lure and searched deeper into the channel I was near. Another two flathead turned up. As the tide rose I stuck to my instincts and kept looking with my best EP searching tool, large blade lures. Bingo – I

the dark! On my third visit I scored 15 EPs, again all on surface lures and in the early morning. This time I got it all on film. It was the best surface action on perch I’ve had in many years. See what I mean? These fish are just

full of surprises.

EVERY PERSON Years ago most people were totally unaware of perch living on their doorstep. These days a heap of lure anglers pursue them,

secrets are now well and truly in the past. In the early days most of us kept a lid on the whole deal because we knew how vulnerable they can be to overfishing. Now it seems everyone using lures

The author with a thumper EP – his first one caught on a spinnerbait. and are very successful in catching big numbers. It’s pretty simple really. With the ever-increasing number of bream being chased on lures, EPs were always going to turn up as a by-catch. In fact, perch are at least 10 times easier to catch on lures than cranky bream!

As I’ve mentioned, most

in estuaries is at least aware of perch if not chasing them on a regular basis.

I’ve seen the huge growth of perch fishing in the Glenelg River over the last five years or so, and some savvy anglers are now also aware of the spectacular sport you can enjoy there on surface lures. A more

Dylan Brennan hooks plenty of EPs in the suburbs, and it proves that perch live in the places you least expect.

Estuary Perch recent development has been the many EPs caught in Westernport Bay, Patterson Lakes and even the Yarra or Maribyrnong rivers. The biggest impact I’ve seen over the last 10 years to the best EP areas I fish, is an evergrowing army of anglers chasing them.

The increasing and constant angling pressure on these fish can really shut them down. I admit in the early days I learnt the hard way and excitedly returned to newfound EP waters every

day I could. Eventually those fish totally shut down or even disappeared altogether.

The water was sometimes crystal clear and I could see the perch reject lures. That, or they’d just be gone.

It didn’t take me long to understand that EPs need ‘resting’, and I’m talking about being left alone for weeks. The more lures you hammer them with, the longer they will stay shut down. Some of my red-hot perch haunts where I can admire the odd EP over

50cm, I visit just three or four times a year now.

Sadly for me, fellow dedicated anglers are now also discovering these perch, and good luck to them. I always know when these areas have been fished hard because the perch are very timid and shut down, or even totally absent. It just means I’ve got to look harder or discover new luring tricks.

Thankfully, nearly all of those anglers don’t even think of killing any of those precious perch, and it’s nice

Big stud perch are alive and well. Sneeky anglers take pictures that reveal very little background clues!

to live in times when EP are respected and even revered.

EXASPERATING PURSUIT Now for the bad news.

A couple of remote creeks and a fairly big river in East Gippsland were once very happy hunting grounds for me, with cricket score perch catches from 20cm right up to 52cm back in 2000-2010.

Almost overnight, most of the EPs mysteriously disappeared from these streams and haven’t returned to this day. It went from hundreds and hundreds of fish to just handfuls here and there. Other anglers back me up 100%, so that eliminates myself being a hack angler.

So why did the EP leave, and where are they now?

Will they come back? These are fairly remote waters with very low angling pressure.

Even overfishing or illegal netting can’t get them all.

Then there’s the case of Bemm River. For years it’s been well regarded as a perch haven, with a reputation of big 50cm fish. Sure, there are still EPs there to catch, but nothing like the numbers caught over the last 15 years.

Of all the more popular perch locations, more EP have been killed at Bemm than anywhere I know.

Recreational anglers have a lot to answer for, because for years I continually heard of

Jason Deenan with one of about 80 winter perch he caught for the day on soft plastics. When EPs school up you can lose count of your tally! bag limits being breached.

Thankfully I think those days of slaughtering perch are now behind us and I hope Bemm recovers by recruiting more perch through the entrance. To build EP numbers with the resident fish that are left will take many decades.

I’m often asked whether EP numbers (right across the whole of Gippsland) have declined or even crashed over the last 20 years. My answer is complicated and it’s specific to each and every location. Happily I still discover a lot of big

perch of 40-50cm and even just recently I’ve scored big tallies of 40, 50 or even 80 of those big EPs a session. As I’ve pointed out, I manage those areas and seldom fish them. If other anglers were to score such numbers and hammer those perch, they would shut down or shoot through.

You can understand now why I’m very swampy about locations! In other areas I have seen perch all but disappear for most of the year. In times gone by they were full of perch almost To page 10

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Estuary Perch get with these fish. Unless you really persevere, rewards may never come.

My love affair with EPs is more about the constant curve balls they throw at me and the blowout surprises that always keep me guessing. I’m not so much looking for that new PB or to stack another record score of fish, but whenever I head off for the day to chase perch I have absolutely no idea what will happen. You might think that goes for all types of fishing, but EPs provide the

From page 9

year round and I used to panic when these fish totally disappeared. I thought people were killing them.

It’s taken me 20 years to understand that EPs are a highly migratory fish. I’m still learning!

So my answer to EP numbers is very positive, and I believe the population as a whole has not changed in my time. As for going back into history and comparing numbers, say 50 or 100 years ago, I have no idea. This much I do know: every single species of fish seems to have suffered from overfishing, environmental degradation, damming of rivers or pollution. I’m quite sure EPs have also suffered greatly. All the more reason to treasure what we still have. Perch are a tough and hardy fish that can exploit a whole range of habitats.

I think their future is fairly safe for now.

ENSURING POPULATIONS Since 2012, more than 500,000 estuary perch fingerlings have been

Look carefully at the dorsal fin and you’ll see this perch has a weed-encrusted tag. Once cleaned by Joshua Smith, the tag revealed this fish was released 13 years prior in the same area and had grown from 38cm to 44cm in that time.

Flood events should have recruited perch from nearby Lakes Entrance, and if anything the Tyers estuary should be full of EPs. Big

angler effort for bream and flathead on lures, hundreds of EPs should be caught each year. Or the lake just does not appeal to them for some weird and strange reason.

Is it because of the lake being closed for long periods and even years on end? Those ideas seem totally illogical, and I could dream up more

reasons as to why they don’t live in Lake Tyers, but the facts are unforgiving. Perch prefer to live elsewhere.

Confounding the problem even more is that commercial netting years ago produced plenty of EPs in the Tyers estuary, and this confirms that they were once there in big numbers. Knowing

This was one of 12 perch, all around 40-45cm, caught right under the fresh waterfall of a Gippsland river.

Just metres upstream, trout are a common catch.

Sometimes fishing just subsurface will get you more EPs. The author uses very light lures like this pink soft plastic Squidgy Wriggler. He ties on small dumbbell eyes used in fly tying to provide a lifelike look, and just enough weight to help in casting. stocked into 14 waters. Many were put into freshwater lakes, and feedback from anglers proves the fish are growing well. In December last year the following perch were released: 10,000 into Albert Park Lake, 8000 into Karkarook Lake, 15,000 into Devilbend Reservoir, 5000 into Lake Hamilton, 5000 into Lake Struan, 15,000 into Werribee River and 15,000 into Melton Reservoir.

Another stocking worthy of note was into Lake Tyers a while ago. The best thing about stocking this lake is that it will be an experiment worth watching, and may decide future programs. We should all be grateful that part of our fishing licence money goes to such a fine cause, and Fisheries are to be congratulated for implementing this terrific program. The fact that in recent history Lake Tyers had very few perch in its waters is a real puzzle.

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biggest wildcards, rewards, frustrations, pleasures and bombshells I’ve ever had in all my years of angling.

Any single trip could yield nothing or just one perch for the day, and then other trips surprise the hell out of me and I come home having trouble keeping count. My biggest tally was just over 160 perch released for a 10-hour winter session.

That day I had set off to chase bream! I hear many of those up-and-down stories from other close mates

numbers also live nearby at Marlo and Bemm, but for some reason Lake Tyers missed out. Over the last 15 years I’ve seen and heard of a few EPs caught here and there within the lake and its two upper tributaries, but really, considering the

Mick Selzer knows how to tame cranky EPs, and this is another fine example of a fast growing perch with a tiny head on a big, fat, round body.

Sinking hardbody lures are a must for deep snag brawling. This Hurricane Kaplunk lure fitted with snag-resistant W hooks is a musthave hardbody for your tackle box.

that EPs love to swim out in the ocean, I really hope the Lake Tyers stocking will be a success. Once perch exit the lake they seem to go for good. Time will tell and I hope I’m thoroughly wrong.

EMPLOY PERSEVERANCE My final word for this look at EPs is all about determination. The key tactic to discovering big perch and scoring lots of them is to seek, search and explore. If you’re not used to failure then go and chase easier quarry like Aussie salmon, mullet or redfin! Perch are never easy and you will be challenged.

That’s the one guarantee you

who target EPs, and I’m sure that’s what makes this species so addictive.

My best EP rewards seem to have always required considerable resolve, blood, sweat and tears. It may mean searching for an extra fishless four hours or trying yet another new lure, fishing at night or on the coldest winter’s day, or exploring tiny creeks or vast tidal estuaries.

I’ve even hiked 30km to get a crack at remote EPs, or loaded kayaks into a boat for a two-hour ride down the coast, anchored that boat offshore and then paddled in on the surf into hidden perch-filled creeks.

This makes for tremendous memories and wonderful discoveries shared with just a couple of close mates.

‘EP?’ It also stands for Exquisite Pleasures!

A nasty beast of a perch coming in at 47cm caught on a pink Hurricane Kaplunk after a horrid snag fight!

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Which electric motor is the right one for you?

NSW STH COAST

Steve Starling www.starlofishing.com

Last month we looked at the benefits of using an electric motor. Now it’s time to examine the choices on offer and decide which make, model and configuration might best suit your particular fishing needs.

If you watch footage of any of the top-flight bass tournaments out of the United States, you’ll quickly notice that almost every American bass pro opts for a cable-steer electric. Many Aussie bass and bream tournament fishers have followed this lead. Their reasons for choosing cable steer are two-pronged: Firstly, cable-steer electrics

either wireless or connected to the motor via cables (most modern units are wireless).

This more complex setup results in slower response times from the head unit.

However, the advantages are that these electronic controls can be operated from anywhere on the boat (or even a short distance away outside of the boat!) and many also offer

The author with a handsome javelin grunter taken with the help of a modern, sophisticated electric motor.

Bow-mounted electric motors allow pinpoint placement of your boat for accurate, effective casting.

Electric motors are available in a range of styles and configurations, making it potentially tricky for first time buyers to work out exactly which setup is best for them. It really pays to do your homework, talk to more experienced anglers and shop around before laying down your hard-earned cash for a ‘lecky.

The first decision to be made is an important choice between a bow-mounted or transom-mounted unit.

Transom-mounted electrics are considerably cheaper and easier to fit than quality bow-mounts and are generally only available in 12V versions with reasonably modest power outputs or thrust ratings.

They’re a good choice for kayaks, canoes, car-toppers and little tinnies, but rather limited in their functionality on larger craft.

A transom-mounted electric works quite well for trolling, but its usefulness when manoeuvring a vessel to cast lures or flies at specific targets is rather marginal. That’s why most serious users opt for a bow-mounted unit on their larger trailer boats.

Once we move our attentions to the pointy end of the boat, we still have some vital choices to make when picking a bow-mounted electric. The most significant decision is whether to go with a cable-steer or electronicallycontrolled version.

12

JUNE 2017

employ a rugged, relatively simple mechanical steering mechanism.

There’s not a lot to go wrong. Secondly, the steering response of these units is extremely fast; tilt your foot one way on the control and the head, shaft and prop of the motor rotate immediately in that chosen direction. Tip your foot back the other way and the motor rotates in the opposite direction. This process becomes highly intuitive over time, and is extremely useful when manoeuvring in tight spaces (such as between oyster racks) or dealing with fast, powerful fish hooked close to cover.

By contrast, electronically controlled motors have a remote hand or foot control (or both) that is

integrated GPS-controlled functions such as ‘Spot Lock’ or ‘Anchor,’ as well as the ability to maintain a compass heading and a set speed, to track along a

designated or pre-programed course, or go directly to various stored waypoints.

These sophisticated, electronically-controlled units are by far the biggest

Today’s bow-mounted electric motors offer a host of really handy features and can even be integrated with your sounder and plotter unit for increased functionality.

Smaller trailer boats are well served by 12V electric motor systems with 40-60lb of rated thrust.

sellers in Australia today.

Once you’ve decided between stern or bow mounting and cable or electronic control, you’ll need to pick a power and thrust rating, a brand and a model.

Electrics come in 12, 24, 36 and (rarely) 48V versions, and their power output at the propeller is generally rated in pounds of thrust from about 15 or 18lb in small transom units to more than 100lb in the biggest bow-mounts.

For most trailer boats up to about 5.2m in length and with an all-up weight of half a tonne or less, a 12V unit with 40-60lb of thrust is fine. Larger vessels or

those operating in areas with consistently strong tides or winds will be better served by a 24V system with at least 75lb of thrust.

Some makers offer a choice between saltwater and freshwater versions, with the major differences being related to the powder coatings or paints used, the metals selected, and whether or not sacrificial zinc anodes are fitted as standard. Not surprisingly, saltwater models are greatly favoured

by Australian anglers.

Finally, there’s the matter of choosing a brand and a model. The range of choice in this area expands each year. As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for, and cheaper units may not last as long or perform as well out of the box as top-line offerings. They’re also likely to have less built-in features.

The two big brands in electric motors have been in this business a long time and have the runs on the board, as well as established dealer networks and aftersales service records. As with fishing tackle, buying something significantly cheaper from a lesser-known maker can potentially end in tears. My advice is to buy the best you can afford, look after it really well, and don’t be afraid to contact the Australian distributor immediately if you experience any operating issues.

If you’ve been contemplating going electric and have put it off, I strongly urge you to bite the bullet this year. No other single piece of kit will have a greater positive impact on your lure and flyfishing results than a quality, bow-mounted electric motor.

Vale

Vale Les Wilson: a pioneer of the tackle industry

The Australian recreational fishing community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Les Wilson, who passed away at the age of 93. A much-loved legend in the tackle industry, Les is best known as the founder of Wilson Fishing, one of the most successful tackle companies in Australia.

Les Wilson was born in 1923, and began working from the age of 14. By the age of 19 he was a qualified fitter and turner and toolmaker,

and was already dreaming of having his own business one day. To that end, he started making all types of things in his workshop under the house. At age 23, shortly after he was married, he resigned from his job and started his own business, run from underneath his house in Brisbane. We spoke to him a few years back on how the Wilson Fishing journey began.

“I took on any job I could handle,” he told us. “I had a small metal lathe and hand

press. My first job in fishing tackle was making swivels and side cast reels. Later I made rod components, reel seats, ferrules, stainless steel guides and fish scalers.

“I had no training besides my apprenticeship, and I learned all about tackle from people like Len Butterworth, from reading books and from small retailers. Len Butterworth became my largest customer and we worked together for over 40 years, making all of his reel seats, ferrules, guides and so

on. I gained experience in all types of rods – Rangoon cane, split cane, solid glass, hollow glass and graphite.”

Les always loved working in the recreational fishing industry, with his job taking him all around Australia and overseas in pursuit of new products. His son Graeme said his father continued to work well into his 80s, regularly catching up with the staff and family at Wilson Fishing.

“For three days a week Dad came here to socialise, and to do the banking and the mail,” Graeme recalled.

“All his staff are his children or grandchildren, or have become good friends, and visiting all of us was the highlight of his week.”

Thanks to Les’ vision and determination, and the hard work of his staff, Wilson Fishing celebrated its 70th year in business last year.

The occasion was marked

with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the AFTA Tackle Trade Show, following on from Les’ induction into the AFTA Hall of Fame.

“He has done a marvellous job building up this company,” Graeme said, “and we are all proud to be a part of it.”

Les is survived by his wife and family, which includes children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. – FM

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13

Mid year fishing patterns will start to emerge WEST COAST

Shane Lowery

June promises to be a great month to fish the Glenelg River as well as many other smaller systems on the SouthWest Coast.

The colder months are generally when we see the biggest southern black bream really on the chew.

Increased inflows to the river systems herald the start of spawning behaviour in our estuarine species.

Bream and estuary perch will start to school up and begin their recruitment before moving into full spawn mode, making them easier to find in large numbers but not always easy to catch.

The preceding months have seen some good fish and exceptional fishing on the Glenelg River. Large numbers of small to medium sized mulloway have been spread through the entire system. Dry Creek through to Sapling Creek has been the most productive area.

Estuary perch have also been plentiful and well spread out. Those really big fish at 45-50cm have been a little harder to find than at this time last year.

Bream have stayed strong, and with the open mouth the estuary has turned on some excellent fishing, particularly on the bigger incoming tides.

Patterns start to really change in the month of June as rains start to increase the inflow of water

into the river. Bream start to move off the edges and school up in large numbers in the mid to high regions of the river. These fish are often found out in 2-4m of water on the sounder in large schools. They’re not always easy to catch and can be very finicky.

Bait fishers often find success dropping lightly weighted scrub worms, peeled prawns, pilchard fillets or cut crab down to these fish. Lure fishing can become harder, but deep diving hardbodies rolled extremely slowly along the bottom or just above often catch fish. Vibe or blade style lures are also a very successful technique to employ.

Increased flow also indicates that the time for

Estuary perch and small trevally are a common bycatch in winter if the mouth is open. big mulloway is near. Of course, this requires an open mouth to the estuary system. Generally good flow will keep the mouth open. Large mulloway move into the lower part of the river and tend to hold in the estuary section hunting baitfish in the dirty water. In past years vibe lures have accounted for some great fish as well as

larger trolled hardbodies.

Trolling live mullet is also a very popular technique at this time of year.

Estuary perch also move to the lower section of the river and can be caught in the estuary. Vibes, deep diving hardbodies, heavily weighted soft plastics or live baits such as minnows and whitebait are all very effective. The perch tend

to stay in the deeper water, but can often be found up on the mud flats early in morning before moving back out during the day.

For those who are keen enough to brave the colder weather, June can be a fantastic month to fish the Glenelg River. Get out and enjoy the exceptional fishing that winter has to offer.

June is a great month to target big Glenelg River bream.

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15

Winter time is stout trout time WARRNAMBOOL

Mark Gercovich mgercovich@hotmail.com

June marks the beginning of winter, which is a depressing thought for most, but not for anglers who are keen on some big southwest trout. A wet year last year, combined with a not-too-hot summer and an autumn with a few significant rainfalls (in

what is often a dry time of the year) should result in some excellent trout fishing opportunities.

Despite some sections of the rivers closing from midnight on Monday 12 June until midnight on 1 September, there are enough areas open to provide good winter fishing. Remember the bag/possession limit on the rivers is five, of which no more than two fish may exceed 35cm.

Winter time is trout time.

In reality, at this time of year you don’t catch many under that 35cm limit.

Effectively it’s a bag limit of two, which is a good thing really. We’ve often caught the same trout a few times out of the same run, so releasing a fish gives other anglers the chance to enjoy the experience of a good fish.

The nearby lakes should also be fishing well for trout during June. Places like Bolac, Ellingamite, Tooliorook and Deep Lake received drought relief stocking after excellent spring rainfalls in 2016.

These fish stockings are in addition to substantial trout releases made through winter last year. Add this to the ever-present trophy trout lakes in Bullen Merri and Purrumbete, where fishing can be tough but the rewards are there for those who persist, and you have plenty of salmonid options to keep anglers keen.

On the estuary scene, the Hopkins River has continued to fish well, with plenty of quality bream being taken throughout the river on a wide variety of methods. As we progress further into the cooler

months the fish will begin to leave the river margins in favour of deeper water.

Both bream and perch can provide excellent action on blades, vibes and heavily weighted plastics as they begin to school up in the deeper water. As winter really sets in and the water temperatures fall, that deep bite will start to become far more difficult and unpredictable.

Mulloway remain an exciting presence in the river, with fish up to 80cm being caught right up until May. Whether they stay in the system once the waters cool and/or dirty up remains to be seen, but hopefully a few mulloway will remain and succumb to unsuspecting bream anglers’ baits or lures over winter.

Tuna have been an ongoing presence since summer, so the thought of braving the southern ocean during winter may not have the same appeal it has had in previous years. However, if there are massive schools of tuna busting up on a flat, steely grey winter ocean and eating stickbaits, keen anglers aren’t really going to care how cold it is.

Harry Anders with a 16kg+ gummy shark.

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17

Cool weather doesn’t bother cool anglers COBDEN

Rod Shepherd

The cooler weather hasn’t deterred those wishing to wet a line either in the surf, sea or estuary, it’s just the southwesterly fronts that regularly pass over us at this time of year.

Otherwise the fishing has been simply superb.

The salmon have turned up in droves along our beaches, and some excellent fish exceeding 2kg have been caught, mainly on squid strips topped off with a pilchard fillet.

Double paternoster rigs and introducing a berley into

the wash have been the go-to methods. The main beach at Peterborough and Newfield Bay have been hotspots of late.

For those willing to brave the elements there are still plenty of gummy sharks about for surf anglers. The only problem is that you have to fish after dark. A rising tide is the go, and the best bait is eel chunks.

Leave the skin on the eel, don’t gut it, and let the natural oils seep out.

I recommend rigging the length of eel (4-6”) on a ganged rig, and securing it with hosiery elastic. This is one tough bait and it will take ages for sea lice and

A solid Curdies bream taken in the river on a Fish Arrow J Shad in live gill silver.

crabs to demolish. Gibsons Steps and the mouth of the Gellibrand River have been hotspots, and you can park the car nearby.

The southern bluefin tuna fishery is going along great guns, with those anglers launching near Peterborough at Boat Bay having encountered school fish to 18kg just 15km or so offshore in around 60m of water. At this distance the cliff line along the Great Ocean Road is just visible on the horizon.

I’ve been informed by a reliable source that a barrel fish weighing in at approximately 100kg has just been caught and weighed in, so that alone is encouraging for boaters thinking of venturing out.

Skirted lures in white, pink and blue along with deep diving Rapala X-Raps in blue and silver patterns have worked well.

The Curdies River has been quite consistent for bream. Keep in mind that the mouth is currently closed, so the fish are spread throughout the system. The fish are generally schooled up and it’s just a matter of locating one, preferably on the chew.

The fish are responding to a wide variety of baits and lures. Keep in mind that the fish are still gorging on greyback minnows (whitebait). That particular bait, which can be netted in the shallows in the lake, is the gun bait.

Soft plastic users should be using minnow shads with a silver streak for optimum results. Find a school of fish on the chew and you won’t go wrong.

Soon the fish will hang deep due to winter cooling the water down, so

a vibrating metal lure just lightly skipped across the bottom close to the river bank should see some action.

For some reason the fish prefer dark colours here, so go as close to black as you can with a touch of silver thrown in for good measure.

Graeme Findlay holding a 4 1/2lb, 55cm rainbow trout. It smashed a PowerBait about 30m offshore, while jumping about a metre in the air!

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Heavy pelagics will be hitting the decks APOLLO BAY

Wayne Diffey

The salmon have made quite a return to the local beaches recently. Goodsized schools of decent fish have been showing up at Wild Dog Creek Beach, near Pirates Cove, the back beach at Marengo and Johanna Beach.

Spinning with a 9ft shore spin rod and matching reel, 15-20lb braid and fluorocarbon leader is ideal. Juro Laser lures, Gillies Baitfish and Halco Streakers are some good lure choices. I have

seen photos of salmon to 4.5lb and had reports of fish close to 10lb, and in good numbers. Early morning and late evening are the best times to get out there and chase them off the beaches.

Out wide I’m still getting reports of good catches of gummies, snapper and some big flatties being caught around the 40m mark off Bald Hill Reef and Blanket Bay Reef.

Earlier last month there were a few days where things were pretty quiet, but that seems to have changed with the water clearing up.

There have been many boats out chasing the

bluefin tuna of late, as there have been a few good fish caught. On one day five fish came in weighing 105-120kg and a few school fish to 30kg as well. So far the tuna have been taken on various coloured skirts and

The local rivers and streams have been fishing pretty well for bream, with some nice EPs and trout as well.

• If you’re coming to Apollo Bay for a fish, be sure to pop into Surf N Fish for all

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A local stream brown trout caught by Andy Orchard on a Rapala lure in spotted dog.

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19

Why not try a few new tactics for winter?

GEELONG

Neil Slater slaterbunch@optusnet.com.au

Easing into winter isn’t always a great deal of fun, however the fishing can be excellent if you’re prepared to try a few different tactics – with a beanie!

The cooler months always see the larger redfin come on the bite. You’ll get fewer redfin at your chosen location, but the ones you get should be of a larger average size.

Wurdiboluc Reservoir near Moriac is renowned for its large redfin – some of which can top 50cm and 2kg! Working mid to large sized minnow imitations slowly and as close to the bottom as possible will give you a shot at the big redfin. Soft plastics can be worked super slow and are relatively snag-free, while heavier spoons can also be used with a slow retrieve which sees them near the bottom.

Bradly Cox took his two-year-old son Jayden fishing at Stoney Creek Reservoir to break in his new Dusk custom rod last

month. The father-son team were casting spoons in very shallow water using a super slow retrieve when Jayden caught a very respectable 38cm redfin! Bradley says that it was good to see a few bigger models showing up.

Michael Evans has also been busy chasing trout and redfin at Wurdiboluc and Stoney Creek reservoirs.

Michael caught a ripper rainbow trout of 53cm and 2.3kg on a Nories Metal Wasaby spoon. Michael says ample 20-45cm redfin have been on the chew, and bigger models are starting come on the bite now that the weather is cooling down. Michael’s tip for would-be reddy chasers is to use bright colours when it is a bright day, and on dark days use darker colours.

Schools of Australian salmon have been spotted smashing into baitfish schools on the surface inside Corio Bay. This is an exciting form of fishing, and if you happen across an angry school, it can be a fish per cast! They have come within casting distance on some days, much to the delight of pier fishers.

Remember that if you are approaching a school, stop

June should see larger redfin show up in the reservoirs. and cast at them. Never troll lures through the middle of the school or you’ll just frighten them off.

Land-based anglers fishing the rock wall at St Helens have enjoyed getting

into a few pinky snapper and flathead to 35cm.

Bluebait and pilchards cut into pieces have been the best baits. Ross Winstanley has been hitting Stingaree Bay hard in search of King

George whiting over the last month. Ross notes that the cool weather may bring the whiting deeper inside Corio Bay over June.

Anglers have enjoyed quality King George

whiting either side of 40cm fishing in 5-7m of water out off Clifton Springs.

Bag limit captures aren’t common. The quality of fish makes up for this.

Snapper to around 3kg have also been caught by anglers fishing out off Clifton Springs. The first few hours after dark has been the best time, and pilchards are the best bait.

Remember there is now a new jetty off the rock wall at Clifton Springs. It is quite shallow here so it will be best fished when the water is dirty after strong winds, or after dark. Rod Ludlow from Beachlea Boat Hire at Indented Head says the fishing has been pretty good over the past month, with mixed species on the bite.

There has been the odd large snapper around, up to about 6kg, and plenty of pinky snapper up to 1kg being taken between Governors Reef and Portarlington. The best times have been first and last light and around the high tide with the Prince George Bank a standout.

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following strong winds.

Good numbers are being caught off the Portarlington Pier. The best baits have been fresh squid and pilchards.

Rod notes that the squid have been biting well with some rippers approaching 1kg in weight among them.

The whole Indented Head area has been amongst the best spots. Rod had one client throw back over 30 squid just so he could keep the biggest ones. Rod suggests that all you need to do is find a weed bed and get onto them.

Rod also had a couple

of boats do extremely well on the whiting with fish up to 44cm and weighing 750-800g. The deeper reefs off Indented Head and Grassy Point in about 4-8m have been best spots.

Either side of the high tide is the best time. Rod says you should use good quality pipis or mussels for the best results.

Flathead were also biting well last month with some good-sized fish taken in fairly shallow water around Indented Head and St Leonards.

The Barwon River

estuary has been high and brown with all the rain we had making fishing difficult. The best method has been to fish the last half of the run in tide when the clean salt water heads upstream. Silver trevally and small salmon have been the most common captures.

Mulloway to 6kg have also been good on fresh squid during the right tides around a full or new moon.

We’ve had a shipload of rain in the region and a lot of Surf Coast estuaries have turned to coffee, making lure fishing very difficult. Those

Michael with a quality trout that weighed in at 2.3kg.

estuaries that were closed at the mouth are now open.

If the water is dirty, large scrub worms can see you pestered by eels, but you should still be able to snag a bream if you’re lucky.

Painkalac Reservoir near Aireys Inlet has been opened for public use. Fisheries plan to stock it with estuary perch in December, which is very exciting. It has not been stocked with fish before, but I’d expect there would be a few resident trout kicking about in there, so it could be worth a visit.

Salmon have been a little sporadic along the Surf Coast with schools being spotted busting up on the surface offshore. There have been no bites for those fishing from the beach.

Expect the salmon to move into the breakers over June.

Dawn and dusk are always best and it is still possible to catch a few during the day.

Anglers are spoilt for choice in June. Give St Helens Rockwall a go for pinkies, the Barwon estuary (remember to fish the incoming tide) for small salmon or trevally, and Painkalac, Wurdiboluc and Stoney Creek reservoirs should have trout and quality redfin!

• Catch a few around Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast

Jayden showing dad up with a 38cm reddy. to Lorne recently? Send in a report to slaterbunch@ optusnet.com.au with VFM in the subject field or give me a call on 0408 997 348. Please include where

(without giving away your secret spot!), when, what on and who caught the fish.

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Plenty of quality catches for dedicated anglers PORT PHILLIP WEST

Andy Smith andy@ebbtidetackle.com

The weather is swinging into the familiar Melbourne winter. This doesn’t mean you have to pack the rods and reels away, though.

The metropolitan area and the western area of Port Phillip Bay continue to produce a variety of options. Plenty of baitfish have congregated across the northern aspect of the bay, but reliable areas to find the bait stretch from the mouths of the metro rivers out and all the way across to Point Cook.

Huge numbers of Australian salmon have spread out across the top end of the bay. The highest concentration of these hard fighting sportfish is between Williamstown and Altona. While the fish have not been huge by some of

the standards seen along our coastal surf beaches, solid fish up to and just over the 1kg mark have been common and hugely concentrated.

These bay predators push the population of whitebait and small blue bait up into packs and feast on them daily. An eagle eye

and great quality polarised sunglasses assist to spot the fish. Approach them smartly – it pays dividends.

Rather than having one cast or troll run over the fish if you target them from a boat, take your time to get in front of the moving school. Do this by watching the birds and the direction

Scrubworms are always reliable on estuary bream in Melbourne!

of their travel.

There is nothing worse than one boat driving over top of the entire school in an effort to hook a fish.

Most often, the end result is the fish disperse or go deeper and the red-hot fishing slows to a crawl.

If you are going to troll, an old technique that still can be effective is to troll small white or clear 3” (75mm) octopus skirts with a small bean sinker in the head. Add a tinsel head skirt under this for a natural holographic sheen that will boost your catch rates substantially.

In addition to this, many other methods are effective and have been highlighted over the years. Trolling divers up to 100mm in length can be a great way to attract deeper fish to your spread of lures. Always have a casting outfit rigged and ready to go if the fish appear. The ideal lures are small metal casting slugs up to 30g in weight.

Matthew Calleja has

One of the great calamari on the 2.5 red foil Yamashita for Sam Cunsolo.

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enjoyed great success by fishing smartly across the top end of the bay while searching for salmon.

Matty positions the boat so he can stop and cast towards the school of feeding salmon. This has allowed him to catch multiple fish in sequential casts without having the need to motor around them and risk spooking or scaring the fish.

The shallow areas of the bay also produce great catches on the reefs. Alan Bonnici of fishingmad. com.au has enjoyed good success from his Native Watercraft Slayer kayak around Altona. Alan reports that fishing unweighted pilchards and squid near the reef has resulted in a lot of good size pinkies from 35-50cm in length

and also some lovely eating size flathead to top off a great morning on the water. Some of the flathead have been up to 48cm in length – truly a great size for the bay. There is always a good chance of by-catch along the reef areas with leatherjackets, salmon and pike all common.

Further afield, the far west of the bay and the entrance area to the outer harbour of Corio Bay can be a worthwhile proposition for some deep water gummy sharks.

Target the 20m line and fish squid and pilchards.

If you are going to berley, do so lightly. Heavy berley generally attracts a lot of unwanted fish in the area like small flathead and copious numbers of

There’s nothing better than getting the kids into calamari fishing. Sam Cunsolo and his girls had a good time on the cephalopods!

banjo rays and their flat, unwanted stingray cousins.

The shallow areas from Clifton Springs all the way around the Bellarine Peninsula are ideal areas to target calamari from now until the warmer summer month’s return.

Sam Cunsolo headed out off Clifton Springs recently with his girls.

Fishing glassy calm conditions and, seeing the calamari were a little

finicky, Sam and the girls wisely downsized their jigs and came up trumps using red foil Yamashita jigs in size 2.5.

Back towards the city, and renowned metro river specialist and Hobie pro angler Dale ‘Thursdale’ Baxter has been up to his usual tricks with quality catches on the board. Prior to the metro mulloway really firing up, which is due to happen any time

now, Dale headed to some local piers to exploit the structure with the premium access that a quality fishing kayak can provide. Princess Pier provides a huge amount of shelter, food and fishing opportunity.

Dale has encountered great success recently using 3” Gulp Nemesis lures in camo colour matched to a Daiwa TD Commander Avenger 2-4kg rod with 6lb leader in the

Alan Bonnici with a great morning catch from his kayak off Altona.

pylons. This presentation has allowed Dale to land about ten quality snapper in the pylons with the best hitting just shy of 70cm and only two fish under 35cm in length. That’s the benefit of quality gear in the hardto-fish territory.

The rivers will continue to get even better from now until the big winter flows. Baitfish will begin to concentrate in the lower reaches of the rivers and while most of the bream gradually move towards the middle and school up, they can’t resist a well-placed bait like a scrub worm after fresh rains.

Alan Bonnici continues to enjoy really good fishing around the Warmies and the West Gate Bridge, landing plenty of bream up to 38cm.

For those anglers wishing to encounter a mulloway, now is the time to put in serious effort towards our local rivers.

Focus and target on the structure and your efforts will reap the rewards!

BEEN FISHING? I’d love to see and hear fishing experiences in the local area! Send through fishing reports and highresolution photos of your great catches to andy@ ebbtidetackle.com with as much detail as you are happy to share.

A huge school of feeding salmon and birds working off Altona. Photo courtesy of Matty Calleja.

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Cold on the bay, but still biting Wayne Friebe wfriebe@bigpond.net.au

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The prolonged warm and settled weather we all enjoyed for the first few months of the year is all a distant memory now.

We have moved into the cold weather patterns and into winter.

While it takes a few more minerals to commit to the early starts and late finishes, smaller effective bite windows can make the extra effort worthwhile. It might be cold on the bay this winter, but there is still plenty of great fishing to be had for all anglers.

With lots of other fishing options keeping most of the boating anglers busy farther afield, there have been a lot less snapper reports coming in. After a great late run of fish around Mornington and Mount Martha out wide in recent months, it seems likely that there are still plenty of fish about, and there will still

be plenty right through the winter months.

Deeper areas on the western side of the shipping channel are proven for winter snapper, for those anglers keen to give the reds a crack in the cold. These areas, and others along the eastern side are also home to some ripper gummies as well, and with the very encouraging number of reports of gummy sharks from all over PPB this year, we should be in for a cracker winter as well. A few mates of mine caught thumping fish just offshore recently, which is a great sign for things to come.

The keys to success are to look for humps and rises on the bottom on your sounder and use fresh, quality bait. Many anglers, as well as fresh squid and cuttlefish, prefer salmon and trevally fillets. Be prepared to work your way through the undesirable by-catch at times too. Often you’ve got to catch a dozen or more species of bottom dwelling sharks and rays before the

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‘gumbos’ show up.

Another trend that has continued in earnest since Christmas has been top-class whiting fishing right along the eastern shoreline, especially the Mornington Peninsula. PPB has long played second fiddle to Western Port as a whiting fishery, especially on our side of the bay, but this year has been a cracker so far.

Let’s hope it continues right through the winter as well.

Inshore areas have been fishing well during the day, especially further south. Local areas between Mornington and Frankston have been fishing well at night, especially for the land-based anglers. Good quality bait is always best and it’s hard to go past locally caught squid and mussels. Pipis are the most available and probably still the best all-round bait, but the good old toadies love it as well.

Garfish have also shown up in some very big numbers over the last month or so, and can be effectively targeted from the same areas close to reef and structure.

Gars respond well to berley and will take a wide range of well-presented baits.

You can fish with baits suspended under a float, or slow wind unweighted baits through the berley trail. Gars will also take very small

soft plastics and even small flies if you’re looking to try something new! Some might think that’s a lot of messing around, but it’s heaps of fun, let me tell you.

Calamari numbers seemed to explode this year as soon as the water cooled down, and the great squid fishing is not slowing down at all. The squid will become less active and stay closer to the bottom as we move right into winter, but their sheer numbers at the moment are keeping the fishing strong.

Jigs with red and gold body colours seem to be the best at present. I always prefer green/purple combinations and UV white/pearl jigs in 2.5-3.0 sizes. Don’t be shy to try a few fast winds too, to fire the calamari up if they are a little inactive.

Big numbers of salmon have been moving up and down the eastern shoreline on the hunt. The mouths of the local creeks and rivers are prime spots to try your luck, especially after recent rain. They will also swim right along the beach gutters on calm mornings and can be spotted quite easily from the bank or boat.

Boats with electric motors and kayaks can be very useful when they are in skinny water, as the schools can be very flighty.

An upwind approach is the way to go. Long casts with

Peter Mazey holds a nice brace of land-based whiting from Mount Martha. Recent reports suggest that the good late run of whiting will continue for some time to come. soft plastics, metal slugs and flies are the best bet, and trolling is well worth a try to locate any feeding schools. They’re great bait, great sport and not bad tucker if treated right. The humble salmon is one of my favourite fish.

Speaking of favourites, I’ve got a soft spot for the Patto after many years spent floating around the canals, and it has been fishing very well lately. Plenty of mullet and bream have been around for the bait fishing crew, and good numbers of solid bream for the lure anglers as well. I haven’t had heaps of reports of mulloway yet, but recent rains should change this and I expect to hear more in the coming months from the estuary perch as well.

Stay tuned!

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Andrew Cox with a very solid gummy shark from a recent offshore session. Expect the great fishing for gummies to continue through the winter, especially in the south of the bay.

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Chilling out with squid and pinkies in the bay PORT PHILLIP NORTH

Lee Rayner info@fishingfever.com.au

We’re into winter now with that icy chill on even the slightest of winds, not to mention the nasty way a strong blow cuts straight through you. In between the chills there has been some really good weather thrown our way.

That’s the joy of living in Melbourne; you never get sick of the weather because it changes so much that you never get a chance to get sick of it.

While the winter days and weather have set in, it also brings on some really good fishing opportunities.

This month may not produce a lot of huge fish, but what they lack in size is certainly made up for in numbers. In many ways it’s the perfect time to be on the water with some red hot fishing available in the shorter fishing hours. It’s cooler out there and it’s my favourite time to get the kids out on the water, as the late afternoons usually produce heaps of action on the pinkie snapper all through this part of the bay.

MORDIALLOC TO BLACK ROCK It’s now mullet season in the creek with each day seeing local anglers having a ball on the big mullet that move into the area during winter. Best of all, anyone can get into them in calm conditions. Recently the pier fished well for a few salmon and pinkies when the weather has been ordinary, which has been a fair bit over the past weeks.

This month should also see good numbers of garfish on offer on the pier. On most days they will also be mixed up with some good-sized mullet. When the water is clear and calm it’s also a great time to be fishing for the calamari that get over the reef on the north side of the pier. While a lot of anglers focus at dawn and dusk there are generally good numbers of calamari on offer all day long.

For bait anglers, pinkies have been going well of an afternoon and into the evening with numbers of smaller sized fish on offer in the 28-32cm size. However, among the smaller pinkies there have also been some nice fish in the 40-45cm size with the best baits being pilly

During winter the late afternoons usually produce heaps of action on the snapper all through this part of the bay. tails or small squid strips fished on paternoster rigs.

With a bit of dirty water the salmon just seem to turn up. They haven’t been huge, but they have certainly provided plenty of fun for those anglers casting small metal lures around when the

wind is stirring up the water around the pier. In the dirty water, gold colours have been a killer and weights of 14-25g have been dynamite.

For the boat anglers there are plenty of options at the moment and best of all you don’t need to go far

to find fish. The shallow reefs around the Parkdale Pinnacles and between the Scout Hall Pier and Ricketts Point produce good numbers of pinkie snapper and solid squid to over a kilo in weight.

It’s also worth keeping your eyes peeled as the local

salmon population is still around and providing anglers with plenty of action when they stick their heads up.

As for Beaumaris Pier the squid are back on and should hopefully continue for the rest of winter. If you’re after a good spot to fish, especially in a northerly, it’s well worth taking a look at this area. The pier is great and the rocks either side of the pier also produce good squid.

Out from the pier and all around the old mussel farm boat anglers are still getting some very good blue-spot flathead. Anglers are slowly bouncing plastics across the bottom to get the best results.

Ricketts Point to Black Rock has also seen plenty of pinkie action with some solid specimens to over 2kg being taken, especially after dark on larger unweighed baits in the shallow water.

Anglers trolling small diving lures have caught solid squid and a good number of snook to 80cm.

SANDRINGHAM TO ST KILDA In along the shoreline and just out from it in anything up to 6m of water the fishing has been good. The rock groynes at Hampton have

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produced squid and a few pinkies. The best run of pinkies that I have heard of for the land-based anglers is the Brighton Breakwall with plenty of fish on offer, especially when the south or west winds blow. By all rights this should only get better over this month as the pinkies really move into this area in droves to

feed on the ample food that is available through this reef system.

Working the shallow reef areas between Brighton and St Kilda has also been producing solid squid for anglers who are prepared to put a bit of effort in. Working the reef edge where it drops away into deeper water, usually

3-6m deep, is producing the goods, especially with larger 3.5 sized jigs.

ST KILDA TO PORT MELBOURNE It can be a great time of year up at this end of the bay if we don’t get big floods to stir the water up.

The reason that this area can produce good fishing is that it will often be just

After a slow start and some colour changes, Laura and Amelia managed a great bag with some bigger models mixed in off Portarlington. There definitely seems to be plenty of squid around at the moment, both locally and down the southern end of the bay.

a touch warmer. This can produce solid snapper for anglers fishing at night over the cunjevoi reefs that run between St Kilda and Station Pier in 5-8m of water. Adding to this I have also heard of nice ling being taken in the cooler water. This area is one of the best to find them in the bay – great eating and well worth targeting.

For the land-based anglers, the St Kilda Pier and breakwall have been producing small salmon over the past weeks. There is plenty of white bait in the area, so you would think the salmon would stick around.

Off Kerford Road and Lagoon piers there have been salmon and pinkies on offer. Lately every day is a bit of a lucky dip as to what will bite best. If you’re heading down that way it may pay to take a few rods or at least different tackle to accommodate whatever is on the bite.

Station and Lagoon piers have been producing pinkies and flathead over the past weeks and will continue to do so this month. They should also start to turn up nice trevally around the pylons this month, so try floating a small bait down into the shadows of the pier.

Good customer Clee headed out of Western Port in search of some calamari and was not disappointed, catching a handful of excellent specimens. The squid were caught at Quail Bank on red jigs.

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Welcome to the Hotel Calamari MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Luke McCredden www.thelongline.net

Rain, wind and cold weather – in among all this, there are some very fishable conditions. Most

importantly, there are fish biting! In particular, southern calamari have been and still are a hot target. The squid captures are coming from all areas of the peninsula and the quality lately has been fantastic, with squid to

1.5kg being semi-regular.

SQUID Squid is the ideal target species at this time of year.

They are thick in numbers and seemingly spread along the peninsula. Squid around 1-1.5kg have been a genuine reality for a lot of

use. Size 3.5 is ideal, as it is a much larger profile and the bigger squid seem to find a way to monster these jigs before any of their smaller siblings.

On the patchy sunlit days we are experiencing, when the sun is out for 30 minutes then it’s cloud cover for 45 minutes and so on, I have found it crucial to have a range of colours in your arsenal that can be suited to the changing conditions.

Darker foils work well in the darker conditions, while the brighter, lighter colours like gold and yellow work really well with a bit of sunshine.

At the moment, squid anglers are often finding that when you catch one, you should hang around in that exact area. They are holding tight together for the most part.

KING GEORGE WHITING These fish have been one of the mainstays of 2016/17 and they don’t seem to be going anywhere.

A very healthy, cool water calamari.

A decent peninsula gummy caught after dark.

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anglers fishing over the last month and there is no sign of them letting up yet.

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Dan Lee with some solid whiting.

The way you target them is changing slightly. Most anglers are finding goodsized whiting around the Pinnacle Channel, Portsea and out from Rosebud. It’s taking several moves to get good numbers. This is not uncommon, and it just means a bit more work for the angler.

Making sure you give enough time for your berley to work is important. Not spending too much time waiting is probably just as important. You will get an idea of whether there are fish are around within 25 minutes. If you get zero bites within that time, move on. Your moves don’t need to be far, and some anglers this month reported six or seven moves of only 30-50m at a time to get their bags. Pipis, mussel and squid baits are all doing the trick as per normal, and keeping that berley happening is imperative.

There are a number of good reports of snapper and even whiting offshore, and there is plenty of good rubbly ground to go looking.

Out from Port Phillip Heads, most GPS units will give you a basic idea of where to find some old wrecks that are more than enough to hold pinkies, whiting, leatherjacket and trevally.

While it may be cold in the air, the offshore reef species begin to heat up!

STANDOUT MORNINGTON SPECIES King George whiting and southern calamari are the go this month. An honourable mention goes to gummy sharks in the southern part of the bay.

Squid to 1.5kg are on offer in the southern part of the bay.

Winter sets in with monster whiting catches WESTERN PORT NTH

Adam Ring

It has gotten to a point where I have to admit, it’s cold and it’s wet and things have well and truly slowed down. However, you just can’t argue with reports and the reports tell us there are still great fish around.

The calamari at the moment are monstrous, the gummy sharks are still quietly sneaking under the radar and even though the cricket scores of whiting are pretty much done, their size and quality are the best we have seen all season!

THE TOP END I am going to open with an oddball report that I’m sure many anglers would not have seen coming. John Tanzen took full advantage of one of the super calm days that we have had and was able to tempt a cracker of a snapper that weighed in at 6.75kg. It’s a great catch for this time of year and fingers are crossed there are still a few fish like this to come.

Warneet has been one of the hottest areas of the port over the last month for a variety of different species.

The gummies have been the main target out of Warneet and there have definitely been enough around to keep the people happy. Kallan Braid-Ball and his mate Thommo put in a few hours

on the gummies. They spent an hour gathering a couple of fresh calamari before settling in on their gummy mark when that beautiful fresh squid was converted into one of the nicer table-worthy gummies. Well done, boys.

Vince Natarelli anchored into 22m out from Warneet and he had gummies on the mind, however, it’s so

in the same 22m of water.

It didn’t take long for the whiting rod to scream off and connected was a whopping 800g, 47.5cm King George whiting. Great capture, Vince – love it!

Not far from Warneet is a channel known as Gentle Annie. Typically this area is known as a great whiting area but Andrew Ketelaar has been

the Middle Spit.

Milla and Griffin Spierings spent a day on the Middle Spit with their dad Luke and between them they boated a dozen whiting with the smallest measuring 38cm and the biggest measuring 45cm! That is a very serious whiting and all fish were caught on fresh calamari caught earlier in the day.

Vince Natarelli with 800g of Western Port’s finest King George whiting. out from Hastings with some freshly caught cuttlefish that he turned into a lovely bag of whiting to 40cm. Well done Chris and for those that haven’t tried cuttlefish for bait, GET ON IT!!

Rob McKenzie rounds out our monster whiting roundup this month with

a recent trip to Hastings, which ended in a seven fish bag and the biggest fish measuring 46cm! Pipi was the best bait for Rob matched with a run-out tide. Well played, Rob. Good luck to all and don’t forget to stay warm and keep those reports coming.

Milla and Griffin Spierings showing the grown-ups how it’s done! interesting how things can pan out on the water. The gummies were insanely slow, so Vince changed tactics and put down a whiting rod

This is one monster Tyabb calamari!

doing seriously well on the gummies that are having a poke around on the flats up there. He has been fishing the incoming tide and picking off the gummies as they enter the channel to get up onto the flats. Well played Andrew!

The Quail Bank is an area that we will hear a lot from in the coming months, as some really big calamari will settle in on the weed beds for the winter. There is no real secret to getting squid here. Fishing big can be a huge benefit if you want to see what these big squid are like. 3.5 and 4.0 size jigs are the go. Really play around with your colour selection.

Blacks and reds are a great option when the water is a little bit discoloured and after a nice bit of rain this is usually the case.

The hotspot for the calamari at the moment would have to be the Tyabb Bank. Local angler Peter took advantage of a nice calm day and got stuck into a number of whopping big squid. Pete had all his success on white jigs. I mentioned the use of darker jigs earlier in this report – on the flip side of that when the water is shallow and clear, as is often the case on the Tyabb Bank, white and light coloured jigs are the best place to start.

THE NORTH ARM I mentioned the average size of the whiting around at the moment is the best we have seen all season. Check out these few reports from

Well done, crew!

Chris and Shane were another couple of local anglers getting amongst the monster whiting up on the spit. Not only did they get a handful of whiting to 45cm, they also got some monster calamari too, which is insane. The Middle Spit is not generally known for its monster squid. Well done, fellas.

Hastings is still just cruising along nicely for monster whiting in the deeper water and Chris Rosenbrock put some time in

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JUNE 2017

29

Winter is on and so are the fish WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

It feels a lot like winter has set in already. Not to discourage anglers

banks now, it is time to concentrate in the deeper waters, especially at the bottom end of the North Arm. From Buoy 22 to Buoy 17 the whiting fishing has been spectacular.

Fishing here warrants

By the middle of the month you may notice the whiting are thinner in numbers. They will still be available, you’ll just have to go searching for them.

In saying that, you might want to work down

Soft plastics and metal slugs are top lures for casting at salmon. from heading out for a weekend fish, but the sudden cold snap early last month really put things into perspective for the coming months.

It’s fair to say that now is the time to be rugging up before heading out. While we will still see a fair bit of nice weather, the morning’s chill will really make you wonder why you got out of bed so early.

Despite the chill, the fishing has been hot over the past few weeks if you know where to look.

The whiting scene is still going strong with some good fish being caught.

Although the schools of fish have moved off the

the use of at least 6oz lead weights and it’s important to be fishing around an hour either side of the low tide change.

Berley is also a vital ingredient, but don’t go overboard with it or you’ll just invite stingrays and toadfish to your area.

A good kilo bag of pilchards mashed into the pot will do the job.

During this time of the year the whiting are quite aggressive when taking baits, so it’s a good idea to be using small size 4 circle hooks.

This will enable a cleaner hook set without the possibility of losing fish during battle.

the Western Entrance around Ventor, Cat Bay, Flinders and Balnarring where they will be a viable option throughout winter.

Chris Cassar has been slaying the whiting in Western Port recently and has found them in excellent numbers.

Working the deeper edges of the banks, Chris has put his clients onto some real solid fish.

Working the tops of the weedy banks on the high tide, Chris has also caught a fair share of nice calamari using size 3.0 sized jigs.

Schools of Australian salmon have also shown up in huge schools and are scattered throughout the Western Entrance and the Buoy 17 area up to Stony Point.

Finding them has been quite easy due to the bird activity; simply spot the birds dive bombing from above and you’ll find the salmon schools.

When you approach the schools the salmon can be caught quite easily using

Salmon always jump when hooked and spit hooks.

Changing the treble hooks on a lure to a single hook will give you more of a chance to land the fish.

There were no complaints here, with Justin’s cracking land-based PB snapper.

one of two techniques.

Casting metal slugs into the bubbling mass is effective, but before you do, remove the treble hook and replace it with a single size 1 inline hook.

Salmon have a knack of spitting trebles when they leap from the surface and by replacing with a single, you’ll have more of a chance to land them.

Alternatively, you can troll around the school.

This scatters the school with the boat noise.

Staying to the outskirts of the school and driving the boat so with each pass, the lures pass through the school. This is an effective technique.

Justin Blythe displays the fruits of land-based fishing in Western Port.

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JUNE 2017

Shaun Furtiere took some time off from the whiting and went in search of the salmon with his clients. It didn’t take them too long to get into the action, landing some very nice models ranging 1-2kg.

ELEPHANTS The annual elephant season is also in full bloom as it has been for the past few months with plenty being caught in the Corinella, Coronet Bay and Rhyll areas. Their numbers haven’t been quite what was expected this year, but they have still been about in the shallow muddy waters.

Most of the elephants caught have been in the 2-3kg bracket with pipis and squid baits working best. Berley has been essential to attract them.

Anglers fishing land-based from Corinella Pier as well as Lang Lang Beach and Stockyard Point have been catching them in fair numbers.

Speaking of land-based fishing, can it really get any better? Local angler Justin Blythe fished from Somers Beach in April alongside his brother-in-law Steve Corrigan. The boys fished into the night in search of gummy sharks and managed to hook into two quality snapper.

During this time of the year, a good run of snapper comes on the chew in the Port and has done so for the past few years. Catching them from the beach is a real achievement and just goes to show how productive the Western Port fishery can be.

Many of the local piers are also fishing well with garfish, calamari, salmon and silver trevally all being caught regularly. Stony Point Pier has seen a good

run of garfish taken from the end of the pier during the run-out tide with small slithers of peeled prawns the

top bait. A float rig setup is the most effective.

The Flinders Pier has also seen some calamari

Steve Corrigan landed this healthy model. being caught, but they have been slow these past few weeks. Those fishing first and last light have seen most of the action with bait jigs working best. Fishing the high tide is detrimental, as they tend to come in closer to the pier.

THE BEACHES The surf fishing scene

is just starting to pick up with the onset of the cooler weather. Anzacs Beach at Cape Woolamai is already seeing salmon to a kilo caught on a regular basis.

Berley is a must, as they aren’t in huge schools just yet. Kilcunda Beach has also been producing salmon with the odd silver trevally mixed

in. Pipi baits have been the top bait recently. Also take some blue bait just in case the fish are fussy.

Over the next month, the fishing will really hot up. The salmon will be on the move, so stay up-todate with the reports to know the right beach to try your luck.

There are some big calamari about if you’re willing to work the shallow banks.

Chris Cassar headed out with Shane Stuart to land some quality whiting.

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The best is yet to come PHILLIP ISLAND

Craig Edmonds

It would appear that the autumn fishing, like the weather this season, is late with some of the best fishing conditions over the recent weeks. Fine weather, school holidays and public holidays usually mean one thing – plenty of kids fishing.

That has certainly been the case. Over this period dad becomes the bait man and of course the pocket money ATM, but it’s money well spent.

Over the last few years there are more and more young anglers coming in that are well educated in the ways of fishing and more than capable of putting it into practice. Things have changed over the years and our customers are made up of far more dads and daughters now. We recently ran a fishing competition for charity and the girls took out all the major prizes with quality fish that the adult anglers were envious of.

It’s great to see the kids out on the jetties and in the boats in the fresh air having a

is an excellent sign for the bay, showing just how healthy it is, it means anglers must use a little more thought and planning.

With so much for the fish in the bay to eat, the condition of those being caught is excellent and customers are telling me they are getting a decent meal out of a 45cm whiting. Only catching 10 or so fish turns into a good

quality product. Pilchards are the best and cocktail baits with a combination of pipis, squid and pilchard fillet are great. The best we have seen recently was a 55cm fish that weighed in at 935g. The average is closer to 40cm.

Calamari are continuing to frustrate both land and boat fishers. Little has changed since Christmas. A promising amount of reports have come

Ric with a 2.5kg salmon caught while out in the boat with the family.

Phoenix with a quality fish caught during a charity family fishing competition. in recently of huge schools of small calamari, looking more like a patch of cloudy water until they come close. They grow so quickly it won’t be long before they are attacking jigs and become bait or food.

San Remo Jetty, normally the best jetty for calamari has seen a few caught. They haven’t been in the numbers expected and the fishing for them has been all over the place, and not at the normal change of light. The best reports have come from kayak anglers fishing weed beds off the boat ramp at Cowes and in Cleeland Bight.

One of the better jetties has been at Rhyll. This is

slowly becoming another major area to target them.

Night time is the best. As the water gets a bit colder and less clear, more baited jigs are working, especially if there is a bit of weed around, because a very small piece of weed on an artificial jig will turn away a squid.

With so many squid off the Rhyll Jetty it’s no real surprise that several gummies have been caught recently.

The reports from the Rhyll Jetty have been better than any of the other land-based areas for gummies and even better than some of the popular boating spots.

There have been plenty of other fresh baits around the jetty with mullet and small salmon. Boats have produced mixed results with plenty of undersize gummies and schoolies in the bay. There aren’t a lot of bigger keepers.

Offshore the swell has been too big to get to the gummies. I still get a couple of reports from those chasing flathead off Woolamai. With

Steve with a quality calamari caught from his kayak one evening. go. This should be encouraged as much as possible.

Patience was something needed by all over the last few months with the odds stacked in the favour of the fish and not those chasing them. It has nothing to do with a lack of fish in the bay, but rather the complete opposite. There’s an abundance of fish and the largest species are of the baitfish varieties.

There are more baitfish in the bay now than most can remember, from schools of very small bluebait fish to slimeys, yakkas and even bay trout – something that hasn’t been seen for a while.

Anglers are catching fish that are full of these baitfish with gummies and bigger snapper full of shellfish. While this 32

JUNE 2017

day’s fishing.

All the usual areas have been productive at one stage or another, but it has been hard work. The best reports from the Cowes/Ventnor areas have come from my kayak customers fishing along the edge of the weed beds on the last of the run-in tide. At San Remo the boats have faired better fishing below the bridge on the run-out and above on the run-in. This changed when large schools of couta moved in below the bridge and the whiting became very timid.

Great reports also came from kayak customers working around the Bass River entrance and up past the Magi Shoal peg. The key has been to move often, but not far, and berley lightly with

Denver caught this awesome flatty at the competition.

the water cooling down there have been plenty of sevengill sharks both in the bay and offshore. Every year we see several hammerhead pups in the bay. Recently I have seen larger ones around the 1.5m mark.

a beach through winter. If you’re prepared with good wet weather gear it can be rewarding as well. Generally, you don’t have the crowds on the jetties, which makes it a bit easier to fish the strong currents. For those who fish

Cooper with a great whiting caught during the family fishing competition.

There have been a lot of anglers complaining about being bitten off, which could be several species. After a big bronze whaler was hooked and almost made it back to the boat before it wore through the leader, many think it probably has something to do with the lost rigs.

To continue the strange season there has also been a small great white reported several times now around in the bay, especially around the top light of the main channel at San Remo. It hasn’t been hooked, but has been seen jumping and has wandered up to the back of a few boats. It’s said to be around 8ft long.

The waders and rain coats have been well and truly dusted off or washed off by now. The hardened land-based fishers are out and about. It can be cold and wet standing on a jetty or

the beaches, a 2-3km walk up and down the beach can be a great winter workout. Grab a beach spinning outfit and a long but light rod and casting reel. Then all you need is a handful of lures.

Boats shouldn’t be forgotten during winter.

Now is a great time for bait collecting, trying out new toys you might have fitted to your boat, giving the older kids driving practise and making sure they know how to start or drive the boat if something happened to you.

While it’s quiet at the boat ramps, if you are new to boating it is also a great time to sharpen your launch and retrieval. Then when the season comes around you are ready to go. The other thing to do during winter is take your time getting to where you are going and sound around looking for new fishing areas.

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JUNE 2017

33

How to get to the right point on hook choice WESTERN PORT STH

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Hooks are a crucial part of fishing equipment and, quite frankly, without them you wouldn’t be going home with a feed of fish.

There are countless varieties of hooks on tackle

or landing a fish. Despite the wrong design and or size, brand can play a major role, even due to its origin and where the hook is produced.

Well-known and advertised brands have strict quality control and are made from high quality metals, while cheaper brands can be made from mixed metals and can break or become

referred to as an octopus or suicide hook, these hooks come in a range from as small as a size 10 for such species as trout or mullet all the way to a staggering 10/0 for those deep water species such as blue-eye and other reef dwelling ooglies.

Octopus style hooks are mainly used when bait fishing. In Victoria,

Octopus and octopus circle hooks are the most commonly used hooks for snapper.

Octopus circles always hook the corner of the jaw for a cleaner more solid hook set.

Long shank hooks are quite versatile and are ideal for whiting, silver trevally, flathead and salmon. store walls these days and choosing the right one can be a complex task. Often, we can walk into a tackle store and easily become overwhelmed by the variety on offer and end up

this hook is more centred around fishing for gummy sharks and snapper in sizes ranging 4/0-8/0. The smaller #6 and #8 suits fishing for bream and size 10 for trout

blunt easily. The choice is up to you. Stick with a reliable brand from past experience that you trust.

Despite the large array of hooks, there really are only a handful that all Victorians

and mullet.

The octopus hook style can be fished in many ways.

For instance, it can be fished on a running sinker rig with weighted or unweighted baits such as whole pilchards or a strip of calamari. When targeting bream, a peeled prawn or sand worm can be

threaded onto the hook for bream, trevally and the like.

Octopus hooks can also be snelled together to fish larger baits for bigger fish.

CIRCLE Although the popularity for circle hooks has increased over the past 10 years, circles have been around

Pinned in the jaw hinge every time.

Mustad’s Demon Circle doing its job. just grabbing whatever is within reach and walking to the counter.

The main problem with this is that it is very easy to purchase the wrong design, size or brand, which can have a major impact at that crucial point when hooking

really need in their box to cover all species that the state has to offer.

OCTOPUS/ SUICIDE/BEAK These are basically the same hook in terms of design and all fulfil the same task. More commonly

Top: Whiting have small mouths, so small circle hooks are ideal when they are feeding aggressively. Above: Live baiting kingfish is very popular in Victoria nowadays.

AUTHOR’S CHOICE * Disclaimer: Jarrod Day is a sponsored angler by Mustad Species Hooks Gummy shark Octopus circle #6/0 or circle #6/0

(Western Port and PPB), octopus circle #6/0 (offshore) Snapper Circle #5/0 or #6/0 (Western Port),

octopus #5/0-6/0 snelled (PPB), octopus circle #6/0 (offshore) Kingfish Livebait #6/0 - live baiting, octopus #8/0 - strip baits

(Western Port and PPB), livebait #6/0 (offshore) Salmon Mustad Kaiju #1/0 - casting metal slugs, or 3/8oz jighead soft plastics (Western Port and PPB), red baitholder 1/0 (surf) Flathead Circle #2/0 (Western Port and offshore),

bloodworm long shank #1/0 (PPB) Whiting Circle #6 or #4 or bloodworm

long shank #6 (Western Port and PPB) Bream Red baitholder #6 (estuaries and rivers) Trevally Red baitholder #6 or bloodworm

long shank #6 (estuaries and rivers) Mullet Circle #6 or #4 or bloodworm

long shank #6 (Western Port and PPB), Garfish Mustad 4540 1/2 long shank (Western Port and PPB) Tuna Mustad 7766d 6/0-9/0 (trolling) Sharks Mustad 7766D 9/0-11/0 (bait fishing offshore) 34

JUNE 2017

A healthy southern bluefin tuna caught using a Mustad Southern Tuna hook.

Live bait hooks are designed for kingfish, marlin and tuna. Attaching an assist hook aids in pinning the live bait allowing a cleaner hook set when eaten by a predator.

for decades in some form or another. Their design allows a fish to take a bait and hook itself without angler intervention meaning more solid hook sets and a higher chance of anglers landing the fish during battle.

Although the hook itself looks as if it couldn’t hook anything, it is very unique and requires a certain technique to be fished in the right way.

A circle hook is best fished on a paternoster rig where the line is kept tight from the rod’s tip. This allows the hook to set itself in the corner of the fish’s jaw hinge 100% of the time.

Should an angler fish a circle

on a running sinker rig, the hook will not set yet if the angler attempts to set the hook while fishing a paternoster rig, the hook will pull out of the fish’s mouth almost every time, hence the term ‘slack man’s hook.’ A circle must be fished with a semitight drag and left to do its work, otherwise the hooking process will be jeopardised.

Circle hooks also come in many sizes from #24 up to a staggering 12/0 as well as many different circle shapes. When fishing with

When trolling for gamefish such as tuna, J hooks are the ideal hook to be rigged inside skirted lures. the angler to strike to set the hook and tend to hook deep down the throat of the fish. This in turn can cause major trauma to a fish if you’re choosing to release it, whereas a circle might be a better option.

Long shanks can be fished on paternoster rigs.

They are also a very good option on running sinker rigs,

the bait holder hook has a smaller shank than a long shank and contains two small barbs on its shank. These are for holding baits such as worms, crickets, maggots, pipis, sandworms, prawns, mussels and tenderised calamari strips onto the shank in order to give them a more natural presentation. Ideal for bream, salmon, trevally, flathead, mullet and trout, these hooks are more effective when fished on a running sinker rig.

Once again, the angler is required to set the hook when a bite is noticed in order to get a clean and solid hook set.

In saying that, a bait holder hook can also be rigged on a parternoster rig, which is more common amongst anglers fishing the surf for salmon. In this case, a size 1/0 or 2/0 is recommended.

J HOOKS J hooks get their name from their shape. J hooks

setting process is maximised and the hook will drive itself into the fish’s mouth when the lure is attached, due to the weight of the fish.

The J hook is also thicker

When using circle hooks, there is no need for angler assistance. The circle hook will set itself.

Pipi baits can easily fall off hooks, especially in the surf. This is where a bait holder hook is ideal and will hold it onto the shank. circle hooks, small baits are required, so to leave a great deal of hook point exposure.

Smaller sized baits can easily be swallowed in one mouthful, allowing the hook to set easily.

OCTOPUS CIRCLE An octopus circle hook is a combination of the circle and the octopus giving the best of both worlds. Some anglers cannot refrain from striking to set a hook with a circle, whereas they can continue to do so with an octopus circle. Available in the same sizes as the octopus and circle, this hook can be fished both on a running sinker rig or paternoster.

When fished on a running sinker rig it is best to have

only the one hook attached to the end of the leader rather than snelling multiple hooks.

Similar to circle hooks, when using octopus circles smaller size baits are required for it to be successful in the hook setting process. This means using half pilchards, strips of squid, slithers of fish fillets or otherwise.

LONG SHANK The long shank hooks are extremely popular amongst anglers, particularly those targeting flathead, salmon, whiting, tailor, bream, trevally and more. The long shank of the hook prevents fish with sharp teeth from biting through leader, that is, if they don’t engulf the entire hook.

The long shank requires

stature and almost resemble a circle hook without the hooks point bending back towards the shank. They are also quite a thick gauge to allow maximum penetration when a

The results of using a live bait hook with added Assist hook – a solid Vic king.

live bait is taken.

Live bait hooks tend to be used for species such as kingfish and tend to be rigged on either a paternoster type rig or just on a length of leader, which is attached to a swivel and the mainline to allow the live bait to swim freely. Once the live bait is rigged either by bridling or through the shoulder, it can be deployed under a balloon or float or sent to the bottom to where the intended target is holding.

Live bait hooks are not to be struck to be set into a fish.

Rather they tend to be left so the fish can swallow the entire livie and set themselves.

You can see that with a little bit of knowledge

particularly when fish are finicky biters such as whiting on sunny days. They’re a top hook to be used when fishing in estuaries as smaller baits such as pipis, sand worm, prawns, mussels, tenderised calamari strips and other soft baits can be easily threaded along the shank of the hook.

BAIT HOLDER One of the more common hooks used for bream, trevally, mullet and salmon,

Left: When targeting snapper and gummy sharks in Western Port, A snelled octopus hook setup will yield results. Right: Salmon in the surf can be quite aggressive feeders, always leave a lot of hook point showing when threading a bait onto a bait holder hook.

Port Phillip Bay snapper can be finicky feeders at times. A snelled octopus setup allows you to fish whole baits.

tend to be more commonly used in big game fishing for Mako sharks and tuna where they can be rigged inside skirted lures or rigged on wire and placed into whole salmon or tuna baits destined for a big mako sharks.

When rigging in skirted lures, J hooks track in a straight line when being trolled, meaning the hook

in gauge compared to other hook styles so it can be used for extremely large fish. For tuna, size 7/0-9/0 J hooks are recommended, while for sharks 10/0-12/0 work depending on the size of the bait being used.

LIVE BAIT Live bait hooks are used for exactly that – live baiting.

Live bait hooks are short in

about hook styles, you can easily choose a design for the specific species you’re targeting and ensure success as well as getting a more clean and solid hook set. Using the right hook is important. Next time you’re visiting your local tackle store, take a good look around and don’t be in a rush to grab just any old hook.

JUNE 2017

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JUNE 2017

DROP INTO YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY VICTORIAN DEALERS MELBOURNE B L MARINE

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Hot Spot

Mt Martha really rocks CRANBOURNE

Mitch Chapman

Located along the Mornington Peninsula is a favourite little hidey-hole of mine. What makes the rock platforms along Mt Martha so special is that you can fish them any time of the year and always expect to have a good crack at catching a few calamari. It has easy access and is a short drive from Melbourne, and an even shorter drive from Cranbourne.

PRIME TIME The beauty of fishing the abundant rock platforms along the peninsula is that every day is a good day to go fishing, weather permitting.

Try to plan your session around the tides. You really want to be fishing this area on a high tide as the water is deeper.

The squid like to move in close and mooch around the weed and reef. Also, when working jigs, you won’t snag up and lose as many.

There is more water between the surface and the bottom, which means you can work your jigs a lot slower and keep them in the strike zone for longer periods of time.

Dawn and dusk are key factors, as low light makes the squid a lot less wary and spooky.

THE GEAR When fishing land-based you want to maximize the time your jig spends in the water. This is where a quality rod and reel outfit comes into its own. You want a light 7”6, two piece graphite rod that allows you to cast all day without it being a nuisance. It should really punch a jig out a long way.

Squid guru Cam Chapman with a solid squid caught on the Yamashita Live Search Jigs.

Matched up with a quality 1000-2500 sized spin reel and light 6-10lb braid, this is all you need to get out on the water and catch a few.

THE RIG Squid can be really finicky at the best of times, especially in crystal clear water on bright sunny days. A long length of light 4-6lb fluorocarbon leader is essential for the best results.

An egi snap is also a fast an effective way to change jigs quickly without cutting your leader and shortening the length every time you decide to change a jig.

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A nice bag of squid taken on the Yamashita Search Jig. These jigs have a rattle that the squid just can’t resist.

BAIT AND LURES It’s always good to have a variety of jigs in different sizes and colours in the arsenal. A couple of favourites are the Yamashita Live and the Search Jigs. They have an awesome colour range and come in sizes to suit all styles of squid fishing. For this area 2.5 and 3.0 models are best as they aren’t too heavy and won’t plummet to the bottom and snag up.

BEST METHOD Rock hopping works best for this area. As there are quite a few spots to fish along Mt Martha, the best thing to do is move from spot to spot until you find an active patch of squid that are feeding. Whether you move 50m along to the next bit of rock, or get in the car and drive five minutes up the road, you will cover a lot more area and your chances increase a lot more when you go looking for them.

MOTHER NATURE Remember to always check the weather and get the latest update before venturing out along the rocks. It can be dangerous so always tell someone where you are going and when you are likely to return. There is no fish worth risking your life for. There is always a next time to go fishing.

HOT TIP It’s worth getting a can of Egi Max Spray when going squid fishing. This is a pheromone-based scent that can be sprayed onto your jigs. I always have it in the bag. It can be the difference between an okay session and an awesome session.

JUNE 2017

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Bream and big flatties are firing in June GIPPSLAND LAKES

Brett Geddes b.geddes@bigpond.com

The weather has been very kind, so no wonder everyone has been fishing so hard. Big flathead have been the real standout fish this month. Bream still seem to have lockjaw, but those who persevere with baits or lures have eventually scored big fish.

DUSKY FLATHEAD As with every year at this time the flathead make their march up the rivers.

Chris Hunt and Sandra Richardson spent a week fishing the Nicholson River, where they got onto some big flatties. The biggest were

55cm (Sandra’s) caught on peeled prawn and Chris’ fish at 65cm on a Hurricane Blade. These two fish were caught up river and released after photos. Many more flatties were caught throughout the week.

When it comes to flathead, blade lures out-fish soft plastics five to one.

Best of all, while using those blades you can get by-catch of bream, trevally, luderick and tailor. A lot of big flathead have been caught as far up as Lake Wellington in Bull Bay and Roseneath Harbour.

Mark Ramsay and his mate Wayne Morley caught over 30 duskies to 60cm in the area recently during a morning session and kept

just a handful for the fang. In my quest to blade up cranky bream in the Straits, I’m also bumping into decent flathead with my best so far at 62cm.

The average size is around 45cm and on most trips, I’m getting between 10-20 that size. The Tambo and lower Mitchell rivers have also turned up a lot of flatties over the last few weeks. Every year around June and July, I remind anglers that dusky flathead often bite the best in the coldest months of the year.

SNAG BUSTING I can never get enough of my favourite sport wrestling out nasty bream from tree snags, jetty pylons or boat hulls. The challenge to win each battle with 12lb A ripper Nicho River dusky flathead caught by Chris Hunt on a Hurricane blade.

This year’s run of flathead has once again been a highlight for the area.

SLAM47

leaders, locked drags and gut-busting fights is the order of the day. This is the best time of the year for searching all the upper rivers and the Mitchell provides endless structure.

The Nicholson is also one of my favourite haunts and is overlooked by many anglers.

I’m always tinkering with homemade lures or making new and usually very unattractive creations.

My latest toy is a hybrid lure that is a cross between a Kaplunk Hardbody and a soft plastic. Mick Selzer was the first to create this and inspired me to make the unsightly, lethal lure. I give him full credit. We cut a weighted hardbody in half and then glued a plastic grub to the back end of it.

Then we attach two ‘w’ hooks and work the lure super deep around fallen trees. It’s probably the ugliest, deadliest lure I’ve ever made. I can work

the best snags super slow and extra deep. This lure gets through timber like a bobsled in snow. Recently, this hybrid lure has helped me score some of the biggest fish I’ve caught for ages, with perch to 47cm and bream to 43cm. All you keen lure anglers need to get out and start working the upper rivers.

BREAM TIPS Looking ahead I’ve got some handy pointers for chasing big bream. Probably the best bream fishing at the moment is in the shallow lake areas. Hotspots at the moment include the lake edges east of Hollands Landing towards Loch Sport and Wattle Point, and the lake shallows out from the lower Tambo, Nicholson or Mitchell rivers.

The biggest surprise is the big bream in Lake Wellington, an area that always fires up around this time of year if the salty

water pushes in. This lake is my backyard; I’m amazed and quietly pleased that hardly anyone fishes it.

For an area that is roughly 150 square kilometres and full of bream, it’s hard to believe Lake Wellington is virtually unfished.

Mark my words that one day in the future it will gain a reputation that may challenge Bemm or Marlo for chasing big bream. For those interested, a quality boat ramp at Marlay Point is your easy starting point to fish Wellington and you will probably have the enormous lake expanses and endless kilometres of snaggy edges all to yourself.

A big thanks to all the readers sending me fantastic reports and exceptional photos. You not only make my writing job easy, but you also put me onto some good fishing! I’m very grateful – keep the pics coming.

icane

a Hurr h t i w h c t a c r u o crease y

In

Has a Fast Extra Deep Diving Action.

FISH LOVE TO

Smack Em! 38

JUNE 2017

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Gippy Lakes bream can’t get any fatter than this snag-dwelling horse of a fish.

It took my hybrid lure made by crossing a soft plastic with a hardbody and adding ‘w’ hooks. The uglier my homemade lures get, the better they work!

Good captures despite lack of tidal flows MARLO

Jim McClymont mcclymont@net-tech.com.au

The fishing in our estuary system is always good.

Sometimes it’s better than others; right now it’s the other. One of the main reasons is the Snowy River entrance is almost closed.

High tides allow water to enter the system and not much is running out to sea, so maybe the lack of tidal flow is altering the fish’s feeding habits.

There is a plus, of course; the prawns that are still in the system can’t run to the ocean and are getting bigger every moon. A couple of good friends of mine who are keen prawnies tell me it only takes five or six prawns for a good feed. If that’s true,

next thing they will be as big as lobsters.

Although not every angler is having a lot of success, there have been several reports of anglers getting excellent captures fishing up the Brodribb River using sandworms. One report was of two anglers having the best fishing ever, with several bream over 40cm, several estuary perch over 40cm and several luderick over 40cm, mostly caught on sandworms.

Similar reports have come in of good captures.

Bream and luderick have been caught by anglers using sandworms up both rivers. A few others reported bagging out on prawns. Big schools of mullet are being taken throughout the whole system with the best results on sandworms. Tailor are

still in big numbers and are smashing metal lures.

As always, the surf beaches are fishing well.

Anglers have reported getting plenty of salmon and tailor fishing from Corringle Beach, Frenchs Narrows, Point Ricardo, Salmon Rocks, Conran Beach and Yeerung Beach. Along with the salmon and tailor, anglers have been getting flathead, mullet, bream and gummy sharks.

Offshore is still fishing well with plenty of flathead, gurnard, barracouta, squid, ockies and some good size gummy sharks. Anglers are still reporting getting a few kingfish. The last reported kings were being taken straight off the point at Cape Conran. A late report came in of a boardbill marlin caught off Cape Conran recently.

Seth Steed bagged a 59cm salmon on a metal lure while fishing from his kayak.

NEWS

Track improvements complete at Lake Tyers Recreational anglers can now enjoy better access to fishing spots in Lake Tyers State Park with the completion of 17.7km of improvement works on seven vehicle tracks.

The Lake Tyers State Park is one of ten parks under a joint management partnership between the Gunaikurnai Land

and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Parks Victoria.

The GLaWAC Joint Management Rangers have been a key partner in supporting the on-ground components of these works.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing said improvements along the tracks included reforming the

Better Fishing Facilities Program. The focus of the investment was on improving access and facilities for anglers, ranging from boardwalks to fishing platforms.”

The seven tracks are: • Burnt Bridge (West) track – 2.8km • Cherry Tree Track – 1.3km • Pile Bay Track – 3.7km • Crystal Bay Track – 1.1km • Gibbs Track – 1.6km • Pettman Road – 5.2km • Morgan’s Landing/Ironbark Track – 2km Ms Shing said wet weather in winter and spring of last year had delayed works, however anglers and campers had been using the improved

tracks since Christmas Eve.” “The track work will reduce unnecessary driving along sensitive shorelines to reach fishing spots. It is important that we look after the environment so that anglers can still fish in this area in the future.”

“Elsewhere in Gippsland Target One Million is stocking more Australian bass into rivers and lakes, implementing a marine stocking program for species like estuary perch and mulloway and expanding commercial netting exclusion zones around river mouths in the Gippsland Lakes.” – Parks Victoria

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The new and improved Cherry Tree track stretching 1.3km.

Luke Benson caught this fantastic estuary perch in the Gellibrand River on a Silver Fox soft plastic lure. The fish was 51cm and weighed 1.950kg.

surface, reinstating drainage run-off points and re-sheeting sections with gravel to improve their longevity.

“Improving angler access is a key element of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan, which funded these works.

The Target One Million plan aims to get more people fishing and get them on or near the water more often,” Ms Shing said.

“The track improvements were undertaken by Parks Victoria using a $45,300 grant from Target One Million’s

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39

Brimming with winter bream options at Lakes LAKES ENTRANCE

Steven Pryke

The Gippsland Lakes water temperature has started to decrease, but the fishing hasn’t. Large schools of Australian salmon along with plenty of silver trevally are frequently found working drop-offs and shallow flats chasing schools of baitfish throughout the lakes system.

Anglers have mostly targeted the predatory species with lures.

Traditional metal lures have worked wonders on the large schools of salmon, especially around areas such as Bullock Island, where the large tides force all the baitfish towards the entrance where the salmon wait for food.

Our local towns have produced great fishing lately with solid catches of silver trevally and mullet.

The most productive wharves in town are the post office wharf and Ferryman’s Seafood Café wharves located in the centre of town. These are extremely easy to access.

The rig of choice has

The lakes system is settling into its winter patterns with large schools of bream in the main lake. been cut pilchards or peeled prawns under a float with about 6-8ft of line between your float and hook.

Suspending your bait under

sitting on the lake bottom.

The other bonus is that the tidal flow allows your rig to move around in the current and cover more water.

NORTH ARM Over the past month, large number of garfish have moved into the arm.

Local anglers are chasing these great table fish and bait fish around areas such as the winery and Capes Point in the higher end of North Arm. A simple pencil float and a size 12 long shank hook baited with live sandworms is all you need.

These are extremely easy to get your hands on.

LAKE TYRES The lakes system is settling into its wintertime patterns with large schools of bream in the main lake, especially around areas such as power lines and other deep water areas of the main lakes system.

These deep water bream and other species such as silver trevally have been targeted with a combination of bait and lures. The most

productive baits lately have been fresh whitebait fished lightly on a small running sinker rig.

Nowa Nowa Arm is still producing quality catches of bream and flathead.

The sheltered water of the Nowa Nowa Arm provides cover and allows the water to stay warmer, making for an all-year flats and edges fishery. Anglers have great success working the dropoffs in search of dusky flathead. Recently, we have had a large amount of baitfish throughout the system and minnow style lures have been extremely productive. Soft plastics have also been extremely productive.

HAVE YOU BEEN FISHING? If you have been out for fish lately and have a great pic, please send it to stevenprykefishing@ gmail.com with a short description and you could be featured in the next edition of Victoria Fishing Monthly.

a float allows you to keep your baits away from the local sand crab population, which is usually very quick to pounce on a piece bait

The water temperature has started to decrease, but the fishing hasn’t. The author caught this great tailor.

Bream and other species have been targeted with a combination of bait and lures.

40

JUNE 2017

Offshore is looking cool MCLOUGHLINS

Will Thompson allwaysangling@bigpond.com

Winter is upon us, but it hasn’t really felt like it. The past month has been very mild with some cracking good weather that has left us with flat seas. This has allowed us to get out

offshore more often.

The good weather has also left the water temperature a bit higher than usual for this time of year so all those summer species that everyone loves are still around in good numbers.

OFFSHORE With the flat conditions, most anglers have opted to get out offshore. It’s not

The pinky reefs are riddled with fish up to and over 40cm at the moment. It’s awesome fishing out there!

something we can do all the time down this way due to how easy the seas turn rough in our shallower waters.

Throughout May, the water temperature offshore varies between 15-17.5°C, meaning you could catch kingfish, snapper, flathead and gummy sharks in good numbers.

Off McLoughlins, the entrance has still been atrocious with windy conditions, but in flat seas you can get out. The gummies have been going the best and anglers have caught some real thumpers weighing up to 15kg in 21-30m of water.

The snapper had another good run as well, especially during the last week of April and first week of May where we saw some cracking good fish weighing up to 17lb.

Off Port Albert, the pinkie reefs have been on fire. In fact, I’ve never seen so many pinkies out here and they’re measuring 30-40cm and you’ll bag out easily.

They are being caught at

A late season kingfish caught offshore around the islands on a stickbait. depths of 24-30m and are taking any bait. Squid has been especially good. Just use a Snapper Snatcher style rig and you will catch as many pinkies as you want.

The best thing to do is drift until you find them.

Anchor on them if you like or just keep drifting over them.

They go really good close to the tide changes as well.

There have been ridiculous amounts of kingfish out of the prom.

During early May, I found the biggest school of kingfish I have ever seen out there. There were literally

thousands of them feeding on tiny whitebait. They were very hard to catch, but we got some good ones up to 80cm on stickbaits. Other anglers were also getting them by jigging. If you want a feed, you can’t go past the flathead. They are everywhere out there at the moment and fishing any depth will get you good numbers. The bigger ones have been out a bit wider.

I’ve seen anglers get their bag of 40cm+ flathead in 21m and others got a bag of 50cm+ in 35m of water.

They’re everywhere. It pays

to drift to until you find a patch of them.

In other news, inside has cooled down now and there are good numbers of big garfish getting caught and some thumping big salmon at Manns Beach and McLoughlins Beach. It could be a big salmon season this year. There have already been fish up to 4kg caught, so hopefully they stick around.

• For more information, contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 5174 8544. You will get expert advice and great deals on fishing bait and tackle.

Quiet time at the Bemm River BEMM RIVER

Robyn Sturgess

The cooler weather is well and truly upon us now. Recently the entrance was closed with

water levels high. Fishing has been rather quiet, but persistent anglers have managed to bring home nice catches.

Frozen prawn has been the preferred bait, as sandworm hasn’t been

available in the town with the high water.

Reports of flathead caught on lures have been common, especially on the calm sunny days.

The perch have been appearing in the area

As we go through winter, the entrance will be open again, which should ensure some excellent fishing for the start of bream season!

SEASON

4

IS HERE!

Every Saturday 4.30pm on

opposite the storm hut.

In the fourteen years I have resided here, I have never known a leatherjacket to be caught in this area.

One of our customers landed one off the jetty recently. Due to its size, the angler returned it to the water.

The surf beaches have been very productive with large salmon, tailor and trevally biting on pilchards.

The river has been quiet due to the amount of fresh water in the system.

The fish being caught seem to be around the edges looking for food.

As we go through winter, the entrance will be open again, which should ensure some excellent fishing for the start of bream season!

• For up to date reports, please view the fishing report on our website, or alternatively, our Bemm River Holiday Accommodation and Boat Hire Facebook page.

The fishing has been rather quiet, but persistent anglers have managed to bring home nice catches.

OUTDOOR & FISHING SHOW

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2017 MELBOURNE

Boating Industry Association of Victoria

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 • MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

T H E 2 0 1 7 M E L B O U R N E B O AT S H O W I S P R E S E N T E D B Y O U R O F F I C I A L PA R T N E R S

2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

All aboard for the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) welcomes you to the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show! It’s a boat show not only for the seasoned boater, but is a great event for those just getting into the boating lifestyle and exploring what’s out there for them. The boating industry is full of passion and we’re excited to share with you everything we enjoy about boating and how you, your family and friends, can greatly benefit from the boating lifestyle.

As you walk down the aisles of the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show, you will see a spectacular visual showcase of the boating industry. In addition to what you see at the Show, the BIAV proactively advocates for the boating community and industry on the local and state levels of government.

We remain at the forefront when it comes to issues such as access to water, training and employment, boating information, infrastructure and economic development.

We are steadfast in our commitment to you – the boating community.

The 2017 Melbourne Boat Show serves as the premier event for you to buy your next boat, watercraft, boating equipment and accessories, fishing equipment and more. You’ll see premier brands and retailers with the latest models on display. In addition, many exhibitors will have special promotional deals and packages that you’ll want to take advantage of.

The Show is the number one place for you to talk to the experts – experts on boats and watercraft, marine electronics and equipment, places to go boating, safety and regulations, cooking, boating tourism and much more. These experts are on-hand at the Melbourne Boat Show, for you to talk to and provide you with up-to-date information.

We like to see the whole family getting

Mark Crockford (President of BIAV) and John Temple (BIAV Chief Executive) are proud to be at the helm of the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show.

Melbourne Boat Show Partners

involved in boating and the BIAV has continually reflected this with the Melbourne Boat Show. This year is no different. We’ve got an exciting line-up of presenters and guests for the main stage including casting demonstrations, cooking master classes, demonstrations, well-known fishing and sporting personalities, Discover Sailing, Stars

of Wakeboarding, just to name a few. For kids there are countless activities to get them involved in while at the Show, such as casting clinics, face painting and sea life touch tanks.

On behalf of BIAV members, we want to thank you for making it out to this year’s Show. We’d also like to thank the many exhibitors who help to make the Show

what it is, the premier boating event in Victoria and wish them every success during the Show. Visitors, we too wish you every success at the Show – whether it’s having walked away with a superb deal on your newest boat, or had an enjoyable time with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you out on the water!

Because Life’s Better With A Boat!

Buying a new boat and don’t know where to start? Looking for boating how-to videos? Want to know what the weekend weather forecast will be and the places you can go out to on your boat? Then head on over to Life’s Better With A Boat at www. lifesbetterwithaboat, your number one online resource for all things boating in Victoria.

The easy to use Life’s Better With A Boat website is loaded with information to provide the modern day boater with all the tools and resources needed to have a positive and safe

boating experience. You can find how-to and informational videos on a range of boating and fishing topics from the boating and fishing experts who know their stuff. In addition to these videos, you’ll find weather resources such as the Weekend Boating Forecast, information on boat ramps, webcams, and relevant events around the state, boat brands and the latest models and much more.

So visit www.lifesbetterwithaboat. com.au today for everything you need to know about boating and sign-up for weekly updates and boating forecasts!

Life’s Better With A Boat would like to thank its 2016-2017 Partners:

Visit www.lifesbetterwithaboat.com. au today for everything you need to know about boating and sign-up for weekly updates and boating forecasts 2

June 2017

2017 MELBOURNE

2017 MELBOURNE

June 2017

3

2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

The 2017 Melbourne Boat Show is back in town

For all boat lovers, water enthusiasts, fishers and small craft riders, winter can still be an exciting time of year. Our weather may not be suitable for your favourite on-water activity, but there is still plenty to see, do and be inspired by at the Melbourne Boat Show. This is the time to see what’s new, what’s possible and what suits you for the coming summer season.

BOATS, BOATS AND MORE BOATS! • • • • • ••••••••••••• • • • • • • • •

Over four exciting days, The Melbourne Boat Show is your chance to see the largest

range of trailer boats in Victoria – all under the one roof.

Premier national and international brands will be on display.

Be witness to the start of a brand new sporting era as Aussie Boat Sales introduce the American Wake Surf Chapparel 257SSX and 227SSX. Suitable for surf and wake boarding, this boat is sure to impress the whole family. Wake surfing is set to take Australia by storm.

Sundance Marine will again be presenting two of Benetau Powerboats’ most popular models – Gran Turismo 40 and the latest release Swift Trawler 30; as well as showcasing for the first time in Australia, the Italian built Invictus boats. Pure luxury.

PROVEN WORLD LEADING

ANCHOR DESIGNS

Eyachts will feature the Axopar range from one of the fastest growing powerboat companies in the world. The Axopar 37, 28 and 24 will be on display.

Well-known Australian manufactured brands, such as Bar Crusher, Haines Hunter, Northbank and Seafarer will be featured; along with New Zealand brands such as Surtees, McLay, Rae Line and Stabicraft.

Check the exhibitor guide to find the dealerstands featuring your favourite brands.

And, as always, there are deals to be done as Victoria’s major boat retailers come together to present their customers with the best show yet. Many will be offering very special deals only available at this year’s Show.

EXPERTS EVERYWHERE

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••••

One of the most important aspects of The Melbourne Boat Show is that you are able to talk to the experts on a range of topics.

From your individual boat brand preference, to watercraft of all sorts, marine electronics, safety matters and of course, fishing gear,

there is a wealth of information and many, many years of experience on offer.

Update yourself on important boating and safety laws by talking to the Volunteer Coast Guard, Water Police or Marine Safety Victoria. Keep abreast of essential information to protect our waterways and national marine parks with Parks Victoria and, if you venture further afield, NSW Roads and Maritime Services will also be present for advice.

If you don’t yet have your boat or PWC licence, you can book in to take the test at the show. If you want to pre-book to ensure a spot, just call Lyn at the Volunteer Coast Guard on (03) 9698 9092.

Make sure you take advantage of this opportunity to talk to industry experts. They know their industry, from boating, fishing, safety and waterways regulations.

MANY MOTORS

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Honda Marine will have their only corporate stand for the year at the Melbourne Boat Show. This means that the entire range

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June 2017

2017 MELBOURNE

AFN Fishing Show presenter Bill Classon and Peter Hilcke, presenter on The Australian Seafood Show will both be on stage.

2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au will be represented on the one stand, both new and popular models, making comparisons easy for you.

Other major manufacturers will also be represented on dealer stands so you can match your new boat to a new motor.

ACCESSORIES ABOUND

• • • • • ••••••••••••• • • • • • • • •

The must-have electronic accessories of navigation aids and marine radios are well represented as well as fish finders and entertainment systems. Anchors, winches,

trailers, boat covers, batteries and so much more are on offer. Once again, see the exhibitor guide for the location of dealers or wander the isles to take it all in.

And don’t forget to make sure your boat or watercraft is insured. With marine insurance companies well represented talk to the experts about your requirements.

FISHING FUN

• • • • • •••••••••••• • • • • • • • • •

Rigmaster Tackle again present their range and have fishing simulators for you to try your

hand at fishing and test your skills. It’s great fun and a Melbourne Boat Show favourite.

DESTINATION BOATING

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

If you are looking for marina information, many of the member marinas from the Marina Industries Association will be at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show. Scattered around Melbourne and surrounds, these include: Anchorage Marina, Balmoral, Hidden Harbour, Martha Cove, Melbourne City Marina, New Quay and Queenscliff Harbour.

FAMOUS FACES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The 2017 Melbourne Boat Show will feature many well-known faces from many different aspects of the marine, fishing, sporting and entertainment world.

Seafood Show. He will be conducting informative cooking demonstrations about sustainable seafood.

Ken Thompson From industry experts Navico, Ken will be sharing his extensive knowledge, giving tips and guiding you through the latest electronic equipment.

Paul Mercurio Well known to Australians for his performance in the iconic Strictly Ballroom, as a judge on Dancing with the Stars and his own long running TV Continued to page 6

When: June 16-19, 2017 Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Times: Friday, 16 June 10.00am – 8.00pm Saturday, 17 June 10.00am – 8.00pm Sunday, 18 June 10.00am – 6.00pm Monday, 19 June 10.00am – 5.00pm

2-Day Adult Pass – $30 Adult – $20 Child (11-16 years old) – $10 Concession – $16 Seniors Concession – $16 Family Pass (2 Adults and 2 Kids) – $45 Children 10 under – FREE Buy your tickets online at www.melbourneboatshow.com.au or at the door!

On Stage

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

John ‘Bear’ Willis Leading on stage this year, will be the irrepressible John ‘Bear’ Willis, with

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his infectious grin and entertaining patter.

John has a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for all things fishing and is well known for many years of involvement in the boating community.

Bill Classon A presenter on The AFN Fishing Show and an expert on freshwater fishing, Bill will be on stage along with his team – Kristina Royter, Doug Phayer and Danny Torgersen.

Peter Hilcke Peter is a passionate seafood chef, author and TV presenter on The Australian

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June 2017

5

2017 MELBOURNE

Continued from page 5

show Mercurio’s Menu, Paul will be on stage with mouth-watering cooking demonstrations. He will then be available to chat on the Nautilus Marine stand.

Paul is also joining River to Reef this year as a presenter for the upcoming season.

Nick Bice and Jessica Watson Nick Bice, five times Volvo Ocean Race Sailor and Americas Cup Campaign, and Jessica Watson, the youngest southern hemisphere solo circumnavigator, will also

6

June 2017

2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

be sharing their experience and knowledge with show visitors.

From Discover Sailing, this is a treat for all who are interested in sailing or who want to know how to find the many fun ways to begin their adventures.

Stars of Wakeboarding Wakeboarding is one of Australia’s top growing water sports and this year you will be able to rub shoulders with some of its top stars, such as Thorry Heaney; Marc Gray, Australian knee-board champion;

Ray Dopper, Victorian State Champion; Josh McConnell, current leader of the Victorian State Title; and Jacinta Carroll, World Jump Champion.

Patrick Dangerfield It seems that if you’re good at one sport (2016 Brownlow Medal winner) you

Merv is also a passionate fisherman and author. Come and listen as he shares his adventures and love of the outdoors.

Around the stands The 2017 Melbourne Boat Show brings together many TV personalities from your favourite fishing shows. Stop

also have a passion for other sports and with Patrick it’s fishing and boating! He’s making an appearance to share his love of the sea and adventures on and off the field with our audiences.

Merv Hughes Our big-hearted Aussie sporting legend, with a stellar cricketing career,

by the MY Marine stand to say hello to River to Reef host Theo Rozakis; or visit Charlie Micallef on the Savage Seas Adventures stand. Robby Nethercote, who rejoins the River to Reef team this year after her adventures abroad, will be on the Honda Marine Stand.

Stop by for a chat!

2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

A perennial favourite at The Melbourne Boat Show are the Fishing Clinics and Target Casting hosted by River2Surf. Kids and adults alike can take part in the fun, test their skills and learn about sustainable fishing techniques.

Kids will have the chance to catch a

parking is available within walking distance.

Visit melbourneboatshow.com.au for more information.

By taxi, the centre is a well located to Southern Cross and Flinders Street Stations, Crown Entertainment Complex and other major hotels.

By tram, there are two stops just outside the Melbourne Exhibition centre. The number 12, 96 and 109 travel along Clarendon Street

live fish and there will be plenty of prizes to be won so book early.

For the littlies, up to six years old, there is the Junior Catch Pool. Using a safetyconscious loop to ‘hook’ a fish, which comes with a marker underneath, they too can win a prize. Teach them early and safely about fishing.

Seaweed Sally Marine Education will

from South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and St Kilda and service the CBD via Collins and Bourke Streets. Number 70 runs along Flinders Street stopping north side of the centre.

The City Circle Tram also provides a convenient and free way to get around central Melbourne.

By train, the closest station is Southern

FOR THE FAMILY • • • • • ••••••••••••• • • • • • • • •

CREATE YOUR ADVENTURES

390 STALKER For more information visit

www.horizonboats.com.au or call your nearest dealer Chelsea Yamaha

13 Ashley Park Drive Chelsea Heights Victoria 3196 Phone 03 9772 1277

Michael Parker Marine have fascinating and informative displays to teach the kids all about the importance of looking after our marine life.

Watch out for our Roving Magic Pirate doing magic tricks; and for the face painting.

GETTING THERE

• • • • • ••••••••••••• • • • • • • • •

2017 Melbourne Boat Show is again held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, in the heart of Melbourne, along the banks of the Yarra River.

Parking with direct access is available for the public at the centre and additional

Cross for all lines coming into the centre of Melbourne.

For more information visit: www.ptv.vic. gov.au/getting-around/visiting-melbourne.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Don’t forget to scan your entry ticket at the six touch points around the auditorium to automatically enter the prize draw. Some big prizes will be on offer. You can also enter the judging of the Best Exhibit in Shell and Open Floor Space to win prizes.

Don’t miss out!

• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 Erica Court Albury NSW 2640 Phone 02 6043 1578

Swan Hill Power Products 40 Nyah Road Swan Hill Victoria 3585 Phone 03 5032 2116

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16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

Exhibition stalls guide – the best of the best The Melbourne Boat Show is the best place to see all the greatest boat and motor brands under one roof.

At this year’s show you’ll see your favourites return, as well as some of the newer players in the Australian market. You can also check out new releases from your favourite outboard brands, and browse the latest fishing-friendly kayaks.

The full range of boats on display at the show is huge, so we’ve narrowed it down for you by selecting some of the best boats for anglers. Here are our picks.

LOWRANCE •• • • • • •••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lowrance will be featuring a host of new innovative products at the Melbourne International Boat Show, including the latest generation of Lowrance multi function displays: HDS Carbon. With a competition held at the event, a visit to the Lowrance stand could see you walking away with a new HDS-7 Carbon, as well as a first look at the largest/ fishfinder chartplotter Lowrance has ever produced.

The new Lowrance HDS Carbon adds a highperformance dual core processor, multi-touch SolarMAX™ HD screen, dual channel CHIRP and Network Dual Sounder to the proven features that have made HDS the benchmark in multifunction displays. The HDS Carbon series includes 7, 9, 12 and an all-new ground breaking 16” model.

The massive 16” high-definition screen on HDS Carbon 16 displays provides an even bigger stage to showcase the clarity, 1920x1080 HD resolution and superior target

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separation of SolarMAX™ HD technology, exclusive to the HDS Carbon series. Setting up a four-panel split on the HDS Carbon 16 gives anglers the equivalent of four 7” screens on a single display.

Anglers in the market for a want-it-all integrated system need a processor that can smoothly drive the hightech capabilities of HDS Carbon like StructureScan® 3D with SideScan and DownScan Imaging™, dual channel CHIRP sonar, StructureMap™, Broadband Radar™ and SiriusXM® Weather Chart Overlay. HDS Carbon takes processing power to an unprecedented level with a dual core processor that allows anglers to switch between applications and simultaneously view independent sonar feeds with ease.

Lowrance SolarMAX HD display technology features high-definition views and clear visibility in all conditions with the widest available range of viewing angles. The new displays are engineered to withstand higher temperatures than conventional units, offering enhanced reliability in warmer climates. The secret behind the new SolarMAX HD displays comes from the implementation of the most advanced in-plane switching (IPS) screens in fishing electronics. With superior colour accuracy and boosted high-definition reproduction, IPS screens are perfectly designed for viewing picture-like sonar images. Whether viewing menu panels or onscreen fish targets, the improved clarity and sharpness of SolarMAX HD displays are clearly evident from any angle.

In addition to integrated wireless connectivity that enables anglers to download software updates and map purchases directly to the unit, HDS Carbon features Bluetooth® control of multiple Power-Pole shallow water anchors and Bluetooth audio streaming from the SonicHub®2 marine entertainment system. Anglers can navigate with ease with HDS Carbon using proven Lowrance navigation technology, built-in C-MAP Insight mapping with enhanced coverage of coastal and inland waters, a 10Hz internal GPS antenna, and a multitude of 8

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mapping options accessible from the unit’s dual microSD card slots or via wireless download. HDS Carbon is compatible with the most expansive selection of optional cartography on the market, including Insight Genesis™ custom mapping, C-MAP MAX-N+, Navionics® and more.

For more information visit www.lowrance.com.

HIGHLIGHT: Innovative HDS Carbon Series

Furuno Australia • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

JN Taylor trading as Furuno Australia will be releasing a range of new equipment to the Victorian boating community at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show.

The most significant release on show is the all new technology of the Furuno DFF-3D multi beam sonar. If you are into fishing you will be aware of various down scanning, 3D capable fish finders now on the market. The DFF-3D is essentially that style of product however the game changer is it is based on Furuno’s commercial level multi beam technology and is therefore designed for true bluewater application where it can provide highly detailed images of fish location and the seabed profile down to 200m.

The DFF-3D in real time takes a continuous 120º port to starboard view of what is under your boat. With a built-in motion sensor in the compact system transducer the images are stabilised to reduce effect of boat wave movement to provide true bottom detail and clear water column detail on your NavNet TZT or TZT2 display.

The DFF-3D is like having five different fish finders in one product with the following operating modes: • Cross section displays in real-time sea column echo in 120º port and starboard. This mode aids in instantly understanding the distribution of baitfish and the water column condition.

• 3D sounder display provides an intuitive and easy to understand 3D image of the seafloor, along with fish school icons. This mode is useful at selecting good-looking fishholding structure.

• Triple and single beam sounder display provides either a single (directly under boat) or triple beam (middle, left and right) fish finder image displayed simultaneously.

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Port Phillip boating centre • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This will be Port Phillip Boating Centre’s 15th year displaying the Haines Hunter, Yamaha and Mackay trailer packages.

With all the most popular models of Haines Hunter on display from the 495 Profish, R Series, Offshore and Cruiser models, it will be the biggest and the best display ever. It’s never been a better time to buy! You will be sure to save thousands on all Haines Hunter, Yamaha and Mackay packages.

STAND NUMBER C9

This year, Port Phillip and Haines Hunter will be releasing the all-new never-before-seen 7m model, one that will be sure to turn a few heads. For the serious offshore fisho this is one you can’t miss.

Port Phillip Boating Centre will have the biggest display of Haines Hunter product at the show coupled with the best customer service and advise. Rest assured that they will get you into the right Haines Hunter, Yamaha and Mackay package that suits your needs. Visit stand C9.

For more information visit www.portphillipboating centre.com.au HIGHLIGHT: Haines Hunter 495 Profish, R Series, Offshore and Cruiser models

Wes Frost Marine • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Wes Frost Marine on stand Number E14 will be showcasing the latest boats from the Tracker Marine Group that are proudly imported and distributed in Australia by Fishing and Leisure Boats.

Tracker Marine Group is the largest manufacture of boats anywhere in the world. Their products include Tracker Alloy Boats, Nitro Bass Boats, Mako Offshore Boats, Tahoe Bow riders and Suntracker Pontoon Boats.

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The triple beam display helps to understand the depth and position of fish targets under the vessel and the seabed condition in each direction, as well as the direction the target fish are moving. Each beam angle and beam width are selectable.

• Side scan display provides details of the shape of structure in a high definition image in simultaneous port and starboard direction. It is suitable for searching the seabed and understanding the sea floor structure.

The Furuno team invite you to come and take a look at the future of fish finders! You will find them at stand B10A. For more information visit www.jntaylor.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Furuno DFF-3D multi beam sonar

Wes Frost Marine are having the Australian release of the 2017 models including the Tahoe 550TS outboard powered Bow riders, the just-landed Nitro Z17 Bass/ Bream boat and a great crossover boat for both family and fishing, the Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Combo complete with rod lockers, live bait tanks, ski pole and stereo to keep Continued to page 10

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everyone happy. Come and have a look over the number one selling boats and see for yourself the quality and the high level of standard features, all at reasonable prices and that’s even before you see how well the boats performed in the water!

Wes Frost Marine will have on display some great rigs from Tracker Marine Group, such as the Pro V16 Side console, Pro V16 Walk Through, Pro V175 Walk through Combo, Tahoe Bow rider, Nitro Z17, and we will also be the only Caribbean dealer on display and displaying the Reef Runner, 2300 and a Cavalier.

Additionally, Wes Frost will have the Grand and Mercury range of inflatables on display, and you can find out more about their range at www.grandboats.com.

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

there is a model and configuration to suit most boats.

Not stopping to rest, in 2017 the engineers of Tohatsu set out to complete their next project the Propane Four Stroke Outboard. Not the first to venture into this technology, Tohatsu feel there is a market for small LPG units that meet the demands of today. After market study they have decided a 5hp fits well within the existing tender, yacht and

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Anglapro will also be on display with their new range of aluminium boats, with models and numbers to be confirmed.

Wes Frost Marine are renowned in the industry for being the industry leader with an outstanding service department, professional sales team and their customer satisfaction is second to none. They are also celebrating 30 years in the industry.

For more information on their range, visit www. wesfrostmarine.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Tracker Pro V16 Side console, Pro V16 Walk Through, Pro V175 Walk through Combo, Tahoe Bow rider, Nitro Z17

TOHATSU OUTBOARDS • • • • • • ••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

In recent years Tohatsu’s engineering arms have been concentrating on the development of their four-stroke range. Already seeing significant success in their broad range of lightweight portable units and the first batteryless EFI 25/30hp the next step has been to produce a model fitting into the ever-growing mid-range boating market. It is clear that there is a growing trend in vessels of 3.5-4.75m range requiring outboards that are lightweight, fuel efficient and reliable but still have the performance and sporty look to get the job done.

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travel sector. These operators generally have an existing LPG source on board be it Yacht or Caravan Traveller, and don’t have to carry a secondary fuel. The other benefits of the MFS5C Propane outboard include reduced emissions, fuel economy, reduced fuel maintenance issues, portability and performance. This unit retains most of the existing benefits of its petrol variant, through propeller exhaust, steering/throttle friction control and Shallow Water Drive, to name a few.

As with any outboard safety has been considered with Shut-off valve fuel regulator and start in gear protection. In addition dressed in the new Beluga white and available in 15, 20 and 25” transom the latter also comes in the popular Sail Drive model with High Thrust Propeller and Battery Charge system.

At Tohatsu development is the key with the above being just the beginning. Many new models are ALSO in the wind for 2017 as well as subsequent years.

For more information please visit www.tohatsu.com.au or visit our Tohatsu dealer TRE Motorsport at the 2017 Melbourne International Boat Show.

This year Edencraft has a new deck design with a variety of feature updates to the dash, and a raised bow providing more cabin space for comfort. Customers will also have the option of a newly designed windscreen, wave breaker or hard top/wheelhouse for the 233 Formula and 6m Offshore models. Edencraft Boats pride themselves on using a full glass stringer matrix system (foam-filled) and a fully glassed-moulded flooring system for extra structural integrity, water tight system and a stylish clean finish.

Senior Boat Builder Chris Norman says current and previous wood components found in Edencraft Boats will be replaced with Thermolite and no longer exist in future models.

“We’re moving to Thermolite because of its lifetime buoyancy as well as a rot-free, no cracking or splintering guarantee with resistance to mould and fungus.”

Creating perfectly manufactured, commercial-grade hull and deck designs customised to any request, Edencraft boats are Australian-made by highly qualified boat builders in the coastal town of Geelong, Victoria.

“Edencraft pride themselves on creating jobs and supporting the local economy.”

“In their individual classes, Edencraft Boats are without a doubt the safest, toughest and most reliable when things get rough on the water.”

Edencraft believes their designs will turn heads whether it’s at the boat ramp, hauling huge tuna or sitting at the lights, onlookers are guaranteed to stare.

All Edencraft boats are built to the highest standards, meeting the requirements of both the NSCV and MSV. For more information on Edencraft Boats visit www. edencraft.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: 233 Formula and 6m Offshore models

Honda outboards • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The 2017 Melbourne International Boat Show marks the global debut for a selection of Honda Marine Outboards with a fresh new look, and some updated features. What will they be? Make sure you visit the Honda Marine

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HIGHLIGHT: Four-stroke MFS25/30C and the MFS40/50A, Propane Four Stroke Outboards

Edencraft Boats • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ride the legend with Edencraft Boats and discover a new way to take on the seas. Showcasing at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show, Edencraft has remained a reliable brand name within the industry since the late 80s.

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Corporate stand to find out! One thing is for sure, only those who attend the 2017 Melbourne International Boat show will be privy to a sneak peek!

Honda will also have the newly refreshed BF40 and BF50 marine engines on display. These updated models Continued to page 12

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made their first appearance to the world at the Miami International Boat Show in February earlier this year.

The BF40 and BF50 sport the new Honda signature ‘crouching form’ design. The refreshed Honda Marine engines deliver consumers upgrades they will appreciate every time they take out their boat. The new BF40 and BF50 models have added a new freshwater water flushing hose for ease of maintenance, and have reduced engine vibration at idle, compared with the previous models and achieved Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) certification.

Honda pioneered 4-stroke outboard technology, with the release of the GB30 in 1964. Honda was convinced that 4-stroke outboard technology was the way of the future, and have only continued to grow and develop 4-stroke technology over the last 53 years!

In 2015, Honda continued to shape the marine industry by introducing Australia’s industry leading 7-year domestic warranty on all outboard models, further cementing Honda’s renowned reliability.

So what does the 7-year domestic warranty actually mean for Aussie boaters? It means that you never need to look back, never worry about what is behind you, letting you live for the moment and seek out new adventures; all the while knowing that your Honda will get you safely there and back.

A Honda Marine engine on the back of your boat is more than an outboard. It’s the world’s largest and most trusted engine manufacturer. It’s an unrivalled team of R&D professionals re-defining the limits. It’s legendary Formula 1 and motor racing pedigree enhancing your performance. It’s more 4-stroke experience than anyone else on the water. It’s a dedicated nationwide dealer network supporting you with an unmatched 7-year warranty. On the back of your boat, a Honda is the best behind you.

For more info, visit marine.honda.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: BF40 and BF50 marine engines

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

Warragul Marine

STAND NUMBER C6

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Warragul Marine Centre have been stocking McLay Boats for the past 18 months, and have been extremely happy with the response from customers McLay Boats are one of the most respected aluminium boat builders in New Zealand, with a reputation for being tough, safe and durable. With a range of boats to suit families looking for adventure, or the hardcore angler, you are sure to be impressed with the quality finish and exceptional features of these boats.

STAND NUMBER C6

The Sportsman 591 Hardtop is a rugged, no frills fishing boat that manages to provide a roomy cockpit without compromising on fishing room out the back.

Packages start at just $51,995, exceptional value for a plate alloy hardtop package!

The CrossXover range are designed with families in mind, a boat that can also be used for fishing and diving but is equally at home towing water toys or cruising your favourite waterways.

Launched last year, the 701 Cruiser Hardtop Gen2 will be on display and is sure to impress. The Gen2 Hardtops are built on a new hull that’s wider at the water line, giving even better stability without compromising the great ride and handling that McLay’s are renowned for.

With models ranging from 4.4m to 11.4m in every configuration imaginable, there’s sure to be a boat in the McLay range to suit you and your and budget.

Powering these boats are the unbelievably efficient, smooth and compact Suzuki Marine four-strokes! With Lean Burn technology, the fuel consumption figures are out of sight! Warragul Marine Centre are one of only a handful of Elite Suzuki Marine dealers, talk to them about the awesome deals they can do for you!

The team from Warragul Marine Centre, comprising of Simon and Kirsten Wakefield, David & Catherine Garcia, as well as representatives from all brands are looking forward to a busy and successful Melbourne Boat Show, go visit site C6.

For more information visit www.warragulmarine.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: 701 Cruiser Hardtop Gen2, Sportsman 591 Hardtop

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Fishing with Nitro is a blast!

Whether you’re a tournament pro or a weekend warrior, Nitro boats will ignite your passion and pack more fun into your day. Just getting there is half the fun!

For more than 20 years, Nitro have continually refined and delivered serious fishing boats for serious anglers.

Nitro boats are foam-filled to exceed US Coast Guard survey requirements.

This gives you the safety of level floatation, security and comfort – and additional fishing stealth – all backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The world’s #1 aluminium fishing boats!

Tracker’s outstanding quality and unique manufacturing process have made them the world’s largest boat builder – producing more than 40,000 aluminium fishing boats per year. Their foam-filled, unsinkable, 3mm plate alloy hulls are robotically welded to deliver superior quality at a lower cost – and are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Tracker’s Pro Guide series is designed with a deep-vee hull for exceptional performance, even in rough waters. Their Diamond Coat finish is a Tracker exclusive that resists oxidation, providing protection and a shine lasting 70% longer. Standard features include a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance colour sounder, plus tournament-ready live well systems and rod lockers.

Contact dealer to arrange a test drive today Hopefully it will be rough, as you’ll be stunned by the performance of these boats when the weather gets challenging!

VICTORIA’S AUTHORISED DEALER

3 SATU WAY, MORNINGTON VIC PH: 03 5976 4622

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Visit the Hobie Stand at the

MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre June 16 to 19

ADELAIDE BOAT SHOW

Adelaide Showground, Wayville June 30 to July 2

BOAT SHOW

SPECIALS Come and say g’day and check out the amazing range of Hobie products at our incredible display stands at the Melbourne and Adelaide Boat Shows.

Year after year Hobie has won endless awards for our boatshow displays across Australia, and in 2017 we have some fantastic new products to make a visit to the Hobie stand even more worthwhile.

If you are up for a special deal, come to the boat show, it’s the best place to snap up a great Hobie bargain.

hobie.com.au hobiefishing.com.au

HobieCatAustralia

Hobie.Fishing.Australasia

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BAR CRUSHER

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

STAND NUMBER C4

•• • • • • •••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Once again, iconic Aussie fishing boat brand Bar Crusher will release a number of new models at the Melbourne Boat Show… although the crew is keeping tight-lipped about it, so you’ll have to visit the show to find out more!

also allows for single-handed launch and retrieve.

Whether you’re a first-time boat buyer or have owned 10 boats and you’re looking for your next one, drop by and say g’day to the team and pick-up a copy of Bar Crusher’s boat buyer’s guide to assist with your research. More information is also available at www.barcrusher.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: New next generation hull design for smaller models

Anchor Right

STAND NUMBER C4

• • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

We can reveal among the dozen or so Bar Crusher boats on display will be two new hard top models, as well as a new limited edition series. Available in two different models, the latest limited edition Bar Crushers have distinctive colour schemes, special standard inclusions and a range of unique features.

From the popular folding-roof cuddy cabin (C) series, centre console / side console / walk-around (XS / SC / WR) series, award-winning hard top (HT) offshore series, right up to its hard top pilothouse (HTP) series, all Bar Crusher boats are designed and built for Australian conditions. The tough plate aluminium fishing boats incorporate exclusive

innovations such as the Waveslicer deep-V, non-pounding hull for an ultra-smooth ride, Rigideck engineered sub-floor system for maximum hull strength, and Quickflow water ballast technology for excellent stability at rest.

All models from the 490 through to the 615 are also built on Bar Crusher’s industry-leading Gen2s hull. This design combines key features including a wider negative chine running forward, optimised wider chine aft and the distinctive Delta Flare – a complex V-shaped planing plank that starts wider at the transom and narrows as it runs forward. The result is greater hydrodynamic lift for more efficient planing and improved fuel economy, a higher bow attitude and better spray deflection for a drier ride.

Extensive testing by Bar Crusher’s R&D team has proved the 490, 535, 575 and 615 receive significant performance benefit from the next-generation hull design, with the larger 670, 730 and 780 models continuing to be built on Bar Crusher’s high-performance deep-V hull.

With a reputation for quality construction, superior performance and maximum fishability (with a range of standard features other manufacturers charge as extras), every Bar Crusher boat is factory-packaged on a customdesigned trailer, which ensures towing, launching and retrieving is a breeze. Self-centering and aligning perfectly every time, Bar Crusher’s innovative Bar Catch system

Melbourne anchor manufacturer Anchor Right will be attending the Melbourne Boat Show again this year and they will have their full range of award winning and innovative anchors on display.

STAND NUMBER A22

With more than 20 years of developing, designing and manufacturing anchors, Rex Francis and his team produce one of the most trusted anchors in the business.

All manufacturing is carried out here in Australia using the best Australian steels, bisaloy, high strength marine grade Continued to page 16

MELBOURNE’S MOST EXPERIENCED

SERVICING THE BOATING INDUSTRY SINCE 1981

COME AND SEE US AT THE

MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW

STAND C5

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DEALER

ce n a n i F ce n a r u & Ins ble a avail

OVER

36 YEARS EXPERIENCE

612-614 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072 | 03·9478 1420 | info@blmarine.com.au

W NE

READY FOR BATTLE We’ve taken rapid response, performance and display screen technology to an all-new level with HDS CARBON, the most versatile fishing machine on earth offering unparalleled resolution and clarity with more agility, speed and brute strength. Hassle-free fishing – with the power to see Dual Channel CHIRP Sonar, Dual Networked Sounder, StructureScan® 3D with SideScan and DownScan Imaging™ and mapping — all at the same time, and faster than ever before.

TO ARM YOURSELF, VISIT LOWRANCE.COM/CARBON

Download and upload maps, software, and apps direct to your fishfinder / chartplotter.

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alloys and mild steel.

Anchor Right has been recognised on numerous occasions with manufacturing and industry achievement awards and their anchors are the preferred product used by many trawlers, fisheries and Water Police.

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

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STAND NUMBER A22

HIGHLIGHT: Stacer aluminium boats, Crownline USA-built bowriders, Australian built Matrix ski and wakeboard boats, Premium USA brand Tige ski and wakeboard boats, Yamaha WaveRunners, and Mercury and Yamaha outboards

If you are in the market for a new anchor and want to buy the original and the best, come and see our Sarca Excel and Super Sarca anchors at the show at stand number A22.

For more information please visit anchorright.com.au.

BOATS AND MORE • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

HIGHLIGHT: Award winning and innovative anchors

BL MARINE •• • • • • •••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

BL Marine is an award-winning, family-owned business which has been established for over 36 years. With a large range of products and brands, BL Marine can accommodate the needs of most boating enthusiasts.

This is BL Marine’s 20th year displaying at the Fishing Monthly 165mm.pdf 10/05/2017 2:26:32 PM MelbourneVicBoat Show,242mm and x this year1 their display will

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popular models and include some of the latest releases, including Crossfires and Nomad Rangers. BL Marine can power your new Stacer with either a Mercury or Yamaha outboard, and can customise a package with Lowrance, Simrad, Fusion, Clarion or Kicker electronics.

The experienced service centre can also fit popular brands of electric winches and MotorGuide electric motors.

With a wide range of products on display at this year’s Boat Show, BL has something to accommodate the needs of all families. Come and visit the stand and speak with any of their experienced staff about their products and exclusive boat show offers.

At BL’s dealership in Preston there are over 40 Stacers on display, to accommodate the needs of most anglers. So if you can’t make it to this year’s Boat Show, drop into the premises and inspect the extensive Stacer range and large accessory display.

feature Stacer aluminium boats, Crownline USA-built bowriders, Australian built Matrix ski and wakeboard boats, Premium USA brand Tige ski and wakeboard boats, Yamaha WaveRunners, and Mercury and Yamaha outboards.

All brands on display will feature exclusive Boat Show deals, along with competitive finance and insurance programs, all of which are handled in-house at BL Marine.

BL’s Stacer display will feature a range of the most

The Boats and More stand at this year’s Melbourne Boat Show is one not to miss. Not only will there be a great range of fishing boats, wake boats and Seadoos on display, you will also have the chance to win your choice of either a Garmin 820 GPS combo fishfinder valued at $2,199, or a Liquidforce Harley Remedy Wakeboard with Harley boots, valued at $1599. All you need to do is visit the stand to enter the draw.

On the aluminium side of things, there will be a huge range of Clark boats on display including the Predator, Cod Catcher SC, Bay Hunter, Estuary Pursuit, Dominator and Continued to page 18

Club Marine logo_NEW.pdf

3/7/06

5:10:31 PM

Northbank 650 Boat Test

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WE HAVE A LARGE RANGE OF BOATING ACCESSORIES, WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT & FISHING TACKLE 92 HALLAM SOUTH ROAD | HALLAM | VICTORIA 3803 | PHONE (03) 9703 2003 2017 MELBOURNE

June 2017

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2017 MELBOURNE

Continued from page 14

Sunseeker models. There is sure to be a boat in the Clark range to suit any angler’s needs.

There will also be a range of Anglapro boats on display, including the Sniper and Outlaw models. The Anglapro boats are built tough with their XCore construction.

On the fibreglass side of things, there will be a range of Haines Hunter boats on display, including the 565 Offshore at a particularly good price, and the 565R. MB Sports wake boats will be well represented with

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au Debuting for the first time at the show is Yamaha’s all-new, light-weight F90C four-stroke, the secondgeneration 90hp four-stroke, which is proving to be exceptionally popular with savvy boaters looking to extract the maximum performance from their 90hp rated boat.

The F90’s unique single cam design actuates four-valves per cylinder, delivering superb smooth operation and efficiency while also reducing overall weight.

An all-new F25 also joins Yamaha’s range, shaving 20kg off the previous generation four-stroke outboard.

This compact and efficient 25hp engine features batteryless EFI, NMEA2000 compatibility for third party systems, and presents itself as the new category leader with its light-

STAND NUMBER E9

STAND NUMBER E9

STAND NUMBER C2

your individual needs. The full range of Mercury, Suzuki, Evinrude and Seadoo products are also available from Boats & More stores in Shepparton and Echuca. They also incorporate a Compleat Angler store.

HIGHLIGHT: You will also have the chance to win your choice of either a Garmin 820 GPS combo fishfinder valued at $2,199, or a Liquidforce Harley Remedy Wakeboard with Harley boots, valued at $1599 three models on display, including the F24 Tomcat, the F22 Tomcat and the F21 Tomcat. MB boats are packed full of features sure to satisfy the family or hard core wakeboarder, and they are excellent value for money.

There will also be two Seadoos on display, including the GTR 230 and the top-of-the-line RXT 300. There will be some excellent deals to be had on the full range of Seadoos.

There will be a range of Suzuki portable engines on display. These will be available to purchase with a portable engine trolley, making them easy to transport home from the show.

To check out any of these brands, visit the friendly team at Boats & More stand, who can tailor a package for

Yamaha Outboards • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Yamaha Motor Australia, in conjunction with their Victorian dealership network, are excited to exhibit the latest in outboard technology; including the all-new F90, and F25, new rigging technology, alongside some exclusive offers at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show. Yamaha’s complete range of four-stroke engines from the F350 V8 down to the light-weight and portable F2.5 covers all types of Australian boating from high powered offshore rigs down to small inflatables and car toppers. And with all Yamaha engines, legendary reliability and unmatched quality comes standard.

weight design; making it the perfect upgrade from aging two-stroke models. An incredible array of features and options is now available on the new F25, taking small boat power to the next level.

Complementing the complete Yamaha Outboard range, is the all-new CL-7 (Command-Link 7”) Digital Gauge, an all-inclusive 7”, high-definition, digital colour gauge,

CHELSEA YAMAHA CREATE YOUR ADVENTURES IN A...

Continued to page 20

STAND #

C7c

Repower at the Show. Great deals on all Yamaha Outboards 13 ASHLEY PARK DR, CHELSEA HEIGHTS

9772 1212

www.chelseamarine.com.au 18

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2017 MELBOURNE

SIMPLY SUPERIOR

™

NEW RealVision™ 3D Sonar and AXIOM Multifunction Displays Superior RealVision 3D sonar displays fish and underwater structures in stunning, lifelike detail. And with gyro-stabilization, RealVision 3D automatically compensates for boat movement, delivering the best under water imaging anywhere.

Images for illustrative purpose only 2017 MELBOURNE

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featuring NMEA2000 compatibility, and monitoring of up to four outboards and critical boat systems.

With the addition of optional components, the CL-7 Command-Link Plus gauge can also be used as a chart plotter and depth sounder and also has the ability to connect to radar, video input, and stereo control. This display has an integrated gateway built in to allow external connectivity to other multi-function displays and is compatible with all of Yamaha’s Digital Electronic Control engines.

STAND NUMBER C2

Exhibiting Yamaha Dealerships are also offering exclusive purchase opportunities at the show, including; up to $900 off eligible 30-90hp outboards, free gearbag and PFDs with F2.5 to F25 outboards, and free premium rigging worth up to $3,200 on eligible F115 to F350 models.

Yamaha Motor Finance are making ownership easy, with a low 4.99% p.a. comparison rate* on eligible repower options over 24-36 months. Completing the suite of offers is Yamaha Marine Insurance, who are offering a $30 pay-by-the-month insurance premium for the first 12-months on eligible boat packages.

For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au/ outboard, or visit Yamaha on stand C2.

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

Whittley • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Whittley will again be back at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show at stand #D4, with the largest display of a single brand at the show. With the family boat building yard showcasing over 24 Whittley models on display, powered by both Volvo stern drives and Yamaha outboards, it will be a new and exciting experience for customers.

Victoria’s largest boat builder, will be releasing the new SL 20, a new 6m hybrid Fisher/Cruiser, with a deep vee 23º deadrise offshore hull. Following on from the success of the popular SL 22, the new SL 20 is a more affordable SL offering with many of the larger SL features. The new SL 20 packaged with a Mackay trailer and Volvo Penta V6 200hp engine is available from $69,990, representing one of the best value boat packages at this years’ show.

Adding further strength to its five strong SL model range, will be the release of the new SL 25 HT, a 7m hard top fishing boat. This new model builds on Whittley’s unique integration of the stern drive engine deep into the boat. Ensuring no loss of rear deck space, and the added advantage of a rear extended fishing platform, the new SL 25 HT is sure to be appealing to the angler and their family.

STAND NUMBER D4

HIGHLIGHT: All-new F90 and F25 engines

The SL 25 HT, is standard with a new sliding cabin door, fibreglass hard top and full length windscreen for added protection.

Accompanying the release of the two new stern drive SL models, the boat builder will also release a new outboard powered 5.8m no frills boating package, with the CW 1950. The new CW 1950 was designed to meet

STAND NUMBER D4

the needs of the Victorian fishermen, with innovative new features including; new moulded fishing platforms, folding rear transom door, walk through front cabin, larger fuel tank and is considerably wider than the model it replaces and a sporty new look. The CW 1950, on a Mackay dual axle trailer, with Yamaha F 115 four-stroke is available from $56,990 drive away.

In an engaging and interactive experience for the public, Whittley will have a working model of its new Pulse System, demonstrating this new technology and how it operates in its boats. Operated through a 16” multifunction Garmin screen, the user controls all the vital functions of the boat, from digital switching, controls of the fusion entertainment package, plus all the features of a traditional GPS and fish finder. Boat show patrons can even log into the screen from their smart device and control the Continued to page 22

Club Marine logo_NEW.pdf

3/7/06

5:10:31 PM

15kg drag 14 ball bearing BORN TO PERFORM

Saltz Snapper 7’3” Rod 12-20lb

Get out on the snapper with this great combo!

Fin-nor 7ft Bait Teaser Med with Bait Teaser BT60 or Fin-no 7ft Bait Teaser Med/Hvy with Bait Teaser BT80

TICA TALISMAN 4500 SALTZ SNAPPER COMBO

Normally $239

HOT PRICE

$169

BOAT SHOW SPECIAL RRP $238

$199

25% OFF

Target snapper and other popular fish with the Nitrium’s freespool bait feeder system. The range includes four standard models. All models have a graphite body and rotor, ported aluminium spool, one-touch folding handle, thick bail wire, three ball bearings, infinite anti-reverse, stainless steel shaft and brass pinion gear.

Normally $54.95

BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

$39.95

• LURES • FISHING LINE • HOOKS • RODS • REELS • FISHING TOOLS • TACKLE BOXES

Garmin Striker 4DV Sounder/ GPS

Normally $299

BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

$249

VISIT US AT STAND B5

92 HALLAM SOUTH ROAD | HALLAM | VICTORIA 3803 | PHONE (03) 9703 2003

20

June 2017

2017 MELBOURNE

SHEPPARTON

ECHUCA

W I N MASSIVE TACKLE • SKI • SERVICE • SALES

Boat Show Deals

HUGE RANGE

a Liquidforce Harley a Garmin Boat Insurance Remedy or 820 G + Policy PS up to the Wakeboard Combo value of

ENTER CONT $1000 AT OUR STANEST D

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Cod Catcher Dominator Abalone Bay Hunter Sun Seeker

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565 Offshore and 565R Series Packages

Personal Water Craft

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2017 MELBOURNE

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Continued from page 20

systems functions from their own screen.

Demonstrating the Whittley Companies 60 plus years of proudly Victorian manufacturing, the company will have on display at the show one of its first Bond Wood Cruisers, built by its founder Jim Whittley in 1953. This is a must-see attraction at each year’s show. Plus around the stand will be a number of new next generation Volvo Penta stern drive’s on display, to see feel and touch.

As Australia’s largest trailerable fibreglass boat builder, Whittley will also have complementing its new model releases on display the full range of its popular CR models,

STAND NUMBER D4

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

Melbourne Marine Centre • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

At the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show, Melbourne Marine Centre has gone in bigger and better! They will have the largest range of Northbank Boats on display that the show has ever seen.

Northbank Boats make a quality Australian-built fiberglass boat from the 500C through to the flagship 750HT. This year Northbank have released a new 550R, which is a 5.5m Runabout model ideal for use in Western Port and Port Phillip Bay. The 550R is based on the popular 550C, but it offers a larger cockpit for more fishing space, and still maintains a non-slip fiberglass floor for ease of cleaning.

At the show, Melbourne Marine Centre will also introduce to the Victorian market two exciting new boat brands: Bulls Bay Boats and Pioneer Boats. These brands are well established in the US market, and on display will be the 1700 from Bulls Bay and the 186 Cape Island from Pioneer Boats. Both models are designed to suit the estuary/freshwater lure angler who wants the flexibility of being able to drop a bait in the saltwater for snapper,

whiting or flathead as well.

Stacer Aluminium Boats will be making another big appearance on their stand, with Bay Master, Outlaw, Nomad Ranger, Ocean Ranger, Easy Rider, Proline Angler, Seaway and also a very special custom-built 509 Cross Fire (HODOR) – see the boat test in this issue. With this product range we hope to be able to cover all enquiries on the Stacer model range, which is now over 70 models.

STAND NUMBER B5

STAND NUMBER B5

the innovative FF 2100 and the exciting XS series of wake cruisers and the remainder of the SL and CW sports fishing models. If it is an Australian-made fibreglass boat that you are looking for at the show, be sure to snap up a boat show special deal and consider a new Whittley for your next boat at this years’ Melbourne Boat Show.

For more information visit www.whittleymarine group.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Over 24 Whittley models on display

For the first time, MMC will be displaying a huge range of fishing tackle and boating accessories. After the success of the electronics stand with Garmin last year, they will have an 11 x 2.5m walk-in caravan stocked with boating accessories, electronics, fishing gear, plus a huge area with more fishing tackle and accessories available for purchase. Come along an see the crew on stand B5.

For more information visit melbournemarine.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Largest range of Northbank Boats ever on display at the show

Australia’s Greatest Brands

At Australia’s Greatest Dealer...

See the team on stand # C3A 461 Mountain Highway, Bayswater VIC 3153 03 9729 8288 sales@streakermarine.com.au

www.streakermarine.com.au 22

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2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

MY Marine • • • • • • •••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

MY Marine are excited to announce that their stand will be featuring the most complete boating package for the all new 1550 Fisher.

Designed for any style of boating, the 1550 Fisher measures 15.5ft (4.7m) and is an easy-to-handle sized boat no matter the occasion. Boasting a full complement of features, like the huge walk-through windscreen for

STAND NUMBER D9

first Centrecab model. It has a wide walk-around the mian cabin uo to the forward deck giving the 2750 a fully utilised fishing deck.

For more information visit mymarine.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: 1550 Fisher, Surtees 7m Gamefisher (Australian Fishing Boat Of The Year winner) and Parker range of Cruisers

Suzuki Marine • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

With the recent launch of its 2017 range and off the back of the release of new outboard models (DF4A/5A/6A, DF150AP/175AP) in 2016, Suzuki Marine is excited to be returning to the Melbourne Boat Show with an array of new products on display and plenty of Suzuki on Sale across the following dealer and boat builder stands: • Boats and More • Geelong Marine World • JV Marine • TRE Motorsport

STAND NUMBER B17

easy bow access, a 70L Icey-tek Esky with seat cushion and three Shimano tackle boxes. The 1550 Fisher is unparalleled in the sub 5m boat market. It is truly the perfect boat for our Victorian bays and waterways.

The stand will also feature the current ‘Australian Fishing Boat Of The Year’ – the Surtees 7m Gamefisher. It will be one of the many ‘built to fish’ range of boats from Surtees. And if you’re after a Cruiser, then check out the all new Parker range of Cruisers.

Finally, on display will also be the 2750, Stabicraft’s

• Warragul Marine Centre • Bar Crusher Boats • Edencraft Boats Come along to catch a glimpse of Suzuki’s new outboard range which feature updated decals and graphics and a new black finish – Pearl Nebular Black. It’s our sleekest look yet! For those who dare to be different, you may prefer to check out our Cool White engines instead.

Suzuki Marine’s range of outboards are packed full of unique and innovative features including Lean Burn fuel technology, offset driveshaft and maintenance-free timing chains, so come and see us at the show to score yourself the ultimate boat show deal and see why there’s no other outboard brand like Suzuki Marine. That’s boating made better!

For more information visit thehainesgroup.com.

HIGHLIGHT: Exciting new products on display

JV Marine World • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

JV Marine World is Victoria’s largest boating retailer and will once again have the largest stand at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show!

The new release Quintrex ‘Apex’ Hulls are here! If you have yet to see them make sure you take the time to drop by and see what the fuss is all about. JV Marine will have the whole range on display at the best prices. These new boats are an all new look and design from previous Quintrex boats and show why Quintrex is leading the way in aluminium boat design and construction in Australia.

There will also be some new models displayed from Yellowfin Offshore plate boats and a new 6.1m Runabout, which will suit the southern and bay fisher. Open tinnies, runabouts, side consoles, cabin boats – they will have the lot.

For the offshore and bay fishers look out for the Continued to page 26

THE NEXT DIMENSION IN FISH FINDERS Model

• • • •

5 Display Modes.

120 Degree Swath - Beam Angle.

200m Deep Water Performance.

Compact Transducer with built in motion sensor.

C O N TA C T Y O U R N E A R E S T A U T H O R I S E D D E A L E R T O D AY www.furuno.com.au (07) 3900 2100 | sales@furuno.com.au

J O I N T H E C O N V E R S AT I O N . . .

S TAY U P D AT E D

2017 MELBOURNE

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2017 MELBOURNE

EXHIBITOR LIST

24

Exhibitor Name

Stand

38 South Boat Sales AFN Fishing & Outdoors AMI Anchor Right Australia Aqua Power Marine - Volvo Penta Center Aussie Boat Sales Pty Ltd Axopar Bar Crusher Boats Belouis Investment Group BL Marine BLA Distribution Blue Bottle Fishing Blue Reef Vision BoatCatch Boating & RV Boats & More Shepparton & Echuca Buddy Wagons - portable equipment trailer Caribbean-Wes Frost Marine-Tracker Boats CH Smith Marine Chelsea Yamaha Club Marine Insurance Cobalt Boats Cover Craft Boat Covers Cranbourne Boating /Evinrude outboards Crawford Marine Cumberland Charter Yachts

C8 B16b A15 A22 E10 D10 C6B C4 A14 C5 B16b A9 B10b A24 B11 E9 B2a E14 B13 C7c C6A E16 A1 D12 B5A A25

June 2017

2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

Exhibitor Name

Stand

Victoria Coast Guard DOCKPRO and SeaPen Dunbier Marine Edencraft Boats Every Battery Evolution Boats Fishing Getaways Fishing Monthly Magazines Furuno Australia Fusion Geelong Boating Centre Geelong Marine World Gulf Rubber Hallett Ski Boats Harris Pontoons Australia Henshaw Yachting Ltd Hidden Harbour Marina Hobie Cat Australasia Honda Marine Australia International Paints Inverloch Marine J V Marine Lone Star Marine Mackay Trailers Marine Industry Association Marine Plus Precint - 3M, Muir, Kiwi Yachting Maritime Saftey Victoria - TSV

B16c D2c E13 D15 A10 B8 B10c B1C B10a B9c E8a D2 A31 D1 B1 A2 E2 B6 E6c A6 C7 D7 A13 E13 E2 A6 E3

2017 ME

2017 MELBOURNE

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

ELBOURNE

Exhibitor Name Mastercraft Marine Careers McQuarrie Fibreglass & fabrications Mediscope Australia Pty Ltd Melbourne Marine Centre Melbourne Sea - Doo Mercury Marine MY Marine Nautilus Marine Insurance Navico Optitec Remote Control Jockey Parks Victoria Port Phillip Boating Centre Port Phillip Ferries PRMMS - Safe Wheels R & J Batteries Raymarine Regal Marine Roads and Maritime Services Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats Safety Marine Australia Sailfish Catamarans- Webbe Marine Savwinch Boat Anchor Winches Sealegs Amphibious Marine Craft Sirocco Marine Melbourne SKIFORCE Solas Propellers

Stand

D3 Front Stage Area A3 A10a B5 B2 B4 D9 A18 B14 A26 E3 C9 DM3 E6 A29 B9b & B9a B9 & D5 E3 E15 A32 E6D A12 A19 D11 E7 & E8 D1c

Exhibitor Name

Stand

Southern Cross Textiles SPY BOATS Streaker Marine Stressfree Marine Sundance Marine - Beneteau Suzuki Marine Repower Centre Taylor Bay Country Club The Anchorage Marina The Marine Shop Trailer Repair Centre Transtyle Proven Pain Relief - TENS Victoria Water Police VR Fish Warragul Marine Centre Whittley Marine Wyndham Harbour Yamaha Motor Australia Australian Sailing Canoe Victoria Dolphin Research Institute Dragon Boat Victoria Australian Trout Foundation Licensed NT Guided Fishing Tour Operator Royal Victoria Motor Yacht Club SeaWorks Williamstown APBA Vic - Australian Powerboat Racing Assoc

A16 B3 C3A A21 D14 B17 A30 E2 D12 E13 B16a A27 E3 A28 C6 D4 E2 B3A & C2 Foyer Foyer Foyer Foyer Foyer Foyer Foyer Foyer Foyer

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Haines-Signature and Seafarer X-Series fibreglass boat range on the JV stand. These boats represent the best in fibreglass boat building in Australia. New release 495F and 550F will be on display, as well as the Seafarer 600 Victory and 620 Vagabond!

STAND NUMBER D7

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

And if that’s not enough, the JV stand has the whole range of Revival fibreglass boats that perfectly suit the family market and those looking for a good all round bay fisher, starting price from around $39,999 fully fitted up.

To top it all off, the new range of Sporty American made Four Winns 18, 19 and 22ft bowriders will also be there. That’s over 40 boats just on the JV Marine stand.

Anyone looking at a new outboard motor make sure you look at the Suzuki 4-Stroke range and the new E-Tec G2 ‘Direct Injection’ outboards! All their outboards will be on special for the 4-day event at unbeatable prices!

For more information visit www.jvmarine.com.au.

STAND NUMBER B4

HIGHLIGHT: The JV Marine stand will be the largest stand at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show, with over 40 boats on display

Mercury Marine • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mercury Marine, the world’s leading marine propulsion brand, is excited to exhibit at the 2017 Melbourne International Boat Show. On display will be a large range

STAND NUMBER B4 of industry leading outboards, petrol sterndrives and inboards, plus the ultra-economical Mercury Diesel range.

Come and visit them at stand B4 and check out the latest innovations on the water including: VesselView® Mobile From the world leaders in marine propulsion and marine technology comes VesselView Mobile. Available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablet devices, the app instantly provides users access to their boats SmartCraft® digital data in the palm of their hand.

The VesselView Mobile module, which is needed C

M

Y

Continued to page 28CM MY

CY

CMY

K

S i n c e

Real Speed

Real Torque

gx series

6 Models Available for Boats from 13-80ft.

Up to 46m per minute Drop/ Retrieve Rate.

Real Italian Made Transmissions (not Chinese) with Marine Rated Outputs Australian Made 316 solid SS shaft

Real Innovation

High Output GX Series Motors conservativly rated to IEC Spec featuring AU made machined alloy construction - LSM Designed & Owned FULLY WATERPROOF (AU CERTIFIED) Lifetime Warranty against water Ingress

Australian Made 316 SS construction

Reliability

elite series Australian Made 316 SS construction

Australian made machined & anodized Gearbox & bearing collars.

Twin shaft bearing design. Triple sealed!

Worlds first Australian made, machined & anodized billet Aluminium gearbox, not cast.

Hard anodized black (sizes 2-5)

Austest Labs certified

Mirror Finish

2 0 1 3

Worlds first brushless variable speed anchor winch motor. Machined and anodized Aluminium Construction.

Unrivaled speed, torque & longevity!

Super High Volume Use 6 Models Available for Boats from 21-80ft.

Up to 70m per minute Drop/ Retrieve Rate.

Unrivaled Performance and Longevity

Emergency Manual Release

Variable Speed

Australian Made Machined & Anodized Gearbox & Bearing Collars.

Twin shaft Bearing Design. Triple Sealed (Worlds First)

Standard GX Inclusions

USA made Circuit Breaker, Emergency Manual Release Switch, 400amp Solenoid, 6mm Backing Plate, Stainless Fasteners

Why comprimise? Get the best for your boat! www.lonestarmarine.com.au 26

June 2017

2017 MELBOURNE

Standard Elite Inclusions

USA made Circuit Breaker, Heat Shrink, Motor Controller, Variable Speed Switch , 6mm Backing Plate, Stainless Fasteners

(03) 8774 4582 Dealer Enquires

MFS40A

MFS50A

ECO SPORTY

MFS25C

MFS30C

FIRST BATTERY-LESS EFI

MFS9.8B*

MFS8B

NEW MODEL - SLEEK DESIGN

20 YEARS OF FOUR STROKE PRODUCTION Japanese Quality

NEW

LPG

60 years of production 3.5 million outboards Thats’s a BIG manufacturer!

2017 MELBOURNE

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2017 MELBOURNE

Continued from page 26

to fully utilise the app, is available for purchase at participating Mercury Marine dealers. The product is compatible with all Mercury SmartCraft-capable engines built since 2003. One module supports single through quad engine applications.

Active Trim Mercury Marine’s new Active Trim system is now available for boat lovers. The new technology has already gained fans around the world for the way it automatically and effortlessly trims an engine or engines. Active Trim doesn’t just make boating easier and more fun, it also improves engine performance and cuts fuel costs – while delivering a better overall driving experience. Visit the stand for a demonstration and to find out how Active Trim will make boating easier for you and your family.

Mercury Joystick Piloting Boaters of all levels will appreciate the ease of docking and more intuitive boat control thanks to Mercury’s Joystick Piloting systems. Available on 250-400hp Verado dual, triple and quad outboard installations, dual MerCruiser or Diesel Sterndrives and the recently launched inboard system. You’ll get the chance to get hands on with the Joystick Piloting Simulator for Outboards and talk to us about Joystick piloting for your boat at the show.

Mercury Racing Mercury Racing is proud to reveal the 400R Carbon Edition for the first time in Australia at the show. An exotic high performance Verado outboard, featuring contemporary layered surfacing sculpted out of lightweight carbon fibre composite. Carbon Edition 400Rs share all of the industry leading performance characteristics and creature comforts of its Phantom Black and Cold Fusion White 400R siblings, while providing an even higher level of luxury with this bold, aggressive visual treatment.

HIGHLIGHT: Industry leading outboards, petrol sterndrives and inboards, plus the ultra-economical Mercury Diesel range

Port Phillip

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

Quintrex

STAND NUMBER D7

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Be one of the first people in the world to view the revolutionary Quintrex Apex Hull at the Melbourne Boat Show. True to its name, the Apex Hull offers the pinnacle of boating with years of research and development leading to superior performance on the water. Quintrex dealers

STAND NUMBER D7

and performance. The Freestyler range is built on the ground-breaking Apex Hull using a wider, sweeping chine design to improve rough water performance. The lines of the Apex Hull combined with the forked bow, raised side deck, and sleek windscreen profile provide a much more modern look.

JV Marine and Streaker Marine will have a range of new Apex models on display and we guarantee once you see them you’ll be amazed. Displays will include Freestylers, Frontiers, Stealth Hornets and new size Fishabouts.

Built on Quintrex’s new Apex Hull, the Frontier features an increased flared bottom sheet for greater water contact and a smoother ride. With four stainless steel rod holders and Aluminium Live Bait Tank with viewing window these are some serious fishing machines. If you fancy doing some watersports as well as your fishing the Frontier offers an optional ski pole/bait board combination to keep everyone happy.

Quintrex’s new release Freestyler range allows you to reach full boating potential offering unsurpassed versatility

HIGHLIGHT: Quintrex Apex Hull, Freestylers, Frontiers, Stealth Hornets and new size Fishabouts

Stacer • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Whether you’re into the extreme or just want to relax with the family, there is a Stacer boat for you. Stacer Dealerships Melbourne Marine Centre, BL Marine and Crawford Marine will be displaying a range of Stacer models at this year’s Melbourne Boat Show.

Each Stacer boat is created from marine grade aluminum to create a durable long lasting boat. Stacer’s innovative manufacturing practices including plasma cutters and a 750 ton press provide customers with a product that will Continued to page 30

The home of...

BOATING CENTRE

Packages at the Melbourne Boat Show Come and see the difference STAND #C9

03 9369 0099

sales@portphillipboatingcentre.com.au

www.porthillipboatingcentre.com.au

Unit 2/10 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Vic 3030 28

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Continued from page 28

last for generations. On top of this, Stacer boats now offer a 3 + 2 warranty providing you with a total of 5 years factory backed warranty on new boat purchases.

If you’re a serious fisho be sure to check out the Proline Angler Striker Series. The Prolines Anglers offer the versatility anglers are after as they are designed for rivers,

STAND NUMBER D2

STAND NUMBER B5

roto underfloor, kill tank, box seats with storage and optional drum winch. These boats are available at a great price point while you can still option up this model to suit your specific needs.

If you’re looking for something for the whole family be sure to check out the Bay Cruiser range. In 2016, Savage updated the popular 485, 515 and 545 Bay Cruisers to include more new and improved practical features. The Bay Cruiser offers the versatility needed for action packed weekends; whether it’s a fishing trip or taking the family out for a spin this boat has got you covered. With two pedestal seats and a rear-folding lounge there is plenty of room to take the family out in the 485 Bay Cruiser.

HIGHLIGHT: Savage Blue Water

Evinrude • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

estuaries, creeks, dams and lakes. With more storage than previous models, a roto anchorwell and an optional live well, the Proline Anglers really are the ultimate fishing machines.

Stacers Runabout range proves to be a favourite amongst boaties and anglers with the 429 Seaway Stacer’s number one selling boat in Australia. The Runabout range includes Baymaster and Seaway models, which are perfect for fun-filled days out on the water. There is a model to suit every need ranging from affordable entry-level models to larger models to fit the whole family and enjoy a little luxury.

Late last year BRP released the next generation of Evinrude E-TEC G2 models with horsepower ranging from 150 to 200, the E-TEC G2 150, 150 H.O., 175 and 200. Cranbourne Boating Centre will have the latest Evinrude engines on display suitable for multiple transoms.

JV Marine World will also be displaying a range of Evinrude models as well as Quintrex BMT (boat, motor, trailer) packages.

and not only complies with but exceeds the new Australian Non-Road Spark Ignition Engine Emissions legislation.

Whether you enjoy fishing, power sports or just cruising you will be impressed with the power and efficiency of the new range of G2’s. True to Evinrude’s style the new models will also feature a distinctive, customisable look that allows consumers to perfectly match their boat.

Available with integrated Dynamic Power Steering and i-Trim, Evinrude’s intelligent trim system and standard with Digital Shift and Throttle, the new G2 models deliver confident handling and optimal performance at any speed or in any sea conditions.

Boaters can rejoice as the release of the mid–range models opens up the power of Evinrude Outboards to a wider range of budgets and transoms.

HIGHLIGHT: Evinrude E-TEC G2 models

Lone Star • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Created in 2010, Lone Star Marine (LSM) manufacture drum winches for 12-80ft boats. Innovation is at the forefront of Lone Star Marine and, along with the Emergency Manual Release feature found in all GX and Elite series winches, they have introduced many other new features, products and accessories to the drum winch market.

They are the only company to use a twin shaft bearing system that greatly increases drive train longevity and to have created the first winch motor with a fully waterproof AU Certified IP68 rating (GX Series). The GX Series uses hi-spec drives and feature Italian Manufactured transmissions with marine rated outputs. LSM have stronger all machined (not cast) bearing hubs and gearbox flanges. Featuring Australian-made spool, shafts, cradles, bearing hubs and motor exterior, the GX Series is said to contain more Australian-made parts than any other drum winch on the market.

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HIGHLIGHT: Proline Angler Striker Series

Savage • • • • • • •••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

As Australia’s oldest brand of aluminium boats, Savage is a brand you can trust. Geelong Marine World and The Marine Shop will be displaying a range of Savage boats suitable for all budgets and lifestyles at the Melbourne Boat Show.

Make sure you enquire about the brand new Savage Blue Water; this boat will take you offshore without breaking the bank. This model is excellent to take offshore with 5mm bottoms and 3mm topsides, huge cavernous cabin and a massive amount of fishing room. There are a number of new optional features to take these boats to the next level including: live bait tank cutting board combo,

STAND NUMBER D2

The new Evinrude E-TEC G2 models deliver up to 30% more torque, up to 15% better fuel efficiency, and up to 75% fewer total regulated emissions compared to leading four- stroke outboard engines. Evinrude offers the cleanest outboard engine combustion technology available

STAND NUMBER D7

LSM have also created the world’s first and only range of brushless variable speed anchor winches, the Elite, featuring the world’s first billet machined transmission on any anchor winch.

Lone Star offer an industry leading, 5 Plus Lifetime Warranty: 5 years against defects and a lifetime against water getting into the motor. There are 12 different anchor winch models in the LSM range across seven standard drum sizes from 200-750mm in both standard (GX) and brushless (Elite) configurations. All units are fast for drop and retrieve right out of the box with no add-ons. Be assured that 85% of Lone Star’s current volume is made in Australia.

For more information visit www.lonestarmarine.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Emergency Manual Release feature on all GX

WaveRunners • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Yamaha WaveRunners are thrilled to showcase the latest in personal watercraft technology with three new models, along with exclusive offers at this year’s Melbourne Boat Show.

For 2017, Yamaha has reinvigorated the line-up with an all-new, race-ready GP1800, which has already proved its pace by winning numerous races domestically and overseas.

The new GP1800 delivers the winning-edge by combining the industry’s largest capacity 1.8L supercharged engine with a precision designed lightweight hull.

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2017 MELBOURNE

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Continued from page 30

In addition to the GP1800, Yamaha has introduced the all-new, recreational-lite EX and EX deluxe, two compact, light and affordable models that are putting the personal back into personal-watercraft. Shoe-horned within the light and fun fibreglass hull is Yamaha’s award-winning 1-litre, TR-1 marine engine; a perfect lightweight match for a thrilling ride.

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

STAND NUMBER B3A

To reward our new and renewing subscribers at the show, V&TFM will have plenty of free gifts to make your decision to subscribe an easy one – Okuma Duo rods, which is a one butt two rod blank interchangeable system.

STAND NUMBER B1C

STAND NUMBER B3A

Yamaha’s JetFish brand concept will return to the show once again, showcasing the versatility and flexibility of WaveRunners geared up for fishing. Over the past year, the Jetfish brand concept has headlined across the country, giving savvy angler a new lease in WaveRunner fishing ideas and choices.

Yamaha’s WaveRunner range has something for everyone. At one end is the legendary Superjet, a raw and engaging stand-up machine that has thrilled for decades.

While the introduction of the lightweight EX and EX Deluxe has shaken up the affordable recreational-lite segment. In the middle of the range is Yamaha’s VX and

FX models, combining family-friendly fun, versatility and features in an affordable package. Whilst at the pointy-end is Yamaha’s high-performance SVHO powered models, featuring championship-winning, supercharged powertrains and lightened-hulls for unrivalled excitement.

All models, bar the SuperJet and EX feature Yamaha’sexclusive RiDE dual throttle control system; an innovative electronic throttle control system that makes manoeuvring watercraft safer and easier than ever before.

Exhibiting Yamaha Dealerships are also offering exclusive purchase opportunities at the boat show, with free lifejackets and gear bags with all WaveRunners purchased.

Yamaha Motor Finance is making ownership easy, offering an ultra-low 2.99% p.a. comparison rate* across the complete range, over 24-36 months. Completing the suite of offers is Yamaha Marine Insurance, who are offering a $30 pay-by-the-month insurance premium for the first 12-months on eligible Boat Packages.

For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

HIGHLIGHT: All-new, race-ready GP1800, and exclusive offers to show-goers

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FIshing Monthly Deal • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This incredible gift will be up for grabs with any two-year subscription, so make sure you sign up at the show.

If you’re already a subscriber, we’ll give you the same gift if you do a renewal at the show!

Don’t miss out, come and visit us on stand B1C and say hello to the crew.

For more information, visit www.fishingmonthly.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Subscribers receive a free gift of an Okuma Duo rod

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Hobie

16 - 19 JUNE, 2017 MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

STAND NUMBER C3A

•• • • • • • •••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hobie’s bioengineered MirageDrive propulsion system for kayaks was revolutionary in its inception, in 1997, and has been evolving ever since. Now comes the biggest evolution – so far. Introducing the patent-pending Hobie MirageDrive 180 forward-reverse propulsion system.

Weighing in at approximately 3.5kg, the MirageDrive 180 produces full power in both directions and offers unprecedented manoeuvrability. The user can pull one of two shift cables to direct propulsion 180 degrees almost instantly

STAND NUMBER B6

from forward to reverse and back again.

Hands-free propulsion in any direction means better control: to cast, to present baits, and to concentrate on landing bigger fish. Although the forward-reverse capability is the most noticeable improvement to this new generation of the time-tested MirageDrive, it is not the only significant advancement. The new fins are even more durable, with high strength nylon on leading and trailing edges. Adjusting fin resistance has also been improved by easily twisting the access knob.

Can it go shallow? Absolutely. Use partial pedal strokes to “flutter” the fins or push one crank arm forward so that both fins fold up flat against the bottom of the hull. This same wing-like action excels for dodging obstacles, shedding weeds and gliding through the water with minimal resistance.

It also facilitates landing on the beach or at the boat ramp.

The MirageDrive 180 installs in seconds thanks to the Click ‘N Go Mounting System, which also makes removing a snap. The drive’s cranks adjust to comfortably fit the user’s height; from tall to child-size.

The MirageDrive 180 comes standard with all 2017 model year Mirage kayaks, including the legendary Outback and award-winning Pro Anglers.

Visit the Hobie Stand at this year’s Melbourne Boat Show to check it out for yourself.

For more information visit www.hobiecat.com.au

edition to the Streaker Marine stand. You will also see on display the game changing, lightweight Yamaha F25, F75 and F90 outboard motors. Competitive finance and insurance rates from YMF and YMI are also available to make your boat buying experience at the show, a breeze!

All boats purchased at the 2017 boat show will also come with a private, half-day on water boat handling course in your newly purchased rig. The team from Streaker Marine have been in the industry for near five decades and are highly knowledgeable and passionate about their products. Their Bayswater showroom displays high quality Australian brands and hosts an exciting, new marine accessory department.

This year, they are offering some never before seen deals on options packaged up to suit you and your needs, so make sure you head over to the Streaker Marine stand at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show.

HIGHLIGHT: New release Quintrex models, Cruise Craft 595 Outsider Hard Top.

Stressfree Marine

streamlined finish,” says Jay. Stressfree Marine’s new and updated 1400watt range of winches now features modern casing for greater protection and aesthetics, prewired with 5m of cable, long enough to wire straight to the solenoid, and internal glands to seal the motor to eliminate water egress.

Re-engineered specifically for boats up to 10m in length, the updated Midi 50 and Maxi range continues to offer flexibility for boats with narrow drum capacity. By optimising the placement of internal glands, these innovations give the greatest protection for the motor, as glands cannot be damaged or dislodged, and the new design contributes to a more streamlined finish.

In addition to these new features, the Stressfree Marine anchor winch range features some of the highest specifications in the industry. All Stressfree Marine customers enjoy: • Adaptable fit and varied mounting options, with the ability to reset the gearbox and motor assembly in 8 different configurations to best suit your anchor well • Optional deck mounting • One-touch precision anchoring for fast deployment and minimal drift to make anchoring a breeze (on all NG Freefall winches) • All rope and chain is spooled on and off the drum • Premium quality Italian motor and gearbox • A waterproof circuit breaker with thermal overload cut-out • Solid stainless steel drive shaft • Grease impregnated acetyl bush for superior performance • Constructed from 316 L grade marine stainless steel • Optional Pro-series casing upgrade • Optional waterproof wireless remote As with all of their winches, Stressfree Marine offer a 5-year warranty and guaranteed after sales support for boat owners, regardless of their location.

For more information on the Stressfree Marine range of products, visit their website at www.StressfreeMarine.com.au HIGHLIGHT: New innovations in 1400 watt range of winches

Chelsea Yamaha • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Chelsea Yamaha at this year’s boat show will be showcasing a range of Haines Hunter boats. As their newest dealer, the team will have extremely good deals and packages including Yamaha motors and Yamaha finance and insurance.

Also on display, will be aluminium boats from Stessco and Horizon. These boats are manufactured in Australia and offer high quality builds to commercial use standards. With a combined range of approximately 200 different models, there is a boat to fit your needs.

STAND NUMBER C7C

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Stressfree Marine, the globally recognised anchor winch manufacturers, are at it again. Following the successful release last June of their anchor winch upgrades, Stressfree Marine are pleased to launch some new innovations with their 1400watt range of winches – designed especially for harsh marine environments, and available in time for the Melbourne 2017 Boat Show.

STAND NUMBER A21

HIGHLIGHT: Introducing the Hobie MirageDrive 180 forward-reverse propulsion system.

Streaker Marine • • • • • • ••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Streaker Marine stand at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show will be an absolute must see! Their display will feature Australia’s premium brands including Quintrex, Cruise Craft, Ski Craft, Streaker Boats and Yamaha Outboard Motors.

There has never been a more exciting time to purchase a Quintrex than now with their new release models - 510 Frontier SC and 510/590 Freestyler. These models will feature their new Apex Hull which is designed to deliver a smoother ride and greater stability.

The stand will showcase the unveiling of the Cruise Craft 595 Outsider Hard Top. With a host of new features, this model establishes a new benchmark for family fishing and cruising. 2017 is the first year you will see Melbourne’s very own, Ski Craft Boats on display. The full range is a welcome 34

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Responding to some jovial feedback from within the workshop, on how they should improve the look of their Midi 50 and Maxi range of anchor winches, the Engineering team were not satisfied with just improving the appearance.

Founder and lead engineer, Dean Forster, along with Operations Manager, Jay Forster, set about to rework the casing and create an even more durable winch and motor.

“My love of innovating, and Dean’s passion to find ways to improve the fishing experience, has resulted in a new design that eliminates water egress, and has a more

All boats can be fitted with quality name products, such as GME and Garmin electronics with Fusion sound systems.

Chelsea Yamaha, from their dealership in Chelsea Heights, offer the full range of marine services for all your after-show needs and mechanical and electronic supply.

Maintenance and servicing is completed in-house, along with boat covers, upholstery, trailer and fibreglass repairs – it is a total one-stop destination!

Catch up with Robert and the team on Stand number C7c.

For more information visit www.chelseayamaha.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Haines Hunter packages with exciting new deals

Melbourne Boat Show Release SL 20 BMT package from

69,990

$

Victoria’s best value 6 metre fishing & cruising boat

Why is a new Whittley SL 20 such great value?

Because we tick all the boxes.

3 Mackay Trailer q 3 Front & Side Clears q 3 Front Bunks q 3 Garmin 4.5 Sounder q 3 23 Degree Deep Vee q 3 Rubber Flooring q

3 Volvo V6 200 G SX q 3 Australian Made q 3 Moulded Floor q 3 5 Year Warranty q 3 Front Hatch q 3 Sports Dash q

For the full range, come see Whittley at stand # D4 at the Melbourne Boat Show.

CALL 8339 1800 FOR MORE INFORMATION MAKING MEMORIES SINCE 1953 2017 MELBOURNE

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Yellowfin 7400 with Twin Suzuki 115hp 4 Stroke FMG

Steve Morgan

It’s fair to say the John Stav from JV Marine loves his Yellowfin boats.

In fact, there’s a full range of the hulls in stock in the JV Marine yards.

Built in the Telwater factory in South East Queensland, the northern boat is eminently suitable for taking on nasty southern seas.

“This is the last boat you’ll buy,” John said as we discussed the rig that he brought down to the ramp at Patterson Lakes for testing.

And being in the business nearly 40 years means that John knows his stuff. As it happens, he also knows every second person at the ramp, and has sold a boat to them at some stage.

At first sight of the Yellowfin, there’s

With John Stav at the helm from JV Marine, it was like being chauffeured around Port Phillip Bay by boating royalty. no denying that it’s an impressive rig. Painted gloss black and powered by twin 115hp 4-stroke Suzuki outboards, it sits atop an I-beam Quintrex trailer, manufactured in the same facility as the boat.

SPECIFICATIONS Length (bow-transom) ��� 7.3m Length (overall) ������������ 7.6m Length (on trailer) ������ 8.93m Height (on trailer) ������� 2.92m Beam ����������������������� 2.40m Depth ���������������������� 1.25m Bottom ���������������������� 6mm Sides ������������������������� 4mm Transom �������������������� 5mm Max hp ������������������������ 250 Hull weight ������������1265kg Capacity ����������� 7 persons 36

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Fitted with Telwater’s Catch and Release system, it’s entirely possible to launch and retrieve this boat single-handed – especially in a facility like Launching Way. Over the years, I haven’t tested that many twin-outboard craft. Each time I do, though, I marvel at how a lightly loaded engine is ridiculously economical. And the figures from the test craft are pretty impressive. The twin Suzukis push along the 7.4m boat – which has a hull dry weight of nearly 1300kg – along at 30km/h with an economy of just under 2km per litre burned. That’s both engines combined.

3000RPM was the best observed

cruising speed.

The Yellowfin’s ride is a little different from most boats I’ve tested, too. I expect a hull to get up and ride on its rear chines while cruising. The waterline length of this boat makes it near-impossible and the Quintrex uses nearly all of its 7.3m bow to transom length as a planning surface. Minor weight distribution issues are resolved with tweaks of the trim tabs, and as long as you’re not expecting a 100km/h ride, then you’ll get there economically and in comfort.

Given the 250L underfloor fuel tank, the Yellowfin boasts nearly

PERFORMANCE

RPM Idle 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000

Speed km/h 9 10 20 30 40 52

Overall km/L 3.8 2.0 1.8 1.9 1.5 1.0

* Fitted with 21” propellers

500km of range at the economical cruising speed. I assume that this is plenty for most weekend applications, even if they involve trolling for tuna for the entire weekend.

The helm seems to have been built for comfort. The seats attest to that, and we

The Yellowfin definitely banked into turns and made full use of its waterline length.

loved the fact that you can flush-mount a 12” display and still have room for all of your other gauges – like trim tabs, anchor winch and lighting controls, as well as the necessary switch panels and digital engine gauges.

JV Marine have fitted this test boat with rod holders and accessories that complement the Port Phillip Bay style of fishing. There’s plenty of rod storage (for when they’re in or out of the water) and lots of practical room to get rigged, baited and to deal with the catch.

As tested, this Yellowfin will set you back just under $130,000 to hitch it up and drive it home. However, packages with fewer bells and whistles come in at less than $100K. For more information you can visit www.jvmarine. com.au, or like them on Facebook at JV Marine World. Alternatively, you can just drop into JV’s yards at Braeside or Laverton. You know they’ll have the full range in stock!

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Main: Even with the hard top configuration, the 7.4m Yellowfin has miles of room in the cockpit. All the rails remain unpainted to disguise any wear and tear. Left: Taking three or four mates and all fishing comfortably is eminently possible in this Yellowfin. Check out that fishing space. Right: Want all the options? The Yellowfin’s dash can hold them. Note the engine gauge mounting box above the flush mounted 12” Simrad. Even the steering wheel looks schmick.

Above: Plenty of room for live baits here. You won’t find many boats of this size that lack the capacity for a day’s worth of livies.

Below: The author is a big fan of accessible batteries and connections.

If something goes sideways at sea, you need to be able to troubleshoot it without dismantling your boat.

The transom door is equally at home loading passengers or game fish. Both are good.

Comfortable helm chairs provide superior comfort to the captain and passenger.

Even with the deceptive wide-angle lens, the bunks are long enough for you to stretch out and have a quick snooze between red-hot fishing sessions.

Inset: Side pocket mounted vertical rod storage is becoming increasingly popular in boats we test.

You can never have too much rod storage, or indeed, too many rods!

Left: JV’s additions of the snapper rod racks really tick the boxes for local applications.

Imagine how many PPB snapper have hit the decks of JV Marine boats over the last 40 years!

Left: Adjustable rod holders on the hard top make loading rods easier.

The LED lighting does the same for any fishing after dark. Right: Of course there’s storage in all available areas – including under all of the seats.

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Clark 449 Rebel CC with Suzuki 50hp 4 stroke FMG

Peter Jung

I have done a number of boat tests on the Queensland-manufactured Clark Aluminium boats and the thing that has stood out on each occasion is the value for money they represent.

The latest offering from Clark is the Rebel Series and the 449 Rebel Centre Console is part of the range. I had the opportunity to put the 449 CC through its paces and to see whether it too offers the value that the other ranges in the Clark stable offer.

What a 449 offers The 449 Rebel is available in four configurations – tiller, side console, twin console and centre console. The latter was the boat that Mark Frost, from Boats and More in Shepparton and Echuca, and I put on the water at Bundalong at the top end of Lake Mulwala. There are a number of benefits that the centre console configuration provides, with the most obvious being the ability to easily access all sides of the

The combination of the console slightly forward and good reverse chines means you have a nice dry ride in the 449 CC. boat, meaning you can fish unimpeded.

Another key benefit is the additional storage that is on offer. The console itself has space under it as well as significant space in the seat box. Add to that a large storage area under the front casting deck, two side pockets and plenty of room for batteries, fuel and more under the rear deck and you have plenty of space to put away gear and keep it out of harm’s way.

The thing I like the most with the 449 is that you have a great shell to work with. It is up to you how much bling you do or don’t want. The centre console is small, yet has plenty of space for any

SPECIFICATIONS Length.................... 4.70m Beam...................... 2.10m Min hp...................... 40hp Max hp..................... 60hp Bottom..................... 3mm Sides........................ 3mm Max people.................... 4 Price as tested... $24,490 38

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electronics you may want and offers some protection while driving the boat in a seated position. The front casting deck is large enough for one angler to comfortably cast lures from and you could fish two up in a pinch.

There is a bracket to install an electric motor and this would certainly be an option I would look at.

This would set the boat up perfectly to fish areas like Bundalong (where we did the test) with lures. Mark and I enjoyed flicking a few lures around while drifting and tied up to structure after the test. The boat proved to be a solid platform to fish from and had a bit of fishing mojo

too with a small Murray cod hitting the deck.

The other advantage of a boat this size is that it can be towed by a family car and is easily launched and retrieved by one person if necessary.

Ride and handling Another factor that comes into play when purchasing a centre console boat is that all the weight in the boat is concentrated down the centre line. As long as it is distributed evenly, it really does enhance the handling. This was very evident in the 449 Rebel. The test boat had virtually nothing in it and the 50hp Suzuki four-stroke really got it up and running nicely.

At speed and cornering it handled beautifully and was fun to drive. Mark, who was driving in all the running shots in this test, had a constant smile on his face and I think he would have happily spent

PERFORMANCE RPM km/L Idle (750rpm) ������������5.5 1000 ��������������������������5.3 2000 ��������������������������4.4 3000 ��������������������������2.3 4000 ��������������������������3.6 5000 ��������������������������3.0 WOT (6200) �������2.6km/L Hole Shot ��� 4.5 seconds channels that Bundalong and Lake Mulwala has with ease.

We were fortunate enough to have hit Bundalong after a pretty big storm, so as much as the water was discoloured, there was no real chop on the water to seriously put the hull to the test. Due to the centre console being slightly further forward and the reverse chines of the hull pushing any spray well to the side, the ride was comfortable and dry.

Mark Frost from Boats and More and the author took the 449 through its paces. Mark would have been happy to run around all day in it. the whole day running to and fro. Tight cornering was a slightly different prospect at speed. Too much speed and it cavitated quite badly.

However, this was rectified quite easily with a little bit of throttle control and I found that it maneuvered around the abundant structure and

Suzuki 50hp four-stroke Although rated to a 60hp motor, I found the Suzuki 50hp motor on the test boat was ideally suited to the boat. We were not able to get speed figures on the day, but it certainly got along at a fair clip. There is also no

questioning the economy of the Suzuki four-stroke motors. Find the sweet spot in the rev range, which was 3500-4000 revs on the back of the 449, and you will get maximum efficiency. Just 3.6km/L of fuel burnt while cruising will see you out doing a lot of fishing.

What you see is what you get The Clark 449 Centre Console is a very practical boat. It has ample storage, a practical console, has 3mm bottom and sides so it will take the bumps and bruises that inevitably happen. There is also plenty of fishing space and ample room to add your preferred sounder and an electric motor. Add to that the reliability of the Suzuki outboard and the 449 is a solid canvas that you can set up to meet your needs.

The boat as tested came in at just under $24,500 and the team at Boats and More would be more than happy to get you out on the water to check it out for yourself. You can contact the Shepparton store on (03) 5822 2108 or their Echuca store on (03) 5482 1992 for more details, or check out their website www.boatsandmore.com.au.

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Inset: A second hatch in the casting deck ensured you could take advantage of all the space under it. Left: One of the things that was impressive with the 449 was the fishing space it offered.

The front casting deck is a perfect example of that.

Top Inset: The Suzuki 50hp four-stroke on the test boat was a great match for it. It provided a great combination of power and economy, getting the 449 onto the plane in less than five seconds. Main: The Clark 449 Rebel CC would be at home in areas like Bundalong where it was tested. Left: Check out the performance figures in the performance fact box for this test. Cruising around at 3500-4000rpm will have you out there fishing for days on the fuel tank provided with the boat. Right: There was no need worry about storage space in the front casting deck. There was plenty of room, so everything went under the deck.

Top: As much as we loved running around in the Clark 449 Rebel CC it was really the areas that you can see in the background that we wanted to go and explore.

Above: Two side pockets provide even more storage to keep all your gear out of harm’s way.

Left: The seat in the 449 was comfortable and is big enough for two people. Right: A plumbed bait tank comes standard in the rear deck.

Top: The electric motor bracket is an option on the 449 that the author recommends, so an electric motor can be added with ease at a later date. Above: You can’t test a boat at Bundalong and not cast a few lures around. The Rebel proved it has some fishing mojo too.

Although not a huge console, there was ample space for any electronics and gauges, plus a shelf and space for storage.

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Steve Morgan

What better way is there to test a New Zealand built aluminium boat than in New Zealand-like conditions? Sorry Kiwis, but the only way I could describe the nasty storm we drove the McLay 591 Sportsman into on the test day was “New Zealand like”.

Rugged up in a rain suit and with a sense of adventure, we ventured out of the Patterson River and into a wall of water falling from the sky. Luckily, we had a canopied McLay to use as a camera boat for the session.

Funnily enough, all of the rest of the crew preferred to pile in there, leaving me alone on the test boat.

Spending some quality alone time on the McLay, though, I got to get a good feel for the rig. It’s a combination

The author wasn’t afraid of a little rain (the full Simms rain suit helps in this department). Note that nobody else wanted to come aboard; they all wanted to be in the boat with the canopy. Wimps. of a workboat and sports car – sort of like the 4WD ads where they wash off the mud and they’re instantly ready for a classy function.

Like all McLays I’ve tested over the years, this McLay looked like it was fresh from the factory. The

SPECIFICATIONS Length ��������������������5.95m Beam ����������������������2.20m Freeboard ���������������72cm Transom height ��������� 25” Transom deadrise ������� Variable 17V Horsepower ��������� 90-150 Bottom �������������������� 5mm Sides ����������������������� 4mm 40

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Nyalic coating that is applied to the bare aluminium stops the natural oxidation process and keeps your pride and joy looking mint for years to come.

Although there was not a heap of wind with the rain, there was enough residual chop on Port Phillip Bay to get a feel for the hull. Wide reverse chines and a variable deadrise ending in 17° at the transom means that if you land the rig correctly at 90° to the wanes, it will land remarkably softy.

One up, I wasn’t afraid to put the Sportsman into some tight turns and let the Suzuki do its thing. The harder I drove it, the more impressed I was with the behaviour of the hull.

Trimmed in, it pulled

tight into the corners with minimal ventilation.

Trimmed out on a speed run and the raindrops were definitely stinging the eyes.

The boat pulled 62km/h at 6000rpm, delivering 1.6km per litre of fuel burned. The best economy was at 3500rpm, where you could squeeze 2.9km out of every litre of fuel burned.

Is this the ideal family boat? Far from it. This is a boat built for hard-core anglers, and as such it has little in the way of creature comforts. If family boating is what you’re after, there are other boats in the McLay range that are better suited to the task. Still, there is enough of a cabin in the 591 Sportsman to get out of the elements if you’re not wearing a $1000 rain suit in a downpour.

The 591 is designed to be a robust and practical workspace that’s easy to keep clean, both during and after the fishing sessions. I

Another feature of the McLay boats is that they never have any paint on surfaces that are subject to wear an tear. It helps them keep looking in tip-top condition.

particularly liked the smart design of the transom door area – a folding ladder gets you in, and the door slides up and out but has a place to keep it stowed while it’s not in use. The bait station is removable, and the step contains the live bait tank complete with a window. Combine that with some adjustable upright storage for rods along the side pockets and a high rocket launcher on the Targa top, and you’ve got a combination that’s obviously been designed by anglers.

And coming from NZ, you can pretty much guarantee that they’ve caught better snapper than you or I. The carpeted dash is designed to flush-mount quite substantial electronics, even though the test rig was fitted with a smaller, bracketmounted Lowrance.

I also liked the positioning and abundance of places to hang onto in this boat. Some of the boats we test see us searching for a place to white-knuckle when the going gets rough.

The guys at Warragul Marine Centre are passionate about their brands – both McLay and Suzuki.

You can call them at the dealership or just visit wwwwarragulmarine.com. au for more information.

You can also find them on Facebook – just search for Warragul Marine Centre.

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Inset: The vertical rod storage is moveable along the length of the side pocket, allowing you to customise the positioning for your situation. Left: The small cabin is open to the elements and offers more of a place to lie down for a rest than a family retreat.

Note that there are plenty of handrails.

Main & Inset: The 4-stroke Suzuki 115hp is the ideal power plant for this boat and contributes significantly to its ‘racecar’ nickname. Left: Luxurious? Maybe not.

Practical? Definitely! The transom door stores neatly in a slot on the outside of the transom. The door step holds a windowed live bait tank. There’s no waste of space here. Right: With the absence of a roof above, a carpeted dash takes the sting out of reflected sunlight. There’s room to flush-mount large electronics.

Left: Anchor winches are virtually mandatory in most boats nowadays. The McLay’s lives in the anchor well. Right: A deck wash allows you to keep the working surfaces slime-free while out on the water. It also makes for an easier clean-up when you get home if you stay on top of it while out on the water.

Above: A steep transom deadrise and hefty reverse chines mean that the Sportsman rides and lands softly in a chop.

Below: Don’t need the transom bait station? Easy. It’s removable and only takes a couple of seconds.

Boarding is easy with the fold-down ladder and transom door. You can see to the right of the doorway where the door is stored when removed.

The targa top is a great place to store the excess rods while on the water. Note the interesting passenger seat set-up. They’ll be dry!

If you don’t like walking on the checkerplate, you can cover the floor with some of the commonly available rubber matting.

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Whittley CR2180 with Volvo is a real rocket ship FMG

Steve Morgan

What do you get when you cross a fishing boat with a luxurious cruising boat and then add some extra horsepower? The answer is Chris Odgers’ Whittley package that we took for a spin recently out of the Patterson River on Port Phillip Bay. The ‘CR’ prefix to the model name is short for ‘Cruising,’ a genre of boats that Whittley Marine Group has been successfully building for over 50 years.

But as a keen angler, Chris wanted the boat to be fishable as well, so it was interesting to see how he achieved this.

One of the big decisions

for Chris was making the jump from an outboard powered boat to an inboard.

“I hadn’t owned an inboard engine before, but since I’ve owned it, I’ve never looked back,” Chris said.

His main concern was not being able to see the angle at which the leg was tilted. All outboard owners know that you only need to look back to judge this with an outboard.

“Once you learn the gauges, though, it becomes easy and I can now go anywhere that I could with the outboard,” he continued.

Performance wise, one can’t help but giggle at the pickup that the Generation 5, 200hp Volvo Penta delivers through its

The DuoProp leg throws the 2180 up and onto the plane in a matter of seconds.

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Main: If only images could come to life. They can if you scan the QR code above to watch the video interview. The 200hp Volvo turns this CR2180 into a rocket ship in disguise. Above: If you don’t have fun driving this rig, then it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities. single-leg DuoProp system.

It’s seriously like someone dropped a V8 into a fishing boat. It sounds mean, it runs hard and it jumps onto the plane with the speed of a startled mullet when you plant the throttle.

It’s everything a grown man needs to enjoy the driving experience.

Comfort-wise, this boat puts my house to shame. With a large, well-appointed cabin, concealed kitchen areas and sinks in addition to a generous carpet lining on any surface that would take glue, The inboard motor cover is cleverly used as the base for a workbench that’d be equally at home with morning tea or

tying a paternoster rig.

The main fishing area is compartmentalised onto the massive duckboard that covers the DuoProp leg.

Providing both security

(against falling in) and a convenient place to rest a baited line, the duckboard work station is the place where you can rig baits and cook the BBQ – keeping

SPECIFICATIONS Length...................... 5.5m Beam...................... 2.33m Fuel...........................112L Sleeps........................Two Capacity....... Six persons Deadrise.....................19° Boat weight........... 920kg Dry weight BMT....1796kg Water capacity.......... 40L

all the messy business separated from the clean and comfortable interior.

Is this the ultimate fishing boat? It’s not. Is it a cruising boat that the family will love?

You bet. If the pendulum must swing towards family friendliness rather than spartan fishability, then you’ll need to check out the 2180.

Finally, you may think that a well-appointed boat like this would cost six figures. You’d be way off the mark if you did. CR2180 packages start at around $75,000. As tested, Chris’ boat would cost around $90,000 – that includes the stainless steel BBQ and the flat screen TV! Make sure you visit www.whittleymarinegroup. com.au for more information or call your nearest dealer.

You can also like Whittley Marine Group on Facebook to keep up with what Whittley and their owners are up to.

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Inset: Even the side pockets are classy in this rig. Left: The duckboard is truly huge and offers excellent opportunities for fishing, diving and swimming with the kids.

Main: The Whittley CR2180 is a cruising boat with some fishing chops. Cleverly, it separates the messy stuff, like fishing and BBQing, onto the duckboard.

Left: That’s probably the best-appointed cabin seen in a Fishing Monthly boat test, with plenty of legroom and headroom. Check out the flatscreen TV! Right: The helm is well organised and everything is flush-mounted.

Left: For most blokes, this is the second most important part of the boat. If you’re a hook-to-cook person, the Whittley ticks all of the boxes. Right: A sneaky under-seat sink makes clean-up a breeze and saves a lot of space.

Above: There’s a whole lot of blade there on the DuoProp leg that transfers the power of the Gen5 200hp Volvo through to the water.

Below: Like all Whittleys, space is used wisely. See the combination footrest and cooler receptacle?

Most toilets are mounted in the middle of the cabin. The 2180 features a toilet in front of the helm. It’s a little more private.

Imagine the family spending some quality time here while the fishers among you get down to business a few feet away.

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Stacer Crossfire 509 with Mercury 115hp PRO XS which is cleverly concealed under the front deck – and you can spin around the pedestal seats to lay out some baits for snapper.

The helm-mounted Garmin 7410SV has a full Panoptix transducer to give the angler a full, live view of what’s swimming around under the transom.

And Hodor is just as impressive after dark as it is in the daytime. While at the helm, you have full control of the lighting options, which include under-gunwale light strips and double transom LEDs to attract squid and baitfish while fishing at night.

FMG

Steve Morgan

Melbourne Marine Centre loves pimping up Stacer hulls. We tested one a while back when Andrew Stephen and the guys optioned up a Nomad to within an inch of its life. It was a build that focused on practicality, with plenty of exposed checkerplate amongst the creature comforts.

This build, however (a Stacer Crossfire 509), adds a little more luxury to the options. Its owner – affectionately nicknamed Hodor thanks to his likeness to the Game of Thrones’ burly doorman – decided that it was the time in his life to treat himself to the best Stacer that money could buy. And he pretty much got it spot on.

Guided by MMC’s Andrew Stephen, Hodor’s boat (which is also called Hodor) crams a mountain of options and technology into the Stacer Crossfire 5.09m

bowrider configuration shell.

With its front casting deck transformed and elongated with the drop-in platform centrepiece, the casting angler has access to

SPECIFICATIONS

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RPM IDLE 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 6400

Speed (km/h) 4.3 6.5 11 22 41 55 67 72

Economy (km/L) 1.5 2.5 1.9 2.1 2.6 2.0 1.6 1.6

drive-off Stacer I-beam trailer, the winch post is fitted with Telwater’s Catch and Release system to allow true, single person operation. We’d expect nothing less from a rig

It doesn’t matter what angle you look at it from, this boat turns heads. On the water, at the ramp, at the servo when you’re getting a pie before the boat test. Everywhere.

Length (with bowsprit) ���5.11m Length (overall)............ 5.26m Beam.......................... 2.22m Length (on trailer)........... 6.7m Capacity.............. 5 persons Fuel................................ 77L Max HP...........................115 Hull weight................ 460kg Bottom......................... 4mm Sides............................ 3mm 44

PERFORMANCE

the 24V MotorGuide and the Garmin 7407 with Front Vu – ample information for any lure angler.

Drop the anchor with the concealed Lone Star winch – Slide off/drive on. It’s how trailers should be. Hodor is supplied with a Stacer I-beam model with all of the bells and whistles.

In the transom itself, there’s a pair of locally fabricated, windowed live bait tanks which are a hallmark of a MMC customisation.

Supplied on a drive-on/

with all of the options boxes ticked.

From a performance angle, Mercury’s Superlative 2.1L 4-stroke ProXS shoots Hodor up onto the plane in less than four seconds.

It’s propped to rev hard to 6400rpm while delivering a top speed on 72km/h.

The best economy was at 4000rpm, where it delivered a surprisingly generous 2.6km per litre of fuel burned, although it was hard to hold to that speed. This rig just likes to run fast!

It’s the little things that make this boat a pleasure to use. Personally, I loved the modular LED headlights that were mounted to the front of the console. It’s one of the simplest solutions to an age-old problem. I’d be interested to see if there were any problems with reflection from this mounting position when used after dark.

All up, it’s rare that we get to test a customer’s boat that’s as well appointed as this Stacer/Mercury combo.

Thanks, Hodor, for letting us take a ride!

For more information about the build, contact Melbourne Marine Centre or visit www. melbournemarine.com.au.

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Inset: The name was inspired by the burly doorman in Game of Thrones.

Left: Dual live bait tanks are an aftermarket accessory fitted by MMC. The bait board is colour matched and practical.

Main: Gale force winds on Port Phillip Bay confined the testing to the National Watersports Centre on the upper Patterson River. Left: The Crossfire features a drop-in deck segment for the bow rider configuration. You can see the padding around the inside of the front gunwale that protects the back while bowriding. Right: The passenger seat can fit in several base mounts – next to the driver, for’ard in the cockpit or on the casting deck.

Left: Even the bung and spray nozzle are colour matched!

Right: Although a little limited in use with a carpeted floor, there’s a deck wash that lets you keep the bait board in mint condition.

Above: With the main bulk of batteries for the 24V Motorguide amidships, Hodor is quick onto the plane, yet still keeps its bow up.

Below: There’s some waterproof storage in the front side of the console.

There was no other choice – of course Hodor had to be powered by the superlative Mercury 2.1L 115hp ProXS. It delivers a top-end speed of 72km/h.

Top: Telwater’s Catch and Release bracket makes launch and retrieve easy with one person. Above: For the amount of accessories, the console is quite clean. Flush-mounted screens always look great, whether they’re on a tinny or a 200 footer.

How’s the sneaky anchor winch under the casting deck? With automatic anchoring and electric motor options, Hodor is ready to catch anything on offer in Victoria’s freshwater or inshore waters.

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Haines Hunter 675 with Twin Yamaha 130hp 4 stroke FMG

Steve Morgan

It took us a while, but we finally talked Phil Pierias and the team from Port Phillip Boating Centre into taking us for a spin on their Yamaha-powered Haines Hunter demo boat – the 675 Enclosed.

Powered by twin 130hp Yamaha F130s, it’s a smoothriding, comfortable, well fitted out fishing machine that Phil and the team seem to spend as much time fishing in as they spend taking customers out for water tests in Port Phillip Bay. In fact, the day after we conducted this test, we heard that Phil was off to Lakes Entrance chasing swords. God bless marine dealers who fish!

Phil’s reasonably young for a fifteen-year veteran at owning his dealership. At 44, he’s enthusiastic about his major brands – Yamaha and Haines Hunter. You can see the full video interviews and boat test by scanning the QR code on this page.

SPECIFICATIONS Length..............6.75m Beam..................2.4m Height................2.3m Hull Weight.... 1300kg Transom......20” (twin) Fuel....................270L Max hp.............230hp 46

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Main: It wasn’t blowing where we were boat testing, but it was blowing somewhere. A bit of left over chop rolling across the glassy bay let us feel the soft-riding capability of the Haines Hunter. Above: The twin Yamaha four-stroke 130hp setup delivered speeds up to 78km/h and economy of over 1.5km/L at 3750rpm.

Let me start by saying this probably won’t be your first boat purchase. It’s more likely to be your last. The demo model – the ‘Enclosed’ version with hard top and side windows – weighs in at $160,000 with all the bells and whistles. It’s a craft that a serious offshore fisho would consider for inshore and offshore. It allows you to get fishing and back home again in occasionally nasty conditions. And it does

it in style.

So what do you get for your cash? First you get a premium Mackay twin-axled trailer to get the 2.8t rig back and forth to the ramp – be it Portland or Eden or your local waters. Most 4WDs nowadays will tow it. Phil’s VW Touareg seemed to have no problems and most twin cab utes have the guts to drag it around.

Secondly, you get the Haines Hunter hull. Also built locally in Melbourne, these hulls have a history of looking good, performing well and maintaining excellent resale value. And lastly you get the Yamahas.

The twin-rigged 130s are a reasonably new addition to the Yamaha range – they’ve been on the market for a couple of years and both dealers and customers are

singing their praises.

Fitted with cable controls (the 130 isn’t a fly-by-wire outboard) and no counterrotating prop options, there’s a little skill required in balancing the throttles and trim to get the attitude right.

When the balance is right, there’s little need for the trim tabs fitted.

Spinning a pair of Yamaha Talon 18” props, the big rig jumps out of the hole in less than five seconds and then chews up the miles at the high 3000s rpm with a collective economy of just over 1.5km/L. That’s pretty sweet. If you only want 0.9km/L performance, drive it hammers-down. It’ll buy you 78km/h.

There’s no doubt that this demo boat is built for

PERFORMANCE RPM

Idle 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Speed (km/h) 5 7 13 27 48 62 78

Economy (km/L) 2.2 2.0 1.6 1.4 1.5 1.2 0.9

*Time to plane = 4.75 seconds

serious fishing. The lean post, Furuno MFD, abundant rocket-launcher rod storage and twin windowed live bait tanks combined with the massive underfloor wet-storage will pique the interest of the most serious offshore anglers.

If you’re serious about checking out this rig further,

it’ll be at the 2017 Melbourne Boat Show. Or you can give Phil and the guys at Port Phillip Boating Centre a call. Check out www. portphillipboatingcentre. com.au or like them on Facebook at Port Phillip Boating Centre. Packages start from $125,000 for this hull.

To counter the torque from the non-counter rotating props, slightly asynchronous trim would level the ride nicely.

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Main: The ‘Enclosed’ interation of this Haines Hunter hull is the most comfortable of the three and allows several anglers to both fish and travel in comfort and style.

Above left: It’s like the trailer and hull are made to match. Both are made locally in Melbourne and the combined weight of 2.8t isn’t beyond the reach of a lot of vehicles. Above right: Anglers love flush mounted electronics and MFDs. This Haines Hunter can take a flush mounted 16” and 12” screen, as well as the Yamaha LCD display for your outboard data.

Above: The transom is clean – inside and out. Twin windowed live bait tanks bookend the rigging station.

All batteries are accessible without having to point your legs in the air. That’s rarer than you think.

Below: Spacious side pockets hold all of your hour-to-hour tools and gear.

There are plenty of places to chew up the ocean miles – in the seats, resting against the lean post or in the cabin. All places have plenty of available grab rails.

Although the single-engine transom demands a 25” outboard shaft, the twin-rig transom takes a pair of 20” leg outboards.

Left: The helm is clean and well thought-out.

We’re seeing more and more fold-up seats to enhance the driving experience.

Below Left: The fully moulded side door allows for easy dive access – or it lets you get that barrel SBT on board without breaking the back. There’s plenty of freeboard with it out, too.

Below right: It would be a surprise if there wasn’t a deck wash in this boat. The switches are close and convenient.

Top: You and all of your fishing buddies could sleep in here at once, but the cabin is spacious and long enough to catch some shut-eye while your mates are doing the hard yards.

Above: Increasingly, hard top boats use this space to mount the essential radio gear (and the non-essential stereo gear). Check out the viewing angles.

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The dirty water makes spearfishing tough WEST COAST

Brett Illingworth

The weather conditions over the past month’s reporting period have been starkly contrasting to say the least! Mother Nature has been unable to make up her mind and, frankly, it has been doing my head in. From howling gales to balmy

made it almost impossible to successfully hunt them.

The captures I have made have been so more by accident as a hapless fish has materialised out of the gloom. This sort of diving is not much fun, as there are other less desirable critters out there that can also materialise out of the gloom.

On a very recent trip to Great Glennie Island off

We made up for the lack of productive pelagic fishing by taking our frustrations out on some large King George whiting. This is certainly fun, but not the reason we make the long journey.

Both the surface and sub-surface scenery of the offshore islands off Wilsons Promontory are reason enough to travel there.

Combine this spectacular vista with a stunning array of marine life and these islands have few equals when it comes to satisfying your underwater hunting and photographic hunger.

Gigantic granite boulders

Check out this underwater scenery around the Prom islands!

The author nailed this banded morwong on a recent diving trip. days, blazing sunshine followed by driving rain!

We’ve also been getting giant swells followed by prolonged periods of calm.

It certainly hasn’t been boring, but I am over it now.

Unfortunately, throughout this tumultuous weather rollercoaster,

the Prom, we spent several hours drifting in 25m of water with barely 3m of visibility. Trust me when I say that this does not make for a particularly pleasant experience. We did managed to find some reasonable visibility in one of the bays on the island.

Wilsons Promontory scenery makes the trip out to the islands all worthwhile. there has been one glaring constant. The visibility in the ocean throughout this period has remained, steadfastly, atrocious.

Since December, a pool of dirty water has hugged the coast from Wilsons Promontory to Apollo Bay. Clear seas have been both unpredictable and infrequent. This is the time of year when our diving is traditionally at its most productive and enjoyable, but not so this year.

We know that there are still kingfish and tuna swimming around out there, but the limited visibility has

Brad Gardner with a couple of lovely crays for the pot. stud the islands’ slopes.

These same boulders strew the waterline also, creating spectacular caves and holes for a myriad of fish and crays to live and hide. Even without a gun, it can be breathtaking. These islands usually have very clear water and it is a huge disappointment that this year has been so dirty.

Access to the islands is obviously only by boat, and should only be attempted by confident and competent operators. There are three main launching points for those visiting Great

Glennie. These are Tidal River, Walkerville and Shallow Inlet.

Tidal River is a beach launch into surf, and the distance to GG is

hard from the west.

Our favoured launch point is from the beach at Shallow Inlet. It is a beach launch over quite hard sand and is not a difficult launch

as you can. The sand bar at the inlet’s entry can be a little tricky. This bar should never be underestimated, as the channel moves and the waves break for a considerable distance out from the mouth. Timing and observation as well as patience are critical if you are to safely negotiate this obstacle.

The distance from the launch point to Great Glennie Island is about 35km, and on a glassy day, the scenery as you skirt the coast and a couple of other islands is breathtaking. Once at the island, you will be able to find safe anchorage on the lee side, and the bay with the small sandy beach is a particularly good place for a stretch and a bit to eat as well as offering good fishing for whiting.

All in all, a trip to the Prom islands is well worth it. A good vessel with the right crew and the right state of mind can put you onto some of the best diving

Kings are still out there for keen spearos, as the author can attest.

Snook are another fun spearing target.

around 13km.

Walkerville has the appearance of a ramp, but is a long way to travel, particularly on the return trip should the wind cut up

if you have half a brain. I have, however, seen quite a few cars come to grief here.

Don’t be distracted and do everything with as much efficiency and as least haste

this state has to offer. But beware, going here becomes addictive, and when the kingfish are on and the visibility clear, there is no place better.

JUNE 2017

91

There’s something old and something new BERMAGUI

Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com

Fishing for luderick in the traditional way with floats and weed is something old. For something new, there are a lot of anglers out there who have never tried it, so look to an older form of angling to try something new – it’s a lot of fun.

These are a popular species in the winter months targeted with long rods, floats and weed (either green or cabbage). The best areas in the Bermagui River are the reef adjacent to the boat ramp next to the bridge, the bridge itself or any of the many rock walls.

If you don’t have the gear to target them with weed, try some nippers or worms – they work just fine.

Trevally are another popular winter fish that you will find in most estuaries.

Berleying will bring them to you.

Cut baits of tuna will result in many hook-ups.

This is best done on the incoming tide when the warm water from the ocean

Get into chasing luderick! They pull hard and there are so many different ways to catch them. starts to stir the fish. Mixed in with these trevally are some nice bream, the odd flathead, garfish and recently some excellent

highflying salmon.

Around near the blue pool off the rocks, these salmon will pass by allowing anglers a chance

?

E W E R A H G U O T W HO

to lure fish for them. Mixed in are lovely bonito, tailor and kingfish.

In the suds, particularly on early morning or just on dark, you can expect some very nice drummer and groper. These hardpulling fish provide plenty of entertainment as well as a tasty meal.

On the beaches, try casting lures for salmon in one of the many gutters that have formed. If one of these isn’t harbouring fish

move on to the next and try again. If nothing else, it’s good exercise.

These gutters may also be hosting nice bream, whiting, mullet, trevally or the occasional flathead migrating along the coast.

Try berleying with oily fish like tuna, mackerel or pilchards to enhance your catch rate.

Out at sea there are many options and one is light tackle sportfishing.

This can be done with either lures or bait, by trolling, casting, drifting or anchoring.

Trolling to rocky headlands is producing a variety of pelagic species like bonito, salmon, frigates, tailor, kingfish and striped tuna. Once a reasonable school of fish is encountered, you can then start casting for more action. Going south will give you plenty of areas to try from the main point off Bermagui to the Brothers down to Bunga Point.

On the reefs there are plenty of snapper to be found. These fish are being taken in many ways. Try drifting, fishing the bottom, anchoring and berleying, bringing some large fish up the trail, or even lure fishing with plastics. There are many other species you may encounter while fishing the reef, like the ever-popular morwong or tiger flathead.

Out on the wider reefs just inside the Continental Shelf are many of the same species along with some

large Tassie trumpeter. Out over the shelf, with the new reels now available to anglers, deep water species like hapuka, blue-eye trevalla and cod are now more accessible and becoming more popular.

The gamefish aren’t done for this season, as there are plenty of tuna to be found. Large yellowfin are in good numbers and are being taken on the troll or in berley trails. Cubing is popular at this time of year and is quite peaceful in the calm conditions that occur regularly in June.

Attracted to these trails are many albacore, which also respond well to lures that are trolled, cast or jigged, which is becoming popular in berley trails. Bigeye tuna seem to have made more of an appearance in the past few years making a welcome by-catch. Where there is a berley trail, there is often a mako lurking, so have a shark rig ready or in the water just in case.

Always expect the unexpected. While the water is good there are still marlin around and plenty are still being encountered.

On a sad note, we recently lost Don Redman at the age of 93, a seasoned angler and dad well into his nineties who loved the outdoors and seafood. He was very much respected by other anglers, the Far South Coast Bass Stocking Association and the Bermagui Field and Game Gun Club.

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NSW South Coast

Hope it will rain on our parade before winter The water temperature really dropped, but recently it warmed up again. It won’t be long before it cools right off, only to warm up again around Christmas. Along the beaches, salmon have started to turn up along with good-size tailor.

Fish are being caught down around Tip Beach and the entrance to the lake. The entrance to the lake is a touch wide, and with the way it’s going the lake could be closed to the ocean soon with a heap of sand inside the entrance really choking things right up. There is sand built up where it hasn’t built up before.

MALLACOOTA

Kevin Gleed captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

We’ve had excellent weather over the past month with little to no rain here in Mallacoota.

The rain has been to the north and to the south of us, but here on the corner it has been missing us no matter where it comes from.

Recently, the town has been busy with fishers enjoying the good weather.

It’s pretty standard to have 50-60 boats at the boat ramps each day. The past month has seen some great fishing offshore. Boats using the Bastion Point Boat Ramp have had no problems as the harbour has recently been dredged and the seas have been flat with only the odd day of big seas.

Out wide, the water temperature has been up

Good numbers of silver trevally are in the lake along with tailor. Plenty of small pinkie snapper are also in the lake. If the lake closes for any length of time there will be some good fishing for these fish.

A few yellowfin bream are also being caught. Black bream are a real challenge to catch. Bait fishers are still coming in with good bags of fish. Flathead are still being caught, but they have really slowed down as the water is cooling. Plenty of schools of whitebait are in both the Top and Bottom lakes, giving plenty of tucker for fish to eat over the coming months.

Tailor and trevally are about in good numbers in the far south coast estuaries.

As we head into winter, good numbers of tailor are on the move.

and down with the water around 24°C. There were mahimahi caught. Those who were lucky enough to latch onto a few fish are still talking about how great they are to eat. Striped tuna were also caught in the same area.

Out around the Star Banks, good numbers of yellowtail kingfish have been caught with fish up to a metre in length. Fish were being caught on jigs, with live slimy mackerel the best choice for bait. Broadbill are still being caught with anglers travelling up to 70km offshore to catch fish. Good numbers of sand flathead are also showing up. Tiger flathead have not featured in the catch as much as they had in the past few months.

Gummy sharks are still being caught to the north and south of Mallacoota.

Eden’s fabulous fishing variety

these species should only improve. A bit of rain is needed to get the rivers flowing and the bass moving, so as we head into winter rain will help to fire the fishing right up.

IN

REVA G.T

L LY . S N A P P E R

. EST U

. WH AD

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E

The autumn weather was very mild and this winter will probably hit overnight, reminding you that you are on the far South Coast. There has been no shortage of visitors in the area, with plenty of caravans travelling along the coast taking advantage of the great weather, and fishing is one of the things on the agenda.

Fishing from the local beaches has been great.

Big numbers of salmon are starting to move along

good catches of snapper, morwong and gummy sharks.

Kingfish have been caught a bit further offshore.

Heading out towards the shelf, mahimahi have been caught along with striped marlin and striped tuna. As yet, there have been no reports of yellowfin tuna.

With little rain, all the local estuaries are clear and the water is warm. This has every species still on the chew. Sand whiting and yellowfin bream are being caught around the entrance area on fresh bait.

Flathead are still taking a variety of soft plastic lures.

Silver trevally and tailor are about in good numbers.

This winter the fishing for

BASS . JEWFISH .

AM .

FLA

captainkev@wildernessfishingtours.com

the coast and fish have been caught as big as 3kg. With the water still around the 20°C mark a variety of fish are still being caught. Yellowfin bream and sand whiting are being caught on bait with beach worms and prawns the top choice. There are good gutters about after a few weeks of decent swell. This has stirred things up.

Fishing from the local headlands has been good with drummer and luderick caught, along with good snapper for those who are prepared to be on the rocks first thing in the morning. The salmon are also turning up along the headlands. The inshore reefs have been fishing well with

E . BR

Kevin Gleed

CH

EDEN

Phillip Pierias caught two cracker swordfish out of Lakes Entrance. The fish went 180kg and 110kg. He was fishing with Kevin Agius and Wayne Butler.

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Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

Winter’s here and with it comes the promise of cold mornings with westerly winds, especially when fishing the local estuaries.

Some anglers have the perception that the local waterways go quiet during the winter period but that can’t be further from the truth. Smaller systems like Mummaga Lake, Corunna Lake and Wallaga Lake just to the south of Narooma fish extremely well during this time and the results can be quite astonishing, to say the least.

Sure, the fish become more sluggish with the colder water. A few minor tackle adjustments with varied techniques will still see heaps of action for those in the know.

Last winter Wagonga Inlet fished amazingly over this time with most of the summer time species still chewing at times. Yes the deeper water in the main basin was quiet, but the upper reaches in the shallows were nothing short of brilliant. The shallower edges between 1-4m were chockers full of whitebait.

This was the catalyst to the great fishing with schools of monster salmon to 3kg filling their quota and at times smashing the surface to a foaming mess.

This commotion caused other species to get in on the act with trevally, bream, flathead, tailor, decently sized snapper and the odd mulloway all succumbing to soft plastics and bait.

This action continued right through winter and I think it will happen again this winter.

The bait is already there, the salmon are there; all it needs is you there.

The smaller estuaries listed above are also fishing consistently. Concentrate around the shallower margins and use lighter leader as

Solid black bream are the species to target in our southern estuaries during winter. the water will be clearer as it gets colder. Use smaller presentations if using soft plastics and the freshest of baits if bait fishing is your method. I also like to use blades during the cooler months. They work a treat if fished the right way and are dynamite on bream and flathead. Even the occasional big whiting and luderick fall victim these little bits of metal.

Offshore the tuna brigade are in full swing with a heap of smaller school-sized yellowfin between 20-35kg falling to trolled lures and cubing. There has been the odd better fish caught. The best I’ve heard of was 78kg – a solid fish but there will be bigger fish encountered. This month will see some very big yellowfin caught, fish to 80kg+ can be expected, the longliners are catching a few with the shelf the place to fish.

There’s a stack of bait there from the 70-fathom line outwards. This is where I’d be concentrating. The water is still 20°C out wide and will cool as the month progresses.

You will find albacore with the yellowfin with albies to 20kg definitely possible. If

sharks are your quarry then bring the big gear out, there will be some solid makos patrolling the currents with the tuna. Every June some massive makos turn up and this year won’t be any different.

At Montague Island the kingfish have been good without being spectacular.

Some days are better than others with current direction playing a big part in their feeding habits. When they are chewing the north and southwest corners have been productive. Jigs, live bait and squid all work at times. There have been a heap of solid bonito around and maybe a stray yellowfin towards the northern end of the island.

This used to be the hotspot donkey years ago throughout June and I know of a few locals that got the odd tuna last year at this time. It’s also well worth a look.

On the beaches the salmon have been very good with large numbers available on most beaches.

Both Tilba and Brou beaches have been the pick with both having great looking deep gutters lately. The fish

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Scotty Finlay with a couple of lure-caught bream from over the flats.

have responded to a range of methods with cut and whole pilchards working well rigged on paternoster rigs. Another method here is to have a surf popper on one dropper and a bait on the other. This works extremely well and you will be surprised how many fish get captured on the popper.

With the cooler water expect some jumbo tailor too. We always get big fish at this time of year with fish in excess of 3kg possible.

Those after bream will still get a few fish and the estuary entrances are a good place to start. The entrance to Tuross along Blackfellows Beach has been good for bream. Beachworms and pipis are the preferred baits.

There still may be the odd whiting available. The water is getting colder for this tasty species.

Those anglers fishing the rocks are in the transition period with the pelagic species. Salmon, tailor and bonito will still be abundant though kingfish, striped tuna and mackerel tuna will be heading north again. Of course there’s exceptions to the rule; many nice kingfish are caught in June.

They are mainly incidental catches with no decent numbers to them.

For the LBG diehards I’d be fishing Mystery Bay to the south of Narooma or the golf course rocks in town.

Both are great platforms and relatively safe in moderate seas. If a feed is what you’re after, get in line. Luderick, drummer, groper and bream will all be keen for a chew.

Dalmeny headland, the golf course rocks and the southern breakwall will all turn it on.

With the bigger seas we have experienced lately these species have really played the game and this will continue right through winter. The better baits to try include cunjevoi, prawns, cabbage and crabs.

NSW South Coast

Several species slurping lures MERIMBULA

Stuart Hindson stuart@ausfishing.com.au

The rain we received last month has helped the local estuaries. Both Merimbula and Pambula lakes are picking up considerably.

Over the last couple weeks we have guided there on several occasions and Merimbula Lake is a standout when the wind allows.

Every session has seen seven or more different species encountered with bream, flathead, trevally, snapper, tailor, luderick and whiting all succumbing to a range of soft plastics and blades. Most of the action has happened in the top lake with the shallower margins between 2-4m along the ribbon-weed edges the gun place to start. Catches of 30+ legal fish per session are on the cards with some solid bream and smaller snapper to 40cm playing the game.

The lower sections in the channels have been a little quieter. I’ve heard of nice bream and whiting being caught towards the entrance on bass yabbies. As the water cools further over winter, expect the channels to really fire up. Trevally, salmon, tailor and bream will be the most predominant species.

On the beaches it’s business as usual. Any beach with a half decent gutter is producing.

Merimbula’s main beach has been good for bream, whiting and mullet with beachworms and fresh prawns the better baits to use.

If you’re after salmon then Tura Main and North Tura are the picks with abundant salmon available and some

big models to boot. I’ve heard of several fish to 4kg. Sambos at that size are great sport on any beach tackle.

Mixed in with the salmon are some decent tailor. June usually produces a better class of greenbacks with monster fish to 5-6kg possible opponents. These bigger fish are quite often caught after dark by anglers targeting mulloway with big fresh baits. For those who prefer

species. Short Point, Long Point and the rocks near the aquarium wharf are prime locations. Cabbage, cunjevoi, black crabs and fresh prawns will all work at times. Having a little berley in the wash will also improve your catch rates.

Those after the pelagics should have no dramas with salmon, tailor and big bonito all on the go. Fishos using whole pilchards rigged on ganged hooks will do well.

have come from the shelf where the water is still 18°C. The fish have been on top with quite a few caught by anglers trolling. As the month goes on, berleying and cubing will be the main methods.

This June we should see some jumbo yellowfin caught. The bait is there, the conditions are right and every indication of the fish getting caught north of us points to a bumper month. Later in the

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Squidgy Wrigglers are still a favourite for many bream anglers. gentlemen hours, smaller school fish to 2kg will be catchable too. Anglers using a paternoster rig rigged with whole pilchards or bluebait on either ganged or single hooks should be in for a good time.

June is prime time for rock hoppers targeting luderick, drummer and groper. These species love the cold water and any headland or rock platform that has a decent wash and cabbage encrusted rocks will hold good concentrations of these

The spin brigade is getting plenty casting chromed slices up to 60g. There’s still the chance of a stray kingfish, especially at Tura Head. Last season saw some solid kings to 13kg caught off this prime LBG location.

Those fishing offshore for tuna, especially yellowfin, will be happy. Recently there have been notable captures. I’ve heard of a few fish around the 60kg mark plus a stack of fish between 25-30kg. Most of the fish

month and heading into July expect some bluefin tuna to be patrolling the wider grounds. They are catching plenty of solid fish south of us so it won’t be long before they are on our doorstep.

Inshore the snapper have been good with fish averaging a kilo. Most reefs are holding fish with Long Point being the pick. Fresh squid and tuna strips have been the better baits though sportfishers fishing soft plastics in the washes have fared okay too.

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Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

All things jumbo tuna in June TASMANIA

Kelly Hunt

What do you look to chase in Tasmania in June, I hear you say?

It is unequivocally and unashamedly all about jumbo bluefin tuna. A

‘jumbo’ is a bluefin over the magical 100kg mark.

This time of year is the time to find them.

The school-sized fish are still about with some specimens to 50kg.

However, the fish of interest at this time of year are the barrels (fish over 50kg) and

jumbos. These fish come through in big numbers and in certain weather conditions come up from the deep for bait and feed prolifically.

This action is often seen to be the domain of big highpowered boats due to the perceived distance needed

to travel in heavy seas. This is not always the case here in Tasmania. We are spoilt for choice for great bluefin fishing that can be safely accessed in smaller vessels.

Tuna have been out the front of Macquarie Harbour and other popular coasts along the East Coast.

you would like to try casting poppers and stickbaits for southern bluefin tuna, the area around Schouten Passage is a great choice for a few reasons. Firstly, the area is awesome at this time of year and the tourist craziness has settled right down. There are some great accommodation deals to be had and some sensational holiday retreats. It is a winter wonderland.

There are many places to launch from, depending on the weather. If the weather is fully heinous out at the tuna grounds, there are many

other areas and species to keep you amused. Another draw card for this area is the muchreduced boat traffic compared to other favoured tuna areas.

This is crucial for throwing surface lures at these fish. You don’t want heavy boat traffic sending a school of fish down after you have just spent half an hour stalking them.

There is a great number of tuna feeding on the fabulous bait holding grounds on the east and southern end of Schouten Island. These bait grounds are in close and the natural corralling nature of the bottom up against the island’s cliffs will work to your favour. The fish get

high in the water and up against the shore. You can cast and prospect for them or find where the birds have found them.

Like an open-ocean birdfeeder, but a lot subtler, the first thing you may notice is a couple of seagulls just hovering and picking something off the surface.

This is enough reason to slowly go over and have a long cast. Retrieves should be quick and erratic with stickbaits and purposeful with poppers. The outfit I use is a PENN Clash 6000 with a 7‘4 Ocean Assassin. It’s not too long or heavy. With 50lb braid it can cast a lure a mile.

EAST COAST Tuna are just doing what they do on the more popular coasts like the East and Eaglehawk Neck looking for bait. Keep a keen eye out for anything that may give a feed away.

Birds and water surface disturbance are all worth a look. Get out to the shelf and bank on some current and upwellings to drive food sources up to the surface, close enough for your lures to get into the action. They have to do the rest.

If dragging skirted lures has gotten old and

Benny ‘The Woo’ Wooster with a smile that good fishing and company will bring.

and is often a solid dump.

Keep an eye on the wind and swell. When that rain stops and an opportunity presents you can be richly rewarded.

The area out the front of Hells Gates has been fishing well. Those willing to drag some tuna lures have been finding a few as they head out to their stripy trumpeter spots. Let’s talk about the West Coast stripies! They are dead-set real McCoy horses.

If you don’t have any marks, you’ll need to have a good sounder or do some prospecting. Prospecting is hard work as it involves sending your rig to the bottom and exploring. If in 10 minutes you catch a whole heap of nothing, mark it on your sounder

and move out or across to another spot and try again.

In another 10 minutes you

may catch some gurnard, which is better, but not what we are after. Make a

mark on your sounder and move to another spot to try.

Drop down and you may

get lucky straight away and find a good-sized morwong and this is gold. Granted, it’s not the prize, but the ground the mowies are on is the same ground the trumpeter prefer. They are often found together. Get a mark down and tighten your search area, as you are about to hit pay dirt.

This can be tiring work in a hundred metres of water or more and the trend lately is to use an electric reel. There is another way and that is sharing the load when it comes to winding up. A good-sized spinning reel will haul up from the bottom with empty hooks or loaded with fish quicker than an electric.

You just have to hand the reel over to a keen mate when you start to tire and get in line for the next go.

It’s actually a bit of good old-fashioned fun.

other Queensland fish, but never a Tasmanian SBT. The weather looked

shabby the night before they went out with 20-25knot winds from the north. They made the call to leave the broadbill swordfish gear at

home. The boat was loaded up with 24kg and 15kg outfits clad in Stren Hi Vis. They selected their best lures and one new one that had been modified to resemble the masses of leatherjackets we are currently experiencing around the area.

The Eaglehawk Neck Ramp at about 6:30am on a Monday was like a ghost town. It’s always a bit scary when no one else is heading out and you think ‘was that weather report worse than I thought?’ Not to be fazed, the boys started to rig up. By 7am, two charter boats were loading up there as well.

They had a chat to them and decided to work together to find the fish.

Out of the bay, the scenery here is awesome.

With the sounder alive with tuna, they had their first hook-up soon after. Not long after they had the second one on the line and this one had a bit more go in it.

The initial run went like a train and it was called for a better fish, but after ten minutes and a very spirited fight, they had a nice 30kg bluefin on the deck and some very happy anglers. The second fish had taken the lure painted up to mimic the small leatherjackets that had been about.

The boys decided to head south into the moreprotected Munros Bight to try and get a lap in of

Tasman Island. This is one spectacular coastline that we are blessed with down here. It is a completely different planet to how they fish in Queensland.

It did not seem to take long and they were at a good spot showing some bird action.

To the north, this area has beautiful seals and the boys even witnessed something special – a tuna jumping at the lures with a seal hard on its tail trying to eat it. They managed to hook the tuna and boated it with no damage.

They pulled into a bay and cleaned the fish they had kept with Pete the decky’s help.

NORTH WEST TASMANIA It’s inevitable – we here in Tasmania can’t hide from it anymore. The weather has turned chilly. The weather chat invariably involves a discussion around highland snow and what level above sea level we can expect a dump. Let’s not fall to pieces. There is still some sun and the weather isn’t continually heinous. A sharp observation of the weather apps will help you find a window to go fishing.

We always mention the west as being wild. In previous months I have said that as long as you watch the weather and have some boat handling skills, you will be as right as rain. This is the problem this month: rain. When it decides to rain on the West Coast it can go on for days SOUTH SOUTH The Tasman Peninsula is really firing at the minute with tuna everywhere.

There are still reports of albacore about, but the main focus has been SBTs. Adrian ‘Mozza’ Morrisby managed to get a trip in and took some mates for a fish and tour of the place.

Benny ‘the Woo’ Wooster and Aaron Keane have fished for many years off the sunny shores of the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

They came down to try and earn their bluefin wings.

Fishing for most of their lives, they have caught marlin, big Spaniards and 96

JUNE 2017

John Peck and his band of fishos love a bit of winter angling.

Find the baitfish and find the tuna.

That’s what they say.

Go Behind the Scenery SMALL BOATS ‘Mozza’ has a 6.5m Surtees alloy boat. This boat is a purpose-built deep vee plate aluminium vessel that only a handful of years ago would have been seen as a big vessel in Tasmanian waters. This is not the case now as the offshore scene is chock full of massive alloy and fiberglass trailer boats over 6m. They come in all sorts of designs with each vessel having its own strengths and clever attributes.

These boats are seen as offshore fishing vessels.

Traditionally to fish offshore you have to run hard and fast to far away spots well away from the safety of the land. Twin

the protection from the elements, you can see alloy dinghies out trolling three rods hunting for tuna. If you want to get into catching tuna and don’t think it’s possible because of your boat, think again. You just have to be a realist and not overtake your boat’s ability with bravery and being gung-ho.

The areas in and around Pirate Bay, Fortescue Bay and Schouten Island offer some fantastic opportunities for small boat fishing for tuna. The weather is still a huge factor in remaining comfortable and safe. The best thing you can do if you have a smaller boat and want to fish for tuna

morning that stiffens as the day goes on, you might think that this is a great time to streak across Great Ocean Bay and fish in behind the shore and Schouten Island and the open sea. This can lead to some issues, as the bay will be a right royal mess as you come through the passage expecting a smooth ride home. Great Oyster Bay can get very rough and painful in these conditions.

I have written before what a fantastic jewel Fortescue Bay is for small boat anglers. You can tow in there and launch your boat. Some people go on about the gravel road in, but I have never seen it bad enough to really carry on about. Go in nice and steady and you will be

Tasmania Yellow Bluff O’Hara Bluff

Fortescue

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The Thumbs Cape Nola

Hippolyte Rock

X

Cheverton Rock The Monument The Lanterns Cape Hauy

Fortescue Bay

X

X

Cape Pillar

Munro Bight

XX X Cathedral Rock

Sheepwash Bay

X

Cape Pillar Not to scale

Tasman Island

Mozza’s 6.5 Surtees is a fishing weapon and they have it very well sorted. engines were seen to be an advantage in case of engine issues. This means twin batteries and twin fuel filter systems and a whole heap of other stuff, which meant the boats needed to be quite large just to fit it all in.

Full-enclosed cabs are also seen to be of great value when traveling great distances across the ocean.

When you have travelled a good distance to the fishing grounds you tend to hang onto the spot for a while, reluctant to leave. This can mean you have some weather come through or light levels fade meaning a bit of a hurry to get back in.

Traveling in rough seas at with a cab and windscreen is a good idea.

That is the old way of thinking and comes from mainlanders that have to travel over 25 nautical miles to the shelf. Here in Tasmania we are spoilt and the shelf can be as close as 12-14nm. We have pelagic tuna as close as 20m from the land and cliffs. This geography gives anglers somewhere to fish out of the wind and swell for even the smallest of boats.

Often, due to the short run back to safety and

is learn about wind and swell direction and what headlands offer shelter from different forecasts and how to use this info to your advantage.

The Schouten Passage area is a great small boat hunting ground as an easterly allows you to use the finger of landmass coming down from the north and Schouten Island as shelter from the swell.

You can then broach the passage between the mainland of Tasmania and the island, sneak around the corner and have a look out to open sea.

If it’s not too bad you can head north and south from here and find some tuna feeding on the ample bait in the area. The island shore to the south is riddled with tuna holding ground and fish can often be found hard up into the land. These fish are often susceptible to a popper or skip bait cast long and hard. Rip these back quickly and don’t be scared to break the water surface with them. This wakes the fish up, confuses them and doesn’t give ‘em time to work out it’s not a real fish.

If the forecast has a northwesterly in the

fine. The ramp is good in most weather and it’s the northwesterly winds that will cause some issues at the ramp and coming back in the mouth of the bay.

Once out of the bay you have three options to try and find a trophy bluefin. You can head north towards the thumbs and continue up to Waterfall Bay. You can use the landfall and head out towards the little Hippolyte Rock, judging and assessing southerly swell and wind conditions as you go. The area in and around the Lanterns is always worth a look and can be fished in and around to Cape Hauy and, once in Munroes Bight, down towards Cathedral Rock. Poking the nose around from Cathedral Rock in a smaller vessel must be done with confidence.

It’s a place where up to three swell directions can converge. You can also factor in some reverb off the cliff faces most days as well, so be weary.

A small boat will also need to be packed well. Put some thought into storing items neatly where they can be grabbed quickly. There are a heap of little ways you can add value to a small vessel by taking some time

to think and making some things yourself to make the day on the water more enjoyable. A simple idea of a cushion attached with Velcro to the top of a large esky might help do away with the standard seat.

Now you have a fish bin or drinks esky and a seat. Rod holders on small boats take some thinking about. They need to be in good spots that are handy to get to and strong enough for the job.

All good tackle stores in Tasmania will have one and, if not, the staff members have some experience with fishing on small boats.

Some may have even designed and built their own, so pick their brains.

Let them know what you want to do and where you are going; they will be very helpful in making the trip a great success. Learning from others’ mistakes and picking up tips is nothing to be sneezed at.

Here are some important tips for boat owners when trolling for tuna that are relevant in any sized boat you are fishing from. This is a journey of information loosely based on my observations over the years. There is a set of rules that we learn and just follow like sheep and don’t ever think about what we are doing, so let’s walk through a few, starting with troll speed.

The accepted speed for trolling skirts is 14km/h.

This will get some action on the lures most days.

When things are quiet there is a tendency to slow down and this is a mistake, particularly when it is flat and bright. The idea of trolling is to fool the fish into thinking the bits of

plastic and rubber on the end of your line are food.

Granted, fish are not the brightest of animals and are well below mammals or even birds. Having said that, you don’t want to cut them a break or give them any excuse not to hit your lures. Anglers often talk about fish being hungry and going off the bite – slowing down will do this.

They feed on instinct and often. Tuna are a pelagic species that are constantly on the move.

2 km

They need a lot of protein to just survive and grow.

When they see food they will go at it until they are full. They process that food very quickly and, should an opportunity arise, will feed again just as ferociously.

They do this because they never know when their next feed is going to present itself. This is why when you catch them, they are so full they are spilling bait out of themselves everywhere.

To page 97

The late David Murray was the king of the West Coast stripies.

JUNE 2017

97

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania From page 97

You must play to their instinctive nature of feeding and that is not giving them a chance to work out what’s going on. Get the lures going past them at a fair speed and they will come and have a lash at them. The key here is to find fish to put the lures over.

Even your most favoured and best lures won’t work if you don’t find fish to put them over. If you are struggling or don’t get a strike out of fish that are feeding hard, increase your speed. Often we will see a bust-up where tuna are feeding, but they won’t take what we are offering.

These fish are really focused on whatever they have worked up and are terrorising. We inevitably run around the outside in a tight turn and this has the effect of decreasing our lure speeds, apart from the outside lures, which are away from the action.

Next time you encounter this, let your lures out further.

This allows you to drag them through the middle of the action and speed up without actually driving the boat directly over the top of the feeding fish. Get the lures really steaming in and out of the action a couple of times and you should increase you luck. This also tends to work on most surface-feeding fish.

When Australian salmon on the surface are fixated on something, they won’t have a bar of a beautiful looking soft plastic, but rip a silver slice through there at a good pace.

Don’t slow down… speed up. This will also work in bright and flat conditions.

The talk around the traps is that the fish come on the bite when there is this weather and that weather. This may well be the case, but this weather actually creates the conditions that help trick the fish. Here in Tasmanian the talk is all about the

Arron Colgrave can find bream in the Derwent at will. southerly bringing on the fish. Like all things in life, if you dig deeper and have a think about it, there’s a lot more to it.

What brings on the fish is any sea conditions that

bring them to the surface and make them braver. Sunny, bright conditions, with little wave or swell action is the enemy of the tuna fisho. Just have a look at the anatomy of a bluefin tuna, or any

tuna. Look at the size of their eyes – they are massive and designed to be of use deep underwater. They have no business being in the first 50m of a bright, calm day on the ocean. If you don’t believe me, wear one of those blinds you get on the airlines to help sleep for five minutes and then take them off on a bright sunny day.

Don’t even look at the sun – you won’t have to!

That’s why anglers love a good pair of polarised sunglasses while out and about. Just think of the conditions with a southerly breeze on the water. There is an overcast sky for a start and even the smallest ripple and a few white caps will diffuse the light penetrating the water’s surface. All those ripples and waves are deflecting light, reducing the amount of available light that can penetrate into the water column.

That’s the first thing. The second thing that you will

find with a bit of weather and wind on the water is that you get some white caps and sea surface disturbance.

This is awesome because it hides what we are trying to do with our lures and excites the fish. When they look up, they think it’s something of interest. The benefit of a bit of a blow is that some swell and whitecaps cannot be overstated when looking for tuna success. They are braver, higher up in the water column and easily fooled.

In these conditions, the boat becomes an asset when the fish look up or are high in the water. Silhouetted against a grey sky, the boat hull looks like a bait ball and the wash of the boat creates the illusion of fleeing fish.

Your lures pulling through the water at pace and pulling down bubbles will have the tuna frothing. Instinct will take over and hungry, full as a boot or starving, they will have a crack at it. It’s nature’s way.

TROUT FOR THE HARDY Trout season is over in most waters, but there are some waters that are open all year round for the hardcore trout anglers. I say hardcore, because it’s quite frosty in June here in Tasmania. There are some low level waters that can be fished like the Leven River in the state’s north.

Ulverstone is the starting point here and from the river mouth up to the Allison Bridge is fair game.

Not too far away from this system is Lake Barrington.

This is growing as a popular winter fishing spot. This artificial lake makes up one of the many hydro systems here in Tasmania. The lake

Winter fishing brings the smiles on the waters that are open all year round.

John Peck with an awesome winter trout from Woods Lake.

DERWENT BREAM Winter bream is a big draw card for the southern fisho. The bream fishing can be really good with some monster fish that mainland anglers can only dream about. The rivers feeding the Derwent and other southern 98

JUNE 2017

rivers can be in flow and dropping dirty water into the basins. That water is dirty because it has been washing off the paddocks and forest floors with rain. This water is also full of food. The food pieces can be small and

terminates at the bottom of Devils Gate Dam, so keep away from there. The water authority get a bit crotchety with boats near the spillway.

It is a large body of water with the world class-rowing course up the top end. I like to launch from the Wilmot side of the lake from Buxtons Road off Wilmot Road.

This waterway is a cracker for getting a winter fix, as it is in a deep valley. When the wind is blowing in other areas down on the coast, you can get up on Lake Barrington

and have a very pleasant fish.

You can troll bibbed lures or wobblers about or spin drift until the cows come home.

What I like to do is get up into some of the deeper nooks and crannies on the western edge and trip soft plastics down the steep rock faces.

Nice rainbow trout will attack a 3” minnow style lure with gusto. Colour has not been an issue as they have taken a wide variety. There is a solid waterfall just up from the boat ramp and plenty of spots where food enters

the system. These areas have worked well for me.

The Great Lake is open and a good option for those keen to get up to the highlands. Highlands fishing at this time of year is for the keen, the crazy and the wellprepared. A good healthy mix of all three attributes is handy. The winter days up there are magic. While they can be sunny and bright one minute, they can be grey and bitterly cold the next. Be prepared for snow and harsh conditions. Dress in layers

and you will be fine.

Fishing a snowcovered shore, while not for everyone, is a cool experience. There are two very cool establishments very close to the Swan Bay Boat Ramp that have big warm fires and a full complement of refreshments for when the fishing slows. Backing up to the fire with a whisky in hand and the food menu in the other is a sensational way to bookend a good day outdoors.

attract small bait. That in turn attracts the bream. You can fish deeper and closer to river mouths where water has funnelled and is at its clearest.

Go deeper with vibe style lures and plastics with a heavier jighead than you might ordinarily fish. You can also try plenty of scent

additives – this is always a good idea. The big tip is to use lighter leaders when the water is clear. In winter you can slow your action while the fish are sluggish. The fish tend to be schooled up at this time of year, so if you get a fish, don’t move on.

Fish that area again.

There you have it: a

few hints and tips on what you might like to get up to in June here in Tasmania.

There is a whole heap more going on than I can get across here, so I have one more tip for you. Get into your local tackle store and pick their brains. There will be all sorts of fishing going on in and around your

hometown. They hear about all of it. People come in to buy tackle and share their successes and failures. You can pick up some good tips.

All the Tasmanian tackle stores have great staff that will be able to help you or point out someone that can.

Head in and see them, then rug up and get out there.

News

Boat seized for illegal sale of bay whiting Fisheries Officers have seized a late model fibreglass fishing boat from a man’s garage in Geelong as part of ongoing investigations into the illegal sale of fish caught by recreational anglers.

Victorian Fisheries Senior Officer, David Burgess, said it will be alleged the man, in his 60s, had caught and sold more than 100 kilograms of King George whiting from

Port Phillip Bay, on a regular basis, between September 2016 and April 2017.

“Only licensed commercial fishers can sell their catch,” Mr Burgess said.

“Fish caught by recreational anglers must not be sold, bartered or exchanged.

“The man will be charged on summons and if found guilty, faces penalties of up to $34,000 and 12

months imprisonment.

“Convicted offenders can also face prohibition orders that prevent them from fishing entirely for a period of time and confiscation orders.”

Mr Burgess said the seizure followed on from Operation Cord before Easter when 27 Fisheries Officers and investigators inspected 50 retail outlets (fish and chip shops and fish processors) across Geelong

and Victoria’s southwest.

“The Operation aimed to ensure seafood outlets were sourcing their product legally and buying from legitimate sources.

“The illegal sale of recreationally caught fish jeopardises the sustainable management of our fisheries and undermines legitimate commercial fishing operators.

“Recreationally caught fish are not subject to food safety measures and buyers of illegally taken fish risk putting their customers’ health at risk and the reputation of their business.

“Fish retailers and wholesalers must keep records of seafood purchase transactions, including the name and address of providers.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report fisheries offences to 13FISH (133474), 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and include helpful information such as date, time, place and the number of people involved. – Victoria Fisheries

Anglers welcome new jetty at Clifton Springs Recreational anglers can now safely wet a line from a new jetty at Clifton Springs thanks to $250,000 in funding from the Target One Million plan.

Previously there had been two wooden piers at the Clifton Springs boat ramp that were in a state of dis-repair and starting to fall down.

A new jetty had been long lobbied for by the

local community.

Visiting the newly completed jetty today Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville, said Target One Million was investing $47 million into recreational fishing to increase participation and get more people fishing, more often.

The 35m jetty has already proved popular with family groups over the summer holidays. The

‘all abilities’ jetty is 2.9m wide and features a larger fishing area at the end to cater for more anglers. The jetty is a modular design so can then be extended into the future as need arises.

The jetty provides the communities of Clifton Springs and Drysdale with a stable platform to fish Port Phillip Bay, close to the existing boat launching precinct that features

toilets, car parking and fish cleaning facilities.

Anglers fishing from the new jetty at dawn and dusk can expect to encounter sand and yank flathead, southern calamari, King George whiting and snapper, all of which are highly prized table fish.

Learn more at www.vic. gov.au/targetonemillion. – Victoria Fisheries

HYDRO TASMANIA WATER STORAGE INFORMATION Water Storage Information as at 10th May 2017 Lake/Lagoon

Metres from full

Comment

Lake Augusta....................................2.59...................................................................

Arthurs Lake.....................................1.3.....................................................................

Great Lake........................................13.41.................................................................

Trevallyn Pond..................................1.64...................................................................

Shannon Lagoon...............................0.16...................................................................

Penstock Lagoon..............................0.31...................................................................

Lake Echo.........................................7.78...................................................................

Dee Lagoon.......................................0.18...................................................................

Bradys/Binneys/Tungatinah..............1.29...................................................................

Bronte Lagoon..................................1.47...................................................................

Pine Tier Lagoon...............................1.93...................................................................

Little Pine Lagoon.............................0.88...................................................................

Laughing Jack Lagoon.....................7.95...................................................................

Lake St Clair.....................................1.65...................................................................

Lake King William.............................7.4.....................................................................

Lake Liapootah.................................3.12...................................................................

Wayatinah Lagoon............................2.11...................................................................

Lake Catagunya................................1.34...................................................................

Lake Repulse....................................0.45...................................................................

Cluny Lagoon..................................................................................................Spilling Meadowbank Lake...........................0.22...................................................................

Lake Pedder......................................1.3.....................................................................

Lake Gordon.....................................28.73.................................................................

Lake Burbury....................................4.51...................................................................

Lake Plimsoll....................................2.64...................................................................

Lake Murchison................................13.85.................................................................

Lake Mackintosh..............................5.43...................................................................

Lake Rosebery..................................0.95...................................................................

Lake Pieman.....................................1.72...................................................................

Lake Mackenzie................................9.01...................................................................

Lake Rowallan..................................10.07.................................................................

Lake Parangana................................0.76...................................................................

Lake Cethana....................................3.49...................................................................

Lake Barrington................................1.8.....................................................................

Lake Gairdner...................................3.47...................................................................

Lake Paloona....................................4.1.....................................................................

Woods Lake......................................1.36...................................................................

Whitespur Pond................................6.84...................................................................

Lake Newton.....................................3.97...................................................................

Lake Margaret..................................7.4.....................................................................

These levels are provided for an indication of lake level only and can vary from day to day. For more up-to-date lake level information please visit www.hydro.com.au/home/Tourism+and+Recreation/Lake+Levels.htm JUNE 2017

99

Monster trout are emerging HORSHAM

James Perry

While 12 June signals closed season for trout fishing in creeks and streams, this month is typically the start of fantastic lake fishing for trout within our region.

drought relief stocking program, it truly is hard to choose what lake to target on your day off.

Lake Toolondo and Lake Fyans come to mind when chasing a trophy brown trout. These lakes can be fished in a similar manner, but you need to have your weedless skills

running lures is the obvious solution and works fine.

Bent Minnows are also a great way to target the clean water over the weed when casting into shallower sections. If you’re keen to push into the weed to open up more water, look into fishing plastics in a weedless fashion. The

is low, don’t bother tying off to a tree, but allow the boat to drift slowly to cover more ground.

If the weed seems like too much hard work, the deeper waters of Rocklands Reservoir, Lake Wartook and Lake Bellfield all offer fantastic trout and redfin fishing at this time of the year, and on a mostly rocky base. Bottom bashing plastics in an ultra slow retrieve has been accounting for many large redfin. On the days they seem slow, try going to a small vibe or blade hopped along the bottom.

These lures have a tendency to get an aggression strike out of a fish that was previously shut down. Trolling is by far the best method for targeting trout. Running one lure high in the water column and one lower is a good combination. Run one lure 15ft behind the other for maximum success.

Jamie Cooper with a healthy Mount William Creek redfin.

Jarrod Woolley proves you don’t need a big lure to trick a big trout. This 5.5lb beast was caught on a 4cm Rapala lure.

The cold weather is well and truly here and the monster trout are emerging from the weed beds to feed on smelt and minnows.

Out here in the west we are spoilt for choice when it comes to lake fishing.

With the aid of last year’s wet winter and the Fisheries

up to scratch. These lakes are lined with a thick carpet of long weed. While this weed is the thorn in the foot of most fishers, it’s the main reason we have such great fisheries. Any seasoned angler should have a few options up their sleeve to fish these waters.

Trolling shallow

Texas and Carolina rigs are the best options.

Worm style plastics or finesse are proving to be a smart choice. Don’t discount a few solid redfin as by-catch either. For the bait fishos, floating a worm, mudeye or minnow under a bubble float is the best method. If the wind

A great Grampians brown going back for another angler to catch.

A typical healthy Fyans redfin.

Pink Tassie Devils and purple number 2 Stumpjumpers are hard to go past lately with both performing well in recent weeks. If you’re fishing Rocklands, it’s worth upsizing your leader, as you never know what you might hook. Cod have been to blame for a few bustoffs in recent times while chasing redfin.

Mount William Creek

and the Wimmera River have continued their good form due to environmental and natural flows. Some very healthy redfin have been falling victim to both baits and lures. Paddle-tail soft plastics in natural colours have been the best method.

Coaxing a yellowbelly out is a bit harder now due to the colder temperatures, but still possible. The most successful method has been

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bobbing soft vibes or scrub worms on heavy structure.

It seems the closer you get to Japarit, the better the yellowbelly get.

Taylors Lake has been a bit quiet recently, but I expect the cod to fire up a bit over the coming months. Late night bait fishing in the shallows or early morning sessions with big surface lures would be my choice.

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Trophy trout on surface lures BALLARAT

Shane Stevens

Anglers around the Ballarat district are catching quality fish due to excellent fish management strategies and plans put in place by the Victorian Fisheries Department.

Fisheries work with local Ballarat District Anglers Association, which is made up of local angling clubs around the district.

The clubs provide very important information to Fisheries, including fish captures from district waters, fish weights, sizes and condition factors. This

The fish are looking for gravelly or rocky shorelines to spawn.

Unfortunately most of our waters in the district don’t have running streams that are suitable for this natural spawning run to occur. They are mostly landlocked. This doesn’t stop the big fish from coming in close to the shore to try to spawn like they would in places where the conditions suit. Over the next few months, there will be trophy fish caught like in previous seasons.

Lake Wendouree produced an unforgettable fishing session for me and my fishing mate Ben Young recently. I thought I would

lake, which isn’t accessible to other forms of angling. The fish in Wendouree are located everywhere. With this style of lure you can fish to them.

On our fishing session I couldn’t believe the countless rainbows and browns that we landed, hooked and had follows from, including an absolute horse of a brown trout – my personal best at 71cm, 3.7kg. I think it was the biggest fish since Wendouree filled up after the drought.

This brown will sit proudly in my fishing room at home.

Wendouree over the past month has continued to produce excellent catches of magnificent trout and redfin. The big redfin have

The author’s trophy Wendouree brown trout of 3.7kg caught casting a bent minnow style lure. Photo courtesy of Ben Young. information is used to compile evidence to substantiate fish stocking rates for our waters.

Fisheries have plans in place to increase or decrease stockings depending on the information that has been supplied. They also use historical information to assist with the decisionmaking. This includes drought recovery plans, which worked a treat after the last drought. I believe the current stocking rates and management have got it right. Fisheries need to be congratulated as well as members of angling clubs and other anglers who are supplying the information.

Fishing over the past month has improved with reports coming in from quite a few of our district waters. This is unusual for this time of the year. Anglers have normally packed their rods away for the winter slumber by now. Over the past month some true trophysized trout and redfin have been recorded with Lake Wendouree producing most of those captures. This will change over winter.

Other district waters should produce trophy trout and redfin as well. This normally happens as the bigger fish come in closer to the shore for the annual spawning or breeding season.

share this experience with you instead of just saying we caught this and that. On our fishing session we decided that we would use some older lures that aren’t as well known to a lot of anglers who cast or fish lures for trout.

The lure I’m talking about is a bent minnow style lure. It’s a surface/subsurface lure that is available in different sizes and colours.

A lot of bream anglers use this lure. The lure is cast out from a boat, kayak or from the shore and retrieved at various speeds, fast or slow.

Giving the rod a twitch on the retrieve helps as well.

I prefer to use a lure like this when there is some wave action on the water surface.

It swims better and the trout are more likely to be looking around than in glassed out conditions. That doesn’t mean they won’t bite the lure in those conditions. This is my experience.

Lake Wendouree is covered with weed that continually grows and is harvested all year round by mechanical weed harvesters.

They keep most of the lake fishable to anglers with the weed at variable depths.

Sometimes I think they are fighting a losing battle. This is where the bent minnow style comes into play. You can use this lure in most of the

been the talk of the angling community with lots of guys and girls catching these big redfin. This has been very evident with the amount of posts on social media platforms like Facebook.

Over the next month we will see plenty over 50cm (trophy-size) show up.

Andrew Christoforou is one of the many anglers who have been able to land some of the big Wendouree redfin.

Andrew recently scooped the pool with two big reds at 48cm each one weighed 2.265kg. He caught them casting soft plastics.

Jason Mackley, like Andrew, bagged a couple of

the big reds casting plastics as well. The big redfin catches seem to be in pairs, male and female. That’s an indication that they are in spawning mode, so if you get one you might get two.

Steve Angee has continued his lucky streak catching some lovely brown and rainbow trout including a lovely 2.5kg brown. Steve has also bagged some of the big reddies up to 48cm on his trusty Nories BR-74 lure, which he has been using for the past two months. Steve said while he is on a winner, why change? Fair call, Steve!

Jayden White, a very keen young angler, continued to bag some very nice trout over the past month mainly fishing out of a kayak casting hardbodied lures.

Jayden has concentrated on the main rowing channel to catch his fish.

Ben Young, mentioned earlier, is quite happy to pass on his knowledge to fellow anglers, young and old. He will always say g’day and ask if you are catching any.

Ben is one of those anglers who likes to test new gear and gadgets to assist him in catching whatever fish species he is targeting. His latest weapon is his electric trolling motor, which includes an option called Spot Lock. He is using this in conjunction with his depth sounder/fish finder.

Ben has been trolling hardbodied lures in the main rowing channel targeting redfin. Ben watches his sounder all the time. When the boat goes over a school of redfin he marks it on his sounder. If he gets a strike on his lures he then sets Spot Lock on his electric motor.

The electric holds the boat in the exact position using GPS tracking. Ben then casts his lures or plastics over that area and normally catches plenty of redfin. I have seen him getting big bags of them on Wendouree and other lakes. One of Ben’s recent catches included a big redfin measuring 48cm.

Newlyn Reservoir has

Jayden White nailed this lovely rainbow trout while casting lures in Lake Wendouree.

Photo courtesy of Jayden White.

started to fire up with some nice small to medium sized redfin being caught on lures, plastics and garden worms.

Tom Nyguen has been sneaking out to Newlyn recently with some success. He caught some decent brown trout casting the Bumble Bee Bullet Lure.

Newlyn is generally a very good winter fishery with the trout targeting smelt/small baitfish. Anglers using baits, flies or lures will need to change their respective baits, lures or plastics to match what the fish are feeding on to give them the best chance of catching a fish.

Tullaroop Reservoir over the past month has been relatively quiet with only a handful of reports filtering through. This will change. Tullaroop is one of my favourite winter fisheries. Colby Lesko loves to fish Tullaroop over the winter months casting lures and recently had a trial run in readiness for the winter months. He landed a magnificently conditioned brown trout of approximately 6lb.

Over the past few years, excluding last year, Tullaroop has produced magnificently conditioned rainbow and brown trout. Some have been over the magical double figure weight. Tullaroop was heavily stocked last spring with both rainbow and brown

Steve Angee landed this 2.5kg brown trout from Lake Wendouree casting his trusty Nories BR-74 hardbodied lure. Photo courtesy of Steve Angee.

trout. Anglers will see a few of these smaller fish show up. If you’re prepared to rug up and walk the many miles of Tullaroop’s shorelines targeting the deeper, rockier shores, casting hardbodied lures, you will be rewarded.

You could latch onto one of these absolute brutes that lurk in Tullaroops waters.

Just a quick tip: ensure your gear is up to scratch with new leaders and strong quality hooks. For anglers who like to fish bait, mudeyes suspended under bubble floats will bring some trout undone. Maybe try a bunch of garden worms or salted white/blue bait on a running sinker rig.

At Moorabool Reservoir over the past month the fishing has been improving.

For those anglers who like to fish during the colder months Moorabool is one of those waters I would suggest you target. The water level is very high in Moorabool this year unlike in other years.

It was heavily stocked with trout last winter. Add this to the resident population of trout and redfin and there are plenty of fish to be caught.

Moorabool has very expansive shorelines which anglers can cast flies and lures or fish baits from.

The main food source that the fish feed on during the winter months in Moorabool is once again smelt. Anglers will need to represent these small baitfish when choosing an artificial lure or fly. Bait fishers could try a big bunch of worms or a mudeye fished under a bubble float.

Kiel Jones loves to fish Moorabool during the winter months targeting trout feeding on smelt. Kiel is prepared to walk miles and miles in search of these smelt feeders.

He likes to target them on early morning, especially before the sun comes up. Kiel has already been rewarded for his efforts landing some very chunky rainbow trout.

There are very exciting times ahead for those who like to venture out to Moorabool.

JUNE 2017

101

Upsize, upgrade and up the stakes in June YARRAWONGA

Kyle Dalrymple, Mat Rogers and Mal Stone

With regular reporter Phil Bennett fishing up a storm in the Northern Territory this month, we have compiled a report from three anglers in the Yarrawonga area: Mat Rogers, Kyle Dalrymple and Mal Stone.

MAT ROGERS In recent weeks, anglers fishing downstream of the Yarrawonga weir have been catching some great fish, with metre-plus fish hitting the decks of several boats.

Most have been taken on big surface lures at first light.

One of the best reports came from local angler Wes, who caught three fish over 1m in a single overnight session below the weir wall, all on surface lures.

The lake itself has continued to fish extremely well. Anglers have been scoring large numbers of fish around the legal size, and there has been a mixture of really solid fish amongst them. Mick Massier and Matt Pejkovic caught 40 across a three-day long weekend, with a couple up in the 80s and one in the 90cm range. The most productive lure was the 200mm Jackall Gigantarel.

Local gun angler Kyle Dalrymple has also been catching solid fish in recent weeks, scoring specimens up to the mid-90s in and around the Corowa area casting the new Ruthless lures.

I’ve been catching a few nice ones lately around the Bundalong area on Kuttafurra Therapys and the new Zerek Live Mullet soft plastics.

Kyle Dalrymple’s 93cm cod caught on a prototype Ruthless lure.

In the wake of the first heavy frosts, the larger fish will be coming on the bite.

That should see more anglers heading out throwing big surface lures at first and last light. Additionally, now that the river is slowing up and running lower and clearer, larger deep divers will be very effective in probing those big snag piles that are normally out of reach in the fast current of the main river.

If you don’t mind travelling further afield, try heading up into the mountains to have a crack at the spawn run in the Eucumbene and Tumut rivers. The Tumut in particular is fishing well for trout on fly, spinners and hardbodies.

KYLE DALRYMPLE Over the last month the fishing has fired up pretty well. The river has dropped and the water is nice and clear, and the fish have come on the job. In two sessions over one weekend I was fortunate enough to get six fish ranging from 56cm to 96cm, which I caught casting lures. I like to look for water that has little back eddies with nice big, older timber that’s been in the water for quite some time. I start casting at the base of the tree close to the bank, and slowly work my way out to the tip sitting further out in the river. My outfit for these fish consisted of an 8kg, 7ft Venom rod with a Chronarch

reel and a prototype Ruthless lure. The lure was designed

by Aaron Young from

Kuttafurra Lures, and looks like a small Murray cod. The first Ruthless lures should be out later this year.

There’s still the odd yellowbelly in the Murray, mostly caught as a bycatch.

Most of them have been taking hardbodies around the 100mm mark, such as the Kuttafurra Mudhoney, and the Gangsta Lures Outcast spinnerbait in green colour.

Yellas tend to hang off the end of shrubbier trees, with lots of little twigs and sticks, in around 1-4m of water.

Just to change things up, I recently got the fly rod out to chase some cod. Myself and two friends ended up with six cod to 60cm. Even though they weren’t massive, it was something different and a lot of fun.

The fishing in June is going to be hard work but it should pay off with some better quality cod. The yellas should still be pretty active as well. Traditionally, low light periods are the best times, but lately there have been some good catches around lunchtime, which is surprising.

MAL STONE Down below the weir wall, people have been picking up some nice cod on surface lures, yabbies and cheese.

The Zerek Live Mullet being tested at Mulwala has proven to be an effective lure that the fish totally inhale in the slower, cooler waters.

The lake itself has cleared up a bit, and on those sunny winter days it’s nice to troll around and pick up a few cod. Good lures include the 75mm Oar-Gee Plow, 90mm AC Invaders, and No. 1 StumpJumpers in the darker colours. Many cod have also been taken on spinnerbaits, with the best colours being whites, natural colours and purple.

The cray season starts on the first of June, and you can pick them up from clay banks and around timber, as well as in the backwaters.

The most popular baits are ox liver, hearts and chicken carcasses. Check the DPI website for regulations.

The surface fishing is quite good at the moment.

Good times to throw a surface lure are an hour or two

before daylight, and just on sunset. The action goes a bit quiet just after dark, but then picks up again around 10pm.

Good lures include the King Hit Paddle Snake, Oar-Gee Malibu, Kingfisher Mantis and Thirsty Lures by CJ. The frosty mornings will cause the fishing to slow down a bit in June, but the average size will be bigger.

There’s the chance of getting a good cod on the troll using bigger 120-150mm lures.

If you’re looking to experience the fishing on Lake Mulwala, Mal’s Boat Hire Yarrawonga can set you up with one of their 4.55m poly boats, including safety gear. Local fishing knowledge is supplied free of charge! You can contact Mal on 0422 820 372 or visit www.malsboathire.com.au.

Goldens haven’t slowed down for winter MILDURA

Darcy Scherger

Golden perch have been providing tight lines for many local anglers targeting them.

Recent catches along the Murray River around the Mildura region have proven that there has been no slowing up for golden perch

fishing leading into the cooler months.

Both lure and bait fishers have been keeping busy on the water recently tackling good numbers of solid golden perch in a session. This is a good sign and has proven that the species weren’t affected as severely as the Murray cod throughout the natural black water event. Going out for a troll or cast for

a couple hours before dark and picking up three or four solid perch in a couple hours would not be unusual to hear at present.

The areas that consist

Cast around snaggy and rocky areas where you can bounce your lures off submerged timber and reefs where the perch will be sitting ready to pounce.

The author with a solid golden perch that he caught on the cast.

Jade Tiller with a solid golden perch taken on a Jackall TN60.

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of snags, rocks, clay banks, uneven bottom and structure will be the areas to target most. Both casting and trolling have been very productive in these areas.

Using a range of 50-80mm hardbodies will work a treat on golden perch. Casting and retrieving can also be a very productive method to put you onto a golden perch.

Using your depth sounder to find the areas will become very useful and once you have found a good stretch of overlaying timber or rocky reefs, even if it is only 50-100m, troll it several times. This should entice a hit. If not, move to the next stretch.

Sometimes you can pick a good trolling run

Jade Tiller with a perch taken on the troll. by looking at the bank and trying to visualise how the bank continues to go under the water. Look for banks that are steep, rocky and snaggy for a good start.

Though that might sound easy, sometimes it’s hard to find a good run. It can be hard to predict what is underneath.

Running a good depth

sounder over areas that tickle your fancy will soon let you know if it is fishable or not.

Using a depth sounder to find submerged logs and casting at them has produced solid fish.

With plenty of fish being caught, don’t let the cold weather keep you off the water, and get out there!

The elephant in the room ROBINVALE

Rod Mackenzie codmac@bigpond.net.au

If you are looking for cod in our local waters, then Swan Hill has been the place to fish this past month.

Good numbers of Murray cod ranging from small up to a metre have been on the chew from the Swan Hill Road

Bridge upstream to Pental Island. Anglers trolling lures have had the most success with StumpJumpers, Codgers and Old Mates working well. The best lure colours have been a wish wash of darks and brights. As is usually the case, the colour closest to the hungry fish is the one that gets eaten.

Bait fishers are also catching a few good cod with grubs and scrubworms

Golden perch are still a regular catch in the Murray River around Robinvale.

working best, followed by cheese. Both Murray cod and golden perch have been captured in good numbers all the way from Swan Hill to just below Boundary Bend where the cod numbers begin to drop away the further you head downstream.

From Robinvale downstream to Renmark in South Australia, the absence of Murray cod in our local waters has now become the elephant in the room for local fishers and businesses alike.

Lengthy discussions with fish ecologists and departments of environmental management reveal what it is most of us already know. The Murray cod population through this lengthy stretch of river has taken a serious hit and for the next few seasons, cod fishing in our local waters will be quite bleak. In 2010, the Darling River high in flood provided numerous giant Murray cod a sanctuary from the toxic black water. It also mixed the main body of the Murray downstream of Wentworth, providing sustainable oxygen

levels that insured most of the Murray cod would survive.

These fish then returned back upstream in the following few years, finding their way back as far as Euston below the lock.

This time round the Darling was but a trickle as the Blackwater passed through.

With no refuge, the Murray cod population bore the full brunt of the black flows. Other than the bottom few locks in South Australia, the cod population has been decimated. There is no magic fix to this problem and for those that believe these giant fish will return need ask themselves exactly where are they are going to return from.

The length and destructive power of the black water the recent flood contained has never been recorded throughout the history of the Murray Darling Basin. It seems without corroboration from all parties, black water events of this magnitude will be the new normal, and this has been stated several times now by departmental people, including an on stage presentation at the

FISHING FILL-ITS

Cod capture signals species prosperity Phill Beasley landed a 117cm Murray cod on the Murray River, below Yarrawonga, on a surface lure – his biggest cod yet off the top. Little did he know, this capture signals a boost for the waterway.

The fish was carrying a tag so Phill took its details and rang the phone number on the tag. It reveals an interesting history!

The fish was first tagged and released by researchers from the Arthur Rylah Institute back in May 2007.

It measured 101.6cm.

It was captured again as part of annual fish surveys by ARI in May 2008. It was the same length and was captured in the same vicinity.

Electrofishing surveys captured it a third time in May 2010 at 101.9cm, again

in the same area.

Enter ‘Lucky’ Phill and pal Brad, who recently landed the fish a fourth time (and released it). They caught it in the same area and it had grown

to 117cm.

This ‘residential’ pattern of behaviour is not uncommon in large Murray cod. The growth spurt post 2010 is likely due to floods in that

year and a subsequent boost in food availability. ARI scientists have observed this in other species too, such as trout cod and golden perch. – Fisheries Victoria

While there are still a few cod left between Boundary Bend and Renmark the average size is very small.

Murray Codfrence held in Shepparton on 11 December 2016, where almost 300 guests were in attendance.

Stop and think on this for just a few moments and the real truth of our once great fishery looks set on a path of no return. Instead of future floods promoting an explosion of life and the optimal breeding conditions for our Murray cod, they will continue to have the opposite effect.

Without breeding, there will be no small cod and yet we now know from the past two black water events that virtually the only cod that survived the

main flows of black water were small.

If you follow this line of thought with each flood, Murray cod numbers will become less until they are all but gone. At this exact moment, this is where we stand and without transparency and backing from all parties involved, the future of our cod fishery looks very bleak indeed.

On a brighter note, good numbers of golden perch have been caught all the way down through Robinvale past Hattah to Mildura and through to the South Australian border.

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Hooking the hungry hangers-on in cold water WANGARATTA

Robbie Alexander

It’s hard to believe that winter has already arrived. It seems like

it will be worth the trip for the die-hard Murray cod fishers.

I have caught cod in the Ovens River in June, however I have had to make hundreds of casts between

most likely slow down a lot. Both of the main redfin lakes in the catchment, Lake William Hovell and Lake Buffalo, will be worth fishing in June and may very well produce a few

A nice brown trout caught on a Rooster Tail bladed spinner in April.

Adam Couch with a nice small stream brown trout caught on a Super Vibrax bladed spinner. yesterday I was dodging tiger snakes, applying sunscreen and swatting mosquitoes.

The Murray cod fishing was outstanding in the Wangaratta area throughout summer and well into autumn. Good catches of Murray cod continued up until around the middle of April when they started slowing down in the cooler weather.

During June, the cod fishing in the Ovens River catchment will be slow at best. If we get too much rain, it will be completely non-existent in our beautiful, natural flowing and largely unregulated river. If we get a lot of dry weather and the Ovens River is looking good around Wangaratta,

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redfin. There won’t be great numbers. On the upside, winter can be the best time of the year to catch the

potential is there for redfin fishing to be great in Lake Buffalo, this month we will find out.

fish. They are very few and far between in the winter months in my area. At the same time, the Murray River system just down the road is still worth a visit, and Lake Mulwala often fishes nicely in June. I’ve had very successful fishing trips in Lake Mulwala during June as water releases from Lake Hume slow down allowing the water to clear up.

To recap, if the Ovens River is in a fishable state this month, by all means give it a go and see if you can catch a cod. It will be slow, but there may be a couple of fish willing to hit your lures. The best cod fishing in the region will be in Lake Mulwala and other sections of the Murray River.

The redfin fishing will

Brett Corker caught this magnificent Murray cod on a Koolabung Codwalker surface lure near Wangaratta.

One of many lovely brown trout caught on the Strike Tiger nymph in orange spawn colour in autumn.

large redfin, particularly during June.

Also worth noting is that Lake Buffalo has fished exceptionally well this autumn for redfin.

My father and I must have caught close to 200 up there in one day recently. We kept around 40 nice sized redfin, but did not see any monsters.

Redfin are a funny species. Some years there are heaps and other years there are none. They just seem to explode in numbers from time to time. This season has seen a population explosion in Lake Buffalo.

For this reason, I’ll be heading to Lake Buffalo this June to target redfin in the hope that there are so many looking for food that they’re still biting. The

The trout fishing has been great this autumn.

The numbers of trout in the streams have been really good and the signs are encouraging for a good season when it re-opens in September. The Buffalo, Buckland and Ovens rivers have all fished well for trout, so too has the King River upstream of Lake Buffalo.

Don’t forget that the Victorian trout season closes at midnight on the Monday night of Queens Birthday weekend until the first Saturday in September.

During that closed season, it is illegal to target trout in any of the creeks and rivers in North East Victoria, and in a couple of waterways it is illegal to even be near the river with a fishing rod in your possession, so make sure you read the Victorian recreational fishing guide and dust up on the rules before you go fishing.

The trout fishing was great in autumn, and the signs are there for a good season coming up.

Mixed couple of months for Shepparton anglers SHEPPARTON

Nick Brown teamriverrats@hotmail.com

It’s been a very mixed bag for local fishos over the past couple of months. Week to week the best location for catching fish changes.

One week Kialla Lakes is on fire. The next week it’s dead and the Broken River fires up. This has made targeting certain fish species hard and writing a report even harder.

In winter we normally see most local areas quieten right down. I would expect a similar trend to occur, but with the amount of new lures and new techniques available to us, all things may change. I’ve never seen so many locals using different techniques like flyfishing in the Broken River or using monster sized swimbaits in the Goulburn River.

This may see different patterns in fish catch rates or it may just stay consistent.

After the black water, we have seen lower catch numbers, but also some big fish appearing. In early May local fisho Blair Munro caught a monster 114cm Murray cod on a Jackall Pompadour.

It’s great to see some big fish being caught locally, because there were so many that died off in the black water and most anglers feared that none survived.

There has been some more research done in regards to fish numbers in our area and there has been a big drop-off.

Fishing research weekends that are conducted yearly have noted this drop-off.

Over the next month or two I would spend a bit of time in the local tackle shops. There is now a huge range of new lures on the shelves. Getting your hands on some new lures for big fish maybe the best way to catch a monster over winter.

Expect to put in long days on the water in the winter

months. With big fish being caught after the black water event it may be worth the time and effort.

Bait fishing in winter can be hard with plenty of crayfish now out and about stalking your big juicy worms. Sometimes if you retrieve slowly enough you

months are normally the quietist months for Kialla.

If you’re heading there, be prepared to put in a lot of time.

LOCAL CHANNELS This month most local channels should have been lowered like all winters.

The stretch from Lemnos

it back to the bank. Some fish would hook up deep in the bridge pylons and others would follow you to your feet before smashing the lure.

The size of the cod was nothing to brag about.

Catching 75cm cod off one bridge on light line is enough fun for me. The

The author caught this cod off one of the bridges in the channel on a TN50 Beetle Spin combo.

Blair Munro with a big ol’ monster cod. can land crayfish off the bank as they grab a hold of your hook full of bait and refuse to let go.

KIALLA LAKES Earlier in the report I mentioned fishing being hot one week and cold the next.

Kialla has been exactly that.

Some have reported catching three or four yellowbelly in a session where some have caught nothing after spending plenty of hours on the water.

Those catching fish have been targeting the banks where the wind is blowing into them and casting small spinnerbaits or small lipless crankbaits. The winter

and 20/30km upstream will be completely dried out and poisoned to help control weed issues. Keep well away from those areas, even if there is pooled water.

In early May between Shepparton East and Arcadia there were plenty of cod caught in the Main Eastern.

I spend plenty of hours targeting the bridges with huge success. I had success casting TN50 Jackalls smothered in Dizzy Scent and a small silver Bassman Beetle Spin.

I found I was getting a lot of hits on the drop due to having the Beetle Spin rigged up and then just slow rolling

waters upstream of Lemnos will see a drop in water height, but most bridges will have enough water to target the fish.

SHEPPARTON LAKE The lake has been very quiet over the past couple of months. Trout and silver perch have been caught

mostly on bait with the odd yellowbelly caught on spinners. I would probably use bait in the winter months, as the trout seem to take a bait a lot easier than a lure.

WARANGA BASIN Small fish and plenty of them – this has been the standard report coming from the basin lately. Jigs, plastics and vibes have been working great for the lure fishos and worms have worked well for those using bait.

There has not been any real standout area or depth.

Drift over areas and keep the lures moving or the bait active. Some anglers have found when bait fishing slows down, casting lures works.

Fish seem to be following the lures to the boat and finding the baits drifting under the boat.

DAM LEVELS brought to you by w w w. b a r g a i n b o a t b i t s. c o m . a u

Dam............................... % Full

Dam............................... % Full

LAKE/DAM

Mulwala

Cairn Curran

March April May 88

79 79

(Yarrawonga) 91 95 91

Dartmouth 77 77 77

Newlyn

Eildon

70 66 65

Nillahcootie 88 81 78

Eppalock

91 89 91

Rocklands 39 37 36

Fyans

74 68 73

Taylors

67 60 57

Greens

61 59 64

Tullaroop

92 79 72

Hepburn

67 59 65

Upper Coliban 92

Hume

74 61 60

Waranga

54 26 30

Lauriston

98 88 91

Wartook

82 72 67

Malmsbury 26 13 12 The author with a great little cod.

Action creates action with the redfin at the basin; if it gets quiet, change up what you’re doing. It may turn the fish on. The channels flowing both in and out of the basin have been consistent with good numbers of redfin and the odd yellowbelly being caught mostly on soft plastics.

GREENS LAKE Greens Lake has been fishing better than average lately, with anglers catching good-sized redfin and yellowbelly off the bank using big scrubworms.

Greens Lake normally fishes best around the spring, but the numbers of fish caught in May are a very positive sign. If the fish stay on the bite, continue to use big scrubworms or yabbies if you can get your hands on them.

70 65 64

William Hovell 88

90 91

73 75

(All levels correct at time of going to press. Dam levels can change at any time, so please check with local authorities to ensure safe boating and fishing.)

JUNE 2017

105

Last chance for end of season trout in rivers JINDABYNE

Steve Williamson steve@swtroutfishing.com.au

June has arrived and so has winter. The start to the snow season isn’t far off, nor is the close of the river fishing which will last until the October long weekend.

I’ve reflected back on the last river fishing season. We had a very slow start to this river fishing season – it was December before there was any real action – and it may have been a very short season with river fishing slowing as the weather cooled in mid-April. However, it was in fact the best river flyfishing season in almost 20 years!

In fact, with so many small fish seen in the streams, all I can say at this point is that if all goes to plan, it is going to be another spectacular flyfishing season later this year from early November, depending on the weather once again.

Depending on the method of trout fishing you prefer, you are always going to have good and bad years. While boat trolling, bait fishing and lure spinning may not have been spectacular in the first half of 2017, the fantastic dry flyfishing certainly made up for it!

The June Queen’s

Birthday holiday weekend is the last chance that you have to target the early spawning trout in the Thredbo River.

For those who do come to fish the river, it is a very busy weekend and a lot depends on the rain and weather as to how the trout will behave. Remember, this year the rivers and streams close to fishing at midnight on Monday 12 June.

If we get some good rain leading up tho the closing weekend then the fishing will be great. If we don’t, the fishing will be hard on the rivers and my suggestion is to fish the lake instead as the trout fishing on the lakes has been great over

Jasmine Taylor caught this big rainbow recently.

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recent months.

Let’s have a look at what will happen over the month in more depth. With only a week or so to go before the rivers close the focus will be on the Thredbo River and early spawning trout. Flyfishing on the Thredbo River will be good for using Glo Bugs, nymphs and maybe tandem fly rigs.

Cast into flowing water and make certain the fly is very close to the bottom for the best results.

If using lures, you may find that the best will be bigger minnow lures. Trout will often be quite aggressive and think that the lure is a little fish competing with it

for eggs or even challenge it over a female trout. Lure colours that work best for trout are those with a little pink or orange on them. If you can’t flyfish and lure fishing isn’t your interest, use a rig with a float that can be half filled with some water to give it casting weight and with rubber stoppers either side of the float so you can slide the float up and down on the line to adjust the depth of the fly. This way the fly is close to the river bottom.

This is a simple way of catching trout in a river.

BOAT TROLLING Back on the lake, boat trolling over the last month has been good with plenty of hard fighting rainbow trout in excellent condition giving the lake trollers a lot of fun.

I would expect this pattern to continue.

In winter the trout are more aggressive and more likely to take a bigger lure, so bigger lures are often better. We quite often troll 9cm and 11cm lures for the bigger fish and early in the day is often best. You can troll lures all day long in winter. Try orange and pink lures. These are aggression colours in winter and the trout will strike these hard.

There are still plenty of big fish at Creel Bay up near Waste Point near the mouth of the Thredbo River and it’s not too difficult to fish, given

there is so much more water this year. You can down rig some very big brown trout using bigger minnow lures.

If you don’t have a downrigger, try putting the big minnow lure onto your lead core line and put four colours of lead into the water and then another 20m of 20lb Dacron backing and this will get you down to where the bigger browns are holding out, but remember to troll slowly at about 2km/h.

Use your fish finder to see where the trout are holding and keep on working them. Most of the bigger fish are going to be down near the bottom of areas like Waste Point and Creel Bay where the Thredbo River runs into the lake.

The other good areas to troll are in the shallow bays like Hatchery Bay and Hayshed Bay, Sids Bay at East Jindabyne is also a favourite as it is a weedy bay with lots of food for trout.

LAKE LURE FISHING Unlike summer, you can spin all day in winter. On sunny still days, choose the deeper drop-offs where the fish will cruise looking for something to eat. I find that in winter smaller lures are best for the deeper water on still days and the 13g lures work on the windy days. Pink is a great colour in winter.

Orange minnow spins are also great off the bank.

You can also spin with small bladed spinners in the shallow weedy bays on the lake and I like golds or reds.

Overall, soft plastics for trout would have to work the best in winter. Flicking them out and working them slowly through the snags and

Lauchie Maloney, eight years old, with a lovely winter trout. have been very good for catching some bigger trout at the moment. Both the worms and artificial baits are fished off the bottom with a running sinker. Remember to fish light and keep the bail arm open to let the trout run with the bait.

Grease the line with musclin to reduce friction if the trout are running and dropping baits. Artificial baits are great in winter and you only need to just use a small ball of artificial bait, just a little bigger than a pea. A small size 12 hook will catch more fish than big hooks and big bits of bait.

Gamakatsu manufacture a fine wire hook called a

Bay, Hayshed and Hatchery bays, Mill Creek Inlet, the Claypits, and the Snowy Arm. Rug up and enjoy your trip to the Snowys. If you’re coming down for a snow play trip, don’t forget your fishing rod!

SHOP NEWS Please note from Monday 12 June to Saturday 1 July, I will be taking a well-earned break to head to the saltwater for a bit of personal fishing.

During that time my shop will be closed, reopening at 9am on 1 July. Thanks for your support over the past season.

After June, if you would like a bit more

JUNE ROUND UP – THE BEST OF THE BEST! Best method Bait fishing with scrubbies teamed up with artificial baits.

Best depth Bottom fishing.

Best lake lure Tasmanian Devil in pink 55 or bigger minnow lures.

Best lake area East Jindabyne pumping station and the Claypits.

Best fly method Black Woolley Buggers on the lake. *The rivers are all closed to fishing until October. above weed beds when the lake is low is the best way to catch trout. Like bream fishing down the coast, metal blades are working well on trout both in the rivers and the lakes. It’s worth a try.

LAKE BAIT FISHING Over the winter months, I think the bigger trout will be cruising the bays and inlets for a feed, so that is where you should be also fishing.

You can fish all day during winter but don’t fish too deep, as the fish often feed in close to the shore.

Bait fishing with scrubworms or artificial bait works well in winter, so long as you don’t mind sitting back and waiting. This method works at any time, day or night.

Artificial salmon eggs

Single Egg Hook and these are great for PowerBait. You can use a size 8 or 10 hook for trout in winter.

Over the next few months, the areas to catch a trout on bait are Wollondibby Inlet, Creel Bay at Waste Point and Stinky Bay near town. Just remember the lake is weedy and that’s where the fish like to hang out.

WINTER LAKE FLYFISHING June and July on Lake Jindabyne would have to be the hardest and coldest months for flyfishing. If you brave the cold you will find that with the higher lake levels and fish hanging about the bays, the better areas are Creel

information on what trout fishing is available on Lake Jindabyne in winter, please call into my shop at Discovery Holiday Parks Jindabyne next to the Shell servo, (02) 6456 1551.

• If you would like some personal guiding, I will be available over the coming months for fly-fishing tuition and lake trolling trips.

Lessons can be booked from 2 hours’ duration, and trolling trips from 3 hours to a full day. If you want to know more about the latest in fishing conditions, just give me a call on (0264) 561 551 or check out my website at www.swtroutfishing.com.au.

You can also see our daily Facebook updates at https:// www.facebook.com/LJTFA.

Trout and reddies around the timber structure EILDON

Daniel Piazza

June sparks the arrival of a very cunning species – the brown trout! As the

cooler months approach, Lake Eildon has its ups and downs, but can still be very productive. It still offers great fun to be had chasing all species of fish.

I still applaud the

Shane with another cracker trout.

avid fishers that brave the conditions that Lake Eildon is famous for. These anglers are catching good numbers of cod around rock walls near Frazer National Park Boat Ramp, with the help of spinnerbaits cast tight to the banks and even to random trees in 40ft of water, so don’t be put off because of deep water. Try different techniques and you will be rewarded with donuts or an absolute monster cod.

As the winter months have well and truly set in Lake Eildon’s trout population will be the main target species for a lot of people. There are many different areas to target them on the lake. Try any of the arms that have the river and feeder creeks running into the lake.

The one that has worked for a lot of people is the

First-class brown trout BONNIE DOON

Andy McCarthy

Now that the water levels are starting to rise again I think that the fishing this winter is going to be absolutely first-class with the trout coming up in great numbers throughout May. This month it’s going to continue.

To all you anglers who troll for trout, quite a bit has changed over the past few years in relation to certain areas and lines that we used to troll. I have spoken to loads of anglers that say their go-to spots aren’t producing like they used to and a lot seem to think that the fish aren’t as prolific as they once were, and it’s a stocking issue. I disagree – there are loads of trout and great quality fish to boot.

Here’s why your old spots aren’t cutting the mustard.

Even though the stocking programs lately have concentrated on natives more than trout, it’s the sheer numbers of cod that are now on the edges and fringes of our old trolling runs that have pushed the trout out wider than you normally fish.

Don’t just give up on your favourite spots. Push out about 50m or wider and I think you will be pleasantly surprised with your results.

It makes perfect sense that they have moved out of the danger zone and we need to adjust as well.

Five years ago I used to sight cast to trout working the edges all the time.

Fast forward to now, you simply don’t see trout on

Delatite and Big River Arm. Troll pink, orange or white lures that reach 3-4m in depth. You don’t need to be touching trees. For lures, stay about 25m from them and your spread of lures will swim right past them.

I like to run two lures on the outside – the one on the lake side a fair way out and the other on the trees about half of that – and two deeper lures in the middle.

I like keeping one or two browns later in the season, when they have done their spawn run up the rivers with their mates. Be gentle with them during the fight as they stress out quite easy and their chances of survival can be very poor.

Redfin are still being caught in big numbers around Big River and the Delatite areas. Move from big trees to small trees to find them. Don’t waste too much time on one tree. Two casts tight on each tree is plenty. Move until you find them – you might even entice a yellowbelly or two.

If you have the kids on board and you see carp feeding on the white ant hatches, throw some bread on a hook unweighted for a bit of fun. Let’s be honest; carp fight crazy on light gear and it will keep the kids off your back.

The dam wall has been fishing well with large numbers of trout being sighted and about 10 bigger cod caught by anglers trolling hardbody lures.

You could even try trolling spinnerbaits, 1oz is plenty enough. After dark can be a great time to chase cod.

Sit in about 15m of water and cast spinnerbaits onto the bank and retrieve tight on the bottom.

Finding fish can be hard sometimes. Reading the water is the only way to know what species of fish might be around feeding. If you see something, take note.

If you’re already catching,

Shane Perna from Melbourne with his great little Eildon rainbow trout. take note. Write it down, as it might be that the water is dirty or clean, it may be windy or insects are laying their eggs on the surface. All these things can play the biggest part in

your success out on the water.

Remember to always to let someone know which area of the lake you’re fishing in case of an emergency.

Relax and enjoy delicious food and warm hospitality.

Open for breakfast from 6.30am everyday Coffee Light meals Pastries Cakes Bread 10 Main St, Eildon Victoria 3713 03 5774 2362 0438 881 629

Bruce Ashcroft with a nice brown from the Goulburn. the edges anymore. It’s great for the natives, but this has diminished our ability to target trout the way we used to. Change it up and head out wide – that’s where they’re at.

Flat lining Tassies or hardbodies in about 10-20ft should see you get amongst them at this time of year.

On the cod side of things I think the fishing in winter is gonna be great as well.

Don’t be scared to put on some big bad lures. I mean that literally. Anywhere upwards of 20-30cm, cod just love ‘em. Even big soft plastics with a 6/0 or bigger weedless style hooks will

give you a great advantage in the snags.

A big congratulations to all those involved in the Lake Eildon Fishing Challenge to raise money for those in need via the Variety Bash. It was a great success and will be even bigger next year. Well done to all. It was great to see a few youngsters like little Cooper showing his older teammates how it’s done. Just have a look on the little bloke’s face – you can’t buy joy like this. A picture tells a story, doesn’t it? Another future fishing addict is born.

I love it.

0409 416 342 Call for mail order Enquiries

JUNE 2017

107

Reeling in reddies after the rain CRATER LAKES

Rod Shepherd

We are approaching the winter months and along with the shorter days and cooler weather, the sweet water fishing has picked up.

It’s also good to see that some solid rainfall is accompanying the wintry scenario.

Local lakes such as Elingamite near Cobden, Tooliorook near Lismore and Deep Lake near Derrinallum are seeing their water levels rise sharply, so it will only be a matter of time before they re-open to boaters.

The blue-green algal bloom at Lake Bullen Merri has totally dissipated thanks to the cooler weather and the welcome rain. The great news is the sheer amount of fish being caught in the shallows close to the bank, well in reach of anglers who don’t possess a boat.

Plenty of Chinook salmon of all sizes and weights are on offer. New releases right

through to some thumpers exceeding 3kg are currently prowling the shoreline. Throw in some rainbow trout to over 2kg and plenty of fishos are scoring solid fish.

Flat line trolling or static casting medium diving minnow lures in a wide variety of colours is certainly doing the job. PowerBait in chartreuse and pink along with local

meant I was out early on the Saturday morning with the boat and a good friend and fishing mate Bruce. Between thunderstorms we managed a couple of sessions chasing

A typical Purrumbete reddy that fell to a Fish Arrow Shad.

The author and his mate caught these reddies in one session. They were all turned into skinless fillets, floured and fried to be served on toast with lemon.

Bruce with another average redfin that fell to a plastic.

gudgeon minnows suspended under a float are also working well on a given day.

The big browns are starting to show themselves after dark. For those willing to brave the elements, a few fish in excess of 4kg are being hooked on bait suspended under a float.

Merv Hughes and Jason Kennedy (with camera crew in tow) paid a visit to our Crater Lakes to do a bit of fishing, filming and joke cracking. Good friend Trevor Holmes provided the boat and expertise as well as having to put up with Merv’s antics!

Merv caught his first ever Chinook salmon from Bullen Merri while Jason caught a PB redfin from Purrumbete.

Most of the fish were taken on 3 and 4” Fish Arrow soft plastics in Shad and Huddle patterns. Trevor favoured the motor oil colour.

Recently we had friends travel down to our neck of the woods and they stayed at the Lake Purrumbete Caravan Park for the weekend. So that

the redfin.

Over on the northern shore (out of the wind) in around 12m depth we found schools of them that were visible on the depth sounder as huge dark clouds coming up off the bottom.

The fish were finicky, no doubt due to the falling

barometer and switched on and off during the course of the day.

Bruce brought yabbies and mudeyes, which the fish left untouched. I experimented with ice jigs and metal vibes, but the fish only took minnow style soft plastics.

The morning session saw us boat well over two dozen keeper fish before the storms sent us off the

water. The afternoon session was shorter and quieter.

We still caught plenty of reddies before another storm permanently put us off the water for the day.

Other boaters were also bagging out on the redfin and a few are picking up brook trout to 850g and Chinook salmon in all shapes and sizes, just by bottom bouncing bait and lures.

At times these fish are complete gluttons and totally inhale 3” plastics in eagerness.

Record rainfall has dampened fishing productivity BENDIGO

Roger Miles codhuntertours@bigpond.com

Conditions can change very quickly when you are planning a trip, so it always pays to check the local conditions before heading off. The Bendigo region has received some record-breaking rainfall over the last month. This has already impacted the 108

JUNE 2017

productivity of the fishing in some locations in the region.

LAKE EPPALOCK There are still areas of blue green algae in Lake Eppalock. The algae will start to die off over the next few weeks. If you are planning to keep a few fish for a feed, always make sure you wash the fish fillets thoroughly before cooking them. The productivity in the fishing remains awesome. Water levels have remained steady

over the past few weeks. If we continue to receive good rainfall, we may start to see water levels rising again.

Redfin continue to make up the majority of anglers’ captures. The best concentrations of redfin can be found in the depth ranges of 5-8m. Trolling deep diving hardbody lures is a productive option. If a good concentration of fish is located, casting soft plastics and bladed lures has been working well. Lately

the most productive colours have been white and natural colour schemes.

The productivity of the golden perch fishing has been low. Small numbers of golden perch have been caught by anglers bait fishing around the edges of standing timber.

Yabbies and shrimp are the most productive baits. The occasional golden perch has also been caught as a by-catch by anglers trolling hardbody lures while targeting redfin.

Small numbers of golden perch have also been caught by anglers trolling the edges of rocky shorelines.

CAMPASPE RIVER The recent rainfall has had a negative effect on the water clarity throughout a lot of the Campaspe River.

The water clarity is only average at Elmore and the water clarity only gets worse as you travel downstream to Rochester. In these two areas, the productivity of the lure

fishing has been poor. If you plan to fish the Campaspe River with lures, the most productive section has been below Lake Eppalock downstream to Barnadown.

This is the section of the Campaspe River where the water clarity is currently the best. For anglers walking the banks in this section of river, there have been small captures of both golden perch and the occasional To page 109

Beat the winter fishing blues WST/STH GIPPSLAND

Steve Haughton steve@habitatcreations.com.au

We say goodbye to another stream trout season for the year when the season closes on midnight 12 June. Not all is doom and gloom in the West Gippsland region though. Blue Rock provides anglers with a retreat to beat the winter blues.

Blue Rock Lake, located behind the township of Willow Grove, is a picturesque lake gaining much attention from anglers and recreational users alike.

It’s all happening over winter, you just need to know the technique. First things first, Blue Rock gets mighty cold over winter. Rug up and pack a thermos. Like anywhere over winter, the chilly air can make for an uncomfortable experience and can be the difference between a good day fishing and a bad one.

Winter trout on Blue

Rock can be targeted a number of ways. Land-based anglers have a lot of joy casting dry or wet flies from the shoreline, as this is where trout will feed as the water levels rise. Often on a mirror calm day you can see the trout feeding as they gently pick things off the surface.

Those that fish the lake a lot will be able to tell the difference between a trout, redfin, bass and carp rise.

Fishing baits off the bottom will also prove worthwhile. Keep sinkers and hooks as small as possible to better present your bait. Remember, it’s not about casting far but more about presenting a nice bit of bait in the trout’s feeding zone. Garden worms, scrub worms, maggots/gents and artificial baits do well at this time of the year. Much like their stream cousins, shoreline trout can be easily spooked, so keep a distance from the bait to increase your chances.

Trolling for winter trout on Blue Rock is also good fun. In June there can be some magical still days ideal for trolling a lure behind a boat or kayak. To up the chances, troll your lures beside windrows or scum lines on the lake’s surface.

This is where all the food congregates after a wild and windy few days. If you look at the windrows closely, you’ll notice an abundance of insects and beetles caught on the surface, all on the menu for a peckish trout. If you are skilled with a fly rod, hold the boat or yak back a distance and cast a dry fly or beaded nymph just shy of the windrows.

Bass and redfin are active winter species best targeted fishing baits or lures down deep against structure.

You would be hard-pressed to catch either species in any decent sizes from the shoreline over winter unless you find a spot with some sort of structure or drop-off.

Casting lures from the bank will produce many fish, just not of any good size. The most common technique for boat and kayak anglers is to ‘tree-hop’ by tying up to trees and dropping baits and jigs. If no strikes occur, move onto the next tree.

Thanks to the technology of today’s sonars, we are able to sound around trees for schools of fish before even wetting a line. Worms, yabbies and crickets are all fair game and lures to try are weighted soft plastics, redfin jigs, twitching lures and ice jigs. If fishing with worms, be prepared for an eel as a by-catch. There are some monster eels out there, which a light rod and line setup just wouldn’t handle.

Feel free to send me a report or photo, particularly if you have any success stories before the closure of the stream trout season or if you’ve had luck on a winter trout, redfin or bass on Blue Rock. Happy fishing!

Brad Creighton caught and released his PB bass, finally cracking the 40cm mark. He also managed a few more bass on bait and a bunch of reddies on soft plastics.

Get in before closure or go chase some reds MELBOURNE METRO

Dylan Brennan

The 2017 salmonid closed season in Victoria runs from midnight on Monday 12 June through to midnight on Friday 1 September, so if stream trout are on your list, put down the magazine and go get into them!

The Yarra River from Woori Yallock right up to Reefton is still a good option for all trout anglers provided you can get up there before the season closes. Brown trout to 300g are common fare throughout this section of river and will happily respond to bait, fly and lure at this time of the year.

For the casual bait angler, From page 108

Murray cod. Anglers will need to work hard in order to land a few fish.

CAIRN CURRAN The redfin fishing continues to be productive.

The best concentrations of redfin can be located in shallow water in 2-4m of water. Trolling shallow diving hardbody lures has been working well. If a good concentration of redfin is located, then casting soft plastics has been the most productive method.

Water clarity is only average, so the most productive lure colours have been bright colours such as orange and chartreuse. In the next few weeks as water temperatures cool down we will start to see the redfin move into deeper water.

Redfin of this size are par for the course at local lakes like Devilbend.

Photo courtesy of Don Smith.

If we continue to get some good rainfall, we will start to see water levels starting to rise again. This will be a good time for anglers to target the resident trout population in Cairn Curran. Bait fishing over shallow grassy banks with worms, gents and corn are all good options.

Targeting these areas with winged lures and shallowing diving hardbody lures will also produce a few trout over the next couple of months.

LODDON RIVER The productivity in the fishing in the Loddon River has only been average over the last month. Water clarity deteriorated due to water releases and inflows after recent rainfall. At the present time there are still small numbers of both Murray cod and golden perch being caught

one or two juicy scrubworms on a number 6-8 baitholder style hook will normally tempt a trout, especially if you fish this offering through the pools with very little weight. Lure anglers should carry a good assortment to try, with a plain gold or copper Vibrax spinner being a safe bet, along with Rapala’s ‘spotted dog’ Countdown model hardbodied lure.

Devilbend Reservoir is a good option for trout anglers who want a chance to tangle with some serious browns close to Melbourne. Brown trout to 6lb are a realistic option, along with smaller rainbows and some decent redfin as well. The area near the fishing platform has been

popular with bait anglers, as they can cast their baits out past the weed near the shore.

Pink and orange coloured Powerbait under a float has been the most productive method for anglers in Devilbend lately, with the majority of fish landed being rainbow trout around 400g.

A large brown of around 8lb was also reportedly caught from the section just recently on a floating hardbodied lure, so hopefully the photo will show up soon!

Karkarook Park has been a good option for anglers baitfishing for trout and redfin. Redfin to 600g have been coming out of the lake, with small freshwater yabbies and scrubworms being the two

This golden perch was caught in the Campaspe River casting a Custom Crafted Mega Minnow.

killer baits. The redfin have been on the bite pretty much all day, while the trout tend to respond better earlier in the morning. PowerBait in the rainbow colour fished on a suspended rig will get you fish more often than not, just remember to use a fine gauge treble hook instead of a single hook – this will ensure that the bait stays on the hook securely.

• For any of the latest metro reports and information, pop into Compleat Angler Dandenong at 241-243 Princes Highway, Dandenong, give us a call on 03 9794 9397 or jump on to the ‘Melbourne Metro Freshwater Fishing’ page on Facebook. by anglers casting spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits. The occasional Murray cod is still being caught by anglers fishing the Loddon River at night with surface lures.

Surface lure fishing will slow down over the next few weeks as water temperatures get colder. The end of the irrigation season is in the middle of May. When the irrigation season finishes, less water will be released from Laanecoorie and Cairn Curran, so water clarity should improve.

With the good rainfall that the region has experienced over the last month, whether the water clarity improves in the Loddon River will be largely determined by the amount of rainfall the region receives over the next couple of months.

JUNE 2017

109

FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS BAD NAMES FOR A CHARTER BOAT

MV ANNOYING CATCH NOUGHT CLUELESS CRUSTY BAIT DONUT FISHED OUT GREEN ZONE HUNG UP OH WELL THE JOSTLER NO REFUNDS

NAUSEA SHONKY SAILOR SINKY SLIMY DECK OUTTA LUCK STICKY DRAGS TAKE ME HOME THE TANGLER TOAD FISH UNDERSIZE

Name: Address:

P/Code:

The first correct entry at the end of each month will win the prize pack.

SEND ENTRIES TO: VIC Find-a-word Competition, PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129

VIC MAY 2017

Phone (day):

FINS SCALES AND TALES by A. Both

Dynabait worms are an all-natural, freeze-dried bait. Just soak them in water, and within minutes they’re ready to go! As soon as they hit the water, they release a potent mix of hormones and enzymes that fish can’t resist. These worms are dynamite on bream, whiting, bass, flathead, blackfish, cod, yellowbelly, trevally and many more!

Dynabait Bloodworms, Tubeworms and Sandworms are available at all good tackle stores.

SPOT THE

10 DIFFERENCES

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to Paul Dickinson from Langwarrin, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition!

Monthly winners receive a sponsor prize. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – VFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winner for April is J Florio of Ringwood North, who won a pair of Tonic Torquay Green Mirror lens sunglasses.

All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

Romsey, G Rippon of Colac, D Armstrong of Newborough, A Foster of Drouin, T Darker of Daylesford, B Whyte of Myers Flat, D Hedley of Hamilton, M Meyer of Dartmouth, G Illman of Mt Gambier, G Lester of Bundoora, L Gruar of Portland, E Hopkinson of Drouin, A Melis of Reservoir, T Gillett of Portarlington, M Adams of Graham Vale, B Walpole of Warrnambool, T Fuhrmeister of Ascot Vale, T Mathieson

of Patterson Lakes, G Bell of Mernda, M Lewandowski of Langwarrin, G Bonner of Coragulac, J Laszczyk of Newborough, K Dowell of Highton, S Newcombe of Birregurra, K Sutherland of Leopold, D Robinson of Carisbrook, M Prebble of Delacombe, M Gribble of West Wodonga, D Schembri of Traralgon.

Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE DX POINT LOGO

The answers to Find the DX Point Logo for April were: 8, 14, 22, 28, 32, 35, 36, 41, 46, 56, 62, 72, 73, 75, 96 – V&TFM

110 110

JUNE JUNE 2017 2017

GUESS THE FISH?

Guess the Fish Answer: Spanish Mackerel

The Find the DX Point logo prize winners for April were: J McNamara of Goornong, W Fearnhead of Skipton, K Morrison of Moama, G Ball of Clifton Springs, T Sowter of Rosebud , D Fitzgerald of Coldstream, J Ellis of Reservoir, G Whinney of St Albans, K Hartley of Coburg North, M Loebert of Boronia, B Bell of Wodonga, B Shelton of

Answer:

Product Profile

Lowrance HDS Carbon an impression innovation SOUTHERN BAY

Nabeel Issa

It’s no surprise that marine technology is constantly changing. In the past when it came to fish finder technology we would have to wait years before anything new hit the market. Now we don’t have to wait long at all!

Some anglers like the fast advances and some don’t.

sounders have basically dominated the market over the past few years. They make it very easy to navigate around a sounder. If you are familiar with using a smart phone, using a touchscreen Lowrance becomes second nature.

Straight out of the box you can expect to get the sounder itself, mounting bracket, power cable and instructions. Also depending on the bundle you bought

screen. Gone are the days of having to use your hand to shade the screen to see what’s on the sounder.

It now runs a dual-core processor and the ram has been doubled. This means that the unit is faster and far more capable. Running split screens with Structure Scan 3D, GPS and Radar is now possible. To give you context, if you have recently upgraded to a new cell phone, one of the first things

The HDS Carbon units come in four different sizes: 7”, 9”, 12” and the new 16”.

Structure Scan is a must-have. Being able to scan massive distances makes fishing easy!

Either way, it means the consumer is getting access to bigger and better things, which I am all for.

A few months ago, Lowrance announced the upcoming release of its latest and greatest fish finder, the HDS Carbon. An upgrade on the previous Gen 3 model, the Carbon boasts some handy additions that will make it that much easier for anglers on the water. I have only briefly had my hands on the unit, but in that time I gave it a fair work over for this review.

WHAT IT IS The HDS Carbon is a touchscreen fish finder/GPS unit. If you’re out of the loop with what’s currently available, touchscreen

you may also get a transducer and mapping card. I recommend having a good think about your type of fishing and buying the right transducer to suit. The transducer connects you to the water and is extremely important!

WHAT IT CAN DO Internally this sounder has had some major upgrades over its predecessors. One of the first things you will notice with the HDS Carbon is the clarity and brightness of the new Solarmax screen.

Colours are far more vibrant and images are clearer.

The greatest benefit of the Solarmax screen is that in full sunlight, even while wearing polarised sunglasses, you can easily see what’s on the

you notice is how fast and responsive the new one is.

This is exactly how the new HDS Carbon feels.

My favourite Lowrance feature of all time is Structure Scan.

The upgraded Solarmax screen and processor make Structure Scan on the HDS Carbon a treat to use. The clarity is mind-boggling.

I tested this sounder with a Structure Scan 3D transducer and was able to scan over 100m either side of my boat! That’s covering a 200m span while still being able to pick out structure and fish.

Another handy addition is the ability to network dual sonar views. For example, if you have two transducers set

up on your boat (one at the transom and one on the bow mount electric motor), you can view both sonar readings at the same time. This is great for running different frequency transducers or running high, medium or low chirp.

INSTALLATION Installation with these units is simple. There are complete instructions that come with the sounder but it is a straightforward task.

However, it is important that transducer setup is done correctly, so it always pays to do a bit of prior research or get the helping hand of a professional. If you are upgrading from a HDS Gen 3 like myself, no changes are needed. I used the same bracket and cables as were already installed. Just plug and play, it’s that simple.

The HDS Carbon units come in four different sizes: 7”, 9”, 12” and the new 16”. This is the largest unit

available in its class and for those that have the space to fit it on their boat, it will be a very welcome addition. I have already been measuring up my console to work out how to fit one in!

Prices start at $1999

(RRP). These are rolling out to stores now. With the upgrades to what was an already impressive machine, these units are a worthy investment if you are in the market to upgrade or purchase a new sounder.

The new Solarmax screen makes it easy to read the unit in full sun and glare.

$199

The home screen layout makes it very easy to navigate the sounder.

JUNE 2017

111

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2017 JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

3-4 Jun

Cania BASS Pro Qualifier #2

Cania Dam

www.abt.org.au

7-8 Jun

Boondooma BASS Pro Qualifier #3

Boondooma Dam

10-11 Jun

Round 8 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9

Port Macquarie

1 Jul

Rnd 4 Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series

David Nelson 0418 378 944

Torrumbarry

roundy@cvlcss.com

5-6 Jul

Lake St Clair BASS Pro Qualifier #4

www.abt.org.au

Lake St Clair

8-9 Jul

Glenbawn BASS Pro Qualifier #5

Glenbawn Dam

15-16 Jul

Richmond River BREAM Qualifier #6

Richmond River

22-23 Jul

Round 9 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9

Gold Coast

5-6 Aug

Round 3 Central Vic Pro Series

Eildon

13 Aug

Round 10 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9

Mooloolaba

19-20 Aug

Gold Coast BREAM Qualifier #7

Gold Coast

26-27 Aug

Round 11 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9

Swan River

2-3 Sep

Clarence River BASS Pro Qualifier #6

Clarence River

16 Sep

Rnd 5 Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series

David Nelson 0418 378 944

Eildon

roundy@cvlcss.com

16-17 Sep

Round 12 Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9

hobiefishing.com.au

Forster

30Sep-1 Oct

St Georges Basin BREAM Qualifier #8

St Georges Basin

7-8 Oct

Round 4 Central Vic Pro Series

Lake Hume

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

www.abt.org.au www.abt.org.au hobiefishing.com.au David Nelson 0418 378 944 hobiefishing.com.au www.abt.org.au hobiefishing.com.au www.abt.org.au

www.abt.org.au David Nelson 0418 378 944

14-15 Oct

BASS Pro Grand Final

Richmond River

www.abt.org.au

30 Oct

BARRA Tour Round #1 (Evening Event)

Teemburra

31 Oct

BARRA Tour Round #2 (Evening Event)

Kinchant Dam

3-4 Nov

BARRA Tour Round #3 (Evening Event)

Peter Faust

6-7 Nov

BARRA Tour Round #4 (Night Championship)

Peter Faust

16-19 Nov

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 9 Championship

Western Australia

25 Nov

Rnd 6 Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series

David Nelson 0418 378 944

Lake Eppalock

roundy@cvlcss.com

25 Nov

Central Vic Lure Casters Super Series Final

David Nelson 0418 378 944

TBA

roundy@cvlcss.com

1-3 Dec

Lake Macquarie BREAM Grand Final

www.abt.org.au

Lake Macquarie

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

Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours.

Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name.

112

JUNE 2017

Last to start but first to finish Over the weekend of 18-19 March, 51 teams of two anglers participated in round two of the 2017 Atomic Vic Bream Classic Series. Anglers headed west to Nelson and the Glenelg River for the Hobie Bream Classic. Spirits were much higher than the last time the series visited this location.

Previously, due to poor weather and water quality, only 25 bream were weighed in.

This time around things were fishing extremely well. New rules allowing anglers to launch their boats from three different locations along the river meant the pressure would be spread out rather than concentrated in the lower reaches of the system.

For Team Minn-Kota, Cam Whittam and Warren Carter, a last minute decision to enter the tournament seriously paid off for the boys as they lead from start to finish to be crowned

Brad Hodges from Team Berkley with the 1.13kg bream that handed his team the JML Anglers Alliance Big Bream. conditions. With light winds and cloudy skies it looked like the fish would be on the chew.

Team Minn-Kota weren’t able

Mario Vukic from Team EGM with his swag of Hurricane lures after winning the Hurricane Monsters Movers Prize. the 2017 Hobie Bream Classic champions and this is how they went about claiming their victory.

Anglers were greeted on both days of the competition with picture perfect

to head straight to the usual honey hole at the mouth of the river that had served them so well for many years. As they entered last minute, they headed off in last place on day one. Boats were already fishing

their preferred locations.

The boys used a combination of 4-8lb rods – a Duffrods T8522 and an Edge 702 – matched to Daiwa Certate, Luvias 2506s and Shimano Stella 2500 reels spooled with 12lb Sunline Castaway or 14lb Varivas braids with 6m of 3-4lb Sunline FC Rock Bream Special fluoro leader or 4lb Varivas Absolute fluoro leader.

Then theyy set about getting that all-important day one bag.

“After submitting a late entry we knew we wouldn’t get where we wanted to go, which was towards the bottom of the estuary. We started in the shallows each day throwing various crank style lures. Day one [we were] near Oxbow Lake and day two on shallow reef closer to the entrance. The standout crank was the Smith Camion, which accounted for two quick legals each day. We then moved slightly deeper into about 5-8ft.

“We spent both days using 2.5” ZMan GrubZ in various colours rigged on 1/12oz jigheads and VX35 blades in 439. The retrieve was ultra

slow given the front of the system was under a lot of angling pressure. We landed 10-12 legals each day. Culling a few times was key to our good bag on day one. One day two bigger fish were harder to catch, so a smaller bag was weighed. The key was to always vary our retrieve and fish slowly and methodically,” Cam said.

After day one Team Minn-Kota was sitting in first position with 5/5 bream for 3.27kg. The JML Anglers Alliance Big Bream was weighed in on day one, which was a 1.13kg bream caught

by Team Berkley’s Brad and Mike Hodges.

With 112 bream weighed in on the first day it was a huge improvement on the poor fishing experienced in the last tournament held at the venue. On day two a number of teams had finally worked out a pattern and landed good bags of bream including the Maria Lures Best Bag for the weekend of 5/5 bream for 3.35kg caught by Team Cranka’s Declan Betts and Steve Wheeler who made a charge to the lead.

Mario Vukic and Paul Conn from Team EGM also

Team Minn-Kota’s Cam Whittam and Warren Carter display some of the bream that helped them secure the victory. cracked a pattern that allowed them to drag themselves off the bottom to finish 22nd and claim the Hurricane Monster Movers Prize. For Team Minn-Kota their upgrades on day one would prove critical to their success. Only landing 5/5 bream for 2.84kg and with five other teams weighing in heavier bags on day two than them, they were under threat of being overtaken. They

managed to hold on by 70g to take the win and be crowned the 2017 Hobie Bream Classic champions.

The series will be gearing up to head to Warrnambool and the Hopkins River for the 17-18 June 2017 Shimano BCF Bream Classic. If you are interested, visit www. vicbreamclassics.com.au for all the info and entry forms. – Vic Bream Classic

The top three pose for the cameras: third place Team Reel Obsession’s Steve Mew and Damien O’Gorman, second place Team Cranka’s Declan Betts and Steve Wheeler and first place Team Minn-Kota’s Cam Whittam and Warren Carter.

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Morgan wins Franklins Open Australia’s BREAM tournament calendar has been missing one very prestigious event in years past. This year saw that event return in spectacular fashion both on the water and online, streamed to tens of thousands of keen observers.

The Franklins BREAM Australian Open paid tribute to its fallen mate and fellow angler Greg Lee, with Steve Morgan from Queensland taking home the Greg Lee Memorial Trophy after the three competition days.

The BREAM Australian Open is easily the toughest test of BREAM tournament fishing ABT can serve up. Three days across two venues and fishing with no co-angler in the boat means it’s all down to the angler, the fish, the venue and the decisions.

THE FUTURE IS HERE Self-contained Electric Outboards

This year’s event saw a multi-venue format implemented, testing anglers across the perplexing waterways of both Sydney Harbour and the Hawkesbury River. Anglers fished the first and third days on the harbour, mixing it up with a day on the Hawkesbury in between. The prizes on offer were fitting for a tournament of such stature with $5000 rewarded for first place, $3000 for second and paying down to fifth spot.

In the end it was in-form BREAMer Steve Morgan who stormed home on the final day, weighing the biggest bag of the day to jump from seventh to first to hoist the Greg Lee Memorial Trophy. “I started fishing the open back in 2004 and I realised pretty quickly that to be successful over three days you needed

The highly coveted Greg Lee Memorial Trophy. to fish new ground,” he said.

“If you hit the same spots each day, you definitely wore the fish out.”

With favourable weather

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Morgan prepares to head off on day two of the Franklins Australia BREAM Australian Open.

Kris Hickson with a brace of bream from the Hawkesbury that helped him secure second place.

RESULTS

Visit www.abt.org.au for entry forms. For general enquiries phone ABT on (07) 3387 0888.

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Place

Angler

TF

TW (kg)

Payout

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Steve Morgan Kristoffer Hickson Mark Healey Ross Cannizzaro Tim Vickers Mark Crompton Richard Potter Brad Biddleston Daniel Scott Denis Metzdorf

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 14

10.96 10.95 10.94 10.62 10.01 9.92 9.82 9.76 8.94 8.81

$5,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,500 $1,500

For full result listings, see www.abt.org.au

during the first day of the event, Morgan concentrated on fishing the tightest structure he could find.

Beginning his day throwing a crankbait at the Iron Cove Bridge, Morgan paid no attention to the myth that catching a fish on the first cast is bad luck, bagging a solid fish straight away. From there it was structure fishing 101 from The Open champ, as Morgan rotated through moored boats, pylons, jetties and any other tight structure to put together a 3.6kg limit.

Morgan targeted the structure with a two-prong approach of a Heavy Cranka Crab in olive colour, and an Ecogearaqua Bream Prawn 50mm in salt and pepper colour. “The crab is good for when the fish are sitting deeper on the structure, like underneath a large boat hull or on the base of pylons. The Aqua really excels when the fish are suspended or sitting up high and you don’t want the lure to sink past them too quickly. It’s also the ideal lure to skip into places you might not be able to get to with a crab.”

The second day on the Hawkesbury River began at a much slower pace, and it wasn’t until the last few hours of the session that Morgan began to put a bag together. After having spent the morning fishing outside of Pittwater, Morgan returned to catch the rising tide and went to work winding back the clock to a time when Stick Minnows dominated tournaments all over Australia.

“It was old-school Stick Minnow fishing, back to 2lb straight through fluorocarbon line, my old G Loomis SR842-2 ultra light rods and a Tiemco Stick Minnow or Austackle Shinku fitted with #16 barbless trebles.”

Morgan is probably the best proponent of this technique on the BREAM tournament scene and it all revolves around line management.

“The Stick Minnow’s

Close friends and a close finish, only 10g separated Morgan and Hickson. action is all to do with the sink. That subtle shimmy is what the bream love, but you’ve got to be careful of any pressure being applied to the nose of the lure through your line. If you pull the lure away from the structure it’s not going to shimmy properly, and you’re less likely to have a fish follow it,” Morgan commented.

Atomic Crank

“You need to mend your line much like a stream fisher mends his fly line as it floats down the river. I do this by moving my rod to straighten the line at just the right moment so as to avoid moving the lure away from the structure at the same time.”

Once the lure reached its target, Morgan would let

Tiemco Stick Minnow

Wind

the lure sink until it hit the bottom before commencing a series of 3-4 sharp rips off the bottom to make the lure dart up in the water column so it could begin its seductive shimmy all over again.

“Every bite will come on the drop. Sometimes you feel it and other times you’d go to rip it up again and there would be weight on the line,”

explained Morgan.

Salvaging the day with an over 3kg bag had Morgan within striking distance moving back to Sydney Harbour for the final day.

“The third day is when you win or lose the Open; you can lose it on the first two days but today’s the day you can win the whole thing.” That was the quote at the beginning of Morgan’s day three livestream video and it rang true as viewers were taken through a crash course of topwater bream fishing in Middle Harbour.

With a forecast of increasing gusty winds rolling through Morgan knew it would be prime conditions for a consistent topwater bite. Making the run to Middle Harbour Morgan concentrated on natural banks lined with rocks and boulders. The fish were up high and active as he tempted them with a combination of OSP Bent Minnow 76 and OSP Bent Minnow 86 topwater lures.

“The final day was nothing like the first two.

Ecogearaqua Bream Prawn Cranka Crab

The spoils of victory went to Steve Morgan in the Franklins Australian sponsored event.

The fish really responded to the topwater on the final day, and there’s no better way to catch a big bag and run down the leaders than on surface in Middle Harbour.”

Morgan’s topwater approach was one suitable for the masses, turning to the cheapest outfit on board his boat a Daiwa Spellbinder rod matched with a Daiwa Sweepfire reel spooled with 15lb braid and 10lb leader.

In the end it turned out

to be the closest weigh-in in ABT history, with Morgan claiming honours by the smallest measureable margin of 10g over Kris Hickson, who beat out Mark Healey also by 10g. To have the top three anglers only separated by 20g over 15 bream and three days of intense tournament fishing just goes to show the quality of the anglers the ABT tournament system is producing year-in, year-out.

OSP Bent Minnow White

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Hickson relegated to runner-up What weighs 10g and costs $2000? That’s the margin between Kris Hickson’s three-day total at the Franklin’s BREAM Australian Open and event champion Steve Morgan’s. When Hickson presented 3.38kg to the scales on the final day it was the opening Morgan needed to swoop home to victory.

For Hickson, it was not his first close call on Sydney Harbour or the Hawkesbury River and in the end it came down to a few key lost fish

that would have turned the tables on the last day.

“Lost fish will always hurt, but they hurt a whole lot more when you end up losing by such a small margin. I left a few fish out there today that would have helped my cause no doubt, but that’s fishing and it’s hard to win big tournaments with this calibre of field when you’re plagued by lost fish.”

Hickson’s tournament pattern revolved around a number of different outfits, baits and tactics. But his go-to technique was fishing a

Cranka Crab on tight structure during the first and third days, and fishing flats in the Hawkesbury River on day two.

He presented the lure on a combination of Daiwa outfits.

It was mainly a Luvias and Black Label V2 combo spooled with Evo 8 braid and 4 and 6lb fluorocarbon leaders. Watch out for Kris Hickson’s full Franklins Australian Open coverage on an upcoming episode of The Next Level broadcast on Channel 7 later this year.

Steve Morgan’s live videos were viewed

by over 50,000 people come tournament’s end, broadcasting tournament fishing to more people in Australia than ever before.

To watch each day’s highlight videos, you can head to the Fishing Monthly YouTube channel.

Attention now turns to the upcoming BASS Australian Open, which will be held for the first time in Queensland later this year.

For all the information on upcoming ABT tournaments you can head to www.abt. org.au. – ABT

Morgan weighed in 4kg on the final day to secure the win.

WINNING TACKLE Bent Minnow Outfit Daiwa Spellbinder rod matched with a Daiwa Sweepfire reel spooled with 15lb braid and 10lb leader.

Stick Minnow Outfit GLoomis SR842-2 and 2lb straight-through fluorocarbon.

Lures Atomic Crank 38 Deep in GGB colour, Cranka Heavy Cranka Crab in olive colour, Ecogearaqua Bream Prawn 50mm in salt and pepper, Tiemco Stick Minnow or Austackle Shinku colour fitted with #16 barbless trebles, OSP Bent Minnow 76 and OSP Bent Minnow 86.

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING EUREKA DEEP SEA JIGS

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Eureka Lures’ quality range of deep sea jigs have unique designs and actions for different depths and conditions.

The fast sinking Riot Jig is rigged centre balanced with a scalloped-out reverse side to increase the flutter on the drop. It is available in 180g and 240g sizes and six colours.

The Ambush Jig is a long, thin jig that dances in the water and is rigged centre balanced. It comes in 150g and 220g sizes and six colours.

The Pirate Jig has a scalloped out back that creates an amazing flutter throughout the water column to create a unique swimming action. It weighs 220g and comes in four colours.

The Diamond Bait Jig is a real baitfish profile with the weight on the tail, and its sliced opposite reverse side maximises the sliding action. It comes in 130g and 200g weights and six colours.

All Eureka Jigs feature glow belly sections and come pre-rigged with Mustad assist hooks that feature 200lb Kevlar that is heat shrink rubber coated. www.jurofishing.com

SHIMANO TRANX

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The Shimano Tranx is designed to go toeto-toe with the toughest predators. This series of baitcasting reels have been resized and spec’d up, and are perfectly suited to trolling for barra, micro jigging reefies or swimbaiting a Murray cod.

The Hagane Body provides a rigid yet highly durable outer shell that’s free from body flexing. Additionally, High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) leverages an enlarged drive and pinion gear that is further supported by X-Ship for the ultimate in smooth operation. Providing unrivalled saltwater protection is Shimano’s CoreProtect technology, ensuring bulletproof performance in all conditions.

Available in both a 300 (5.8:1 and 7.6:1) and 400 (7.6:1) size, the Tranx features 5+1 bearings and outputs 10kg to 8kg respectively.

Despite being larger in size, the Tranx keeps a low profile design and still remains extremely ergonomic. Appealing to a range of fishing styles, the AHG models come fitted with a Power Knob, and the A model comes fitted with a double paddle handle. www.shimanofish.com.au

BAITCLOUD ATTRACTANT

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BaitCloud originated in Canada, after the inventor saw a need for an attractant to switch on fish activity. This product has now become much sought-after for anglers in Canada and the USA, and has started expanding into Europe.

BaitCloud activates the five fish senses – sight, smell, taste, feel and hearing. It’s ideal for when the action is quiet, or when you want to entice fish out from under rocks, banks, mangroves or snags. You just throw the ball, and as soon as it hits the water it starts fizzing. This noise is what first attracts the fish, and then the all-natural, biodegradable ball scents the water and activates the fish’s other senses. BaitCloud attracts baitfish first, which draw out the predators. Then all you need to do is cast your lure or bait around the cloud. It lasts for 1-2 hours, depending on the current.

There are seven varieties to choose from.

Price: SRP $10.99 www.baitcloudaustralia.com 116

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HURRICANE STING 37

PRODUCT GUIDE

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Hurricane has been extensively testing and tweaking the Sting 37 vibration shrimp-style blade, and the finished result has been dynamite on bream, bass, perch, yellowbelly, flathead and more.

Hurricane designer Peter Nord said his goal was to provide anglers with the fastest and most solid vibration possible out of a 37mm blade of this type and shape.

“When anglers try this lure for the first time, their first words are along the lines of, ‘Wow – I can feel the lure vibrating really strong and fast with the smallest rod lift’. This vibration is what drags the fish over to the lure and entices the bite.”

The Sting 37 Blade features super-short stinger hooks, which greatly increase the hook-up rate. It measures 37mm long, weighs 5.7g, and comes in eight natural colours.

Price: SRP $14.95 www.hurricanelures.com.au

STARLO’S FINESSE FISHING WEAR

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Well-known fishing writer and presenter, Steve ‘Starlo’ Starling, has joined forces with clothing manufacturer Mad Keen Australia to launch his own line of highquality apparel: Starlo’s Finesse Fishing Wear.

The current range consists of vented, long-sleeved, button-up fishing shirts and baseball-style caps in unique camouflage colours, each featuring a distinctive water ripple pattern. The two colours currently available are Cobalt (blue) and Sweetwater (brown), with a third colour not far away.

Shorts, long pants, buffs, fleeces and accessories are also in the pipeline.

“The concept of finesse lies at the core of my fishing philosophy,” Starlo explains. “My aim is always to reduce my visibility to fish while maximizing comfort, protection from the elements and freedom of movement.”

A great deal of thought has gone into limiting the opportunities for lines, lures or ropes to snag on the clothing, and the fabrics all carry high UPF ratings. This gear is also extremely comfortable to wear and looks great!

You can purchase Starlo’s Finesse Fishing Wear at tackle stores and on the Mad Keen website.

Price: SRP $24.99 (cap), $89.99 (shirt) www.madkeen.com.au

FISH INC. LOCK

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The Lock jerkbait from Fish Inc imitates a long, slender baitfish. This versatile lure can be used to target a wide variety of species including kingfish, salmon, mackerel and more.

The Lock has a built-in weight transfer system that assists with casting distance and provides an erratic action to attract predators. This lure comes out of the pack already fitted with #4 Owner hooks, ready to go.

The Fish Inc Lock measures 160mm, weighs 29g and comes in six colours: pearl red head, pink belly shad, rainbow, smelt, blue shad and ayu. For more info head to the Fish Lures website, or look them up on Facebook.

Price: RRP $18.95 www.fishlures.com.au

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PRODUCT GUIDE 7

WHAT’S NEW FISHING SAMAKI MURRAY COD SHIRT

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Samaki’s latest fishing shirt puts a new twist on the iconic Murray cod.

The Samaki Murray cod shirt features this gorgeous species in all its glory, with an electric blue design detail that enhances each and every feature – from the sharpness of the fins to the depths of the mouth. You can really see the detail in the flesh, and the extensive layers of teeth inside that bucket mouth.

Like all Samaki fishing shirts, this lightweight, long-sleeve shirt is UPF50+ rated, and the soft-touch 100% polyester material is comfortable to wear all day. It also has the added bonus of being breathable, keeping you cool and dry. Adult sizes range from S to 3XL, and youth/kids sizes range from 2-14. Other species in the range include barramundi, snapper, giant trevally, coral trout, marlin, mulloway, mud crab and more.

Price: SRP $59.95 (adults), $49.95 (youth and kids) www.samaki.com.au

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HURRICANE SLAM 47

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STRIKE PRO TINY BUSTER JNR

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The Strike Pro Tiny Buster Jnr is the smallest model in the famous Strike Pro range of Buster Jerk lures. These highly popular baits have sold over 1,000,000 units throughout the world in the past 10 years.

The Tiny Buster Jnr is a slide bait that has an amazing action that many fish find appealing. The Tiny Buster Jnr’s enticing gliding and darting action has proven to be extremely effective on species such as bass, sooty grunter, barramundi, mangrove jack, mulloway, tuna and more.

The Tiny Buster Jnr is 6.8cm long, weighs 10.3g and is a sinking lure that dives to approximately 6ft. It is available in four proven, realistic colours, and since its launch last year it is fast becoming a hit throughout Australia, as it has been throughout the rest of the world. www.jurofishing.com

MUSTAD KAIJU ALUMINIUM PLIERS 11

The Hurricane Slam 47 is a very versatile lure. With a working range of 0.5-4m, it can be worked over and through many different and demanding scenarios, such as rock banks, shallow to deep drop-offs, deep water, shallowish water, structure and timber.

The Slam 47 is also very snag-resistant, due to the bib of the lure hitting most obstacles first. This lure will sit bib down in the water column, so with a little care you can work it in the kinds of gnarly areas that most other lures would snag up in.

This 47mm, 5.7g lure can be slow rolled or twitched, and it is suspending in freshwater and has a slow float in saltwater. It’s currently available in 18 fish-catching colours, and suits bream, bass, perch, flathead, jacks and more.

Price: SRP $18.95 www.hurricanelures.com.au

Mustad has introduced a new range of precision made, high quality stainless steel bearing swivels.

These little pieces of machinery are designed to last, and nothing escapes as these swivels are world leaders in terms of start up inertia and ease of movement.

Made from the strongest stainless steel possible, in a factory owned by Mustad to ensure the strictest quality control, these swivels are assembled with surgical precision and have undergone intensive testing by machine and during heavy fishing.

Mustad claims these items have unmatched strength, reliability and performance – something game fishers demand.

Mustad Stainless Steel Ball Bearing Swivels come in nine poundages ranging from 110lb all the way through to 880lb, so these swivels are built for heavy game. www.wilsonfishing.com

DAIWA 16 CERTATE 9 LOW SPEED

GEECRACK ORENTA

In 2004 Daiwa introduced the Real Four Concept in the original Certate, and since then the Certate has continued to evolve.

The 16 Certate HD models introduced a Monocoque Body design – a symmetrical, one-piece structure. The gears of the new 3500 and 4000 Certate HD models are embedded in the Monocoque body construction, providing more rigidity and a better sealing mechanism.

Now, by popular demand, Daiwa has reintroduced a low-speed 4000 model to the 16 Certate HD range. The longawaited, low-speed 16 Certate 4000 HD boasts a 4.9:1 (86cm) gear ratio and will only be available in Australia, giving Aussie anglers opportunities for more powerful fishing styles with lighter tackle. The HD 4000 has 8+1 ball bearings, weighs 405g, pulls 8kg of drag, and has a capacity of PE 2.5/300m or 3/250m.

Other features include: Mag Seal, Mag Sealed line roller, Magseal bearings, Airbail (one piece construction), ABS II, Zaion Air Rotor, Rotor Brake, silent oscillation, Real Stopper and ATD (Automatic Tournament Drag). www.daiwafishing.com.au

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The concept of the trusty metal vibe has been redefined with the arrival of the Geecrack Orenta, made in Japan and now available in Australia through Dogtooth Distribution.

With an incredible swimming action, designed to maximise predator attraction, coupled with a 12 highly detailed colour combinations, this lure is a must for every serious fresh and saltwater angler.

Japanese lure manufacturer Geecrack is becoming renowned in Australia for high quality and attention to detail. The Orenta is no exception to this. Tried and tested in a number of Australian states, the Orenta has been highly successful in our freshwater fisheries (predominantly on Australian bass) however many of the colour combinations lend themselves well to saltwater environments as well. High grade manufacturing materials ensure durability in all Australian conditions.

Available in three sizes (50mm, 60mm, and 70mm), with weights ranging between 7g and 14g, the Orenta will be available in all good tackle stores soon.

Price: SRP $19.95 www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au JUNE 2017

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING BAGLEY LURES MINNOW B 05

GEECRACK DAISY 13 SPIN

The Bagley Minnow B 05 is a 5” floating jerk minnow with Bagley’s trademark action and rattle chambers that call fish to the lure. Twitch it and pause it to attract brutal surface strikes, or punch, roll and pause it sub-surface to draw fish out of the snags or across the flats.

Easy to cast and versatile, the Minnow B 05 is at home in the northern rivers and estuaries chasing barra and jacks around snags, drains and prop roots, casting and trolling the flats for flathead, or fishing the creeks, rivers and estuaries for a wide range of species, from salmon and tailor, to trevally and a mixed bag of other baitfish eating predators.

Built from durable, quality components and fitted with chemically sharpened, black nickel hooks, the Bagley Minnow B 05 is ready to swim straight out of the packet. It measures 5” long, weighs 3/8oz, dives to 3ft and comes in six colours.

Price: SRP $16.95 www.tackletactics.com.au

SALTIST DEMON BLOOD 2017

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With a ‘more muscle and less fat’ attitude at the core of its design, the Saltist Demon Blood 17 combines the reputation of the famous Saltist name with contemporary styling, features and the latest design concepts.

At the heart of the Demon Blood’s blank design is HVF – High Volume Fibre, producing a blank with maximum graphite density.

Cross directional wrapping eliminates twist and distortion to increase rod strength and sensitivity. 3DX ensures power is distributed evenly in all directions, allowing the rod’s power to be located at the lower section for more power and less angler fatigue.

The Bias Wrap construction in Demon Blood’s V-Joints allows the rod ferrule to flex with the rod to eliminate weak spots, ensuring that multi-piece blanks match the performance of one-piece blanks in flex, power and responsiveness.

Other features include Fuji Alconite K guides, heavy-duty Fuji reel seats with locking rings, and ultra-tough EVA grips. www.daiwafishing.com.au

SUDDEN IN-PACT BAITS

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Loaded For Bass Sudden In-Pact Baits are handmade jig/spinnerbait trailers designed to hold a large amount of catch scent and to keep releasing it for longer.

Made from a synthetic and natural blend of biodegradable materials, these supple trailers are extremely durable, won’t tear off, dry out or become distorted. Being super absorbent, the attractant won’t be washed away after a few casts. That means fewer scent applications throughout the day.

There are nine models in the range: the Classic Frog, Jumbo Frog, Finesse Frog, Classic Craw, CrenCraw, Striper Viper, Split Tail, Beaver Tail and Pact Strip. Sizes range from 2.25” (6cm) to 5.25” (13cm), and colours include brown, red, green, yellow, blue, black and white. Custom colours can also be ordered.

To view the range or place an order, visit the Loaded For Bass website.

Price: USD $5.99 (approx. AUD $8) www.loadedforbass.com 118

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PRODUCT GUIDE

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Small but deadly, the Geecrack Daisy Spin is a highly effective metal vibe, with the added attraction of a built-in spinning Colorado blade. Designed and manufactured by leading Japanese tackle provider Geecrack, the Daisy Spin is now available in Australia through Dogtooth Distribution.

The Daisy Spin features a solid lead body which sharply descends to the desired target range. Upon retrieval, freshwater predators can’t resist the swimming movement and attractiveness of the spinning blade. This same body weight ensures excellent casting ability and additionally produces a strong vibration up through the line and into the rod, which is easily felt when retrieving the lure. Well suited to a lift-and-fall technique, in addition to a cast-and-retrieve technique, the Daisy Spin has been highly successful in landing many Australian freshwater species including bass and estuary perch.

The Daisy Spin comes in eight eye catching colour combinations, and two sizes (60mm – 1/4oz, and 70mm – 3.8oz).

Price: SRP $12.95 www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

PRIMAL SPINNERBAITS

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Primal Spinnerbaits are a new Australian spinnerbait maker taking the industry head-on. This range of handmade spinnerbaits features various weight and colour heads ranging from 1/2oz to 4oz, and heaps of different coloured skirts to keep the Murray cod guessing.

The introduction to the twin spin set-up has taken off in the past few years, and the keen fishos that get amongst it on Lake Eildon have done well with these spinnerbaits. They have strong Mustad long shank 6/0 hooks with a big hook gape for that big fish waiting to latch on. Grub tail and paddle tail soft plastic trailers are made in-house.

The full range is available at Eildon Bait & Tackle in the Eildon township, and they also do mail orders (ph. 03 5774 2348). If you’re after a custom colour, weights or blades, contact designer Daniel Piazza via the Primal Spinnerbaits Facebook page. www.facebook.com/Primalspinbaits

SUFIX 832 METERED 18 BRAID Sufix’s famous 832 braided line featuring Gore performance fibre is now available in a multicolour metered option suitable for jigging, deep dropping and more.

Sufix 832 has proven over a long time to be one of the toughest braided lines on the market. Its combination of seven Dyneema fibres combined with a Gore performance fibre is woven together 32 times every inch, resulting in a smooth and round profile, and unmatched abrasion resistance.

You can find the new Sufix 832 metered braid in both 300 and 3500m spools in 20lb, 30lb, 50lb and 80lb breaking strains. The new addition of metered multicolour options adds to the existing neon lime and low-vis green colours. For more information on Sufix 832, check out the Sufix website. www.sufix.com.au

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING TESTED

Alvey 625BRRT Rip Fighter Fresh from the production line of the Alvey factory in Brisbane, the Alvey 625BRRT Rip Fighter is packed with features, and I was lucky enough to be able to test one recently. The slim design, handsome looks and smooth feel of the Alvey Rip Fighter reel are sure to appeal to long-term as well as potential new Alvey fans.

This reel is suited to chasing whiting, trevally, flathead and chopper tailor in the surf, and would be suitable for all native species in the fresh. It has a line capacity of 300m of 5kg line, or about 500m of 6lb line.

FEATURES The Rip Fighter is an Alvey 625 series.

For those not familiar with the Alvey model numbering, this means the reel has a spool diameter of 6.25” (160mm). By way of comparison, the 650 series reels (popular with tailor anglers) have a diameter of 6.5” (150mm). This is only the second model of

means, compared to the deeper spools on the 600 and 650 series, you require much less line to spool up effectively.

The other big advantage is weight. The Rip Fighter weighs in at 585g compared to the 600BT which is 50g heavier. The difference is even more significant when compared to the 650BRR, which is 866g.

Another new feature is the Rip Fighter has a thinner spindle (compared to the 600B) which means it will spin faster, and have a smoother and more free running spool. The spindle is also supported by a quality long-life stainless steel bush. A ‘bush’ is the circular support or alignment mechanism for the spindle, which is fitted inside the spool.

The Rip Fighter includes a dual handle with an outer direct 1:1 wind handle and an inner rapid retrieve knob, which can give you around 30% increase in recovery rate when required.

The Rip Fighter also incorporates the new

The dark design of the Alvey Rip Fighter makes it stand out from the pack.

The thin spindle and stainless steel bush make casting and retrieving baits a pleasure.

First cast, and a nice whiting!

Close up of the Rip Fighter loaded with 6lb line and yet another fish.

If you’re using two rods, you can set the star drag on the Rip Fighter and set the rod with confidence of catching most fish that take the bait. reel Alvey have released in the 625 range, with the other being the 625B which has fewer features than the Rip Fighter.

Another point of difference is its narrow, shallow spool. While this means the reel has a smaller line capacity, it also has a few advantages – including the fact that the shallower spool means it has the same recovery rate as a 650 model. When you’re targeting the likes of tailor or whiting, it’s unlikely that you’ll hook anything that will peel off a couple of hundred metres of line. That

Turbo Cast system. This means the reel is positioned slightly further off the rod, giving longer casts. An added benefit is the Turbo Cast system more easily enables the reel to fit in a normal bull bar style rod holder. It only took a few casts to train my brain to the push lever rather than the lever turning mechanism (which can become stiff at times).

Other features include a lightweight graphite back and a metal star nut that allows you to add drag or tension to the spool, which is very handy during transport.

One final point is the attractive black, smooth finish of the Rip Fighter. This is a great looking reel that stands out from the pack.

PUTTING IT TO THE TEST I spooled my Rip Fighter with 6lb line for a recent holiday to Evans Head, NSW. On the very first cast I threw out a large yabby.

I was enjoying the incredibly smooth turn of the reel, thinking that it would be giving a very natural look to my yabby bait, when after about five turns the rod buckled over and I was on! The reel was a pure delight to use during the fight and before long I’d landed a 29cm whiting. Turning to my mate I said, “Well, it looks like it works!”

I then proceeded to catch and release another 20 or so legal whiting to 40cm, and a bunch of small and medium size bream that session, so I was able to give the reel a good workout.

The reel cast exceptionally well, had a

finesse-like feel when turning the handle slowly, and when I wanted to get a smaller fish in fast, or check my bait, the rapid retrieve knob was a bonus. It was also noticeably lighter to use than the 600B series I have.

I also tested it out by setting the rod in the holder. I was able to adjust the star nut accordingly, and soon had a number of big whiting and bream catching themselves due to the smooth, consistent turn of the reel and my soft rod tip.

While I used the 12’ Alvey 625L rod with it, I preferred using a lighter 10’6” rod in the river.

However, I will revert to the slightly heavier Alvey 625L rod or the 650 rod if throwing heavier lures or baits when chasing tailor with it.

WEIGHING IT ALL UP All in all I was pleasantly surprised by the looks, feel and features of the Rip Fighter. I’m already thinking I want a second, so I can spool one with 6lb line and one with thin diameter 7kg line for Tailor. – Sean Thompson

JUNE 2017

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

Tatula Swimbait TAT76H-SB and HD 200H combo Swimbaiting as a fishing technique is nothing new. What is new is the amount of coverage it’s had, and more importantly the amount of specialised gear that has been made available to Aussie anglers through local wholesalers and retailers.

Daiwa, a company with a rich history in swimbaiting in the US and Japanese markets (where this technique really evolved from) have been supplying international anglers with quality gear for decades. Now they have brought it to Australia.

certainly nothing with a ‘HD’ attached to the end of it.

As soon as I opened the box I liked what I saw. The 200 size did scare me a little, as I like my reels nice and compact, but to my surprise they’ve engineered this much like modern cars – they’ve fit a lot into a shell that’s not actually that big. The aircraft-grade aluminium spool offers as much space as you’re likely to find without going to an old school barrel-style baitcaster, and that’s just the start of the fun.

The 200H features an impressive 6kg of drag, which I found to be quite smooth during

The first fish tamed was this 85cm king threadfin salmon from the Brisbane River.

Not a bad way to christen a new rod!

GOOD NEWS FOR US! Being a gen Y dude born in the 80s, with an attention span no longer than my arm, I’m a sucker for new trends. When Cranka Crabs came out, I had to have a dozen, even though I don’t fish for bream much. iPhones? I’ve had ‘em all. I did manage to avoid having a man bun, so points to me on that occasion, but once the big bait craze hit our shores it was only a matter of time before I called Daiwa HQ in Sydney asking them to invoice me for a swimbaiting combo. Boy, did they deliver.

THE ROD The Tatula Swimbait TAT76H-SB is a 7’6”, 5-9kg beast with a fast taper and a split butt built to launch big lures a long way without you having to spend more at the chiropractors than you did on the rod. Built on Daiwa’s SVF carbon blanks with tough EVA grips, it surprised me just how light it was in the hand.

I have literally cast all night on this thing without ending up feeling like I’d gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson. While working a lure you can feel every thump of its tail or bump on structure, thanks to the minimalist skeleton reel seat which keeps the reel low and out of the way, and once you hook up the fun really begins.

“The tug is the drug” as they say, and even a smaller fish will put a smile on your face. The fast taper not only helps with extra inertia transfer when casting, but also means you can have plenty of fun when hooked up.

That’s true whether you’re connected to a run-of-the-mill sized fish or a real giant of the species, and there’s still plenty of balls in the back end to keep you ahead in the fight.

THE REEL My Tatula HD 200H is the first larger (200 size) Daiwa baitcaster I’ve owned. I’ve had smaller models from the Pixy and Alphas range for throwing light lures at bass, but

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TESTED

a fight. Some of the older Daiwa baitcasters had a reputation for being a bit stop/start and biting too hard at times, but that has improved out of sight. Daiwa’s patented T-Wing System allows for extra casting distance and line control not found in any of my other baitcast reels. My only tip when using a T-Winged reel is to practice and perfect your knots so they pass through without hassle.

Another improvement on models I’d used 5-8 years ago was the cast controls. I took the time to throw a casting plug a few times in the front yard, and once it was set it stayed how I like it and made for very few bird’s nests. The ones I did get were from my own overexcitement and lost concentration. No fault of the reel.

You’ll notice I did make some changes to the reel with the help of Daiwa’s Reel Custom series of bits and pieces. This goes back to my need for trendy new things, and I’ll talk about those bits later.

THE LINE Having spent much of my life working in a tackle industry, fondling every braid that came through the door – from bulkier, traditional American fibres right through to the thinnest of Japanese offerings – J-Braid 4 would probably not have been my first choice. Being a 4-strand construction, it’s a little coarser and thicker than I’d normally go for – even on a baitcaster, where a slick profile isn’t as necessary as on a spin reel (the physical turning of the spool does lots of work for you on the cast). I was still excited to try it though.

The price is certainly right – you can pick up a 135m spool for around $23!

If I’m to be honest with you, the loyal readers of Fishing Monthly, my first few casts I wasn’t completely sold on the J-Braid 4. It was holding some water and felt waxy. It took

The Tatula combo is equally at home in the salt as in the fresh, as evidenced by this nice flathead taken working large plastics along a break wall. probably 50 decent casts before it properly softened up and ran smoothly. Well and truly worth the $23, but not as nice as I’ve used in the past.

Since that point though, it has been really nice to use. The knot strength is great, abrasion resistance is above average and it’s held colour quite well. It’s now accounted for some nice king threadfin salmon, flathead and Murray cod, all of which tested its limits on various types of structure in both the fresh and the salt.

CUSTOM PROJECT Anything that allows me to be me is a winner. Weird coloured shoes? I’m in.

Offensive punk music? YEP! So it’s hardy surprising that I identified with the endless possibilities that the Daiwa Custom Project offers me as a fisherman. Spools, handles, knobs, caps and accessories let me express myself anywhere I am on the water.

Aside from the aesthetics, they also offer functionality by way of different constructions and sizes. You can add or drop weight, have longer or shorter handles and in just about every colour of the rainbow. It’s a winner.

I chose a swept aluminium handle and a couple of Zaion handle knobs, and couldn’t be happier.

AS A WHOLE COMBO Love it. I’ve thrown everything from little 7cm stickbaits and soft plastic jerkshads right up to 6oz+ swimbaits and wakebaits without thinking twice. I’ve had friends on the boat with combos twice the price who haven’t been able to match the capabilities of the Tatula. It’s a weapon.

Weather you’re fishing the surface or working a sinking swimbait down deep, it’s got everything you need and is tough as nails. Sexy, 7’6” black nails with Fuji guides. - Rupe

The Tatula combo: a perfect storm of performance and beauty.

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat 123 Plan B on the Betka

Inside story...

The Viking Kayaks company started out in a small shed in the New Zealand countryside i​n 1999. Viking Kayaks are now sold and enjoyed worldwide and are made in two manufacturing facilities in New Zealand and Australia.

Made for...

Viking are devoted to delivering their customers the maximum comfort and fishibility with each of their models, which cover everything from inshore still waters to offshore applications.

This month...

Justin Willmer checks out your winter options aboard his Viking, showing how easy it is to put together a seafood basket.

Want a plan B for when Gippsland’s main rivers don’t fire? Sometimes the well-known rivers and estuaries don’t quite live up to their reputation. Corey Gallaghar’s got you covered. Join him this month on the beautiful Betka River!

122 What’s New Boating

Find out what’s going on in the world of boating this month. We’ve got everything from new products to exciting up-to-date news.

126 Why choose a fibreglass boat

Wayne Kampe looks at the positives and negatives of choosing fibreglass when you’re in the market for a boat. With several decades of boating experience to his name, this article has everything you need to know.

WHAT’S NEW BOATING MACRIS MIU-L10 UNDERWATER LED

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For boat owners requiring a small light with big performance, AMI have announced the brand new MIU-L10 underwater LED light from Macris Industries.

An ultra-bright 1500+ fixture lumen display means the L10 can enhance night time entertaining, or light up the water and wake, attracting fish. It’s ideally suited to vessels from 5-8m.

Made in the USA, and with the same ultra-low profile and impact resistant PMMA acrylic composite design that the rest of the Macris range is known for, the L10 is a mere 200mm long, yet is powerful enough to rival larger competitor models. It’s rated IP68 as standard. The light is available in ice blue, royal blue and white.

Price: SRP $353 www.amisales.com.au

BENNETT AUTOTRIM PRO

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The new Bennett AutoTrim Pro is an all-in-one trim tab control system for boats of all sizes. It packs a stack of essential features into an easy-to-use, space-saving keypad.

AutoTrim Pro automatically levels the pitch and roll of your boat, adjusting your trim tabs to changes in vessel speed, sea conditions and shifting weight. Auto Mode allows you to store and access your preferences, and you can shift to manual mode at any time. ‘All Up’ and ‘All Down’ buttons allow for one-touch manual adjustments, and Automatic Tab Retraction protects tabs during storage and trailering.

AutoTrim Pro can be added to all existing Bennett electric and hydraulic systems (with minor modifications in some applications), and most others as well. It is both 12V and 24V capable.

With plug and play waterproof snapon connectors, assembly is easy; you just connect the helm display and the control unit.

Price: SRP $1135 (hydraulic or electric kit) www.harroldmarine.com.au

STAR TRON CARBON 3 ELIMINATOR+ Star Brite Star Tron Carbon Eliminator+ has been formulated for quick, DIY removal of engine deposits. It’s easy to use – you just spray directly into the carburettor or air intake – and it’s suitable for use in all petrol and diesel engines.

Star Tron Carbon Eliminator is formulated with the latest technology deposit control compounds, plus a proprietary enzyme package specifically developed to remove even the toughest carbon, gum and varnish deposits. It comes with free sticky rings to improve performance, reduce fuel consumption, restore power and extend engine life.

Star Brite recommends that you use Star Tron Carbon Eliminator+ at the beginning of each season and every 100 hours of operation.

Price: SRP $27.30 (355mL) www.bla.com.au 122

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LOWRANCE LINK-6 VHF

PRODUCT GUIDE

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Lowrance has announced the new Link6, a Class D DSC Approved VHF marine radio. The Link-6 features a dot white matrix LCD screen with inverted light mode, four backlit mic buttons and an easier front-mount installation with snap on edge bezels.

A replacement for the Link-5 VHF Radio, the Link-6 has a new Startup Wizard for easier radio set-up, improved scanning features, a Favourites shortcut for customising your favourite settings, and a My Channels list, enabling users to only scan desired channels. Link-6 controls are designed for left-hand operation, allowing for right-hand control of the helm.

Key features include: intuitive rotary and keypad controls; four-button fist microphone; dedicated channel 16 keys; tri-channel watch function; multiple scan modes; easy bracket or flush-mount installation; and IPX7 waterproof. Available from mid-2017, it has a 2-year warranty and comes in black or white.

Price: SRP $279 www.lowrance.com/en-au

VESSELVIEW MOBILE

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Mercury Marine has announced the Australian release of VesselView Mobile, providing boaters with SmartCraft engine data on their smartphones and tablets.

VesselView Mobile operates via a module which is connected into the SmartCraft harness, and transmits SmartCraft engine info, using Bluetooth, to iOS or Android mobile devices via the VesselView Mobile app. VesselView Mobile can be used on any SmartCraft-capable engine – 40hp and up – built from 2003 onwards, and can handle single to quad engine applications.

VesselView Mobile lets users perform a range of functions, including: connecting to the SmartCraft data network in your boat via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0); seeing SmartCraft engine parameters like engine hours, fuel burn, water temperature, battery voltage, RPM, etc. (parameters are specific to each engine family); getting fault code diagnostic info so you know if a fault is urgent, or whether it can wait until you get home; monitoring fuel management for accurate fuel usage data; seeing points of interest for your body of water, and more.

To receive the data, just download the free VesselView Mobile app. www.mercurymarine.com.au.com.au

GARMIN PANOPTIX PS51-TH

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The Panoptix PS51-TH transducer brings Garmin’s revolutionary Panoptix technology to an even greater range of boats.

This new phased-array multi-beam through-hull transducer delivers premium Panoptix FrontVü sonar. FrontVü is a narrow beam, forward-looking sonar that focuses on the bottom in front of the boat, which displays the bottom up to nearly 100m ahead of the boat at 8-10 times the current depth. The PS51-TH also delivers LiveVü Forward, which shows targets moving toward or away from the boat, even while stationary, in real time. It is also compatible with a wide range of Garmin units.

Price: SRP $2399 www.garmin.com/en-AU

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

SCAN THE QR CODE!

Plan B on the Betka MELBOURNE

Corey Gallagher

Several years ago, while holidaying in Mallacoota, I was faced with a dilemma.

Our trip coincided with the week leading up to a Hobie Kayak BREAM Series event, which I was competing in and with the pre fish ban in full swing, I was unable to fish the inlet.

After scanning Google Maps in an effort to scope

creating banks with laydown timber; perfect fish-holding structure.

ACCESS The Betka River has no boat ramp and as a result it is very difficult to get a boat on the water, however there are a number of small gravel tracks leading down to the water that are perfect place to launch your kayak from the bank. Most of these roads are unnamed, making it difficult to provide directions. A quick search on

me coming back for more.

Dusky flathead are also present in the system and can grow surprisingly large, despite it being a relatively small system.

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES Casting hardbodied lures in tight amongst the fallen timber snags that litter the system is an absolute highlight of any trip to the Betka, and often results in some truly explosive fishing. Topwater lures are

Dale Baxter with an excellent example of a Betka River bream taken on a Daiwa Slippery Dog.

The banks of the Betka River are littered with fallen timber – perfect fish-holding structure and home to many big bream and perch. Photo courtesy of Darren Weda. out potential hotspots nearby, I noticed a small system only a short drive to the south of Mallacoota: the Betka River.

The decision was made to hit the water at first light and scope it out. The session turned out to be a cracker, with plenty of species landed. I had discovered a new spot and now I rarely travel to Mallacoota without paying the Betka a visit.

Nestled among thick native forest, the river meanders its way through the Croajingolong National Park before entering the waters of Bass Strait just over 3km south west of Mallacoota.

The banks are lined with a plethora of tall native gums, many of which have fallen into the river over the years,

Google Maps of the area off Betka Road will easily identify these launch sites. I almost always launch from a small track leading off Betka Road opposite the Betka River Tourist Reserve. There is a small clearing at the end of the track suitable to park a few cars with direct access to the water.

TARGET SPECIES As is typical with most estuaries along the Victorian coastline, bream are plentiful in the Betka and can be caught throughout the system all year round.

However, with bigger and better bream on offer in the nearby Mallacoota inlet, it’s the estuary perch that live deep in amongst the fallen timber of the Betka that keep

Darren Weda prospecting some likely looking water during a recent afternoon session on the Betka.

exceptionally productive, and due to the nature of the snaggy terrain along the banks of the Betka, they are often your only option when targeting bream and perch holding deep within the snags. OSP Bent minnows cast in as deep as you dare and retrieved using an erratic twitch and pause retrieve can be dynamite on both perch and bream.

Kayaks are perfectly suited to this type of fishing. Their near to silent movement through the water gives the kayak angler a distinct advantage when fishing snags, meaning the angler can get a lot closer to their chosen target snag without spooking fish. The cast is essential, and landing the lure as close as possible to the most likely looking spot will dramatically increase your bites. Often, casting over the top of branches into small pockets of water surrounded by timber is the best way of convincing a solid perch or bream to commit to your offering. This technique, however, has its challenges and often you can spend more time retrieving snagged lures than actually fishing, but once that solid fish is safely within the net this is all quickly forgotten.

Soft plastics are also a productive and cost-effective presentation at the Betka.

Most anglers are far more willing to cast a plastic into heavy timber and they are certainly well worth a flick. Working unweighted, weedless grubs or creature baits cast amongst the snags is another favoured technique of mine when fishing the Betka. Allowing the plastic to naturally fall into the structure before slowly retrieving with a series of small hops and pauses can be dynamite. The same plastics rigged on a jighead and allowed to sink down adjacent to the snags is also worth a shot.

The road bridge and flats towards the front of the system are always worth a look too. The bridge will often hold good schools of bait and as a result the bream won’t be far away. Casting crab imitation hardbodies in close against the bridge pylons can be very effective.

Working plastics in the same area is always worth a go too. Equally, the flats down

when the prawns are present.

Targeting fish on the dropoffs and around the edges of the flats is another productive technique. Deeper diving hardbodied lures or soft plastics rigged on a weighted

area. As always, remember to wear a PFD and keep a bailer onboard as required by Victorian state law.

CONCLUSION The Betka River is a remarkable fishery. It

Casting surface lures in tight amongst the fallen timber is a highlight of any trip to the Betka. jighead are my go-to when fishing the drop-offs.

SAFETY The Betka River offers kayak anglers a protected waterway that can often be

receives very little pressure, with most anglers travelling to the area preferring to fish Mallacoota Inlet, however if a kayak is your chosen craft then the Betka certainly

The Betka River, a pristine waterway perfectly suited to kayak angling. Photo courtesy of Darren Weda. the front are another excellent place to target bream in particular. Casting shallow diving hardbodied lures and working them with a twitch and pause retrieve can often entice a bite, particularly

fished when conditions at the nearby Mallacoota Inlet are too messy to venture out.

Mobile coverage can be patchy at best in the area, so make sure you inform someone of your plans when fishing the

has plenty to offer. Next time you’re fishing ‘Coota, make sure you set aside some extra time to explore this untouched, pristine waterway and experience some truly exciting fishing.

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Seafood basket from a kayak BRISBANE

Justin Willmer Find me on Facebook at Yaks On

With the chill of winter in the air some anglers opt to put their kayaks away in the garage or shed until

the table, by bleeding fish, getting them straight into the ice or cleaning it soon after capture.

Shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures and chilly winds often make winter kayak fishing less attractive. However, there

Crab pots held on with occy straps and ready to be dropped for the night high tide. the weather warms again.

Others make the most of stable weather patterns and glassy days, the influx of bait into the rivers and estuaries and the cool weather species coming on the chew.

Winter is a favourite time of year for my family of anglers. We are already enjoying the plentiful bait and the snapper, bream, yellowtail pike, tailor and other species this influx of bait attracts. There are also still a few crabs around along with other seafood options including prawns and squid.

Winter in my local waters is seafood basket time with the mix of tasty treats on offer.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for ‘limit your catch, don’t catch your limit’ and ‘fish for the future.’ I also enjoy a tasty feed of freshly caught seafood and we have some of the best seafood in the world. We don’t abuse the resource, in terms of seasonal species or spawning seasons. We release the larger breeding fish, including larger flathead, and we also respect our catch so that it is kept in optimum condition for

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and peace of mind when using battery headlamps.

Railblaza also offer some excellent lighting options for kayak anglers, covering both visibility to others and visibility for the angler.

SCUPPER PLUGS A simple thing that can make your fishing much more comfortable in winter is the addition of scupper plugs to your kayak. Scupper holes in your sit-on-top kayaks are designed to allow excess water from waves to escape from the cockpit of the kayak. Some kayaks however, especially for larger paddlers, allow water to enter the cockpit through these scupper holes when paddling and fishing, making the cockpit area wetter and colder.

On those calm winter days scupper plugs can be inserted to stop water

The gold rush colour in ZMan 3” MinnowZ proved effective in the dirtier water.

from entering the cockpit area, leaving it dryer and in turn warmer.

Sit inside kayaks offer excellent protection from the elements in winter.

It’s important to do more investigating to see if a sit inside suits your applications.

CLOTHING Appropriate clothing can also make your winter fishing more enjoyable, comfortable and safer.

This can include neoprene booties and even SealSkinz waterproof socks, gloves or beanies. Dry pants that include neoprene waist and ankle cuffs can keep the bottom half dry and they are available in lightweight materials for warmer parts of the country. Head scarves are not just for sun protection and can offer excellent warmth and wind resistance in cooler months.

When it comes to the top half, consider layering as a means of better regulating your body temperature. Rather than wearing one heavy layer that may see you snug for the early morning start and then overheating when the sun gets higher in the sky, consider three or four layers that can be removed or swapped as required and stored in a dry bag when not required. Again, a dry top is a good option as an outer layer, with lightweight options available for warmer

Top: Sheri with a quality winter flathead on a soft plastic. Above: Flathead filleting. We release plenty, but it’s hard to beat a feed of fresh seafood.

are a few things you can do to make your experiences safer, more comfortable and more productive.

LIGHTING Early starts can produce some red-hot sessions.

With less daylight hours, a quality waterproof LED headlamp will make gearing up, rigging up and handling fish much simpler and safer.

Avoid rechargeable lights or at least ensure they have an adequate run-time for your adventure at full power. A spare set of batteries in a dry bag or waterproof box ensures plenty of run-time

The author with a flathead from a cool early start.

A handful of winter bream.

climates. Another aspect to consider is visibility, with some excellent high-vis clothing options available.

CRABBING We have been making the most of the end of the sand crab (blue swimmer crab) season, with plenty of sand crab sangas, seafood pizzas and seafood mornay.

Don’t forget the crabs, crays, craws and other crustaceans that are available from the kayak in your region.

Whether it’s sneaking up a mangrove drain in search of mud crabs, chasing sandies on the channel edges or going in search of freshwater

yabbies or shrimp, it’s all achievable from the kayak, and dropping a few traps on the paddle to your favourite fishing spots may be your ticket to a seafood basket of your own.

Recently we discovered smaller, 50cm diameter versions of the crab pots that we use for chasing sand crabs and these are perfect for the kayak angler.

We have had them out on some reasonably large tides without them drifting.

Although we christened them with a female crab (that couldn’t be kept), we

Gearing up for squid.

soon recovered with a crab sandwich model. We’re definitely looking forward to picking up a few more of these and it will make kayak crabbing simpler and more manageable. Check out what tasty crustaceans are available in your region and how to catch them.

Remember to check the local regulations.

FISHING There have been plenty of flathead hitting the decks for us, as always, while throwing soft plastics.

Winter has also seen a few snapper, quality bream and a few tailor, swallowtail dart, flounder and plenty of yellowtail pike turning up.

Make the most of the

Left: The C-Tug Kayak Trolley makes transporting the kayak to and from the water a breeze.

Right: The C-Tug Kayak Trolley disassembles for storage in a kayak hatch. again recently when some of our favourite natural, lighter colours couldn’t switch on a bite. A quick change to black and gold and a better silhouette colour in the dirtier water produced plenty of fish. The theory

depths and you can lift the top cap to add water to cock the float, increase casting distance or add a chemical light for night fishing.

It’s early days in our squid fishing, however we are starting to nut them out

The first crab from the smaller crab pots.

Unfortunately, it was a female that had to go back. advantages the kayak offers you and get up on those flats, work those mangrove edges and push up into those drains where the influx of bait is trying to feed and find protection from predators.

The shallow draft, low profile and low shadow of

large numbers and it’s worth investigating other preparation techniques such as fish smoking to get the most out of these winter species. This includes salmon, tailor, swallowtail dart and even yellowtail pike.

One tip for anglers

This flathead coughed up a large squid and inspired another adventure. the kayak allows you to sneak into some shallow, warmer water that often produces the goods in the cooler months.

Some winter species are often considered less desirable than others on the table, however they are readily available in

fishing soft plastics during the cooler months is to ensure you have a variety of colours.

The winter winds can stir up the water occasionally, or make it super clear when the westerly blows. The colour of your plastic can directly impact on your results.

This was reinforced

can bring you some more tips for kayak squidding in a future issue.

NEW KIT After using a C-Tug Kayak Trolley for many years we finally added the solid wheel version to our kit. The original pneumatic tyre version was the best kayak trolley I had owned until purchasing this newer version. We now don’t have to worry about ensuring our tyres are inflated or worry about getting a flat.

The solid wheels have

that won’t corrode in the salt and a design that allows it to be dismantled and stored in a reasonable sized kayak hatch. If you are looking for a kayak trolley, make sure you check out the C-Tug option.

Even though the days are shorter and the weather is cooler, it doesn’t mean that you have to put the kayak in storage for a few months. In fact, winter can produce some of the best fishing, along with a range of other tasty morsels to catch, that can see you put together your own seafood

Only one claw, but this legal blue swimmer crab is still a keeper. that generally works for us is this: in clearer water on brighter days fish a natural, lighter colour and in dirtier water fish a darker colour with glitter in the plastic.

This should also catch the available light and trigger a bite. If neither of these are working, throw something with fluoro colours in it, such as pink or chartreuse.

SQUID After catching a flathead that coughed up a large squid and then investigating our local boat ramp pontoon for stains of ink left by successful squid fishos, we decided to try our luck at catching a few. We set ourselves up with a few smaller squid jigs that were recommended for our region in size 2, 2.5 and 3 sizes and a variety of colours. We also had some small chemical lights and a few A-Just-A Bubble Floats in case we wanted to suspend the jigs under a float.

These floats are an excellent option for squid fishing or fishing with baits, as they feature internal surgical rubber that twists and locks onto the line when you twist the top cap. No knots or stoppers are required. There’s no line damage. It’s quick and easy to adjust your dropper

and the squid fishing will get better as we move further into winter. The kayak is a great craft for targeting squid. The edges of the shadows surrounding boat ramps, bridges and other areas with artificial lights are a prime area to target, along with the weed beds where they hunt and feed. All of this is within easy access of paddle craft and you can beat the crowds that sometimes occur when land-based fishing. Stay tuned and we

A seafood basket of fresh sand crab, panko crumbed flathead and salt and pepper squid. a rubber grip on them that we have taken on and off road without issue, and the trolley still has the same great design that includes tool free assembly, quality materials

basket. Get your kayak fitted out, lighting and clothing in order and you can get out there and make the most of our Aussie winter wonderland.

See you on the water.

Winter can produce some glassy days that are perfect for kayak anglers.

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Selecting the right boat for the job: Fibreglass PART 3 BRISBANE

Wayne Kampe wkff@aapt.net.au

In the last couple of issues I’ve cast the net pretty wide in regards to selecting the correct fishing craft for the job. Initially I covered vital issues such as freeboard, sea keeping capability, ride quality and fishing room, as these are essential

well as some of the downsides of the deal.

FOR THE RIDE, GO GLASS Let’s face it: glass boats have been around for a very long time so they must have something pretty good going for them! First is the ride.

There can be no denying it – these hulls are formed into shapes that enhance ride quality and sea keeping as well other important features of a good boat.

hours to form and set up once they are completed the basic hull and other important bits and pieces can be turned out when needed.

The glass manufacturer has a lot of latitude with hull forming. Keeping the fibreglass to the minimum (while still maintaining adequate strength) will reduce weight. Add more glass in layers and the hull will be thicker, stronger and heavier, either way the beautiful eye catching lines

The complex hull shape of the Pioneer centre console is exclusive to fibreglass construction. Here it’s displacing water very cleanly in a turn to starboard.

The Keel Shield on the author’s 5.5m glass hull allows the craft to be drawn onto ramps or other rough areas with impunity. considerations in selecting a just-right rig for most fishing activities an angler might have in mind.

I also pointed out that all boats will involve some compromises that the owner will need to work around. That aside, the smart angler doesn’t go out and just buy a boat. The idea is to work out what sort of fishing lifestyle you want and then select the craft.

In last month’s issue I highlighted one of the most important decisions you might make – whether to opt for alloy or fibreglass in the final cut. While emphasizing the fact that I would not be making an alloy versus glass debate, I did point out quite a few benefits (plus a couple of drawbacks) of owning an alloy – pressed sheet or plate – craft covering everything from carefree operation through to more bang for the buck, as

Here’s why: fibreglass hulls are laid up within a mould (actually there areseveral moulds) to form all sorts of complex curves and shapes purpose-designed to offer what the manufacturer considers the ultimate in ride, handling attributes and interior features. So while the hull’s moulds might take a lot of

will always be there!

Aluminium, on the other hand, has limits regarding shaping, forming and stretching. While computer designing, programming and new manufacturing techniques have lifted alloy craft to new levels today, the material itself has limits for forming angles and final shaping that

glass doesn’t, as aluminium is formed in a fluid state.

The major result of the two differing manufacturing processes comes down to glass hulls having softer and more pronounced lines depending upon what the manufacturer wants. The reality is that any shape, angle or curve is possible with glass construction.

Denser material also means more weight.

Fibreglass craft will usually be heavier, which is no drawback as a heavier hull will tend to slice through waves easier, and offer much less hull slap and noise when underway.

Far less bounce to the ounce, so to speak!

The overall result will usually be more stability both underway and at rest, and a

With ultra light glass the Cross Country car topper combines rigidity, strength and a very user-friendly weight.

The ultra light weight of infused glass craft makes them ideal for car top travel. How many craft of this size are so easily loaded by one person!

JUNE 2017

Glass can be worked with just as easily as any other material with the added bonus that there is no issue whatsoever with electrolysis, which is the one big concern with alloy craft where stray electrical currents and water are always a cause for worry. It starts with bubbling paint and ends with tiny pinholes in the material – nasty indeed.

Function follows fine form: note the very well designed bow and upper sections of this glass half cabin rig.

quieter and better ride because the hull is not being pushed around by wind or waves but is tracking more true under all conditions. The glass hull will rarely have to slow down in conditions that would see you reducing the throttle setting of the same sized alloy hull.

126

Sharp handling – cornering ability – is also a big plus with glass rigs where the hull can be thrown into hard turns without dislodging passengers. Would a more advanced design and perhaps heavier hull require more power? This is not so. Many glass hulls – thanks to their very sleek design parameters – require astonishingly little power to perform well.

ALL STYLES IN GLASS RIGS Just like alloy rigs, all styles of boat are available.

From lightweight tiller steer infused glass car toppers (the Cross Country range comes to mind) to tiller steer sub-5m outfits right through to larger centre consoles and cabin craft, every design is on hand. The ease of installing fittings, equipment and items to make fishing that bit better becomes a non-event.

AT THE RAMP Much is made of the fragile nature of glass boats but this is somewhat of a furphy. Fibreglass is less forgiving around very hard surfaces, but as most of any boat’s life will be spent on the water, it’s only at launch or retrieve time that the owner needs to be careful. A hard belt on an alloy hull will cause at least a dent. The same impact on glass will usually cause only a scuff mark. I’ve been there and done this!

When it comes to complex hull shapes for specialized performance work, fibreglass is in a realm of its own.

Let’s be real; if you’re launching on an ocean ramp where surge and wave action is prominent, glass is not the best choice for a rough day launch. It’s far better to have selected plate alloy, but for most glass launching and retrieve work there are ways of protecting the product.

A Keel Guard, Keel Shield or an inbuilt rubbing strake on the bow will take all the worry out of allowing the fibreglass to contact the concrete or other hard surface. I used a Keel Shield on my 5.5 glass Galeforce centre console for a long time and really enjoyed the protection it gave the bow section of the hull. Pulling the hull onto gravel or a ramp was suddenly no problem; it

was just that good.

Repairs to fibreglass aren’t the problem you might think. If you’re far from home and a tinny gets a rip in it or starts to come asunder through weld failure, there is no option but to head for a specialized alloy welder for repairs. Use the welder that’s back at camp? Not likely!

With a glass boat a simple fibreglass repair kit with its matting and catalyst will save the day nicely.

While it might not look as good as the original section, it sure won’t be leaking once the glass and resin cures. It’s time to go fishing again!

THE OUTCOME Those are just some of the things to consider in enjoying the ownership

and fishing from a fibreglass fishing craft. True, the advanced performance and ride quality come at a price.

The expertise involved in crafting a quality glass hull will usually see it costing more than a similar sized alloy craft. Many anglers will shrug the price point issue aside as a trade-off for superior ride quality if most of their fishing involves less than smooth water. In that situation glass is very hard to beat, even if the mass of a larger rig might involve a larger towing vehicle to move it about.

At the end of these alloy/ glass discussions – with those ever-important parameters of seaworthiness, ride quality, stability and suitability for

A lesson in hull design, the fibreglass Pioneer sports a hull shape that cannot be achieved with alloy. Note that prominent reversed waterline chine.

Fibreglass hulls have a smooth ride. A look at the bow section of this craft certainly shows the complexity of design that contributes to this fact. fishing requirements – it’s easy to work out that glass has the glam ride while alloy corners the convenience.

A SMALLER FIBREGLASS RIG The one major factor with alloy is the availability of small – sub 5m – rigs that are ideal for use in sheltered water such as lakes, rivers, estuaries and even quieter sections of the bay. Fibreglass boat manufacturers largely leave these smaller craft to the alloy builders, which is why for several years I owned a 5.5m Galeforce glass rig for

bay and offshore work with an aluminium 4.3m TABS Bullshark punt alongside it for bass, barra, and river or estuary fishing.

Both performed well within their allocated roles. I always reflected that if a Galeforce rig with the freeboard and overall performance of the 5.5 was available in sub-5m configuration I would jump at the chance of owning one! As luck would have it, Galeforce Boats of Maryborough are now turning out a 4.5m craft and I’ve ordered one.

This newby is likely going to cause a lot of hard decision making for anglers looking for an all-round rig that will be just as useful in impoundments and other sheltered water as out in the bay. The reality is that instead of alloy, here’s a smaller glass rig with the ride, the handling and freeboard – the works.

In the next issue we will have a very close look at this craft and see exactly what it offers. Ours is going to be a centre console and will be fulfilling a host of roles as our only boat.

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128

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Victorian Tide Times

2017 2017 Local Time

POINT LONSDALE – VICTORIA POINT – 144° VICTORIA LAT LONSDALE 38° 18’ LONG 37’

JANUARY Time m MAY Time

Time 0305 0300 0850 0855 SU 1452 1558 MO2050 2127 0343 0345 0928 0944 MO 1534 1645 TU2125 2213 0419 0432 1004 1615 TU 1032 1734 WE2200 2300 0455 0523 1042 1657 WE 1119 1826 TH2237 2349 0530 0621 1118 1208 TH 1740 1920 FR2317

11 22 33 44

55

0045 660607 1157 0733 FR 1827

SA 1300 2016 0000 0147 0645 0848 1238 SA 1400 SU1921 2114

77

18’ of High LONG 144° TimesLAT and38° Heights and Low37’ Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY JULY Time m Time m Time mJUNE Time m

Time m m 0344 1.70 1.61 0301 0.47 1.48 1.60 0920 0.63 0903 1.49 0.38 0.17 MO 1537 1.37 1548 0.20 1.69 1.81 0.27 TU2130 2133 0.68 0.57 0427 1.69 1.64 0338 0.41 1.46 1.58 1009 0.57 0936 1.48 0.41 0.20 TU 1627 1.39 1623 0.26 1.67 1.76 WE2215 0.27 2208 0.68 0.57 0506 1.66 1.65 0415 0.37 1.43 1.55 1054 0.52 1007 1.46 0.44 0.27 WE 1715 1.40 1700 0.33 1.63 1.69 TH2257 0.29 0.59 2243 0.69 0543 1.61 1.63 1.49 0455 0.35 1.40 1135 0.47 0.36 TH 1801 1039 1.42 0.48 1.41 1.61 1738 0.41 1.59 FR2335 0.32 0.61 2317 0.70 1.61 0616 1.54 1.42 0538 0.35 1.37 0.43 1214 0.47 1114 0.53 1.40 1849 1.37 1.53 FR SA 1819 1.54 0.38 2355 0.69 1.57 0014 0.50 0.64 0629 1.34 0.39 0649 1.48 1.36 1156 0.59 1.39 1251 0.36 0.58 SA 1906 1.49 SU1938 1.32 1.47

16 16

17 17 18 18 19 19

20 20

21 21

0.45 0052 0.65 0040 0.58 0.67 1.52 0724 1.34 0730 1.41 1.34 0.35 1329 0.68 SU 1248 0.38 0.67 MO2030 1.37 1.29 1.42 1959 1.46 0133 0.53 0.64 0133 0.67 0.64 0801 1.47 1.36 0843 1.34 1.37 0.32 0.75 MO 1351 0.41 0.75 TU1411 2125 1.37 1.40 2057 1.26 1.44

22 22

Time 0359 0419 0945 1015 WE 1603 1719 TH 2147 2250 0435 0515 1023 1103 TH 1646 1807 FR 2229 2341 0511 0617 1102 1730 FR 1150 1855 SA 2310

11

22

33

m 1.62 1.56 0.44 0.35 1.46 1.74 0.30 0.59 1.62 1.50 0.37 0.45 1.48 1.66 0.33 0.59 1.61 1.45 0.31 0.56 1.49 1.59 0.38

Time 0437 0355 1031 0940 TH 1658 1637 FR 2236 2221 0510 0436 1108 1014 FR 1738 1715 SA 2312 2257 0540 0520 1143 1816 SA 1053 1753 SU 2347 2335 0611 0611 1216 1854 SU 1137 MO 1834

m 1.60 1.45 0.32 0.47 1.50 1.67 0.37 0.68 1.56 1.43 0.30 0.51 1.47 1.64 0.43 0.66 1.52 1.41 0.30 0.57 1.44 1.60 0.49 0.62 1.47 1.40 0.31 0.63 1.39 1.56

0023 0018 20 0644 20 0712 MO 1251

0.56 0.58 1.41 1.41 0.33 0.72 1.35 1.52 0.63 0.54 1.35 1.44 0.37 0.80 1.31 1.48

16 16 17 17

18 18

1.58 0033 0.26 0.60 19 44 0546 1143 0728 1.40 19 1817 1.48 SA

1238 SU 2353 1944 0625 0129 1224 0834 SU 1909 MO 1330 2033 0038 0228 0706 0938 1308 MO 1430 TU 2009 2124

55 66

0.67 0.44 1.52 1.53 0.61 0.23 1.39 1.45 0.77 1.46 0.52 0.60 1.48 1.40 0.23 0.85 1.41 1.41

1229 TU 1936 1922 0101 0108 0719 0821 TU 1328 1327 WE 2024 2015

21 21

0328 0.61 0.59 22 0142 0206 77 0126 0754 1.42 1038 1.44 22 0800 0934 TU 1358 0.25 WE 1408 1540 0.90 WE 2116 2215 1.39 1.39

1435 TH 2119 2116

m 1.54 1.52 0.45 0.49 1.49 1.68 0.35 0.53 1.58 1.47 0.35 0.59 1.56 1.61 0.35

0410 3 0012 1000 3 1637 FR 0706

1.60 0.53 0.26 1.43 1.60 0.69 0.37 1.54 1.60 0.54 0.20 1.40 1.61 0.79 0.41 1.47 1.57 0.56 0.17 1.40 1.58 0.87 0.46 1.41 1.53 0.56 0.17 1.41 1.53 0.93 1.37 0.53 0.55 1.48 1.45 0.21 0.96 1.47 1.35

11

WE SA

22 TH

SU

MO 1211 2215 1902 0447 0058 1042 1722 SA 0806 TU 1256 2259 1945 0525 0146 1125 0903 1808 SU 1346 WE 2342 2031 0605 0240 1207 1000 1858 MO TH 1447 2121 0026 0339 0647 1056 1252 TU 1558 FR 1954 2215

44 55 66 77

Time 0330 0420 0923 1600 TH 0959 2138 SU 1650 2239 0403 0505 1000 1637 FR 1040 MO 1727 2214 2317 0434 0556 1035 1711 SA 1125 TU 1806 2247

16 16 17 17

18 18

m m 1.54 1.47 0.34 0.51 1.56 1.65 0.43 0.55 1.54 1.47 0.30 0.56 1.57 1.61 0.46 0.50 1.52 1.46 0.29 0.64 1.56 1.57 0.49

Time 0343 0631 0932 1625 SA1140 2200 TU 1815

11

0323 2 0019 0918 2 0723 1611 SU

WE 1221 2144 1854 0404 0100 1004 1658 MO0816 TH 1306 2228 1936 0447 0147 1049 1746 TU0911 FR 1359 2313 2027 0533 0244 1135 1007 1840 WE1503 SA 2124 0000 0348 0627 1103 TH 1224 SU 1617 1940 2226

33

0504 1.49 19 0000 1108 0.46 0.29 44 19 0654 1.53 SU 1744 1.46 WE 1214 2322 1851 0536 0047 1142 0800 1817 MO 1307 TH 2357 1943 0610 0143 1215 0912 TU 1855 FR 1410 2044 0032 0247 0646 1023 1248 WE SA 1524 1938 2154

20 20 21 21

22 22

0.72 0.53 1.53 1.46 0.43 0.31 1.46 1.49 0.80 0.57 1.49 1.41 0.40 0.34 1.49 1.45 0.87 1.46 0.62 0.38 1.36 1.53 0.38 0.89 1.39 1.45

55

66

m Time m m 0259 1.49 1.59 0542 1.44 0900 1.51 0.32 0.19 0.67 1543 0.61 1.64 1.73 SU1113 1.51 2123 1.54 0.58 0.47 WE 1741 2342 0.34 0331 1.48 1.59 0.47 0637 0935 1.48 0.33 0.15 1.40 1615 0.68 1.62 1.72 MO1159 0.75 2158 1.49 0.60 0.48 TH 1826 1.44 1.57 0405 1.46 0.49 0028 0.15 1008 0.34 0.35 1.37 0741 1.68 1.59 TU 1647 1.45 0.83 0.51 FR 1249 2231 0.76 0.63 1.38 1918 1.44 1.53 0441 1.42 0.52 0122 0.19 1040 0.36 0.38 1.36 1.61 WE0851 1724 1.44 1.55 0.89 0.56 SA 1349 2306 0.82 0.66 1.33 2023 1.40 1.48 0518 1.38 0.53 0229 0.26 1112 0.38 0.43 1.37 1002 1.53 1804 1.45 1.50 TH 0.93 SU 1503 2342 0.84 0.69 1.30 2140 1.38 0.61 0600 1.33 0.53 0347 0.38 1.41 1145 0.47 1.40 1110 1.50 0.35 1850 0.80 1.44 FR1626 0.93 MO 1.46 1.29 2258 1.41

16 16

17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20

21 21

0052 0.50 0.66 0020 0.36 0.72 0503 22 0732 1.34 0649 1.28 7FR70452 22 1156 1.45 1211 1.56 1318 0.46 SA 1226 0.53

0.89 MO 1726 2044 1.32 1.40 2327

0.71 TU 1739 1942 1.40

0112 0436 0737 8 1147 WE 1340

0.60 0.52 1.41 1.50 0.27 SA 1705 0.94 2058 1.35 1.41 2308

0157 0.47 0.69 0107 1.46 0.73 0110 0.35 0.68 0401 80546 230006 0850 1.51 1.30 23 0750 0.34 1.26 0727 1.60 1.30 23 8 1130 1242 0608 SA 1426 0.55 SU 1317 0.60 TH 1324 0.42

0203 0529 0836 9 1233 TH 1436

0316 1.36 0.68 0205 1.53 0.72 0151 0.31 0.74 0514 90022 240107 1008 0.44 1.31 24 0904 0.33 1.27 0815 1.67 1.25 24 9 0702 1231 0631 SU 1545 0.60 MO 1422 0.66 FR 1405 0.48

0445 0441 0316 0505 0.72 0.54 0344 0.82 0.49 0602 0.76 0.46 0529 10 1119 0915 0939 100240 25 10 1203 1.37 1.49 25 1110 1.23 1.55 10 1307 1.31 1.62 25 1105 1251 1728 0.31 1708 1517 0.28 1558 0.44

0307 0951 10 0000 0615 1547

0434 1.41 0.62 0313 1.57 0.66 0242 1.51 0.78 100112 250202 1118 0.42 1.36 25 1024 0.35 1.35 0916 0.28 1.21 10 25 0015 0616 0712 0751 1701 0.62 1538 0.70 1459 0.53

0029 0554 0.77 0.48 0450 0.86 0.38 0036 1.46 1.42 0032 11 11 0045 110350 260426 1023 1041 0607 1254 1.35 1.57 26 1214 1.20 1.67 11 0645 0.71 0.43 26 0600 0629 1630 0.26 1705 0.43 1217 1233 1.34

0430 11 0047 1112 0657

0346 1.56 0.78 0538 1.46 0.54 0423 1.59 0.56 110158 260253 26 0116 1030 0.28 1.21 11 1221 0.41 1.44 26 1135 0.38 1.46 0836 0714 0749

0117 1.52 1.44 0130 0036 1.48 1.43 0002 1.34 1.51 0122 12 0144 120001 270021 12 0723 0.61 0.41 27 0705 0726 0637 0.78 0.43 27 0552 0.84 0.29 12 0545 0510 0717 1418 1.69 1438 1336 1.63 1311 1.78

0019 12 0132 0735 0553

0500 1.58 0.73 0034 1.50 1.44 0527 1.59 0.43 27 0212 120242 270340 0805 0827 0916 1150 0.30 1.26 12 0629 0.42 0.46 27 1236 0.43 1.60

0157 1.58 1.46 0224 0115 1.56 1.45 0058 1.40 1.56 0209 13 0236 130105 280113 13 0800 0.51 0.41 28 0754 0819 0715 0.72 0.39 28 0648 0.78 0.22 13 0816 0626 0651 1452 1.71 1527 1412 1.67 1404 1.84

0118 13 0215 0811 0701 1504

0424 0325 0039 1.55 1.51 0038 1.59 1.38 0116 1.53 1.47 28 0305 28 13 0955 0854 0906 0623 0.49 0.32 0614 0.35 0.63 13 0712 0.44 0.40 28 1626 1.58 1548 1.75 1550 1.65

0236 1.61 1.47 0315 0150 1.63 1.47 0150 1.47 1.60 14 0321 140202 290159 0835 0.43 0.42 29 0910 0753 0.64 0.37 29 0743 0.70 0.20 14 14 0906 0730 0743 WE 1527 1.71 TH 1614 SU 1445 1.70 MO 1455 1.87

0209 14 0257 0845 0757 FR 1540

0407 0505 0129 1.51 1.56 0130 1.57 1.45 0153 1.54 1.48 29 0357 0939 0946 1032 14 29 0715 0.55 0.23 0712 0.42 0.50 14 0750 0.48 0.35 29 SA 1628 1.70 MO 1626 1.62 TU 1659 1.52

0315 1.62 1.47 0409 0226 1.68 1.48 0240 1.54 1.61 15 0401 150256 300241 0908 0.36 0.44 30 0959 0829 0.55 0.37 30 0835 0.62 0.22 15 15 0951 0828 0826 TH 1601 1.70 FR 1658 MO 1516 1.70 TU 1544 1.85

0253 15 0338 0920 0843 SA 1615

0452 0546 0215 1.46 1.59 0217 1.53 1.51 0227 1.53 1.49 30 0447 1021 1030 1109 15 30 0805 0.62 0.17 0800 0.50 0.37 15 0826 0.54 0.33 30 SU 1705 1.65 TU 1701 1.59 WE 1732 1.46

0259 880048 0729 0959 SU 1324 MO 1512 2025 2210

23 23

0229 0425 0.69 0.55 0313 88 0219 0850 1135 1.36 1.50 23 0851 1045 WE 1455 0.28 TH 1455

0.70 0.48 1.29 1.50 0.41 0.87 1.27 1.47 0.77 0.42 1.23 1.58 0.45 0.89 1.26 1.48

Time 0252 0504 0837 1045 1505 1740 2050 2326 0331 0604 0918 1128 1552 1821 2133

Local Time APRIL Time Time AUGUST m

TH 1649 0.91 2229 2305 1.38 1.38

FR 1550 2222 2222

0328 0220 0406 0.63 0.60 0236 0.75 0.57 0516 0.75 0.51 0422 99 0325 990140 1000 0845 0817 24 1104 1.42 1.42 24 0959 1.28 1.44 1225 1.32 1.56 24 0953 1151 TH 1607 0.31 FR 1555 TU 1459 0.43 MO 1416 0.30 TU 1627 0.79 2138 2304 1.38 1.40

WE 1504 0.81 2223 2159 1.26 1.44

TU WE 1733 0.78 WE TH 1622 0.82 2251 2323 2353 1.42 1.41 2301 1.29 1.47

WE TH 1826 0.76 TH FR 1735 0.80

FR1137 1.35 SA1146 1.21 FR TH 1909 0.22 0.73 1836 0.40 0.75 1810 1745

SA1246 1.38 SU1248 1.24 FR SA 1946 0.19 0.71 1930 0.36 0.70 1851 1903

SA 1348 1.43 SU 1343 1.30 2023 0.17 0.69 2020 0.32 0.66 1950 1949

SU 1445 1.47 MO 1432 1.36 2059 0.17 0.68 2110 0.30 0.62 2043 2030 0329 1.59 1.60 0320 0926 0.53 0.27 0906 1631 1.42 1.80 WE1519 TU 2200 0.60 2108 0.29

31 31

FR 1748 0.88 2339 2352 1.41 1.40

FR SA 1836 0.85

SA SU 1344 1.66 1839 1918 0.29 0.81

MO 1338 1.39 SU 1957 0.27 0.77 1939

TU 1435 1.45 MO 2034 0.27 0.74 2031

TU 1528 1.49 2111 0.29 0.72 2117

WE 1615 1.51 2146 0.33 0.70 2159

0.82 0.35 1.19 1.67 0.87 SA 1705 0.48 2328 2330 1.28 1.51

0.83 0.29 1.18 1.75 0.81 SA SU 1811 0.48

1.33 1.55 0.78 0.24 1.81 SU 1346 1.22 MO 1822 1909 0.45 0.74

1.59 1.40 0.24 0.68 1.84 TU 1321 1.30 MO 2003 0.41 0.67 1919 1.60 1.48 0.27 0.57 1.83 WE TU 1415 1.40 2057 0.37 0.61 2007 1.60 0.32 1.80 2148 0.57 1.57 0.40 1.75 2238 0.54

0.67 0.48 1.34 1.55 0.34 SU 1802 0.90 2207 1.37 0.72 1.38 1.29 0.45 0.41 FR 1315 1.60 MO 2315 0.84 1.37 1850 0.72 1.41 1.28 0.43 1710 1.65 0.44 SA 1352 TU 1931 0.79

1.44 1.40 0.42 0.66 1225 1.68 1.32 WE SU 1429 2011 1824 0.73 0.44 1.46 1.45 0.42 0.57 1.40 TH 1330 1.69 MO 2049 1926 0.68 0.42 1.47 1.50 0.44 0.47 1.47 TU 1428 1.69 2126 2016 0.64 0.41

1.48 1.53 0.46 0.39 1.53 WE 1516 1.68 2201 0.59 2100 0.42

SU 1641 0.87 2028 1.47 1.34 2308

MO 1752 0.79 2127 1.30

SA 1328 1.72 TU 2232 0.70 1.30 1854

1606 1.76 0.56 SU 1418 WE 2338 0.61 1.32 1950

1724 1.77 0.57 TH 1505 MO 2043 0.54

FR TU 1259 1.36 2132 1840 0.48 0.54

WE 1358 1.49 2217 1939 0.45 0.50

TH 1450 2300 2029 0539 0300 1100 0847 1741 MO 1538 FR 2340 2115

31

1.61 0.44 0.48

TU 1821 0.81 WE 1306 1.62 2146 1.38 2041 0.60 1.37 1842

WE 1323 1.57 2248 0.73 1.38 1906

MO1401 1.62 TH 2345 0.65 1.41 1946

1804 1.65 0.60 TU1439 FR 2024 0.57

TH 1355 1.66 2145 0.50 1.37 1935

TU1439 1.67 FR 2248 0.42 1.40 2024

1659 1.66 0.69 WE1517 SA 2346 0.38 1.45 2108

1315 1.66 1.52 SU 1807 1.63 0.66 SA WE1515 TH1553 2101 2148 0.36 1855 0.50 0.59

SU FR 1331 1.72 TH 1400 1.59 MO 2226 2139 1903 0.36 0.63 1937 0.44 0.58

FR 1438 1.63 2218 2014 0.39 0.57

SA 1512 1.64 2259 2048 0.36 0.57

1.48 1.56 0.58 0.27 1.58 1.69 0.45 0.46

CopyrightCommonwealth Commonwealth of of Australia Australia 2015, 2015, Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology Copyright Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Timesare areininlocal localstandard standardtime time (UTC (UTC +10:00) +10:00) or or daylight daylight savings savings time Times time (UTC (UTC +11:00) +11:00) when whenin ineffect effect New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon

SA 1422 1.80 2302 1953 0.37 0.60

SU 1511 1.83 2338 2040 0.40 0.58 0630 1.40 1147 0.68 TH 1808 1.40

31

Last LastQuarter Quarter

Tide predictions for Port Phillip Heads have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct. It is supplied on the condition that no warranty is given in relation thereto, that no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions should not be used for navigational purposes. Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to include acceptance of the above conditions.

130 130

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