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March 2020, Vol. 15 No. 5

Contents WEST COAST West Coast

Warrnambool 17 Apollo Bay

Cobden 18

CENTRAL Geelong 22 Port Phillip West

Port Phillip North East

Mornington Peninsula

Port Phillip Surrounds

Western Port North

Western Port South

Phillip Island

EAST COAST Gippsland Lakes

Corner Inlet

Lakes Entrance

Bemm River

Marlo 39

NSW SOUTH COAST Bermagui 42 Mallacoota/Eden 42

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Wagga Wagga

Robinvale 57 Yarrawonga 58 Albury/Wadonga 58 Snowy Mountains

Wangaratta 60

From the Editor’s Desk... The State Government is encouraging anglers to visit bushfire-affected areas by creating the Golden Tag competition, giving anglers the chance of landing a tagged fish worth up to $10,000. Recreational fishing in Gippsland and the northeast supports over 3,800 jobs and is a major contributor to regional communities that depend on tourism. These fire-ravaged communities have been doing it tough, with visitor numbers down substantially during what is normally their busiest time of the year. Thousands of Victorians will soon have an extra incentive to return when the Golden Tag competition casts off. The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) will manage the competition, which will run for 12 months, and has already begun tagging up to 1,000 fish in the rivers and lakes of East Gippsland and northeast Victoria. The first 10 tagged fish to be reported after the

competition begins will earn the lucky angler a $10,000 cheque, with tagged fish beyond the first 10 to be awarded a $2,000 cash prize. Tagged species include black bream, dusky flathead and King George whiting in East Gippsland; and in the northeast, Murray cod, brown trout and rainbow trout. The competition will bring people back to towns like Mallacoota, Cann River, Bemm River, Orbost, Marlo, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers,

Omeo, Dartmouth, Mitta Mitta, Corryong, Tallangatta and Bright. All these places are well known for their inland and estuarine fishing, boasting terrific opportunities for shorebased and boat-based fishers. The competition will begin in the coming months, dependent on conditions in bushfire-affected areas, with a start date to be set in consultation with Visit Victoria. For more information visit vfa. vic.gov.au/goldentag.

SMART SPENDING When you’re in the market for new tackle or electronics, one of the biggest considerations is whether certain features are worth the money. You don’t want to overspend for features you don’t need, but neither do you want to underspend and end up with a product that isn’t up to the task. To solve this dilemma, we’ll be producing a series of product comparison videos to help you get the most value for your dollar. Our testing process is simple – choose a product category, get independent testers to put the competing brands/models through their paces, and then report the findings. We have kicked off this series with a comparison of 2500-size spin reels in the $200 price range. You can check it out in this issue, or head to the Fishing Monthly YouTube channel. Stay tuned for more!

Eildon 61 West/South Gippsland

Shepparton 62 Crater Lakes

Nagambie 63 Ballarat 64 Bendigo 65

Fun Page

Gamefishing 29 Hotspot 37 Tasmanian Lake Levels

Tournament Calendar

Track My Fish

Trade and Services Guide

Victorian Tide Times

What’s new fishing

What’s new boating

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WIRF 70

Sub-Editors: Nicole Penfold Bob Thornton Lucette Eggleton

SPECIAL FEATURES

Field Editor: Kelly Hunt

Western Port autumn whiting

Part II: New Science for snapper stock

Reel vs reel: get the results

Decommissioning an expired EPIRB

Codference 54 Pirtek Challenge species

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Tom Wilson with his PB snapper he caught while fishing soft plastics at Ricketts Point.

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WHITING

Top Western Port spots for autumn whiting WESTERN PORT

Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au

Once snapper have begun to head back to inhabit their autumn/winter reefs, many anglers pack up their snapper gear

though it was summer. FISH THE TIDES Moon phases and tides play a huge role in the feeding activity of whiting. If you want to catch a good quantity of fish rather than just a few here and there, you need to fish the tides. Nothing can spoil a good

Tankerton is a known whiting haunt, and the Tortoise Head Bank on the other side of it is even more productive on the top of the tide.

Tyabb Bank fishes exceptionally well in April, with plenty of good habitat found right up the bank in 2m of water. and re-rig for the whiting season. Each year it is as though someone has flicked the switch and as soon as snapper stop biting in Western Port, whiting come on in a big way. Towards the end of summer, whiting are the most targeted species. However, as soon as autumn sets in and the temperature starts to drop, other species get the call up with whiting left as a distant memory with some anglers. There is no doubt the seasons are changing, with some species’ seasons lasting weeks longer than they used to two decades ago. Now that whiting in Western Port are a yearround opportunity, they are continuing to be rife throughout autumn as

day’s fishing like spending upwards of $150 on bait, car and boat fuel to catch six whiting between three anglers. Knowing the tides and moon phases can

Cat Bay is known for its large whiting.

maximise your catch rate and make the whole trip a lot more worthwhile. During the full and new moon we have bigger tides, both low and high, which means more water displacement. The moon’s quarter phases bring the lowest high tides and the highest low tides. When it comes to whiting, water displacement is everything and like they say, ‘no flow, no go’. Fishing the big tides can be hard work due to the amount of sinker weight required to hold bait on the bottom but because Western Port has shallow mud banks, flats and deep channels, there is always somewhere you can target them. During the larger tides, whiting fishing is at its prime and the mud banks and flats are where you are likely to see some serious action. While many anglers these days target whiting in the channels, during these periods it is not an option because it is too hard to keep your

on two hours either side of a tide change around the quarter moon phases. GENTLE ANNIE Gentle Annie is an amazing channel to fish for whiting in the top end. This area comprises of vast muddy banks with significant weed beds and is prime whiting habitat. The Gentle Annie Channel averages a depth of 2m on a low tide, but due to its narrow width you need to take it slow so you don’t run aground. The fishing is best on the top of the high tides where you can anchor on the edge of the channel and fish back onto the edges of it. Berley is essential to encourage the fish to

You can easily target whiting during all tides at Balnarring. baits on the bottom even two hours either side of a tide change. Those wanting to fish the deep water for larger whiting should focus

school up in the trail. Use a two-dropper paternoster rig to avoid getting snagged on weed. Whiting are partial to a wide variety of baits

CUT

Often, a small break in the shoreline is the best place to sit and let the fish come right to the hook. That’s why these classically-styled Costa Cut sunglasses are the perfect companion.

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MARCH 2020

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During the quarter moons, fishing the deep water is much easier and many anglers take the opportunity to fish for whiting in Western Port.

but when fishing the top end, mussels and pipis are the best options. TYABB/QUAIL BANK Tyabb and Quail banks are pretty much the same piece of water separated by the Yaringa Channel. It doesn’t matter which side you fish; it is all practically the same. In this area you’re fishing up on the banks, which are around 1-1.5m in depth even during a low tide – unless you head up too far and end up on the mud. When targeting whiting, you only need to travel onto the bank from the edge of the drop no more than 200m. This will allow you to cover plenty of ground should you need to move about to find the fish. Due to the vast weed beds you do not need to berley, so it is a matter of anchoring and re-anchoring until you find a school of fish. Two-dropper paternoster rigs work exceptionally well to keep your baits above the weed growth. When fishing with a paternoster rig, size #4 circle hooks should be used. Stick to using pipis and mussels, but if you’re losing a lot of baits due to leatherjackets then you might want to change to tenderised squid strips. MIDDLE SPIT The Middle Spit is one of the most popular

Berleying for whiting works exceptionally well, but don’t overcomplicate it. Pellets and pilchards will do the trick. water. Using berley is a good option, as it will bring the fish to your area. While the weed along the Middle Spit isn’t as thick as other locations, a running sinker rig or extended paternoster rig is recommended. If using these rigs, a longshank #6 hook is ideal, as you’ll need to strike to set the hook.

When fishing two-dropper paternoster rigs, small circle hooks are a must. whiting locations, mainly due to its easy access from Stony Point and Hastings boat ramps. Located in the middle of the North Arm and Eastern Channel, the Middle Spit is a mud, sand and weedy bank approximately 10km in length and 2km wide. This area fishes best near the full and new moons when the tides are at their biggest. During the large high tides fish can get up on the bank and feed for bass yabbies and other crustaceans. When targeting whiting it is good practice to work in 5m of water, which is basically the edge of the bank as it drops into deeper

Due to the wide variety of food available for whiting, top baits include pipis, mussels, tenderised squid strips, bloodworms and live Bass yabbies. TORTOISE HEAD BANK Further down the Port is Tortoise Head Bank. This is located on the opposite side of Tankerton near French Island. This bank has two channels that run on the inside of the bank, Blakes and Gardeners channels. The bank itself is approximately 2-3m deep on a low tide with areas of the bank exposed. For whiting, this area fishes best two hours either side of the high tide, particularly around the quarter moons. Although there are patches of weed, you want to work the sand holes and channels in around 2m of water. Berley is essential, especially during the ebb tides. Due to the lack of thick weed beds, a running or extended paternoster rig is recommended. Any of the aforementioned baits will work, however I am To page 10

Cat Bay gets exceptionally good populations of whiting, but you have to take care due to the ocean swells. MARCH 2020

BLACK MAGIC

MASTER CLASS

W I T H PA U L L E N N O N

Live baiting for longtail tuna March through to May along the mid-North Coast of NSW is a fantastic time of year to be fishing and one of the reasons for this is the annual run of longtail tuna. It’s easy to see why these torpedos are

slimy mackerel, yellowtail and garfish. If you have a boat, you will be able to get to many parts of the coastline that land-based anglers targeting these fish can’t get to. For this reason, it’s best to show some courtesy and stay

for this are the Black Magic Sabiki Rigs in midnight mackerel. They come with four hooks rather than six so they’re a bit more tanglefriendly, especially when you’re catching full strings of slimy mackerel. They also have the sinker already

Evan Hoskins landed this solid longtail. such a popular fish for anglers to target – they have incredible fighting qualities, grow well in excess of 30kg and make fantastic sashimi. On top of that, they are a coastal species of tuna rarely straying more than a

stuff has superior abrasion resistance and has built up my trust after never letting me down over a long period. For mainline, mono is far better suited to this style of fishing than braid and 8-10kg line is ideal. I use Black Magic IGFA 10kg line. On the business end of the rig, I use nothing but Black Magic DX Point Hooks. I can’t stress how good these hooks are when live baiting – they have the highest hook-up rate of any hook I’ve come across. Sometimes on your deeper bait when fishing with wind or current, you may want to run a size 0-1 ball sinker to keep your baits at their desired depth. I pin all my live baits just behind the shoulder and above the lateral line. The only exception to this is when using garfish, which will last and present better when rigged just behind the anal fin. Once you’re rigged

clear of ledges where LBG anglers are fishing. These fishos are very dedicated and will often trek great distances just to get to a spot, so it’s not really fair to drop your anchor in front of perhaps the only accessible place for them to fish when you have so many more options to choose from.

That’s a lot of sashimi!

The Black Magic DX Point Hooks rarely miss their mark. few kilometres offshore, meaning they can be targeted from the ocean rocks as well as in some estuary systems. WHERE TO FISH The prime areas to target longtail tuna are headlands or shallow, close-to-shore reefs that hold baitfish such as 20

MARCH 2020

TECHNIQUE While you can spin for longtail tuna with a variety of stickbaits and metals, the most effective and popular method is to use live bait. These can usually be caught in the same area you’re fishing by using a bit of bread as berley and a size 6-10 bait jig. The best jigs

attached so they are ready to go out of the packet. Once you’ve caught your live bait, send them out suspended under a torpedo float. The rig is very simple, with the torpedo float running along the leader until it hits the joining knot of your mainline. This knot acts as a float stopper and the leader length determines the depth your bait will sit at. It’s good to have a couple of baits in the water at a time and I like to run one around 1.5m and the other about 3m. While I used to think 60lb was your best bet for leader size on longtail, I’ve backed off considerably since going to Black Magic 40lb fluorocarbon. This

The closing seconds of a longtail battle. and ready, it’s important to anchor up in a position where your live baits are going to drift back over the area of reef where baitfish are holding. It’s no good if

you’re on the spot but your bait’s drift is taking the baits away from the strike zone, so spend the time to strategically work out your position. While you have a chance of catching tuna all day, by far the best time to fish is early morning and late afternoon, especially when you have a corresponding tide change. PREPARING If you do catch and want to keep a longtail for the table, it’s very important you look after the fish after capture. Like all tuna, longtail should be immediately bled and placed on ice. Black Magic also make some of the best knifes for preparing sashimi; their Japanese made Wasabi kitchen knives are the perfect tool for the job.

All the Black Magic gear you need for live baiting longtail.

the best by test...

Mikey Grecco, NEW Equalizer Twin Pin Pro™, 70kg Yellowﬁn Tuna, Spot X, QLD.

Ryan Potter, KS 7/0 hooks and 80lb Tough Trace, 19.8kg kingﬁsh, mid north coast, NSW.

Brendan Hogg, KLT® 6/0 hook, 60lb Tough Trace, 30lb Rainbow Braid Elite, 75cm snapper, competition winner, Western Entrance, VIC.

Cameron, Snatcher® ‘Bleeding Pilchard 1/0’, King George whiting, Point Turton, South Australia.

Andy Frawley, KL hook, 30lb Tough Trace , 45kg (breaking strain) Rolling Swivels, Australian Salmon, NSW.

Follow @blackmagictackle on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest catches and enter in our competitions.

Naomi Wisby, Squid Snatcher® ‘Green/Red 3.5’, 12lb Fluorocarbon, calamari, Betsy Island, TAS.

Check out our range and ﬁnd a stockist at:

www.blackmagictackle.com MARCH 2020

Tech Tricks

How to decommission your expired EPIRB BRISBANE

Gordon Macdonald masterbaitertackle@hotmail.com

For anglers venturing more than 2nm from shore in open waters, carrying a 406mhz digital EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is not only sensible, it’s the law. Even for those fishing smooth or partially smooth waters, an EPIRB is advisable as it could save your life in an emergency. For those not familiar with this piece of safety equipment,

an EPIRB is a small electronic device that, when activated, will assist search groups to pinpoint your position so they can rescue you. If your craft was to overturn, get damaged and begin sinking, or even if you have an injured person or a person suffering a medical condition aboard, being able to be found promptly could avoid disaster and save lives. EPIRBs come in several forms and brands. The best one to get is an EPIRB with GPS as this is much more accurate and will put rescuers within 100m of your position.

EPIRBs without GPS will not give such an accurate signal and will only put rescuers in the general area. All EPIRBs must be registered to the vessels on which they are to be used. The details kept will include the name of the vessel’s owner, emergency contact details (phone and email), the beacon Hex ID/UIN, beacon serial number, model and manufacturer. In most cases, registering a beacon is required by law. It is a simple task on the website (https://beacons. amsa.gov.au/registration/) and

is free. Details of the vessel are also kept in relation to craft type, colour or other distinguishing features to assist rescuers in finding you promptly. EPIRBs must be re-registered every two years with AMSA. This ensures details are kept accurately, especially if someone has bought a different boat and previously forgotten to change details. Beacons generally have a 10-year battery life and the entire beacon will need replacing after the battery expires. With EPIRBs costing

around $250-350, this is cheap insurance at a yearly rate. Once your beacon’s battery life has expired, you need to dispose of the beacon. Do not discard it in a bin at the boat ramp or anywhere else as I have seen some people do. If the beacon goes off, rescue groups will be wasting time and money looking for the beacon. I had a faulty beacon go off at my house some years back and was called immediately by the rescue group. I told them it was a false alarm but still had to get to the beacon and turn it

off within 30 minutes or they were going to bash down the door to locate it. I left work and got there in time but it was awesome to see such a prompt response. Expired beacons must be disposed of correctly. Some battery shops will take the EPIRB, then remove the battery and dispose of it for you (generally a fee is charged for this service). However, this is easy to do yourself. Following is a basic instruction on how to decommission your EPIRB to make it safe and inoperable.

This GME Accusat 406MHz EPIRB is one of the more commonly owned models available for boat owners. While other brands are out there, this model offers good value and reliability. The decommissioning of most EPIRBs will be similar to this regardless. The only tools required are a Phillips head screwdriver and a pair of cutters or snips.

Details on the other side of the beacon will be permanently printed on. This will advise of the date when you need to replace the beacon with a new one. Once the expiry date is reached, it should then be decommissioned.

When you separate the top and bottom, you will see there is a wire still connecting the two together. This connects the working parts with the power source. 52

MARCH 2020

It is advisable to confirm with AMSA that you are decommissioning your beacon and removing it from use, especially if you are not replacing it for some reason (such as you no longer own a boat). If you are selling it with a boat, you should notify them and remove your details from the beacon. This sticker is provided by AMSA each time you re-register your beacon and they will contact you to remind you to re-register it every two-years. It must be affixed to the beacon.

The top and bottom half of your EPIRB will be held together with four screws. These must be removed to separate the two sections.

Pinch the clasp together and pull up to remove the wires from the panel in the top section.

Tech Tricks

If you look inside the base section, you will be able to see the battery inside. Use the screwdriver to remove the two screws holding it in.

With the wire detached, the EPIRB is now inoperable and safe. The two sections can now be separated totally.

Peel the rubber casing off one end to expose the wire connecting them.

Pull the entire battery out of the base. Generally, it will be two batteries held together with a casing of some kind.

Cut the wire connecting the two batteries to avoid a short. Remove the batteries entirely from the rigid casing and separate.

You can take the rope off the EPIRB casing and retain the stainless steel screws to re-use if you wish. The batteries are best disposed of at a battery recycling depot. These 3v lithium batteries are about the same size as a standard D-Cell and can be disposed of at any ALDI stores or battery shops that have a disposal method in place. The casing can just go in with the regular trash, or you could use it as a practice device in case you need to activate an EPIRB in the future. MARCH 2020

WHAT’S NEW FISHING SAMAKI SQUID JIG BOX

The new Samaki Squid Jig tackle box is now available. This box stores your squid jigs individually without spike hook-ups, thanks to foam compartments which keep your jigs separate from one another. It makes life a lot easier being able to store your jigs in a box free from other jigs and saltwater damage. The double-sided box holds a variety of sizes and weights, and each spike sits within its own foam casing. You also have the ability to place your jig weight within the foam slits for extra jig preservation. Samaki Split Foam tackle boxes come in five sizes, each designed for a variety of lure storage options, holding the smallest of flies up to your favourite vibes, hardbodies, jigheads and squid jigs. The range starts with a small single-sided model, and moves into four double-sided options of medium, large, extralarge, and jig extra-large. The soft slit foam insert has slits and holes for you to use your tackle box to the max, all without hook tangles. The UV-resistant lids reduce lure fade, and the waterproof o-ring and stainless steel hinges safeguard your lures and terminal tackle. www.samaki.com.au

DAIWA TD HYPER RODS

Daiwa has revamped the TD Hyper Series, delivering high-end performance at a mid range price. The heart of TD Hyper is Daiwa’s HVF Nanoplus blank that combines precise resin control with unidirectional graphite fibre to produce a blank with maximum graphite density. Light, responsive, and crisp in action, TD Hyper blank performance is further enhanced courtesy of X45 blank technology, working seamlessly to eliminate blank twist and distortion to increase rod strength, function, and sensitivity. The new TD Hyper receives a significant componentry upgrade in the form of Daiwa’s Air Sensor reel seats. Air Sensor reel seats are made from carbon-infused resin, making them lighter and stronger than traditional reel seat designs. Partnering the Air Sensor reel seats are new taper grips that enhance comfort and control. There is an extensive array of models to choose from, ranging from multi-piece travel rods to technique specific light tackle and heavy models. www.daiwafishing.com.au

BLACK MAGIC SLIM JIG COLOURS

The Black Magic Deepwater Slim Jig range just received these five new colours: candy stick, blinky, mahi mahi, night rider and fire tiger, which join the original colours of extreme pilly, pink frost and mad max. Deepwater Slim Jigs are all high in UV and lumo, and are all rigged with super strong 8/0 assist hooks, Kevlar thread and split/ solid rings. These low-resistance, long narrow jigs offer a faster retrieve with less effort, and they are great for deep water fishing. They are available in two models, 200g (246mm) and 300g (266mm). For more information on the Deepwater Slim Jigs, check out the Black Magic Tackle website. You can also find more information, news and catch photos on Black Magic’s Facebook 66

MARCH 2020

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page (www.facebook.com/blackmagictackle), Instagram (@blackmagictackle) and the Black Magic YouTube channel. www.blackmagictackle.com

BONE DASH 60S

The Bone Dash is a sinking pencil bait that flutters on the fall and slides on the retrieve giving the angler options like never before. By attaching the line to the front eyelet, the Dash will work like a sinking pencil bait, fluttering on the fall with a side to side glide on a straight retrieve. Smart anglers can give the Dash a realistic sliding, darting action with clever rod work. Attaching your lure on the top eyelet will enable the vibe mode, giving the Dash a tight wobble on a straight retrieve. This tie off position also creates less resistance through the water on the retrieve and still maintains the fluttering sink. Small in profile, but big on action and options, the Dash 60S is a dual function lure that will appeal to predators in any water. It measures 60mm, weighs 10g and comes in 11 colours. www.wilsonfishing.com

TICA EZI CAST BAITCASTER

3 5

TiCA’s new Ezi Cast Baitcasting reel offers excellent quality at an affordable price, with an attractive bright white and black finish. The TiCA Ezi Cast Baitcaster has a robust frame with a V-shaped double anodised aluminium spool, brass main gear, Magforce brake system that helps eliminate backlash, star drag with Micronic Click, Quick Remove sideplate and instant anti-reverse. The Ezi Cast Baitcaster comes with five bearings, of which two are stainless steel, one RRB (Rust Resistant Bearing) and two nylon bearings that help to make this reel cast effortlessly and allow the spool to spin freely. The Ezi Cast Baitcaster comes with a 6.3: 1 high speed ratio and delivers 7kg of drag pressure. It is available in both right- and lefthand wind and it holds 150 yards of 20lb braid. This reel is ideal for the likes of bass and estuary perch, and anglers looking for a small, low-profile reel. www.jurofishing.com

SPEED SKIRT AND SPEED PLUG

Gillies has expanded its Bluewater range of lures with the addition of the Speed Skirt and Speed Plug. The Bluewater Speed Skirts are a high speed trolling skirt capable of searching waters at 15-18 knots, making them ideal for tuna, wahoo and other high speed pelagic species. They are available in four colours – purple black, lumo green, lumo and pink. The Bluewater Speed Plugs are constructed from a hard polyurethane material, are keel weighted in the front for casting, have a luminous ball in the body section, and feature a rubber hook lock that secures the rig. They are available in four colours – smoke, green, purple and blue. You can find more information on the range at the JM Gillies website, or for the latest news, catch photos and competitions, check them out on Facebook (facebook.com/jm.gillies) or follow them on Instagram (@jm.gillies). www.jmgillies.com.au

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NEW RAPALA 3X COLOUR

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Rapala has added a new colour to the Shadow Rap 3X range: ROL (live roach). It’s available in the 3X, 3X Deep, Shad 3X and Shad 3X Deep models. The 11cm suspending Shadow Rap 3X makes tight turns when twitched, turns to look back and then settles to a head down position with a quiver before starting a slow fade-away dive on the pause. It can be fished almost in place with short twitches. The 3X Deep version dives to 1.8m, and is ideal for a slow moving dying minnow presentation. It can be fished with little forward movement, yet a lot of side-to-side action. With a fast twitch followed by slack line, it turns almost 180° before settling with a flicker to a dying dive. The 9cm Shad 3X swims with the infamous horizontal struggle with a vertical rise on the pause, mimicking a baitfish in trouble. The versatile Shad 3X Deep model can be fished finesse or aggressively, matching the mood of the fish. www.rapala.com.au

The Shimano Tiger Baku Baku is a Japanese designed kabura jig. The Baku Baku’s 3D holographic eyes enhance the colour combinations, and the specialist silicon skirts have been developed to entice fish to bite. The Oceania model has been beefed up with longer, curly skirts, a line-through head design and larger heavyduty hooks to handle the toughest fish in the ocean. The Baku Baku design uses a low centre of gravity head shape that creates a resonance when moving through the water. Its shape also produces a complex flow of water behind the head, which creates a unique fish-attracting action from the silicon skirts. The line-through head design allows the skirt to flutter naturally to the bottom, and once hooked the freerunning head means the fish can’t use the weight of the jig to throw the hook. The Tiger Baku Baku is currently available in six colours: red gold, orange silver, red silver, chartreuse glow, blue sardine and black gold. Price: SRP $19.95 www.shimanofish.com.au

NEW EGILICIOUS MODELS

LIVETARGET FLUTTER SHAD

Tackle Tactics have teamed up with their Pro Anglers to create a stack of new colours, including foil and glow patterns, in the Fish Inc. Egilicious range of squid jigs. TTs has also added Fast Sink models in the 3.0 and 3.5 sizes, which during testing proved priceless when fishing deeper water, faster currents and when drifting and fishing in windy conditions. The popularity of Egilicious jigs is due to their affordable price, quality, durable tight cloth, super-sticky Japanese Owner squid hooks, a buoyant tail for a natural stand-up presentation, and a tail angle designed a few degrees higher to reduce snagging and fouling. The addition of 15 new colours has the nation covered, with the Pro Team already proving the worth of colours such as bleeding belly, bleeding black, red rack, fluoro green, fluoro orange, neo glow (glow), blue beans (glow) and hot pink (glow). This brings the total number of colours to 27. Price: SRP $11.95-$12.95 www.tackletactics.com.au

NEW DAIWA LUGGAGE

SHIMANO TIGER BAKU 10 BAKU

The Daiwa luggage range has been expanded with four new additions. The Tackle Backpack holds nothing back in strength and design, and features multiple zippered storage pockets, a front chest strap, and a front access tackle tray compartment preloaded with four 3600-sized Daiwa tackle trays. The new Soft Top and Hard Top bags provide room for all your angling goodies, with external zippered pockets, double handle and padded shoulder strap, and single 3700-sized Daiwa tackle tray, making them an essential item for your next trip away. There are few pieces of luggage more essential than a water-resistant boat bag, and the new Daiwa Hard Base Boat Bag sets the standard in ruggedness. Constructed from durable vinyl material and featuring a waterproof hard bottom, this is the bag to help keep your gear safe and dry. www.daiwafishing.com.au

Winner of Best Saltwater Hard Lure at ICAST 2019, the LiveTarget Flutter Shad jigging spoon mimics a shad fluttering in distress. The Inner Core produces a vibrant flash, the feather hook creates drag and holds the hook in the ideal strike position when falling. You can lift and drop to create a falling shimmy action, or snap the rod tip to impart an erratic twitch action. The result is a strobing flash which triggers a bite. The Flutter Shad comes in two sizes (60mm, 21g and 80mm, 42g) and 10 colours. LiveTarget also took out the Best Freshwater Hard Lure at ICAST, with the firstever anatomically precise spoon: the Erratic Shiner. The lure has a life-like Inner-Core with a pulsating vibrant flash, an Exo-Skin that produces an erratic wide-wobble, and a darting effect imitating an injured baitfish. It has been designed for long casts and is also excellent for trolling. It comes in two sizes (55mm, 11g and 70mm, 21g) and 10 colours. www.ejtodd.com.au

SAMAKI BIG BARRA

Samaki’s newest barra shirt features a dark, stormy sky in the background as the beautiful girl leaps from the depths to engulf a Mega Bomb Shad. This brand new barramundi design has been drawn from the ground up, with amazing detail in the mouth, gills and every scale, and the eye is next level fish art at its finest. The lightweight fabric is perfect for all outdoor elements, protecting you from the harsh sun with UPF50+ technology. The soft touch 100% polyester material is comfortable on the body, plus it has the added feature of being breathable, keeping you cool and dry. Samaki designs are brought to you by Australian anglers who love to design Australian species. Big Barra shirts are available in adult, youth and kids sizes from a size 2 through to a 5XL, allowing the whole family to get in on the action and out onto the water. For more information and stockists visit the Samaki website, and like them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date. www.samaki.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2020

WHAT’S NEW FISHING DOBYNS SKIRTED FOOTBALL JIGS

JIG STAR TWISTED 13 SISTA RODS

Dobyns Football Jigs are hand-tied with custom coloured skirts in a combination of round rubber and premium silicone for a natural flowing action. They are built to the specs of professional bass angler Gary Dobyns, who has won over a 100 major tournament victories in the US. These jigs feature a football head shape that easily crawls over rocks and other hard structure, and have chip-resistant paint. They are built around a razor sharp Gamakatsu 604 Round Bend Hook, which Gary has used on his own jigs for 20 years because of its superior hook penetration. Each jig features a special 4-barb bait keeper to hold the jig trailers securely in place. They are available in 12 proven colours and two weights – 3/8oz and 1/2oz. www.ejtodd.com.au

PLANO RUSTRICTOR 14 SERIES Plano’s Rustrictor Series brings unbeatable rust-proof protection to the StowAway line. The Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) infused walls and dividers provide 360° of protection that blocks rust and corrosion for five times longer than other tackle boxes. The Rustrictor 3700 model (35.5 x 23 x 5cm) brings this technology to Plano’s most popular StowAway size – the classic 3700. It has four fixed compartments, or you can add the provided dividers to create up to 24 compartments. It’s the perfect companion to any Plano 3700 Series tackle bag or system. There’s also a slimmer 3700 Thin version (35.5 x 23 x 3.5cm), and the roomy 3700 Deep (35.5 x 23 x 8cm) for your biggest lures. Designed for terminal tackle, the Rustrictor Terminal model (31.5 x 22.5 x 3.8cm) surrounds its contents with a corrosioninhibiting vapour that won’t leave any residue, odour or film. Other models in the range are the 3600 (28 x 18.5 x 4.5cm), 3600 Deep (28 x 18.5 x 7cm), and the compact 3500 (23 x 13 x 3cm), so there are sizes to suit all situations and angling preferences. www.jmgillies.com.au

SALTIGA 12 BEX UVF PE+SI

Made with UVF (Ultra Volume Fibre) and Evo Silicone, Saltiga 12 BEX UVF PE+Si line is the ultimate high-density braid, exhibiting supreme abrasion resistance and ultimate strength. With 72% improved abrasion resistance, 20% more strength, an 18% more slippery surface and 30% less line stretch compared to 8-braid premium PE lines, our Saltiga 12 Braid UVF is the ultimate in line technology. A reduced diameter provides an ultrasmooth surface for less friction/resistance on the guides and spool rim allowing for longer smoother casting, less noise, minimal water penetration and incredible sensitivity. Saltiga 12 is perfect for heavy-duty jigging and casting line for big gamefish, and it’s color-coded in 10m, 5m and 1m increments to allow full line control. It’s available in a range of sizes from PE0.6 (200m spool) up to PE8 (400m). www.daiwafishing.com.au 68

MARCH 2020

PRODUCT GUIDE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Jig Star evolved after NZ jigging expert Chris Wong spent years jigging with renowned big fish anglers, testing his products on XOS kingfish and hapuka. The Twisted Sista rod has an innovative ‘acid’ or ‘spiral’ design which draws on the inherent advantages of both overhead and spin rods. The design alleviates blank twist associated with poorly-built overhead rods, and allows the blank to develop its maximum potential. These rods have excellent power and resilience as a result of the carefully tapered nano blank with a perfect acid guide flow. Bend the Twisted Sista to its max and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. There are three models, all with Fuji PSS, PLS palming reel seats with Fuji KWAG and LC Guides, and a lack of binding between the guide feet, reducing ‘dead spots’ caused by excessive binding. The MK-II rod has been redesigned with slightly more butt power and finished with custom artwork and detail. The grips have changed to short, chunky grooved EVA for a greater, more comfortable grip. All rods come with a padded rod bag. www.jurofishing.com

BLACKWOLF STRATO 40

The BlackWolf Strato 40Technical Daypack might look like an ordinary backpack, it’s equipped with a range of handy features. For sticky situations in the bush, there’s a safety whistle and a night reflective daisy loop. There’s also an internal pocket for a hydration tank. Designed with a waterproof rain cover, you can count on this backpack to keep your valuables dry, and the heavy-duty no. 10 zippers are built to last. Say goodbye to an aching back and say hello to relaxed shoulders; the padded waist and shoulder straps mean you can feel balanced, secure and confident no matter the terrain. For heavier loads, the sternum strap across your chest takes the pressure off your shoulders and give you extra cushioning. You can even use this backpack in the city, because it has a padded laptop holder and hardcase, as well as RFID protection from digital theft. There’s also a removable key holder and external headphone port. Price: SRP $199.99 www.blackwolf.com.au

NEW BIO TOUGH COLOURS

Two effective new colours have joined the growing Squidgies Bio Tough lineup range. These new offerings greatly expand the range’s appeal to finesse fishers seeking downsized offerings for finicky adversaries, ranging from trout, yellowbelly and bass to bream, flathead, whiting and more. The classic Squidgies favourite ‘UV jelly prawn’ colour is now available in the Bio Tough Grubs, Crawler and smaller Fish and Wriggler models. The black grub is a staple lure in many angler’s tackleboxes, and the new UV Black Onyx is now available in the Grubs and Crawler. These new colours perfectly imitate bottom-dwelling critters including yabbies, crabs, nippers and shrimp, as well as all manners of other creepy crawlies living in salt and fresh waters. www.shimano.com.au

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

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PRODUCT GUIDE

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WHAT’S NEW FISHING

Versatile Palms Turn Pop 50 I have had many years of success using surface lures in the estuaries and creeks around Sydney, catching a range of species. The ones have been particularly successful are the Bassday Sugapen, Nomad surface lures, Rapala poppers and some Prolure surface pencils, both on the flats and near weed and structure targeting Australian bass, whiting and bream, along with the occasional flathead that took an interest.

walk-the-dog style retrieve which was great for a lure of this design and shape. Being a chunky lure with a transparent body it imitated a fleeing prawn very well. With the constant winding and twitching it really brought in the bream, and you could easily see them tailing it like a pack

The pink prawn colour was the most successful during testing

This time I wanted to try something different – the new Palms Turn Pop 50. This popper is 5cm long, which is the perfect size for the species that I target. It has a centre treble and twin rear assist hooks, weighs 3.9g and comes in six colours: clear prawn, black bar prawn, pink prawn, yellow prawn, red/ green prawn and brown prawn. At first glance the Turn Pop appeared to be an overdone popper that was confused as to what it wanted to be. Was it a surface pencil or was it a popper? Would it swim well or would it drag with the assists and be balanced incorrectly with the differing hook shapes and sizes?

of dogs from behind. It wasn’t long before it got smashed by numerous bream, and it was even smashed by an opportunistic longtom and a pike! WHEN TO USE IT In comparing this to a Bassday/Prolure or similar pencil, I still feel they have their own league and can’t be topped in that particular arena. However, for the popper fanatics who need something in windy conditions to create some further attraction, the Palms Turn Pop really is a standout. The assist hooks with attractant tinsel and coloured line adds to the appearance of prawn legs fluttering Something I didn’t expect to encounter during a bream session – a hungry pike. the fish would have a go at the rear but not connect. It’s possible that this was my error in not letting the lure stay in the zone long enough, or perhaps it needed to be worked a tad slower, allowing the assists to flutter more freely, encouraging a stronger hook-up. The one thing I learnt with these style lures is to maintain a constant retrieve. The minute you stop, the fish quickly lose interest, unlike when you’re fishing a Bassday or similar. Overall I found the Palms Turn Pop 50 to be quite a versatile lure. If the wind is up or you are targeting unknown waterways or flats and want to have a crack at targeting a number of species, this lure is definitely something you’ll need to have in your arsenal. It’s dramatic in how it lands, and its motion through the water creates plenty of disturbance that draws the fish in.

To view the full colour range, or to find your nearest stockist, visit www.ejtodd. com.au. - Ben O’Brien

The Turn Pop 50 in green/red, ready to be put through its paces.

A bream that took a liking to the yellow prawn colour. TESTING The first cast saw it rocket through the air like a bullet, perfectly weighted, and it definitely got the distance I wanted. The landing is heavy, with the assists and trebles causing a bit of commotion as it hits the water. It certainly makes its presence known. On the first retrieve I noticed that it dispersed a lot of water from the cup face, which was great. With further winds of the reel and twitches of the rod tip I could really get it moving, doing the

along as the lure is whipped from side to side, splashing enticingly. The pink prawn was by far the best performer on my trips; I imagine that the colours would really stand out when it’s moving through the water, and the fish home in on it. Bream found these poppers to be super enticing, and they just couldn’t resist having a swipe at the Turn Pop as I worked it past pylons and around submerged timber structure. I found that the hook-up rates weren’t overly improved with the assists; I found that

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2020

Communities need your support WIRF

Cara Cummings

It is lovely to see the human spirit come together when times get tough; people work together as one when devastation hits. Unfortunately, the catastrophic trail left behind from the recent bushfires still continues and is incomprehensible to those of us not directly

returned to normal. The devastating aftereffects will linger for months to come. Sadly for the native fish, platypus and other wildlife, the ash-affected waters are now killing many of the fish, not only in rivers but in private dams too. Shea, Adam and other locals have been working together to make and install aerators with pumps as well as relocating species to non-affected waters. Sadly,

for many of these fish it was too late but the dedicated efforts of those involved were able to re-home the surviving Murray cod and eel-tailed catfish. What amazing community spirit these locals all share! Another WIRF leader Izzy Sesto selflessly organised a supplies run to those affected in East Gippsland. She put the word out for collections of hay, stock feed and pet supplies,

These poor fish succumbed to the ash-contaminated waters. impacted. While we can offer our support and be empathetic, we need to step up and do what we can to help those in need. It has been heartwarming to see the support within the WIRF community. Many fundraisers, offers and physical help to the affected areas have been making a small but positive difference. WIRF leader Shea Bloom from Corryong was evacuated from her home along with her family. Her husband Adam bravely stayed and worked with locals to defend the town. While they have since returned, life has not simply

filled a truck and completed the delivery. Izzy is also organising a fishing charter fundraiser in Lakes Entrance at the end of the month to help boost the local economy. This is a women’s only event and you can find more information via the WIRF Facebook group and also Victorian Women Hunting and Fishing Facebook page. NAGAMBIE COD STOCKING Over 100,000 fingerlings were recently stocked in Nagambie thanks to the VFA. They were released with the help of the GoFish Nagambie team and WIRF leaders Karen Rees, Kelly Derks and Jaclyn Threlfall. These little swimmers should reach legal size of 55cm in 4-5 years. KING GEORGE WHITING These tasty beauties are on the bite! My newsfeed has been filling up with successful King George whiting trips. WIRF leaders Michelle and Izzy advise to

The recent cod fingerling stocking at Nagambie. use light tackle with 2-4kg line with fresh bait such as mussels, pipis and strips of cuttlefish or squid. Phillip Island, Venus Bay, Inverloch, Hastings, Sandringham, Mt Eliza, Rye and Brighton have all been hotspots. The current bag limit is 20 with a legal size of 27cm. WIRF member Frances Farrall shared her hot baiting tip to stop the pipis from falling off – putting a bit of squid on each end! TROUT OR MURRAY COD? Lure fishing can be a tough game. I’ve read every fish lure caught is worth ten fish caught on bait, so

noted the anglers had done something rather spectacular. Evy had caught a trout cod, while her mum had caught a Murray cod. Trout cod have larger eyes and an overhanging upper jaw, whereas Murray cod have a shorter snout. Trout cod generally are grey-blue in colour with more defined markings/ spots while the Murray cod boast olive green tones and mottled markings. Trout cod are classified as threatened and restrictions apply. The Murray cod legal size is 55-75cm with a catch limit of one per person per day. For upcoming event

Evy caught a trout cod while her mum landed a Murray cod!

RECIPES THAT ARE ‘WIRF’ IT

Chilli salmon pasta INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) 4 portions fresh salmon 4 handfuls baby spinach 1 small brown onion, diced 1 red chilli, diced (or dried chilli flakes) Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper 4 portions fresh fettuccine METHOD Panfry the salmon fillets skin side down for 3 minutes or until crispy. Flip and cook a further 2-3 minutes until almost cooked through. Put aside to rest and bring a large pot of water to the boil, then add the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, fry off the onion and chilli using a generous splash of oil. Remove from the heat and add spinach. You can flake the salmon to stir through the pasta or leave it whole. Once your pasta is ‘al dente’, drain immediately and with another dash of oil, salt and pepper, stir the pasta through the chilli and onion and add the salmon (either flaked or whole). Serve with crunchy bread and enjoy! 70

MARCH 2020

Trout cod (top) and Murray cod (bottom). imagine the excitement when a mother and daughter duo hooked their fish within seconds of each other. Excitement filled the boat, especially for young Evy who caught her very first cod! Photos were taken and the fish were released. It wasn’t until later that it was

details and to see what else has been happening, please head to our Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/ womenrecfishing/ or via the VFA website/Facebook page. Are you a WIRF woman? If not, we’d love to have you on board. Join us on FB today!

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR 2020

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

7-8 Mar

ABT BREAM Round 3

Derwent River

11-12 Mar

ABT BREAM Round 4

St Helens

21-22 Mar

Vic Bream Classics Round 2

Metung

28-29 Mar

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 2

Georges River

4-5 Apr

ABT BREAM Round 5

Mandurah

10-13 Apr

Good Friday Appeal Easter Fishing Competition

San Remo

18-19 Apr

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 3

Mallacoota

25-26 Apr

Vic Bream Classics Round 3

Mallacoota

29 Apr-1 May

ABT BREAM Australian Open

Sydney

2-3 May

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 4

Blackwood River

16-17 May

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 5

Woy Woy

30-31 May

ABT BREAM Round 6

Forster

20-21 Jun

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 6

Gold Coast

20-21 Jun

Vic Bream Classics Round 4

Nelson

25-26 Jul

ABT BREAM Round 7

Bribie Island

29-30 Aug

ABT BREAM Round 8

Richmond River

19-20 Sep

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 7

Forster

26-27 Sep

ABT BREAM Round 9

Gladstone

3-4 Oct

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 8

Albany

17-18 Oct

Hobie Kayak Bream Series 12 Round 9

St Georges Basin

17-18 Oct

Vic Bream Classics Round 5

Warrnambool

6-8 Nov

ABT BREAM Grand Final

Port Stephens

28-29 Nov

Vic Bream Classics Grand Final

Marlo

abt.org.au

vicbreamclassics.com.au

hobiefishing.com.au

abt.org.au

jimsbaitandtackle.com.au

hobiefishing.com.au

vicbreamclassics.com.au

abt.org.au

hobiefishing.com.au

abt.org.au

hobiefishing.com.au

vicbreamclassics.com.au

abt.org.au

hobiefishing.com.au

abt.org.au

hobiefishing.com.au

vicbreamclassics.com.au

abt.org.au

vicbreamclassics.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. MARCH 2020

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

World’s biggest fishing comp enters 12th year! The world’s biggest fishing competition the Pirtek Fishing Challenge is now in its 12th year. It’s a one-day catch, photo and release event to be held on Sunday March 15, 2020. Keen anglers of all ages will compete right across Australia fishing their favourite locations. The Pirtek Fishing Challenge raises funds and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Peter Duncan Neuroscience Research Unit. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is a broad based community organisation and the peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia. It is dedicated to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners and families, recognising the diversity of the Australian community. The Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit has recently been lauded as the number one Neuroscience Research facility in Australia. The focus of the Unit is to study adult stem cells and their role in causing and exacerbating neurological

plus postage. Everyone who registers receives a limited edition Pirtek Fishing Challenge cap and brag mat. New in 2020 is that each Junior who enters receives a pack of Berkley Powerbait Nemesis lures. There are target species in each state of Australia, plus the Murray Darling Basin, ‘East Coast Freshwater’ and ‘Mountain Trout’. For the longest fish in each species, there are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and 1st and 2nd in

our ‘On The Water’ prizes – a Stacer 469 Outlaw tiller steer boat and trailer package, including an Evenrude E-Tec 75hp outboard engine (valued at $31,990), Snap-On Tools tool kits (two valued at $2600 and eight valued at $600), a Lowrance Hook 2 fish finder (valued at $2000), a Berkley fishing tackle pack (valued at $2000), or a $500 Valvoline product pack. Altogether, the prize pool is worth a massive $215,000. Another first for 2020 is the Lowrance Fishing Club competition. Ten lucky fishing clubs will win a Hook 2 Split Shot 7 inch sounder GPS units valued at $800. The registered club with the most members entered for the 2020 Pirtek

Fishing Challenge in each state plus the Northern Territory will win this terrific prize. There are two units for NSW/ ACT, QLD and Victoria along with a unit for WA, SA, TAS and NT. All competitors need to do is enter their Fishing Club’s name at the time of registration. Remember, the idea is to grab the family or a couple of mates for the day, have a great time fishing and raise dollars for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit at St Vincent’s Hospital. Hopefully you can also grab some big prizes for yourself! – Pirtek Fishing Team

YOUR CHALLENGE • Enter the challenge via the website and be sure to read the terms and conditions. • After you have registered, a limited edition Fishing Challenge cap and Fishing Challenge brag mat will be posted to you. • The list of target species is available via the website www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au. diseases. The goal is to find and apply new neuroscience techniques for patients suffering from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, and other neurological infections and stroke. Proceeds from the Pirtek Fishing Challenge will be split between these two leading medical research organisations. Registration is $25,

the Juniors. Plus a $4000 cash prize if your catch is closest to the ‘Mystery Length’ in your category. The list of target species is now available on www. pirtekfishingchallenge. com.au. Even if you don’t catch the biggest fish, (or any fish at all), just by entering you’re in the draw to win one of

• On Saturday, 14 March 2020 (after 6:00pm) you will be sent via email a repeat list of the target species plus your angler number. You can also log on to the website to download this information. • Anglers will commence fishing at the official sunrise time in their State/Territory on Sunday, 15 March 2020 and cease fishing at the official sunset time in their State/Territory on Sunday, 15 March 2020. • No Lines in water prior to the official sunrise time (State/Territory of the competitor) on Sunday, 15 March 2020 and all lines out of the water at the official sunset time (State/Territory of the competitor) on Sunday, 15 March 2020. • When you catch your target species simply lay the live fish with the nose in line with the ‘0’ (zero) measurement on the Pirtek bragmat. • Photograph the fish so the entire length can be seen in the photograph along with your angler number. • Check out the Photographing Your Fish page for information on how to correctly photograph your catch. • Remember to write your angler number clearly in the white box provided on the brag mat. • Check your photograph to ensure the whole fish is in the photograph and the nose end of the fish is in line with the ‘0’ (zero) measurement and the overall

MARCH 2020

length along with the angler number is clearly visible. • If you do not receive your brag mat before Sunday 15 March, you may measure and photograph your fish using last year’s brag mat, a fisheries measuring sticker, another competitors mat (with your Angler Number), or a generic brag mat. • If you are not happy with the photograph, simply take another one. • Quickly release the fish and try to catch a bigger one. • Only a fish caught by the registered angler can be entered. • Any photograph that shows a fish not alive or damaged will not be accepted. • Any photograph which has undergone digital manipulation, i.e., photoshop, will be disqualified. • You can only upload one photograph per angler to the website. This needs to be your biggest fish. • Follow the directions on the website to upload your photograph. • The upload needs to be complete by 7:00am AEDT, Monday, 16 March 2020. • Any photographs uploaded after this time will not be accepted. • If your photograph is damaged, blurry or the overall measurement of your fish is not clearly seen with your angler number the photograph will be disallowed. • Check the website on Saturday, 21 March, 2020 to see if you’re a winner. The National Fishing Challenge committee’s decision will be final and no correspondence entered into.

Size Range: Up to 1m, but more commonly encountered at 30-60cm.

Tactics: Smelly baits are very effective for carp. Carp will also get up into shallow water and mooch along the bottom looking for aquatic insects, and this is where fly anglers can have some fun, sometimes landing some huge specimens. Rigs: A medium running sinker rig, paternoster rig or float rig with 6-20lb braided line onto a 10-20lb leader. Anglers can obviously go lighter in clear water free of snags. Bait: Baits as varied as scrubworms, corn, bread, dough, shrimp and grubs are all attractive to carp and the use of berley will increase your success rate dramatically. Lures: Carp will take lures, usually as by-catch. Fly anglers can target carp in shallow water by sight fishing with small nymphs.

GOLDEN PERCH Size Range: Up to 75cm, commonly caught at 25-50cm.

Tactics: Lures and live baits are popular, and they also love to hunt down worms and grubs set on the bottom. Lures cast around fallen timber in rivers and standing timber in lakes are all successful, especially around first and last light, and the warmer periods of the year are generally preferred. Rigs: Running sinker rig and a paternoster rig are both good options with 20lb braided main line to 20lb leader. The same line weights can be used for lure fishing. Bait: Baits of yabby, live shrimp, worms and even smelly dead baits are successful. Lures: Lures like Australian-made hardbodied lures, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits all do damage on yellowbelly.

MURRAY COD Size Range: Up to 1.8m, common from 40-80cm. Tactics: Murray cod are a structure-loving and territorial species. Therefore, lures or baits fished or cast around big snag complexes repetitively usually get a response eventually. During periods of low light, they will often leave their lairs in search of food. Rigs: 20-30lb should be your minimum line weights for both your mainline and leader. Lures: Murray cod will eat a variety of surface lures, hardbodies, lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits. As with bait, lures should be big and annoying to achieve the best results.

REDFIN

Size Range: Up to 60cm, common from 20-40cm.

Tactics: Redfin are a schooling fish, so finding schools of fish before deploying bait or lures is preferred. Redfin are very aggressive and will respond to a variety of presentations in the lakes and rivers where they have been introduced. Rigs: A small running sinker rig fished vertically from a boat on 6-10lb is sufficient for redfin anywhere. Bait: Any small invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans and insect larvae make great redfin bait. Yabbies and shrimps are definitely standouts when searching for bigger perch. Lures: Anything suitable for bass or trout will certainly fool redfin. Small hardbodies, soft plastics, surface lures and even flies will readily take perch.

Rigs: Light braided line around 4-6lb with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader around 8-14lb is preferred for lure fishing. The same applies for bait fishing, with unweighted, weighted and floated rigs working, depending on how deep and where the fish are holding.

COASTAL

Tactics: Bass in rivers love structure, but when they spawn in winter, they will school up in open water around the tidal reaches. Bass can be a little different in the dams. If there are bony bream or other schooling baitfish present, the bass will usually school up in deep water, chasing the smaller bony bream. If there is a lot of structure around the edges and the food source in predominately insects, small fish and shrimps, the bass will feed in shallow water. Fishing where the bass are with lures or bait that mimics what food source is available is the preferred approach.

Bait: Grasshopper, cricket, worms, yabbies, and particularly live shrimp are successful. Lures: Bass take a variety of lures from surface lures, diving lures, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, jigs and even flies. Match your lures to suit where and how the bass are feeding.

BREAM (ALL SPECIES) Size Range: Up to 50cm, common from 25-35cm.

Tactics: Bream are incredibly widespread and can be found in just about every saltwater river, creek and coastal lake in the state. Bream love structure – especially rock – and if you find rocks or other hard structure in the intertidal zone, you can be sure that bream hang around it at some time of the day. Bream will also aggregate around weed an flooded grass at times. Keep the gear light when bream fishing, as this will get you more bites. If you want to catch a bream on a lure, make sure that it’s small. They’ll eat nearly every bait you can find or buy, it just needs to be presented in a natural way. Rigs: Running sinker onto a #1 or 1/0 hook will work for the bait anglers. For the lure brigade, 2-6lb braided line connected to 6-10lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader is ample.

COASTAL

CARP

Size Range: Up to 65cm, common from 30-40cm.

Bait: Because they are omnivorous almost anything found or bought should catch bream, including white bread, which is an under-used favourite. Lures: Small hardbodied divers, smaller than your little finger, cast around rocky shores and worked with a slow, steady retrieve are hard to beat. When fish go deeper, tiny soft plastics and blades with according jighead size is a sure-fire way to pin a bream. At times, they will also rise to small surface lures.

FLATHEAD

Size Range: Up to 1.1m, commonly caught 30-65cm. Tactics: Flathead are classic ambush predators that use camouflage to their advantage, often burying themselves in sand or mud when awaiting their prey. Drop offs, weed edges, hard rock and mud edges are all great spots for flathead. Flathead have a preference for tidal movement, either running in or running out, and don’t feed as much when the water is slack. Rigs: A running sinker rig with 6lb braid with a 15lb leader is sufficient for bait fishing. The same goes for lure fishing, but try to attach your lures with a loop knot where possible to maximize the action of the lure.

COASTAL

Lures: Winged lures trolled off a downrigger are fantastic for when trout are schooling deep. Hardbodies, small bladed spinners and soft plastics are great for trout in shallow water.

BASS

Bait: Flathead will eat anything they can fit in their mouth, whether it’s live, dead, big or small. Lures: Most lures work well on flathead, the trick is to have it in their face. Lures such as soft plastics, vibes, lipless crankbaits and hardbodied lure all take flathead, and they’ve been known to chase down swimbaits and surface lures as well.

AUSTRALIAN SALMON Size Range: Up to 90cm, common from 30-60cm.

Tactics: Salmon make migrations along the coast and come in close to beaches and headlands to chase bait. Anglers use this aggressive behaviour to their advantage, and rack up huge scores of fish casting baits and lures from the beach and headlands. They will also occasionally head up into rivers. Rigs: A lightly-weighted live bait or moving dead bait is hard to beat when concentrations of salmon have been found. Bait: Any readily available baitfish rigged live is dynamite, with squid and a variety of dead flesh baits also great for salmon.

TASMANIA

Bait: Baits of worms, crickets, grasshoppers, mudeyes and shrimps can all be successful at different times.

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

Tactics: In dams and lakes trout can form huge school in deep water, and this is when they can be caught trolling lures. Trout are an opportunistic predator in streams, meaning they will investigate anything that comes into their domain. At other times, trout can sometimes be very fussy, particularly when there is a specific hatch of insects or baitfish in the area. Drifting baits, or casting small lures and flies is a good tactic in rivers.

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

Size Range: Up to 1m, common from 30-50cm.

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

(BROWN AND RAINBOW, INC. TASMANIA)

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

TROUT

GREAT DIVIDING RANGE

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

Lures: Salmon can be highly aggressive and willing to chase down a huge range of lures, from metal slices, hardbodies, soft plastics, surface lures, flies and even improvised presentations! Offerings that resemble the available bait tend to get more attention, however matching the hatch is not always necessary. MARCH 2020

BAIT & TACKLE

MARINE MECHANICS

WEST COAST

PROVEN WORLD LEADING

Naaj Marine 0421 955 371

Portland Bait & Tackle (03) 5523 5213

Unique Marine Accessories (03) 5427 1802

Compleat Angler Portland (03) 5521 1844

CMC Marine Sales

CENTRAL

MARINE ACCESSORIES

www.cmcsales.com.au

ANCHOR DESIGNS

The SARCA EXCEL and SUPER SARCA are certified type approved Super High Holding Power Super Sarca

Sarca Excel

Hunter Marine Boat Builders (03) 5032 2320

CENTRAL

Stick with convex design and leave the mud behind

Chelsea Yamaha (03) 9772 1212

For all your fishing tackle needs

Designed and manufactured in Australia Check out the holding power figures on www.anchorright.com.au www.anchorright.com.au | 03 5968 5014

Anchor Right 03 5968 5014 or www.anchorright.com.au All you need to worry about are the fish

CUSTOMISED MAINTENANCE & SERVICE to meet your individual boating needs

Salt-away 1800 091 172 or www.salt-away.com.au Signature Trimming 0423 636 744

ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED…

Best Brands – Great Advice Now Stocking

products

Outboard service & repairs Complete boat & motor fitouts Electrical accessory installations

SERVICE CENTRE

KRIS OAKLEY MARINE SERVICES

5 Quality Drive, Dandenong South 3175 Victoria Email: krisoakleymarine@hotmail.com Phone: (03) 9794 5524

Kris Oakley Marine Services (03) 9794 5524

Specialty Fishing Products

www.specialtyfishing.com.au

Korr Lighting

www.korrlighting.com.au

She Left

www.hdvcs.com.au

GT Lures

www.fishlures.com.au

FG Wizz

www.fgwizz.com.au

JV Marine World Braeside (03) 9798 8883

FOR SALE

Melbourne Marine Centre (03) 9703 2003

FOR SALE – UNIQUE & CLASSIC

Regal Marine (03) 9874 4624 Streaker Marine (03) 9729 8288

BEACH HOUSE

Genuine Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Triple M Marine (03) 9465 8787

Come in and say hello PROUDLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY MICHAEL FELSOVARY

For updates check us out on Facebook

Hooked On Bait and Tackle

174-180 OLD GEELONG ROAD, HOPPERS CROSSING

03) 9748 3811 Open 7 Days

(

Hooked On Bait and Tackle Hoppers Crossing (03) 9748 3811

Warragul Marine (03) 5623 6250

EAST COAST

• Private beach house with 180º ocean views • Own beach • Includes fully registered bus/motorhome • WIWO – everything included

Inverloch Marine (03) 5674 1502

FRESHWATER

Melbourne Marine Centre (03) 9703 2003 JV Marine World Braeside (03) 9798 8883

Boats and More Shepparton (03) 5822 2108

Compleat Angler Ringwood (03) 9870 7792

Boats and More Echuca (03) 5482 1992

The Flyfisher Melbourne (03) 9621 1246

BE QUICK!!! AS THIS WON’T LAST

Eades Xtreme Marine Echuca (03) 5482 2333

EAST COAST

LOCATION: Central North Coast of Tasmania

Always Angling Traralgon (03) 5174 8544

• This cedar beach house has everything you want in life with a natural deep water channel where the high tide comes up to 5 metres from your bedroom deck .

FRESHWATER

Offers over $680,000 or at Auction

Compleat Angler Echuca (03) 5482 1992

Contact Andy – andy.floyde@yahoo.com ph/txt 0400 076 794 More info. forsalebyowner.com.au ph. 0488 847 018 code #63637

Compleat Angler Shepparton (03) 5822 2180 Compleat Angler Wangaratta (03) 5722 4622

SCREEN PRINTING

ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS

Logan Specialised Screen Printing (07) 5546 4107 FG Wizz www.fgwizz.com.au

GET THE ULTIMATE FG KNOT TOOL

MINN REPAIRS & SERVICING Ideal for braids and leaders large and small.

MODIFIED DESIGN

allows braid tension adjustment

CHECK IT OUT ONLINE ORDERS

www.fgwizz.com.au

• All electric motor brands • Australia wide freight • Quick turn around • Authorised Minn Kota/Watersnake repairer Minn Repairs & Servicing Call Troy 0412 605 080 – W: minnrepairs.com minnrepairsservicing E: minnrepairs@gmail.com

Advertise here $90 + GST for 6 months Email: pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

BOAT TRAILER CENTRAL Vic Marine & Trailer Warehouse 0412 264 450

BOAT HIRE Lake Eildon Houseboats (03) 9397 6977 Boab Boat Hire Shepparton (03) 5822 2108

Minn Repairs & Servicing 0412 605 080

Boab Boat Hire Echuca (03) 5482 1992

This section in V&TFM Fishing Monthly consolidates the trades and services in your area that are relevant to your fishing and boating. Whether you’re a local looking for more options or a travelling angler fishing around the state, this guide will direct you to reputable businesses in the area you’re searching. 76

MARCH 2020

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

CENTRAL

Timeout Fishing Charters

WEST COAST

ALL YOUR FISHING MONTHLY GEAR

Warrnambool Holiday Park (03) 5562 5031

EAST COAST

SHALLOW INLET CARAVAN PARK On the Waters Edge

FRESH BAIT | HIRE BOATS | ICE

• Easy access for boats • 10 cabins (3 with ensuites) • LPG gas refills • Kiosk

• Plenty of powered and unpowered camping sites • BBQs • Playground

FREE ADVICE ON WHERE THEY’RE BITING

OPEN

from dawn to dusk

7 DAYS

Lester Rd Yanakie WILSONS PROM E sicp@sicp.com.au

03 5687 1385

Shallow Inlet Caravan Park (03) 5687 1385

This is where your copy will appear. You will have approximately 30 words within a 5x2 ad size.

$320 + GST for 6 months Email : pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au

From

T-Shirts

0400 440 705 www.timeoutfishingcharters.com.au

22 85

Timeout Fishing Charters 0400 440 705 South-West Fishing Charters, Portland 0418 306 714 Gone Fishing Charters 0409 007 068 Able Fishing & Charters, Williamstown (03) 9502 3777 ACE Fishing Charters, Bonbeach (03) 9773 4183 Adamas Fishing Charters, Barwon Heads (03) 5254 3320 Big Red Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 1800 805 587

SAMPLE AD - BUSINESS NAME

Blue Magic Fishing Charters, Rowville (03) 9759 5301 Geelong Charters & Fishing Trips, Geelong (03) 5275 7107

Phone Cases From

29 45

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Katrina Louise Charters, Cheltenham 0402 828 140

From

Kestrel Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 1783

Queenscliff Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 0458 504 058 Pro Red Fishing Charters 0421 442 775

1 7 27

Rip Charters Fishing Trips, Sorrento (03) 5984 3664 Saltwater Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 4888 Off The Hook Fishing Charters 0419 554 916 St Kilda Fishing Charters, St Kilda (03) 9770 2200 Western Port Fishing Charters, Hastings (03) 9769 5544

EAST COAST

EAST GIPPSLAND

Clocks $

Far Out Charters, Lakes Entrance 0428 401 819

MARLO

21 Marine Parade MARLO VIC

OCEAN VIEWS CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

N O W AVA IL A B L E

03 5154 8268

• Deluxe cabins HOSTS: Les & Kathy HEYNE • Cabins with ensuite • Budget cabins • Premium ensuite vans • Powered & Unpowered sites • Pet friendly • Undercover BBQ areas in Marlo • Large oval • Kitchen Largest park • Camp fires • Kiosk the beach to Short walk • Coffee shops

www.marlocamping.com.au Marlo Ocean Views Caravan and Camping Park, Marlo (03) 5154 8268 Bemm River Holiday Accommodation & Boat Hire, Bemm River (03) 5158 4233 or 0427 584 233

Lazy Acre Log Cabins 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM SPACIOUS COTTAGES ♦ Solar Pool ♦ Free Wi-Fi ♦ Air-Con/Heating ♦ Fishing Advice ♦ Boat Parking

Prom Coastal Charters, Yanakie (03) 5687 1248 or 0429 935 583 East Gippsland Charters 0400 564 032

FRESHWATER Angling Expeditions Victoria, Tawonga (03) 5754 1466 Highland Trout Lakes, Ballarat (03) 5368 9574

Carry Bags From

20 3 3

Millbrook Lakes Lodge, Ballarat (03) 5334 0404

TASMANIA & FLINDERS ISLAND Gone Fishing Charters, St Helens (03) 6376 1553

Throw Pillows

Fish Wild Tasmania, Hobart 0418 348 223

and lots more...

Ausprey Tours, Launceston (03) 6630 2612

Flinders Island Adventures, Flinders Island (03) 6359 4507 Trout Territory, Northern Midlands (03) 6397 5001

NSW SOUTH COAST Reel Affair, Merimbula freecall 1800 233 247

Quiet central location Ideal for all the family Close to 90 mile beach 5min drive to boat ramps

42 7 0

Espirit Charters, Bermagui (02) 6493 4104 or 0407 260 110

From

25 4 2

MANY DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS ALL MADE TO ORDER

Freedom Charters, Eden (02) 6496 1209 or 0415 602 446 Headland Fishing Adventures, Merimbula (02) 6495 1134 Island Charters, Narooma (02) 4476 1047 or 0408 428 857 K9 Fishing Charters, Merimbula (02) 6495 1681 Merimbula Marina, Merimbula (02) 6495 1686 or 0427 951 080 Narooma Charters, Narooma 0407 909 111 O’Brien Charter Service, Bermagui 0407 214 124

(03) 5155 1323 ♦ 0418 516 555 ♦ 35 Roadknight Street, LAKES ENTRANCE

FISHING GUIDES NSW SOUTH COAST

Lazy Acre Log Cabins, Lakes Entrance (03) 5155 1323

CHARTER BOATS WEST COAST Portland Fishing Charters, Portland (03) 5523 3020

Wilderness Fishing Tours, Mallacoota 0424 625 160 Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures (02) 6495 9902 or 0400 062 504

CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014 Salt-away 1800 091 172 or www.salt-away.com.au

fishingmonthly.redbubble.com

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2020

FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS COLOURFUL CATCHES

BUTTERFLYFISH DAMSELFISH BLUE BANDED GOBY PARROTFISH SURGEONFISH MANDARINFISH CORAL TROUT BLUE GROPER MAORI WRASSE

FAIRY BASSLET DISCUSFISH BLUE TANG CORONATION TROUT MAHI MAHI FLAME SNAPPER HARLEQUIN FISH VENUS TUSKFISH

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 MARCH 2020

Phone (day):

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

Complete the Find the Word and go in the draw to win a Fishing Monthly Prize Pack containing a limited edition neck scarf and a Fishing Monthly environmentally-friendly tote bag.

SPOT THE

10 DIFFERENCES

FINS SCALES & TALES by A. Both

ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to Oscar Sorell, who was last month’s winner of the Find-aWord Competition! Monthly winners receive a Fishing Monthly prize pack. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – V&TFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winners for January are W Moore of Raymond Island, T Johnson of Canterbury, P Holdsworth of Port Melbourne, P Stammers of Beveridge, and T Martin of Kyneton, who won an Remington Ultimate Series RX5 Head Shaver valued at $150. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks.– V&TFM

of Clunes, G Smith of Stawell, G Thomson of North Geelong, J Drummond of Moe, J Mutch of Balmoral, J Smith of Carranballac, A Pollard of Darley, T Edwards of Castlemaine, W Johnson of Morwell, K Sutherland of Drysdale, G McPherson of Tullamarine, T Kubeil of Euroa, P Hutcheson of Moe, A Melis of Reservoir, G Finco of Sunshine West, J Barns of Euroa, M Fallon of Hamilton, K

Carter of Shepparton, B Schnitzer of Cooma, J Steenhuis of Warrnambool, S Ward of Curlewis, P Gigliotti of Coburg North, M Pearce of Devonport, M McIntyre of Malvern East, D Dunn of Warrnambool, K Morrison of Moama, J Sherman of Enfield, D Coltish of Tatura, C White of Geelong West, R Parry of Stawell, C Kelly of Cranbourne. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

FIND THE ZMAN LOGO

MARCH 2020

GUESS THE FISH?

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Threadfin Salmon

The answers to Find the ZMan Logo for January were: 9, 18, 20, 24, 27, 30, 36, 37, 43, 47, 54, 59, 64, 67, 82. – V&TFM The Find the ZMan Logo prize winners for January were: B Rafferty of Maryborough, R Abernethy of Horsham, N Hoffrichter of Cobden, A Strange of Cardigan, N Knights of Bayswater North, S Stewart of Ballan, B Howieson of Waratton Bully, M Rose of Caple Sound, G Easterbrook of Tootgarook, G Morrison

Answer:

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat

Inside story...

Sea Jay Aluminium Boats has been family owned and operated for over 30 years, and the name has become renowned for strength, quality workmanship and customization with the angler in mind. Whether you’re fishing in fresh or salt, inshore or offshore, Sea Jay will provide you with a model to suit your boating and fishing needs.

Made for...

Sea Jay specialises in boats for sports anglers, offering a stable fishing platform and plenty of storage.

This month...

Editor Steve Morgan takes the Sea Jay 473 Territory with Yamaha F60hp onto Somerset Dam. Check it out on page 86!

80 Rod holder ideas for the kayak

Justin Willmer discusses a few different options for rod holders on kayaks and why they’re useful.

82 All hands on deck!

Wayne Kampe explains boat decks and why most boats these days will have them, and if your next boat should have one.

84 What’s new in the boating world

Find out what’s going on in the boating world, with the latest news and product releases.

MARCH 2020

Victorian Tide Times

2020 2020 Local Time

POINT LONSDALE – VICTORIA POINT – 144° VICTORIA LAT 38°LONSDALE 18’ S LONG 37’ E

JANUARY Time m JANUARY Time 0506 1048 WE 1653 2249 WE

1 1 2 0538 1126 2

TH 1733 TH 2325

3 0609 1202 3

Time 1.61 0506 0.54 1048 1.36 1653 0.35 2249 1.57 0538 0.52 1126 1.33 1733 0.42 2325 1.52 0609 0.51 1202 1.29 1815

18’ S of High LONG 144° 37’ E TimesLAT and38° Heights and Low Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY Time m Time Time FEBRUARY m Time MARCH m m

Time m Time m 0536 1.53 0458 1.68 05360.41 1.53 10390458 0.421.68 1137 11371.37 0.41 17001039 1.490.42 SA 1753 17530.50 1.37 2246 0.271.49 2339 TH 1700 SA 2246 0.27 2339 0.50 0537 1.65 0606 1.49 06060.39 1.49 11250537 0.351.65 1210 12101.36 0.39 17511125 1.480.35 SU 1834 FR 1751 SU 1834 1.36 2333 0.351.48 2333 0.35 0616 1.60 0014 0.57 00141.44 0.57 12120616 0.301.60 0638 06380.38 1.44 18481212 1.460.30 MO 1243 12431.34 0.38 SA 1848 1.46 MO 1919 1919 1.34 0020 0.45 0052 0.65 00521.39 0.65 06580020 1.550.45 0714 07140.38 1.39 12590658 0.271.55 TU 1316 13161.32 0.38 SU 1259 TU 1953 1.430.27 2012 1953 1.43 2012 1.32 0108 0.56 0132 0.73 01321.33 0.73 07420108 1.480.56 0753 07530.38 1.33 13480742 0.271.48 WE 1355 13551.31 0.38 MO 1348 WE 2101 1.410.27 2111 2101 1.41 2111 1.31 0159 0.67 0220 0.82 0159 0.67 0220 0.82 0832 1.41 0840 1.28 0832 1.41 0840 1.28 14421442 0.290.29 TH 1442 0.38 1442 0.38 TU TH 22082208 1.411.41 2216 22161.32 1.32 02580258 0.770.77 0319 0.88 0319 0.88 09300930 1.351.35 0937 09371.24 1.24 15441544 0.310.31 FR 1540 15400.37 0.37 WE FR 23132313 1.421.42 2328 23281.35 1.35 04070407 0.820.82 0432 0.90 0432 0.90 10351035 1.301.30 1047 10471.22 1.22 1652 0.32 1652 SA 1652 0.32 0.35 TH SA 16520.35

16 16

1.61 0.54 TH 1.36 0.35

17 17

1.57 0.52 FR 1.33 0.42

Time 0554 0554 1156 1156 SU 1844 SU 1844

16 16

m 1.61 1.61 0.17 0.17 1.56 1.56

0007 0.47 17 0007 1.55 0.47 170634 0634 0.17 1.55 1240 MO 1240 MO1940 1940 0051 0051 0717 0717 TU 1326 1326 TU2039 2039 0138 0138 0805 0805 WE 1414 1414 WE2140 2140 0230 0230 0901 0901 TH 1510 1510 TH2244 2244 0333 0333 1007 1007 1619 FR 1619 FR2348 2348 0453 0453 1118 1118 1732 SA SA 1732

0.17 1.51 1.51 0.57 0.57 1.48 1.48 0.22 0.22 1.45 1.45 0.66 0.66 1.40 1.40 0.28 0.28 1.39 1.39 0.75 0.75 1.32 1.32 0.35 0.35 1.36 1.36 0.81 0.81 1.25 1.25 0.40 0.40 1.36 1.36

18 18

0.50 19 4 0000 0641 0000 1.47 0.50 4 0641 1.47 19

19 19

5 5

20 20

6 6

21 21

7 7

22 22

8 8

23 23

0051 0051 1.39 1.39 23 0614 23 0614 0.78 0.78 SU 1227 1.23

FR 1815 FR

1.52 0.51 SA 1.29

SA 1239 0.49 SU SA 1239 1902 1.27 0.49 1902 1.27 0039 0.59 0715 0039 1.41 0.59 0715 0.48 1.41 MO SU 1316 1316 SU 1.25 0.48 1956 1956 1.25 0120 0.68 0120 0.68 0753 1.36 0753 1.36 1358 0.47 0.47 TU MO MO 1358 2058 2058 1.25 1.25 0208 0208 0.78 0.78 0838 0838 1.31 1.31 0.46 WE TU 1444 1444 TU 1.28 0.46 2203 2203 1.28 0305 0305 0.86 0.86 0930 0930 1.27 1.27 TH WE 1537 1537 WE 0.44 0.44 2310 2310 1.33 1.33

0.83 0.83 1.22 1.22 0.42 0.42

SU 1227 1.23 1839 1839 0.41 0.41

1.451.45 0.90 0.90 00160016 0035 0147 0415 00351.42 1.42 0147 1.43 1.43 9 0415 24 24 05250525 0.830.83 9 9 1029 1.24 1.24 0549 0722 9 24 1029 05490.86 0.8624 0722 0.71 0.71 FR 1142 1.28 TH 1640 0.40 SU 1205 1.25 MO 1328 1.27 TH 1640 0.40

FR 1142 1.28 18001800 0.310.31

SU 1205 1.25 1805 18050.31 0.31

MO 1328 1.27 1934 1934 0.39 0.39

Time 0504 0504 1108 1731 SU 1108 2318 SU 1731 2318 0534 0534 1138 1809 MO 1138 MO 1809 2352 2352 0607 0607 1208 1850 TU 1208 TU 1850

0027 0027 4 4 0641 1240 WE 0641

WE 1240 1936 1936 0103 0103 0717 0717 1315 TH 1315 TH 2030 2030 0145 0145 0802 0802 1400 FR 1400 FR 2133 2133 0238 0238 0901 0901 1457 SA 1457 SA 2245 2245

55 66

Local Time APRIL APRIL Time Time m

m Time m m Time m 0529 1.59 0538 1.44 1.51 0529 05381136 1.44 0.32 1.51 11321.59 0.12 0.34 1132 11361826 0.32 1.55 0.34 18290.12 1.65 1.48 MO WE 1.48 23491.65 0.52 WE 1826 1.55 TH 0.52 MO 1829 2349 0.52 0.52 0610 1.53 0004 0.67 1.49 0610 00040613 0.67 1.40 1.49 12161.53 0.17 0.32 1216 0613 1.40 0.33 0.32 19200.17 1.57 1.47 TU TH 1207 0.33 1.50 1.47 FR TH 12071909 0.58 TU 1920 1.57 1909 1.50 0.58 0031 0.59 0040 0.72 1.45 0031 00400651 0.72 1.35 1.45 06530.59 1.46 0.32 0653 0651 1.35 0.35 0.32 13001.46 0.25 1.45 WE FR 1244 0.35 1.44 1.45 WE 1300 SA 20130.25 1.48 FR 12442000 2013 1.48 2000 1.44 0115 0.67 0119 0.76 0.64 0115 01190739 0.76 1.31 0.64 07410.67 1.37 1.40 0741 0739 1.31 0.39 1.40 13451.37 0.34 0.32 TH SA 1329 0.39 1.39 0.32 SU 21100.34 1.40 SA 13292059 1.41 TH 1345 2110 1.40 2059 1.39 1.41 0204 0.74 0210 0.79 0.71 0204 02100742 0.79 1.27 0.71 08380.74 1.29 1.34 0838 07421326 1.27 0.45 1.34 14361.29 0.44 0.33 FR SU 0.45 1.37 0.33 MO 22100.44 1.34 SU 13262107 1.37 FR 1436 2210 1.34 2107 1.37 1.37 0304 0.79 0216 0.78 0.78 0304 0.79 0216 0.78 0.78 0945 1.22 0903 1.27 1.29 0945 1.22 0903 1.27 1.29 1541 0.52 1440 0.51 0.35 MO 1541 0.52 1440 0.51 TU 0.35 SASA MO 2314 1.32 2217 1.34 2314 1.32 2217 1.38 1.38 1.34 04250.81 0.81 0.83 0425 03360336 0.72 0.72 0.83 11011.19 1.19 1.25 1101 10331033 1.34 1.34 1.25 17000.56 0.56 1604 0.38 SU TU 1700 1604 0.55 0.55 0.38 WE TU 1.34 SU 23222322 1.43 1.43 1.34

16 16

Time

0530 16 16 1133 TH 1845 2355

m 0530 1.44 1133 0.34 1845 1.53 2355 0.69 0618 1.36 1215 0.45 1937 1.44

17 17

0618 17 17 1215

18 18

0043 0043 0716 18 18 0716 0.74 1.28

19 19

20 20

21 21

22 22

FR 1937

m 1.44 0.34 1.53 0.69 1.36 0.45 1.44

0.74 1.28 SA 1303 0.55 1303 2032 0.55 1.37 2032 1.37 0140 0.78 0140 0829 0.78 1.22 0829 1.22 0.64 SU 1400 1400 2130 0.64 1.33 2130 1.33 0257 0.78 0257 0945 0.78 1.21 0945 1514 1.21 0.71 MO 1514 2227 0.71 1.32 2227 1.32 0418 0.74 0418 0.74 1058 1.26 1058 1.26 0.74 TU 1636 1636 0.74 2319 2319 1.33 1.33 0521 0521 0.66 0.66 1200 1200 1.34 1.34 WE 1744 1744 0.73 0.73

00151.32 1.32 0346 0.85 0.85 04550455 0.59 0.59 0004 0004 1.36 230015 8 0346 8 1150 23 05500.77 0.77 8 1150 1017 1.23 1.2323 8 23 0550 1017 1.46 1.46 0608 0608 0.57 SU 1610 0.40 MO 1214 1.22 WE 1729 0.55 TH 1249

SU 1610 0.40 MO 1214 1.22 WE 1729 0.55 18140.57 0.57 2358 1.37 1.37 1814 2358

1.36 0.57 1.44 1249 1.44 TH 1834 1834 0.72 0.72

0507 0.81 0.81 01101.36 1.36 1.40 00180018 1.50 1.50 0043 0043 9 0507 9 0601 24 240110 1145 1.27 1.2724 06580.68 0.68 9 0601 9 24 1145 0646 0646 0.49 0658 0.44 0.44 MO 1731 0.40 TU 1316 1.28 FR 1330 TH 1256 1.61

1.40 0.49 TU 1316 1.28 TH 1256 1.61 FR 1330 1.54 1.54 19150.55 0.55 0.70 0.70 1915 18361836 0.53 0.53 1915 1915

MO 1731 0.40

1.41 1.41 01160116 0134 0232 01541.40 1.40 1.501.50 0100 1.44 1.44 0013 01341.50 1.50 0232 1.47 1.47 01090109 1.56 1.56 0117 0117 1.44 10 0013 25 25 25 10 0100 250154 0531 0.90 0.90 0659 0814 07460.59 0.591010 06370637 0.790.7910 0625 0.69 0.6925 10 25 10 25 0531 06590.76 0.7625 0814 0.62 0.62 10 0746 06570657 0.30 0.30 0722 0722 0.42 0625 1132 1.25 1316 1.32 1420 1.33 1409 1.37 1353 1.73 1406 1245 1.29 1301 1.37 FR

SA SA 1245 1.29 MOMO 1316 1.32 TU FR 1132 1.25 TU 1420 1.33 1745 1745 0.34 0.34 18581858 1912 2021 0.290.29 19120.26 0.26 2021 0.38 0.38

1.44 0.42 1409 1.37 1.73 SA 1406 WE FR SA 1.62 1.62 TU 1301 1.37 WE FR 1353 TU 20020.53 0.53 1850 0.37 0.37 2002 19301930 0.52 0.52 1950 1950 0.69 0.69 1850

1.541.54 0155 1.52 1.52 02301.44 1.44 1.49 1.49 02110211 1.47 02261.57 1.57 0308 1.50 1.50 01550155 1.60 1.60 0152 0152 260230 11 0110 26 26 11 0155 26 26 110226 260308 11 0110 07380738 0.720.7211 0756 0856 0730 0.54 0.5426 08260.50 0.501111 0638 0.85 0.85 0756 0756 0.38 07560.64 0.6426 0856 0.54 0.54 11 0730 0826 07470747 0.19 0.19 0638 1445 1.81 1440 1341 1.32 1417 1.41 1506 1.38 1406 1.49 1452 1.45 1238 1.28 SA

SU SU 1341 1.32 TU TU 1417 1.41 WE WE 1506 1.38 SA 1238 1.28 0.280.28 2009 2102 1843 1843 0.28 0.28 19491949 20090.23 0.23 2102 0.39 0.39

1.47 0.38 1452 1.45 1.81 SU 1440 SA SU 1.67 1.67 WE 1406 1.49 THTH WE SA 1445 1955 0.35 0.35 20420.53 0.53 0.68 0.68 1955 2042 20182018 0.53 0.53 2025 2025

03131.63 1.63 0339 1.52 1.52 0300 02390239 1.62 1.62 0227 0227 1.49 0244 1.581.58 0244 1.58 1.58 03001.47 1.47 1.58 1.58 02570257 120313 270339 27 27 12 0201 27 12 0201 27 12 27 08470.51 0.5127 0932 0.47 0.47 12 0900 08360836 0.14 0.14 0829 0829 0.35 0825 0732 08300830 0.650.6512 0847 0932 0825 0.39 0.3927 09000.43 0.431212 0732 0.78 0.78 1513 1.50 1545 1.43 1529 1.52 1535 1.83 1515 1.70 1431 1.34 1504 1.61 1338 1.33

1.34 1513 1.50 TH TH1545 1.43 MO SU 1.33 MO 1431 WEWE SU 1338 21010.23 0.23 2138 0.41 0.41 0.280.28 2101 2138 1935 1935 0.22 0.22 20362036

1.49 0.35 MO MO 1515 1.70 TH TH 1504 1.61 FRFR 1529 1.52 SU SU 1535 1.83 2116 21032103 0.54 0.54 2059 2059 0.68 0.68 2048 2048 0.35 0.35 21160.53 0.53

03210321 1.61 1.61 0302 0302 1.49 03561.66 1.66 0407 1.53 1.53 0328 0330 03301.49 1.49 1.64 1.64 03360336 1.591.59 0328 1.63 1.63 28 28 28 130356 280407 13 0249 28 13 28 13 0249 09220922 0.13 0.13 0901 0901 0.34 0821 09370.38 0.3828 1005 0.41 0.41 13 0915 0932 0937 1005 09320.37 0.371313 0821 0.69 0.69 09140914 0.580.5813 0915 0.26 0.2628 1623 1.79 1550 1.70 1431 1.39 1516 1.37 1605 1.57 1621 1.46 1558 1.69 1602 1.57

1605 1.57 FR 1.37 MO 1.39 TU FR1621 1.46 TH TH MO 1431 TU 1516 21500.26 0.26 2212 0.44 0.44 2150 2212 2024 2024 0.19 0.19 21172117 0.300.30

1.49 0.34 TU TU 1550 1.70 FR FR 1558 1.69 SASA 1602 1.57 MO MO 1623 1.79 21472147 0.56 0.56 2133 2133 0.68 0.68 2137 2150 21500.54 0.54 2137 0.37 0.37

04020402 1.57 1.57 0338 0338 1.47 04361.67 1.67 0435 1.53 1.53 0409 0400 04001.50 1.50 1.68 1.68 04100410 1.591.59 0409 1.64 1.64 140436 290435 29 29 14 0334 29 10071007 0.17 0.17 0933 0933 0.34 10240.27 0.2729 1037 0.37 0.37 14 1002 1004 0907 29 14 29 14 0334 1024 1037 10040.34 0.341414 0907 0.60 0.60 09540954 0.520.5214 1002 0.16 0.1629 TU 1709 1.72 WE 1627 1.68 FR 1657 1.60 SA 1656 1.48 SA 1649 1.72 SU 1636 1.60 TU 1522 1.44 WE 1558 1.38

FR 1657 1.60 SA 1656 1.48 TU 1522 1.44 WE 1558 1.38 22370.31 0.31 2245 0.47 0.47 2237 2245 2112 2112 0.18 0.18 21562156 0.330.33

05151.65 1.65 1.571.57 1.70 1.70 04400440 15 0417 30 150515 11110.20 0.20 0953 30 15 0417 1111 10301030 0.480.4815 0953 0.51 0.51 SA 1749 1.59 WE 1611 1.48 TH 1637 1.39

SA 1749 1.59 TH 1637 1.39 WE 1611 1.48 23230.39 0.39 2323 0.380.38 2159 2159 0.21 0.21 22302230 05080508 1.551.55 11051105 0.440.44 1715 FR 1.381.38 FR 17152304 2304 0.430.43

31 31

SA 1649 1.72 2223 2223 0.41 0.41

SU 1636 1.60 2223 22230.56 0.56

1.47 0.34 TU 1709 1.72 WE 1627 1.68 22302230 0.60 0.60 2208 2208 0.70 0.70

1.44 0449 0432 04450445 1.51 1.51 0414 0414 04321.50 1.50 0449 1.63 1.63 30 30 15 1006 1006 0.35 1048 1035 10501050 0.25 0.25 15 30 10350.32 0.321515 1048 0.12 0.1230 SU 1739 1.71 MO 1710 1.61 WE 1756 1.63 TH 1706 1.64

SU 1739 1.71 2307 2307 0.46 0.46

MO 1710 1.61 2257 22570.59 0.59 0505 1.47 0505 1.47 1105 11050.31 0.31 1746 TUTU 17461.59 1.59 2330 23300.63 0.63

1.44 0.35 TH 1706 1.64 WE 1756 1.63 0.72 0.72 23122312 0.64 0.64 2243 2243

31 31

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia2019, 2019,Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology  Copyright Commonwealth of Australia Datum of Predictions is Lowest AstronomicalTide Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) daylight savings savings time when in effect Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) orordaylight time(UTC (UTC+11:00) +11:00) when in effect New Moon First Quarter LastLast Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon 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. 84

MARCH 2020

WHAT’S NEW BOATING PURSUIT DC 235

The Pursuit DC 235 is packed full of comfortable seating and storage with classic styling throughout. The value and affordability of the DC 235 is delivered through a fully appointed boat with popular options. Notable standards include plush cushions, porcelain marine head, cockpit bolsters and an array of fishing features. A single Yamaha F250 delivers consistent performance for every activity, from fishing to board sports. All Pursuit boats have proven hulls, refined lamination techniques, vacuum-infused stringer grids, and verified installations. These boats are designed and manufactured in the USA. The premium gelcoat is backed by a 5-year hull blister warranty, and there’s also a 5-year hull and deck structural warranty with a 2-year component warranty, all of which are transferable to subsequent owners. The hull bottoms are reinforced with a resin-infused, fibreglass structural grid system, and the lined roto-moulded polyethylene fuel tanks for maximum fuel capacity are designed to eliminate condensation and the effects of ethanol in the fuel. Base price: SRP $134,000 (engines not included) cobaltaustralia.com.au

LOWRANCE HOOK REVEAL

The new Lowrance HOOK Reveal (available in 9”, 7” and 5”) delivers powerful performance with proven fish-finding tools. Anglers will have an easier time seeing fish with FishReveal, which combines on one screen the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging. Genesis Live lets you create custom 0.5ft contour maps of your local waters in real time on the HOOK Reveal screen. Genesis Live maps can also be created and saved on HOOK Reveal non-mapping GPS plotters by placing a blank microSD card into the card slot. A simple interface and HOOK exclusive Autotuning sonar make HOOK Reveal easy to use. Autotuning sonar delivers the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change, making it easy to pinpoint humps, drop-offs and so on. You can choose your preferred combination of display size, sonar type and navigation, from TripleShot (High CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan Imaging) or SplitShot (High CHIRP and DownScan Imaging) transducers and mapping chartplotters or non-mapping GPS plotters. Price: from SRP $529 www.lowrance.com

BIRD STAIN REMOVER

Droppings from birds ruin the looks of any boat and can’t be removed with just soap and water. However, just spray on Star brite Spider and Bird Stain Remover and they will begin to break down instantly. The non-abrasive, non-toxic formula won’t harm fibreglass or painted surfaces, and won’t remove waxes or polish. The droppings simply dissolve without hard scrubbing. The formula is all-natural, contains no bleach and is safe for use around kids and pets. It is safe for all marine surfaces and fabrics. To use, spray it directly on droppings, saturating them. Allow it to penetrate the droppings for 30-45 seconds before gently scrubbing with a boat brush. Rinse well with fresh water. Stubborn or sun-baked droppings may require a second application. www.starbrite.com

SUZUKI 3+3 YEAR WARRANTY

PRODUCT GUIDE

Suzuki Marine has announced an upgrade to their 3+2 year warranty to 3+3 year warranty on all outboards (DF2.5hpDF350hp) purchased from 1 January 2020 for recreational use. This upgrade provides customers with further support, security and peace of mind, and endorses the superior build quality and reliability of Suzuki outboards in the Australian marine environment. This means that from 1 January 2020, any 4-stroke outboard from 2.5hp to 350hp purchased by a recreational operator in Australia can be covered for up to six years in total. The first three years is covered by Suzuki Motor Corporation warranty and the additional extended warranty of three years is covered by Suzuki Marine Australia. To maintain the new warranty period, owners must have and continue to have all periodic servicing (within the servicing guidelines and timeframes) and all maintenance carried out by an authorised Suzuki Marine dealership. www.suzukimarine.com.au

SOUTHERN FORMULA 19

The new Southern Formula range is set to be one of the best bluewater fishing boats produced in Australia, and the new Southern Formula 19 model has all the critical features that fishers have been asking for. Built tough for offshore conditions, standard features include a hinged dive door, full-length bunks, dual live bait tanks, long range fuel tank 280L, underfloor storage, heavy-duty deck hardware, 4x cabin storage shelves, full foamfilled hull and ECM stringer system. The Southern Formula 19 is 6.4m long with a towable beam of 2.4m. Horsepower is 175250hp, the weight (boat only) is approx. 1100kg, the fuel capacity is 280L. It has a variable 21° deadrise for a soft, stable, economical and performing hull, and takes a maximum of five people. Southern Formula boats are built in Australia, and the design and manufacturing team consist of qualified boat builders and a full-time naval architect. These boats have been designed to produce superior performance, with better ride quality, better stability, more efficient hull, dryer ride with overall features and benefits internally. www.southernformula.com.au

QUINTREX TOP ENDER PRO

A good thing just got even better with the release of the new Quintrex Top Ender Pro, which is available in 430, 450, 481, 500, 520 and 540 models. The Top Ender Pro features the current Blade Hull with a new and improved Flared Bow. The stretch-formed aluminium side sheets have more curve that run further down the boat’s length to deflect more spray away from passengers. The range introduced the 430 Top Ender Pro, a smaller and more versatile boat with the same pod transom as the other models. The side-console configuration maximizes fishing space, and there’s heaps of underfloor storage for tackle, iceboxes and fish. In the front casting platform, you can chose to have the standard storage or a livewell. Standard features include a marine VHF radio, rear ladder, four rod holders, three seats and a 5-year warranty. Options include a burley bucket, cutting board, twin battery system for electric motors, lockable rod storage and upgraded seats. www.quintrex.com.au

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

SCAN THE QR CODE!

MARCH 2020

Sea Jay 473 Territory with Yamaha F60 4-stroke - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

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AN THE

launch and retrieve the rig by himself on the decidedly shallow ramp at The Spit. Height-wise, it’ll fit into a standard garage. This rig is a blank canvas for someone who wants to fit out a great little fishing boat that’ll be comfortable anywhere from a freshwater

DE FOR EX

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Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

I love dealing with local manufacturers. Fishing Monthly is located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast in South East Queensland and we are surrounded by local boat makers – possibly more than anywhere else in the country. Sea Jay boats are designed and built in Bundaberg, a few hours north of Brisbane, but their National Sales Manager Garry Fitzgerald is located in the South East. The cool thing is that he’s always giving us a sneak peek of all the new models coming out. We snuck this new 473 Territory up to Somerset Dam on a weekday to keep it on the down low, but SPECIFICATIONS Length............... 4.73m Beam................. 2.24m Depth ................ 1.14m Capacity ..... 5 persons Sides ................... 3mm Bottom ................ 3mm Hull.weight ....... 400kg Max.hp ........ 75 (116kg) Fuel ....................... 80L I’ve subsequently seen it in the yard of Stones Corner Marine. It’s the smaller sibling of the larger 493 Territory that was launched at the Brisbane Boat Show late last year. That boat was such a hit the smaller model went into R&D immediately. 86

MARCH 2020

You can see this boat in action in the video boat test (by scanning the QR code on your mobile phone at the top of this article) or by searching on the Fishing Monthly Magazines YouTube page. For more information on Sea Jay boats, visit www.

PERFORMANCE

Main: The 473 Territory is a great looking boat and definitely suits a buyer who wants their first ‘serious’ fishing boat that can be customised for most inshore situations. Above: The test model was fitted with Yamaha’s F60hp 4-stroke, which yielded over 3km/L economy at cruising speeds. Like most Sea Jay hulls, this one performs well with power less than the maximum allowed. Sea Jay calls the hull design used for the Territory the Adrenalin Next Gen hull. It’s their old Adrenalin hull with the full transom of a Samurai hull added. For me, that full transom (rather than a cut out with a low point where water can splash in) gives you serious peace of mind when you decide to take out this boat and catch your first mackerel or marlin. “We had a lot of feedback from dealers and customers that smaller versions of this boat would be in demand so we got moving on the designs straight away,” said Garry, “and I reckon the team got it right with this boat.” Indeed, after a morning’s boating and fishing on Somerset, I can really see

how Aussie anglers can fall in love with these locally made rigs. The hull is beamy (2.24m) for its 4.73m length and the three of us on board for the day had no problems at all with stability and had plenty of room to fish and film. The spacious front casting deck also has a mile of storage underneath and this space now includes an underfloor anchor locker that gives you unimpeded casting access right up to the bow. The test boat was fitted with an F60hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboard. At 15hp under the maximum allowed, it could definitely do with some extra ponies on the back. At wide open, it hit a modest 45km/h at 5,600rpm at 2.3km/L. Drop it back to 4,500rpm and the economy tops 3km/L at 36km/h. Supplied on a single

axle trailer, this rig is easily towable by basically anything with a tow bar. Fitzy was able to easily

RPM....... Speed.(km/h)....... Economy.(km/L) 700 ............................ 5 ............................ 5.6 1000 .......................... 7 ............................. 7.2 2000.........................11 ............................ 3.4 3000.........................15 ............................ 2.1 4000........................ 31 ............................ 3.0 4500 ........................ 36 ............................ 3.1 5000........................ 40 ............................ 2.6 5600 ........................ 45 ............................ 2.3 lake to Moreton Bay. Add your own combination of electric motor and electronics to customise it to the types of fishing you like and enjoy!

seajayboats.com.au and check out Sea Jay Boats on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest products and boat show appearances.

With the 60hp, the 473 Territory is definitely no rocket ship, maxing out at 45km/h.

Top: It’s good to have a test boat fitted with the electronics you’d put on yourself. The Minn Kota adds a fair bit of weight to the bow and makes the boat behave a little differently out on the water. Above: You’ll be able to mount as big a sounder as you like on top of the dash. There’s also a compartment for your wallet, keys and mobile phone.

Top: The 473 Territory has a full transom with neat rigging and a fold down step. Above: Like all boats with a raised casting platform, you’ll find plenty of storage underneath.

The Yamaha F60hp definitely matches the styling of this rig.

The front casting deck is high and beamy. Moving the anchor well to under the deck gives unprecedented access to the bow of the boat.

It would be a challenge to fill this room with all of your camping and fishing gear. There’s plenty of open space on the deck.

Top Left: The inbuilt transom gives you covered space for batteries and other storage. Top Right: Concealed under the foredeck, the repositioned anchor well is definitely big enough to keep your anchor stowed while travelling. Bottom Left: There’s a livewell in the port transom, which pumps in and has a gravity overflow onto the duckboard. Bottom Right: The Territory is light enough to tote on a single axle trailer.

Left and Right: Sea Jay typically keeps their consoles and seating simple. Additional seat bases can be added to help you get weight distribution right for the best ride possible. MARCH 2020