Hooked Up 143 April 2024

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Live-Sonar in Angling

The rise of live-sonar technology has revolutionised fishing, offering anglers unparalleled visibility into the underwater world. However, despite the excitement of this technological advance, we must not overlook the possible pitfalls it poses to angling. Recent American YouTube videos of anglers connecting live-sonar to VR headsets have sent the live-sonar debate – which can get quite heated – into overdrive.

One of the main concerns about live-sonar is its impact on the very essence of fishing – the thrill of the chase and the element of surprise. Fishing relies on a certain level of mystery, where anglers rely on their intuition and knowledge to locate and catch fish. With forward-facing or live-sonar, this dynamic is disrupted as fish are revealed, stripping away some of the challenge.

Fishing is not merely about catching fish; it is about a connection with nature and appreciating its beauty. By reducing fishing to a mechanised process driven by technological prowess, we risk losing sight of these fundamental values and diminishing the joy of engaging with the natural world – but that’s a personal choice for each angler.

Could the adoption of live-sonar have a negative effect on fish, or fisheries? I don’t have the definitive answer, but it’s a question worth asking. By exposing their habitats and movements with pinpoint accuracy, live- sonar could lead to overfishing where anglers converge on known hotspots, especially in smaller impoundments with species such as barra and Murray cod.

I believe the combination of social media and live-sonar is a bigger issue than the technology itself. It’s provided a short-cut for inexperienced anglers to catch fish such as large Murray cod, where without this tech they may have spent weeks, months and most probably years before they caught a metre-plus fish. They then may use poor handling techniques for their Instagram reel, YouTube video or even just still images. It means fish are interacting with humans more often and for longer periods than is necessary.

While live-sonar is undoubtedly a remarkable technological achievement, and teaches us more about fish and how they respond to lures, its widespread adoption raises some concerns worth considering.

As stewards of our fisheries, we should approach technology with caution, ensuring its use is matched by fish care and respect for the value of the fishing experience.

We can’t stick our heads in the sand and pretend sonar was never going to evolve – and won’t evolve further – but it’s about how we use it.

Kosta Linardos. Editor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS

Adam Hewson, Lee Rayner, Sammy Leys, Colby Lesko,

Tim Haynes, Jamie Wheeler

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info@hookedup.com.au

LITTLE JACK SAYORIS

The original and best garfish imitation stickbait just got better! The new Little Jack Sayoris is now available in a more realistic design and new size. While keeping the realistic appearance, each part has been tuned up to improve fishing results. While thebasic body shape remains the same, Little Jack have pursued increased realism. The balance of the lure has been adjusted by redesigning the weight and the natural roll action has been refined. The new line-up includes two sizes: 135mm (23g), the orthodox size, and 155mm (35g) to target larger fish offshore. The Sayoris boasts a high level of versatility that can be used from the surface to the bottom of the school. The fins added to the rear upper part stabilize the underwater posture, making it possible to produce an even more natural roll action. Fitted with quality BKK trebles. gladiatortackle.com.au

ASAKURA STINGER CLAMER

The Stinger Clamer is a straight through wired vibration lure fitted with quality rings and ultrasharp finesse stinger hooks designed and made in Japan. It is available in two sizes - 25mm/4g, 30mm/7g - to target different species of fish such as Bream, Flathead, Trevally, Snapper, and more. What sets the Stinger Clamer apart from other vibration lures on the market is its versatile flutter action as it falls, making it usable for slow retrieves like a crankbait or as a vibration lure with a unique fall action as it flutters down. The Stinger Clamer is designed to be slightly open but sealed internally with part of the lip muscle protruding out to add extra action as well as an internal rattle to entice fish to bite. The Stinger Clamer comes in 5 unique colours with a fur finish on both sides and holds scent well, allowing for a more natural feel to attract fish. Its tough finish ensures that it will last through many fishing trips.ts.

vivafishing.com.au

VEXED BOTTOM WORM LONGSHANK

The Bottom Worm Longshank has been designed as a micro version of the Bottom Meat, but for lighter outfits and smaller inshore species. It can be used on its own, or on the bottom of a paternoster rig as a “Fish Catching Sinker”. 70% or more whiting are caught on the bottom dropper hook of a traditional paternoster rig. By using the Bottom Worm Hybrid as the sinker, you now have two prime fish catching baits down on the seafloor During our testing sessions for sand whiting and king george whiting, we caught more fish on the Bottom Worm Hybrid fished as the sinker than we did on the bottom dropper hook. With a super sharp BKK longshank hook and a durable, stretchy little scented Vexed Bottom Worm, this will present small soft baits such as worm, pipi, squid, prawn and mussel perfectly. Available in sizes from 3.5gm- 130gm and hook sizes from #10 to #1, Bottom Worm Hybrid’s will suit most fish species from boat, beach, estuary, jetty or river bank. Bottom Worm Hybrid’s can also be jigged through structure or slowly hopped across the bottom without bait for many inshore species such as bream, flathead and whiting. vexedfishing.com.au

YO-ZURI MAG POPPER

The Mag Series Mag Floating Popper is a top water popper lure. This lure comes in two sizes: 130mm, 50 grams and 160mm, 80 grams. Made with tough and durable ABS resin, encasing a through wire construction. Designed with an irresistible gigantic water pushing face. Which make it perfect for stop & go retrieves, or a pause/jerk/ pop technique, or a fast-popping retrieve. The new weight transfer system makes for unbelievably long casts as the weight ball unit moves like a bullet internally generating extra distance.

tacspo.com.au

DAIWA STEEZ BULL FROG

The Steez Bull Frog is 100mm in length, weighs 45 grams and is available in four colours. Fitted with a high-quality custom-made double frog hook which is more than capable of handling metre plus trophy cod there is no lure more fun to fish than a frog, and there’s none with the presence of the new Steez Bull Frog. The large profile and heavy weight of the Steez Bull Frog will allow anglers to gently walk the lure over and around structure, and pausing when it reaches an opening just waiting for that explosion. daiwafishing.com.au

PALMS SPLIT RING PLIERS

These slim yet robust split ring pliers are an essential tool when lure fishing. Made with quality stainless steel and available in 4 sizes, allowing you to match the split ring size to the plier size for simple and effective split ring operations. Small -135mm: #00-2 split rings. Medium -155mm: #2-5 split rings. Large-190mm: #5-8 split rings. Power Jaw 190mm: #5-11 split rings. ejtodd.com.au

GAFF-MANN PRO SERIES

After two years of rigorous development and testing, Gaff-Mann proudly presents the Pro Series, a ground-breaking innovation in gaff technology. Designed to be remarkably lightweight yet exceptionally strong, these gaffs redefine what anglers can expect from their fishing gear. Crafted with precision, the Pro Series boasts a structural grade aluminium handle that is fully anodized for durability and corrosion resistance. These gaffs provide optimal control and handling in any fishing situation.What truly sets the Pro Series apart is its unique ability to float. Gone are the days of losing your gaff to the depths below in cases where it may be dropped overboard. With a total weight of just 0.6kg (600g) 13x110mm(4”) gape and the 16x150mm(6”) gape at a weight of 0.9kg(900g) these gaffs offer unparalleled buoyancy without sacrificing performance. Available in a range of sizes tailored to target tuna, sharks, and kingfish, the Gaff-Mann Pro Series is the ultimate companion for any angler seeking reliability, versatility, and innovation on the water. Elevate your fishing experience with the Pro Series gaffs and discover the difference for yourself. Designed and made in Australia

YO-ZURI

3D INSHORE FINGERLING

This minnow is designed for fishing shallow water for a wide variety of species and conditions. Featuring a tight wobble action on a straight retrieve and a quick darting action when twitched, these baits are engineered with quick starting action for fishing tight to structure. Designed with a unique diamond shape lip that keeps the bait in the water all the way back to the angler even when fishing from an elevated position. Available in 6 proven fish catching patterns using Yo-Zuri’s patented 3D prism and internal painted finishes that will never chip or wear. Size: 100mm, Casting Weight 17.5grams. tacspo.com.au

FUJIMARU BAIT NEEDLE

This new style of bait needle is for rigging wire or heavy mono through a baitfish and to then attach a treble hook or single hook at the end. An angler can hide the line through the body of the bait fish and neatly present a hook at the end.

vivafishing.com.au

YAMASHITA EGI OH K 4.0

The largest size available from Yamashita in the EGI OH K series features a number of exclusive technologies like the hydro fin, hydro eyes, warm jacket and hydro body. Culminating in a stable sinking, high appeal squid jig. Coming in at 26g and with a sink rate of 3 seconds per meter they are perfect when the squid are focused on larger baitfish or when you’re targeting larger squid. Available in 10 colours (stock is limited) ejtodd.com.au

SHIMANO TWIN POWER FE

Shimano proudly unveils the Twin Power FE series. The Twin Power name has been a byword for strength and durability in the realm of fishing reels for over three decades. Crafted with a robust metal body and rotor, this reel is specifically designed to conquer the challenges posed by Australia’s most formidable fish. Building on the legacy of the acclaimed Twin Power line, the FE series introduces five cutting edge features adopted from the Stella FK series. The Infinityxross, Infinityloop, Infinitydrive, Duracross, and Anti Twist Fin technologies redefine the angler’s experience, ensuring the reels performance and longevity. Shimano proudly declares this as their strongest and longest lasting Twin Power reel ever. Anglers can expect unparalleled strength, precision, and durability, making the Twin Power FE series the ultimate companion for those seeking to conquer the waters and tackle Australia’s hardest fighting sportfish. Elevate your angling prowess with the re-evolution of power, the Twin Power FE. shimanofish.com.au

BITE ME LURES

Born from a profound love for fishing and the intricate mangrove ecosystems that surround the Bite Me lures base in Darwin, a new and highly effective soft plastic has hit the market. The Bite Me Lures collection is offered in four sizes and a custom designed range of proven colours that’s ready to entice barra, mulloway, flathead, jacks and Murray cod. Each lure is meticulously crafted to captivate even the most discerning fish. Bite Me’s commitment to the environment goes beyond aesthetics. Bite Me Lures prioritize eco-friendliness, ensuring their soft plastic lures are free from harmful chemicals like lead and DINP, safeguarding marine life and habitats. The secret behind our lures’ mesmerising swimming action lies in the ‘design trademarked’ wedge tail. Emitting a unique pulsing vibration, faster than conventional tails, Bite Me lures possess an unmistakable presence in the water. Whether you prefer a rapid crank or a slow roll, the Bite Me Lures wedge tail is responsive and enticing. With an option to enhance the allure further by adding a rattler in the tail it presents as versatile offering regardless of location or species. Available in lengths 3, 5, 6 and 7in and a vast range of colours. bitemelures.com.au

SAMAKI REDIC DS80

The Samaki Redic DS80 has taken the impoundment barra scene by storm and is a must have lure on the dams this summer. It’s perfect for any application where you need a compact lure to match the hatch that will reach depths of more than 3 metres. The DS80 maintains an outstanding action at varying speeds and is highly responsive to rod action. It’s suspending buoyancy makes it highly appealing to a variety of species and the 4X strong BKK hooks allow it to tangle with big fish and high drag pressures without risk of failure. There aren’t many 80mm lures on the market that can boast all these attributes. Designed in Australia and crafted of the highest quality materials, Samaki Redic series has been created to be the ultimate in action and strength in its class. samaki.com.au

Siglon PE AMZ is an all-new braid and sets a new industry standard with its breakthrough Performance Sustainable Processing (PSP) across both its 4 strand and 8 strand braided lines. PSP is meticulously applied to each braided line strand. This ground-breaking technique serves as a game-changer, significantly extending the initial performance lifespan of the line while providing a slicker and smoother finsih that lasts.

Sunline’s all-new FC Rock is a 100% fluorocarbon leader material that features stability, abrasion resistance, clarity and the tenacity to endure in all fishing conditions. Improved abrasion resistance and tensile tenacity will keep you connected in the harshest underwater environments and on the toughest fish.

Available in: 100m 2lb to 20lb. 70m 25lb & 30lb. 50m 40lb & 50lb

TOKURYO LINE LAB FINESSE PRO 4

Tokuryo Line Lab has just released an improved version of their popular Finesse Braid. This new braid features a higher quality PE material and a new weaving technique to further improve the strength and waterproofing qualities of the braid. Tokuryo Line Lab Finesse Pro 4 Braid is made from 100% Japanese UHMWPE raw material. Tokuryo Finesse Pro 4 Braid is a quality round 4 carrier PE line that offers superior qualities for a 4 carrier braid at exceptional pricing. Finesse Pro 4 braids construction produces a tighter weave, creates a reduced diameter and smoother finish. The SI-Coated treatment also helps to produce a super smooth surface that creates far less guide friction noise than common braids. Finesse Pro 4 is available in 150mt spools in 7lb to 25lb and 300mt spools in 20lb to 50lb breaking strains. 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 in action will hold the lure in the water column and 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

GLOWBITE MICRO FLASH

The mini bomb! These lures feature a deep concave to increase flutter and rock as they drop through the water column, enticing big fish to strike at an easy meal. Fill the built-in scent cavity with your favourite fish attracting paste and you have a lure that smells like dinner too! Some days the big fish you’re targeting just won’t bite a big lure. That’s when you need the Micro Flash; a very small lure with a very sharp, strong hook that will hold even the biggest fish. These lures cast like little bullets! Work them back to the boat or shore with pronounced rod lifts to maximise their erratic rocking motion. glowbite.com.au

VEXED WAIST PACK

The Vexed Deluxe Waist pack has been designed for the specialist angler that loves to keep mobile and keep their gear to a minimum. With Multiple pockets for your tackle tray, leader, keys and phone, and a handy loop to hook your squid Gaff on, or to rest your rod in whilst changing lures, this waist pack is feature packed. It also has a fold down flap at the front with two separate foam-based lure/jig holders to keep your lures and jigs organised, easily accessible and also tangle free. This pack is comfortable to wear around the waist all day, or if you are wading deep you can raise it up higher around your mid torso to keep your gear dry. Available in all good tackle stores. vexedfishing.com.au

DAIWA DOLLARS CASH BACK

The autumn Daiwa Dollars Cash Back is back and this time we’ve got something for all the saltwater anglers across Australia. Spoil yourself this autumn by picking up one of our most loved saltwater spinning reels. For a limited time only, if you buy a 20 BG MQ, 21 Saltist MQ or 22 Maverick MQ, you’re able to claim up to $100 cash back. To enter all you need to do is, purchase any of the eligible reels from an approved Daiwa dealer, then make your Cash Back claim via the DA website by uploading your purchase receipt and entering your details. Customers will then receive a Digital Credit Card to redeem their cash back wherever they like. It’s that simple to get yourself a new Daiwa reel and get paid this autumn. The Daiwa Dollars Cash Back campaign runs from the 15th March to the 10th May. daiwafishing.com.au

ST.CROIX AVID PANFISH SERIES RODS

The St. Croix Avid Panfish range of rods offer an outstanding range of rods for finesse fishing with lures, soft plastics, blades, crabs and bait fishing where sensitivity and control are key. The Avid Panfish range have been designed with a focus on techniques, comfort and in the ultimate fish ability with specific taper designs for light fishing. The Avid Panfish range feature SCIII+ Carbon fibre blanks that feature St.Croix’s IPC, ART, TET and FRS technologies. They also feature a Fuji VSS up-locking reel seat with super grade cork top grip and premium EVA bottom grip. The guide train features the unique black nickel stainless steel guides with the first three being oval shaped to tighten the coil on the cast to increase the casting distance. These rods are all handcrafted in the U.S.A. and feature St.Croix 15-year Unconditional Warranty. There are four rods in the range that will be suited for anglers fishing for bream, estuary perch, flathead, bass and trout. jurofishing.com

MARIA CRIMP & SLEEVE SET

The Maria crimp and sleeve set allows anglers to use the strongest connection to your lure when using stickbaits or skirts. There are two sets available the 2N and 3N. 2N is suitable for 80-150lb leader line while 3N is suitable for 180-300lb leader line. The set has enough crimps and sleeves for 10 rigs. Maria have tested the strength of the double crimp knot and it comes out on top of any hand tied knot tested.

ejtodd.com.au

TIMBER WOLF BAIT PUMP

If you’re looking to upgrade the quality of bait you use, then catching your own fresh yabbies & worms with a bait pump is the way to go. Bait pumps are ideal suction pumps used for the extraction of yabbies, worms and crustaceans from sand and mud. They are easy to maintain, you just need to wash them with fresh water after every trip. The Timber Wolf bait pump is made with quality stainless steel 50mm tube, is available in standard size of 75cm or king-size which is 85cm. It features easy to grab soft rubber grips and stainless steel handles.

vivafishing.com.au

SHIMANO OCEA JIGGER LD

Designed for the enthusiast angler seeking the ultimate challenge, this reel introduces a ground breaking 30% reduction in rotational torque, courtesy of the innovative double-drag structure. Say goodbye to the limitations of conventional lever drags and embrace a new era of control and power. Unleash the Ocea Jigger LD in the pursuit of giants like Kingfish and Nannygai. This reel not only meets but exceeds the demands of battling large fish, offering a maximum drag of 20 kg an extraordinary force in such a compact body. The Ocea Jigger LD outperforms even larger reels, ensuring a seamless fishing experience. Dive into the meticulous design philosophy, where weight reduction meets rigidity and durability. The drive gear sheds 12g, and the handle knob’s 12% increase enhances operability while maintaining a lightweight profile.

shimanofish.com.au

FIRST LAUNCH FOR EDENCRAFT 255 FORMULA

Edencraft International recently launched their brand new 255 Formula at their annual Edencraft Escape to Eden holiday weekend. Its first journey in the turbulent waters off Eden’s coast was the ultimate test – and Edencraft claim that despite the rough seas, the 255 Formula offered an astonishingly smooth and stable ride, impressing everyone on board with its adept handling and robustness. A standout moment of the trip was the 255 Formula’s christening with its first marlin catch. Edencraft are excited to showcase it to the world at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for its official premiere, May 23-26.

edencraft.com.au

LOWRANCE LAUNCHES NEW EAGLE SERIES

Eagle is the latest offering in Lowrance’s entry level fishfinder/chartplotter lineup. Featuring newly designed high-definition enhanced sonar, with FishReveal™ technology and detailed C-MAP charting including Genesis Live, Eagle is Lowrance’s most accessible fishfinder yet. Eagle was developed exclusively for anglers by anglers. The newly designed TripleShot HD and SplitShot HD offer improved clarity, depth performance and sensitivity resulting in excellent performance under the surface, while FishReveal on DownScan continues to make it so simple to identify fish from weeds and structures. Additionally, simple autotuning sonar gives anglers optimal settings from the start, eliminating the hassle of needing to constantly configure settings, and an improved twist-locking connector allows for easy and reliable installation and removal, making Eagle a great portable solution for any type of fishing – simply connect and cast. Designed to fish, Eagle has a new, rugged, and modern design featuring a new IPS screen that offers improved resolution, clarity, and visibility, even with polarized sunglasses in direct sunlight. Plus, a new range of imaging color palettes allows anglers to adapt the display for changing conditions. Eagle’s C-MAP embedded inland and coastal charts for New Zealand and Australia allow anglers to spend more time fishing than searching. It also provides the ability to create custom half foot contour maps of local lakes or unchartered water – in real time – with Genesis Live, giving anglers all the details needed to discover and navigate to the best fishing spots more efficiently. The Eagle fishfinder is available in 4-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch and 9-inch display sizes. The 4X model provides total flexibility with portrait orientation and true-scroll sonar but is not compatible with enhanced sonar features or mapping.

lowrance.com

FISHCRAFT SNOOP DOG 100

The biggest lure in the Snoop Dog family is designed to produce awesome top water bites from a wide range of salt and freshwater sportfish such as barramundi, yellowtail kingfish, dusky flathead , mangrove jack, Murray cod, giant trevally, mahi mahi and tailor to name a few. A super versatile surface bait that can be fished with either a seductive “walk the dog’” style action or faster skipping retrieve that will cast further and make much more fish attracting noise than its smaller brothers. The Snoop Dog 100 ideally suited for fishing areas such as timber snags, rock bars, creek gutters, inshore reefs, bombies, rocky headlands and river mouths. The Snoop Dog 100 is 14.5 grams in weight and 100mm long making it an ideal estuarine and inshore top water lure. It comes in a range of custom Fishcraft paint finishes that will cover all possible conditions in both salt and freshwater. Those classic colours include white widow, camo, chart shadow, troppo frog and more. The Fishcraft Snoop Dog 100 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

FISHCRAFT DR STRETCH 85

A classic lure pattern revered by Australian anglers for targeting species such as big dusky flathead, barramundi, threadfin salmon, saratoga, tailor and mangrove jack. Dr Stretch features a fantastic proven fish attracting action with a 3m depth range. This floating crank bait has a legendary reputation as a trolling lure but is also equally effective in a wide variety of casting applications. The Dr Stretch 85 is 12.5g in weight and 85mm long making it the perfect lure pattern for fishing tropical rivers and impoundments as well as saltwater estuaries. It comes in a range of custom Fishcraft paint finishes that will cover all potential conditions in both salt and freshwater. Those classic colours include Grey Ghost, Green Shad, Desert Summer, Silver Shad and more.The Fishcraft Dr Stretch 85 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

DUSKY FLATHEAD STOCKING

Wild populations of one of Victoria’s most prized recreational species have been given a lift thanks to the fourth year of dusky flathead stocking in East Gippsland. Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Chief Executive Officer Travis Dowling said the fourth year of stocking would bolster numbers of the muchloved fish, found throughout Gippsland’s estuaries. Stockings in recent weeks included the Gippsland Lakes (16,100 fingerlings), Bemm River (2,500) and at Gypsy Point near Mallacoota (2,500), forming a key part of the VFA’s nation-leading fish stocking program. The fingerlings are expected to take two to three years to grow to catchable size, which for dusky flathead is within a slot limit of 35 and 55 centimetres to protect larger, breeding females.

Broodfish were captured near Mallacoota in January with the help of volunteer anglers and transported to a marine hatchery where they spawned and larvae were reared to fingerling size over seven to eight weeks. The Gippsland Lakes Recreational Fishery Plan followed the removal of commercial net fishing in the Lakes in 2020 and delivered on a commitment of the Victorian Government’s $35m Go Fishing plan.The Government is investing a further $96m to continue to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture across the state, with including boat ramp and jetty upgrades at Metung, Lakes Entrance and Raymond Island, an aquaculture trial to support Victoria’s first indigenous-run aquaculture farm and another year of record fish stocking. Ahead of Easter, the VFA is running a competition offering a $1000 tackle voucher to the first fisher who lands a dusky flathead of a metre or more within the Gippsland Lakes. The $1000 voucher will be redeemable at one of seven tackle shops in Gippsland and highlights the ever-improving fishing opportunities the system is offering right now for the species. vfa.vic.gov.au/gippslandmetery

SPORTSMAN BOATS AUSTRALIA UPGRADES REEF SERIES

Sportsman Boats Australia has recently made significant upgrades across its 17 and 19 Reef models. The first upgrade has been to the hatch lids on the deck. They are now made from solid fibreglass and feature a non-slip pattern for better grip. Each hatch is now sealed to minimise water intrusion, and they feature new stainless locking latches that are easy to operate and ensure your hatch lids stay closed no matter how rough it gets. The new hatch lids provide a sturdier surface to stand on and better protect whatever cargo you’re stowing. New hatch lids have been applied to both port and starboard hatches in the stern, the main cargo hatch in the casting deck as well as the anchor locker hatch that now features a slit for your anchor rope. sportsmanboats.com.au

Where To Start

During the past few years, the start of autumn in southern states has seen temperatures continue to exceed 30 degrees for extended periods. This has made flathead a far more reliable species to target well into April and May. However, as we transition into these months, cold snaps pose an obvious threat to the success of our flathead fishing. As such, it becomes important to hone your techniques and change your approach to give you the best chance of catching a giant dusky.

Recently, I travelled through East Gippsland in Victoria to the South Coast of New South Wales in search of large autumn flathead. On this trip, there were three key influencing factors that I knew would help me locate and capture these fish – type of bottom, wind direction and lure size.

Sand or Silt?

Paying attention to the type of bottom you are fishing is important to finding an actively feeding flathead.

March has been a warm month in Victoria this year, and it hasn’t been uncommon to experience a week of weather well above 25 degrees. This has made for some awesome early autumn flats fishing for flathead. During these warmer days, I find flathead will typically hold on sand flats, particularly those that have patchy weed and reef mixed in. The sand bottoms are often cooler than those with silt or shell bottoms. Large flathead will often hide in the weed or on the fringes of the weed to seek relief from the sun, and to use as an ambush point while hunting on the shallow sand flats.

AUTUMN DUSKIES

Assess the wind and bottom conditions to get the flathead odds firmly in your favour.

Words & Images:

Sammy Leys

Like many people, I grew up fishing in estuaries, targeting bream and flathead on bait and eventually lures. My obsession with black bream never faltered, but my love-hate relationship with flathead was constant. They were typically an inconvenience that resulted in countless lost lures, but in recent years have become a friendly foe.

Large flathead have quickly become one of the country’s most popular species to target on lures. For many anglers the thrill of throwing large diving or jointed lures at these unique fish has become all-consuming.

Over the years, many of my most successful flathead trips have occurred from late summer to mid-autumn, when you can often encounter good numbers of fish while also being a chance of landing a trophy-sized croc.

As we get into late April and May, the water temperatures begin to drop quite dramatically. This is where paying attention to the different types of bottom becomes important. Flathead will move off to the shallow sand flats and down onto channel edges and drop-offs. Paying attention to the variations of bottom in the system will help you find the most successful places to fish. Cooling water temperatures force flathead to find warmer water where they can hunt, so finding different types of bottom that will retain heat more efficiently than others will help you find more flathead. Ground that has soft mud or silt retains heat far more effectively than ground that has sand bottom. This isn’t to say that you won’t find flathead on sandy ground as the water cools down, but being able to locate warmer water generally results in finding more actively feeding fish.

When trying to locate this ground, it can eally pay to creep up onto edges or flats and observe the type of bottom. Moving around scouring banks to see whether they contain rocks, shells and silt bottoms can help you narrow your focus as to where the flathead might be.

During my most recent trip, I was fishing several systems I’d never fished before. So using my knowledge of where to find fish relative to water temperature was really valuable. On this trip, we had a few cooler days that led up to consecutive days over 30 degrees. As temperatures rose by up to three degrees across four different systems we noticed flathead move to different areas. Early in the week, we found flathead sitting on shelly and rocky bottom, on deeper edges. However, as the water temperatures rose, the most active fish were on sand flats scattered with weed beds.

This dusky was taken by the author over a shallow flat on the Evergreen Stream Demon wakebait.

Wind Direction

Locating bait during transition periods can prove difficult, but paying attention to the direction the wind is blowing can drastically improve your catch rates during autumn.

On my recent trip along the South Coast, I was really struggling to locate bait in a system I’d never fished before. After persisting along likely looking banks for hours without a lot of success, the wind finally began to pick up. With the wind came a change in luck, with consecutive hours of strong winds blowing from the east, allowing me to focus on easterly facing banks and points.

Observing the wind direction can often be the biggest key to finding flathead in a new system. Strong winds blowing from the same direction for several hours in a row can concentrate baitfish along certain banks. Along with baitfish come large volumes of water, which creates a lot of current along these banks.

When baitfish are being corralled into a bank by the current, they will often find small pockets of calm water where they can escape the turbulent current. This is where you will also find flathead waiting in ambush.

Throughout this day and the days following, it should come as no great shock that we caught 90% of our flathead on easterly facing banks. Several flathead were caught by targeting calm pockets of water along wind-blown banks. This calm water was found behind points, shallower sand banks, reef or rock structures that the wind was blowing onto. Flathead will situate themselves in these calm pockets because that is where baitfish will be to shelter from strong currents. Ultimately, the wind will help you locate the bait, which will help you find the flathead.

Observing wind direction can be especially helpful for land-based anglers. As a landbased angler, you’re not afforded the ability to check the water temperature, depth or whether there is bait in the area. Fishing banks that the wind is blowing onto (or was blowing onto the previous day) is a simple way to assist locating bait and actively feeding flathead.

What To Throw

As the weather begins to cool down and water temperatures drop, paying greater attention to your lure selection can ultimately be the key to your success. During warmer months, flathead are very active and will chase down lures of all sizes, with soft plastics, vibes, hard-bodied lures, swim-baits and glide-baits very popular among anglers. More often than not, anglers targeting trophy-sized duskies will reach for the largest lure in their tackle

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Jerkbaits such as the Bantam Strong Assasin are a favourite of the author’s.

The author only needed to move the boat 10 metres to get to shore for this release. This shows just how shallow you can find big dusky flathead.

box, which could be a 9in soft plastic or a 20cm glide bait. However, as water temperatures cool, downsizing your lures can often result in more bites.

Tying on smaller lures in the 3in or 4in range can drastically increase your catch rates. When the water begins to cool down during April, fish will view your smaller lure as an easier target. In their view, they don’t have to expend as much energy to get a meal. So smaller baits quickly become the fishes’ focus as they are easier to eat. On autumn trips of the past, I’ve had great success on lures such as a 75mm Daiwa Double Clutch and 100mm Squidgies Fish. They’re simple and well-tried lures but they usually find a way to tempt a trophy-sized flathead to trip up.

On a pit stop through Mallacoota during this recent fishing trip, I had been fishing with a 130mm jerkbait as there were a number of large garfish and mullet in the area. After landing four fish in an hour and missing a number of hits, I decided to downsize to a Samaki Redic SF90. Within the next hour we landed eight flathead including an 82 and 84cm fish. Although matching the size of the lure with the size of the bait can be really effective, downsizing can often tempt hesitant or lethargic fish into striking.

If the fishing gets tough or it slows down, I will always change lures before I move spots. When it comes to flathead fishing, this almost always involves downsizing the lure.

The Gear

Modifying the business end of your fishing outfit can also help increase your catch rates. I believe leader weight or strength doesn’t matter much when it comes to targeting flathead, so I usually run fluorocarbon leaders between 25lb and 30lb in case I hook a trophy-sized dusky.

However, during periods when the fishing slows down and smaller lures need to be used. I tend to drop back to 16lb and 20lb fluorocarbon leader. I downsize the leader because heavier leaders can affect the action of smaller lures.

I also use a loop knot to extract the most action out of the lure – another way to ensure you maximise the presence of a small lure in the water.

In Closing

Autumn is in my opinion the best time of the year to target trophy-sized flathead. It’s the time of year when bait schools begin to concentrate, and smaller flathead begin to condense around large breeding females.

The discussion points I’ve made are useful points that will definitely help you catch more flathead but can also be used to target other species such as bream, estuary perch and mulloway. This one was

taken on a Samaki Redic SF90 jerkbait.

Finding the right ground is half the battle in Autumn.

RUN-OFF BARRA

The wet season makes for some epic barra fishing in the Top End.

Words & Images: Lee Rayner

Each year anglers sit biting their nails to see what the big wet will bring to the top end of Australia. Will it be a big wet, a small one, will it fall all over, or will it be isolated to certain areas – either way, when it happens the fishing is nothing short of special.

This year’s wet in the Northern Territory has been a bumper one, with huge rainfall starting in January and still falling in March. In fact, by the time you read this it should be in the absolute prime of the run-off.

A recent trip to the Top End saw some memorable fishing at creek mouths, but also saw short windows where the fish were chewing and this is often the case as you chase the tannin water flowing out of the creeks and rivers that are draining off the flood plains.

What To Look For

Unlike the build-up period, where the barramundi will gather at or in close proximity to the river mouths, the run-off generally sees the fish pushed up into the rivers in search of the key feeding areas. These come in the form of the areas where the tannin-coloured fresh water meets the dirtier river water, and these areas create the perfect ambush points as bait is flushed down the creeks off the flood plains. When it hits the edge of the creek mouth and the river water, the bait becomes disorientated and makes an easy feed for the barramundi.

It’s also well worth looking up the creeks as the water floods on the run-in tides as the barra will float up with the pushing water, feeding as they go, but when the tide turns get yourself into position on a fork or junction in the creek itself – or even better, station yourself up at the mouth of the creek where it flows into the main river.

Lures, Lures, Lures

The options are endless but there are a fewlures you just have to have and one of the great things about the run-off and build up is that a large lure will often help you connect with some of the bigger fish. That’s not to say a smaller lure won’t get you a big fish, but the bigger offerings do tend to help search out the big girls.

Over the past two run-offs I’ve fished, there has been a definite pattern on lures that have worked well for us.

Plastics are a must-have and come in so many different styles but a big paddle tail that can be slow rolled is perfect. Bite Me plastics are different from your standard

style plastics, with a longer, skinnier profile and a wedge or boot tail design. They have a very tight wriggle as they go through the water, and on a faster wind or in current you can feel the tail vibrating – and barra of all sizes just love them.

They have you covered with 4, 5, 6 and 7in sizes, and I love the 6 and 7in models which have accounted for a ridiculous number of the fish caught each trip; in fact I can comfortably say I’d be happy to use just them on any barra trip in any location.

Whichever plastics you choose you need to make sure they are rigged for maximum hookup potential, and while a standard single hook jig head will catch fish, you will also lose plenty so adding a stinger treble to the plastic vastly increases hook-ups on barra. As for hook and weights, choose 5/0 and 7/0 in ¼, ½ and 5/8th.

Colour-wise there are so many to choose from but bright green seems to consistently catch barra, but it’s also well worth having natural patterns such as Bleeding Mullet or similar, although it also depends on location.

Other big plastics that are great on big fish are the Megabass Magdraft in 8 and 10in. They love a slow retrieve, which needs to be even slower in any current – not a bad thing when you’re trying to hold that lure in front of a big fish for as long as you can.

When it comes to retrieves it’s hard to go past just a slow roll on the barra as they love to inhale a slow-moving easy feed – this also gives you those bone-jarring bites that just about rip the rod out of your hand.

The author loves the run-off and tries to get up to the NT for it each year.

The annual run-off season offers big barra in big numbers. It’s something every angler should try and experience at least once.

Hard-Bodies

Again, so many to choose from but there are some you just have to have, and while everyone has their favourites, I’m just going on what I know is popular and lures that I’ve had consistent success with.

When it comes to shallow-running jerkbaits it’s pretty hard to go past the Bomber, with the 15A being an all-time favourite, but in the run-off the 16A tends to be favoured with its larger profile and bigger hooks. It’s a great offering for barra of all sizes – fish it with either a twitchy retrieve or I prefer just a very slow roll. Deep-divers are a musthave and with loads to choose from you can have endless options. If you’re after a larger deeper diver the RMG Scorpion in 120 and 150 is great, especially as you can get them in a range of different diving bibs so you can always hit the depths where the fish are holding.

One other must-have lure is the Jackall Squirrel with the 79mm being a little lure that big fish love to eat. Its bigger brother, the 115mm, is probably my favourite – it casts well, dives quickly and works on a slow roll or a twitched retrieve.

Another small lure I used to use all the time is the Halco Tilsan (now called the T60), and on a recent trip to the Territory it once again proved itself a deadly little lure catching my mate Jeremy Johnson’s girlfriend Helen a pile of fish. If you’re after some noise then the Classic range of lures are always a good choice and available in a range of different diving depths but I personally like the 3ft and 15ft bibs. As for colours, as with plastics bright green patterns are a killer but it’s also having those colours that match the baitfish such as the mullet and tarpon being flushed down the rivers. White is also a great option as it really stands out in the tannin water.

Swimbaits

Barra love them but they aren’t always easy to fish in current as a lot of them won’t swim properly but when you find one that does –such as the Shimano ArmaJoint 190SF then you’re well and truly in the game. This lure swims in current and can easily have a chin weight fitted to the tow point so you can sink it down if need be.

It’s been one of my go-to lures in the past two run-offs I’ve fished, catching big fish on a consistent basis, and let me say the bites on the swimbaits are just so aggressive – if you’re into live scoping then they are also the perfect lure as you can roll them so slowly to get them right in front of the cruising barra.

1-2kg $1000 Noodle Rod Competition

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

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Terms and conditions

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3. Insalt will provide nominations at the end of each month. The winner is voted by the public.

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5. Anglers can use line above the recommended rod 1-3kg rating but it’s not recommended and will forfeit warranties

Bite Me soft plastic were one of the most effective lures of the past few trips.

This fish fell for the Jackall Squirrel.

Retrieves

Twitching: For years, all we heard was that for barra you have to twitch the lure like a madman with lots of pauses in between. While this is a great technique, it’s also worth mixing it up, with lures such as the Jackall Squirrel and the little TN60 fishing really well with small gentle twitches and pauses, which holds the lure in the zone longer.

Slow rolling: This has been a game-changer over recent years, especially on big barramundi. It’s a super-easy way to fish and the big girls love either a big plastic or hard-body just crawled along. Just take a moment to see what speed your lure gets swimming properly, then concentrate on keeping that retrieve speed

Rods & Reels

The past few seasons I’ve been running a mix of the Shimano SLX DC and Curado DC baitcasters matched with a range of different rods. The lighter ones are the Expride 1610MH, which is great for smaller hard-bodies, while for swimbaits it’s the Zodias 751MH and big hard-bodies have been used on the Curado 66MH.

AS WITH ALL FORMS OF FISHING IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT REALLY MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

All my reels are loaded with 30lb braid but you can easily go heavier or lighter. As for leader, it’s worth getting a range of 50, 60 and even 80lb, and make sure you have plenty of spare trebles and split rings as barra just wreck hooks. Also make sure you have good split ring pliers as it makes life so much easier.

I’ve been fortunate enough to fish the past two wet seasons with Darwin local and good mate Jeremy Johnson, and while the fishing and the trips have been excellent, it’s what I’ve learnt from Jezza that has also made the trips memorable.

As with all forms of fishing it’s the little things that really make the difference, and while I’m so far away from knowing the ins and outs of run-off or build-up barra fishing, hopefully some of these tips will help you this wet season.

Fish can’t help but home in on the ‘heart beat’ of the Bite Me lure wedge tail!

This fish couldn’t resist the Bite Me soft plastic.

The Megabass Magdraft is another plastic that barra just love.

SWAMPY PLAINS RIVER

The cold, clear waters fed by the alpine peaks of Mt Kosciuszko are a trout angler’s paradise.

Words & Images: Colby

Lesko

My earliest fishing memories are casting lures for trout on the Swampy Plain River as a small boy while my older brothers and dad dragged me along. All these years later and the Swampy Plain still holds some of the best trout fishing I have experienced in Australia. The river runs clear and cold as it’s fed from the alpine peaks of Kosciuszko National Park and the Snowy Hydro scheme. This creates the perfect habitat for the trout that thrive in the river, and only really heavy rain will affect the water clarity, dirtying the water for a day or so.

Due to the hydro scheme putting water into the system from other catchments the water security in times of drought is great. The river starts a long way up in high country above Geehi and winds its way through the bush before flowing into Khancoban dam. The river then flows out of Khancoban and across farmland for its final 20km before it flows into the upper Murray River. ‘The Swampy’, as many of us refer to it, has great numbers of trout both sections above Khancoban and below.

Typically, I have found the water above the dam and up into the high country has the smaller fish and the stretch below the dam has the bigger fish. Both sections are great options and can produce amazing fishing. I am always chasing that trophy fish so find myself fishing the waters below Khancoban most of the time. Fishing pressure on the Swampy Plain River is evident and, combined with the clear water, means most of the fish are switched on to anglers, and lures or flies.

Despite some angling pressure the river holds one of the best populations of trout I have ever seen, and you are always bound to find a feeding fish or two if you persist. I’m always amazed at how many trout the river holds and on days when the flows are low or the fish are biting well, it’s not uncommon to see 20 or more trout in some of the bigger pools.

A beautifully conditioned rainbow. You can expect to encounter fish of this quality in the Swampy Plains river.

If you’re lucky enough to fish the river on a day when the fish really turn on, it can make for a session to remember. As the river system is highly modified due to the Snowy Hydro scheme, the flows can be unpredictable, which makes it hard for anglers to predict when the best fishing is going to occur.

SnowyLive is a smartphone app that will tell you current release of water coming out of Khancoban Dam. Common releases are around the 10 to 20 cumec (cubic metre per second) mark; 30 cumecs or above is a high release and 5 or 10 cumecs is a low flow.

You can certainly catch fish on any release from the dam and I have had some great sessions in all flows. However, if I had to pick I generally prefer the periods of lower flow around 5 to 10 cumecs, especially just after the flow has dropped from a higher rate. During periods of lower flow you can wade across the river safely but this becomes impossible in higher flow.

The fish in the river feed on a large range of food and the best lures or flies to use depends on time of year and environmental conditions. The Swampy Plain is known to have some

amazing hatches and dry fly fishing over the warmer months while nymphs will produce fish year-round. A large range of lures work but my favourites are bladed spinners and soft plastics. Due to the clear water, light tippets will help with bites so try to fish as light as possible when presenting flies.

For the quicker-moving lures, a light leader is less vital. I usually get enough bites with 8 or 10lb leader attached to my lures. I don’t really like going too much lighter than this below the dam where there are some big fish in the system. Above the dam in the smaller water, you can drop to 6 or 4lb leader. I cast my lures on a 2 to 5kg 7ft spin rod with a 2500 or 1000-sized spin reel spooled with 10lb braid.

As far as lures go, you can use whatever you are confident in and I have caught fish on a massive assortment of lures. Anything around 2 or 3-inch in length is perfect in both soft plastics and hard-bodied minnows. I like to use a 1/6th jig head to help my soft plastics get down in the river’s fast flow. Due to the fast-flowing nature of the river, spoons and spinners are also a great option, particularly in the rapids.

The river consists of a rocky bottom with deep pools and shallow runs. Some of the banks are lined with willow trees while most are bare, with cattle feeding to the water’s edge. This makes for great access and allows for easy casting to most areas of the river.

The trout will sit absolutely anywhere on the Swampy and are not afraid to sit right up in the shallow runs. Shallow rapids and tail-outs of pools hold good numbers of fish early and late in the day and particularly feeding fish. The deeper, slower-flowing pools hold fish as well during the day. These are often the bigger fish but these fish can be tricky to fool.

I like to fish all the water, both shallow and deep, and find where the fish are biting on each particular day. Some days the bites will come from the shallow rapids, while other days the bites will come from the deeper pools. When the sun is high in the sky take the time to have a good look from a high bank before you fish a pool or run.

Many times you can spot fish before you even cast and get a great idea of where the fish are holding. A good pair of Polaroid sunglasses is key when sight fishing the river.

There’s a large population of sizeable carp.

It’s rare but you’ll encounter a cod now and then. A brown and rainbow in quick succession.

Most of the Swampy Plain River below Khancoban is lure and fly-only; the river is also subject to closed season for trout spawning so make sure you are up to date with the regulations before fishing. During the warmer months I just wet wade the river and this is fine but during cooler times of the year waders are essential as the water can be very cold.

Lots of the land next to the river is private farmland so make sure you ask for permission first, or use the public access points. I always wade the river to get around, but the use of drift boats is also becoming popular.

The fish in the Swampy grow to some amazing sizes for river fish and I have been lucky enough to tangle with a few fish around the 6lb mark but have seen others that would push the magic 10lb mark. The river receives some annual stockings of both brown and rainbow trout and has a self-sustaining population of trout.

THE FISH IN THE SWAMPY GROW TO SOME AMAZING SIZES FOR RIVER FISH AND I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO TANGLE WITH A FEW FISH AROUND THE 6LB MARK

The odd cod does push up the river from the Murray during times of flood, but this is rare. There is also a massive population of large carp in the river, but the trout seen to coexist with them fine. The carp can also be fooled by the odd fly or lure and make for some great fun when hooked in the fast current.

The Snowy Mountains region is a trout fisherman’s paradise, and the Swampy Plain River is just one of many special trout waters to explore in the area. Stay around the beautiful Khancoban area, with its snowcapped mountains surrounding the valley and crystal-clear waterways.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a lure or fly angler (or both), the river boasts some great trout fishing opportunities for those willing to have a walk. The Swampy is certainly one of my favourite trout rivers in Australia and I’ll be fishing it for many years to come.

The swampy is crystal clear and will clear up quickly even after rain.

YO-ZURI EBI Q

When squid jigs were still in their infancy in the early 2000s, the Yo-Zuri Shrimp Hunter came out and changed the game forever. It was different from any squid jig on the market and not only did it look amazing with its prawn imitation aesthetics, it caught more than anything else available at the time.

It’s still sought-after by collectors and anglers who swear by its effectiveness. It was so popular in Australia that it took years for Japanese squid jig manufactures to educate anglers that squid jigs were designed to imitate fish, not prawns, and that the Shrimp Hunter was an exception.

I’ve often heard it asked why some squid jigs look like prawns, and catch squid even if there are no prawns in areas such as Port Phillip Bay or Western Port and many other popular areas that squid inhabit.

First off, there are shrimp of some kind in every saltwater environment; and the second – and main – answer I give is that like any animal, feeding habits are instinctive. Cephalopods will eat anything, and if southern calamari got big enough, I bet they’d eat people.

Ebi Q

The new Yo-Zuri Ebi Q is the 2020 version of the Shrimp Hunter, a prawn imitation that is advanced in every way imaginable. Available in sizes 3.0 and 3.5, the Ebi Q is based on Yo-Zuri’s sister company’s successful Duel LQ Lens, which we reviewed a few years ago.

The main feature both share is an inner reflective sheet available in four highly reflective colours of Marble, Aurora, Gold and Red. This is an extremely effective design that reflects light efficiently and with dramatic effect.

The inner reflective sheet really does reflect light amazingly well.

Yo-Zuri’s crown design always provides solid hook ups.

They’re available with two different cloth styles and both look amazing.

The various coloured cloths over the jig allow the sheet to shine through but are also highly durable and painted with detailed colour schemes and contrasting patterns – some are luminous and some are UV, which is marked on the packet. Prawn-style beady eyes adorn the head to further push the prawn aesthetic, but the stand-out feature is soft plastic prawn legs and a coloured skirt like you’d find on a spinnerbait.

Duel/Yo-Zuri have already featured the multiple legs under the body and many other companies have copied this design, so using a skirt was an interesting take on a prawn imitation, and one that shoots for impressionism over realism. Like most lures, impressionism achieves better results than the latter.

Words & Images: Kosta Linardos

On The Water

The Ebi Q sinks with outstanding stability, a feature you’d expect from a brand like Yo-Zuri, and importantly the skirt does not impede the lure’s action on the retrieve. Aggressive rod jerks will see the Ebi Q hop like a prawn and sharper, shorter jerks will have it darting like a fish.

We were sent a single sample about five months ago, before the full production run hit our shores. The first day of testing started quite slowly and I thought, “This is a good time to try that new jig”. On its first cast it caught a small calamari, followed by a huge cuttlefish, then multiple large calamari, another smaller cuttlefish, an octopus, and an arrow squid, before I lost the jig to a snag. To say the results on that first test were exceptional would be an understatement.

I waited a while for more as we were very excited by how effective it was and wanted to test it further. By the time I received my next batch, months had passed and I was between boats. So, on my recent trip back out I put it to the test, in the same area in Port Phillip, with similar conditions. I started out with one of my favourite jigs and the morning was slow, but as soon as I tied on the Ebi Q, it kicked off into a hot session where I quickly caught my bag limit. I went out again the next day and landed two cuttlefish and eight great-sized squid. The results have been exceptional.

Why?

It’s fair to come back to the question of why a prawn imitation is so effective in areas where prawns aren’t overly prevalent. I believe in the case of the Ebi Q it’s a few things – first and foremost it has a stable sinking posture and a great retrieve action, and there is no substitute for these two factors in a squid jig. The second is that reflective inner sheet,

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which is very effective as you can see from the images. The third is the skirt; as the jigs sinks, the skirt fluffs out and makes the jig look larger and more noticeable from a distance and this is why I think on three occasions now the Ebi Q has instantly drawn squid in. It’s also something different and new. I believe the skirt may make the jig look like fish that inhabit the same areas as squid such as the red mullet, a fish with whiskers that’s a common prey item of calamari. At the end of the day, who cares, it works and works well – I’ve done the testing for you, and I highly recommend you head out and buy a few. The colours that worked best for me were KVSL, LFM and NLM.

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The Ebi Q caught all the cephalopods it possibly could on its first outing.

The soft plastic prawn legs and spinnerbiat style skirt do not impede action.

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HUK ROGUE WAVE BOOTS

Words & Images: Kosta Linardos

I’ve navigated various terrains, weather and other challenges during my fishing expeditions. I’ve had all manner of clothing to protect me against the elements but the thing I was missing was a great pair of boat boots. About five years ago I noticed almost all American salt and freshwater anglers wearing these cool-looking boots that looked like a rubber Blundstone. My cousin and I both thought they looked great and seemed like they would be comfortable. It was at a stage in my life where I was well over wearing sneakers on a boat and the longerstyle Bogs boots I wore in winter were just too bulky. The brand was Huk and we tried unsuccessfully to buy them and have them shipped over here, but we couldn’t even do it on Amazon. They were an American product we didn’t have access to.

Then about a year ago the guys at JM Gillies let me know they had just taken over distribution of Huk here in Australia. I was

stoked, I was finally going to get the boots I’d been wanting so long. Six months has passed, and I’ve put in a lot of steps with my Huk boots. They lived up to my expectations and have been little short of exceptional.

Comfort

One of the first things that struck me about the Huk boots was the comfort. Designed with the angler in mind, these boots provide a snug fit without sacrificing flexibility. Thanks to the two reinforced pull loops, they are easy and quick to get on and a reinforced heel tab allows you to kick them off in seconds without damaging the boot. The neoprene material ensures a soft and cushioned feel, making long hours on the water a breeze. They feature a dual inner sole, which can be removed and another stitched in underneath it, which provides a soft cushioning effect that greatly reduces fatigue at the end of the day.

I used to own and need helm pads to reduce

rigours of various fishing environments. After months of use, there’s no noticeable wear and tear, attesting to the durability of these boots.

Waterproof Performance

Fishing involves exposure to water, whether it’s the spray from a boat ride, working the deck wash and then washing the boat and gear when you get home. Any good angler would know that feeling of kicking off wet shoes after you’ve finished packing up –that’s no longer an issue. The Huk boots boast exceptional waterproofing, keeping my feet dry even in the wettest conditions. The waterproof neoprene upper combined with sealed seams effectively repels water, allowing me to focus on fishing without worrying about soggy feet. The boots have held up admirably against rain, splashes, standing in shallow water and even accidental slips into the water, making them a reliable choice for anglers who frequently encounter wet environments. Despite their impressive waterproofing, they maintain a commendable level of breathability. The neoprene material allows air circulation, preventing excessive sweating and discomfort during warmer weather. This balance of waterproofing and breathability is a crucial feature for anglers who face varying weather conditions, ensuring the boots remain comfortable across different seasons.

Maintaining fishing gear can be a chore, but the Huk boots simplify the process with their easy-to-clean design. Mud, dirt and fish slime are easily rinsed off, and the boots regain their pristine appearance with minimal effort. The quick-drying nature of the materials is an added bonus, allowing for a speedy turnaround between fishing trips.

After six months of rigorous use, the Huk fishing boots have exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, durability, waterproof performance, breathability and ease of

fatigue but they’re no longer necessary, even on my new boat which has a hard fibreglass floor. Equally importantly is they keep your feet dry and warm. I wore them through all the cold mornings through snapper season and then all through summer as well. Your feet don’t get hot in them, and they don’t get cold. The anti-slip and non-marking outsole have excellent traction on slippery surfaces, enhancing stability and preventing accidents on wet decks or riverbanks. I often solo launch and that means I need to move across the front deck of my boat after standing at a slippery ramp, so grip is important.

Durability

Durability is a crucial factor when evaluating fishing gear, and the Huk boots have proven to be a reliable companion in challenging conditions. The reinforced rubber toe and heel areas protect against abrasions and impacts, ensuring the boots withstand the

maintenance. These boots have become an integral part of my fishing gear, and I won’t go fishing without them. They are far better than anything on the market and even at $219, which isn’t cheap, they offer excellent value for money.

They will dramatically change your comfort level while fishing and are a far better option than commercial boat boots, the cheap copies of commercial boots that are getting around –and don’t get me started on sneakers or UGG Boots in a boat. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend warrior, investing in Huk boots is a decision you won’t regret.

The sole is non-marking and offers excellent grip on wet surfaces.

A reinforced heel and heel tab allows you to quickly kick the boots off at the end of the day.

SHIMANO BANTAM ARMAJOINT

Swimbaits have become extremely popular over the past six years, and with good reason – they catch a variety of big fish on a regular basis thanks to their lifelike action and size, which produces excellent reactions from predatory fish. They’re fun to use and they’re effective. One of Shimano’s latest swimbaits is the ArmaJoint190SF, a unique design that has consistently produced big fish for me at both extremes of the country over the past six months targeting big dusky flathead in the south and barra up north.

Aesthetics & Features

The ArmaJoint has several features that set it apart from others on the market, starting with the Flash Boost system in the body, which is a small reflective plate that wobbles and shimmers, effectively reflecting light even when the lure has stopped moving. It’s a 190mm swimbait that runs under the surface and rises slowly when paused. It comes in five great colours that are well suited to Australian species and three of those colours feature Shimano’s Scale Boost finish, a lifelike scale pattern that reflects light and imitates an injured fish with damaged scales. The two colours I’ve had the most success with for flathead and barra were N Hasu, which is a great tailor/tarpon/mullet imitation and features the Scale Boost feature; the other was Chartwhite, a classic chartreuse finish that flathead, barra and cod love. It’s a great visible colour that allows the angler to see it from a distance to get a good indication of how the lure responds to rod and reel movement. The ArmaJoint comes fitted with trebles that are perfect when chasing big flathead. I have caught quite a few now in the 80-90cm range without any hook or split ring failure, but with barra and other larger species you’ll need to retrofit it with heavier split rings and trebles. Importantly, this didn’t have a negative impact on the action but did make the buoyancy neutral or slow-sink

When barra hit the ArmaJoint they really go for it.

rather than slow-floating, which is beneficial when targeting barra. Other key features are the hook holders on the belly of the lure, and it’s important to clip the eye of the trebles into these as it stops hooks from fouling and gives the lure a better swimming action. It comes fitted with a soft tail and has a spare in the packet if one is chewed up or lost.

Casting

The key feature of the ArmaJoint and what sets it apart from other swimbaits on the market is what Shimano calls ArmaBoost, which is designed to greatly improve casting distance and accuracy. Most swimbaits don’t cast well due to their jointed design, but the ArmaBoost feature allows the lure to fold on the cast, preventing it from spinning in the air and giving you much greater casting distance.

Flathead love the ArmaJoint and the excellent casting distance helps get it in front of them on the flats.

From south to north this one has been through a few mouths.

Words & Images: Lee Rayner

While it may sound like a gimmick, in the field it does cast better than a standard swimbait of the same size and weight. When targeting barra, the increased accuracy is helpful when trying to place the lure right on a snag; when targeting flathead on an expansive flat, the extra distance means the lure is spending more time in the water, covering more ground, and therefore increasing your chances of catching fish. It’s been a real game-changer on the flathead with the extra distance getting me a lot of bites in the first few metres of the retrieve as you haven’t spooked the fish with the boat.

Retrieving

The three-segment body swims perfectly at slow speed with a wide swaying action, but with a few faster cranks of the handle it digs in to get a tighter wriggle. One of the key features that really sets this lure apart is its ability to swim in, across and down-current without blowing out, and it’s proven itself in the Top End rivers on big barramundi, and in estuaries or rivers where there is current flow. With the barramundi I’ve found just slow rolling it 2-3m with a short pause has been deadly, while on the flathead shorter movements have worked – 2-3 turns of the reel followed by a pause, which sees the lure stall and the head of the lure swing left or right.

On The Water

I can honestly say the ArmaJoint is my favourite swimbait as it just catches big fish time and again, and has proven itself on big barramundi over multiple trips in the past 18 months, and when I see a big sandflat I find it hard not to put one on as it gets smashed by big flathead.

I don’t tend to use rod tip movements to impart action on the ArmaJoint, preferring

Chatreuse is a great colour to use as it’s visible to the angler which allows you to learn how the lure responds to rod and reel movement.

to get the different swimming actions that are imparted through turns and speeds of the reel. A faster turn will get it moving with a tighter wriggle, while a slow turn gives it a wide swaying swim that kicks a lot of light off the lure.

In Closing

This lure is a must-have in your kit – it’s produced great results for me on big flathead in the south, and saltwater barramundi up north.The ArmaJoint has proven itself on cod and mulloway for other anglers and I can’t wait to use it on these species in coming months. I’m even thinking it’s got applications for those who want to chase a truly giant trout during the pre-spawn.

Distributed By: Shimano Australia

Web: shimanofish.com.au

This flatty really wanted the ArmaJoint.

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