HOOKED UP #150 NOV 2024 by Hooked Up Magazine

CATCH MORE SEE MORE , INTRODUCING

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PEAK SEASON

November is when things really start to cook and I’m not talking about the weather, I’m talking about the fishing. On a national level we’re moving into that peak time where the fishing is really starting to fire, and the fishing grounds aren’t filled with the school holiday crowds served up at Christmas and the New Year break.

Around the holiday period the fishing does seem to get a little tougher due to the amount of on water activity so November and December leading up to the holidays is a prime time to be out fishing as things won’t clam down again until February.

On a national level it seems we’re starting tio get some more stable weather patterns so now is the time to get out and take advantage of great weather and great fishing when it comes along.

We hope you enjoy our 150th edition of Hooked Up and that you find something in here that aids you in your fishing and gets you on to some bigger and better fish.

Enjoy.

Kosta Linardos. Editor-in-Chief

Sam Gilchrist, Colby Lesko, Gawaine Blake, Adam Hewson, Craig Cox, Lee Rayner

PRECISION, VERSATILITY, STRENGTH

DAIWA FREE SWIMMER BR

The Free Swimmer BR reel range welcomes two smaller models in 2024 with the addition of the 3000 and 5000 sizes to the line-up. A highly regarded reel with bait anglers since it was introduced in 2022 the Free Swimmer BR is Daiwa’s latest and most advanced take on the bite ‘n’ Run reel concept, a concept well loved by keen live and dead anglers alike. The Bite ’n’ technology allows fish to take the bait under minimal line tension to ensure a solid hookset is achieved. The Bite ’n’ Run tension is set by adjusting the dial on the bottom of the reel. With a wide range setting available, tension can be lightly set to suit unweighted baits for finicky feeders such as whiting, up to a strong setting suited to live baiting large baits for hard-fighting predators such as kingfish and mackerel. The Free Swimmer BR features a strong and sturdy carbon composite frame, while the internals have been sealed through careful design and the implementation of rubber seals. This makes the Free Swimmer BR a true saltwater Bite ’n’ Run reel. Free Swimmer BR is loaded with a host of Daiwa’s best technologies including Air Rotor, ATD Drag, and Tough Digigear and combine with Daiwa’s extensive development and design approach. Anglers looking for a small reel option have their wants now catered for with the new 3000 and 5000 sizes tailor-made for Aussie light tackle bait anglers.

daiwafishing.com.au

STRIKE PRO ASTRO VIBE 35

Strike Pro in conjunction with the team at Juro Ozpro Tackle have spent 2 years developing this brilliant new lure. The Astro Shrimp is a realistic and unique Shrimp/Prawn imitation vibe for finesse fishing. The Astro Shrimp incorporates a Polycarbonate Belly with small in-built rattles and features assist hooks, so the lure is less prone to snagging the Assists also feature UV activated cord and UV feelers. This also allows for a transparent finish to be achieved in a metal blade and the belly section is UV for added attraction. The Astro Vibe Shrimp is 4cm long, weighs 10grams and is available in 9 magnificent colours. They are effective on Bream, Bass, Estuary Perch, Yellowbelly, Mulloway, Flathead and Redfin. These lures are certainly going to do some damage this year.

jurofishing.com

SAMAKI REDIC DS60LC & MS60LC

Samaki’s latest additions to the Redic series, the DS60LC and MS60LC, offer a new level of precision and versatility for anglers targeting elusive estuary species. The DS60LC combines deep-suspending action with an innovative magnetic transfer system for enhanced casting distance. This system is perfect for casting into a headwind or when a highly accurate cast is needed, such as when fishing around tight structure. The MS60LC offers the same long-cast technology but with a medium-suspending action. These 60mm lures are constructed from premium ABS materials and reinforced with supersonic welding, ensuring they stand up to the toughest conditions while maintaining superior performance. With the DS60LC and MS60LC, anglers can tackle challenging environments with confidence. samaki.com.au

VEXED BOTTOM MEAT JUNIOR

Bottom Meat Junior, with a BKK Triple assist, unique head design, 10 colours and 11 sizes from 3.5gm to 130gm, and assists from size 8 through to size 1/0, land based anglers can now get a taste of the Bottom Meat Action! Lace with a strip of squid, whitebait or pilchard and fish those estuaries, bays, rocks and beaches for those inshore species such as whiting, tommy ruff, trevally, flathead, flounder, bream, the list is endless. This head design is not designed to be jigged, but to sit in the sand and steady on the bottom and puff up sand as you drift, which whiting love! vexedfishing.com.au

SHIMANO LUCANUS

Shimano’s Lucanus Jigs return to Australian waters with a promise to redefine bottom fishing techniques. Originally inspired by successful commercial methods from Japan, the Lucanus Jigs are back with new colours aimed at enhancing their performance and versatility. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each Lucanus Jig features a hydrodynamic head designed to sink quickly and stabilize effortlessly during retrieval. The addition of glowing eyes on the jig’s head enhances visibility in deep waters, attracting strikes from lurking predators. Available in sizes ranging from 60g to 150g and a variety of colours mimicking local baitfish and squid, the Lucanus Jigs cater to diverse fishing conditions. Whether rigged conventionally for shallow waters or adapted with additional weights for deeper, faster currents, the jig offers flexibility in targeting specific depths and species preferences. shimanofish.com.au

TACKLE HOUSE ELFIN LARGE CICADA KAI

SALTY CREW

LONG RANGE JACKET

The Long Range Jacket is an outerwear jacket made from mid-weight 2.5-layer material with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Perfect for anglers who want a lightweight jacket that will block wind and keep them dry in the marine environemnt. It offers 20K waterproofing and 20K breathability, with fully taped internal seams to prevent water penetration. The jacket features a waterproof front zipper, zippered chest and side pockets, and a mock neck construction with an adjustable hood and sleeve cuffs. It also includes a kill switch d-ring at the bottom hem for added safety for boaters.

RRP: $209.99

salty-crew.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 precision

This highly functional and unique cicada imitation crankbait, developed as part of Tackle House’s “Works Project,” is specifically designed for the spring cicada season, making it ideal for anglers targeting perch, bass, trout, and cod in rivers and lakes. Its remarkable built-in action allows for effortless movement across the water’s surface, whether cast under overhangs or into shallow areas, while its focus on casting enables precision and stealth. Featuring two 5mm tungsten weights that add an extra 1g to its normal body weight, this lure helps anglers achieve those crucial extra centimeters in distance without alarming wary fish. The sound is meticulously engineered, with a low-pitched tone in the standard model and a slightly higher pitch in the “modified” version, allowing for versatile sound combinations to entice bites. Its slightly lowered floating posture minimizes suction resistance, ensuring that even the lightest touches result in reliable hookups.

gladiatortackle.com.au

YO-ZURI EGI

EBI-Q

The Yo-Zuri 3D Squirt is the original hard bait squid imitation on the market. The Yo-Zuri brand skirts, found on each bait, add to the irresistible wide swimming action. Designed to be cast or slow trolled for near-shore or offshore species. Featuring Yo-Zuri’s Internal Prism Finish, 3X treble hooks and extra strong split rings, it has the durability to handle large inshore and offshore gamefish. The 3D Squirt comes in two sizes and four colour patterns to cover a variety of fisheries around the world. Simply put, if it eats squid, it will eat the Yo-Zuri 3D Squirt! Available in 140mm, weight 18 grams & 190mm, weight 42grams. (Dives up to 2.5 meters). tacspo.com.au

STUMPJUMPER AI LIVESKINS

StumpJumper Al is the ultimate in both design and new hardware. Cutting edge software has led to the development of new designs never seen in cod and native fish lures. We have combined these new designs with the latest in BKK 4X trebles to ensure the best hooking power on the market. The dual depth action and all of the features from the classic model all still remain unchanged. Available in 10 colours / Sizes 1, 2 & 3.

jmgillies.com.au

MEGABASS NANO SIGLETT

Nano Siglett, the world’s smallest feather lure that bass suck in without hesitation, is the result of Ito Engineering’s Nano Craft technology. Not only does it bring ultra-precision processing to the micro lure modelling technology, but it also sculpts the lure with an exquisite hydro-balance that produces an extremely consistent and perfect action, which is impossible to achieve with a lure of such a tiny size. At only 2 cm in length, it crawls with a high pitch action. Few bass and estuary perch will be able to ignore the stimulation. Cast it to an overhanging spot and you are sure to catch whatever lurks below.

vivafishing.com.au

EVER GREEN SATOU JIG

The revolutionary Satou Jig, crafted under the expert supervision of jigging master Norihiro Sato. Designed for rapid sinking and precise movement, this long, flat jig excels even in tough tide conditions. Its asymmetrical body enhances fish attraction, while the unique nose and tail shape allows for seamless jerking and falling actions. Perfect for targeting various fish species in shallow and mid-depth waters, the Satou Jig is your go-to for maximising your catch, even when the odds are against you. Embrace the best performance in jigging with this innovative creation from a true jigging master and legend of the game.

gladiatortackle.com.au

DAIWA SILVERCREEK SPINNER

The SilverCreek Spinner is a perfect presentation of the classic styled ‘cast and wind’ spinner. A traditional and simple design, Daiwa’s modern take on a classic is a user-friendly proven fish catcher on both rivers and lakes. The SilverCreek Spinner is available in three sizes (3, 4, and 6grams) and six classic colours. If trout is on your menu this season then the SilverCreek Spinner is a lure that you want in your lure collection. daiwafishing.com.au

FISH MONKEY FREE STYLE

Introducing the Fish Monkey Free Style glove, your ultimate companion for cutting-edge fishing experiences. This innovative glove is designed to let you easily cut off and expose just the fingers you need, making it ideal for activities like slow pitch jig fishing, bow fishing, and wiring for medium to small fish. With its unique construction, the Free Style glove ensures that you won’t encounter fraying or splitting at the seams after making your adjustments, allowing you to fully customise your glove to suit the task at hand. The Free Style glove boasts a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, providing a reliable barrier against harmful UV rays. Its second skin fit enhances comfort and dexterity, ensuring you can move with ease while handling your gear. The non-slip Monkey Grip silicone palm print delivers superior grip on your rod and reel, while special wiring pads on the thumb, index fingers, and sides of the glove offer added protection against cuts during handling. Experience the benefits of enhanced rod and reel control, protection from line and fish handling cuts, and the convenience of eliminating the need for sunscreen on your hands. Embrace your fishing adventures with the Fish Monkey Free Style glove—where functionality meets freedom.

ejtodd.com.au

NEW DOBYNS FURY SPIN RODS

Enhance your fishing experience with the new Dobyns Fury 700SF, 701SF, and 705SF spin rods, expertly designed for performance and value. All three rods combine cutting-edge technology with premium materials, ensuring you have the ultimate tools for success. This lightweight series of rods feature high modulus graphite blanks, making them perfect for finesse techniques. Its sensitive design allows you to detect even the slightest bites, while the performance-balanced construction ensures smooth casting. Built with Fuji reel seats, AA-grade hi-density cork grips, Kevlar wrapping and a hi-density EVA butt these rods are designed for Australian species and Australian conditions. Whether you’re chasing big flathead or bream and bass, there is a model to suit you in this new line up.

Specs:

Fury 700SF- 2-6lb - 1/32-3/16oz

Fury 701SF- 4-10lb- 1/8-1/2oz

Fury 705SF- 12-25lb- 3/8-1 1/4oz

ejtodd.com.au

LOX YOSHI SERIES

The Lox Yoshi range has been revered for by experienced anglers for many years now. Lox rod blanks are crafted from high-modulus 30tonne + 46tonne (46tonne butt section) Japanese Toray carbon and feature advanced IV core loop technology. This state-of-the-art design delivers precise and specialized technical performance, making it an ideal choice for discerning anglers. Lox incorporates the latest advancements in rod blank design and technology to provide exceptional performance. The IV core loop boosts stability and reduces distortion across the blank’s loading zone, resulting in greater power and faster recovery compared to traditional blanks. The 30tonne+ 46 tonne Toray carbon is not only stronger and lighter but also more responsive than standard 30 tonne carbon. This rod is highly recommended for experienced anglers. There are three new models in the range that will appeal to light tackle anglers right across the country: vivafishing.com.au

DAIWA SALTIGA METAL JIGS

Daiwa has released four new metal jigs in the Saltiga product line for 2024, designed for optimal performance and durability for Australian anglers. The TB Jig features minimal resistance during jerking and a prolonged flashing fall, enhancing fish attraction and increasing catch rates. The FK Jig simulates an injured baitfish with its one-pitch jerk and optimized flashing action, effectively drawing target species. The SL Jig is ideal for strong currents, offering minimal drag and stable movements for various depths. Its versatile action suits both pelagic and demersal species, accommodating slow and high-pitch retrieves. The BS Jig, or Back Slide, is tailored for offshore use, ensuring smooth gliding. The range comes in various sizes and colors tailored to Australian species, utilizing Daiwa’s Adel Foil technology for added flash, with BKK hooks for reliability. daiwafishing.com.au

ST.CROIX MOJO BASS TRIGON SERIES RODS

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

SAMAKI SORA SPINNING REEL

The Sora Spinning Reel is the ultimate blend of performance and aesthetic appeal. Its multi-element, micro-adjustable carbon fibre drag offers superior control, while sealed stainless steel ball bearings ensure smooth operation. Built to last, the triple anodized aluminium spool, brass pinion, and machined aluminium billet handle combine durability with elegance. The gold anodized line roller and sealed waterproof drag provide added protection and luxury. With a sleek platinum grey metallic finish, the Sora Spinning Reel not only performs exceptionally but also looks stunning. Available in 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000 & 5000 sizes to cover everything from light estuary to inshore. samaki.com.au

Salitiga TB

Salitiga SL

Salitiga BS

Salitiga FK

SHIMANO COLTSNIPER WONDERFALL

Shimano Coltsniper Wonderfall jigs are a shore jigging style lure designed to have a captivating fall action that allows you to target a variety of fish species around the Australian coastline. Available in 30, 40, 60 and 80 gram sizes and five different colours featuring SCALEBOOST technology that give them complex reflections in the water like the scales of a real baitfish to attract strikes from even the most keen eyed predators

shimanofish.com.au

GAFF-MANN H/D NET & GAFF COMBO

Introducing the Gaff-Mann Heavy-Duty Fishing Net, meticulously engineered for serious anglers who demand quality and durability. This net features a high tensile aluminium construction with a premium anodised finish inside and out, providing exceptional corrosion resistance that ensures longevity in any marine environment. The robust handle measures 1010mm and is fully anodised for enhanced protection and strength. Designed to effortlessly handle weights of up to 40kg, this net is perfect for targeting larger species such as gummy sharks, school sharks, snapper, and kingfish. With dimensions of 600mm wide, 670mm long, and 1200mm deep, it boasts a 2” heavy-duty black mesh that securely holds your catch. Additionally, the net includes a detachable gaff head measuring 8mm x 75mm, allowing for versatile use and easy storage. Every Gaff-Mann product is handmade in Australia, reflecting our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Ensure your next trophy capture makes it into the boat with Gaff-Mann’s heavy-duty net, built to withstand tough conditions while ensuring you never miss a catch.features, they cater to both seasoned and novice anglers. The Ascenza series promises top-notch performance without breaking the bank, making premium light tackle fishing rods accessible to all. gaffmann.com.au

SAMAKI FISHING SHEARS

The ultimate companion for any fishing trip. Built from military-grade stainless steel, Samaki Fishing Shears offer top-tier durability and corrosion resistance. With razor-sharp blades, they easily cut through braided lines and nets. Ergonomically designed handles ensure a comfortable, fatigue-free grip for extended use. These shears are packed with features, including built-in bottle opener, crimper, hook and tow point adjustment slots, and lanyard holes for added convenience. Finished in sleek gunmetal black, they’re both practical and stylish. samaki.com.au

FLAMBEAU NEXT GEN

The Flambeau Outdoors NextGen tackle box redefines convenience with a top bulk storage compartment and a deep bobber box. It features 6 pivoting trays with 32 compartments, and a fast dial latch for secure closure. An integrated space fits a 4000 Series Tuff Tainer, boosting capacity. Proudly made in the U.S.A., it’s built for modern anglers and long-lasting performance. jmgillies.com.au

MEGABASS 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

YAMAHSITA EGI OH F

2.0 AND 2.5

The EGI OH F series is the perfect entry-level model designed to immerse anglers in the exciting world of eging. With the addition of two new size options in 2.0 and 2.5, there’s never been a better time to experience the thrill of squid fishing. The new size 2.0 weighs 6.5g with a sink speed of 6.0 seconds per metre, ideal for those subtle drops, while the size 2.5 is slightly heftier at 10g and offers a faster sink speed of 5.0 seconds per metre. These two new sizes are perfect for smaller squid and shallow water and are sure to be a hit with land based anglers.

ejtodd.com.au

TASSIE DEVIL NEW COLOURS

Introducing the 10 new colours of Tassie Devil lures, designed to attract fish with vibrant hues and lifelike patterns. From Gold Bomber and Yellow Frog to Neon Toad and Neon Dancer these eye-catching colours enhance visibility in diverse waters. Perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing, each lure offers superior action and durability, ensuring you make the most of every fishing opportunity. Whether your downrigging for a big trout or chasing a school of salmon, there is a Tassie colour that will get the job done. jmgillies.com.au

EAGLE CLAW LAZER SHARP SHRIMP RIG

Make quick work of catching fish with Lazer Sharp Bait Shrimp Rigs. Each hook features a shrimp imitation that demands attention from many fish species. Lazer Sharp Bait Shrimp Rigs attach to mainlines with a swivel to reduce line twist and add convenience. The barrel swivel with safety snap allows anglers to add or change weights quickly. Available in three hook size 02, 04 and 08.

tacspo.com.au

SPORTSMAN BOATS ROADSHOW

The team at Sportsman Boats Australia has hitched a 19 Reef to their motorhome and spent the past month cruising up the east coast, showcasing Sportsman Boats Australia to interested boaters along the way. Their final destination is Cairns, where the roadshow will wrap up on Sunday the 10th of November at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, where 19 Reef owner Mark Berg will be there for lunch. On offer is a full day of water tests, complete with beers and snags for lunch. They left Melbourne the day after the Melbourne Boat Show, knowing that everyone can make it to a major city event, so they’re bringing the boat to you. By the time this magazine hits the streets, they’ll be somewhere between Mackay and Airlie Beach, ready to stop anywhere along the way to meet with anyone who’d like to see a 19 Reef in the flesh and discuss others Sportsman Boats Australia models. They can demonstrate the boat on or off the water. There are still opportunities for water tests on their return journey from Cairns to Melbourne, so be sure to register your interest now!

sportsmanboatsaustralia.au

MURRAY CODFERENCE

EDENCRAFT FAMILY DAY

Edencraft International are excited to invite you to their annual Edencraft Family Day 2024 on Sunday, November 17th in Geelong. They’ll be kicking off the day on the water from their local boat ramp with a photoshoot for Edencraft boat owners, followed by on-water experiences from 11am to provide the public with the opportunity to jump onboard and experience a ride on one of their legendary models. It is also fantastic opportunity for those wanting to make an informed decision on buying their next boat. Join Edencraft back at the factory from 1pm for a family-friendly celebration with delicious food, drinks, music, and activities for all ages. Explore a guided factory tour, meet boating experts at trade stalls and the boat owners, check out their custom-built boats on site and enjoy the special presentations. Perfect for both seasoned skippers and new boating enthusiasts.

edencraft.com.au

Murray cod fishers will gather in Shepparton for the 7th Murray Codference on Saturday, 16 November, from 9am to 4pm at the GV Hotel. The free event, a favourite among native fishing enthusiasts, features expert presentations from renowned fishers like Lubin Pfeiffer, Kate Norman, Colby Lesko, and Robbie Alexander. Lubin Pfeiffer brings his passion for Murray cod. Robbie Alexander will offer beginner tips for families looking to catch their first cod, while Colby Lesko and Kate Norman will share strategies for landing bigger fish. The event will also cover updates on the Arcadia hatchery expansion and initiatives to boost threatened species at Snobs Creek. Tickets are free, lunch is included, and spots are limited. Register for more details at: vfa.vic.gov.au/murraycodference

YO-ZURI 3DR-X POPPER

Yo-Zuri’s 3DR-X Popper features internationally patented 3D internal prism scale finishes that sends off light in all directions. This is a compact 65mm popper that even entry level anglers can fish with using a pop and stop or walking action. It features multiple rattles and ultra sharp black nickel hooks and is available in 6 colours. Its slender design and tail weight make this lure ideal for casting for Whiting, Bream and Bass. Weighing 6 grams in total this lure is designed to float tail down in the water for instant action on retrieval and improved hook up rate.

tacspo.com.au

VEXED ROCK’N’MOLE

The Vexed Rock’n’Mole rig is designed for anglers chasing big fish off the rocks or beaches, such as mulloway and snapper. Rigged with chemically sharpened Octopus hooks, on heavy leader, this paternoster rig is designed for easy casting and heavyduty applications. Vexed has incorporated a floating foam above the hooks to keep the bait clear of snags and less desirable species. Available in sizes 4/0,5/0,6/0,7/0 and 8/0.

vexedfishing.com.au

MERIDIAN SPECTRE SERIES

The Spectre series consists of a range of six sizes. This head is very different to most other heads on the market, having an offset 10 degree cup face running an offset tow point, that big tuna find impossible to refuse. The Spectre is best suited to the long corner, long rigger and shot gun position, with an ideal running speed of between 5-9 knots. meridiantackle.com.au

BOMBER 15A NEW COLOURS

Introducing the Bomber 15A in four striking new colours! Australia’s top choice for barra, these lures are engineered HD tough to handle the biggest catches. The new colours are designed to match varying water conditions, ensuring you stay ahead of the game. Elevate your fishing experience with these vibrant, durable, and effective lures. jmgillies.com.au

BLACK MAGIC INLINE EYE

Black Magic’s new Inline Eye hooks are small PTFE coated hooks with an inline eye, making them ideal for rigging freshwater and saltwater lures. They’re a great alternative for treble hooks, particularly when you’re fishing in an area with specific hook restrictions. The PTFE coating improves rust resistance, and aids penetration. Available in 3 sizes – 04, 02 and 01

blackmagictackle.com

DAIWA SILVER CREEK INLINE SPINNER SS

Silver Creek Spinner SS (Super Spin Shaft) features Daiwa’s innovative Saqsas coating technology on the shaft, ensuringthe 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 shapeenables it to navigate currents perfectly whilst effortlessly maintaining its spin in both fast and slow current flows. daiwafishing.com.au

LEADING THE WAY

When you’re chasing big fish, your leader needs to be stronger than your willpower to say no to that last piece of pizza. Black Magic’s range of fluorocarbon and mono leaders are strong, durable and proven to perform.

AUSTRALIAN BASS

Few species of fish are so widely revered and as prized as the Australian bass.

Words & Images: Sam Gilchrist

Getting kids into bass fishing will teach them some great lessons about fishing as it covers many key skills an angler needs to develop.

With a broad range up and down the coast of Queensland and NSW, the diversity of the habitat where you can target them, the wide-variety of techniques you can use and their super-aggressive nature, it’s no wonder the Australian bass has a cult following in the fishing community.

Adventure

Bass are widely distributed, so much so there’s a competition tour that attracts some of Australia’s finest anglers, including twotime consecutive champion Braden Schuch.

Bass fishing can take you almost anywhere, and the government bodies that have had the foresight to stock local impoundments have perhaps unknowingly established economies around those dams that otherwise wouldn’t exist without a thriving bass fishery.

Each dam, lake or impoundment has its own unique set of characteristics. Though the zones may appear different, the key characteristics remain mostly the same, and so do the bass’s aggressive style of ambush feeding. It goes without saying that electric motors, a stealthy approach and finding the zones that hold fish in good numbers are the keys to success.

Another type of adventure is packing the swag, canoe and your fishing gear to head off into the many rivers, creeks or streams that hold a healthy population of native Australian bass.

The immense area and number of waterways that bass inhabit truly lends itself to this style of adventure fishing. Bridge-to-bridge runs are an incredible way to spend a day, meaning you park a car or pushbike at one bridge crossing and send your canoe to the next bridge upstream and paddle from one to the other, fishing the entire way. This way of exploring a bass fishery really is incredible, and there are sights you’ll see only when fully immersed in your natural environment. You might even come across a few platypus if you’re really lucky.

The ultimate trip for us is a 100km (or more) paddle with the swags and eskies loaded in the canoes and we paddle through river and gorge country chasing bass and camping wherever we like on the riverbank along the way. One of my favourite evenings was spent between a natural waterfall to the left and a 200m rapid to the right – spectacular.

The fish you’ll encounter on these trips are often in excellent condition, wild fish and because they do not often see lures, they’ll readily pounce on a well-presented lure.

Best Conditions

Bass generally prefer stable and warm weather conditions, with a barometer of 1020hPa plus – rising is even better. While these conditions usually produce more bites, a sharp change in weather or barometric pressure will spike a bass bite, and my son Roly and I have had our best sessions just as a summer storm rolls in.

While stable conditions are favourable, on a recent trip to Lake Borumba my boys and I experienced the most incredible bass fishing during a cold SE blow. I actually thought we’d struggle to manage a bite, but we smacked 76 bass, two saratoga and a yellowbelly in two days.

Lure Selection

Australian bass are ferocious feeders that feed on a wide-variety of potential food sources such as frogs, small fish, shrimp, insects and even small turtles or birds. Matching the hatch can work wonders when chasing bass, though due to their aggressive nature it’s not essential. We prefer to chase bass using topwater or surface lures and with the recent introduction of the Daiwa Bait Junkie Kikker Curly frogs, rigged weedless, our capture rate has sky-rocketed.

The advantage of these frogs is when rigged correctly they can be skipped into the zones ‘where lures shouldn’t go’ (skipped like you skip a rock on a pond) and the bass just love them. While topwater or surface fishing is our favourite, the range of sub-surface strategies available to bass anglers is immense, from crankbaits to jigs, metals, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, beetle-spins and vibes or blades.

The Bait Junkie Kikker Curly has become the author’s go-to lure when chasing bass on the surface.

There’s no substitute for time on the water to test your lures, refine your style and experiment with different lures, in different situations to see what will work and when, though here’s a few tips to get you going in the right direction:

Bait Junkie Frogs: Low light periods at dawn and dusk, even nighttime, are the best times to fish surface lures. With the frogs you can fish all day, especially if you can skip them into the shade provided by overhanging cover. Overcast conditions and rain fires the bass up for a well-presented frog imitation.

Crankbait: Daiwa Infeet Spike: Rolled through lay-down trees or fished tight to rockwalls in stocked impoundments, crankbaiting is an addictive way to chase the mighty bass as a slow roll through some snaggy country can quickly result in a heartstopping jolt as a bass wallops the lure.

Bassman Beetle Spin: It’s a variation of the ever-popular spinnerbait, but the Beetle Spin is attached to a jig-head and you can then use a soft plastic of your choosing. The Beetle Spin can be cast almost anywhere safely, fished at all depths and fished slowly to attract the bite, a must-have for every bass angler.

Spinnerbaits are easy to use and effective. A great lure for beginners working deeper pools.

Choosing Your Equipment

Our favourite outfits when chasing bass are as follows, though any 4-8kg outfit, spin or baitcast, will get you out of

Spin: The Daiwa Infeet series are the rods we cannot go past for bass; there’s a model/ taper for every application, they really are an incredible series of rod and a special addition to your bass quiver. We pair our Infeet with Daiwa TD Black 2000s, a silky smooth spin reel that’s also tough and

Seasonal Strategies

Baitcast: The Daiwa Tatula series of baitcast rods are our favourite, especially the 702MLFB and the 661LFB paired with Tatula 100 baitcast reels.

Braid: Daiwa Expedition 10lb, 15lb or 20lb depending on where you’re fishing. Don’t be afraid to fish heavy if your cast accuracy is a work in progress – you’ll get a lot more lures back and the bass are not terribly line-shy.

Leader: For most lures I’ll use Daiwa X-Link Fluorocarbon in 10lb, 14lb and 20lb. However, use a small length of 15lb mono when using frogs, as the shorter, buoyant mono leader will help the swimming action of your frog.

Bass are a migratory species, travelling from the gorge country to the west and the brackish water in the east, so you’ll need to take into account closed seasons in your state or region and where the bass are likely to be depending on the time of year and the rain.

For example, while the bass spawn in the brackish waters of Northern NSW over the winter months, they will begin their migration west during spring and will reach the higher gorges in October, November or December if the water levels rise enough to allow the bass to navigate otherwise unpassable sections of the river.

The trick is being able to predict where the bass will be and when, thus maximising the number of casts you’re putting in front of active fish.

Bass are also very durable and love skinny water, so don’t be afraid to scan Google Earth for small waters in your local area – you’ll be surprised what you might find.

This state-of-the-art design delivers precise and specialized technical performance, making it an ideal choice for discerning anglers. Lox incorporates the latest advancements in rod blank design and technology to provide exceptional performance.

The IV core loop boosts stability and reduces distortion across the blank’s loading zone, resulting in greater power and faster recovery compared to traditional blanks. The 30tonne+ 46 tonne Toray carbon is not only stronger and lighter but also more responsive than standard 30 tonne carbon. This rod is highly recommended for experienced anglers

Mastering the Cast

The Australian bass loves cover. You’ll need to be able to present your lure with precision to maximise your chances of triggering a bite. My son Roly casts at an expert level, even skipcasting frogs on baitcast tackle, and his ability to execute near-perfect casts consistently comes down to dedication to his craft.

Roly has practised for countless hours both on the water and with cast weights on the back lawn. He used to pretend the trampoline was a little boat that he would cast from for barramundi.

Once you’re confident in your casting ability you’ll begin to put your lure, especially frogs, where they need to be and I promise you they will be eaten.

If you’re still refining your casting you can always work the large open pools with chatterbaits or the base of rapids with TN60s. You’ll still catch plenty of quality fish without the stress of having to retrieve snagged lures.

Measuring your Catch

A healthy Bass is 30cm or better, 35cm is getting good, 40cm and over is really healthy, 45-50cm is excellent and over 50cm is a trophy-sized fish. A bass over 60cm is almost as rare as a unicorn, and I’ve only ever heard of two. Now, when measuring your catch you can measure to the tip or fork of the tail, the tip makes for better bragging rights, though fork length is the true length.

At the end of the day the aim is to have fun and learn their behavioural patterns so you’re catching them consistently. Once you do that you can start aiming to beat your personal best.

Catch & Release

Roly and I often refer to bass as ‘freshwater koalas’, and while there is a contingent of the fishing community that doesn’t mind a feed of bass (and there’s nothing wrong with that), we prefer to handle our bass with care, measure them and let them go to fight another day.

When releasing your bass please keep your hands wet, your brag mat wet and try your best to reduce the time your fish is out of the water – remember, the fish is holding its breath while out of the water. Oh, and be careful when handling bass as their spikes and gill rakers are razor-sharp.

Bass punch well above their weight, they’re aggressive fighters and you can target them using so many different techniques and lure styles, and this is why the Australian bass captures the hearts and minds of so many anglers. Get out there, paddle a canoe and get into them.

Another solid bass taken on the Bait Junkie Kikker Curly frog.

Bass can be targeted land based with great success.

Bass will readily hit a well presented popper.

3.5cm 5grams Sinking

The Astro Vibe 35 and Astro Shrimp lures, incorporates a Polycarbonate Belly with small in built rattles. It also allows for a transparent finish to be achieved in a metal blade and the belly section is UV for added attraction. The Astro Vibe and Shrimp are effective on Bream, Bass, Estuary Perch, Yellowbelly, Mulloway, Flathead and Redfin. 4cm 10grams Sinking

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PORT PHILLIP SNAPPER RIGGING FOR

Port Phillip Bay demands specific tactics if you want to get into the action.

Words: Kosta Linardos Images: A full crew

When most anglers take up fishing, baiting up is usually a pretty simple affair – a worm on a baitholder hook in freshwater, perhaps a squid strip on a long shank or a chunk of fish on a circle hook. When it comes to targeting snapper in Port Phillip Bay, things get a little more complicated. Port Phillip and its resident snapper are unique as there is a big population of large fish in a large body of water that has minimal current flow when compared with, say, Western Port or offshore. The further north you go in the bay, the less that current flow is.

Over the many years anglers have been targeting snapper in Port Phillip, they learned a few things and some of those key lessons were that the bait has to sink at a rate that looks natural within the environment. A good analogy would be a road where the speed limit is 60km/h and then you see a car doing 100km/h – it doesn’t look right.

We therefore need to present baits with the lightest weight possible. Not only does this mean that they sink relatively slowly, but they also flow naturally with the minimal current, rather than having their natural action impeded by heavy line and heavy weights.

Keep It Light

WeWe’re assuming that if you’re reading this you’re new to snapper fishing or are having some trouble getting on to them. Before you worry about the right rig you need to find them with your sonar then anchor around those fish correctly. You might not be there yet, but you can always anchor near some other boats or in a likely spot and if you berley and have your bait presented correctly, you’re in with a chance. You could be right on the fish and if you’re not set up right, you could miss them, drop them or not even get a

look-in. So, let’s try and control the things you can get right while at home – and that’s the right gear, rig and bait presentation. Now we know that we need to keep things light, let’s get into some specifics about rods, reels, line and leader.

Your Outfit

Rods should be 7ft to 7ft 6in long with a medium-fast action and rated 6-8kg. Aim for graphite composite rods. These will give you good bite indication and provide enough power to handle large fish and keep the fight enjoyable with smaller fish.

Line should be good-quality 8kg monofilament. For the mainline, monofilament is a must. If you think you can manage a spread of six rods with braid, good luck – eventually, they’ll tangle and you’ll end up cutting everything and starting from scratch.

Don’t opt for cheap mono, spend a little extra and you’ll reap the rewards. Spin reels are best: 5000 is probably the best reel size that’s not too big or too small in both Shimano and Daiwa but 4000 is OK. I prefer smaller reels in 3000 and 4000 as they provide greater sensitivity but it’s not necessary, so for now just stick with 5000.

Bait Runner or Not?

Some anglers swear by using baitrunners (reels with a free spool function) and I used to exclusively. They’re still a good thing to have if the fish are very cautious in how they’re taking the baits, and they are handy when rigging and handling fish on the boat as at the flick of a switch you can go into free spool. These days, however, I mostly fish in strike drag, which is around 2kg of pressure.

This is how you want a pilchard to look. Great hook exposure on both sides and a double half hitch on the tail. Pilchards are a soft bait and one of the harder baits to keep on the hook and to rig when starting out, however, snapper love them.

The Rig

In Port Phillip Bay, the best rig is a twin suicide hook rig. The bottom hooks is simply tied with a uni knot and the top hook is snelled. There are many YouTube videos you can watch that will show you how to snell a hook and it’s important that you learn this as it’s essential to rigging baits for hook exposure and natural presentation. Remember, given Port Phillip’s gentle tidal flow, heavy weights are unnecessary, so a light size 1 ball sinker is all you need in depths above 10 metres. On rough days you can move to a size 2 and in water less than 10 metres don’t use any sinker at all. This light weight allows for a more natural presentation of the bait. I use high quality 30-40lb fluorocarbon for leader. Fluro means I can go lighter and thinner and still retain excellent abrasion resistance.

The twin hooks are ideal for presenting whole fish baits such as pilchards and silver whiting, as well as squid and flesh strips. This set-up maximises hook exposure, which significantly boosts the chances of a successful hook-up. The fish will often cautiously take the bait then drop it when they detect weight. You therefore don’t want tension on the line, so don’t wind your line up so it’s tight, keep it slightly slack. Tension on the line will impart movement from the boat on to the bait and this will stop the fish wanting to eat it as it looks unnatural. You therefore want a bit of slack in the line. Snapper racks further help in this natural unhindered presentation.

That slack in the line gives the fish time to swallow the bait before it feels the weight of the rod bending and by this time the drag pressure has set the hook (or you have) and you’re on and fighting. This is why the twin hook rig is so effective, as those two ultrasharp hooks greatly increase your chance of setting one of them in what’s a very quick and aggressive or cautious strike.

The top snelled hook firmly embedded in the jaw of a 7.5kg snapper- use quality hooks.

This is the main rig you need to be using for snapper in Port Phillip Bay. It presents baits naturally and offers excellent hook exposure.

Silver whiting are a tough bait that’s good for beginners. Note hook exposure on both sides.

Better facilities at Cairn Curran Reservoir

Freshwater anglers and boaters can now enjoy upgraded facilities at Cairn Curran’s Picnic Point thanks to your fishing and boating licence fees, and Goulburn Murray Water.

A new concrete boat ramp has been complemented by a resurfaced carpark, measures to reduce erosion alongside the ramp to stop ruts and potholes, and new signage.

The adjacent amenities block is a self-composting, zero discharge facility featuring two unisex cubicles and a third big enough to be accessed by people in wheelchairs.

Cairn Curran has also benefitted from record-breaking fish stockings and scored a whopping 450,000 native fish last season, including 250,000 Murray cod – its most ever in a single year!

Hooks

Using quality hooks is crucial when targeting snapper in Port Phillip Bay, and selecting the right size is equally important. I favour size 6/0 or 7/0 hooks, as they provide excellent hook exposure for all bait types, and hook exposure is critical. I dont like small hooks as they can bury in a bait and can miss those bigger fish. If you’re chasing big fish, use big hooks and big baits. I’m not interested in catching pinkies so I don’t use small hooks around size 4/0, if you want small fish drop to smaller hooks but it’s at the risk of losing that trophy fish.

Setting The Spread

How you set the spread and how many rods you put out all comes down to what you think you can manage. If you have wind with current, then you’ll have a far easier time putting out multiple rods, if the rods are moving sideways a little or you are against the tide then it will be far more difficult.

When fishing with two anglers, I’ll set out six stray line rigs at the back while running two paternoster Flasher rigs down each side at midship, typically using a Black Magic Snapper Snatcher or a Reedy’s Rig.

For the Flasher rigs, braided line works well since they’re out of the way of the stray line rigs, and the zero stretch of braid ensures a better hook set on the circle hooks. If I’m on my own and just fishing four rods I’ll run four strayline rigs. I’ve always found the lightly weighted twin hook rig catches more fish and bigger fish than a Flasher rig. You should be regularly re-baiting, swapping rods around, having baits ready to go, deploying berley, and keeping your eyes glued to the rod tips. Many times big fish will swallow a bait and just sit on it or only provide small taps, so always keep your eyes on the rods and the lines.

Presentation

When it comes to bait, fresh is always best for targeting snapper. While it’s easy to catch squid, flathead and garfish – fantastic baits – pilchards and silver whiting can be harder to come by, so you’ll need to buy them. Regardless of what you use, you want maximum hook exposure. Imagine the fish eating the bait and ask yourself if there’s a chance the fish could miss the hooks. Ensure hooks are on both sides of the bait and the bait isn’t folding over itself. Take note of the images in this article and try to replicate them.

This system works and has done for decades. What works in other bays and on other fish won’t necessarily work in Port Phillip Bay on snapper, so stick with the proven system, focus on the finesse and natural presentation and you’re in with a good shot of attracting, hooking and then landing fish.

Quality hooks, the proper rig and good bait presentation will ensure when that big fish comes along the hooks will stick.

Take note of the tide direction when setting your spread and manage your rods accordingly.

Even small squid heads can be effectivley rigged with the twin hook rig and bigger hooks.

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SARCA EXCEL

TRAILER BOAT

DOGTOOTH

In the deep, clear waters of the outer Great Barrier Reef lurks this formidable quarry.

Words & Images: Colby Lesko

Dogtooth are a bucket list capture for many anglers and few get to tick it off that list.

Dogtooth tuna are undoubtedly one of the meanest fish in the ocean. They are tricky to find, hard to hook and even harder to land. There explosive power will often leave you lost for words as they test every part of your tackle. They grow to more than 100kg and have a massive mouth with dog-like teeth. They are also extremely aggressive when smashing jigs, trolled lures, topwater lures and live baits. Due to these amazing characteristics, they are many sports fishermen’s dream catch. Catching them out of a trailer boat here in Australia is certainly possible and over the past 10 years they have become one of my favourite targets. The Great Barrier Reef is certainly a great fishery for dogtooth and the advancement in technology with boats and electronics continues to make it easier for Aussie anglers to get out in their own boats and target these incredible fish.

Chasing Tails

Dogtooth tuna are widespread across the east coast of northern Queensland, starting at Fraser Island and running all the way up to Cape York and beyond. The seamounts in the Coral Sea are also major dogtooth hotspots, and they inhabit the blue waters around the edge of the continental shelf. While every now and again doggies are caught on the inside of the reef, they prefer the deep, clear waters of the outer edge of the reef, or the pinnacles and deep drop-offs at the edge of the shelf. Almost all my dogtooth have been caught within 10km of the continental shelf in waters 30m to 100m deep. Wherever there is a large drop-off or pinnacle close to the deep waters of the continental shelf, you will find dogtooth tuna. The oceans currents push baitfish onto these drop-offs, reef edges or pinnacles and dogtooth sit in wait. The common size of dogtooth tuna caught by trailer boats in Australia is mostly 5 to 30kg, which are only smaller dogtooth, but they will still test every part of your gear. There’s always still a chance of a monster-sized dogtooth but landing them in the crazy reef terrain and shark-infested waters is very difficult. I have hooked bigger in multiple occasions and am yet to land a fish bigger then 30kg but that’s what keeps us doing the big runs in the boat to try again and again.

Going Wide

Big runs in the boat are essential to get to the dogtooth tuna grounds on the outside of the reef. For me in Far North Queensland it’s a 75km run from the ramp to the best dogtooth marks but along many parts of the coast in north Queensland it’s more like 100km to 200km out past the reef to the edge of the shelf. This means you need a seaworthy, well set-up and reliable boat, with large fuel-

carrying capacity and the ability to stay out for multiple days if the weather allows. Once you’re on the outside edge of the reef use your charts to find pinnacles or large rises or drop-offs in 30m to 100m of water. I put out a spread of trolling lures as I sound these areas looking for bait and schools of doggies. Doggies mark-up extremely well and often sit midwater a long way off the bottom. They are nearly always hanging around baitfish and you most likely only sound them on the edge, above or below bait schools. Once you sound some bait and large fish hanging off the bait it’s time to drop the jigs and see what’s down there. The bycatch jigging for doggies is epic, as many large reef fish and other pelagics will hang around these areas. It just becomes a game of trying as many of these spots and bait schools you can until you find some marks holding dogtooth. Dogtooth hotspots are pinnacles and edges that have a lot of water movement running overtop or past them, which can be due to tide or the East Australian Current on the edge of the shelf. The water movement brings with it food and the dogtooth will hold here in wait.

Bluewater

Once you find a mark or area holding doggies, these are often a consistent producer of fish if you return with the same tide. Sometimes the water will change and there will be no bait and dogtooth to be found but this can change day by day. Cold green water is usually the worst for dogtooth while warm bluewater full of bait is the best. Other days the sharks will be so bad they make it impossible to land anything. Usually, you can get a few good drops before the sharks move in. But if they are bad and you’ve had a dogtooth taken, I will move marks, as they will only get worse the more you fish. Sharks are just a part of dogtooth fishing and they love to hang The GBR is considered one

out together – you will rarely find dogtooth without sharks. Some days the sharks aren’t too bad, and you can get the dogtooth in without too much trouble; other days every fish you hook will get shark-nadoed instantly.

Jigging

Jigging for dogtooth is the most effective technique and dogtooth love to smash a fastmoving vertical jig. Most of the time I use a 100 to 200-gram weighted jig with some extremely heavy assist hooks. Drop the jig right into the bait and fish when you have them on the sounder screen. Work the jig all the way up to the boat fast. Often the doggies will follow and eat right below the boat. I’m always chasing a big dogtooth, so I jig with a PE 8-10 jigging combo. This consists of a 18000-sized reel spooled with 80 or 100lb X-Braid and 200lb leader. Larger dogtooth will still destroy you on this heavy gear but it does give you at least a chance of landing them. The heavy gear also helps you muscle the smaller fish past the sharks quickly. Jig style doesn’t seem to matter too much for dogtooth and I’ve had them eat slower speed oval jigs just as well as knife jigs – you just need a jig that gets down to the fish before you drift off them.

JIGGING FOR DOGTOOTH IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUE AND DOGTOOTH LOVE TO SMASH A FAST-MOVING VERTICAL JIG.

Trolling

Trolling over top of these marks with deepdiving minnows is also an effective tactic for landing dogtooth. Lures such as the Samaki Pacemaker 180 DD will get down to the fish and get the bites. Upgrade the hooks to large singles and you can use heavy trolling set-ups to pull the fish away from the structure and the sharks. This is a great tactic if the doggies are in 10m to 50m of water. Trolling is also a great option when looking for new marks to jig. If I do catch a dogtooth on the troll, I always mark the spot and turn around for a jig. This has produced some of the best jigging marks.

Jigging is the most effective technique. This fish was taken on a Samaki Ribcage.

Trolling is a great way to catch fish while you’re prospecting for new ground.

It takes timing and effort to get a trailer boat out to the dogtooth grounds, but with bycatch as good as green and rusty jobfish it’s worth the effort.

Topwater

Topwater is also an option for dogtooth if you find the fish close to the surface or shallower then 30m deep. Often you will find the dogtooth on bait right up on the surface or pushed right up on a reef edge and this is the time to cast topwater at them. I’ve had them smash both stickbaits and poppers when working deep reef edges. I use a PE 8-10 topwater combo with 200lb leader and lures around 180mm to 220mm long.

Dogtooth are a year-round fishing option, but the SE trade winds of winter make chasing them hard. I find the best months of the year are November and December when the wind drops off and you can make it to the dogtooth grounds for multiple days to work out a bit of a pattern on these fish.

DOGTOOTH ARE A YEARROUND FISHING OPTION, BUT THE SE TRADE WINDS OF WINTER MAKE CHASING THEM HARD.

Dogtooth don’t release well but are amazing eating, both cooked and sashimi. If you do plan to release the fish it’s best to unhook them in the water, as once they are removed from the water they die very quickly. They are also susceptible to barotrauma from deeper depths so keep this in mind.

The fishing options on the outer edge of the reef are immense and even a bad day on the dogtooth will mostly still result in a great bag of fish as bycatch. It’s a great challenge to land your first trailer boat or local dogtooth tuna but once you get that first one, it gets easier. You are able to compile spots or areas to fish the more you target them and catching doggies can become a common occurrence. They are an incredibly fun fish to catch and I’ll never get sick of seeing them come up. The sharks can be extremely testing at times and make it feel impossible but if you can just sneak one fish past them or find one mark without them it’s worth it. Make sure your gear is all up the task because it will be certainly tested. They are a highly respected fish for a reason and I’m sure once you finally land one the feeling will be worth the effort. For me they are the ultimate sport fish of the Great Barrier Reef and I’ll be spending all the days I can chasing a giant one.

You can see where they get the name dogtooth.

Topwater ground!

Fish of this size are what it’s all about.

SIONYX NIGHTWAVE

As anglers we understand that some of the best fishing occurs after dark, particularly during key bite times such as dawn and dusk. Yet, many inexperienced boaters instinctively reach for bright light sources, mistakenly believing they’ll improve their visibility. Using a light bar as a headlight on a boat is quite misguided; a boat isn’t a car, and light bars can impair your vision and disturb other vessels on the water. Navigating a waterway at night during snapper season is challenging enough without being blinded by glaring lights from another boat behind you. If you’re in this situation where you need better vision and you’ve opted for a light bar, it might be time to reconsider your approach. Instead of flooding the area with light, turn off your lights, lower your sounder’s brightness, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Most modern multi-function displays (MFDs) come with a night mode that softens the display

Words & Images: Kosta Linardos

colours, making it easier to see.

While light bars can be useful in specific contexts – dams and estuaries where submerged trees and logs pose a risk –consideration for fellow anglers is essential.

If you genuinely need better visibility, there are more effective alternatives than light bars. Traditionally, you might consider a FLIR thermal vision camera, which typically starts around $6000. Thankfully, Sionyx has introduced a more affordable and practical solution: the Nightwave night vision camera, designed specifically for marine use. This compact unit weighs just 870 grams, which opens up a range of mounting options that don’t require expensive stainless steel supports. Its low weight means you can easily mount it without compromising the stability of your vessel. I mounted mine on my second

aerial mount on my rocket launcher, and it has proven an effective tool while navigating at night.

Having the Nightwave on board significantly increases visual awareness while running in open water. I can see other boats, kayaks, channel markers, navigation buoys and floating debris much more clearly, allowing me to navigate faster than I would if solely relying on my night-adjusted vision. This increased visibility means I can safely and swiftly reach my favourite fishing spots at night, a huge advantage when every minute counts.

The Nightwave pairs beautifully with my Simrad 16-inch MFD, providing a large screen view that makes monitoring the feed effortless. I can easily split screens to run the Nightwave alongside my navigation and

The Nightwave is small, light and compact and easy to install.

Coming into Martha Cove on a moonless might.

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sonar, enhancing my situational awareness significantly. One memorable outing involved navigating through channels on a moonless night to go gummy shark fishing. The clarity of the Nightwave allowed me to navigate confidently, ensuring I saw any potential hazards in the water.

Additionally, the Nightwave has proven to be excellent for launching in the dark and making my way to fishing marks during snapper season. The advanced low-light technology captures high-definition video in almost total darkness, with unique sensors that amplify ambient light. This feature allows me to spot potential hazards and other boats.

The Nightwave is practical and its compact design makes installation straightforward, integrating seamlessly with my boat’s existing electronics. Another aspect worth mentioning is its impressive field of view. With a horizontal field of 44 degrees, the Nightwave enhances situational awareness, ensuring you’re well-equipped to spot unexpected obstacles. I’ve found that even in the darkest conditions, the camera provides a level of clarity that allows me to focus more on fishing than worrying about what might be lurking just out of sight. Moreover, the rugged, UVresistant polycarbonate construction and an IP67 rating mean I can confidently use the Nightwave in various weather conditions, knowing it’s protected against water, sand and dust. This durability is particularly important for those of us who love to fish year-round, regardless of the conditions.

The user experience with the Nightwave is also commendable. The camera’s interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate settings and adjust for optimal performance based on your specific needs. Whether I’m fishing in the open ocean or navigating narrow channels, the Nightwave adapts well, providing consistent and reliable performance.

In summary, the Sionyx Nightwave camer has become an essential tool when navigating in the dark in both open water, and marinas and harbours. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to enhance their time on the water without the distraction of blinding lights. Whether you’re chasing elusive night-time catches or simply navigating dark waters, the Nightwave delivers unparalleled visibility and peace of mind.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, having this technology on board can make all the difference when fishing after dark. I highly recommend the Nightwave to anyone serious about night fishing – it offers great bang for buck and is easy to install. Distributed By: The Night Vision Shop Web: thenightvisionshop.com.au

Note how well it shows the channel markers from a distance.

Sorrento boat ramp on a new moon. This is a dark ramp and channel entry.

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