CATCH MORE SEE MORE , INTRODUCING
HDS ® PRO sets a new standard for underwater visibility. Get the highest resolution live sonar with ActiveTarget 2 ® . And ultra high definition clarity in the MHz range with new Active Imaging™ HD
Bow-to-stern boat control with the Ultimate Fishing System , and detailed C-MAP ® charting make HDS ® PRO the most powerful fishfinding tool available.
“ FREE SWIMMER BR IS THE ULTIMATE BAIT FISHING REEL.”
LIGHT CASTING
FREE SWIMMER BR
GEAR UP FOR SNAPPER SEASON!!
SALTIGA LC ‘Light Casting’ is a flagship series breaking new ground for Daiwa Australia, o ering never before seen actions and packed full of the latest and greatest technology.
Bite’N’Run is a key technology for keen live or dead bait anglers allowing fish to take baits under minimal line tension to ensure a solid hookset is achieved.
SALTIGA LC rods are an addition to the SALTIGA family, designed and developed specifically for Australia based around feedback from keen inshore and o shore anglers spanning from Sydney to far-northern Queensland.
The FREE SWIMMER BR’s internals have been carefully sealed to an IPX6 rating through innovative design and implementation of rubber seals to make a true Saltwater Bite’N’Run reel.
FREE SWIMMER BR is equipped with a host of regular Daiwa technologies including Air Rotor, ATD Drag, Tough Digigear & more to round out the best performing Bite’N’Run reel Daiwa has ever produced.
With 10 Models in the range,three of those being AGS models there is a SALTIGA Light Casting rod to suit your needs. Head into your local DAIWA Dealer and feel the di erence.
WATCH THE REEL IN ACTION
Kozi Sekino with a big southern calamari taken using a Yamashita Egi OH F fitted with a yamashita TR sinker.
Preparation makes perfect
Preparing for any fishing trip can be exhausting, as is packing things away and cleaning them on your return. I guess we all have different levels of obsessiveness when it comes to organising our fishing gear. I imagine for most of you, it’s an enjoyable labour of love. As the years go by my enthusiasm for preparing gear for a trip hasn’t waned, and I’ll probably stop doing Hooked Up if it does.
I was recently at one of my local tackle stores (Compleat Angler Dandenong) asking my mate Dylan Brennan if he’d been out chasing snapper. While we both agreed the weather had been bad, he explained “my gear is everywhere, I’d rather not go until I’m organised”. We both had a chuckle and agreed on this sentiment.
The point I’m getting to is that preparation off the water pays dividends on the water and if you’re taking the time, spending the money and heading out, having things in order will lead to more fish. It’s essentially what we want Hooked Up to be about, a free guide that educates you on product, practice and technique for when you’re off the water as much as it does on the water. If anglers didn’t enjoy all the aspects that happen in the shed, I don’t think there would be a recreational fishing industry.
Enjoy your shed time organising terminal tackle and lures, tying rigs and having some time away from the grind, it’s good for you.
Kosta Linardos. Editor-in-Chief
SCAN TO WATCH
2024 STRADIC SW PRODUCT VIDEO
SHIMANO’S INTRODUCTION OF THE STRADIC SW SERIES, REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT LEAP FORWARD IN FISHING TECHNOLOGY.
Designed for the hardcore offshore angler, these reels are built to tackle big game in the unforgiving environment of saltwater fishing. With a suite of advanced features tailored to enhance the angling experience for species like Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna and Kingfish as well as Snapper and Mulloway, the Stradic SW series is setting new standards on the water.
DAIWA 24 CERATE SW
Built upon the formidable foundations of 23 Saltiga, the new 24 CERTATE SW features a Zaion Airdrive Rotor decreasing winding resistance& reducing the weight. The new Zaion rotor is what sets it apart from Saltiga, but it’s what it shares with SALTIGA that makes this reel so suited to Australia’s harsh conditions. It all begins with a solid one-piece aluminium monocoque (MQ) body, housing an oversize G1 Duralumin drive gear for increased winding power, strength & gear durability. The MQ body eliminates flex &twisting and improves weather sealing thanks to the one-piece construction with no seams or screws to hold a side plate on. 24 Certate SW’s new Zaion Airdrive Rotor minimises weight by 10g over that of the SALTIGA’s aluminium rotor, which further reduces winding resistance, making CERTATE SW an incredibly low inertia reel. The focus of AIRDRIVE DESIGN is to lower the start-up inertia of the reels rotation, so when you begin winding the handle it feels easy& light, without any resistance. The newly shaped rotor also minimises line trouble by blending smooth curves & seamless joins to avoid any possibility of line being caught in windy conditions. AIRDRIVE BAIL also features on 24 Certate SW, and the hollow tubular stainless-steel bail has been brought across from 23 Saltiga to aid in perfect line flow into the new Twistbuster III line roller to minimise line twist. 24 Certate SW is now available from 4000-6000 sizes in both H & XH ratios. The addition of the 4000 size now puts it firmly in the limelight for a workhorse snapper reel, barramundi or other heavy-duty fishing which doesn’t require high line-capacity of heavy PE line.
daiwafishing.com.au
STRIKE PRO ASTRO VIBE 35
Strike Pro has released a new smaller version of the highly popular Astro Vibe 45. This new size is outstanding for more finesse situations. The Astro Vibe 35 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 35 is 3.5cm long, weighs 5grams and is available in 8 dynamite colours. They are superb on bream, bass, estuary perch, flathead and redfin and are certain to be a hit this year.
jurofishing.com
X-BRAID EGING GESO TSR X8
The GESO TSR X8 is a brand-new advanced PE fishing line from X-Braid specifically designed for eging (squid fishing). Squid are known for their exceptional vision, so the Geso TSR X8 has been meticulously crafted to subvert this advantage. This line excels with its high-water repellence and minimal resistance during jerking, ensuring an efficient and precise casting and retrieval experience. Its smooth surface reduces drag, enhancing overall casting performance and precision. The Geso TSR X8 also features new multi-colour markings that improve visibility, significantly enhancing line tracking and bite detection. The diameter of the line is exceptionally balanced across its entire length, even compared to other X-Braid lines, ensuring that it doesn’t impede the action of your eging jig. The Geso TSR X8 is the perfect choice for anglers seeking the absolute best in eging braid. xbraidygk.com.au
SHIMANO KAIRIKI 8+
Shimano unveils the Kairiki 8+, setting a new standard in PE fishing lines. Engineered to tackle common issues like entanglement and abrasion resistance, Kairiki 8+ features a renewed, silicon based, three-layer coating with Izanus SF600 fibres for enhanced water repellence and durability. Its balanced tension and firmness ensure precise lure control, even in challenging conditions. With its advanced three-layer coating, superior abrasion resistance, and carefully balanced tension and firmness, it addresses the common challenges faced by anglers and provides a more enjoyable and successful fishing experience. Whether you are targeting big fish in tough conditions or seeking a trouble-free fishing trip, Kairiki 8+ is the ideal choice for anglers of all levels. Available in multicolour and Mantis Green options from PE 0.6 to PE 8 and various lengths.
shimanofish.com.au
EVERGREEN ES FLAT FLOATING
The Evergreen ES Flat is a legendary lure amongst both barra and flathead anglers. It perfectly imitates bream and features an incredible action, aesthetics and colour range. Its just newly been released in floating buoancy. You can now dip the lure a little with a retrieve or jerk and then let it rise up or stay on the surface, which was not possible with the original sinking model. You can also fine-tune the sink rate to slow floating, suspending or slow sinking, expanding the range of species and techniques for this legendary glidebait.
gladiatortackle.com.au
MEGABASS KEMURI CURLY
The Megabass Kemuri Curly is a standout grub designed by expert lure creators at Megabass. Its ribbed body and wide, thick tail provide excellent balance, making it irresistible to both freshwater and saltwater species. With a low centre of gravity, it delivers a stable swimming action in any tide. The finely carved ribs produce subtle waves that enhance its allure, ensuring it catches the attention of fish in a variety of environments. The Kemuri Curly is available in three sizes of 2.5in, 3.5in and 4.5in and comes in a huge variety of colours. vivafishing.com.au
TIEMCO
SOFT SHELL CICADA EVO
Introducing the new Soft Shell Cicada EVO. The world-renowned Soft Shell Cicada has been redesigned to handle bigger fish and higher drag pressures without compromising any of its classic action. The EVO features an upgraded body harness and improved eyelet alignment for enhanced durability. It retains the same soft foam body that ensures a gentle landing, and maintains the same size, weight, and fish-attracting effectiveness as its predecessor. Now, it’s stronger than ever so when you’re pulling big bass, EPs, trout and bream from structure you can crank the drag with confidence! ejtodd.com.au
YO-ZURI EGI EBI-Q
With innovation in mind Yo-Zuri delivers what could be one of the most unique squid jigs on the market with its introduction of the EGI Ebi-Q. This unique jig could almost be a real prawn! When swimming, the “prawn hands” tremble to create a wave motion , appealing to the squid with realistic movements. It also features prawn legs that when falling help stabilize its sinking posture and then spread out and drift like a shrimp’s legs during action. This jig also adopts the Yo-Zuri Patent Lens body design that reflect and allows natural light through the lens producing shrimp life-like natural appeal. Available in two sizes 3.0 (15.5 grams) & 3.5 (20.5 grams) and in 12 Vibrant Colours. tacspo.com.au
DAIWA SOLUS LUGGAGE
FISHCRAFT STICK DOG
The Fishcraft Stick Dog sits patiently on the surface, eagerly awaiting your command. With a quick rip, a playful twitch, or a long, dramatic sweep, you can bring it to life, creating a dynamic topwater action that sends predatory pelagics into a frenzy. Its erratic movements, striking colours, and built in rattle are the perfect recipe for bringing you those adrenaline-fueled topwater showdowns you’ve been fantasising about. Equipped with 5x strong treble hooks, you can rest assured that when those giants strike, you’ll be locked in, for better or worse. Available in 160mm and 180mm sizes.
samaki.com.au
The new Daiwa Solus luggage for 2024 is the perfect choice for anglers looking for quality luggage at an affordable price. The range features three models, a backpack, hip bag, and boat bag. Made with quality ripstop material the Solus Backpack features an internal laptop sleeve, a front compartment that fits a D-Box SR tray and meshed drink bottle side holders, while the Solus Hip Bag features a single large compartment, tool holders and an adjustable waist strap. The Solus Boat Bag is similarly feature packed and will accommodate four D-Box LR trays, has a removable internal divider and an adjustable shoulder strap. Featuring robust straps, clips, handles and zippers, and made for the rigors of both fresh and saltwater angling there’s a Solus bag to suit every occasion on or off the water.
daiwafishing.com.au
SEADOG SPRING-LOADED ROD HOLDER
The versatile spring-loaded rod holder from Sea Dog can be mounted both horizontally or vertically to maximise storage options. The cushioned and spring-loaded rests ensure secure and protective hold. The set includes both 3M stickers or screws to secure your holder in most locations. jmgillies.com.au
DAIWA SALTIGA 12 DURASENSOR SI3+
A unique weaving process delivering unmatched strength. Take your fishing to the next level with 12x Muscle PE braid by Daiwa. Designed & developed over years between Daiwa engineers and expert anglers across the glove, the new Saltiga 12 EX Si3+ braided line is woven in a way to eliminate gaps between the fibres, a process unique to Daiwa 12braid. This distinct profile resists deforming when stretched tightly, resulting in a 12 braid that is far superior against wear & abrasion. The EX-treatment produces a smooth line surface, increasing casting distance and resisting the fibre against premature wear & tear. Daiwa’s unique silicone coating technology significantly increases the lines durability (up to 150% more compared to the previous Si2+ coating). Muscle PE refers to Daiwa’s unique weaving method to produce a tightly woven high-spec PE line, the finest in its class. Colours: light grey / multi colour. daiwafishing.com.au
ZEXUS ZX-R740
Introducing the cutting-edge ZX-R740 from Zexus, delivering an impressive maximum brightness of 1300 lumens. Its focused beam, powered by a single irradiation and equipped with a focus control lens, achieves over 1000 lumens, ensuring unparalleled brightness for any task.
The ZX-R740 features the new ZR-03 battery with a massive 5000mAh capacity, ensuring prolonged usage at high brightness levels. Designed for versatility, it includes 4 high-performance red chip LEDs for tactical night operations and a focus lens for precise illumination adjustment. The dimming memory function allows seamless brightness adjustment from 100% to 5% with a simple press and hold, making the ZX-R740 a musthave for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
vivafishing.com.au
EDENCRAFT 655 CENTRE CONSOLE
Exciting news from Edencraft International! They’ve heard your requests and are thrilled to announce they’re developing a new centre console model. Thanks to their advanced in-house 5-axis CNC machine, they can now design and build the necessary plugs and moulds from start to finish. Here’s a sneak peek: This fresh addition will stretch 6.55 meters in length, boast a 22-degree deadrise, and accommodate single 200300HP engines with an option for twins. It will feature a fuel tank capacity of up to 400 litres and a 55-litre plumbed bait tank. You’ll have three design choices: a casting deck, front lounge, or an open bow, topped with a hardtop over the console or keep it standard. Plus, an optional folding rear lounge to add to the versatility and comfort. They aim to have the first demo boat ready by early 2025. Can’t wait? Express your interest today and be the first to experience their latest innovation. Stay tuned for updates! edencraft.com.au
LITTLE JACK MOREKEEN 02
The Little Jack MoreKeen-02 offers unparalleled casting distance, lifelike realism and outstanding action in a compact metal vibe. Whether you’re casting from the shore or in the boat the More Keen 02 appeals to a huge array of fish species with its vibrating action, lifelike design and colours. Experience enhanced realism and extended casting distances like never before.
gladiatortackle.com.au
ASSASIN SURFMASTER
The Assassin Surfmaster offers exceptional value for money, whilst maintaining a high quality surf rod you expect from Assassin. Featuring a lightweight carbon blank, With Fuji Tangle Free K Guides and Bionic Fingers On Short Butt Spinning Models. There is a full range of long butt models also for the Australian market from 10ft through to 14’6ft models, capable of casting 6-8oz sinker weights. Completing the range is three overhead cast models ideal for those overhead surf casters as well as drone anglers. With price points under $400 the Assassin Surfmaster is well worth a closer look.
vexed.com.au
GAFF-MANN
LARGE RUBBER LANDING NET
Prepare for snapper season with Gaff-Mann’s premium Large Rubber Landing Net, designed for serious fishermen who refuse to compromise on quality. Crafted in Australia, this net is meticulously engineered to ensure you never lose another prized catch to inferior equipment. Whether you’re hauling in multiple 3kg snapper or chasing a 10kg dream snapper Gaff-Mann nets will get the job done with ease and confidence every season. The robust handle, fully anodized and measuring 1010mm in length, offers both durability and convenience. Its removable net head design allows for effortless storage between uses. The net head features high-grade stainless-steel construction and includes a convenient release fastener for swift net replacement. With dimensions of 510mm in width, 520mm in length, and a depth of 600mm, it provides ample space for securing your prized snapper. Invest in the best gear for your next fishing expedition. Replacement rubber nets are available if required.
gaffmann.com.au
Inside each jig is the 3D Prism Shrimp Lens that diffuses life-like light from all angles to attract squid. There are five prism colour sheets across the col Gold Sheet, Marble Sheet, Silver Sheet and Red Sheet. Each jig features blue luminous eyeballs with a light wavelength of 488nm that squid can best see. The bodies feature UV and luminescence with Clear, Lumo Green, Super Blue Lumo, UV Purple and UV Orange, the feather colours indicate what the body colour is, so when you’re looking at the jig in store its easy to find the colour you want. The biggest feature of these new jigs is the Half Ghost cloth that is fitted to some of the models. This new highly transparent yet ultra-tough cloth provides texture yet allows the UV, Lumo and 3D Prism to project light without hindrance of a thick cloth. They also offer a few models they are painted only. These are some of the most advanced squid jigs in the market and are available in sizes 2.5 (11 grams), 3.0 (15 grams), 3.5 (19.5 grams) and 4.0 (23 grams) and in 10 Vibrant Colours. tacspo.com.au
Our Japanese made, chemically sharpened hooks are manufactured with hundreds of years of technology built in. Made from the best quality high carbon steel to deliver superior strength and unimpeded penetration.
SAMAKI BLADELICIOUS
Joining the ranks of Samaki’s cutting-edge lures in 2024 is an all-new bladed vibe, the Bladelicious. The weight distribution of the Bladelicious has been meticulously crafted to produce the most effortlessly effective action possible in a metal vibe. With multiple tow points and plenty of variability on the retrieve, you can work this lure your way, making it the perfect choice for finesse anglers. The Bladelicious features a highly durable forged metal construction and boasts premium Decoy hooks, ensuring it never loses its edge. The Bladelicious will be available in 6 striking colours and 3 sizes: 38mm/5.4g, 45mm/9g and 50mm/12.3g. samaki.com.au
MCLURES SEA MONKEY 5”
McLures pride themselves on creating high performance lures, built with the latest technology and materials. All McLures are designed in Australia and built to the highest possible standards. The Sea Monkey is a classic cup faced lure that is versatile and can be used in most sea conditions and from any position on the boat. These lures are deadly when the fish are feeding on smaller prey. They come with many different head colours matching the skirts with some glow heads, some tinted and some offering Kauri Shell. These lures come with most of the range offering a UV over skirt whilst the underskirt offers McLures exclusive Luminite (which glows in the dark on all colours). They also come with Red Crystal 3D Eyes and the resin heads are near indestructible. The Sea Monkey is 6” overall with a skirt length of 5” and it weighs 30grams. These are available in 8 impressive colours and are deadly on Tuna when they are feeding on smaller prey or when school fish are prevalent. They are also effective on Mahi Mahi, Bonito and all smaller pelagic species.
jurofishing.com
SHIMANO ASCENZA
Shimano unveils its latest offering for light tackle fishing, the Ascenza series rods. Designed for light tackle enthusiasts, these rods blend high-end craftsmanship with affordability. Utilizing advanced 30 + 40 Ton blanks for unmatched sensitivity and strength, and featuring Fuji components for enhanced performance, Ascenza rods are perfect for a variety of fishing conditions. With a stylish design and ergonomic 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.
shimanofish.com.au
VEXED BOTTOM WORM TUBE
The Vexed Worm tube is a durable hollow soft bait tube that has been impregnated with our special Bottom Scent recipe that entices fish to bite and not let go. It’s made from super stretchy and durable Stretch Flex material that can be cut to desirable lengths and threaded onto a rig above the hook. Bottom Worm Tube can also be used as a soft bait lure on selected jig head models. It can also be used as replacement worm tube for the Vexed Bottom Worm hybrid jigs. Available in 10 colours and 130mm lengths. vexedfishing.com
FISH MONKEY PRO 365 GUIDE GLOVE
Introducing Fish Monkey’s ultimate fishing gloves, designed to elevate your angling experience. Featuring an extended cuff for enhanced UV protection, these gloves ensure your hands stay shielded from the sun while you reel in your catch. The exposed fingertips provide unparalleled dexterity for managing fish, boats, and tackle with ease. Crafted with a non-slip silicone palm print, you’ll enjoy superior grip, making every cast and catch effortless. With UPF 50+ sun protection, you can fish confidently, knowing your hands are safeguarded from harmful rays. The quick-dry, breathable fabric offers all-day comfort, while the superior construction creates a second-skin fit that moves with you. Special pads on the thumb, index fingers, and sides of the gloves help prevent cuts, ensuring your hands stay protected from line and fish handling. Experience the benefits of enhanced rod and reel grip, all while eliminating the need for sunscreen on your hands. These gloves are a must-have for any angler seeking comfort, protection, and performance on the water.
ejtodd.com.au
SHIMANO
G-FAB G-REX SHORTY
The G-Rex Shorty is a telescopic sounder mount, meticulously engineered, and rigorously tested right here in Australia. Crafted from billet CNC 6061 marine-grade aluminium, this premium mount ensures unparalleled clamping pressure and stability. Say goodbye to the hassle of modifying boat covers or straining your back to see the sounder screen while fishing. Our innovative design allows for easy folding and height adjustment, providing the perfect viewing angle. With the G Rex shorty, your sonar unit remains securely locked in place, even in choppy conditions. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your valuable equipment is protected and effortlessly visible.
gfabmarineengineering.com.au
2024 T-CURVE
Shimano proudly announces the relaunch of its iconic T-Curve rods, featuring a comprehensive upgrade for 2024. These new rods incorporate the advanced Armour 40-5 blank technology, offering enhanced strength and reduced weight. The range includes 13 rods with brand new KR Alconite ring guides, improved Fuji reel seats, and comfortable EVA and cork grips. The sleek design, with a black finish and gradient dark blue paint fade, makes these rods both visually appealing and high-performing. Priced at $399, the 2024 T-Curve rods a quantum leap forward in technology to one of the most classic rod series in the Australian fishing scene.
shimanofish.com.au
TORAY POWER GAME JIGGING
Toray’s new Powergame Jigging PE X8 is suitable for all jigging applications and doubles as a quality casting line also. A huge range of breaking strains are available, and multi-coloured to assist in taking down your target. The Toray Jigging PE Power Game X8 braid is made with the original 8-strand method from the Power Game+ series. It has a special coating that reduces water absorption which is ideal for jigging. In addition, this resin surface coating offers better abrasion resistance and allows the jig to descend smoothly. This coating also reduces the stress of guide friction from slow pitch through to heavy high-speed mechanical jigging. Jigging PE offers a new metred colour pattern of green, pink, blue, yellow, red every 10m. Toray Jigging PE Power Game X8 is a top-of-the-line braided line made in Japan whose uncompromising performance makes it the first choice for fans of sea jigging in many regions of the world. vIvafishing.com
■ Designed to draw in predators with both slow and fast retrieves.
■ Megabass' exclusive MAGHOLD SYSTEM (PAT.P) and belly slit will secure hooks in place to minimize the visual presence of unnatural treble hooks.
MAGHOLD SYSTEM PAT.P
The internal neodymium magnet creates a powerful magnetic field that guides and holds the hook in the optimal position, even under high water pressure. While reducing the water resistance of the hook, the magnet itself is also an important balancing component of the body that helps to create smooth and natural actions. The hooks positioned tightly against the body are released with the level of contact of a short bite. Since the hooks are kept in-line with the direction of the lure's movement, they do not cause the lure to waver, allowing for speedy hook ups.
MERCURY’S NEW 150R AND 25OR V6 OUTBOARDS
Mercury Marine and Mercury Racing launched two new Racing outboards, the all-new 150R and 200R outboard engines, built on a V6 platform. The new 150R and 200R are all about torque. Displacing 3.4 litres, these V6 outboard engines are designed to deliver exceptional hole shot and acceleration without the weight of a V8. Transient Spark Technology electronically adjusts ignition timing as needed, producing additional torque for faster hole shot and acceleration. At full throttle, the 150R develops up to 6000rpm, while the 200R tops out at 6400rpm.
These outboards come with the full suite of the Mercury Marine’s V6 platform features, including Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), which gives drivers precise, seamless engine control. Fuel economy also is optimised through built-in, GPS-enabled features like Mercury’s Active Trim, Adaptive Speed Control, and Advanced Range Optimisation which delivers precise fuelling throughout the operating range. Where other performance outboards require Premium Unleaded, the 150R and 200R are designed to operate on Regular Unleaded (91 RON), saving money at the pump. The 150R and 200R also are equipped with a larger 85-amp alternator versus competitor engines’ 44-55-amp output. Mercury’s built-in battery management system ensures that, even with a full suite of electronics on board, owners always have enough electrical power for their needs.
The 200R is offered with two different gearcase configurations. Weighing just 210kgs, the 200R Torque Master is designed for competitive bass boats and other performance craft in the 125-135km/h range. At 220kgs, the 200R Sport Master is built for high performance boats running at speeds of 135km/h to well over 160km/h. The 150R is available with shaft lengths of 20 and 25 inches, while the 200R Torque Master and Sport Master have a 20-inch shaft.
mercurymarine.com
Tourism takes off at Rocklands
A report into the value of Rocklands as an outdoor recreation destination over the past five years has found its economic contribution has grown 164% to $5.5 million annually and visitation has grown 50% to 25,000+ people.
Alongside Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and Wimmera Southern Mallee Development we commissioned a report to assess the impact of our fish stocking and facility improvements on tourism.
The report estimates visitors spent over $3.4m in the regional economy and 80% of people fished during their stay.
As part of our record-breaking fish stocking program, we’ve stocked more than 5.25 million Murray cod, golden perch, estuary perch and trout since 2016.
Rocklands has also benefitted from facility improvements at the Hynes boat ramp and upgrades to camping amenities over the last decade.
Fishing continues to improve too, with anglers reporting golden perch up to 50cm, Murray cod to 75cm, plus redfin and some trout.
Most visitors came from further afield including 37% from other regional areas, 17% from Melbourne, and close to 7% from South Australia.
More fish will be stocked into Rocklands this summer, including 500,000 Murray cod and 500,000 golden perch, giving families even more incentive to visit in years to come.
Read the full report at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/about/publications-and-resources
LENCO LAUNCHES PRO CONTROL AUTO TRIM SYSTEM
Lenco, a leader in the design and manufacture of trim tabs, actuators, hatch lifts and accessories, have announced Lenco Pro Control Auto, an industry-leading auto-leveling solution that provides boaters with more precision, control and confidence on the water, and Pro Control Assist, a manual control option that provides a best-in-class user interface.
“Lenco has been a leader in trim tabs and actuators for more than 30 years and we are thrilled to introduce our latest innovation that was developed to help boaters get more enjoyment and comfort out of their on-water experience,” said Patrick Roberts, VP and General Manager, Performance Components at Navico Group. “With Pro Control, nothing comes close. We know that precision on the water is paramount and that’s why Pro Control was designed with best-in-class position sensing accuracy, leading to faster, safer boating for all boat sizes in any situation. Lenco aims to develop products that will enhance the boating experience, and we are confident that Pro Control will deliver more stability, comfort, and durability than anything else on the market, at any price point.”
Pro Control Auto revolutionizes boat stability, automatically counteracting a variety of dynamic running conditions, including weight shifts, keeping passengers on an even keel. Lenco claim the new trim tab system boasts an industry-best 74% improvement in auto-leveling, outperforming the leading interceptor brand by 25%. Pro Control Auto features a newly refined responsive algorithm that allows for greater control at all speeds and improved response times providing enhanced control to the helm, making near-instant adjustments in response to sea conditions. Additionally, improved hole-shot gets boaters on plane faster, providing superior comfort and visibility sooner, with a rapid transition into autoleveling. Averaging an industry-best 24% reduction of re-entry impact*, Pro Control Auto makes for a smoother, more comfortable and cushioned ride.
Control is in the hands of the captain with Pro Control’s Auto and Assist options, providing total flexibility for different users. Pro Control Assist offers a manual control option, featuring a smart, sleek dial controller, designed to provide a class-leading user interface. Boaters can get all the benefits of Pro Control, including hole-shot assist, with NMEA 2000® connectivity and the ability to store preferred positions for the trim tabs. The new trim system includes standard networking and doesn’t need an additional control box, making installation and set-up easier than ever Pro Control is built to last and comes with a five-year warranty as standard. Offering best-in-class connectivity, Pro Control is built on all-new CAN-based hardware, ensuring an interconnected system. Additionally, Pro Control offers seamless operation with Mercury® SmartCraft and supports MFD integration for trim and surf systems, delivering the best integrated user experience on the market.
For boatbuilders, dealers and service technicians, an advanced service and setup tool is offered to accompany Pro Control, allowing for advanced configuration, diagnostics, and vessel profile loading. The Pro Control system offers several user-customizable sensitivity and authority settings to dial in performance modified to an individual vessel. lencomarine.com
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET!
TACKLE GIVEAWAYS ON RETAIL ISLAND!!
HOOKED UP’S RIG RUNDOWN
LIVE AT THE 2024 MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW
10 AMAZING BOATS ON DISPLAY ALL RIGGED UP WITH THE LATEST IN MARINE ELECTRONICS, ENGINES AND CHANDLERY.
SPORTSMAN REEF 19
CARRIBEAN 2400
MCLAY FATBOY 611 SC
BLUEFIN 465
TASMAN 24
EDENCRAFT 6M
HAINES HUNTER 585R
TIDAL FLARE 24 AND MORE...
AWESOME RETAIL PRECINCT FEATURING
COMPLEAT ANGLER DANDENONG
MOOSE MARINE
RUI SQUID JIGS
GILL FISHING APPAREL
SERENGETI EYEWEAR
BAIT N TACKLE DIRECT
EVERY BATTERY
FISHING TALKS SATURDAY & SUNDAY
KOSTA LINARDOS- SOUTHERN CALAMARI-11am
LEE RAYNER- SNAPPER- 11:45am
GAWAINE BLAKE- KING GEORGE WHITING- 12:30pm
THOMAS PINTER- MURRAY COD- 2:15pm
JOHN CAHILL- SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA-3pm
MELBOURNE DOCKLANDS
OPPOSITE MARVEL STADIUM OCTOBER 17TH-20TH
BIG SPRING DUSKIES
Find a prolific school of baitfish and you’re well on the way to snaring this ambush predator.
Words & Images: Jack Hammond
Spring has sprung and there’s one target many anglers have in mind for this time of the year – trophy dusky flathead. Jerkbaiting is an extremely fun and effective way to fish and there are some key points to focus on to be successful, such as the areas you’re targeting and your tackle choice. In this article I will be giving some valuable tips for jerkbaiting big dusky flathead in the shallows.
October and November are my favourite times of the year to target these fish as they are getting ready to spawn – so they are hungry and aggressive as the water starts to warm up in the shallows.
Where to Fish
Fishing the right areas is important when targeting big flathead so look out for a mixture of bottom features such as sand and weed edges or mud and gravel. Sand flats with high current flow plus land points or gutters are great places to cast around. The fish like to have cover where they can wait for an easy feed as bait rolls over them. It also pays to look out for areas with a high population of mullet, prawns, whitebait or garfish.
You can do this with the naked eye and a good pair of polarised glasses, or use the side imaging on your sonar to look for bait schools. Flathead are an ambush predator and will wait for the food to come to them, so any areas holding plenty of bait are worth putting a lot of time into. Fish them thoroughly as some days the fish will eat your lure only if it rolls directly over their head.
I find tidal flow is an important thing while fishing for big flathead as your lure can cover more ground on retrieval and it gives it a more natural presentation when working it down-current or cross-current.
Big dusky flathead are accesible to anglers from shore as well as boats.
I like to position my boat down-current from where the fish may be sitting and cast my lure as far up in front of the bow as possible. You’ll need an electric motor to do this and you can just keep slowly motoring up the tide and covering more ground.
Tides
Generally, the incoming tide leading to a high and the start of a run-out are best as the fish will push up into the shallow flats to feed and the water clarity is generally better, making it easier to see where to cast and get your lure close to any structure. It’s important to avoid snagging your lure as you could spook nearby fish in your attempts to retrieve it.
Every keen flathead angler has experienced that moment when you see a monster dusky get spooked and speed off, leaving a cloud of silt and a huge imprint of where she had been lying. It’s a sinking feeling and one that teaches you the value of stealth when targeting these big fish in the shallows.
Lure Retrieval
Big flathead are very timid some days and can be fussy, depending on your lure presentation, so altering your lure retrieval is key to triggering a bite. When using jerkbaits there are three main retrievals I use:
• The classic slow roll – this doesn’t work with every jerkbait, so experiment with the lure you’re using as some jerkbaits require rod action for an enticing retrieve.
• The twitch-twitch and pause – a classic and highly effective action. Often a longer pause is required, so be patient as a lot of the time they will hit it on the pause.
• The turn and burn – you can achieve this by ripping your lure down quickly then leaving a long pause. Every tough session I will try these retrievals to trigger a bite and if it is not working, I change my lure to something more slimline or a different size.
Choosing a Jerkbait
There are many different brands and styles of jerkbait on the market these days but a few I like to use are Duo Tide Minnows in the 120-140mm range, Shimano Strong and Slim Assassins in the 120-175mm range, while the Daiwa Double Clutch has always been a proven performer.
Colour choice normally varies depending on the water colour I am fishing. In clear water I like to present my lure as naturally as possible so I throw lures with a good chrome flash in them, which is where Shimano Flash Boost technology comes into play as I believe it looks like a bait fish in distress or feeding, which will bring the fish in to have a closer look.
If I’m fishing coloured or murky water I will throw bright colours such as chartreuse, whites or pinks to give it that glow effect in the water.
Casting jerkbaits is both fun and effective.
The Shimano Strong Assasin is a highly effective lure for duskies.
Electric motors are a huge advantage in this style of fishing.
Outfit Choice
The outfit I like to use for jerkbaiting big flathead is generally a spin reel in size 25003000 with 16lb braid matched to a 7ft 2in spin rod rated 6-12lb. This rod length and rating allows for long casts when fishing expansive flats so the lure covers more ground. I like to fish minimum 20lb leader –this isn’t so heavy that it impedes the action of a jerkbait, and the 20lb leader provides good abrasion resistance.
Caring for Flathead
Flathead are an amazing specie and the big fish are often females and breeders, so the utmost care must be taken when handling them. When jerkbaiting I always ensure I have a set of long-nose pliers to remove hooks gently and carefully. After I’ve fought a big fish I like to keep it in the net for a few minutes before bringing it into the boat to let it settle down and stabilise itself as they are mostly worn out after a big fight.
I LIKE TO FISH MINIMUM 20LB LEADER – THIS ISN’T SO HEAVY THAT IT IMPEDES THE ACTION OF A JERKBAIT.
I keep fish out of the water only for a minimal time and in the warmer months I ensure I never place a fish on a warm or dry surface. It’s good to keep the fish in the net while
you’re setting your camera up and always wet your brag mat before measuring it to keep the fish cool and to preserve its skin by keeping it moist. Handling big flathead should be done using gloves and supporting their bellies. They have some pretty gnarly spikes and a pretty mean set of teeth that can rip the skin on your fingers pretty easily so a good set of gloves will come in handy.
Each state has its rules and regulations for big flathead so make sure you know these when keeping flathead for a feed. In NSW the limits have changed over the past few years for dusky flathead. You are allowed five fish per person from 36cm to 70cm, and fish out of this range must be released.
Get out there this spring with your armoury of jerkbaits and have some fun fighting some big estuary monsters.
Caring for flathead upon capture and release is extremely important.
The author has been using the new Shimano Slim Assasin and getting a lot of big fish on it.
EAST COAST ROADSHOW
PORT PHILLIP SNAPPER
Bait fishing isn’t a case of ‘set and forget’ – so be prepared if you want to get results.
Words & Images: Kosta Linardos
Being prepared for that early morning hot bite is essential to having a succesful session on the snapper.
If you want to have the best chance of success this snapper season, then good organisation and having all the right equipment is extremely important. Many anglers relegate bait fishing for snapper as something simple and think of it as “just bait fishing” but it isn’t that easy.
The weather in Victoria is unpredictable. One day, it might seem like Friday through Monday will be dreadful, only for conditions to turn beautiful at the last minute. Conversely, things can also take a turn for the worse – so be prepared for anything.
I’m not going to focus on boat maintenance or having your safety equipment in order, as I assume our readers are on top of that, but there was your gentle reminder. In this article I’ll take you through all the necessary equipment you’ll need and some tips on what will give you that edge on the fish.
Organise your GPS
This is the first thing I do when getting ready for the new season. Hop in the boat on a bad weather day (we’ve had a lot lately) and start with your GPS. Go through your marks and if you haven’t given them names to remind you of when you caught fish or what size they were, try to remember and name them. As an example, I might name a mark “Nov17246kg” – pretty self-explanatory, but it means I caught a six-kilo fish here in November 2024. It doesn’t mean that a sixkilo fish will be there this year, but these are good guides and starting points for me to visit and start sounding. I run Simard units in my boat and it gives me the option of coloured circles as icons. I find these the easiest to use in the bays where I fish for multiple species and a better system than using icons of fish –red is snapper, green is squid, gold is whiting, white is gummy sharks. It means when I’m looking at my marks from a wide zoom I can clearly see where I’ve previously marked fish, what fish they are or if there is structure – and zoom in closer.
Sonar
Whether you’re in Port Phillip or Western Port you shouldn’t anchor until you’ve sounded fish. You might just drop the anchor, berley and get lucky, but most experienced and consistently successful snapper anglers won’t drop anchor until a fish is marked. If you don’t know what a snapper looks like on your sonar unit you need to speak to the retailer you bought it from to get an idea. We have many screen shots of what a snapper looks like from various units we’ve owned over the years, but every unit and transducer will read differently so there are many variables. But a good thing to keep in mind is that if an arch doesn’t cover a metre of water column, it probably isn’t a decent-sized fish.
The thing I love about Simrad is the colour erase feature that allows me to remove the bottom range of colours (which are better at showing smaller, less dense features in the water) leaving snapper to show more clearly. If you have a Simrad or a unit with this feature, I highly recommend using it.
The other feature I recommend adding is Relief Shading. This is available on both C-MAP and Navionics and will give you a detailed view of underwater features much clearer than standard mapping views, with good points of interest you can drive to and sound around. Again, and I can’t stress this enough, if you’re not sounding good fish don’t bother anchoring. I sometimes launch at 4 and I won’t anchor util 6am or 7am as I’m still looking for fish.
Bait
If you’re new to snapper fishing, or any bait fishing for that matter, welcome to a phrase you’ll hear a lot: “Fresh is best”. I start collecting bait in May ready for October. This includes squid, salmon, cuttlefish, garfish, smallfin pike and silver trevally. These all make great snapper baits that you can freeze well for months down the track. You’ll find all these fish on the same grounds you catch squid. I collect the fish by trolling deep-diving lures or by casting big metal vibes. I use vibes as they call in fish from further away than metal slugs do. Big metal vibes are hard to come by, but Little Jack just released a lure called the More Keen and it’s perfect for this style of bait collecting in the bays.
I highly recommend you Cryovac your bait fresh before freezing. I do this from my live well or cooler bag the day I catch it, so it never touches fresh water and this keeps it extremely fresh. I even tested it by leaving
calamari in a container for a week in my fridge (i.e. without freezing), and after seven days they still smelled fresh. The combination of bait that never touches freshwater and vacuumed sealing puts it almost on a par with same-day fresh. With squid and gars, it works on an 80/20 rule. I keep 80% to eat and I freeze 20%. This builds up your bait stocks while you’re having fun fishing and getting a feed. Fresh bait is best, but snap-frozen fresh will out-fish store-bought. You will save money buying a Cryovac machine in the long run with your perfectly kept fresh bait. You’ll pick them up on Amazon cheaply as well as the bags you cut and seal to whatever size you need.
Berley
You need to buy yourself a Secret Weapon Berley Bomb and a handline spooled with venetian blind cord. The genius design is the best method for dispersing berley as it drops it right at the bottom where the fish are and where your baits are. The Secret Weapon Berley Dispenser is weighted and shaped like a missile: you drop it, let it sink to your desired depth then give it a jerk to open the Bomb and disperse the berley precisely where it’s needed. Its streamlined design allows it to cut through current and reach depth at speed, delivering berley exactly where it will be most effective – whether mid-water or on the bottom.
I would never use a berley cage permanently on the bottom as it risks lines tangling in it. It also allows only for scent dispersal and not actual berley. The best berley is finely cubed pilchard, and I mean finely cubed; if you can’t be bothered get a good masher and mash it up in a bucket. The best berley masher on the market is the Ocean Accessories Berley Masher. The owner of Ocean Accessories,
Zoran, makes outstanding stainless steel tools and I don’t know of a better masher for the money. You can also use it for whiting and gummy berley as well. The idea behind this is you don’t overfeed the fish, you just want to get them ravenously feeding. I mix the pilchard in with fish pellets at an 80/20 ratio. Too many pellets may overfeed the fish as they expand in their stomach and make them feel full, so use them sparingly. I’m not a fan of just throwing berley over the side when you’re in depths greater than 10m of water as by the time it reaches the bottom it can be quite a distance from where the fish are and probably taking the fish to another boats’ baits.
Landing Nets
I’ve tried almost every type and brand of landing net on the market, and what I have learned is that unless you pay for quality they wont last many seasons and when they fail it will happen on the water. I use Gaff-Mann nets with rubber netting and a removable net head that can be changed for different size net heads or gaff hooks. They are strong, corrosion resistant and multi use.
Rods and Reels
As in all fishing styles, spend more on rods than you do reels or at least equal amounts. The rod is always more important. I get that with snapper fishing you need several outfits, but these days you can get high-quality rods and reels for very reasonable prices. Many snapper anglers use cheap rods, not because they can’t afford to spend extra but they don’t understand the benefit of a quality rod. You want a rod that is sensitive in the tip to detect bites from small fish such as pinkies and flathead, or to know when a starfish is sitting on your bait. You want awareness
of everything that’s happening with your bait, and good rods indicate any movement. If there’s no bait on the hook, you’re not going to catch fish. Targeting snapper is not a set and forget method – you’re constantly working those rods.
You also want power and a good mix of graphite and glass with a medium-fast action. This allows for faster and more efficient hook sets, whether they’re in the snapper rack or you’re setting the hooks. Slow, soft glass rods miss fish. I don’t care if your dad and grandpa used them, we’re past that now, and this style of rod will cost you fish. I rarely miss fish anymore since using modern graphite composite rods with a medium-fast action. I use a few different rods from SHimano and Daiwa that I highly recommend. They vary in price, features and quality and the expensive models are better, but I’d be happy to run a fleet of the cheaper models. They are the: Shimano Anthem 76 7-15kg, Shimano Extraction 722 15-30lb ,Shimano Revolution 5-8kg
Using quality outfits and terminal tackle and taking a finesse approach will get you more bites.
The Shimano Nasci range is affordable and has proven itself over the past three seasons as an amazing reel for the money.
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Daiwa Tierra 762 XH FS 5-9kg, Daiwa Saltist 702 PE3-4 and the Daiwa TD Black Humphead 5-10kg.
Reels are an important part of snapper fishing and thankfully in 2024 you have affordable options that have now lasted me multiple seasons. The first choice you need to make is a spin reel equipped with baitrunner/freespool or a standard spinning reel. I have a mix of both and use the following: Shimano Thunnus 4500, Daiwa Free Swimmer 3500 and 5000, Daiwa BG MQ 5000, Shimano Nasci 4000 & 5000 and the Shimano Saragosa 5000.
Line and Leader
For Port Phillip I feel I have the perfect line and leader combo: 16lb monofilament mainline and 40lb fluorocarbon leader. For mainlines I use Maxima, Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Sunline Super Natural and Shimano Exage. I like having different colours on each reel. For leader Sunline NY FC has never let me down (previously FC100) or Black Magic FC. It’s light, finessed and abrasion-resistant to the point where I haven’t been bitten off after years using it. I can’t stress highly enough that fluorocarbon gets more bites – and never go heavier than 40lb.
Hooks
I use snelled suicide hooks with a small running ball sinker (size 1) going directly to the top hook on most of my rigs and only use Black Magic DX in 6/0, Daiichi Octopus in 6/0, and Eagle Claw L2 platinum in 6/0. These three brands and models are strong, with good gapes for larger baits offering great hook exposure – and they are very sharp.
Other Rig Styles
The other styles I use are paternoster rigs dropped straight down below the boat. I use Black Magic Snapper Snatchers rigged with squid strips or whiting heads. Another great and ingenious rig is the Vexed Bottom Meat. This offers a jig head with three ganged circle hooks that you can add a variety of baits to. They offer great hook-ups and fish find them very enticing.
Get Prepared
Vic snapper season is one that requires a lot of preparation and organisation to take advantage of short and hot bite windows when they come along. It’s also a game of one percenters. Get your gear sorted, have it ready and you’ll be ready for when the fish come on.
The Daiwa BG MQ in size 5000 has proven to be an exceptional snapper reel over many seasons.
The Vexed Bottom Meat is a great new style of rig to use for snapper.
SUPER SARCA
SARCA EXCEL
VIC SPAWN SEASON
The southern calamari is high on the hit-list for Port Phillip and Western Port anglers.
Words & Images: Kozi Sekino
The southern calamari is a coveted catch for those fishing in Victoria’s prominent bays, and for good reason. Both Port Phillip Bay and Western Port present anglers with a rich and diverse fishing environment, where southern calamari stands out as one of the most sought-after species. With spring here, larger squid venture closer to shore, offering anglers of all skill levels a chance to engage with these impressive cephalopods. These cunning and elusive creatures not only pose an exciting challenge but also provide a delectable reward. This article will delve into the techniques, optimal fishing periods and prime locations for targeting sizeable southern calamari in these famed bays.
A Bad Start
To say that Victoria (and many areas around the state) had a poor start to the season would be an understatement. After a false warm start to spring, we were hit with damaging cyclonic winds for days on end, a huge amount of rain and all of August and September has seen windy and wet weather. This means the bays are quite dirty, especially Western Port, which started with a bang. While the waters on the south-eastern side of Port Phillip are clearing up, it’s still quite dirty in the west and dirty water makes squid fishing hard. However, as the winds subside and rain eases it will take only a few big tide cycles and the waters will clear and the squid will be back in the bays and feeding, so if you don’t have your egi gear ready to go, spend these bad weather days getting prepared.
Catching large southern calamari can be tricky. It’s not that these creatures are particularly shy; rather, success often hinges on timing and location. During this season, calamari are busy spawning, and the males
Heavy Tip Run style jigs are very effective on spawning squid in fast currents and deep water. This one was taken on the Yamshita Egi OH TR.
Double and triple hook ups aren’t uncommon at this time of year.
Often the loudest and most contrasting colours get the bites when targeting spawning squid. This Daiwa Emeraldas Peak RV in Tropic Bungee is a proven colour in spawn season.
can be found performing elaborate mating rituals while the females vigilantly guard their eggs. To effectively target these bigger calamari, anglers need to employ specific techniques and be mindful of the tides.
Times and Tides
The ideal time for fishing for calamari spans from September to March. During this period, rising water temperatures increase squid activity, prompting them to venture closer to shore. Breeding aggregations form, making the squid easier to locate. Notably, calamari are more active during low light conditions, which means early mornings, cloudy days and evenings present the best opportunities for hooking larger specimens.
For successful breeding, calamari require nutrient-rich waters, which is why larger squid are found in the southern parts of both bays. Here, anglers may face the challenge of strong currents and deeper waters. At times, the current can be so vigorous that conventional jigs become less effective. It’s crucial to be aware of tidal patterns and to fish during slack periods while being ready to adjust techniques as currents change.
Locations
The southern regions of Port Phillip Bay, particularly around Sorrento, Portsea, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are known hotspots for calamari fishing. These areas feature both shallow and deep waters with seagrass beds and kelp beds that provide ideal habitats for squid. Similarly, the murky shallows of Western Port, especially around Cowes, San Remo, Tyabb Bank, Quail Bank and Corinella, offer excellent opportunities. The significant tidal movements in Western Port allow anglers to find large calamari further up the bay compared with Port Phillip.
Technique
One of the most effective methods for capturing calamari is jigging with high-quality squid jigs designed to mimic small baitfish. It’s worth investing in quality jigs as they are more durable and sink more steadily than cheaper alternatives. A stable sink posture is particularly enticing to squid. Good jigs often feature eye-catching elements such as contrasting colours, reflective foils and UV properties. The technique involves casting the jig, allowing it to sink, then retrieving it
with quick jerking motions to simulate the movements of an injured fish.
In my experience, when conditions allow, letting the jig linger closer to the bottom often results in more strikes. Larger calamari tend to stay low while guarding their eggs. If strong currents make it challenging to keep jigs at the right depth, using heavier jigs in the 3.5 to 4.0 size range or employing a drop shot rig with a sinker can be particularly effective. Yamashita’s TR sinkers are extremely effective in deep waters and fast currents – they are a weighted helmet you can place over a squid jig to add more weight. These squid are often hungry and less picky about their meals as they near the end of their life cycle, so if they see something that looks right, they’re likely to strike at it.
Many anglers find success using baited jigs under floats, particularly with whole silver whiting or by attaching strips of fresh bait to their jigs. Companies such as Yo-Zuri and Yamashita have even produced jigs specifically designed to accommodate bait, offering a fun and effective method for targeting larger calamari.
Sammy Leys with a shallow water calamari off Sorrento.
The author with a solid squid from Portsea Pier.
When gearing up, it’s important to have a quality egi rod, which is essential for targeting larger squid. A good egi rod typically features a parabolic action that helps absorb the sudden pulls of the squid, preventing the barbs from being pulled out of their soft flesh. A reel with a smooth drag system and high gear ratio is also crucial for an effective setup.
For line, a braided mainline of around 12-16lb offers the sensitivity and minimal stretch needed for squid fishing, paired with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader of approximately 12-14lb to enhance stealth. It’s wise to have a selection of jigs in various colours and sizes to adapt to the conditions and squid preferences on any given day. Lastly, don’t forget a landing net or squid gaff to secure your catch while minimising damage.
WHEN GEARING UP, IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A QUALITY EGI ROD, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR TARGETING LARGER SQUID.
Spawn Season
Targeting large southern calamari in Port Phillip and Western Port bays is extremely fun and one of my favourite times of year. By focusing on effective techniques, timing your outings during peak seasons and selecting the best locations, you can significantly enhance your chances of success.
So, gather your gear, head to the bays, and prepare for some big southern calamari action. At this time of year, they make for a great feed and outstanding snapper baits.
When the hoods reach 50cm, they’re a really big calamari. This one taken on a Gan Craft jig in size 3.5 in colour Ghost Cut.
The author uses Yamashita’s K series jigs when fishing in stronger currents.
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We are giving away $1000 worth of Insalt fishing gear every month for the biggest or best capture on an Insalt Finesse Explorer or Estuary Explorer rod voted by our followers.
To enter your catch just post your photo and tag us on Facebook In-Salt Fishing and/or Instagram @insalt_fishing and use the hashtag #insaltnoodlerod
Please note: Video evidence will be required if you are the winner!
We don’t sell Insalt rods to the public so check your local tackle store for our products.
Terms and conditions
1. You can enter as many times as you like but once you enter a catch it can not be entered again in another month.
2. Only these rods can be used in the comp Insalt finesse explorer 5’6 spin, 6’6 spin and 5’6 overhead or our previous model Estuary Explorer.
3. Insalt will provide nominations at the end of each month. The winner is voted by the public.
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GREEN & GOLD IN SPRING
Murray cod and yellowbelly make for great round-the-clock sessions on our impoundments.
Words & Images: Colby Lesko
Victoria and NSW have some amazing stocked lakes and impoundments where you can still tangle with big cod through the closed seasons.
Thankfully a number of NSW and Victorian dams are now open to yearround Murray cod fishing. Couple this with the great springtime bite period for the impoundment yellowbelly and you’ve got yourself a great time to plan a trip chasing big impoundment natives.
The famous Eildon and Blowering dams have been my picks this spring and I’ve had some phenomenal trips chasing both cod and yellas. The cod and yella combo works perfectly together as you can spend the prime times (dusk and dawn) and nights chasing cod then switch to chasing yellas during the day. The cod have much more specific bite time and prefer to feed in low light periods, while the yellas are happy to eat lures throughout the day – especially if you can get some nice warm sunny spring days with a rising water temperature.
The days and nights start to warm up and the fishing conditions are now nowhere near as brutally cold as winter. The fish still bite great and you really do get the best of both worlds.
Year-round Fisheries
There’s a growing number of dams and reservoirs opening up to year-round Murray cod fishing and it’s great to see. For those unaware, Murray cod are not successful at reproducing in the dams, so the closed season for breeding is pointless. Now this is well-known, many lakes are open year-round to Murray cod fishing. Lake Eildon, Blowering Dam, Copeton Dam, Cairn Curran Reservoir and Lake Eppalock are just a few of the Murray cod dams open year-round that are worth a look. Chasing the cod in these dams requires persistence in the prime-time periods of dusk and dawn.
Casting big lures such as soft plastics and swimbaits around bait-rich areas will bring the best results. Find the small carp, redfin or boney bream that the cod are eating, and you will find the cod. Fishing in these areas at primetime should put you in with the best chance of getting bites. During spring the baitfish spend a lot of time in the shallows as the dam edges warm up; therefore the big cod are also in the shallows. This makes them a great target for anglers casting lures. The cod seem to feed close to the surface and in the shallows for most of spring before they push out into deep water during summer to escape the hot water.
Big laydown logs are always worth a cast for Murray cod, so if you see any of these on your travels be sure to give them a good working over. Casting 7, 8 or 9-inch lures requires specialist gear and a swimbaiting
baitcaster combo is best for this style of fishing. This is usually a 7ft 6in or 8ft rod rated to cast 1 to 5oz baits. I spool my 300-size baitcaster reel with 50lb braid and attach a 1.5m 60lb leader via a FG knot. Over the past couple of seasons, I’ve had a lot of luck fishing for big impoundment cod during spring and I find the cod fishing every bit as good as the winter period that is often regarded as peak season for big fish. Remember, persistence is the number one feature that’s going to land you a big cod, so make sure you spend as many hours and prime-time sessions on the water as you can.
All of these year-round Murray cod fisheries are also stocked with golden perch or yellowbelly, or yellas as I call them. Yellas are the more common springtime target as they really fire up over spring. The warming waters of spring trigger the yellowbelly to feed hard before spawning.
They also become very fired up around spawning, often moving the edge of the lake in the warm shallow water and hitting lures well. The yellowbelly also tend to hang in schools at this time of year, which can make for some great fun sessions. Yellowbelly grow to trophy sizes in most of these dams and fish are often caught in excess of 60cm. They hold some magnificent condition in the dams and are often as broad as they are long.
Targeting these golden nuggets does require some different gear from Murray cod but it’s easy to have a cod and a yella rod handy at the same time. I certainly won’t be doing a trip to these dams without both rods, ready that’s for sure. A 2 to 5kg 7ft rod is ideal for yellas with a small spin reel around the 2500 size.
The author has been having great success with the Fish Craft Dr Shad in the Glassy Shad colour.
I spool my reel with 10lb braid and use a 10lb fluorocarbon leader attached by an FG knot. Small 2 or 3-inch soft plastics, metal vibes and lipless crankbaits are my favourite lures. The yellowbelly are most commonly found in the submerged tree tops out in the open water of the dams. When the water temperature is just right in spring, they will push to the edges of the dams and swim around in the shallows.
Timing is Key
Timing and temperature with the edge bite is everything and if you get it right, this is when the best springtime yellowbelly sessions are had. Usually, I find prime water temp for this edge bite is 17 to 22 degrees. If the temperature isn’t right and there’s no fish on the edges, most of the yellas you find in the treetops in spring are also willing to eat a lure. Position the boat right in the top of the tree and drop your lure vertically straight down the tree to around 7 or 8 metres, then slow roll or shake the lure back to the surface.
The yellas will often follow the lure up the tree before striking just below the boat. Assist hooks off the back off your lure and a healthy coating of scent can help a lot when targeting yellas. The scent helps convert follows into bites and the small assist hooks trailing the lure help turn bites into hook-ups. This spring I have caught yellas working the trees in water as cold as 11 and 12 degrees.
Give each tree a 5 to 10-minute working over before moving on to the next one. It doesn’t matter if the tree is out in 20 or 30 metres of water, the yellas will sit right up in the top of the tree, often only 5 to 7m down below the surface, hanging in the branches of the tree
closest to the surface. River channels of the dams are often lined with big standing timber trees, so if you’re finding it hard to locate standing timber use your maps to pick out some river channel edges to search.
Trees are key to yellas
When travelling around the dams I’m always looking for bait-rich shallows to target cod and deep submerged trees to target yellas. If you find a likely looking tree or two while cod fishing at primetime, simply mark them and then return later for a yella. The use of live forward-facing sonar is also supereffective at finding both Murray cod and yellowbelly if you have it available. If not, that’s still OK, just use your side-scan sonar to help you locate fish in treetops or baitfish on edges.
The very popular Spin Wright Grubbin jig heads allow for assist hooks and get the job done.
Always take two outfits with you in spring, one for cod and one for yellas.
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modes while maintaining a precise zero-degree rotate system.
Precision Engineering: CNC machined from 6061 marine-grade aluminum and acetal bar stock for superior durability.
Australian Made: 100% manufactured in Australia with marine-grade anodized finish and 316 stainless steel fixings.
Compatibility: Works with Lowrance and Garmin live sonar transducers.
Perspective/Scout Mode: 7.5-degree increments for fine-tuning your transducer angle.
www.gfabmarineengineering.com.au
The same treetops and banks will often hold multiple fish and bait for several days in a row. So, the more time you spend on a trip, the more you will work out the dam and compile spots to fish. If you do catch a cod or a yellowbelly in a certain spot, I would definitely be returning to have another go in future sessions.
Spring standouts
My springtime sessions have been focused around Blowering Dam, Lake Eildon and Cairn Curran Reservoir. All have produced fish, with the clear waters of Eildon and Blowering being the standouts. Blowering and Eildon are amazing big Murray cod fisheries and while I travelled to these dams with the Murray cod in mind, I was also pleasantly surprised with the yellowbelly fishing. The yellas were an awesome daytime target to break up the grind of cod fishing and catch a few fish.
MY SPRINGTIME SESSIONS HAVE BEEN FOCUSED AROUND BLOWERING DAM, LAKE EILDON AND CAIRN CURRAN RESERVOIR.
It’s a perfect trip for anyone new to freshwater natives as you can have a crack at a couple of different species and techniques. If one isn’t firing right away, the other may keep you entertained until the other fish turn on. It amazes me that many cod anglers still pack the rods away for spring, so this means it can be a relatively quiet time on the dams with minimal angling pressure, and certainly helps when convincing fussy fish into eating lures.
The camping and days on the water are magical at this time of year. Landing a trophy cod and yella in the one trip is the ultimate goal and spring is certainly the time to do it. It’s my favourite time of the year to be on the water and you can’t beat those calm, clear, sunny spring days.
The weed edges of Blowering are hot spots for both cod and yellas. .
In spring fish will move on to rocky edges for the warmer water temps.
The author uses a Samaki Zing Xtreme V3 paired with a Tranx 300 as his main cod outfit.
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