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October 2018, Vol. 1 No. 2

Contents 10

METRO Perth metro

Cockburn Sound

Swan & Canning Rivers

Metro Offshore

SOUTH COAST Esperance 21 Bremer Bay

Albany 20 WEST COAST Augusta 24 Busselton 25 Bunbury 26 Mandurah 28 Lancelin 29 Jurien Bay

Geraldton 31 Kalbarri 32 GASCOYNE COAST Shark Bay

From the Editor’s Desk... What a great response we had to the first issue! To get so much feedback on a print media publication in this age where everything is going digital was very encouraging. Thank you to all of the readers who bought the first issue and got in touch to say how much you enjoyed it. Getting positive feedback is always very refreshing and lets us know that we are on the right track. Going forward we aim to grow and improve with each and every issue. October is a busy month in the calendar for closed seasons on the West Coast bioregion, so be sure you are well aware of the closure of Cockburn and Warnbro sounds to pink snapper fishing and, of course, the one everyone dislikes, the demersal closure that comes into place on the 15th. If you plan on not using

this time to get out on the water, maybe consider getting the boat in for its annual service and go over all of your safety gear to ensure it is in date and in good condition.

Unfortunately, the last couple of years have seen a growing number of boating tragedies. Let’s see if we can make this summer a zero boating fatality year. Another great initiative

Ian Sewell to look at is the Department of Transport’s 30-second challenge. There is a major Fisheries review into crabbing coming up, so please keep your eyes out for it so you can submit your views. Crabbing is the biggest recreational fishing activity so it will be interesting to see what is coming up and what options we will have going forward. The main focus of the review is to ensure an abundance of crabs, which is great as I am sure we would all like to see more crabs in the areas that we fish. Just before I sign off, I want to once again thank all of the writers for their great work on this issue. While on the topic of writers, if you think you have some knowledge to pass on in the form of an article or area report, please feel free to get in touch, I would love to hear from you.

Carnarvon 34 Exmouth 35 NORTH COAST Port Hedland

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LOBSTER

Potting some tasty lobsters! WEST COAST

Ian Sewell

Every year as the days get warmer and the boat covers start to come off, the waters off the West Coast start to stir with a massive underwater migration. Western rock lobster start their trek from offshore reefs into the shallow inshore reefs and await the signal to

referred to as ‘whites’. After a week or two, the new shell hardens enough and then just about every boat ramp in the south of the state starts to swell beyond capacity at sun-up every day for the mass migration of rec anglers making the most of the ‘white run’. It is thought that western rock lobster take part in this mass migration event at least once in their lifetime,

that allowed rock lobster to be fished all year round. This is a great outcome from years of managing the fishery so well. This fishery is so well managed it also has Marine Stewardship Council certification as a sustainable fishery. It was granted certification back in 2000 and has since been recertified four times, the last time being in 2017. Interestingly WA’s rock

There are three main colours of a Western rock lobster: (left) ‘white’, (middle) ‘coraly’ and (right) ‘red’. Note the clipped tail fin, which is a requirement for all recreationally caught lobster. start a massive synchronised malt. The exact date varies every year, but it’s safe to say late spring is the approximate time frame. At this time, western rock lobster shed their dark red shell for a light coloured pink/white shell. These lobster are most commonly

usually only after they become sexually mature, or a year or two after. For us as recreational fishers, it is a time of the year where we can catch a good feed of rock lobster with relatively little effort. Back in July 2018, there was a significant rule change

lobster industry has over 50 years of research and science behind it, which I think speaks volumes. It is also WA’s most valuable commercial fishery. GETTING POTS If you want to get in on the action this year, there are a few things you need

There is a large amount of tagging going on with rock lobsters to try and find out more about them. If you find a tag, be sure to record details on where it was caught and the depth so that you can submit the info with the tag number. 8

OCTOBER 2018

to do and think about. The first one is that you will need to buy a recreational Rock Lobster Fishing Licence. This is different to your Boat Fishing Licence, and can be bought online from the fish. wa.gov.au website. Once you have a licence you will need to buy a couple of pots, or if you are handy with your hands and have the time and the inclination, you can build your own. If you do want to build your own, be aware that there are strict rules for dimensions of the pot as well as the placing of the compulsory escape gaps. Depending on where you put the gaps, you will need three or four. These gaps have to be of a very specific size and can be bought or made. Be sure if you buy pots that they have the gaps already in them or that they are supplied when you buy it so that you can fit them yourself. There are quite a few commercially available pots, and these are made out of various materials. There are two types of plastic pots, a wire collapsible pot, as well as commercial wooden slat pots, which can come in pine or jarrah. Pine pots are generally used for the white run and jarrah pots are usually used for chasing ‘reds’ when the white run finishes. Then there are amateur size pots, which are also referred to as 3/4 pots, and these also come in jarrah and pine. Activ Industries produce a great range of pots that are ready to fish, are built well and work just fine. These come in three sizes right down to their smallest Mini A, which is perfect for tinnies or small boats. If buying from Gumtree, be aware that there are a lot of dodgy pot makers out there trying to make a buck. If they are new pots, ensure they have escape gaps properly fitted and are correct dimensions. You are allowed to use two pots per licence, and you are allowed to have a maximum of six pots on a boat, but you are only allowed to pull six pots in a day with three licensed fishers on board. Two licenses would equal four pots. Recently we have also been allowed to pot share, which means you can put another licensed fishers gear ID on the same pot and this person is also able to pull the same pot. For more info on the finer details be sure to check out the regulations on the fish.wa.gov.au website. FINER DETAILS Next you will need some ballast for your pots, as most pots bought off the shelf either have no ballast or have not enough. When trying to work out what to

Even during the white run, it is still possible to pick up resident jumbo crays that are not taking part in the migration. use as weights for your pot, think steel! Concrete, bricks and rocks can work, but take up a lot of space and also hold air, which will slowly bubble out. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, rock lobster shy away from bubbles. So look for steel railway fish plates or any other flat pieces of steel. When adding the steel, there is no such thing as too

heavy, just too light. The idea is that you do not want the pot to move in heavy seas or in strong sea breezes or easterlies. If the pot moves while a lobster is trying to climb in, they will generally not go in. Going for a walk on any beach after the beginning of lobster season you will more often than not see pots washed up on the beach.

LOBSTER These pots are the ones that had too little weight or had weight secured with cable ties. Do not use cable ties to secure ballast into pots. The impact from pushing the pot over the side when setting them will usually snap the cable ties, shooting the ballast out of the bottom escape gap.

Ballast is best secured with stainless wire, or a decent galvanised wire or bolted in place. Again, there is no such thing as too secure. Through the season it is also wise to keep an eye on the securing and watch for any corrosion or possible weakening. Now you have ballast and escape gaps, the next

thing on the list is your rope and floats. Floats need to be a minimum 15cm in diameter, carry your gear ID number on them and if you are pot sharing you will need two floats with a licence number on each. Numbers need to be at least 6cm high and 1cm wide. The best method for achieving this is by using a soldering iron with the tip pulled out and burning the numbers into the float and then applying a dark paint into the groove left behind. Ropes under 20m are straight forward, however ropes over 20m now have to have new rules and must have a weight put half way up the rope to hold it vertically in the water column to try and prevent whale entanglement. It does, however, have a couple of useful benefits. The first is that it keeps excess rope off the surface of the water and reduces the likelihood of boats running over and

When transporting pots think about your weight distribution. A full sized slat pot when wet can easily be in excess of 50kg. fouling or breaking off your ropes. Another benefit is that it stops the float from pulling directly against the pot in times of high wind chop. If there is no weight on the rope, you get what is called

bumping, not only does this walk your pot across the bottom ever so slowly if you do not have enough weight in your pot, but the movement will again stop the lobster from entering your pot.

LOBSTER TIPS AND FACTS

Pulling the pots is something that the kids love to get involved in. The anticipation of what is in the next pot is the same for kids as it is for adults.

• Western rock lobster are more commonly referred to locally as crayfish or crays, which is incorrect. Crayfish are freshwater shellfish, while lobster are saltwater shellfish. • A legal size lobster (76mm) is approximately 6-7 years old. • Western rock lobster can live for up to 20 years and grow to in excess of 5kg. • If you are caught interfering (pulling) other people’s pots, Fisheries will now confiscate your boat. • Read the Fisheries rules and regulations very carefully and be sure that you understand them, all fines associated with rock lobster are very significant.

BAITING UP Now you have some pots ready to go, next up you will need bait. When the run starts you will need a fair bit of it too, so it is best to be prepared. Many recs just use whatever they have in storage, such as fish frames, heads and other fish that they keep aside for the purpose of filling lobster pot bait baskets. This is a great way to recycle fish waste from going to landfill and putting it back into the marine eco system. The other option is to buy boxes of commercially caught and supplied whole fish or fish To page 10

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Trout

Going stealth mode for more trout success METRO

Kurt Blanksby

It’s hard to contain the excitement when arriving at the stream or river that you know contains some good trout, and against everything that I have learnt, I still often manage to spook the first few good fish of the season before I actually slow down and think about what I am doing.

quieter stretches that they will actively search for food, often drifting down current then turning and making their way back up. The general rule that you should fish a section of river by starting downstream and heading up to stay behind the vision of any fish is true, but be very aware that not all fish will be facing into the current. Many locations will actually only allow you to approach from upstream due

It pays to slowly approach the water and look to see if you can spot any fish like this one before it spots you. WA has some amazing trout waters. Sure, they are tough to negotiate, as they often wind their way through dense forest and are heavily overgrown, and many of our trout manage to go their whole lives never getting bothered by anglers, but if you think they are careless, think again!

the nature of the bank-side vegetation or structure, so how do you go unnoticed to any fish facing your you as you approach? After decades of walking the banks and fishing our South West streams and rivers, I can’t stress enough the first rule of trout fishing, and that is to slow down.

consider is getting close enough to the water to fish without being detected. Trout have excellent vision and any large object moving in their field of view both in and out of the water spells danger. A low approach is a must, so that means getting down on hands and knees if there’s no bank-side vegetation, rock or log to hide your silhouette above the skyline. From here you must go slow, really slow, so that there are no sudden movements and you seem to just blend in with the surroundings. It goes without saying that you should also be wearing dull coloured clothing, as a bright red and blue jacket might look stylish, but it doesn’t belong anywhere near a trout steam. You need to go dull, dark and be mindful that even your face and hands will contrast against the surroundings. Believe it or not trout also manage to pick up on loud noises like the thud of you jumping off a log onto a rock near the river, and shouting out to your mate that “there is a good fish here” will not only alert your mate, but also the fish you are trying to catch. Keep your voice low, climb down gently close the river or stream, and again, slow down. SIGHT FISHING Polaroid sunglasses are a must, as actually spotting your quarry before you cast

Dark clothes and crouching is all part of not letting the trout know you are there. and cast so your fly or lure passed the fish in the most natural way. Although I have caught many trout winding a lure upstream past them, their food doesn’t naturally do this, so really wary fish will often spook and shy away from your offering.

Often they are not sure and just continue back to their feeding spot, allowing you to either have another cast or change offerings. I remember one big rainbow followed my lure eight times back to my rod tip only to aggressively attack it on the ninth cast! I

Trout have excellent vision – slow down and look first to make sure it’s not just a log.

This quiet stretch of a WA trout stream produced several good trout by taking it slow and staying out of sight. Most of us manage to trick a few into taking a lure or fly, but if you want to elevate yourself above the everyday angler and really start to become successful at fooling these wary fish, then it’s time to evaluate your methods. THINK ABOUT YOUR APPROACH Generally, trout will face up into the current where food is swept down past them to inspect, but just be aware in slower pools or 38

OCTOBER 2018

Think about each spot well before you approach it and give it some thought to as to where you think the fish might be waiting in ambush or cruising for food. By slowing yourself down, you actually start to process and think about how you will fish it better, whereas just rushing in to fire a cast cuts your chances of success dramatically. If there is no safe way to approach from downsteam, then the next thing you must

will increase your chances of success massively. It pays to actually sit back and watch the water in the spot you are about to fish, take your time and just see if you can locate any trout before you cast. If you do spot one, then again, take time to sit back and observe it for a short while, and see if the fish is holding in one spot or moving about looking for food. If the fish is holding location, then do your best to get downstream behind it

If the fish is cruising around a quieter section of water, then be patient and wait for it to swim past you and away from you before casting well in front of it. I have had numerous fish slowly cruise past me at very close range while I froze dead still, and the only thing moving was my eyes as I watched it glide past unaware I was there. Once you have cast and the fish has locked onto your moving lure or fly, you need to be very conscious of how much body movement you make, remembering that although it has spotted what it thinks is an easy meal, any distraction in the corner of its eye will send it bolting well away from you and your cast. I have had big trout follow a lure right up to the rod tip but not take it, which is very frustrating, but it is critical that you don’t let the fish know you are there. If your lure or fly runs out of water and is almost at the rod tip then just keep very still until the fish loses interest and turns away. If the fish suspects anything dangerous, it will be gone.

suspect it was just not sure what the lure was and out of annoyance if finally gave in. The fact that every time it followed it came within a meter of me without spotting me was remarkable. If you get a follower the only part of your body moving is the hand winding the reel or stripping the fly line, every other part of you

must stay completely still. Even turning your head or moving the rod away too fast will usually be enough to spook them. GETTING A CAST IN You are often fishing from an uncomfortable and crouched position, and rarely do you get the luxury of standing up and easily fishing. This also goes for casting, and if you can’t cast accurately from a backhanded and kneeling position then you had better start practicing. Rarely will you be in a spot where an easy cast is all that is needed, so often it will require you to put your lure in a tiny spot under overhanging branches with only a flick of your wrist. One trick that I like using that is very effective is to use a floating lure or fly and allow it to drift downstream past the fish or location you think the fish will be, then bring it back up current past the fish. It’s hardly ideal, as often any fish will inspect your offering as it drifts over them and be a bit wary from that point on, however if there is no other option this method will serve you well and allow you to hook fish in spots most others wouldn’t be able to fish.

Yagan Bibby with a healthy fat rainbow trout from a South West river.

Trout THINKING ABOUT TACKLE Quality tackle also pays off, especially with rods be it fly or spin, as they allow you the accuracy and crispness you need to effectively put your lure or fly where you want it to go. Having a sloppy old fibreglass rod will cut your accuracy down way too much, even if it is better at bashing through the scrub with. On that note, I have broken expensive fishing rods while trying to move through dense vegetation. It is a very real risk, as modern graphite doesn’t always win

battles with blackberries and tea trees easily. When crawling through the scrub, I find that you are best facing your rod backwards and crawling through the undergrowth to the water with the butt going first, and the rest of the rod will follow the path without getting caught. I use to like short rods for this purpose, but have since changed my mind as longer rods allows me to reach through windows in the scrub to drop a lure or fly into the water without casting in some locations. Longer rods also allow better control of hooked

This brightly-coloured rainbow was fooled by a stealthy approach and an accurate cast.

SAFETY On the note of safety, keep in mind that many of the South West trout rivers and streams are favourite haunts of snakes, especially tigers, which are very slow at moving away, especially if they haven’t heard you approaching (remember you

do find yourself way too close to a snake then just keep still, don’t move and it will usually move away from you. On that note, it pays to never fish alone, which brings me to the next issue on who you take with you. We all have lots of friends who love coming fishing

Crawling in low to a location is often the difference between success and failure. If the fish sees you first, it’s all over. fish, and cushion the jumps and lunges that often shake free the hooks. Speaking of hooks, you need to make sure they are sharp and in good condition. The only problem with this is that they will easily snag up on anything they touch, but trust me, there is nothing more frustrating than a fish hitting your offering and the hooks not taking hold. RETRIEVING TACKLE If you snag a lure or fly you have a few options, one is to break it off and kiss it goodbye, which is sometimes your only option. The second is to wade in or swim and retrieve the snagged hooks by hand. Now this can be dangerous, as slippery rocks and fast-

flowing cold water can cause you to lose your balance and end up in a potentially hazardous situation. You could also end up with sharp hooks in your hand when you try to free them. Calm shallow spots are easy and often the lure or fly can be reached with the rod tip to dislodge it, but take care in any of the rocky and fast flowing sections. The third option is a tackle back retriever, and these are relatively cheap weighted objects that slide down your line and are connected to a cord or light rope. Once they hit the snagged lure they either knock it free or grab it allowing you to pull it free with only bent hooks to worry about.

Small floating lures used to drift down current often account for fish hiding under overhanging branches. are going really slow and could be on your hands and knees). Keep an eye out in front of you and don’t just go over any logs or through thick grass without looking first. Generally, tigers are all bluff, they might flatten their heads and look all alarmed, but will move off once they know you are not going to grab them. In fact, unless you actually touch them there is little chance they will bite. It can be hard to do, but if you

with us, but if you are with someone who just can’t keep quiet and rushes into every spot without slowing down you probably won’t catch very much. Having a pep talk before you head off or in the car on the way down is a start, then take control when you get there. Be sure to tell them to slow down and let them watch you approach a spot and fish – it’s amazing how others soon learn the art of fooling these fish.

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18/06/2018 10:35:02 AM

recfishwest

20 years of getting kids hooked! For 20 years now, Recfishwest in partnership with Healthway, promoting the SunSmart message, has delivered fishing clinics to kids and community groups across WA. The success of our fishing clinics is due in most part to our dedicated

appropriate equipment, the reasons behind fishing rules, correct fish handling techniques, catch care and fishing safety. ‘Me No Fry’, ‘Addicted to Fishing, Not Drugs’, ‘Fish for the Future’ and ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, Seek’ are just some of the core

well to our new supporter Getaway Outdoors. A quick look back at how the clinics have evolved over the years: • Nov 1998: Signed up for sponsorship with partner Healthway (Me-No-Fry, for Cancer Council). Continued every year since then and

One of the main priorities at the end of each clinic is to emphasise the fact that it is about getting out and having a go more than how many fish you catch. and passionate volunteer clinic instructors, many of whom have been part of the Recfishwest team from the beginning. They generously share their expertise, knowledge and experience with WA’s next generation of fishers. Everyone participating in our fishing clinics and other community events is taught information on the roles and responsibilities of Recfishwest and the need to adopt more appropriate SunSmart behaviour. The clinics address many aspects of fishing including basic fishing skills, the use of

messages associated with Recfishwest fishing clinics over the years. We have come a long way since 1998 when we first teamed up with Healthway to introduce youth and families all over WA to recreational fishing. With this year marking the 20th year, we are proud to say we have conducted over 1100 clinics and almost 40,000 attendees have been introduced to recreational fishing. That’s almost five clinics a month, every month for 20 years! We are grateful to Healthway (SunSmart) for their ongoing support, as

progressed to ‘SunSmart’ as the main message. • 1999: Installation of sunscreen stations at boat ramps all over WA to increase awareness for being SunSmart. • 2004-2008: Additional funding from the Federal Government under the Commonwealth Community Grants Scheme for Recfishwest’s ‘Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs’ initiative enhanced the Healthway fishing clinics program. • 2006: Having already been Healthway award’s finalist twice, in 2006 Recfishwest were recognised

for ‘sponsorship projects showing innovation and community participation’ and WON the national award for ‘best project encouraging fishing participation by children and women’. • 2007: The fishing clinic program was selected as a finalist in the 2007 Community Services Industry Awards in category 7 – ‘strengthening rural and remote communities’. • 2008: Recfishwest was a finalist in the 2008 Recfish Australia Awards under the ‘best project encouraging participation of women and children in fishing’. • 2006: A significant number of advance bookings through the coming partnership period and many schools booking multiple classes and utilising the clinics each year. In addition, many teachers have reported that they have heard about how successful the clinics are from teachers at other schools, indicating a high degree of positive word of mouth within the education system towards the program. • 2007: We held our first ‘pink’ flyfishing clinic in November 2007, an initiative that studies in the United

For a lot of the kids going through the Recfishwest/ Sunsmart fishing clinics it is their first experience of wetting a line. For many it is also the memory of their first that they will carry for the rest of their lives. Cancer Care WA colours. • 2010-2014: Recfishwest secured a partnership with Woodside Energy Ltd in early 2010 to meet the high travel costs of running clinics in the North West.

• 2015: New educational book developed in 2015: ‘Become a Recfishwest Fisher Kid’ distributed to 1000 participants. • 2017: Stretched budget to limit and had to approach

Fisheries is conducting a review of South West blue swimmer crabs.

Just a few of the happy 40,000 fishing clinic participants. 44

OCTOBER 2018

States have shown to be highly beneficial for women recovering from breast cancer. This first session was a huge success and saw eleven ladies try their hand at flyfishing. Two subsequent ‘pink’ flyfishing clinics were held during 2008-2009 and annually since. Then in 2014 it became ‘purple’ flyfishing, to better align with the Breast

The Northern Community Fishing Clinics program was well received between the years 2010-2014. Recfishwest’s eye-catching fishing clinic trailer had a very distinguishable SunSmart theme and was exposed to thousands of people both through clinics and travelling between locations.

new way of delivering clinics under a cost recovery scheme so as not to disappoint the increasing number of groups applying for clinic sessions. • 2018: Welcomed Getaway Outdoors as a program sponsor. • Currently: Less than two months into our 20182019 partnership period and the program is already fully

recfishwest allocated to clinic bookings until July 2019! “Fishing is the lifeblood of our culture and giving kids and families access to fishing experiences is something we really value at Recfishwest. There would have been kids who we taught early in the fishing clinics program who are now having their own kids; and that’s where the legacy and knowledge is passed on.”

“I would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts of Kim Burton, Craig Bibra, Ian Sewell, Alan Guthrie, Adam Vegvary, Paul Willis, Kevin Murphy, Bec Griffiths and Greg Harrison, our passionate volunteer instructors who have dedicated their time to help grow the program and get families out fishing.” Recfishwest CEO – Andrew Rowland.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Recfishwest fishing clinics log onto Recfishwest.org.au. RECFISHWEST UPCOMING FISHING DEVELOPMENT NEWS In the Recfishwest office there is plenty going on at the moment and below is a small snap shot of what is coming up or going on at the moment. We will have

Reef Vision is monitoring the new Exmouth King Reef.

Volunteer fishing clinic instructors Kim Burton and Allan Guthrie.

more on these developments as they progress. As always, for more info check out the Recfishwest website. • Fisheries review of South West Blue Swimmer Crabs with a focus around crab abundances. • Findings of the Western Australian Recreational Fishing Economic Value Report due late 2018.

• Reef Vision monitoring results for Exmouth’s new King Reef (Australia’s first integrated artificial reef). • New mapping feature on the Recfishwest smartphone app. • Shortlisting of locations for the north metro artificial reef, after Recfishwest’s online survey and public consultation

community meetings. • Purple flyfishing Weekend – taking breast cancer clients away fishing using flyfishing to aid in their recovery. • The 2018-19 Snapper Guardians project commences Oct/Nov with the collection of wild pink snapper eggs from Cockburn Sound.

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SSSP PPEEEC CCIIIA A ALLL P PPR R RO O OM M MO O OTTTIIIO O ON N N

Our lifejacket prices will never be this low again! These These These light light light weight weight weight and and and easy easy easy to to to wear wear wear lifejackets lifejackets lifejackets are are are available available available at at at show show show stopping stopping stopping prices prices prices online online online and and and instore instore instore at at at Recfishwest Recfishwest Recfishwest until until until 15th 15th 15th October October October 2018. 2018. 2018.

Visit Visit Visit fishandsurvive.com.au fishandsurvive.com.au fishandsurvive.com.au OCTOBER 2018

WHAT’S NEW FISHING BLACK MAGIC KLT HOOK

ZMAN MIDNIGHT OIL COLOUR

Black Magic’s new KLT hook has further strengthened their premium hook range. Like the DX Point before it, the KLT is made in Japan from high carbon steel, and is coated with a super slip, non-stick PTFE coating, just like the coating used on nonstick frying pans). This hook adds another option to their most popular hook pattern – the KL hook. It features the classic Black Magic KL circle hook pattern but with a non-offset point, meaning it meets IGFA recommendations, particularly for use in tournaments. The PTFE coating means less resistance which assists penetration and prolongs the life of the hook. It also ensures they are highly corrosion resistant. Black Magic KLT hooks are manufactured in Japan from high carbon steel ensuring superb strength. They’re available in sizes 1/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 7/0 and 8/0, and in two pack sizes – small and economy. www.blackmagic.com

Following a heap of angler feedback and suggestions, comes one of the most exciting new colours in Z-Man’s range of plastics. There are two colours that consistently win bream tournaments, bloodworm and motor oil, and these colours appeal to different patterns in fish behaviour. These two colours have been combined to give that attractive and subtle translucency that shut down fish just love, and the reflective sheen that causes fish to react. With midnight oil, an angler can give the fish the flash of the bloodworm colour, combined with the high UV of motoroil, and this colour is now available across the entire of the Z-Man soft plastics range! If you want to get that extra edge on the fish on a tough day, make sure you stock up on this exciting new colour, and be amazed at the results. www.tackletactics.com.au

HALCO SLIDOG 150

YAMASHITA EGI OH K

If you’re into launching a lure over the horizon and looking for that bonejarring, nerve-rattling strike as you rip it back, the all-new Halco Slidog is just the ticket. Halco has developed an ultra tough, sinking, sliding stickbait that is sure to give you a workout from all the GTs, XOS mackerel, large tuna and many others that try to take it home to their trophy cabinet. Featuring heavily reinforced side walls, Halco’s legendary ultra tough 7xx fish rings and Mustad 7/0 inline singles for great holding potential, the Slidog 150 comes with a bite that matches its bark. The lure is 150mm long and weighs 85g, allowing long casts on medium/heavy weight casting outfits, avoiding the need to take a boat into areas that might have you risking life and limb. Look for the all-new Slidog 150 at all good tackle outlets. www.halcotackle.com.au

HOBIE MANUAL INFLATABLE VEST

The new 2019 Hobie Manual Inflatable 150 Vest (Yoke) is rated for offshore use while wearing foul weather clothing. The design is very lightweight and extremely cool. The newly designed collar folds down the back of your neck and shoulders, eliminating pressure on the neck and lower head. The yoke is manually inflated by pulling a small cord that activates the replaceable CO2 cylinder in the side of the vest. The Velcrosecured receptacle allows for easy access to the cylinder for replacement and for servicing, or for additional manual inflation of the PFD after the manual cord has been activated. Features include: 150 rated (40kg plus); comfortable slim multi fit (up to 5XL); mesh yoke back strap (helps prevent the collar riding up the back of your neck); easy access storage pocket (great for keys, phone etc.); whistle; water resistant headphone rubber port hole; 25mm D-ring for switch killer tether; accessory attachment straps; interior pocket; UML Pro Sensor (includes armed status indicator); self service; cylinder re-arm kit; and fishing comp key tag/key tag clip. www.hobie.com.au 46

OCTOBER 2018

Yamashita have released a new colour range in their top-of-the-line K series of squid jigs. The K body is tuned to have the best stable sinking posture, and it excels in rough conditions where other jigs struggle to maintain a stable fall. Features of the Egi Oh Q K include the Hydro Fin (attached at the rear of the jig for improved stability when sinking); Hydro Eyes (flat eyes with Keimura pupil and glow edge); Hydro Sinker and TIN sinker (tin sinker with tuning holes for adding or reducing weight); Warm Jacket (thermo storage cloth that transfers light into heat); Hydro Body (pentagon design for increased stability when sinking); tuned double crown hooks (the back crown of stainless steel hooks are opened wider for improved hook-ups); and G-Flash lateral line (strong tape running down each side for increased flash and appeal). Egi Oh Q K jigs are available in 10 colours in sizes 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5, with shallow and super shallow options available in size 3.5. www.ejtodd.com.au

SUFIX X8 BRAID

PRODUCT GUIDE

4 5

The new X8 braid from Sufix is an 8-carrier braid constructed of thin HMPE Japanese fibres. It’s a super strong, thin braided line that has high abrasion resistance and superb knot and shock strength. This soft and silky smooth line has low friction through the rod guides, resulting in silent performance and long, accurate casts. R8 precision braiding technology with a high tension weaving process results in a round, supple and smooth braided line with consistent diameter and quality. Easy handling, X8 is designed for both casting and spinning reels. Currently available in an eye-catching hot yellow, it comes in breaking strains from 6lb to 50lb in 150yd spools and 10lb to 65lb in 300yd lengths. Sufix X8 braid will be on sale in all leading tackle stores from September 2018. www.rapala.com.au

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING DUO HYDRA 220

Long and lean and designed as the ultimate sinking stickbait for large predators, the new Duo Rough Trail Hydra 220 is the lure to pack for your next offshore adventure. Slim-profiled and with a fixed weight in the tail to maximise casting performance and enhance its action, the Hydra 220 features a dynamic skipping action when worked across the surface, while a twitch and jerk retrieve will see it move from side to side to enhance strikes. A hyper realistic garfish imitation when worked across the surface, the Hydra is ultra long (220mm) in length to reduce fishing swallowing and biting off the lure, while its tailheavy 58.2g body weight allows it for long, tangle free casting on the water. If you’re looking to call up the predators to the surface, the new Duo Rough Trail Hydra 220 is the lure to reach for. www.daiwafishing.com.au

SHIMANO OCEA JIGGER REELS

MCLAUGHLIN’S ADVANCED BERLEYS 10 McLaughlin’s have 77 years of bait experience, and this has been used to produce an impressive range of berleys in the newly developed Advanced Formula range. All Advanced Formula berleys are scented with secret formula flavours before being impregnated with colour formulas, which dye the pellets in selected colours. This combination means that when you put the berley into the water it not only attracts the fish, but the colour creates a trail in the water. This trail allows you to easily see where your berley is and the direction it’s going in, so you can fish directly in the berley trail. This then allows you to make full use of the berley and not have to guess what the tide and wind influences are doing to the berley. The Advanced Formula range comes in a range of flavours and pellet configurations, for maximum effectiveness on different target species and locations. www.jurofishing.com

SUGARDEEP 90 FLOATING BOOST

The new Ocea Jigger from Shimano has made an extreme make-over compared to the beloved ’11 Ocea Jigger. This flagship of jigging reels comes with a host of exciting features such as the Infinity Drive and Micro Module gear, which results in 60% reduction of the reeling resistance compared to the old model, and a very smooth retrieve. The newly designed handle is specially engineered to provide a firm grip, and to provide the ability to give extra power without losing grip. The combination of the Hagane body and S-Compact body results in an immensely strong and lightweight (595g) jigging reel. And due to the eight shielded A-RB ball bearings and X-Protect it is highly salt water resistant and durable. With a drag of 10kg, fighting the biggest fish is not a problem anymore. For more information on this and other new releases from Shimano, visit their website or look them up on Facebook (facebook.com/ Shimano.Fish) or Instagram (@shimano.fish). www.shimanofish.com.au

The Sugarpen Deep 90 has the same profile as the Sugar Deep 90 Barra Tuned, but incorporates an innovative slide system to cast further and more accurately. Unlike the SugarDeep 70 and 90, it is also a floating rather than a suspending lure. The unique weight system uses a sliding tungsten weight on a rod assembly moulded into the body of the lure. When casting, the weight moves to the back of the lure, delivering greater distance. When the lure is retrieved, the weight moves forward along the rod to weight the lure level when paused. Like the SugarDeep 90 Barra Tuned, the SugarDeep 90 Floating Boost Shaft Glide has a tight wobble that will dive to 2.5m, making it ideal for impoundment and estuary fishing for a variety of species. For more information on this and other new releases, visit the Bassday Australia website, or check them out on Facebook at facebook. com/BassdayAus. www.bassday.com.au

DEPS NZ CRAWLER

DAIWA BEEFSTICK

The 134mm DEPS NZ Crawler is one of the largest Japanese surface crawlers on the market. The lure’s jointed movement draws big predators from afar, and the distinctive sound can be adjusted via the two screws within the wings or by adjusting the wings themselves. The NZ Crawler can paddle back on a fast retrieve, which gives an almost vertical action on the wings as it goes through its arch, or the retrieve can be slowed right down for greater time within a strike area without compromising the action. The thick resin walls can take a lot of punishment, and DEPS have upgraded the NZ Crawler – along with all models coming into Australia – with larger, sturdier hooks and rings. This lure has been specially designed to entice predators that eat a diverse range of prey such as bats, rats, frogs, birds and lizards. The flash blade not only provides an attractant but also adds to the length of the lure. www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

Tradition meets contemporary looks and styling with the release of the new Daiwa Beefstick. With homage to the traditional solid tip fiberglass rods of the past, Daiwa gives the much-loved workhorse a makeover. Featuring a matt black finish, the Beefstick has a graphite/glass butt, a carbon-wrap lower section, and a solid integrated tip, this is a series that will handle the rigors of angling, yet has the sensitive in design to deliver anglers unmatched feel for a rod of its price. Shaped, ultra sensitive custom EVA grips blend perfectly with the Beefstick’s reel seats, while a composite cork butt cap contrasts perfectly in looks with the matt black blank, for a modern touch of class. With 26 models available, there is a model available for nearly every conceivable scenario. If you’re looking for a modern twist on the rod that your grandfather had when you’re a child, the new Daiwa Beefstick is the range for you. www.daiwafishing.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au OCTOBER 2018

WHAT’S NEW FISHING ZEREK STREAM X

BASSDAY 13 SUGAPEN 58F

The Zerek Stream X is a beautifully crafted minnow lure that swims with an exaggerated beat to attract predators. At 6.5cm long, the Stream X is an easy casting 8g and sinks at rest, allowing anglers to work this minnow in tight country where trout, redfin and bass reside. But don’t think this lure is only suitable the freshwater rivers and lakes; the Stream X is built with high impact resistant ABS plastic and componentry that make it more than suitable for saltwater fishing. Species such as flathead, bream, tailor and salmon will find the small baitfish profile an easy to swallow meal. There are 13 proven colours in the range, from bright attractor patterns to the most realistic minnow colours you could ever want, giving this little gem of a lure a place in any smallwater tackle kit. www.wilsonfishing.com

SUFIX X8 BRAID

OCTOBER 2018

The Sugapen is synonymous with topwater fishing, with its iconic forward-facing cup and slender profile that perfectly mimics a fleeing prawn. Bassday has now increased the Sugapen range to include a 58mm length model. This new smaller size brings the range to a total of four lengths, all the way up to 120mm. The 58 casts perfectly due to its slimline profile which produces little wind resistance. The action is the same as the larger sizes but this has a more subtle presence. The lure can be wound flat out or with a pause and wind technique. The new model comes in all the current Sugapen colours and two completely new ones. A red tiger-striped clear and gold tiger-striped clear with a pink head. Check out the Bassday Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BassdayAus) for more information on new releases, catch photos and prize giveaways. www.bassday.com.au

13 14

WILSON GRAPHWRAP RODS 17 The Wilson Graphwrap is a series of rods designed to be durable and go the distance. Designed on a graphite composite core with a solid glass tip, the Graphwrap series leaps beyond normal expectations with its custom designed, power-giving graphite outer spiral wrap. This unique spiral wrap gives these rods incredible strength, which adds to the durability of these tough, ocean thug busting rods. Designed in Australia to meet the demands of our harsh fishing environment, the Wilson Graphwrap series brings toughness, durability and user friendliness together in the one package. For more information on this and other new releases from Wilson Fishing, head to their website or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LWilsonAndCo. www.wilsonfishing.com

WORK SHARP KNIFE 15 SHIMANO SHARPENERS How do you get the sharpest tool in the SLX

shed, to stay sharp when out fishing on your boat? Easy, just team up the Electric Knife and Tool Sharpener from Work Sharp with their Guided Field Sharpener and you have the perfect solution anywhere you go. The Electric Sharpener is a 240V powered sharpener that uses flexible abrasive belts just like the professionals. The easily replaceable grit belts give a perfect convex edge to any knife blade. Designed to cope with a heavyduty workload while delivering precision sharpening that won’t burn or damage blade steel. But how do you transfer that precision sharpening when out on the water or on a camping trip? The Guided Field Sharpener has two diamond plates, two ceramic rods, a leather strap, and the all-important sharpening guides for fast, easy and consistent sharpening. The fixed guides create a constant repetitive angle to ensure the smoothest, sharpest blade possible. Price: SRP $199 (electric), $67 (field sharpener) www.worksharptools.com.au

PRODUCT GUIDE

New for 2018, the SLX series is the latest addition to the ever-growing Shimano baitcaster range. This is a compact and highly versatile reel, suited to catching anything from bass through to barra. It features an aluminium Hagane Body, the same body size as the Curado 70, but offering the line capacity of a conventional 150 sized reel. Inside the SLX’s Hagane Body, durable brass gearing delivers reliable cranking power and three SUS bearings and one roller bearing means everything turns smoothly. Casting is made effortless with the adjustable 6-pin VBS brake system, making it ideal for a range of different fishing styles and casting preferences. A longer 45mm Throw Handle working in conjunction with two model options featuring gear ratios of 6.3:1 and 7.2:1 means that the slow and methodical lure worker and the angler who likes a bit of speed are well covered by the new SLX series. On top of this, max drag settings of between 5-5.5kg provides plenty of stopping power should it be needed. www.shimanofish.com.au

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

All hyped up by the Team Daiwa Hyper rod range Although I simply love fishing, I have to admit that I have become a little obsessed by the humble flathead. I blame the team here at Fishing Monthly when I arrived. They caught a lot of them and it was pretty tough not to get involved when most trips involved being connected to lots of fish in the 50cm+ category. My arsenal of rods to target them has gone from a single outfit to at least six, with a few failed outfits in between. I have been striving to find what I consider to be the perfect flathead outfit. The key features being: it must be a minimum of 7” long, have a rating in the 2-4kg or 2-5kg range and be a fast or medium fast taper (at worst it must be powerful enough to get that hook through the top jaw of a flathead). Cost in many ways is also a factor. There are plenty of top end rods that would be amazing to use, but flathead are a bread and butter species, and I don’t believe a $1000 outfit is required. Additionally, money saved on a rod means more can be put into a reel, which makes more sense to me. I have come close on several occasions, rods have been 85% there, but in the end the taper or power to bend ratio for me has not been right. Too stiff and the hook set is great, but the finesse at the end of the fight is lacking and fish are lost. Too slow a taper and

TESTED Final thoughts Have I found the perfect flathead rod? I am not prepared to say that as yet, but I am happy to say that I am closer than ever. It will definitely get plenty of use over the next few months, as it is prime flathead time here in South East Queensland. Aside from what I have already said, the one thing that the TD Hyper rod has changed my thinking on is Nano Technology based rods. You cannot question the additional strength, power and resilience Nano resins add to any blank, however in most cases this is at the expense of the taper of a rod. Certainly not the case with the TD Hyper rods and definitely something I prefer and look for in rods. Too see the full range of TD Hyper rods go to www.daiwafishing.com.au and check them out in your local Daiwa retailer. – Peter Jung

The author chose the TD Hyper 701LXS rod when looking for a rod to target flathead. He matched it with a Daiwa TD Sol III LT reel and is very happy with it so far. This also translates into the casting ability of the rod. Size 3.0 squid jigs and 3/8oz jigheads have been cast easily. One tip however is to ensure the hook keeper is kept facing downwards when you are casting. I have had the line loop and catch onto it when I haven’t, which can result in lost tackle. I love the fact that the keeper is there, but just have it facing down when you’re not using it. Value for money If how light the TD Hyper rods are is impressive then their value for money is exceptional. In my travels and during the obligatory visit to the local tackle store, I have consistently seen the TD Hyper rods selling for $129.99. This is not the price point I would expect to see the quality of this rod in. There is also a reasonable range of options within the TD Hyper range. There are 11 spin and 3 baitcast options covering the majority of your fishing needs.

The combination of HVF Nanoplus graphite and X45 blank technology create a dynamic blank with a taper that the author prefers.

Although purchased to target flathead, the TD Hyper’s first outing was out chasing squid. the hook set power diminishes and fish are lost (on larger fish) with the hooks not finding enough purchase. This is where the Team Daiwa Hyper rods come in. I am always on the look out for a distinctive looking rod with the above attributes and the TD Hyper series of rods caught my eye. A quick call to Grayson Fong (a Daiwa pro angler who is using them) to get the good oil on them convinced me that they were worth looking at. I decided on the 701LXS model and matched it with one of the new Daiwa Sol III LT reels. The first time I used the outfit wasn’t chasing flathead. I teamed up with Grayson and headed to the islands in southern Moreton Bay chasing tiger squid. Far from what I had purchased the outfit for, but the beauty of a 2-4kg outfit is that it translates to throwing lures for bass or jigs for squid. The rod

was christened on a stonker squid and has since done battle on a number of flathead. First impressions The TD Hyper rods seriously feel as light as a feather. I don’t have another rod in my gaggle of rods that gets close to the weight of the TD Hyper. Matched with the Sol III LT reel (also a lightweight design) and you have something that is pleasure to use all day every day. Power so far has not been an issue, with several solid flathead putting it through its paces. I am not quite so sure how to express this into words, but the power seems almost effortless. Much of the marketing around this rod range has been about the HVF Nanoplus graphite and X45 blank technology. The combination of the two technologies creating a lighter and more dynamic blank for the rods to be built from.

The castability of the 701LXS is exceptional. It comfortably casts a 3.0 squid jig or a 3/8oz jighead.

OCTOBER 2018

Trades, Services, Charter BAIT & TACKLE METRO TackleHQ Kingsley (08) 9309 4200 WA Bait Supply O’Connor (08) 9314 1755 Castaway Tackle Malaga (08) 9248 3800 Gun-Mart & Tackle Midvale (08) 9274 5699 Earlybird Bait Rockingham (08) 9527 3333 Bluewater Tackle World Morley (08) 9375 9800 Bluewater Tackle World Myaree (08) 9330 7766 Bluewater Tackle World Joondalup (08) 6244 0344 Bluewater Tackle Mindarie (08) 9407 9766 Tim’s Tackle Plus Guildford (08) 6161 0044 Baitmate-Bricap Wangara (08) 9309 5474 Compleat Angler Nedlands (08) 9389 1337 Anglers Anonymous Fishing Tackle Supplies Canning Vale (08) 9455 2521 Dawe’s Bait & Tackle Mandurah (08) 9534 6661 Fishing WA Pro Tackle Wangara (08) 9409 2253 Hillarys Boat & Tackle Hillarys (08) 9401 4331 Sportsmarine Bunbury (08) 9721 4961 Anglers Fishing World South Fremantle (08) 9433 4768

Anglers Fishing World

FISHING GUIDES/CHARTERS Apache Charters South Fremantle (08) 9339 2432 West End Charters Winthrop WA 6150 (08) 9332 4303 Blue Juice Charters (08) 9401 4666 Mills Charters Hillarys (08) 9246 5334 Achievement Charters Fremantle 0418 655 188 Port Bouvard Charters Wannanup 0477 347 465 Blue Horizon Fishing Charters Exmouth 08) 9949 1620 Fly Fishing Frontiers Exmouth 0427 366 142 Top Gun Charters EXMOUTH 0418 925 131 Diversity Bluewater Adventures Exmouth Exmouth 0488 009 989 Set The Hook Exmouth 0433 049 988 Esperance Diving And Fishing Esperance (08) 9071 5111 Duke Charters Condingup (08) 9076 6223 Black Jack Charters Bandy Creek 0429 106 960 Spinners Charters Emu Point (08) 9844 1906 Great Southern Discovery Albany 0455 105 127 SHIKARI Charters Fremantle 0412 131 958 Evolution Fishing Charters 0477 901 445 Kalbarri land Based fishing Carters 0418930695 Tailored Treks - Lancelin 0427 941 126 Perth Fishing Safaris 0422 686 363

ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS FG Wizz www.fgwizz.com.au

NOW YOU CAN TIE THE PERFECT FG KNOT EVERY TIME

ROCKINGHAM Compleat Angler & Camping World -Rockingham (08) 9528 5255 Port Kennedy Cycles and Fishing (08) 9524 6774 Whitey’s Tackle & Camping Australind (08) 9797 0762

ALBANY Albany Rods & Tackle (08) 9841 1231 Trailblazers Albany (08) 9841 7859

ESPERANCE Tatey’s Bait ‘n’ Tackle Castletown (08) 9071 5003 Esperance Camping & Workwear Esperance (08) 9071 2142

DONGARA & GERALDTON Dongara Sport & Tackle Dongara (08) 9927 1196 Geraldton Sports Centre (08) 9921 3664 Getaway Outdoors Geraldton (08) 9965 3766

CARNARVON

NO MORE bulky braid/leader joins

SEE IT! .. BUY IT! .. www.fgwizz.com.au HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ESPERANCE Esperance Bay Holiday Park Esperance (08) 9071 2237 Bathers Paradise Caravan Park Esperance (08) 9071 1014 Pine Grove Holiday Park Esperance (08) 9071 4100 Pink Lake Tourist Park Nulsen (08) 9071 2424 Esperance Seafront Caravan Park Castletown (08) 9071 1251 Ocean Beach Holiday Units Esperance (08) 9071 5942 Esperance Chalet Village Bandy Creek (08) 9071 1861 Esperance Beachfront Resort Esperance (08) 9071 2513 Munglinup Beach Holiday Park Munglinup (08) 9075 1155

HOPETOUN – BREMER BAY Wavecrest Village & Tourist Park Hopetoun (08) 9838 3888 Hopetoun Caravan Park Hopetoun (08) 9838 3096 Bremer Bay Caravan Park Bremer Bay (08) 9837 4018 Bremer Bay Beaches Resort & Tourist Park Bremer Bay (08) 9837 4290

ALBANY Cheynes Beach Caravan Park Cheynes (08) 9846 1247 BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park Albany (08) 9844 1147 BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park Middleton Beach (08) 9841 3593 Kalgan River Chalets & Caravan Park Kalgan (08) 9844 7937

Carnarvon Tackle & Marine (08) 9941 4161

KALBARRI Kalbarri Sports & Dive (08) 9937 1126

EXMOUTH Tackle World Exmouth (08) 9949 1315 Exmouth Tackle & Camping Supplies (08) 9949 1179

BUSSELTON 2 Oceans Tackle (08) 9752 4924 Geographe Camping & Tackle World (08) 9754 2909

BOAT HIRE BlueSun2 Boat Charters Ardross 0405 353 353 Boating West O’Connor 0429 887 798 Boat Hire Perth Mindarie 0403 095 868

WALPOLE – MANJIMUP – PEMBERTON Peaceful Bay Caravan Park Peaceful Bay (08) 9840 8060 Peaceful Bay Chalets Peaceful Bay (08) 9840 8169 Rest Point Holiday Village Walpole (08) 9840 1032 Coalmine Beach Holiday Park Walpole (08) 9840 1026 Riverside Retreat Walpole, (08) 9840 1255 Nornalup Riverside Chalets Nornalup (08) 9840 1107 Pemberton Caravan Park Pemberton (08) 9776 1300 Warren Way Caravan Park Balbarrup (08) 9771 1060 Manjimup Central Caravan Park & Deli Manjimup (08) 9777 2355 RAC Karri Valley Resort Beedelup (08) 9776 2020 Big Brook Arboretum Pemberton (08) 9776 1207 One Tree Bridge Chalets Manjimup (08) 9777 1196

AUGUSTA Flinders Bay Caravan Park Augusta (08) 9780 5636 Molloy Caravan Park Kudardup (08) 9758 4515 Turner Caravan Park Augusta (08) 9780 5633 Hamelin Bay Holiday Park Hamelin Bay (08) 9758 5540 Sheoak Chalets Augusta Augusta (08) 9758 1958

MARGARET RIVER

(08) 9433 4768 Tackle World & Outdoors Mandurah (08) 9581 6953 Outdoor Sports and Leisure Bunbury (08) 9721 6366 Getaway Outdoors Balcatta (08) 9344 7343 Getaway Outdoors Cockburn (08) 9417 4644 Getaway Outdoors Joondalup (08) 9300 1330 Getaway Outdoors Kelmscott (08) 9495 4444 Getaway Outdoors Mandurah (08) 9581 8877

DENMARK Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park Denmark (08) 9848 1262 Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park Denmark (08) 9848 1105 Karri Aura Caravan Park & Motel Suites Shadforth (08) 9848 2200 Denmark Waterfront Denmark (08) 9848 1147

Prevelly Caravan Park Prevelly Park (08) 9757 2374 Gracetown Caravan Park Gracetown (08) 9755 5301 Riverview Tourist Park Margaret River (08) 9757 2270 Margaret River Tourist Park (08) 9757 2180

Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour Mews Road, Fremantle WA 6160 www.anglersfishingworld.com.au

Emu Beach Chalets Emu Point (08) 9844 8889 Albany Holiday Units Middleton Beach (08) 9841 7817 Havana Villas Albany (08) 9844 1085 Lilacs Waterfront villas & cottages Robinson (08) 9841 2390

Albany Happy Days Caravan Park King River (08) 9844 3267 Albany Holiday Park Albany (08) 9841 7800 King River Palms Caravan Park Willyung (08) 98443232 Two Peoples Caravan Park Kalgan (08) 9846 4024

YALLINGUP – DUNSBOROUGH Caves Caravan Park Yallingup (08) 9755 2196 Yallingup Beach Holiday Park 1800 220 002 Dunsborough Lakes Holiday Resort (08) 9756 8300 Dunsborough Beach Cottages (08) 9756 8885

BUSSELTON RAC Busselton Holiday Park Busselton (08) 9755 4241 Busselton Villas & Caravan Park Busselton (08) 9752 1175 Geographe Bay Holiday Park Busselton (08) 9752 4396 Lazy Days Holiday Park Busselton (08) 9752 1780 Amblin Holiday Park Busselton (08) 9755 4079 Four Seasons Holiday Park Busselton (08) 9755 4082 Busselton Holiday Village Busselton (08) 9752 4499 Sandy Bay Holiday Park Busselton (08) 9752 2003 Fourseasons Holiday Park Busselton (08) 9755 4082 Busselton Beachfron Busselton (08) 9755 2607 Busselton Jetty Chalets Busselton (08) 9752 3893

BUNBURY Bunbury Glade Caravan Park Bunbury 1800 113 800 Discovery Parks - Bunbury (08) 9795 7100 Binningup Beach Caravan Park Bunbury (08) 9720 1057 Riverside Cabin Park Bunbury (08) 9725 1234 Leschenault Caravan Park Bunbury (08) 9797 1095 Waterloo Village Caravan Park Bunbury (08) 9725 4434 Brunswick Junction Caravan Park Bunbury (08) 9726 1544 Taralea Farm Bunbury (08) 9728 1252 Australind Tourist Park Bunbury (08) 9725 1206

MANDURAH Pinjarra Caravan Park Mandurah (08) 9531 1374 Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park Mandurah (08) 9535 1171 Belvedere Caravan Park Mandurah (08) 9535 1213 The Dwellingup Chalet and Caravan Park (08) 9538 1157 Waroona Caravan Village (08) 9733 1518 Timber Top Caravan Park (08) 9535 1292 Lake Clifton Caravan Park (08) 9739 1255 Miami Holiday Park (08) 9534 2127 Tathams Caravan Park (08) 9537 6844 Peel Caravan Park (08) 9535 4343 Lake Navarino Holiday Park (08) 9733 3000 Estuary Hideaway Holiday Park 0407 838 061 Pinjarrah Holiday Park (08) 9531 1604 Waters Edge Caravan Park 0427 281 622 Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets (08) 9535 8173 Murray River Caravan Park (08) 9537 6140 Footprints Preston Beach (08) 9739 1111

This section in WA 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. 52

OCTOBER 2018

Boats & Guided Fishing Tours Directory MOORE RIVER – LANCELIN – CERVANTES Guilderton Caravan Park (08) 9577 1021 Branchys Holiday Homes Guilderton (08) 9577 1321

JURIEN BAY – GREEN HEAD – LEEMAN Jurien Bay Tourist Park Jurien Bay (08) 9652 1595 Green Head Caravan Park Green Head (08) 9953 1131 Leeman Caravan Park Leeman (08) 9953 1080

DONGARA – GERALDTON Seaspray Beach Holiday Park Dongara (08) 9927 1165 Dongara Tourist Park Port Denison (08) 9927 1210 Leander Reef Holiday Park Port Denison (08) 9927 1840 Port Denison Holiday Units (08) 9927 1104 Double Beach Caravan Park (08) 9921 5845 Batavia Coast Caravan Park (08) 9938 1222 Drummond Cove Holiday Park (08) 9938 2524 Horrocks Beach Caravan Park (08) 9934 3039

KALBARRI

Chandlers Marine Service Wangara (08) 9303 9366

DERBY Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park (08) 9193 1055 West Kimberley Lodge & Caravan Park (08) 9191 1031

Mobile Marine WA Osborne Park 0428 225 877 GP Marine Cockburn Central 0408 913 104 Hitech Marine Wangara (08) 9309 2888

KUNUNURRA Town Caravan Park (08) 9168 1763 Wyndham Caravan Park (08) 9161 1064 Lake Argyle Caravan Park (08) 9168 7777 Discovery Parks - Lake Kununurra (08) 9168 1031 Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park | Kununurra (08) 9168 1280 Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort (08) 9169 1995 Lake Argyle Resort (08) 9168 7777 Hidden Valley Caravan Park (08) 9168 1790 Kununurra Lakeside Resort (08) 9169 1092 El Questro Wilderness Park 1800 837 168 Kona Lakeside Caravan Park (08) 9161 1139

BOATS Aquasports Marine Midvale (08) 9250 3339

Bravo Marine Services Bayswater (08) 9272 9300 Seasport Marine Kelmscott (08) 9498 1799 The Boat Business Henderson (08) 9437 5144 Total Marine Repairs Mandurah (08) 9582 7211 West Coast Boat Works Perth Landsdale 0439 969 459 Boat Lifters Blue HQ Perth (08) 9239 9333 Bravo Marine Services Bayswater (08) 9272 9300 Perth Boat Mechanics Huntingdale 0405 593 786 GP Marine Cockburn Central 0408 913 104 Platinum Boating Maintenance Wangara 0402 477 656 Parker Marine Fremantle (08) 9336 6979 Westmarine Boating Services Fremantle WA 0425 177 700

MARINE ACCESSORIES

Murchison River Caravan Park Kalbarri (08) 9937 1005 Kalbarri Anchorage Caravan Park Kalbarri (08) 9937 1181 Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park Kalbarri (08) 9937 1077 Murchison House Station Kalbarri (08) 9937 1998 Kalbarri Beach Bungalows A & B Kalbarri (08) 9937 0400 Murchison caravan park Kalbarri (08) 9937 0400 Kalbarri Blue Ocean Villas Kalbarri (08) 9937 2442

Challemge Batteries Osborne Park (08) 9446 6122 JPW Marine Wholesale Distributors Perth (08) 6253 3000 Whitworths Marine & Leisure - Leerderville (08) 9381 1442 Crackpots Marine Supplies O’Connor (08) 9337 2211 Hydrowave – www.hydrowaveaustralia.com

SHARK BAY Denham Seaside Caravan Park, (08) 9948 1242 Shark Bay Caravan Park (08) 9948 1387 Blue Dolphin Caravan Park and Holiday Village Denham (08) 9948 1385 Oceanside Village Denham Shark Bay (08) 9948 3003 Bay Lodge Denham Shark Bay WA (08) 9948 1278 RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (08) 9948 1320

$449 USD

CARNARVON Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park (08) 9941 8150 Capricorn Holiday Park (08) 9941 8153 Outback Oasis Caravan Park (08) 9941 1439 Carnarvon Caravan Park (08) 9941 8101 Norwesta Lifestyle Park (08) 9941 1277 Coral Coast Tourist Park (08) 9941 1438

CORAL BAY Peoples Park (08) 9942 5933 Bayview Coral Bay (08) 9385 6655 Ningaloo Club (08) 9948 5100 Ningaloo Reef Resort (08) 9942 5934

WA DEALER OF THE YEAR

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

WHY DEAL WITH ANYONE ELSE? 331 Great Eastern Hwy, Midvale, WA 6056

Ph: (08) 9250 3339

GET ONBOARD

All Boats and Caravans Kingsley (08) 9309 4200

MARINE TRIMMERS

John’s Motor Trimmers Auto & Marine Upholstery Welshpool (08) 9470 5531 G.K. Trimmers Canning Vale (08) 9455 7144 Prestige Marine Trimmers Perth (08) 9303 9536 McCarroll Motor & Marine Trimmers Osborne Park (08) 9244 1449 Exclusive Marine Trimming & Upholstery O’Connor (08) 9314 6882 Universal Marine & Automotive Upholstery O’Connor 08) 9314 1770

DAMPIER

Broome Caravan Park (08) 9192 1776 Discovery Parks - Broome (08) 9192 1366 Broome Vacation Village Caravan Park Broome (08) 9192 1057 Cable Beach Caravan Park Broome (08) 9192 2066 Tarangau Caravan Park Broome (08) 9193 5084

Searano Marine Malaga (08) 9248 2242

Waters Edge Marine Trimmers Leeming 0412 204 085

Discovery Parks - Onslow (08) 9184 6007 Ocean View Caravan Park (08) 9184 6053

BROOME

Whitworths Marine & Leisure - Mosman Park (08) 9385 5877

Mason Marine Trimmers O’Connor 0418 923 787

ONSLOW

PORT HEDLAND

Offshore Marine Guildford (08) 6278 1299

The Trim Shop (08) 9430 5332

Ningaloo Lighthouse Holiday Park (08) 9949 1478 Yardie Homestead Caravan Park (08) 9949 1389 Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort (08) 9949 2377 RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park 1800 871 570 Exmouth Escape Resort (08) 9949 4800 Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Exmouth (08) 9949 0000

Discovery Parks Port Hedland (08) 9173 1271 Port Tourist Park Port Hedland (08) 9172 4111 Blackrock Tourist Park South Hedland (08) 9172 3444 Landing Resort Port Hedland (08) 9172 4111

www.hydrowaveaustralia.com

Bluewater Marine (08) 9791 1499

EXMOUTH

Dampier Transit Caravan Park (08) 9183 1109 Discovery Parks - Pilbara, Karratha (08) 9185 1855 Karratha Caravan Park (08) 9185 1012 Discovery Parks - Balmoral, Karratha (08) 9185 3628 Harding River Caravan Park (08) 9182 1063 Aspen Karratha Village Baynton (08) 9185 2726 Karratha Apartments Karratha (08) 9143 9222 Searipple Village Karratha Bulgarra (08) 9158 7400 Karratha Village Karratha 1300 321 669

(includes shipping)

John’s mobile trimmers Jandakot (08) 9417 4414 Cutting Edge Marine Trimming O’Connor 0432 062 834 Mandurah Motor Trimmers Greenfields (08) 9581 8180

WELDING & MANUFACTURING 18 HAWKINS ST, EAST BUNBURY, WA 6230

(08)

9791 1499

CSD Designs Bayswater 0407 772 010 XFactor Signs 0413 113 828

Northbank Fibreglass Boats @northbankboats MARINE MECHANICS Falcon Services Australia Midvale 0458 852 591 Bay Marine Maintenance Crawley (08) 9386 7059 Pleisure Marine Maintenance O’Connor (08) 9337 9569 Boat Fix Balcatta (08) 9240 8778 Parker Marine Fremantle (08) 9336 6979 Matich Marine East Fremantle (08) 9339 7722

Boat Wrap Specialist www.xfactorsigns.com

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call 0417 901 301 or email nick@fishingmonthly.com.au OCTOBER 2018

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 featuring MD180 MELBOURNE

Corey Gallagher

Since the Hobie’s humble beginnings in the 1950s shaping surfboards, the company has been synonymous with innovation and quality. Introducing a range of revolutionary products over the decades, no brand has impacted the kayak angling fraternity more than Hobie with the introduction of its Mirage Drive pedal propulsion system in 1997. Anglers quickly saw the potential of this new technology and in 2001, Hobie released the Mirage Outback, a purpose designed angling kayak that allowed anglers to propel the kayak using leg power, freeing up their hands to cast and retrieve. In 2009, Hobie went bigger and better with the introduction of the first Mirage Pro Angler 14. With its introduction they created a truly remarkable kayak that gave rise to tournament kayak angling across the globe. Over the years, Hobie have continued to upgrade various components, but the hull remains relatively unchanged since its initial release. The hull features a sit on top, self-draining design, and measures 4.17m from 58

OCTOBER 2018

bow to stern. With a 97cm beam, the kayak is one of the largest single seat hulls on the market, and in this case, size has its advantages. Stability is a key feature of the hull. Anglers can easily stand in the kayak as they

fish, giving the Pro Angler 14 a huge advantage over its rivals. It size and weight combined with aggressive bow angles mean the kayak cuts through small waves, chop and boat swell exceptionally well. It keeps

The major upgrade for 2017 – Hobie’s new Mirage Drive 180 allows anglers to pull one of two shift cables to pivot the fins 180°, instantly moving the drive into reverse and back again.

the angler free from spray in most conditions. The major upgrade to the latest model is the addition of the Mirage Drive 180. The MD180 differs from past Mirage Drive units in its ability to move the kayak in reverse. For many years, this has been the thorn in Hobie’s side with more conventional pedal and propeller propulsion systems in rival yaks always having this ability, at reduced power. Anglers can pull the reverse shift cable on the MD180 to pivot the fins 180°, allowing the kayak to be propelled in reverse at full power. Simply pull the forward shift cable to return the fins to their original position and continue. After spending three days testing the new model, I found this feature to be extremely useful. I could use the reverse feature to negate the effects of tide or winds that pushed me past the pontoon or pylon I wanted to cast at, which kept me in the zone longer. I also found that I could reverse when I was hooked-up to a fish. This allowed me to clear the fish of the structure before any potential bust offs. The new fin design produces more thrust so the angler can reach their spots faster. The second major

upgrade is the new Camo series. Camo Series Pro Angler 14s feature the new camo colour – an olive kayak with gray and black mottling throughout, and camo coloured, non-slip pedal pads and floor matting. These combine to create a striking kayak, both on and off the water. The other key feature that makes the Pro Angler a standout from its rivals is the Vantage Seat, with three-way adjustment and two seat height adjustments – Hobie have taken comfort to a new level. The Lowrance Ready system remains and allows anglers to easily mount compatible transducers on a built-in mount with through hull wiring plugs provided. This system can also accommodate Lowrance TotalScan Transducers, which solves the problem of anglers wanting to run

side scan in their kayaks. The Hobie H-Rail system’s extruded aluminium dodecagon rail provides anglers with outstanding mounting options, without having to drill into the hull. The kayak also features a large front hatch with liner for even more storage options, six horizontal rod holders, dual steering control, replaceable mounting boards and side mesh pockets. Tournament and recreational kayak anglers worldwide have made Hobie the market leader, due to their continued commitment to quality and innovation. The Hobie Pro Angler 14 delivers yet again, retaining all of the proven features that have made it such a popular kayak in the past. With the edition of the MD180, their domination of the market is set to continue for years to come.

SPECIFICATIONS Length Overall..................................................4.17m Beam ��0.97m Capacity ��272kg Vantage Seat Capacity �� 159kg Fitted Hull Weight ��55kg Fully Rigged Weight ��66kg Hull Construction ��Rotomolded Polyethylene RRP ��$4750 (Camo Series +$200)*

*Please note that the Mirage Pro Angler 14 featured in this article includes the following aftermarket accessories: Hobie XL Livewell, Lowrance Elite 5 Ti, Micro Power Pole and Power Pole mount.

This kayak sits high in the water. With aggressive bow angles, spray is deflected away from the angler, keeping them relatively dry even in choppy conditions.

The Vantage seat features three-way adjustment (base angle, back angle and lumbar support). Itâ€™s the ultimate in kayak seat comfort. It also has two height adjustments, which allow anglers to lower the kayakâ€™s centre of gravity in choppy conditions, or give the angler a higher perspective when sight casting. The seating position and angler cockpit is large enough to accommodate any angler and store plenty of extra gear.

Stability is a key feature of the hull. Anglers can easily stand as they fish. This gives the Pro Angler 14 a huge advantage over its rivals.

Six horizontal rod tubes allow anglers to store more than enough rods aboard the kayak. Two additional vertical rod holders are moulded into the hull behind the seat position.

H-Rail is an extruded aluminium dodecagon rail mounting system that allows anglers to mount a plethora of accessories to their kayak, without the dramas associated with drilling into the hull. Available accessories include rod holders, tackle bins, cup holders and sounders.

The rectangular hatch in front of the seating position opens to reveal a pivoting tackle management system that has two Plano tackle trays (included). These provide anglers with quick, easy access to their go to lures.

The large rear cargo area provides anglers with the perfect platform to hold their tournament live wells or the H Crate Storage System. A bungee cord system allows for any added cargo to be secured.

The Camo Series Pro Angler model features camo coloured, non-slip floor mats. These mats provide anglers with a safe place to position their feet when standing in the kayak.

The retractable rudder is stowed with pull cords. The rudder is spring loaded and will simply fold back when it comes into contact with anything solid. This prevents damage and the drop down skeg can be deployed in tricky conditions, to help the kayak run straight. OCTOBER 2018

Stessco Sunseeker 620 with Yamaha F150hp - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

PERFORMANCE RPM......Speed (km/h)...... Economy (km/L) 1000........................7.2............................ 2.3 2000..................... 12.0............................ 1.6 3000..................... 26.4............................ 1.8 3500..................... 36.6............................ 1.9 4000..................... 44.2............................ 1.8 5000......................57.8............................ 1.5 6000..................... 71.5............................ 1.1 60

OCTOBER 2018

Main: Stessco’s Sunseeker 620 features a new, fibreglass hard top that provides plenty of shade or cover from the rain, as on the test day on the Noosa River. Above: With a beam of 2.48m, the Sunseeker provides a massive platform for virtually any on-water activity. It’ll cost you nearly twice as much at the pump to keep this rig at wide-open throttle all day. Your choice. Stessco Standard structural warranty on their premium boats is 2 years, if it is purchased on a Stessco trailer or Stessco trailer by Dunbier, then their structural warranty is increased to 5 years/60 months. “We’re very happy with the way we build our packages, so five years of warranty isn’t a worry for us,” said Stessco’s Adrian Beil. Indeed, if you shop around, you’ll find very few rigs with that after-sales coverage. Combine that with Yamaha’s four-year warranty and there’s plenty

DE FOR EX

Stessco’s 2018 Media Event on the Noosa River was held in between rainsqualls. As it happened, those were ideal conditions in which to test out a cabin boat. After all, that’s exactly what cabin boats offer – a space out of the weather, be it sun or rain, and a massive platform to fish with several of your mates. And I’ll be upfront here – one of the most attractive parts of this Stessco/Yamaha package is the price. These Sunseeker packages start from the mid $50K. As tested, this unit priced up at around $65,000. You get a lot of boat for your bucks. Stesscos are made in Brisbane and have only recently outsourced their trailer supply out of their factory. The 620 is a new release and the biggest model in the Sunseeker range (the others are 490,

of trouble-free boating ahead for the owners of this package. We were pretty impressed with the massive cockpit area in this boat, the high cabin and the dimensions of the fibreglass hard top. The new windscreen design of the modern Sunseekers is also on point. The hard top does need a little extra support and the guys in the factory are already on it. If you want to see this rig in action, check out the video review of this boat by scanning the QR code hereby or by searching for it on the Fishing Monthly Magazines YouTube channel. Subscribe

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

520, 550 and 580). The hull is aluminium bottom and sides with a fibreglass cabin bolted on top to go with the fibreglass hard top. It gives the hull a smooth look up top but the resilience and light weight of a tinnie down below. The test boat was headed to Whitsunday Marine for a northern customer, so it was ordered with the new fibreglass hard top option to keep the tropical sun out, but this iteration of the Sunseeker hull will be suitable for all Australian environments from Port Phillip Bay through to the Great Barrier Reef. Powered by Yamaha’s bulletproof F150 4-stroke outboard, the Sunseeker delivered remarkably good fuel economy. At best cruising speed (3500rpm) it yielded just under 2km/L burned. With a 145L fuel tank, this gives a theoretical range of over 250km – plenty for any day trips you’ll do. Drop the hammers and you’ll get over 70km/h, but at the expense of economy.

Steve Morgan

CON

AN THE

FMG

while you’re there for notifications about all of our video boat and tackle tests. For more information, check out stessco.com.au or email sales@stessco.com.au or go to their Facebook page. SPECIFICATIONS Length overall... 6.55m Beam.................. 2.48m Depth................. 1.48m Hull weight........ 750kg Weight (on trailer). 1550kg Bottom................. 4mm Sides.................... 4mm Maximum hp......... 175 Fuel capacity....... 145L Capacity... Six persons

The test day on the Noosa River was both raining and hot – standard Queensland weather in autumn.

Left: Under the hard top, the layout is pretty simple with lots of cockpit room to fit you and several of your mates. Right: With a fold-down boarding ladder that gets you on the duckboard, it’s easy to get in when the boat is parked stern-on to the shore. The transom door also helps.

A pair of comfortable seats are mounted on bases that have some clever storage underneath. The helm is simple and made of moulded fibreglass.

Now there’s some cockpit space to work with.

This underfloor kill tank will hold plenty of fish on ice until you can get back to fillet them.

A freshwater deck wash is a real luxury and rare in a boat in this price range.

Yamaha’s F150 is an ideal match for this rig and delivers nearly 2km/L at optimum cruising speeds. Theoretical range is over 250km on the standard 145L tank.

It doesn’t need to be tackle stored in here. Anything that doesn’t like salt spray will be happier in here than in the side pockets.

Pop up through here from the cabin to stow and deploy the anchor. Unlike Victorians, Queenslanders haven’t really discovered anchor winches… yet.

If you’re a side-pocket lover, the Stessco isn’t for you. There are a couple of small spaces to store your frequently used gear.

There’s no denying that the bait station is sturdy. This one holds a couple of rods as well.

Preparing to disembark, the hull draws very little water at rest and allows you to get up close and personal with the shore. OCTOBER 2018