CATCH MORE SEE MORE , INTRODUCING
HDS ® PRO sets a new standard for underwater visibility. Get the highest resolution live sonar with ActiveTarget 2 ® . And ultra high definition clarity in the MHz range with new Active Imaging™ HD
Bow-to-stern boat control with the Ultimate Fishing System , and detailed C-MAP ® charting make HDS ® PRO the most powerful fishfinding tool available.
LIGHT CASTING
LC / LC AGS
SALTIGA LC ‘Light Casting’ is a flagship series breaking new ground for Daiwa Australia, o ering never before seen actions and packed full of the latest and greatest technology.
addition
SALTIGA LC rods are an addition to the SALTIGA family, designed and developed specifically for Australia based around feedback from keen inshore and o shore anglers spanning from Sydney to far-northern Queensland.
With 10 Models in the range,three of those being AGS models there is a SALTIGA Light Casting rod to suit your needs. Head into your local DAIWA Dealer and feel the di erence.
Spring Kicks Off With a Bang
The emergence of spring is always a welcome time of year for anglers. Not Only does it see an end to winter, but it signals the start of many fishing seasons. Here in the south, multiple species start to flourish with trout season opening and water temps rising leading to better and more consistent captures. Victoria’s annual snapper migration will soon start and before we know it offshore will be alive with kingfish and tuna on the east and south coasts and marlin along the east and west coasts.
In the north we should see a strong build-up to the wet, which should have the barra going well in the dams and rivers and hopefully good rain brings a great run-off.
As I write this the country has experienced unseasonal warmth so it feels like spring has kicked off early – and with it has come some big storms. If this continues, we will see better fishing sooner into the new season and perhaps a hotter summer. This will only improve the fishing and in conjunction with the flooding we’ve had over the past two years across various systems, it’s a recipe for an amazing fishing season ahead both inshore, in the fresh and offshore.
There’s a lot to look forward to this season and a great range of new tackle and electronics to help you along the way. Enjoy this latest edition of Hooked Up and enjoy all the fishing the new season has to offer.
Kosta Linardos. Editor-in-Chief
Sammy Leys, Thomas Pinter, Jamie Crawford, Adam Hewson
info@hookedup.com.au
PRECISION, VERSATILITY, STRENGTH
DAIWA SILVER CREEK SPINNER
Open up your trout season with the Silver Creek Spinner. It’s a perfect presentation of the basic “cast and wind spinner”. Because it is a simple lure, the basic performance is important, and the new design creates a simple yet effective lure for fish in both rivers and lakes. The all-round design redefines a basic spinner’s performance in detail and does not lose balance even with strong current. The rolling swivel integrated with the shaft and the keeled rotating body reduce line twist and helps you catch more fish!
daiwafishing.com.au
BAIT BREATH ROCKIN CRAB
The Bait Breath Rockin Crab 2” is a collaborative creation by Gladiator Tackle of Australia and Bait Breath Japan, specifically engineered for targeting bream in Australian waters. This lure stands as a testament to its success, having been a favoured choice among winning tournament anglers across the country. Crafted for maximum effectiveness, the Rockin Crab 2” boasts exceptional articultaion, facilitating enticing movements of its legs and claws during the descent. Its user-friendly design allows for easy rigging and subtle manipulation with slight rod tip movements. Ideal for precise presentations around structures and expansive flats, it consistently proves irresistible to a variety of species. The latest colour variant, Spawning Ainame, expertly mimics prevalent crab species in both artificial canals and natural estuaries. Designed in Australia and meticulously manufactured in Japan, the Bait Breath Rockin Crab 2” embodies the pinnacle of collaborative innovation, delivering unmatched performance and reliability on every cast.
gladiatortackle.com.au
MEGABASS
FISH CRAFT SQUIRMER 90
The new Squirmer 90 is 6.8 grams in weight and 90mm long making it a unique jointed floating jerkbait that is appealing to a huge array of species. It comes in a range of custom Fishcraft paint finishes that will cover all conceivable conditions in both salt and freshwater. It’s lifelike inbuilt action is easy to achieve for angles of all skill levels and it’s the perfect choice for fishing areas such as shallow sand flats, weed beds, gravel beds, oyster leases and submerged timber. The Fishcraft Squirmer 90 also features a hi-impact ABS construction, fish attracting rattle, chemically sharpened hooks and stainless-steel split rings. Each Fishcraft lure is tuned to swim straight out of the box.
fishcraft.com.au
SHADING-X R62
The Megabass Shading-X R62 is a slender suspending jerk bait designed to replicate baitfish with remarkable precision. It excels with a jerk-pause-jerk or twitch retrieve, ideal for suspended or actively feeding fish. Additionally, its slow roll is effective for exploring flats, edges, and deep margins. It’s a top choice for catching yellowbelly, bass, trout, redfin, bream, estuary perch, and flathead. Crafted with a streamlined body to handle challenging conditions, the Shading-X features a new triangle balancing system that ensures excellent flight and swimming dynamics. Despite its ultra-thin profile, it boasts impressive casting distance. The rear-mounted adjustable weight allows it to suspend horizontally when paused. The Shading-X’s tough, slender design effortlessly produces lifelike darting movements. Its precise balance, achieved through moving tungsten balancers on the back and a fixed center-of-balance mount on the belly, perfectly mimics the stable swimming action of shad. With its super-slim willow bill, the Shading-X creates sharp, high-pitched wobbling actions during retrieves. It maintains exceptional stability and navigates obstacles adeptly along the bottom. The movable weight system on its back keeps it level when paused and enhances its responsiveness during twitching and retrieves, delivering natural movements.
vivafishing.com.au
BLACK MAGIC MICRO FLIPPER JIGS
Introducing the Micro Flipper jig, a compact version of Black Magic’s slow-pitched design, renowned for its erratic action, perfect for predatory species. Equipped with super-strong assist hooks resistant to bending and enhanced with crystal flash dressing for added allure. Available in weights of 20g, 30g (1 hook), and 40g (2 hooks) on Kevlar thread. Ideal for shallow water jigging targeting snapper, flathead, salmon, and kingfish in Fiery Tiger, Pinky, and Night Rider colours. blackmagictackle.com
YO-ZURI 3DB WAKE PROP
Designed to produce enticing topwater waking action with each turn of the reel handle, the Yo-Zuri 3DB Series Wake Prop 105mm is a bigbodied single-jointed hard bait that blends the action of a wakebait and topwater prop bait. Built with a durable vertical bill and oversized UV prop to create a wealth of commotion, the 3DB Series Wake Prop creates a seductive wobbling and rolling action as it moves across the surface to trigger explosive top water strikes from opportunistic fish. Offering all of the quality rich features we have come to expect from the 3DB family of baits, each Wake Prop is equipped with ultra-realistic 3D eyes and YoZuri’s patented internal painted gills, fins, scales, and 3D prism finishes. Ideal for steady methodical retrieves with intermittent pauses, the YoZuri 3DB Series Wake Prop 105mm is available in proven colour patterns and armed with three sticky-sharp black nickel round bend treble hooks to ensure your success with short-striking fish. The Wake Prop is perfect for cod, bass and flathead.
tacspo.com.au
SQUIDGIES RIDGE SHAD
The Squidgies Ridge Shad are available in both 110 and 140mm sizes and are a completely new shape and profile for the Squidgies range in a paddle tail plastic. Deadly on fish when rigged weedless or on a jighead by themselves or used as a trailer on a spinnerbait or mumbler style lure. Available in 12 of the most popular colours from the entire Squidgies range.
shimanofish.com.au
SHIMANO DYNA FLARE
Shimano Australia introduces the revolutionary Dynaflare series, redefining surf casting with a comprehensive range of rods for all anglers. Meticulously engineered with a 30 TON Blank and T45 carbon, the Dynaflare rods boast superior strength and sensitivity. Ergonomically designed EVA grips and Fuji K-Frame guides ensure ultimate comfort and performance. From the agile 902ML 4-8KG to the robust 1463XH 20-30KG, with ten models to choose from each rod is tailored for precision and power. Embrace the surf with Shimano’s latest innovation and turn the shoreline into your personal fishing haven. Dynaflare: Where technology meets the tide. shimanofish.com.au
VEXED DHU INCHIKU
The Inchiku jig was developed by Japanese commercial snapper fisherman many decades ago. This technique involved fishing unattended rods in rod holders allowing a couple of anglers to use multiple rods at the same time. The original Inchiku jigs were 40g-100g, all the same colour, looked extremely simple and usually had tiny size 4 hooks to pin smaller snapper and other small mouthed species. Introducing the Vexed Dhu Inchiku. How could we improve this style for Australian conditions? Firstly, we made the DHU Inchiku heavier and more compact to get them down faster and deeper. Then we incorporated larger super sharp hooks to better suit our larger and stronger Aussie fish. Next, we improved the old school PVC octopus assist by using our own more durable, scented, super stretchy, high intensity UV/Glow Flashy Occy Head Assist. Add this Super Occy to our range of proven Vexed Bottom Meat colour patterns and you have the best Inchiku ever made. The Dhu Inchiku will catch many species including: dhufish, snapper, grouper, coral trout, cod, red emperor and king fish.
vexedfishing.com.au
STRIKE PRO FUNKY-S
Strike Pro has released a small profile sinking minnow that is going to be a fantastic little lure for freshwater and estuary anglers. The Funky-S features a tight ‘rolling’ action and it is a silent lure that is ideal in finesse situations. It can be cast long distances due to its weight, which is ideal when conditions are glassed out or when fish are flighty. The Funky-S is 4.5cm long and weighs 4.3grams. This little lure is available in 8 beautiful colours suitable for both fresh and saltwater situations and it is ideal for trout, bass, bream, estuary perch and jungle perch. jurofishing.com
SAMAKI PACEMAKER CAST MINNOW
The Pacemaker Cast Minnow is the ultimate heavy-duty casting stickbait built for the toughest saltwater sportfishing adventures. It boasts a lifelike swimming action that flutters on the drop and can be retrieved at any speed. Whether you’re casting from the shore or a boat, the Pacemaker Cast Minnow will leave you reeling. Constructed using supersonic welding and outfitted with heavy-duty Decoy Y-S22 trebles, the Pacemaker Cast Minnow can handle the harshest conditions with unparalleled strength and durability. The vibrant colours will lure even the most vigilant predators while our signature heavy duty finish ensures it withstands their fiercest attacks. The Pacemaker Cast Minnow will be available in 8 sleek colours and 2 sizes: 90mm and 110mm.
samaki.com.au
FISH MONKEY WOOLY
Experience unparalleled warmth and comfort with our Wooly, wool Insulated gloves, designed to excel in cool and cold-weather conditions. Crafted from natural wool, these gloves are renowned for their exceptional insulating properties. Wool fibers regulate moisture by absorbing up to 30% of their weight without feeling heavy or damp, while allowing breathability to wick away moisture. Even when wet, wool maintains its warmth, ensuring your hands stay cosy on your next fishing adventure. Complete with a synthetic leather palm for added protection and superior grip in wet conditions, these gloves are perfect for activities like knot tying and bait rigging. The knit construction offers a snug, flexible fit that moves seamlessly with your hands, making them ideal for all-day comfort and performance in the elements.
ejtodd.com.au
HAYABUSA JACK EYE KUNEKUNE
The Hayabusa Jack Eye Kunekune Micro Jig is expertly designed to attract a wide variety of species such as Kingfish, Snapper and Amberjack. This micro jig is easy to use - just reel! The swinging tie tail produces realistic wiggling action similar to live fish and attracts the target even without applying jig action. You can also reel a few times then loosen the tension to let the jig fall. When twitching, it performs an action like a small fish trying to escape. This deep diving jig can be used from anywhere between 10-200m. It’s mainly used for all types of fishing but can also be thrown off the rocks or beach.
vivafishing.com.au
SHIMANO ARTIESTA
Shimano Australia unveils Artiesta, a series of high-performance fishing rods tailored for light tackle anglers. Crafted with 45-ton Japanese prepeg Toray blanks and Fuji K-Frame guides, Artiesta offers precision, strength, and versatility. The rods feature ergonomic handles, custom carbon hoods, and sleek aesthetics with dark maroon accents and chrome foil logos. From ultralight finesse to open flats fishing, Artiesta’s seven models cater to diverse fishing styles. Portable 2-piece designs enhance convenience without compromising performance. With Shimano’s legacy of durability, Artiesta promises years of successful fishing experiences for anglers targeting various species. shimanofish.com.au
MOLIX HYBRID SWIMMER
The Hybrid Swimmer it’s a soft plastic hybrid swimbait designed and developed to search for large predatory fish. It’s easy to cast and helps to cover a lot of water. The shape of the tail generates a very attractive vibration, featuring a tight swimming action that stimulates the most suspicious predators who tend to follow the bait before attacking it. The Hybrid Swimmer is perfect for probing all water levels as it is made with an internal foam core that allows the bait to maintain the perfect balance even down deep where large fish often park. The treble hook is kept in position along the body by a magnet and is fitted to the lure with a built-in swivel. Weight: 70 g Length: 16.5 cm. Available in 8 colours. ejtodd.com.au
TORAY SHOCK LEADER SMOOTH LOCK +
Introducing the Toray Shock Leader Smooth Lock+, a premium quality fluorocarbon leader crafted in Japan with meticulous attention to durability and performance. Available in a 45-meter length, this shock leader stands out for its exceptional abrasion resistance and stretchability, ensuring reliable performance in challenging fishing conditions. Utilizing Nano Slit® technology, the leader’s surface is micro-grooved to prevent knots from slipping, even on small diameters, and to enhance knot strength when connecting with braided line. This innovative technology, patented by Toray, creates minute grooves measuring just 1/1,000,000 mm on the fluorocarbon surface, significantly reducing friction between the leader and braid. The result is a shock leader that offers superior knot integrity, strength, and reliability, making it an ideal choice for anglers seeking precision and confidence in their fishing tackle.
vivafishing.com.au
YO-ZURI 3DR-X 60SP
The Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Shad 60SP is a suspending shad-style crankbait designed to entice bites with its compact body, alluring action, and flashy colourways. A true multi-species presentation, 3DR-X Shad realistically mimics the tight swimming and darting action of small baitfish. Shad style crankbaits provide the ultimate in finesse cranking and are highly responsive to manipulation by the angler through twitches and pulls of the rod tip. The durable diving bill gets the lure down to 5ft, putting it at the proper depth to target bass, estuary perch, bream and flathead feeding on schooling bait. Designed with a patented 3D internal prism scale finish, the 3DR-X Shad sends off a lot of light in all directions, calling fish in from far distances and helping it stand out from the crowd. Equipped with premium quality black nickel treble hooks and available in 6 colorways to match Australian bait species.
tacspo.com.au
INSALT JC TOPWATER
Introducing Insalt Lures’ latest innovation: the all-new range of handcrafted wooden stickbaits meticulously designed in Australia and handcrafted in Indonesia. Designed to perfection, these stickbaits boast exceptional action and impeccable balance, catering to a variety of pelagic species spanning from northern to southern waters. Crafted from premium wood, each lure is a testament to artisanal skill, ensuring unparalleled action, distinct sound, and optimal buoyancy that only handmade wooden lures can provide. Insalt Lures combines superior craftsmanship with affordability, offering unmatched quality without compromising on price. The Insalt JC Topwate Sinking Stickbaits series is available in a range of weights: 50g, 80g, 100g, and 120g, each meticulously designed to meet the demands of serious anglers. Featuring a selection of proven colour patterns, these stickbaits are engineered to entice even the most elusive of game fish, making them a must-have in any angler’s arsenal. insaltlures.com.au
ST.CROIX MOJO BASS TRIGON
The St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon Series rods offer St.Croix’s unique designed Trigon grip that features a curved triangular profile to promote greater hand to blank alignment for dramatically improved control, along with a flattened top curve for greater hand comfort and reduced fatigue. This range of rods have been designed as a technique specific based series for superior performance. The Mojo Bass Trigon series are built on SCIII Carbon fibre blanks and feature IPC and FRS technologies. These rods feature a handle that is a mixture of Agglomerated Cork and EVA with guides that are Titanium framed with Aluminium Oxide inserts. These rods are handcrafted by St.Croix and offer a 5-year Unconditional Warranty. There are two spin and four baitcasters in the range and they are suitable for anglers targeting bass, yellowbelly, cod, barra, flathead and snapper with plastics. jurofishing.com
LITTLE JACK MORE KEEN
This innovative lure seamlessly blends the characteristics of a metal jig and a blade, offering versatility across various fishing scenarios while delivering a unique vibration experience. Crafted with precision, the Little Jack More Keen features an eye-catching design that sets it apart from traditional metal blades. It allows for easy attachment using snaps or split rings, providing anglers with enhanced flexibility and ease of use. Moreover, the strategic placement of the centre of gravity ensures optimal action, captivating even the most discerning fish. Designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real bait, this lure boasts realistic form and intricate detailing. Its lifelike features make it irresistible to even the most finnicky fish. Engineered for maximum casting distance and stability, it maintains a steady flight attitude thanks to its balanced centre of gravity. For land based and even boat-based anglers it’s the perfect for lure for casting at pelagics such as salmon, tailor, tuna and mackerel where it’s casting distance will get it to the fish and it’s swimming action will hold the lure in the water column while its strong vibration will attract the fish. Fitted with BKK hooks renowned for durability and strength, you can trust this lure to secure your prized catch. gladiatortackle.com.au
DAIWA INFEET SK NEW MODELS
Daiwa introduces two new models to the 2024 Infeet SK rod range, renowned for its Fuji SK skeleton reel seat offering enhanced control and sensitivity. Featuring a unique guide system with Fuji titanium SiC and Daiwa AGS carbon fiber guides, these rods ensure exceptional responsiveness and lightness. Built with HVF Nanoplus graphite and X45X Full Shield technology, they excel in casting accuracy and lure manipulation, ideal for light tackle finesse techniques. Two new fast tapered (blue coloured), light powered models have been added to the range with a 681L+FS and 722LFS delivering light tackle finesse anglers more choice. daiwafishing.com.au
100% Fluorocarbon leader with high sensitivity and abrasion resistance while retaining high shock resistance. Triple resin processing and parallel spooling give this leader the tenacity to endure the toughest fight.
Available in:
50m spools 12lb to 50lb
30m spools 60lb to 100lb
A sinking PE line with a specific gravity of “1.48” This is achieved by incorporating 4x ULT-PE stands and 1x high specific gravity core material. This improves lure control when using sinking lures and has less influence from the wind and tide.
Available in: Colours: Pink & Olive
150m PE:0.4 (7.2lb) to PE:1.5(22.5lb)
A special masterbatch of Nylon gives this leader a high breaking strain and high tenacity to endure with low water absorption. Supple and easy to handle, it enhances knot perfection. Excellent shock absorption on hook set.
Available in: 50m spools 4lb to 150lb
SAMAKI SAMAKI REDIC LC
Designed in Australia and crafted from the highest quality materials, the Samaki Redic series stands out for its superior action and unmatched strength within its class. Featuring a robust hardbody constructed from premium ABS materials and reinforced with supersonic welding, Redic lures are built to endure the harshest environments. Engineered from the ground up to incorporate the strongest hardware, these lures deliver optimal action to entice even the most elusive species. The LC (Long Cast) Redics feature an innovative magnetic transfer system that enhances the casting distance of lighter lures, perfect for casting into a headwind or when a highly accurate cast is needed, such as when fishing around tight structure. Available in both DS (Deep Suspending) and MS (Medium Suspending) models, the LC Redics provide anglers with the precision and reach required to target fish in challenging conditions, making them an invaluable addition to any tackle box.
samaki.com.au
DOBYNS KADEN TRAVEL RODS
The popular Kaden Series is now available in travel rods! These three piece rods have the same features as the original Kaden Series but they are designed for the traveling angler. Features include high modulus blanks, Fuji reel seats, Sea Guide’s popular XO guides, Kevlar wrappings, Portugal cork handles on the casting and spinning rods and EVA handles on the swimbait rods. Custom made heavy duty hard case with a divided interior for added protection of each section. The Kaden Travel Series are all built on the spline and balanced. The range features seven rods including two full handle casting rods, three split handle spinning rods and two full handle swimbait rods.
ejtodd.com.au
DAIWA SILVER CREEK INLINE SPINNER SS
Silver Creek Spinner SS (Super Spin Shaft) features Daiwa’s innovative Saqsas coating technology on the shaft, ensuring the blade initiates its spin promptly upon retrieve thanks to the super slippery SaqSas shaft coating. Even in shallow waters with low flow, the blade effortlessly begins to spin with a slow retrieve. The well-balanced body shape enables it to navigate currents perfectly whilst effortlessly maintaining its spin in both fast and slow current flows.
daiwafishing.com.au
FLAMBEAU WILD BITE ADVENTURE KIT
The Wild Bite Adventure Kit provides a complete fishing experience for young anglers. It features a 25-piece tackle assortment, educational guide, and a unique fish-shaped tackle box adorned with a Rainbow Trout illustration by artist Rick Hill. The kit includes a plastic spade and plier multi-tool, allowing kids to dig for bait and handle tackle, ensuring an exciting and educational fishing adventure. jmgillies.com.au
FPV SMART SERIES MARINE LITHIUM BATTERIES
The FPV Life PO4 Smart Series lithium battery is crafted for superior marine performance. With a nominal voltage of 25.6V and a capacity of 110Ah, it provides over 290 minutes of usage at 0.2C and an impressive 2816Wh of energy. This battery boasts a resistance of less than 10mΩ and achieves 99% efficiency, with a self-discharge rate below 3% per month. Its robust design features ABS casing, IP65 protection, and a weight of 24.7kg. The battery supports a recommended charge current of under 50A and a maximum of 100A, with a charging voltage range of 28.4V to 29.2V. Discharge capabilities include a continuous current of 150A and a peak of 400A. It operates efficiently within a temperature range of -4 to 140°F for discharge and -4 to 113°F for charging. For added convenience, the FPV Life PO4 Smart Series integrates Bluetooth and NMEA2000 for real-time monitoring through a dedicated app, compatible with both iOS and Android devices. With a five-year warranty, this battery ensures reliability and performance for all your marine needs. fpv-power.com.au
RELIEFBAND 50 HOURS
Reliefband 50 Hours is an economical option for nausea relief. This device has a total of 50 full hours of usage time, making it perfect for just one weekend away. The Reliefband 50 Hours therapeutic device gives you an economical, clinically proven solution for treating and preventing effects of motion sickness, anxiety, morning sickness associated with pregnancy and chemotherapy, and more. This device has a total of 50 full hours of usage time, making it perfect for just one weekend away. Batteries are non-replaceable and non-rechargeable. jmgillies.com.au
SHIMANO TREVALA B
The eagerly awaited Trevala B series has officially launched in Australia, offering unparalleled versatility and performance. Engineered with TC4 blank construction for unmatched durability, these rods are ideal for a range of fishing techniques—jigging, throwing lures, or bait fishing. Featuring a lighter build and optimized balance, the Trevala B series ensures less fatigue and more precise handling. Available in 11 tailored models, including six spinning and five overhead, the Trevala B rods are designed to meet the diverse needs of both amateur and professional anglers. Experience next-level fishing with Trevala B, where robust construction meets innovative design. shimanofish.com.au
WESTCOAST WEDGIE
The Westcoast wedgie clips onto your split butt rod and then wedges into the rod holder securing your rod, stopping it from flapping around and protecting your expensive and fragile graphite from fractures that could lead to breakages. A simple easy to use product that prevents damage to your rods.
vexedfishing.com
EDENCRAFT CATERS TO SPEAROS
Edencraft International can cater uniquely to diving enthusiasts with its customisable boat design options, making it a top choice for those who seek adventure beneath the waves. Whether you’re spearfishing along the reefs or exploring underwater, Edencraft’s boats are tailored to enhance your diving experience. Features like extended side pockets perfectly house large spear guns, while customised, wide dive doors offer unimpeded access even when topped with gear. Our spacious decks provide ample room for hooker setups and big catches, and custom deployable stainless ladders as well as spear gun racks can replace the bait board for added convenience. All our models feature a deep V hull, engineered to slice smoothly through waves, ensuring a superior ride in challenging conditions and swift travels to prime diving locations. Spacious dash layouts mean divers can easily install a range of electronics, GPS, and sounders to pinpoint the best dive spots. Additionally, dive platforms can be incorporated into the transom of the boat, enhancing functionality and safety for divers. For those who prefer a traditional wave breaker setup for extra protection against the waves, it can be chosen over the standard windscreen or hardtop options. If
STRESS FREE MINI 50
GFAB MULTIMODE
Upgrade your live sonar setup with the MultiMode Mount, the pinnacle of versatility and reliability in live sonar transducer mounts. Engineered and perfected in Australia, it empowers users with unprecedented flexibility, seamlessly switching between Down, Forward/Down, and Perspective/Scout modes while maintaining a precise zero-degree transducer angle for utmost accuracy. Effortlessly toggle modes through a user-friendly push, pull, and rotate mechanism, supported by CNC machined 6061 marine-grade aluminium and acetal bar stock for exceptional durability. Crafted entirely in Australia with a marine-grade anodized finish and 316 stainless steel fixings, it ensures longevity and resilience in marine environments. Compatible with all Lowrance and Garmin live sonar transducers, the MultiMode Mount also features Perspective/ Scout Mode, offering 7.5-degree increments for fine-tuning your transducer angle.
gfabmarineengineering.com.au
Discover the Mini 50 Standard anchor winch, engineered for versatility and premium performance. Featuring an adaptable design with 8 different gearbox and motor configurations, it seamlessly fits various anchor wells and offers optional deck mounting for added flexibility. Crafted with a high-quality Italian motor and gearbox, this winch ensures durability and reliability. Its robust features include a waterproof 80amp circuit breaker with thermal overload protection, a double anodised 50 series gearbox to combat corrosion, and a solid stainless steel drive shaft for enduring strength. Designed for marine environments, it boasts a grease impregnated acetyl bush for optimal operation and is constructed from 316 L grade stainless steel. Effortlessly manage rope and chain with its powered drum operation, complemented by options like Pro-series guards and a waterproof wireless remote for enhanced functionality. Backed by a reassuring 5-year warranty, it offers flexible drum capacity configurations to meet your specific needs. Ideal for marine enthusiasts seeking dependable anchoring solutions.
stressfree.com.au
■ Designed to draw in predators with both slow and fast retrieves.
■ Megabass' exclusive MAGHOLD SYSTEM (PAT.P) and belly slit will secure hooks in place to minimize the visual presence of unnatural treble hooks.
MAGHOLD SYSTEM PAT.P
The internal neodymium magnet creates a powerful magnetic field that guides and holds the hook in the optimal position, even under high water pressure. While reducing the water resistance of the hook, the magnet itself is also an important balancing component of the body that helps to create smooth and natural actions. The hooks positioned tightly against the body are released with the level of contact of a short bite. Since the hooks are kept in-line with the direction of the lure's movement, they do not cause the lure to waver, allowing for speedy hook ups.
The Brunswick Corporation is a global powerhouse in the marine industry, and under its umbrella are brands such as Mercury, Simrad, Lowrance, RELiON batteries, Lenco and B&G, to name just a few.
Hooked Up recently had the opportunity at the Sydney International Boat Show to sit down with Brunswick CEO David Foulkes.
David is a CEO with a hands-on approach to product development in both the marine, automotive and aircraft industries. He’s somewhat the Tony Stark of the American marine world so we were excited to get his perspectives on where marine technology and engineering currently stands and where it’s going.
David, you’re obviously very hands-on with the design at Mercury engines, and you’ve come from a Ford Motor Company background. What led you to getting into this field - are you good with your hands generally, or is it more about the design side of things?
I grew up building a lot of stuff out of everything I could get my hands on. My father was a pilot and then became a maths
teacher, and that combination kind of stuck with me. So maths and engineering, physics, all that kind of stuff I was interested in deeply as a kid and through school. And then I did aeronautical engineering at college in London. Obviously the primary focus of aero engineering is aircraft, but anything that moves benefits from lightweight or aerodynamics, or hydrodynamics. So, it kind of carried me through a number of roles, and is certainly very applicable in the marine industry.
Did you always have an interest in marine?
I’ve always had an interest in anything that moved. On the ground, I’ve been in the automotive industry, marine industry, been in the aircraft industry. So, I think things that move are interesting. The boating industry, there is just something very cool about it: the different boat types, the lifestyle aspect of it, it’s a bit like exotic cars. I do like something that is kind of just physically, viscerally desirable, as well as a functional engineering object as well.
And the one thing that I’ve noticed with the Brunswick Group as a whole, we’ve obviously got the engines with the marine side of the business, but also acquiring Navico and a bunch of other brands. We’re moving into this technology side of it, and I guess the software side, delivered through hardware.
Aside from acquiring Navico being a good business move, do you see it as a purposeful integration? Will it be a focus to take something that’s big and metal and has a lot of horsepower, then integrate that with technology?
Yeah, I mean, being on the leading edge of technology in the industry has always been a focus for us. What represents being on the leading edge used to be more thermal mechanical, and now it’s very much pivoted to digital. I think whatever industry you look at right now, the digital vehicle is a huge part of what everybody is doing. Everybody’s experiences right now are a physical digital hybrid of some kind, and we want boats to be contemporary with all the features of functionality.
As a V8 owner myself, I love high horsepower petrol engines, and I understand that we’re moving into this world of lithium, and you guys have embraced that with Avatar. Are we seeing the end of the V8s when it comes to outboard engines, or is Mercury going to continue to embrace that?
I will continue to embrace it. Some big differences between marine engines and passenger vehicles, including even light duty trucks, the duty cycle for those vehicles is way different from a boat. When you’re driving on a flat road, you’re probably using 30 kilowatts (out of 280) right? But in a boat, mostly you’re using 30 to 50 to up to 70 per cent of your power all the time. So, hybridising road vehicles, or replacing road vehicles that have combustion engines with electric vehicles, is very different from the marine application.
In marine applications, you need continuous power much more often. So, we’re going to continue to need V8s, V10s and V12s for a very long time. What we can do is make those engines as efficient as possible, and we do that in a number of ways.
You know, the V12 is a lean burn engine, so increases fuel efficiency that way. It has a two-speed transmission in it, so that increases fuel efficiency. We work very hard on reducing friction in those engines, for example.
So, just because it’s a big combustion engine doesn’t mean you give up on fuel efficiency. Two big 600 horsepower V12s are way more efficient than four 300s or six 200s. So, you have to think about the transom, not just the individual engine.
I think people looked at Avatar in the wrong way (Mercury’s new lithium-powered outboards) – that you were sending a message that we’re now going this way, which I think had a lot of kickback against it. So, I think it’s great you’ve made it clear we’ve still got V8s and V12s.
If you think about Avatar, 90% of electric boats are low horsepower, 10 horsepower, 15
David Foulkes- CEO of the Brunswick Corporation.
DAVID FOULKES- BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
horsepower products. And there are many in Europe, particularly regulated waterways that don’t allow internal combustion engines.
We have them here as well.
It’s a real market. Whether you like it or don’t like it, it’s happening. We need a product for that market. But I don’t see, with current technology levels, particularly battery technology, that same mass shift of boats from internal combustion to electrification in the foreseeable future.
How rapidly is that technology moving, or your access to it, and to constantly refine something like an Avatar-based product?
I think we have access to good technology. We own two lithium-ion battery companies, Mastervolt and RELiON. They have very contemporary capabilities. We have a supply base that can allow us access to the latest motor and reverse technology, even if we don’t have it all internally. We’re big enough in scale so that if a battery supplier, for example, wants to participate in marine, we’re probably their first choice as a partner. I feel like we have access to all the technology we need. The reality is, although lithium-ion battery technology has gone through rapid development in terms of better power-toweight and better cost, it isn’t, at the moment, moving super-fast.
Solid-state batteries, sodium batteries, all that kind of stuff is in development, but so far, we’re at a bit of a plateau. For a marine application, just like an aircraft application, it needs to evolve a lot. I think when and if it does, we’ll be able to have access to it, but it’s just not there right now.
Mercury is releasing newer engines with more power and different engines more rapidly than its competitors. Is your R&D team just always working on it, trying to be first to market?
It is a big focus. I think a lot of our competitors are in multiple industry verticals. You think about Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, they have a lot of different verticals to focus on. I don’t think they necessarily have teams that that we do. Our teams move from one engine to the next engine to the next engine and every time they get smarter.
You’re not making guitars and keyboards?
We’re not, no. We’re a very focused organisation. What’s interesting is a lot of our engineers are boaters themselves. I don’t think you’d probably say that about the Yamaha or Suzuki engineers in Japan designing those products. I think we have a strong affinity for the product and we’re very focused. We get very good at it as we go.
Do you think that we’re largely now in a world of refinement or is there still invention to come?
No, I think there’s still invention to come. I think if you look at the V12, the first time an automatic transmission has ever been integrated, the steerable gear case versus the whole engine steering. Just a lot of really thoughtful features and not technology for technology’s sake. Technology to fulfill a purpose, to make the engine more efficient or perform better or smoother or quieter or something like that. You never quite know where the next big step’s going to be, but we’re definitely not at the end of some development path. I think we’ve got plenty of room to run in that.
Are you seeing any trends in America that are influencing how you move forward with products, from a technology point of view?
Well, I think of the other elements of our ACES (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Shared) strategy, connectivity has become a much more influential piece of boating.
I mean, it’s kind of nice to almost carry your boat in your pocket, right? Whatever you want to do with it, whether you want to geofence it or monitor it or switch on and off some functionality, that definitely continues to be very important. A lot of trends are continuing: like you mentioned, big, more powerful engines. But I would say the other place where electrification is beginning to make a big mark in bigger boats is replacing combustion engine generators with highcapacity lithium-ion power management systems. We have a system called Fathom that is a really great way of applying electrification in an application where the propulsion is not quite so easy. So I would say electrical power management and being able to modulate the various power consumers around the boat –prioritise them.
Digital control of whole boats, making sure with one big screen that does everything, definitely continues to be very powerful. But we’re still presenting probably too much, too complex information to boaters. We need to work harder on making it a little bit more contextual and a little bit more intuitive.
Because getting on board a big boat, unless you know it, can be a pretty intimidating experience. And these days, even on a small fishing boat, there’s more on it.
Do you think we’re going to see a time soon where we do away with the MFD (multifunction display) and we move to a more modular-based system hidden away in the boat and then just monitors will connect to it?
Yes, I do see that’s a certain possibility. I mean, it’s a more economical solution to have
one high-performance processor, including a graphics engine supporting multiple displays on a boat. At the moment, it’s kind of more convenient to have those displays with their own CPUs. But over time, you can definitely see exactly what you’re talking about. A single processor unit hidden away somewhere in the boat, feeding three or four displays.
In terms of displays, though, we recently introduced the ultrawide display, the SIMRAD display that’s the kind of widescreen format. I do see different form factors for displays being interesting. I mean, this form factor has been around for a long time. But now, in most road vehicles, you’ll see widescreen formats. I think that’s going to be present more in boat applications. So, in addition to having multiple monitors, potentially, on an ultrawide, you can display three screens’ worth of information on a single display. So, they’ll potentially become wider, too.
Now, do you mind if I ask, because of your engineering background, what car you drive?
I have a Porsche 911 Turbo.
Good choice. I thought it would be something cool.
To keep up to date with all the innovations from the Brunswick Corporation visit: brunswick.com
A Lake Eildon yellow belly ready for release.
SPRING GOLD
As our impoundments warm up with the weather, so does the yellowbelly action.
Words:
Thomas Pinter Images: Kosta Linardos
Fishing for golden perch, also known as yellowbelly, is an exciting challenge for anglers in Victoria’s impoundments. These prized fish are known for their aggressive strikes and challenging fights. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will help you successfully catch golden perch in some of Victoria’s best fishing spots.
Golden Perch
Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua), commonly referred to as yellowbelly, are a popular species among Australian anglers. They thrive in impoundments, where they offer both a rewarding catch and an enjoyable fishing experience on light tackle. These fish are generally found in warmer waters and are known for their predatory nature, making them a great target for various fishing techniques.
Key Impoundments
Several impoundments in Victoria and NSW are renowned for their golden perch populations but these fish spread well into Queensland and the techniques I use in the south can be used anywhere. Each location offers unique fishing opportunities. My favourite locations are Eildon, Hume, Burrinjuck and Windamere. Lake Eildon is known for its expansive waters and varied structures and is a prime location for golden perch. The lake features a mix of weed beds, rocky outcrops and flooded timber as well as bridges and pontoons around the houseboat marinas. Lake Hume is located near the Victoria-New South Wales border and is another excellent spot. It offers diverse fishing conditions with plenty of opportunities to find golden perch. Windamere Dam is a smaller impoundment but it’s ideal for targeting golden perch in a more controlled environment. Its structure
and water conditions provide a great habitat for these fish. Burrinjuck Dam is known for its clear waters and abundant fish life, and another popular spot for golden perch. The dam’s varied depths and structures make it a versatile location for different fishing techniques.
When to Fish
Golden perch are most active in spring when water temperatures start to rise. However, I often find great success in winter as well. Most of the images in this article were taken on a sunny winter’s day in Lake Eildon, so don’t feel you can’t have success all year round. The optimal water temperature range for golden perch is between 19°C and 23°C. During this period, the fish become more active and start schooling up as they prepare
for spawning, so you can get on to some redhot session at this time of year with multiple fish being landed.
Spring Fishing Tips
Northern vs. southern impoundments: northern impoundments usually warm up faster than southern ones. As a result, fish in northern locations will become active earlier in the season. Keep track of local water temperatures to time your fishing trips effectively. Use local weather and water temperature reports to gauge the best times to fish. Consistent rising temperatures generally signal increased fish activity. Finding the right spot to fish for golden perch involves understanding their preferred habitats and behaviour. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas to target:
The author uses the Murasame Bream X as his main rod for golden perch.
Weed Edges
Weed beds are crucial habitats for golden perch, particularly in shallower waters. These areas offer several benefits such as warmth, and weeds absorb sunlight, creating a warmer environment that attracts fish. Weeds harbour various food sources such as yabbies, shrimp, mudeyes, and minnows, making them attractive to predatory fish.
Focus on the edges of weed beds where fish are likely to hunt for food. Use lures that can navigate through these weedy areas without getting snagged.
Rocky Outcrops
Rocky outcrops are another prime location for golden perch. The rocks create small crevices and shelters where baitfish and crustaceans hide. Golden perch often patrol these areas in search of prey. Position your boat close to the rocky structures and cast your lures near the rocks. Use lures that can mimic the movement of baitfish and crustaceans.
Flooded Standing Timber
Flooded timber offers excellent cover and a stable environment for golden perch. The timber creates hiding spots and affects water temperature and oxygen levels. Finding the right depth and structure is key.
Employ a fish finder to locate standing timber and identify the thermocline – the layer of water with the highest oxygen levels. Look for a horizontal line or clutter on your sounder to locate these areas. When fishing in standing timber, use a vertical approach. Lower your lure close to the structure and retrieve it slowly to mimic natural prey movements.
Essential Tackle and Gear
Using the right tackle and gear can significantly enhance your chances of catching golden perch, and a light spin set-up is ideal.
A 7ft to 7ft 5in rod with a fast taper is preferred. This type of rod provides sensitivity and responsiveness, which is crucial for detecting bites and handling lighter lures.
A 2500 to 3000-size reel is suitable. It should be spooled with 10lb braid for strength and durability while keeping a finessed approach.
Use 8-12lb fluorocarbon leader material. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater and provides abrasion resistance. If the fish are particularly finicky, consider dropping to a 6lb leader.
The author uses Lowrance Active Target live sonar as well as side scan and down scan to effectivley find fish.
Flooded timber and laydowns are prime areas to target golden perch.
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Choosing the Right Lures
Lures play a crucial role in attracting and catching golden perch. For standing timber, black grubs and paddle tails are highly effective. Rig them on 7g or 9g jig heads with assist stinger hooks. The stinger hooks help catch fish that nip at the tail of the lure. I rig all my golden perch lures with assist stingers and it dramatically increases my hook-up rate. Drop your lure vertically into the timber and use a slow, steady retrieve. This approach mimics the natural movement of prey. I have traditionally used the Berkley Gulp! Minnow Grub but lately have had great success with the Megabass Kemuri Curly –my three biggest golden perch have been caught on this lure at 66, 64.5 and 64cm. These lures have been hard to come by but now there are good levels of stock in Australia.
For weed and rocky areas, jerkbaits are the best – try lures such as the Megabass Leviathan and Jackall Squirrel (60-75mm), and the Megabass Shading-X. Jerkbaits that dive to 3m work well in
LATELY I HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS WITH THE MEGABASS KEMURI CURLY – MY THREE BIGGEST GOLDEN PERCH HAVE BEEN CAUGHT ON THIS LURE AT 66, 64.5 AND 64CM.
weed and rocky areas, as these lures mimic baitfish and attract golden perch effectively. Lipless cranks and vibes are also highly effective on golden perch.
Use lures such as Jackall TN50, 60, and 65, Megabass Vibration X and Lucky Craft LVO. Darker colours are often more successful in these environments and, again, I always retro fit these lures with assist hook stingers.
Experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to find what works best. A steady retrieve with occasional pauses can trigger strikes.
While spinnerbaits can be effective, they are not always the top choice for these situations. If you decide to use them, opt for models that can handle the specific conditions of your fishing spot.
The author uses Spin Wright Grubbin jig heads with his plastics as they feature a point to easily attach assist hooks. Assist hooks are extremely important when targeting golden perch.
While spring is a great time to target perch, this fish and many others came on a sunny day in the depths of winter.
This fish was taken using the Megabass Kemuri Curly, the author’s favourite soft plastic grub when targeting perch.
Retrieval Techniques
The way you retrieve your lure can make a significant difference in your success rate.
For fishing in standing timber, marking your braid at depth intervals (every 5m or 10m) helps keep your lure in the strike zone. This method is especially useful if you don’t have advanced fishfinding technology.
After positioning your lure, retrieve it slowly towards the surface. This technique allows the lure to stay in the strike zone longer. Combine the slow roll with a gentle shake of the rod. This action mimics the movement of a shrimp or other prey. A fast taper rod offers better sensitivity and control. Adapt your retrieval technique based on the fishes’ response and environmental conditions.
FOR FISHING IN STANDING TIMBER, MARKING YOUR BRAID AT DEPTH INTERVALS (EVERY 5M OR 10M) HELPS KEEP YOUR LURE IN THE STRIKE ZONE. THIS METHOD IS ESPECIALLY USEFUL IF YOU DON’T HAVE ADVANCED FISH-FINDING TECHNOLOGY.
If you notice the fish are less active, slow down your retrieve or try different lure actions.
Watch The Weather
Weather conditions can affect fish behaviour. Overcast days and light rain can improve fishing conditions by reducing light penetration and increasing fish activity. Observe changes in water conditions and fish behaviour to adjust your approach accordingly.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to catch golden perch in impoundments all around the country.
Whether you’re targeting weed edges, rocky outcrops or flooded timber, the right techniques and gear will enhance your fishing experience. Enjoy the challenge and the thrill of catching these remarkable fish. Happy fishing!
Circled: A large yella about to hit the author’s lure on Lowrance Active Target 2 live sonar.
A powerful tail that helps perch put up a good fight on light tackle. .
COFFIN BAY BLUEWATER
Bluefin tuna, kingfish, sharks and everything in between – these waters have some of the best fishing in South Australia.
Words & Images: Jamie Crawford
Brad Smith with a lovely yellowtail kingfish taken offshore from Coffin Bay.
If I had to nominate my favourite offshore fishing location here in South Australia, it would be the productive waters wide of Coffin Bay. Located about 700km by road from Adelaide, Coffin Bay is situated on the southwestern tip of the Eyre Peninsula. The shallow bay waters are well-known for their farmed Pacific oysters and fishing for King George whiting, but Coffin Bay also offers some of our state’s best bluewater fishing.
These offshore waters offer up all of SA’s big-name species from bluefin tuna, kingfish and mako sharks in the upper column to samson fish, blue groper and red snapper down deep, to name just a few. But like all offshore locations in cooler climates, timing is everything. The offshore action out from Coffin Bay fires up from December through to April, when migrating pelagics push into these waters.
The bluewater grounds officially start once you round Point Sir Isaac and venture into open water. It’s at this stage you leave the semi-protected bay water behind you, and you’re now exposed to the elements of the Southern Ocean. It’s a fair run from the township of Coffin Bay just to reach Point Sir Isaac at around 35km, but within 5km of the point some good reefs start to rise and the likelihood of intercepting a school of bluefin increases exponentially the further you travel from Sir Isaac. But these grounds are big boat territory, with the Southern Ocean dishing up some pretty wild conditions at times.
Launching
If you are towing your own boat, there are three options for launching around Coffin Bay to access the bluewater. The first – and easiest option – is the concrete ramp located at the township of Coffin Bay itself. This is a wellmaintained five-lane all-weather ramp, but a long run out of the bay system is required to access the bluewater. I would recommend using the main ramp for all vessels over six metres, unless you are experienced at beach launching.
If you don’t mind some dirt road travelling and launching off the sand, then there are two options available which will shave off some travelling time at sea. The first is Farm Beach, located at the northern entrance to Coffin Bay. Launching at Farm Beach will cut around 20km of bay travelling each way, but the beach can get soft and you will need to reverse your car out into the salt to safely launch your boat over the channel drop-off.
The next beach launch option is from Point Avoid, which is within the Coffin Bay National Park. This ramp offers a concrete slab leading onto the beach, with all launching from the
sand. You will need to buy a vehicle entry permit for the national park before entering. Launching at Point Avoid offers quicker access to the island groups wide of Point Whidbey, but this beach isn’t the best launch site if there’s any swell running. Once you have safely launched, it’s time to head offshore and start prospecting the bluewater grounds.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin are the number one offshore target from Coffin Bay, and we have a pretty reliable run of school fish through these waters. The first wave of fish generally appears during November, but it’s not until we hit late December that the fish are around in reasonable numbers and have dispersed throughout most of the offshore reef systems and islands. Schools of fish will move through the area right through until May, but the peak months for the schooling bluefin are January to March.
During the peak of the season, the schools can be quite widespread from Point Sir Isaac, around Reef Head and Point Whidbey, and extending around the islands to the southwest. Most of the larger reef systems in the area will hold bait and bluefin, with the reef systems closer to the Hummocks, Greenly and Rocky being the most consistent grounds.
These are mainly school-sized fish averaging 8-15kg, but we have seen a handful of barrel bluefin over the past couple of seasons in these waters too. But being predominantly smaller tuna means you can scale down the tackle and target these fish with light to medium spin gear. These bluefin can be targeted by trolling a spread of skirts or divers around baitfish and known aggregation sites, or you can cast topwater lures at surface fish.
Caleb Murray with a prime samson fish which ate a live bait fished over an offshore reef.
Scanning the horizon for bird activity and baitfish bust-ups, my favourite method is to approach these schools armed with a light to medium spin outfit and casting stickbaits and poppers into the surface melee. Using an 8-12kg rod together with a 6000-sized spin reel spooled with 30lb braid is ideal for casting to these smaller school fish. When these little blue rockets are smashing bait on the surface, you know you’ve got a good chance of a surface bite.
Otherwise, if you haven’t spied any surface activity, you can blind-troll divers in the 110 to 160mm range or skirts in the 3in to 4in size around the back side of the islands, or over the peak of the larger reef systems. Lures in a blue pilchard or mackerel pattern are always a reliable colour. In addition to southern bluefin, we do see the occasional albacore and skipjack tuna visiting these wider grounds.
Yellowtail Kingfish
Yellowtail kings are undoubtedly the highest prize in these offshore waters, with fish from small 60cm rats right up to 30kg-plus greenbacks available for those who put in the time. These kings are mostly prevalent around the offshore islands, frequenting the edges of the islands and the deeper reefs extending from these granite outcrops.
Small to mid-sized kingfish can be taken on diving lures trolled and cast around these islands, and from underneath the whitewater created by the bommies in the area. Casting 110-140mm stickbaits is an exciting way of connecting to kings when they’re feeding in the upper column, with Rocky Island a good location for this.
Most big offshore kings in this area are taken on live baits, though. Live baiting some of the deeper reefs, and dropping night-time baits in the anchorage at Greenly Island, offers up
some slob kings, which can take some serious stopping in the deeper water. Squid, salmon trout, slimy mackerel, scad and silver trevally I look for raised plateaus of reef and hard bottom, and before dropping a bait I sound the area looking for signs of life on the reef. Red snapper (aka southern nannygai or Bight redfish) are the main species on these reefs – and they are a beautiful table fish. Given the schooling nature of red snapper, they are easily identifiable on the sounder and mark quite differently from the smaller swallowtail and leatherjackets that also frequent the area.
Mixed in with the red snapper are some nice queen snapper up to around 7kg, although mostly averaging 2-3kg. These are a stunninglooking fish straight from the water. Pink snapper and blue groper also frequent these reefs, along with plenty of by-catch in the form of sergeant baker, bluethroat wrasse, barber perch, leatherjackets and Mixed Mixed
This screen shot from the author’s Simrad NSS Evo 3 shows a school of bluefin holding mid- water.
Kingfish are sometimes mixed in together with the school bluefin.
Kingfish of varying size hunt around the islands offshore from Coffin Bay.
Samson Fish
Samsons are the next highest prize after kingfish in these waters, and we are fortunate to see reasonable numbers of fish moving onto the deeper reefs in this area. Samsons can be found on these offshore reefs yearround, but the main aggregations appear from January until April, with numbers dropping through the cooler months.
Similar to the kingfish, the better numbers of samsons are found past Point Whidbey, with the bigger reefs around Greenly and Rocky Islands producing the best numbers of fish. There are some productive reefs in this area that rise from around 80m of water to peak at 30m, so they’re significant lumps. It’s best to use your electronics and sound the edges of the reef, looking for larger markings holding above the reef.
Once some samsons have been found, the action can come in thick and fast with jigging heavy metals in the 150 to 300g range the preferred method. If the samsons are a bit hook-shy, then dropping a live bait often gets results.
Your stock-standard sambo out here is around the 90 to 115cm size, or around the 8 to 15kg mark. We do see some bigger fish at times, and similarly we’ll occasionally hit a school of smaller ‘blotchies’ around the 60 to 80cm size. Regardless of size, samsons are a cool fish. Because most of the fish are hooked in quite deep water, you’ll often need to assist the fish when releasing them, so it’s wise to have a release weight on board if samsons are your target.
Table Fish from the Reefs
While we have detailed the top three sport fish – which are quite seasonal – these same deep reefs also offer good bottom bouncing
for a range of tasty species year-round. There are quite a few productive limestone reefs from Sir Isaac through to Point Whidbey and beyond, many of which are marked on the charts. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, simply keep an eye on your sounder as you travel in the 50m depth range, and soon enough some hard bottom and ledges will appear.
I look for raised plateaus of reef and hard bottom, and before dropping a bait I sound the area looking for signs of life on the reef. Red snapper (aka southern nannygai or Bight redfish) are the main species on these reefs – and they are a beautiful table fish. Given the schooling nature of red snapper, they are easily identifiable on the sounder and mark quite differently from the smaller swallowtail and leatherjackets that also frequent the area.
A healthy esky after a day bouncing baits out from Coffin Bay. Note pre snapper ban.
Samson fish are a popular target around the islands and reef systems wide of Coffin Bay.
Samson fish are one of the main offshore targets from Coffin Bay.
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in with the red snapper are some nice queen snapper up to around 7kg, although mostly averaging 2-3kg. These are a stunning-looking fish straight from the water. Pink snapper and blue groper also frequent these reefs, along with plenty of by-catch in the form of sergeant baker, bluethroat wrasse, barber perch, leatherjackets and sweep. Harlequin fish and thumping kiloplus King George are occasional prized by-catch from these deeper grounds.
Dropping baits on paternoster rigs is the preferred method of securing a feed of reef fish, but micro-jigging and weighted soft plastics also claim plenty of nice fish.
Sharks
When the schools of bluefin are pushing through these offshore waters, bronze whalers and mako sharks of varying size are often shadowing the schools of SBT, so if shark fishing is your thing there’s plenty of action available. The numbers of bronze whalers have been strong the past few seasons, but the makos are more sporadic. In reality, these grounds aren’t as consistent or accessible for makos compared to the bluewater in other parts of our state, but they’re still an option.
The fishing for demersal sharks out wide of Coffin Bay is good, with plenty of nice gummy and school sharks caught around the same reefs we target red snapper. We have seen a resurgence of school shark numbers in recent years, which is great to see. Most of the gummy and school sharks are in the 10-20kg size range, and offer good eating when bled and iced down.
Additional Info
If you don’t have your own boat capable of accessing these offshore grounds, then don’t despair as there are two reputable charter operators offering day trips to these offshore areas. Ash Smith from Eyre Peninsula Fishing
Adventures runs a 7.4m Clayton Gallant, while Daniel Gilbertson from GT Fishing Charters runs an 8.1m Markham Dominator Shark Cat, and both operators will put you onto some good fish, weather permitting.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Coffin Bay, from short-term house and shack rental to cabin and campground options.
The Coffin Bay caravan park is also located right in the heart of the township, and offers a range of accommodation options. Coffin Bay also has a supermarket, takeaway shop and pub, so you can buy plenty of supplies when based in town for a fishing trip.
School sharks are a regular by catch when bottom bouncing baits wide of Coffin Bay.
Targeting SBT’s on topwater lures is pretty exciting.
SUPER SARCA
SARCA EXCEL
VIC TROUT OPENING
Exciting times are here whether you’re after a Goulburn ‘stonker’ or a small-stream wild fish.
Words & Images: Kosta Linardos
By the time most of you read this the trout season will be well and truly open (although some of you may get to grab a copy a few days before it kicks off on September 7).
Keen trout anglers always look forward to this time of year and now we have a whole new group of enthusiasts who hang out for the opening as the Victorian Fisheries Authority releases a large number of what it calls ‘stonkers’, which are ex-brood stock rainbow trout. They release them a few days before opening, they’re very large fish and they’re pretty easy to catch. Below I’ll provide some great tips on how to make the most of opening, whether you’re after stonkers or wild fish.
Stonkers in the Goulburn
The Goulburn River around Thornton is one of the most popular places for anglers to visit on opening day to tangle with a big stonker. It’s packed shoulder-to-shoulder with anglers so if this isn’t your idea of a good time, you’re best off finding a different part of the river. The most effective way to target the stonkers is with soft plastics, as based on their previous life of farm living and being fed with pellets they tend to hang low in the water column.
Three-inch paddle-tail soft plastics rigged on 1/12th jig heads is a sure-fire technique. Just cast upriver, let the lure sink and give it small hops off the bottom as it drifts down, if you don’t hook up, just repeat until you do. You can also use inline spinners and spoons in the same manner.
The river should be moving fast with good outflow from Lake Eildon, but I can’t make an exact prediction on that at the time of writing, as anything could happen between now and then. Regardless of water releases or rain, this technique will work so just
Kozi Sekino with an ex brood stock rainbow from the Goulbourn River.
Your fishing licence fees at work
Upgraded jetty on the Gippsland Lakes
There’s now more space for anglers of all abilities to wet a line from Kalimna Jetty thanks to your fishing licence fees and the Gippsland Ports Committee of Management.
The jetty has been extended by six metres and now boasts new seating, handrails and an entry ramp. It’s a great spot to chase a bream, flathead, tailor, trevally or pinkie snapper in the Gippsland Lakes, which has been free of commercial net fishing since 2020.
Better fish habitat in the Goulburn
Life is looking better for native fish in the Goulburn River near Mitchelton. Timber, donated from several local projects, has been placed into the river to provide refuge habitat for native fish such as Murray cod, golden perch, Macquarie perch and trout cod.
The large native timber, mainly logs and root balls, will provide areas for these species to shelter, feed and breed.
adjust your lure weight accordingly.
You’ll probably tangle with other anglers at some stage – it’s just part of season opening so calmly deal with any issues and have fun.
Squidgies Fish, Bait Breath Egg Tail Shad, Bait Junkie Minnows and Megabass Hazedong Shads are all great choices for this technique. I tend to go for pearl and white-based colours for the stonkers. Tassie Devils, Mapso Spinners and Wasaby Spoons are also highly effective lure options.
Wild Trout
If staying in the Goulburn and finding wild fish is more your style of fishing – and finding solitude from the crowds – then strap on your wading boots, pack some water and a few snacks and get walking. Moving away from the stonker release points will have you in parts of the river where they haven’t reached yet, and you won’t pick up many as bycatch. The soft plastic method will still work in deeper pools for wild fish but not much can compete with a good quality floating jerkbait.
The trout in these rivers have a largely insect-
based diet but they also eat smaller fish and are aggressively territorial, so they’ll reaction strike your lures. I therefore like larger lures starting at 70mm all the way through to 110mm.
Even small trout will aggressively strike a 110mm jerkbait. The advantage of a larger jerkbait is casting distance when the river is flowing harder and wider. You want to work the opposite edge of the river and bring your lure past structure and overhanging trees where these fish will be residing doing their beat out of the flow.
Trout won’t respond to an inactive lure so you need a fast and repetitive jerking action to get that lure darting across the river flow. You want shallow-running jerkbaits such as the Daiwa DR Minnow, Presso Minnow, Double Clutch 75SR, Nories Laydown Minnow, Duo Spearhead Ryuki, Duo Realis Minnow 80, Samaki Redic SF, Black Magic BMax and Evergreen M-1 Inspire, to name just a few. In terms of colour, you can’t go past anything in trout-based patterns such as Yamame and Spotted Dog variations as well as orange and gold.
Find Your Water
Another option is to leave the Goulburn and any other rivers or dams where stocking has recently been conducted and seek out wild fish. There are many smaller rivers across the state where the stonkers don’t reside. While some of these rivers may be smaller, they hold numbers of fish and can still hold some really big fish. Approaching these smaller and shallower rivers requires a little more stealth and some intelligent lure choice. Smaller shallow-running jerkbaits and lightly weighted spinners and soft plastics are great options.
Open Season
We have an amazing trout fishery across Victoria and the opening of the season is an exciting time for all keen trout anglers. If you can’t or didn’t make it for the opening weekend, don’t stress, you still have months of amazing fishing ahead of you.
Lee Rayner with a “stonker” taken in December. they dont all get caught opening day.
Tim Haynes with a stonker from open day 2019.
There are still plenty of wild browns on offer if you move away from stocking release points.
What sets Gosen apart is their commitment to quality from start to finish. These exceptional braided lines are meticulously manufactured in Gosen’s own facility in Japan. This ensures that every step of the production process, from selecting the finest raw materials to weaving and testing, is executed with the utmost care and expertise.Gosen braided lines are designed to meet the rigorous demands of anglers who seek uncompromising strength, sensitivity, and casting performance. The result is a series of braids that deliver a seamless fusion of technology and tradition, offering anglers an edge in their pursuit of trophy captures.
We are giving away $1000 worth of Insalt fishing gear every month for the biggest or best capture on an Insalt Finesse Explorer or Estuary Explorer rod voted by our followers.
To enter your catch just post your photo and tag us on Facebook In-Salt Fishing and/or Instagram @insalt_fishing and use the hashtag #insaltnoodlerod Please note: Video evidence will be required if you are the winner!
We don’t sell Insalt rods to the public so check your local tackle store for our products.
Terms and conditions
1. You can enter as many times as you like but once you enter a catch it can not be entered again in another month.
2. Only these rods can be used in the comp Insalt finesse explorer 5’6 spin, 6’6 spin and 5’6 overhead or our previous model Estuary Explorer.
3. Insalt will provide nominations at the end of each month. The winner is voted by the public.
4. The prize is voted on the biggest or best catch.
5. Anglers can use line above the recommended rod 1-3kg rating but it’s not recommended and will forfeit warranties
DAIWA 24 CERTATE
Words & Images: Sammy Leys
Fishing gear is put to the ultimate test when targeting fish near structure – it places the most pressure on the gear and the angler has limited time to make decisions. In these high-pressure scenarios, your experience and ability to act instinctively are major factors in whether you land the fish. Your gear is of secondary importance, although still crucial. This is true when a GT or kingfish is trying to run you into a shallow reef, or a big bream or estuary perch is making a run for a submerged tree, or a mussel-lined pontoon. As someone who fishes a lot of heavy structure in estuaries, I’m always looking for gear that can give me an edge on the fish. I place the most emphasis on rod selection, but using a high-quality fishing reel that is sensitive, has tough yet smooth gearing and a high-performance drag is also extremely important in high pressure situations. I don’t want to think too much about the reel, I just want it to work when it counts.
Unfortunately, not all reels boast the qualities needed to get you through these highpressure angling scenarios. Some may for a time, but can fail after repeated pressure. Some light tackle fishing reels are durable and powerful, but have little finesse, while others are light and smooth, but lack strength. You need to buy what suits your angling, your budget and have realistic expectations of how long a reel will perform at its best based on your budget. When it comes to light tackle angling, the Daiwa Certate is pitched as the reel that possesses finesse, strength, performance and long-term durability. A reel for anglers that fish often and place high demands on their gear. I was therefore stoked when I received the 24 Daiwa Cerate in size 2500D to review.
24 Certate
The 24 Certate is well and truly stacked with features, boasting all the components you’d expect of a high-end reel. There are 12 different models in the 2024 range, six fewer models than the 2019 Certate range. The reels start at $659 with the FC LT 2000S-P, all the way up to the $789 5000D-XH-ARK model. This range also includes shallow and deep spool models, as well as slow and high-speed models with gear ratios ranging from 4.9:1 through to 6.2:1. There’s a model to suit any imaginable light tackle angling technique.
Additionally, of the 12 models in the 2024 range, five of them are FC (or Finesse Custom) models. These reels are designed for lighter line applications, with FC LT models up to 35 grams lighter than comparable standard LT models. The big new feature of the 24 Certate is Daiwa’s Airdrive design components: an Airdrive spool, Airdrive bail, Airdrive rotor and Airdrive shaft. The Airdrive rotor feature on the 24 Certate is different from the 19 Certate Zaion Air Rotor. Due to a change in shape and design, it has seen a reduction in the weight of the rotor, which
When pulling fish from pontoons the drag proved to be extremley smooth.
Daiwa says does not compromise strength. The Certate has always been the full metalbodied tough reel, which made it heavier, but Daiwa’s recent technologies have made it lighter.
The LT5000D, LT5000-CXH and LT5000D-XH have additional carbon drag washers, as well as all 3000 to 5000 reels being fitted with the same pinion gear found on Saltiga reels.
On the Water
I have spent around four months at different estuaries around Victoria searching for big bream and perch to test the Certate. With a reel like this I needed to find some larger fish holding close to structure to really do the review justice. I paired it with my Daiwa Steez Kingbolt – a rod worthy of this reel –and the reel was spooled with 15lb Daiwa Expedition braid (which I loved but that’s
another review). This all made for an amazing outfit that any light tackle enthusiast would appreciate.
Even with a relatively heavy line and leader, casting was exceptional, as was line management. One thing I learned from all the new Airdrive tech is that the point isn’t really about weight reduction for the sake of the reel being lighter; it’s the increased sensitivity that comes with the lack of weight that’s the benefit.
Daiwa has spent years now living up to the LT ethos of Light and Tough and is really pushing it to another level with the 24 Certate. Some anglers place great priority on a reel being as light as possible; I don’t care about 30 or even 40 grams here or there, but I do appreciate new technologies that are lighter while still providing the same durability of previous models but increasing sensitivity.
The new Certate is lighter thanks to the Airdrive features. These features greatly increase sensitivity.
When finesse fishing with lightly weighted plastics in structure, how you’re being fed information from the lure and fish to your hand and brain can be the difference between missed fish, snagged hooks and lost fish.
The increased sensitivity from the Airdrive features is noticeable and makes for a more effective and enjoyable experience when working lures and detecting bites.
The Certate offers a tough reel that’s going to take a lot of punishment but gives you similar sensitivity and fluidity to the ultra-smooth operation of an Exist.
One of the more memorable trips during the test was to East Gippsland in late August, where I was targeting shallow snag-dwelling bream on Daiwa Bait Junkie grubs and minnows.
I caught a lot of decent bream and perch on my trips in the 35-40cm range but on this one trip I managed two 45cm/1.6kg black bream and managed to pull them away from their barnacle-covered homes.
As expected, this reel is a genuine workhorse. It just bullied these bream and some decent perch away from their snags with ease. I even ran into a few big tailor that really put the drag to the test as well. It’s smooth and sensitive yet feels solid and tough, providing you with control and confidence.
I really appreciate a product that makes fishing more enjoyable and effective and I have absolutely no doubt this reel has done that. This is why you purchase a high-end fishing reel – to make your fishing more effective and enjoyable.
Conclusion
There are a lot of fishing reels on the market that will perform to a high standard. However, very few possess the qualities that the 24 Certate does. I will happily use this reel for larger snapper, mulloway and flathead where I believe the 2500 size is up to the task. It’s a reel you can buy and confidently cover a lot of different fish with and feel reassured it will last you many years of hard fishing.
At the end of the day, there are very few multi-dimensional reels in the market that can create confidence in an angler like this Certate does. I’m more confident when I have this reel in my hand because I know it can handle almost any task I put it up to – and for me, more confidence typically results in more fish landed.
One
Aesthetically it’s a beautiful looking reel.
YAMASHITA EGI OH LIVE SEARCH & NEW K-SERIES COLOURS
Regular readers of Hooked Up and viewers of Hooked Up Video (our YouTube channel) will know I regularly fish with the crew from Yamashita Japan, with pro egi angler Eisuke Kawakami coming out to visit a few times each year. It’s always a fun time: long days on the squid testing new product, and long lunches or dinner where I always try to ensure the boys get a good Australian feed.
On their most recent trip they brought over the new colours in the Yamashita Live Search range and K series. We’ve been busy doing up two new boats this year so the start of the year has been slow for me on a fishing front. This was therefore the first time I had used the new version of Live Search, even though it had been out for a few months.
The Live Search series is my favourite Yamashita jig and one of my favourites of all time. It has all the attributes of a great squid jig, a rattle sonically tuned to appeal to squid,
490MHz of glow, Yamashita’s Warm Jacket tech, UV bodies and a great stable fall action that’s a little faster than your average jig and a great sharp darting action on the retrieve. The new models now feature UV Neon Bright bodies and a strobe fin on top of the jig for added visual appeal and action.
Eisuke and Nobuto Ganaha, who is the international sales manager, came again in July, one of the worst months for squid in Melbourne. It’s where the water can be a little dirtier, colder and the squid are of a smaller size, but we had stable weather on the one day they were here (which is rare) and the water clarity was pretty good, but not ideal.
As soon as the boys opened up their jigwallets to show me the new colours, I saw two that I instantly loved, one in Live Search and one in K. The Live Search was a white cloth with bright blue highlights and a blue Neon Bright body and the K was a gold foil with a green
back and high contrasting orange stripes, yet very natural-looking. We were fishing in 7-9 metres of water so I went for the Live Search as it had UV, glow, the rattle and it was bright – I thought with a lot of action this would get their attention. I had the K out the opposite side of the boat as a drifter. On the first cast I was on, then followed this up with three more on consecutives casts before the K series rod buckled over. They weren’t small squid, but they weren’t big either; however, these jigs were getting them feeding aggressively.
I was about 10 squid in when the current started to pick up a bit, so I put out the drogue to slow the drift and my rod with the K jig I was now working felt like it was snagged for a split second – then I knew I was hooked up to a big cuttlefish. I have caught more cuttlefish in the bay this year than any year I can remember. I’m not sure why but they have been around since last spring and haven’t left, and I’m averaging two every
Words: Kosta Linardos Images: Nobuto Ganaha
The squid weren’t huge but we caught around 70 in a four hour period. The new colours and new Live Search jigs were highly effective.
session. This, however, was a big one, around 4-5kg. Eisuke and Nobuto had never seen a cuttlefish of this size in the flesh before, so they were very excited, and we were all impressed at how well the cloths on both jigs stood up to the multiple squid and the big beak of the cuttlefish.
We made a move further south to Rye where the action picked up again with countless squid coming onboard in a hot four-hour session. I think we must have ended up with around 70 squid.
It was hard changing colours when the two I was using were doing so well. Eisuke experimented with three different colours of the other K and Live Search jigs but they weren’t as appealing to the squid as the two I had picked.
The new Live Search jigs are amazing, and will become staples on the boat – I think the new colours will appeal to anglers around the country. The K jigs are amazing, perfect for fast currents and sloppier waters and their big body and wide action is great for those more difficult conditions. The new colour choices are excellent, offering colours for varying conditions.
These jigs will be out around mid-September and I recommend getting a few as the squid love them.
The three new colours in the K series.
The new Live Search models.
Even after a long fight with a huge cuttle fish and multiple squid the cloths on the K-Series hold up very well.
Eisuke with a nice squid on the new Live Search jigs.
IN A SNAPSHOT
Designed to have everything a hardcore fisho needs on board, in its right spot and available when needed.
Side pockets, live bait tanks, rod holders, dash controls & deck space have all been designed with the fisherman in mind.
Mercury 25 and 30hp FourStroke outboards make light work of your biggest adventures. Quick and compact. Reliable and durable. Efficient and easy to own. FourStroke outboards bring big capabilities to small vessels.
- E xceptio nally Smooth, Quiet and Efficient
- Outstanding Speed and Acceleration
- One of the lightest 3 cylinders in class
- Easy to start and reliable with Battery-free EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
- Exclusive Intuitive Tiller Handle
- SmartCraft Capable (Electric Start Models)
- 3+3=6 Year Fully transferable, non-declining Warranty*
*Terms and Conditions apply
