Hooked Up Magazine 146 July 2024 by Hooked Up Magazine

COD: LEARNING FROM LIVE SONAR

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.

INTRODUCING DAIWA’S ALL NEW 24 TD BLACK

TOTALLY REDESIGNED, FEATURING DAIWA’S AIRDRIVE DESIGN CONCEPT THE 24 TD BLACK REEL IS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR ALL YOUR LIGHT TACKLE FISHING APPLICATIONS. WITH SIZES RANGING FROM 2000 SHALLOW SPOOL MODELS TO A 4000 DEEP SPOOL THERE IS A TD BLACK TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS.

COVER: Dean Norbiato with a solid winter cod taken on a surface lure.

Hooked Up

I thoroughly enjoyed the stories in this month’s edition and I can’t see how any angler wouldn’t. They are packed full of outstanding information that comes from years of angling experience and time on the water. In a world where our phones are so easily grabbed for a hit of wasted dopamine via a social media feed, we’re offered no context, only snapshots that really mean nothing.

When it comes to narrative, learning, sharing and technical information about product, the fishing magazine still rules and so do books. And not just Hooked Up, but other fishing and boating magazines, too.

Dean Norbiato offers insight on what he has learned from using Live Sonar and how it’s changed the way he fishes without it.

Jack Hammond provides some excellent information on finding east coast snapper – and how to catch them on plastics once you do.

Jamie Crawford takes us on a journey to the Southern Ocean beaches where you can learn how to catch salmon with both bait and lures.

I take you through our new boat, all the products we added to it and who we used to install them. It provides some great information on how you can modify your boat to better suit your fishing.

Then we have eight pages of product information from the biggest fishing and boating companies in the world. I love watching a well-produced Insta reel on some new product every now and then, but where I learn what the product is really about and how I can turn it into fish is via the written word.

DAIWA 24 TD BLACK

Daiwa’s range of TD Black small spinning reels receives yet another technological advancement, with the inclusion of Airdrive Design. A one-piece Monocoque (MQ) Body design focusing on the body of the reel to deliver strength and power, and Daiwa’s new Airdrive Design which redesigns the rotor, bail arm and other components to focus on operability and response. The MQ body allows a larger diameter drive gear to be installed in the same size body, further increasing gear durability and power. Airdrive Design is a new lightweight rotor design & bail arm that reduces the rotational mass which is required to spin around the spool with each rotation of the handle. This delivers lower start-up inertia and effortless reeling. 24 TD Black’s list of designs and features doesn’t end there, with Tough Digigear for optimum reel power and refinement, Magsealed body providing unmatched protection from the elements, and ATD Type-L and ATD Carbon Drags deliver ultra-smooth stopping power and control. The new 24 TD Black is available in five models (2000S-4000D) and is set to be one of the heroes of the Daiwa spin reel range this year.

daiwafishing.com.au

MADNESS BALAM 300

Introducing the Madness Balam 300, an oversized swimbait renowned for its unique action in the water. Engineered to excel during a fast retrieve, it outperforms other large swimbaits on the market, making it ideal for triggering reaction strikes. What sets the Balam apart is its versatility—it remains highly effective with a slow to moderate retrieve, and when paused, it becomes irresistible, often provoking aggressive strikes. Particu larly effective in expansive waters like lakes and impoundments, it’s a go-to choice for targeting formidable species such as Murray Cod, barramundi, and mulloway. Crafted with a multi-jointed body featuring four intercon nected segments, the Balam boasts a natural swim that entices predators. Its silicon tail further enhances its lifelike appearance underwater, adding to its allure.

gladiatortackle.com.au

built on a high performance SCII blanks and features premium cork grips. The rod also features SeaGuide reel seat and guide train and is equipped with a padded soft padded case for added protection when traveling. These rods are handcrafted by St.Croix and come with a 5-year unconditional warranty. There are 3 rods in this series, 2 spin models one that will suit Trout anglers and one that will suit general purpose angling. There is also one baitcasting model that is ideal for anglers travelling to target barramundi or Murray cod.

jurofishing.com

SAMAKI ICE-TIP

The Samaki Ice-Tip, where old-school reliability meets modern innovation. Crafted from fibreglass, this rod offers the trusted strength that anglers have relied on for generations. Enhanced with a solid tip and equipped with steel framed zirconia guides, it delivers the smooth performance expected from a modern rod. The ultra hard EVA grips and deluxe cushioned reel seats ensure maximum comfort and control during long fishing sessions. Designed specifically for tough Australian conditions, the Ice-Tip can handle the harshest environments with ease. With models from 5’6” all the way up to 12 foot, the Ice-Tip range has you covered, no matter your fishing style. Trust in tradition, benefit from innovation with the Samaki Ice-Tip.

samaki.com.au

BIWAA KAPSIZ KILLA BEE

Introducing the Biwaa Kapsiz HD series, a must-have for anglers in pursuit of cod, barra, mulloway, and large dusky flathead. Available in sizes of 6, 7.5, and 9 inches, this lure has gained immense popularity. Recently, Biwaa unveiled a new colour option: Killa Bee. Sporting a jet-black hue accented with high-visibility chartreuse stripes, Killa Bee offers exceptional contrast. This feature not only aids in visibility from afar but also enhances the lure’s visual appeal. Ideal for murky and deep waters, Killa Bee is set to be a standout choice this winter, especially for anglers targeting Murray cod in impoundments.

ejtodd.com.au

SAMAKI FLASH SPINNER V2

If you’re torn between using a metal slug or a hard body lure, the choice is now simple—opt for a Samaki Flash lure instead. These durable lures combine the strengths of both, featuring a lead-filled hard plastic body. Best described as sinking stickbaits, they are immensely popular in the Japanese market. The seamless, tough body is designed to withstand hard hits from sharp teeth, while the 6X strong hooks can handle the toughest species. Whether you’re spinning from the beach, rocks, boat, trolling, or even jigging, these revolutionary lures will enhance your fishing experience. Cast one out and get ready for action. Available in 6 colours in both 35 gram and 55 grams sizes.

samaki.com.au

VEXED BAIT THREAD

This High Quality, strong, stretchy LATEX bait cotton has been specifically designed to enhance your bait presentation. Bait cotton has been used for years in presenting your baits in the best possible way and to help keep your bait away from annoying pickers. Made in South Africa this is the best bait cotton available today. Available in 5 different diameters to suit a variety of baits and in 500m lengths. 500m spools and 250m vials. New size - BIG BAIT THREAD 500m. Ideal for ballooning. 560 Denier

vexedfishing.com.au

SHIMANO STRADIC SW-A

Shimano’s new Stradic SW-A series is designed for the hardcore offshore angler, these reels are built to tackle big game in the unforgiving environment of saltwater fishing. At the heart of the Stradic SW is the innovative X-Tough Drag system, which provides a maximum drag force of up to 16kg, essential for subduing large and powerful fish. This robust drag system features drag washers at the top side and under side of the spool to spread the load more evenly. The Infinity Drive technology stands out in the Stradic SW series by significantly decreasing sliding resistance. This is achieved by supporting the main shaft with a special low-friction bushing, which not only enhances the smoothness of the winding but also its power. Further aiding this seamless operation is the X-Ship technology, which facilitates lighter and smoother winding- a critical feature when battling the relentless pull of a large fish. Another pivotal aspect of the Stradic SW-A series is its exceptional durability, achieved through advanced waterproofing technologies. The reels incorporate Shimano’s X-Shield and X-Protect systems, which provide comprehensive sealing at critical junctures to prevent seawater intrusion, one of the most pervasive threats in saltwater environments. These systems ensure that each reel maintains its peak performance over time by shielding vital components from saltwater corrosion. The Stradic SW-A series not only excels in functionality but also in design. Built to endure the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing, these reels are crafted from high-quality materials that offer both resilience and reliability. Whether exposed to the harsh spray of the sea or engaged in a tug-of-war with a mighty fish, the Stradic SW-A reels are engineered to withstand great stresses without compromising on performance.

shimanofish.com.au

SHIMANO CAIUS

The Caius 150HGC is an exciting new addition to the affordable price range of low profile bait casters. The Caius borrows is sleek design from its sibling the Curado M, but delivers performance on a budget. With three stainless steel bearings plus one roller bearing, VBS Braking System and Super Free Spool, casting is effortless and uncomplicated. Keeping the same gear ratio of gear ratio of 7.2:1 it allows the angler full control over a host of lure styles. shimanofish.com.au

NEW STRIKE PRO GALAXIA COLOURS

Strike Pro has released three fantastic new colours in its everpopular range of Galaxia Minnow lures. The Galaxia Minnow is a deep diving baitfish profile lure, complete with sonic rattle and with an amazing swimming action. The Galaxia Minnow is 6cm long, weighs 7 grams and dives to approx. 12ft. It is a lure with a proven track record on a wide range of species in Estuary and Freshwater and is suited to both casting and trolling. The new colours are certain to be a hit with anglers right across the country. jurofishing.com

MEGABASS MAGDRAFT

The Megabass Magdraft is a swimbait designed for dynamic action with a medium-slow to medium retrieve. Its tail kicks into action quickly, creating vibrations that trigger predators’ lateral lines. The patented Mag-Hold system secures the treble hook with an internal magnet, optimizing action and concealing the underbelly hook profile. Additionally, side fins prevent unnatural rolling and act as weedguards, enhancing realistic swimming and enabling effective retrieves in grassy areas. Its robust wire-through construction ensures a solid connection from line eye to hook, boosting hook-up ratios. Tuned for head-shaking and tail-thumping action, the Magdraft requires a specific retrieval speed, ideally with a 5.3:1 reel. Finding the sweet spot—a medium-slow to medium speed—enhances its performance, delivering a distinct thumping action felt through the rod tip. The Magdraft is a favorite for targeting XXL Murray cod in lakes, featuring a soft plastic body and available in sizes 6”, 8”, and 10”. Ideal for various saltwater applications, especially prized by Australian anglers for Murray cod and mega barramundi. Now available in the all-new Racing Black colour.

vivafishing.com.au

NEW DAIWA SALTIST MODELS

The 23 Saltist range welcomes two new members to the family in 2024. Designed specifically for demersal species the two new 6’6” “bottom fishing special” models have been tailor made for Australia species, techniques, and anglers. The B66-3/5 model is made for PE 3-5 line and cast weights up to 300g, while the B66-4/8 is suited for PE 4-8 and cast weights up to 400g. The Saltist’s performance blank is equally matched by quality and performance driven components, with a combination of Fuji ‘O’ ring Ocean guides and anti-tangle frames delivering strength, refinement, and reliability, plus optimised line management throughout the guide train. Full EVA grips offer protection from rod holders when trolling or bait fishing, while jigging specific models come standard with Fuji’s GRC gimbal butt caps, that allow the angler to lock their rod in for the fight. The 23 Saltist range is light, responsive and purpose built to withstand the rigours of Australian saltwater fishing. daiwafishing.com.au

LITTLE JACK SAYORIS 135 & 150

One of the best gar imitations ever is now available in two new sizes of 135mm/23g and 150mm/35g. While maintaining its ultra-realistic appearance, each part has been fine-tuned to further enhance its fishing performance. By redesigning the new size, the balance has been adjusted, resulting in a more natural rolling action. It offers two body sizes: 135mm and 155mm. The 135mm size is perfect for species such as big dusky flathead, while the 155mm size is targeted for pelagic fish in offshore areas and beyond the bay. gladiatortackle.com.au

HAYABUSA JACK EYE ACE

The Hayabusa Jack Eye Ace Micro Jig Lure is a great jig for both casting and jigging, producing crazy cast distance due to its rear weight and slender profile as well as its attractive sinking action. The action of the Hayabusa Jack Eye Ace Micro Jig gives this lure maximum appeal with its erratic wobble on retrieve and leaf like flutter on the sink. The holographic colours really stand out and resemble common baitfish. The Hayabusa Jack Eye Ace Micro Jig Lure comes fitted with a rear treble and a single dressed assist hook with an anti-rust tin coating for longer life.

vivafishing.com.au

DAIWA SALTIGA OT JIGS

Winter is the pinnacle of beach and rock fishing season and there’s no better lure for that style of fishing than a metal slug, and there’s no hotter metal jig this winter than the Daiwa OT (Over There) jig. The OT jig is a castingspecific metal slug that has been developed specifically for Australia, with hooks and colours that are sure to get every serious slugger excited. Available in four weights (20g, 30g, 40g, 60g) OT jig caters to the most popular and sought after sizes. Whether you’re throwing at fussy tuna schools in Hervey Bay or trying to reach those salmon schools off the beach in WA, Daiwa’s OT jig will have a size to suit. Available in five high-quality colours, the finish on OT jig is outstanding, just what you’d expect of a premium deep-water or slow pitch jig. Perfectly matched to Daiwa’s large range of shore-casting and surf reels, OT jig is a great option for your next shore-casting or slugging adventure.

daiwafishing.com.au

COAST MULTI-TOOL CT225

Set yourself up for any situation. The Coast 225 multi-tool packs 11 tools into its 122 gram frame and spans out to 16.5cm when open—styled in all black, built of stainless steel and designed to dominate. Use the spring-loaded needle nose pliers to grip, twist, and pull, or sink deeper into the jaw to cut through heavyduty wire with the wire cutter. From inside the handle, a straight-edge blade unfolds for precise cutting work and a saw brings power to limbs, cord, and other demanding materials. Three screwdriver formats—mini flathead, regular flathead, and Phillips—make it easier to tighten things down or take things apart. Other tools include: a can opener, bottle opener, leather punch, and file. The CT225, like all COAST knives and multi-tools, is built with highest-grade materials and backed by a lifetime warranty.

tacspo.com.au

BIWAA KAPSIZ SWIMMER 300

Crafted specifically for Australian anglers, the BIWAA Kapsiz Swimmer 300 is a formidable addition to the market. This 12-inch (300mm), 250g (9.2oz) paddle tail soft plastic is tailored for targeting sizable barra and Murray cod. Building upon the acclaimed action of the original Kapsiz Cast, the Swimmer offers a substantial bait option for impoundment fishing. Sold unrigged, it allows anglers the flexibility to customize their rigs according to specific fishing conditions and target species. Available in a palette of seven vibrant colours, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every fishing scenario.

ejtodd.com.au

MERIDIAN SPECTRE SERIES

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

YO-ZURI HYDRO MONSTER SHOT

The Hydro Monster Shot is a highly versatile casting lure. It can be fished from the surface to the bottom, and everywhere in between. It’s a heavy weighted lipped stick bait, that falls in a horizontal posture, with a side-to-side wobble that perfectly mirrors a dying baitfish. On a straight retrieve it has wide wobble action, when jigged or twitched it has a sharp darting action and when burned across the surface, it has a skipping action that resembles a fleeing bait. Through wire construction, a durable lead filled body and triple strength saltwater grade treble hooks, quality throughout. It comes in 6 colour patterns and 3 sizes to cover everything from Mackerel, Bonito, Tailor to Tuna species. The thin profile mirrors a variety of bait fish with the added weight to make extra-long casts. Available in three sizes 95mm/40grams, 110mm/50grams & 125mm/60grams.

tacspo.com.au

HAYABUSA SNAPPER RIGS

Are you ready to take your predatory fishing to the next level? Meet the Hayabusa Snapper Paternoster Rig, meticulously crafted to target aggressive species like snapper, gummy shark, flathead, and jewfish. Straight from Japan, this rig features two ultra-sharp Octopus Hayabusa Hooks (BEK562) with a striking nickel black finish. These hooks are renowned for their exceptional quality and piercing power. In each pack, you’ll find not one but two rigs, each with two hooks. Choose from three hook sizes (4/0, 5/0, and 6/0) to match your target species and fishing conditions. Crafted with high-quality Japanese fluorocarbon line, this rig is virtually invisible in the water and can stand up to the fiercest battles, thanks to its exceptional abrasion resistance. With a robust 43lb mainline and a 29lb hook line, this rig is built to handle the power of larger, aggressive fish. Say goodbye to lost catches due to insufficient line strength. The rig measures 1.55 meters in total, making it suitable for various fishing scenarios. Whether you’re casting from shore or deep-sea fishing, this rig is ready for action.

vivafishing.com.au

100% Fluorocarbon leader with high sensitivity and abrasion resistance while retaining high shock resistance. Triple resin processing and parallel spooling give this leader the tenacity to endure the toughest fight.

Available in:

50m spools 12lb to 50lb

30m spools 60lb to 100lb

A sinking PE line with a specific gravity of “1.48” This is achieved by incorporating 4x ULT-PE stands and 1x high specific gravity core material. This improves lure control when using sinking lures and has less influence from the wind and tide.

A special masterbatch of Nylon gives this leader a high breaking strain and high tenacity to endure with low water absorption. Supple and easy to handle, it enhances knot perfection. Excellent shock absorption on hook set.

Available in: 50m spools 4lb to 150lb Available in: Colours: Pink & Olive 150m PE:0.4 (7.2lb) to PE:1.5(22.5lb)

SAMAKI LIVE SHRIMP 50 & 70MM

The Samaki Live Shrimp is now available in all new 50mm/3.7g & 75mm/7.4g sizes. Designed to mimic live shrimp so precisely, you might even confuse it for the real thing. We’ve utilised a blend of high-grade materials and a segmented body to create that uncanny, lifelike swimming action. Featuring Mustad chemically sharpened hooks, this lure guarantees exceptional penetration and hook-up rates. The addition of Kevlar webbing in the tail enhances durability, allowing it to withstand aggressive strikes and rough conditions. Coupled with a 10x strong TPE body, the Live Shrimp ensures long-lasting performance, making it an essential addition to your tackle box. The lifelike feelers add an extra layer of realism, enticing even the most cautious fish. These lures are perfect for chasing bream, whiting, flathead, and more. Now available in convenient twin packs, providing double the value and readiness for your fishing adventures.

samaki.com.au

VEXED DOUBLE & TRIPLE HEADER WHITING RIGS

The Vexed Double Header Whiting Rig has been designed to help you catch more whiting. Perfect for targeting all whiting species from boat or shore. Vexed has utilised the super-efficient Revenge Snap as a sinker attachment, so you can now easily change sinker size or attach a Vexed Micro Meat or Bottom Meat Junior between 15g-80g as a fish catching sinker option. Once the hooks need replacing simply snip off the old hook trace and twist on your choice of Vexed Micro Meat assist hooks in a variety of sizes and styles. These rigs are built on heavier leader for a longer life span and no tangles or twist and utilise the Vexed Quick Clip Swivel system for quick assist attachment and tangle free design. All of the Vexed whiting rigs come rigged with red chemically sharpened longshank hooks, lumo sinker and are available in sizes 2,4,6,8 and 10. Check them out at your local Vexed Stockist.

vexedfishing.com.au

GAFF-MANN XL COD LANDING NET

Introducing the Gaff-Mann XL Cod Landing Net, expertly designed and crafted in Australia for exceptional performance in local waters. This net features a PVC coated mesh (2x2mm) with dimensions of 800mm wide, 800mm long, and 800mm deep, ensuring durability and reliability. Its fittings are constructed from 316 stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance. The handle, made from structural grade aluminium, measures 1010mm in length, providing a sturdy grip for landing large catches. Customers have the option to request a longer handle for an additional cost, tailored to their specific needs. If you’re looking for a net that can handle big Murray cod or barra in the impoundments, there isn’t anything on the market that can compete.

gaffman.com.au

VANFOOK BLADE WORKS

A strong single hook fitted with a silver or gold blade on a ball bearing swivel. The Blade Works hooks are a popular upgrade to your spinning metals. The blade adds flash and vibration which can help trigger strikes from pelagic species such as mackerel, Australian salmon, bonito, tailor and kingfish. Available in size 1, 1/0 & 2/0 and two in each pack.

ejtodd.com.au

MERCURY 8 & 9.9 EFI FOUR STROKES

Mercury Marine has introduced new 8 and 9.9hp EFI FourStroke and 9.9hp EFI ProKicker outboard engines. These new outboards feature an advanced Mercury electronic fuel injection system designed to provide boaters, fishing enthusiasts and pro anglers with easy starts and efficient performance. Thanks to EFI technology and other enhancements, these engines deliver up to 27% better fuel economy than earlier carbureted models in the same horsepower range. They are light enough to be portable, making them ideal for powering spontaneous adventures on the water in trailerable fishing boats and other small craft, including inflatable tenders. Pound for pound, these outboards produce more top-end horsepower than prior-generation carbureted engines, at a substantial weight savings compared to most EFI outboards in their class.

EFI technology also makes these engines easy to maintain and there is no oil filter to change. In addition, their maintenance-free camshaft requires no regular service and no valve lash adjustments for the life of the engine. The new engines also come with a quick-connect fresh-water flush attachment that connects to a regular garden hose. EFI technology takes the hassle out of starting in all weather conditions. While both the 8 and 9.9hp EFI models are offered with a choice of manual or electric start, the manual-start models do not require a cranking battery, adding to their convenience.

The 9.9hp EFI is available with remote or tiller controls, manual or power trim. The 8hp EFI comes with an easy-to-use tiller control – Shifting, throttle, steering, manual tilt and the engine stop button all can be operated with just one hand. Mercury’s engineering team balanced the powerhead on the new 8 and 9.9hp EFI outboards, and incorporated vibration and sound-dampening materials including soft-rubber mounts to deliver a smooth and quiet driving experience.

The Mercury 9.9hp EFI ProKicker offers all these benefits and doubles down with additional features designed with the pro angler in mind. The ProKicker’s high-thrust, four-blade propeller provides superior control, allowing anglers to dial in precise trolling speeds. The new EFI model also comes with Mercury’s heavy-duty Command Thrust gearcase for greater durability, as well as standard power tilt.

mercurymarine.com

VIC WINTER TROUT STOCK

The Allan Labor Government is making sure Victoria’s little anglers can get hooked on a new hobby these winter school holidays – with more than 35,000 catchable-size rainbow trout being stocked into 80 lakes across the state. Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today stocked more than 400 rainbow trout in Karkarook Park Lake in Moorabbin, which is has helped us reach a record-breaking stocking of 11.5 million this year – smashing our previous record of 10 million. More fish are stocked in Victoria than every other state and territory combined – with Murray cod, golden perch, brown and rainbow trout, threatened Macquarie perch, dusky flathead, Australian bass and more bolstering world-class fishing experiences that are easy and accessible for every Victorian to enjoy. There’s never been a better time for Victorian kids to start their fishing journey thanks to the Government’s Little Angler Kits program which has delivered 95,000 kits to every grade 5 student in Victorian schools so more young anglers can try their luck at their local lake.

vfa.vic.gov.au

EDENCRAFT FORMULA 233

Step up your fishing game and turn heads at the ramp with the Edencraft 233 Formula Classic. This 7.1m beast sets the standard for Australian trailer boats - nothing compares to its legendary performance. Featuring a 24 degree deadrise deep vee hull, it offers unrivalled stability and smooth rides. Built tough with advanced composites, twin engine fit-ups, expansive deck space, and a carrying capacity of 8 people. Fuel tank options ranging from 420L to 600L, you’ll fish longer and explore further. The adventure awaits, level up and become a fishing master with the 233 Formula Classic. Discover how you can achieve your fishing aspirations and beyond.

edencraft.com.au

MERCURY AVATOR 75E & 110E

Mercury Marine recently launched the Avator 75e and 110e electric outboards, expanding the range of its award-winning electric propulsion series. Designed to power bigger sustainable adventures on the water these new models are the latest to join Mercury’s all-electric propulsion lineup, which also includes the Avator 7.5e, 20e and 35e.

The Avator 75e and 110e electric outboards are poised to be Mercury’s most powerful and capable models to date, promising boaters unparalleled performance. A standout feature of the Avator 75e and 110e is the industry-first transverse flux motor technology. This groundbreaking design generates high torque with minimal effort, maximising battery life, and ensuring quick acceleration for an exhilarating boating adventure.

The Avator 75e generates 7,500W the equivalent of a 10hp engine, while the 110e generates 11,000W of power at the prop shaft comparable to a 15hp outboard. Both models are available with digital remote controls for boats with console steering. The 75e offers the added flexibility of a multi-function tiller handle, while the standard power tilt system makes it easy to trim for maximum efficiency or raising the outboard in shallow water.

The heart of these electric outboards lies in their advanced battery technology. Engineered exclusively for marine use, the Avator lithium-ion batteries provide reliable and efficient power. Their modular and portable designs allow users to bring along the power they need for a seamless boating experience.

These new outboards connect to an Avator 5400 Power Centre, which facilitates seamless battery integration and offers the flexibility to connect up to four rugged, weather-sealed Avator 5400Wh lithium-ion batteries for extended range and runtime. The Power Centre delivers convenient, single-point charging for multiple batteries simultaneously. There are two charging options available with the portable 520W Avator charger which can recharge two depleted 5400Wh batteries in approximately 20 hours, while the 1040W charger can cut charge time by more than 50 percent.

The Avators feature a vivid full-colour display, which offers comprehensive information, including to monitor speed, distance, range in terms of time remaining, battery level, power output and alerts. Optimised for easy viewing in all light conditions, these displays enhance the overall boating experience by providing users with the necessary information to explore with confidence.

mercurymarine.com

LIVE AND LEARN

Live Sonar has been a game-changer but you still need all your fishing smarts to outwit cunning Murray cod.

Words & Images: Dean Norbiato

Taking it extra slow on the retrieve saw this cod smash the authors stationary swimbait near the bank

Murray cod are the apex predator of every system they inhabit. Big, burly and broadshouldered, they roam around like the judge, jury and executioner. But don’t let their brawn fool you into thinking they are dumb, as they match their size with their smarts.

There are countless stories told over an icecold ale in a rural pub about just how smart these enigmatic creatures are. At times, it seems like they have a sixth sense about an angler’s presence in their environment.

I always thought about the mighty Murray cod when I was learning about Charles Darwin’s ‘natural selection’ theory in high school. Put simply, in dangerous circumstances, only those species most able to adapt to their environment survive.

Murray cod well and truly subscribe to this theory. They are the ‘once bitten, twice shy’ leaders of the freshwater fraternity. Over the years I have had the privilege to fish some pretty special Murray cod water, plying my trade with the latest in luring techniques and baits along some secluded stretches.

The one thing that always struck me was how much, compared with trout and yellowbelly, I’ve had to evolve my approach on my home patch of water. A general waning in success of new baits always seems to set in after an initial spike in action.

I’ve experienced it with spinnerbaits, then surface baits and more recently with swimbaits. Yes, they all work, but have come back from their initial disproportionate success rate, compared with when they first arrived on the scene.

I put this down to the wily Murray cod’s ability to learn and adapt to what it sees as a threat. Rather than their brawn, its their smarts that really sets them apart.

Live Sonar Debate

In my two decades obsessing over Murray cod, nothing has had more of a seismic impact than the advent of Live Sonar technology. Nothing has dominated the online Murray cod discourse, and divided opinion, more than a thin pole dangled over the side of the angling tub.

Like an underwater spotlight, it shines, in real time, a beam on the aquatic environment below the boat and transmits it back. This ground-breaking sounder technology also allows anglers to see their bait on the screen and dance it past an unsuspecting goodoo.

I’m a big believer that every action has an equal and sometime opposite reaction. In the Live Sonar debate, unequivocally, Murray cod will see an inordinate increase in the number of baits whisked past their nose. Like a sniper lying on the hill picking off the enemy, a capable

Live Sonar user can put a sinking bait on a fish’s head with one eye closed.

What we possibly haven’t considered is the equal and opposite reaction to his hyper-targeted approach. Murray cod with a significantly increased exposure, like they’ve never experienced, to baits in their environment will undoubtedly adapt to survive, as they have to drought and other environmental impacts.

If we think they are bait-shy now, you can only imagine where they will be after repeated seasons of having a bait inched past their nose, time and time again. Now, I’m not saying this to be a pessimist, rather a pragmatist to highlight the fact we, as anglers, need to continue to evolve and adapt if we want to keep our cameras clicking and social media accounts bristling with content.

Now, this is not a Live Sonar-bashing session as I, at times, use the technology myself. It’s more offering one angler’s opinion on what the outcome of such a huge stride forward in technology may cause, because we can’t put the technology genie back in the bottle.

Stay Silent

Having seen first-hand how Murray cod react to noise in their environment I’m surprised we ever caught them on rattling baits. The vast majority of times I’ve spied them on Live Sonar, they have been more often spooked by noise than drawn to it.

This includes clumsily thumping around the boat like a drunk elephant and how quickly that will send a cod back into its snag. Even landing a bait on the water’s surface directly above a fish can send it skittling for cover.

This was one lesson I gleaned from my time using Live Sonar that has made me a better fisherman, even when the pole is not in the water. We now try to avoid dropping our baits directly on the top of prime fish-holding areas, like flow points in the river or protruding snags.

Casting past the intended ‘hot spot’ and more naturally swimming your bait into the strike zone is now a non-negotiable, to the point where we will reposition the boat or kayak to ensure we don’t spoil a spot before we get a chance to target its prime fish-holding area.

While we used to ‘kind of’ do this before using Live Sonar, we now do it religiously due to the impact an errantly landed bait can have on even an active Murray cod. This has also manifested itself in us getting out of the boat and fishing certain section of water from the bank, to present our baits as stealthily as possible.

The next most technique-altering tip I gleaned from fishing with Live Sonar in the boat was how major even minor rod lifts can be. Now this sounds like a basic observation but I challenge any fisherman to accurately predict just how far a full rod lift moves a bait off the bottom.

Sinking baits such as creature baits, chatterbaits, swimbaits and spinnerbaits have always been part of my Murray cod arsenal. If it’s not a slow wind with pulses, it’s generally a full rod lift ‘hop and drop’ retrieve – two pretty basic retrieves with little finesse or modification.

That was until I noticed how a full rod lift can see your bait leap more than a couple of metres off the bottom. With that startling revelation we started to alter our technique

After gaining intel on Live Sonar, Will came back to the same spot and nailed this tank from

and lessen the velocity of the upward thrust on our hop and drop retrieves.

This had a marked difference on our catch rate when we opted to blind cast banks. On one occasion at Wyangala Dam, good mate Aaron Hill traded in his traditional full hop and drop retrieve for quarter hops. He made a concerted effort to not fall back to a full hop and drop for the entire trip. This would keep his sinking bait less than a metre off the bottom for its entire retrieve.

Now, while his results didn’t break any records, he was the only angler on the trip to put more than a single good cod in the boat... a fact he rarely lets me forget.

Go Slow

While I’m a huge Murray cod addict, patience, as my missus will attest, is not one of my strengths. With fishing, this sees me always looking to get to the next spot and make my next cast. I often get told, even by a new fishing buddy, to slow things down.

As any good cod angler worth listening to will tell you, patience is almost the number one cod commandment – Thou shall be patient –or something like that.

For me, I just didn’t realise how big an impact slowing things down has on your cod catch rate. You need only spend 15 minutes looking at how your bait moves underwater to see the impact speed has on the baits rising and falling through the water column.

Without seeing exactly how high your bait goes, 99 per cent of anglers would think a slow walk-paced wind keeps you in the strike zone for the entirety of your cast. This distance from the bottom is further

exacerbated when you are fishing from the boat and aiming towards the bank, as the water gets deeper as you wind.

The only angler I have fished with who seemed to have this sixth sense without the need for technology was cod icon Rod Mackenzie. He would routinely wind slower than anyone in the boat and also have the foresight to habitually halt his spinnerbait retrieve when he got to the halfway mark.

This would send his bait fluttering the short distance back to the bottom and often into the gob of a hungry goodoo.

The midway pause, as Rod perfected, is also a good tip for any angler who doesn’t have the deep pockets to invest in Live Sonar just to see how your bait reacts to different speeds.

For me, I was amazed how often you fall into a Murray cod trance when casting and retrieving. Almost on autopilot, you move from one snag to the next with little variation.

A beautifully marked goodoo that stalked this swimbait for its entire journey before detonating on it at the boat

Looks like this goodoo has been in been in a good paddock.

■ 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.

What Live Sonar exposes is that a slow winding retrieve of a sinking bait sees your artificial presentation stay in a really hot strike zone, generally, for less than a quarter of the retrieve. Of course, that is commonly the first quarter of the cast, when your bait is closer to the bank and shallower margins of the waterway.

Once it passes the quarter mark, if you don’t alter the pace or cadence of your retrieve it will swim in the top half of the water column for the remainder of its time in the drink. Yes, you can catch cod in the top half of the water column, but after staring at a Live Sonar screen, by far the majority of cod hang out in the bottom half of the water.

Slowing down more than you ever imagined with sinking baits takes a while to get used too, but it is the single biggest lesson anyone can take out of using Live Sonar technology. This level of patience is also relevant for all those surface cod anglers out there.

I recently saw some eye-opening Live Sonar footage from Victorian cod gun Ray Clifford, who tracked a sizeable Murray cod under his surface bait. Like stalking its prey, it broke from its snag and tracked under his surface bait for the majority of the cast before exploding into action in the final moments of the retrieve.

A lot of anglers would think that if it hasn’t happened in the first half of a surface retrieve, it ain’t going to happen. This is without thinking that a cod has tracked the buoyant bait from its initial plop in the water, painstakingly planning its surface attack.

Doing it Live

Nothing has caused more of a disruption in cod circles than Live Sonar. It has also ushered in some pretty heated debate about whether using it is in fact ‘fishing’. While I support the opinion that it is far departed from the traditional notion of drowning a worm on a riverbank, I don’t condone some of the vitriol towards other anglers it has generated.

As I mentioned, I have access to the technology and on occasions enjoy learning from it, while other times I don’t. But the one thing I can’t argue with is just how many lessons you can learn that will make you a better fisherman and help put those all important pieces together in the quest to crack the Murray cod code.

This hungry little fella fell to a slow worked swimbait.

Creating stronger fishing clubs

Victorian fishing clubs are getting a helping hand to grow membership, upgrade facilities and encourage the next generation to wet a line through the State Government’s $1.2 million Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program.

More than 30 clubs have shared in $300,000 through round 1 of the program, which provides grants of up to $10,000, funded by fishing licence fees.

The Omeo Angling Club, whose members often fish in remote areas, will use $7,400 to repair clubroom roofing and windows, buy a mobile signal booster, and install eftpos to enable easier payments.

Round 2 will open later in 2024.

One of the state’s newest clubs, the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club, will purchase IT, software and printing equipment to attract more members, and produce educational material on restoring native fish habitats.

Celebrating their 100 years since formation, the Mitcham Angling Club will boost technology upgrades at the club, while Port Albert Fishing Club will rebuild their clubroom kitchen.

Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/strongerfishingclubs

EAST COAST REDS

Snapper come into the shallower water chasing prey – and this is the time to target a trophy capture.

Words & Images: Jack Hammond

93cm of Port Stephens snapper, caught in 10m of water on day break.

Now we’re in the cooler months of the year, it’s time to dust off the snapper gear and go chase some big winter reds in the shallows. The east coast of Australia is famous for its great snapper fishing all year round, but leading into winter is when the east coast current pushes out to sea, forcing the temperatures down. This really fires up those big trophy snapper up in the shallows, making it the perfect time to target them.

There are many techniques used to target snapper along the east coast, whether that’s floating baits back in a burley trail, or slow-pitch jigging out in those deeper reefs. They are an awesome sportfish targeted by many anglers around Australia, and a great fish on the dinner table as well. My favourite way to target trophy reds is throwing soft plastics on light tackle in those harsh shallow reefs scattered up and down the coast.

Generally, finding where snapper live is fairly easy, but some days it’s hard to get through those smaller fish to get to the bigger fish. There are a few key factors that I consider when targeting snapper, which generally get me better odds in finding those big snapper.

My first step is looking at key bite times. Snapper tend to bite best at dawn and dusk as it provides the perfect time to find good cover, seeking baitfish that push into the shallows to look for cover and hide from predators. Also, keep an eye on tide changes during the day.

Snapper do feed at night but with that first ray of sunlight the baitfish will suspend off the reefs and start to look for deeper water, which the snapper see that as a perfect time for an ambush feed. I start normally fishing in up to 10

metres of water at first light, then work my way towards the deeper reefs as daylight progresses. I reverse this if searching for an afternoon bite – start in the deeper water and work my way into the shallows. This technique has worked for me many times over several years and has greatly increased my catch rate.

Moon Phases

Moon phases play a large role in a snapper’s behaviour in the shallows as they will tend to bite better around a new moon due to less light in the water, which gives the fish more cover to hunt around those bait schools sitting on the reefs. So, I will generally fish heavier when there is less moonlight as the fish won’t be as spooked by leader sizes. I will start fishing a 30lb set-up at dawn and once the bite slows I will swap back to my 20lb set-ups when the sun comes up and the fish become more wary. Around full moon I will fish a lot lighter than the new moon, starting with 20lb at first light then as the day progresses switching to 16lb if it’s a slow bite. I also like to rig my soft plastics on a lighter jig head to slow the sink rate of my lure, which will also trigger a bite in those slow grind situations.

Fishing different depths and conditions will also determine which lures and weights I run to make the most of bite times. Fishing the washes, the fish will generally push right up in hard against the rocks feeding off all the shellfish and barnacles, so I like to have my lure right up in the zone and fish my lure as light as possible with a maximum weight of 1/4 oz and all the way down to a 1/8 oz depending on the depth of the washes. The longer the lure is in the zone hard up against the rocky ledges where the fish are feeding, the better chance you have of converting the bite.

The author’s Lowrance HDS Pro showing pressure points on the back end of a reef

hunting an easy feed.

Fishing shallow reefs is my favourite way to target reds, as they are found around bait schools. This can lead to several trophy snapper in a session and the chance of catching some incredible by-catch such as pearl perch, kingfish and even cobia. Setting up the right drift is critical, so knowing what way the wind and current are going to push you will help determine what way your boat will drift. Minimal boat and engine noise will also help to get more bites as unnatural noise can alert the fish that there may be danger in the area, which may shut them down on a calm day.

Generally, reefs from 10-30 metres deep will hold large bait schools, so it’s important to keep an eye on your sounder while fishing these reefs. If you can see bait schools suspended mid-water or flickering on the surface, I’d definitely be marking a waypoint and focusing on those schools on your next drift.

I will fish these areas mainly with 1/4oz to 3/8oz jig-heads depending on my drift speed, wind and current, but the lighter the weight you can fish and easily get your lure in the strike zone, the more chance you will have of getting the bite.

Sounder Set-up

Having a good sounder is the handiest tool to have on your boat for fishing shallow reefs for targeting snapper as you want to be in the right areas in those prime bite times. I use a Lowrance HDS Pro 12 linked with an Active Imaging HD transducer and this set-up has been a game-changer for snapper fishing. I like to have a split screen with one side on traditional sonar 200kHz for best clarity and the other side on my maps chart so I can line my boat up for the perfect drift over a reef.

Having a map card with relief shading in your sounder is very handy when exploring new ground as it will give you an in-depth image of the reef you are coming up on and you can easily find steep ledges that will have pressure points, which is a good area to look for a big snapper.

Identifying fish between the baitfish can be difficult on some sounders but knowing how to fine-tune the settings in your sounder can help find the fish, so never be afraid to play around with your gain and sensitivity to optimise for the best picture in your sounder.

The soft plastic market is huge these days, with a variety that can make it daunting walking into a tackle store for people new to lure fishing. I like to take it back to basics and match the hatch, with lure size and profile similar to the baitfish in the area.

An 85cm snapper caught in the middle of the day in 35m of water fishing around bait schools in the mid-water column.

My most memborable Snapper bi-catch is this cracking 22kg Cobia on 20lb snapper gear!

The author with a 78cm snapper caught late afternoon on a shallow reef.

Big snapper aren’t afraid to eat a big bait so I like to use soft plastics around the 7 to 9-inch mark as in my local area of Port Stephens baitfish are commonly found around 5 to 7 inches long but I find if you’re throwing bigger lures you can get through the smaller fish and find the bigger fish. Colour of lures does help some days as well, depending on the water clarity – when the water is dirty I like to use a darker-coloured soft plastic such as red, brown or black as they put off a solid silhouette, making it easier for the fish to see from a distance. In clean water I will run a brightly coloured soft plastic such as white, pink or yellow as I believe it creates a glow that will attract the fish in to investigate their next feed.

If I had to pick two rod and reel set-ups to chase big snapper, I would choose a 4-8kg 7ft 6in rod matched to a 5000-sized reel for a 20lb set-up, and a 12-25lb 7ft 10in rod matched to a 5000-sized reel with 30lb braid.

SNAPPER ARE A GREAT TABLE FISH SO PRESERVING THE MEAT IS IMPORTANT, AND HAVING A BRAIN SPIKE IS A HANDY TOOL TO INSTANTLY KILL THE FISH AND SUBDUE ITS NERVES BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO THE ESKY.

These set-ups will cover all shallow water snapper soft plastic fishing up and down the east coast, and have enough pulling power to slow up most of those trophy reds this winter.

Snapper are a great table fish so preserving the meat is importing, and having a brain spike is a handy tool to instantly kill the fish and subdue its nerves before putting it into the Esky.

Many anglers choose to catch and release big snapper, and it’s a good practice to take only what you need. Looking after snapper is important as they suffer from barotrauma, so when releasing snapper I like to have a large container with sea water in it ready, and as soon as I get the fish into the net I can put it straight into the container so the fish can revive while I’m setting my camera for a few photos. Once I have my photos I quickly get the fish back in the water for a powerful release.

This school of yellowtail is providing the perfect message that there is big snapper pushing them up high in the water column, generally the more solid the bait ball looks the more pressured it is!

Quality tackle is always the make or break to landing those trophy snapper!

Uncomfortable conditions often tend to bring on a longer bite time for big reds in the shallows.

What sets Gosen apart is their commitment to quality from start to finish. These exceptional braided lines are meticulously manufactured in Gosen’s own facility in Japan. This ensures that every step of the production process, from selecting the finest raw materials to weaving and testing, is executed with the utmost care and expertise.

Gosen braided lines are designed to meet the rigorous demands of anglers who seek uncompromising strength, sensitivity, and casting performance. The result is a series of braids that deliver a seamless fusion of technology and tradition, offering anglers an edge in their pursuit of trophy captures.

WINTER SURF SALMON

Salmon are a prime quarry right now in the southern states so head for the beach to connect with a school of these sleek sportfish.

Words & Images: Jamie Crawford

Salmon in the surf are a heap of fun so get down to your local surf beach and get into them!

In my local area of South Australia these schools arrive from the west and start to filter onto our local beaches around the beginning of winter. And while our local beaches offer some salmon in the surf year-round, nothing compares to the sheer number of fish which arrive once the water starts to cool. Every year is slightly different in terms of timing, numbers and where the fish arrive first, but from late autumn onwards we start to scour beaches waiting for these schools to arrive. I’m happy to report this year is shaping up to be an absolute cracker.

There are two separate biological stocks of Australian salmon found in Australian waters, the eastern and western stocks. The eastern species can be found from southern Queensland, down the NSW coastline to eastern Victoria, and including eastern Tasmania. This species is the smaller of the two, with individuals occasionally reaching 5kg but generally 0.5–2kg.

The western species is the larger of the two, with fish in the 2.5–4kg range regularly encountered, with 5kg fish not uncommon. The species can reach a maximum of 9kg, which is rare but a possibility.

The western stock can be found in western Victoria, through SA and around Western Australia – extending up to Kalbarri in the mid-west region of WA. Small numbers are also encountered along the west coast of Tasmania at times. Visually the two species are indistinguishable, unless you take the time to count the number of gill rakers on the first gill arch.

As a sportfish, Australian salmon are fantastic, but they’re often overshadowed by more coveted targets from the surf. Personally, I love rolling up to a surf beach to find a seething mass of hungry salmon within casting range. These fish are super fun –especially from the raw setting of a surf beach. How many land-based targets do you know of that travel in vast schools, compete with each other to eat a lure, and fight until the bitter end. They’re unique, and I’m glad the stocks are healthy here in the south.

Conditions

Winter can be a harsh time of year to hit a surf beach, so keeping an eye on the conditions is important to ensure you don’t get blown off the beach. When chasing salmon from the surf, try to align your session with periods of light or offshore wind, with good daytime tides and small to medium swell. Aim to arrive during the building tide, and you’ll find that fish will start to filter into near-shore gutters towards the peak of the high tide.

Having smaller swell will assist in visually

spotting schools of fish in the surf, as opposed to having big swell that can create a lot of whitewater and exacerbate water movement through shallow inshore gutters. When a solid swell is pumping we pack away the light gear and lures, and revert to bait fishing.

Salmon are largely visual hunters, and feed better during daylight hours. You will still catch the occasional fish on bait after dark, but not many. Daytime is definitely a more productive period to chase salmon from the surf.

Lure Fishing

Locating a school of salmon and casting lures at them is, in my book, the most exciting way of targeting them. We have quite a few surf beaches here in SA where we can drive along the beach, giving us the opportunity to easily look for schools of fish holding in near-shore water. If we locate a school out wide, we’ll take note of the location and return to see if they’ve moved closer to shore as the tide fills.

Not all surf beaches offer vehicle access, though, and sometimes you’ll have to don the waders and go for a walk. My early salmon sessions (pre-4WD) were all on foot, and I’d cover quite a distance in a day walking along soft sand while looking for schools of fish. When scouting for schools, use high vantage points such as sand dunes or rocky headlands, as this will give you better vision into the surf.

Identifying a school of salmon is fairly easy. They will appear as a dark mass holding within a gutter or behind the sand bar in deeper water. They will rarely sit in the shallow water on top of a sand bar where the waves are breaking, but will pass through this high energy water as they fill into a gutter or trough of water.

A whole pilchard presented on snelled hooks for big salmon in the surf.

If you are unsure whether the patch is salmon, reef or weed, take the time to watch them. The shape of the school will slowly change form, and you’ll see a few silver flashes – especially as the shoulder of a wave passes.

Once you can see they are fish, run down and get a lure into the school. With such feeding competition and the insatiable appetite of salmon, it’s unusual for a school of fish to ignore a well-placed lure. There are plenty of effective salmon lures on the market, but the biggest consideration when choosing a lure is its castability, even above lure action.

These surf roaming schools are often on the move and not always close to the beach, so getting a lure in front of the fish is the number one goal. You may only get one or two casts at the fish while the school is within casting distance, before they slip back out beyond range.

Metal slugs in the 40 to 70-gram weight range are our go-to salmon lures, with rear weighted metals assisting in casting distance. Some good lures include the Halco Outcast, Oceans Legacy Sling Shot and the original

Lazer Lure. But in reality if you can make the distance with any lure, then you’ll be in with a good chance of a hook-up. When the fish are holding close to shore, I love casting a popper or weighted stickbait at them and watching the surface antics as fish porpoise over each other as they compete for the lure –it’s very cool.

Salmon are good fighters in the surf, with a solid fish giving a good account of itself, especially in the later stages of the fight in receding water. Salmon also take to the air quite regularly, which is cool to see but this is when they are most likely to flare their gills, shake their head and throw a lure. When fighting a lure-caught salmon, try to keep your line tight at all times to lessen the chances of a thrown lure.

Casting lures for salmon offers a very uncomplicated and almost simplistic form of fishing. All you need is a waist belt with a selection of lures, spare leader material, pliers and scissors. As we release the vast majority of salmon we catch we’re not lugging a catch bag or Esky with us, but if you want to take a few fish home for the table or the bait freezer then by all means accommodate for this.

Whether you wear waders or brave the conditions and wear shorts will depend on the weather forecast and conditions on the day. A hat and polarized sunnies are a must. The last item is rod and reel selection. To maximise the fun factor of lure fishing for salmon, all you need is a lightweight rod rated at around 5–8kg and around 10 to 11ft long.

Having a ‘crisp’ or fast action rod is preferred for punching out these small metal lures. There are plenty of great off-the-shelf multipiece rods on the market these days that are light in hand and so much fun to use, and when matched with a 5000 or 6000-sized threadline with 20lb braid they are a deadly lure fishing combo in the surf.

Bait Fishing

If we can’t visually spot any schools of salmon, or if the swell is on the larger side, we’ll often soak baits rather than casting lures into the surf. Also, the bigger gutters along a surf beach will sometimes lend themselves better to bait fishing, with these large deep gutters turning up big fish, along with some welcome by-catch that will eat a bait well before they swipe at a lure.

The author with a salmon caught spinning in the surf.

THE VEXED WHITING SYSTEM

These surf beaches are typified by steep banks and often coarse shell grit rather than the soft sand of shallower beaches, and it’s in these settings where we’ve seen most of our big fish over the magic 10-pound mark. Once again, the daytime high tide is the preferred window, with the hour before high tide through until an hour after the peak being a productive time to soak a bait in the surf.

Baits can be varied in this surf setting, but the humble WA pilchard is hard to beat – especially the higher quality baits sold as IQF (individual quick frozen). Whether used as half baits or whole will depend on the size of the pilchard and size of the salmon being targeted. Other good baits include fillets of mullet, trevally and salmon (yep, they are cannibalistic), and to a lesser degree squid.

We find the longevity of squid is an advantage when there are lots of smaller fish or sand crabs attacking baits. When bait fishing in the surf, by-catch (depending on location) can include flathead, mullet, tailor, silver trevally, gummy sharks and the occasional mulloway.

The standard surf rig I use has a pair of snelled 5/0 or 6/0 offset octopus or limerick pattern hooks tied about 5cm apart, with both hooks used per one bait. These hooks are on the bottom of a 50cm trace line of 60lb mono, with a 2/0 crane swivel at the top. I have a short 10cm dropper of heavy 100lb mono which attaches my sinker to the top eye of the swivel. The sinker is typically a 4oz to 6oz star, but we are forced to use a grapnel sinker on occasions when there is some sideways current.

To effectively cast these bigger weights and baits into the surf, a different combo is required from the lure fishing combo detailed earlier. When bait fishing for salmon, an 11 to 12ft rod rated at 8-12kg is perfect for casting baits.

I generally

I use an 8000-sized threadline reel when bait fishing, or equivalent in an overhead.

You can hold your rod the whole time and wait for a bite when bait fishing, but I prefer to set a bait and then prop the rod in a PVC rod holder and stand next to the rod. Try to cast into the sideways current (i.e. to the left if the flow is from left to right) and once you gather loose line and set the sinker you should have a bait sitting perpendicular to the rod holder.

Chasing salmon in the surf, whether with lures or with bait, is great fun. We are heading into the prime salmon months now for southern anglers, so get out there and check out your local surf beach.

fish with 30lb braid when bait fishing for salmon in the surf as I find 20lb a tad light.

This is what surf fishers want to see – a big school of salmon sitting in a near shore gutter.

Stephen Johnson with a big salmon caught on bait from SA’s west coast..

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

Please note: Video evidence will be required if you are the winner!

We don’t sell Insalt rods to the public so check your local tackle store for our products.

Terms and conditions

1. You can enter as many times as you like but once you enter a catch it can not be entered again in another month.

2. Only these rods can be used in the comp Insalt finesse explorer 5’6 spin, 6’6 spin and 5’6 overhead or our previous model Estuary Explorer.

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

4. The prize is voted on the biggest or best catch.

5. Anglers can use line above the recommended rod 1-3kg rating but it’s not recommended and will forfeit warranties 1-2kg $1000 Noodle

www.insaltlures.com.au

The Ahi Series is a barrel bluefin specialist that incorporates a 10Deg face angle and enlarged front section that reduces in size toward the rear half of the head. These features produce an exceptional outrigger or long corner lure, with excellent all round performance over a range of speeds from 5 - 9 knots. Six sizes make up the Ahi series from the huge XOS down to the Ahi #5, all with exceptional fish raising characteristics.

RIG RUNDOWN

EDENCRAFT 6.0

The new Hooked Up boat is our dream set-up – and we’re sharing our ideas for the best kit that could upgrade your own boat.

Words & Images: Kosta Linardos

Last month I introduced our new boat, an Edencraft 6.0 Offshore. We covered what we loved about the hull and engine – and this month I’m going to provide the full Rig Rundown on the fit-out. This isn’t so much a review of the products I’ve used and installed or the service providers, but more a recommendation. We can’t have anything fail on our boats when we’re out doing shoots, as we have significant costs in time, cameramen, videographers, crew and clients with us, so anything that goes wrong is more than just an inconvenience – it’s costly. While we may just be going fishing, we’re also running a business. I’ve put together six boats over the past 14 years and stripped and reinstalled all new electronics on the same boat a few times. My time in the fishing and boating industry has afforded me the experiences to know who the best people are in the business. I was therefore able to assemble a bit of dream team when it came to putting all the pieces of this boat together, so read on as I take you through the full Rig Rundown.

Marine Tech

The whole fit-out of the boat was done by Marine Tech in Chelsea Heights, Victoria. I delivered them the Edencraft hull with engine hung on the transom, plus the plumbing installed as well as the stainless; aside from that, it was a bare boat, with not even a steering wheel. Marine Tech exceeded all my expectations with the fit-out – it was better than I imagined. The team, with owner Johnny Stav at the helm, are true master marine technicians. Their attention to detail and meticulous approach to all aspects of the fit-out, wiring and installation was well above industry standard. When it comes to boat fit-outs, few businesses are exceptional at it. It requires multiple skills, patience and intelligence to do it at a high level. The ability to cleanly and precisely cut fibreglass is one such skill. The Edencraft is extremely thick everywhere, from the dash through to the floor, and Johnny did an amazing job of cutting everything perfectly. Many installers

will just use the sounder to cover up crooked cut lines, but Johnny ensured it was all precise. Their engine fit-up knowledge is also first-class, so they knew every aspect of the Mercury and how it would connect with the Simrad system and batteries for optimal performance.

They used only the finest materials such as marine tinned wiring, and great care was taken in ensuring all wiring was not only efficient electronically but aesthetically it was neat, hidden and matched the beautiful aesthetic of the Edencraft. They have an extremely clean and well organised workshop and use only the finest tools. Marine Tech is without doubt in the upper echelon of marine outfitters and technicians in Victoria. The team were an absolute pleasure to work with and I can’t recommend them highly enough for anyone wanting a small job done or a complete fit-out like I had. You can find them at www.marine-tech.com.au or call them on 0405 610 634.

The team at Marine Tech did an exceptional job of the fit out.

Moose Marine

When it came to choosing what was going on the boat, I designed it all with Anthony ‘Moose’ Cooke of Moose Marine who is also based in Chelsea Heights. Moose is an outfitter and a retailer, and his product knowledge is exceptional. He’s an industry leader when it comes to boat electronics and marine products and is always a few steps ahead of everyone with what’s new in the marine world. Essentially, Moose acted as an interior designer and sourced most of the products for me. He is so much fun to work with as he’s always full of great ideas and instantly knows what will work and what can and can’t be done.

I knew I’d be using this boat in the dark quite a lot so the first thing we worked out was lighting. Moose has a huge range of lighting products with an interactive light wall in his showroom where you can test out many lights. He is a Hella Marine dealer

and recommended we largely use this brand as it has products to cover most of what I needed. He was confident in their German manufacturing and durability and I’m glad I went ahead with Hella – so far I’ve been extremely impressed with the products. We installed Hella Apelo A2 underwater lights in RGB. On my past three boats I’ve used Ocean LED, and they never let me down but they’re expensive. For less than the price of two Ocean LED lights I could get four Hella Apelo A2 lights, so it was an easy choice. While each Apelo A2 puts out 3000 lumens, I went with four as my philosophy on underwater lights is if you’re going to do it, do it properly and make it ultra-bright. The beauty of the RGB is I can switch to white for ultra-bright or use more subtle tones such as green, blue and purple. They definitely attract bait and they are awesome for when I’m reversing into my dark driveway at night or putting on tie downs at dark ramps, and they ensure your boat can be seen by passing ships and other vessels. I added Hella Sea Hawk XL floodlights on the rocket launcher that switch between blue and white, which have been perfect on some recent night-time gummy sessions. When on white they are 750 lumens and I love the fact I can swivel them when I want more direct light over the water. They light up the whole cockpit and out into the water and I can switch them to a milder blue, which still provides great visibility but gives your eyes a nice rest from the ultra-bright white.

I placed a Hella LED strip lamp on the roof as you open the door. This has a switch on it so as soon as you open the door, you can switch a light on by hand rather than hitting a switch at the helm. This strip lamp switches between red and white. We also installed red COB LED strip lights from Oz Marine Tech in the cabin roof so you can have full vision in the cabin without it being too harsh. We also used white COB lights in the cabin shelves and side pockets so it’s easy to find anything. For me it’s the perfect lighting system that gives you full vison in a dark cabin without any lights blinding you.

Hella doesn’t do COB lights or strip lights so Moose suggested a new brand he brings in called Shadow-Caster. The Shadow-Caster RGB light strips are housed in a thick silicone tubing that acts as a diffuser and makes them highly durable. We put these under the toe holds where they can be knocked by larger feet tucking right in, so this design is tough and a very effective lighting solution for the floor of the cockpit. They are bright and run the full length of the cockpit, giving me full vision into the bilge area. Shadow-Caster also makes an excellent RGB controller that we installed to control the RGB function on the Hella Apelo underwater lights. It’s a simple control box and rocker switch system that makes it easy to cycle through modes and colours. We used a Fusion RGB controller for the strip lights. This is controlled via a remote I keep in the glovebox, which isn’t ideal but

does work very well. As I don’t really need to change the floor light colour very often it works well for me, and I have become quite partial to purple – it’s easy on the eyes at night and looks cool. You can get in contcat with Moose Marine at www.moosemarine. com.au and Hella at www.hellamarine.com

Simrad All The Way

One of the biggest aspects of the boat fit-out was the sonar/navigation system – I went everything Simrad and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I kept my sonar/nav system simple and effective with a Simrad NSS Evo3 16in and 12in networked and running to an SS175HW through-hull transducer. I have had an Evo3 running to this same transducer on my past two boats and it’s exceptional. This is the first time I have purely just run Simrad and I couldn’t be happier. The sonar readings are outstanding, even at speed, and whether I’m marking lone snapper on barren Port Phillip Bay bottom, looking for weedy ground or marking kingfish in extremely fast current, it does it with clear and precise readings. Its colour erase function is excellent and allows me to find fish with ease. It doesn’t take long for someone new to this unit to decipher the difference between pinkies and big snapper, and even marks squid clearly. The navigation unit is fast and responsive and thanks to the Simrad Precision 9 compass, it delivers heading accuracy of +2 degrees. In layman’s terms this means that on my GPS the boat icon in relation to my position is extremely accurate, so it knows if the boat is going forwards or backwards and it makes anchoring on marks easier, and getting on top of fish far more precise, which leads to better captures. I highly recommend the Precision 9 compass to any angler, it’s a game changer.

The Precision 9 Compass is quite large but can be mounted in the cabin and still provide outstanding connectivity. It’s part of Simrad’s autopilot system, which I also installed. This is a great feature that allows me some handsfree and precise control while under way, so it’s great for long runs.

I also installed a Simrad HALO20+ radar. Radar is a great safety feature to monitor locations of other boats on a busy bay when driving at night or in fog. With its long-range coverage, I can see if a boat is sitting on a reef or mark I want to fish before I bother running out to it, saving me time and fuel. I’ve never had autopilot or radar before but they are two very luxurious and useful features that I am loving. I also installed a Simrad VHF, which aesthetically looks great and is efficient and easy to use.

While all these features are amazing, the best part of the Simrad system is how simple it is to use and how reliable and fast it is. The units turn on quickly, it’s easy to enter a new mark, organise marks, sound fish and control any other functions – it’s extremely intuitive.

Sionyx Nightwave

I also installed a SIONYX Nightwave night vision camera. It’s very lightweight when compared with thermal cameras and a compact unit, which was a big part of my decision. I already have the radar on the rocket launcher, so I didn’t want to add much more weight up top. It offers full colour night vision as opposed to thermal vision and needs only starlight to operate. We tested it out on a new moon and it’s excellent for running at night and monitoring for obstacles and debris. It connects to the Simrad unit via HDMI and is a better way of navigating through marinas and harbours than blasting a light bar, which is distracting to other boats. It’s an effective and relatively affordable option for anglers such as myself who do a lot of night driving.

Oz Marine Tech Switches

Oz Marine Tech (OMT) is a company based in Rowville, Victoria, run by Ibrahim Bayri. The man is a true genius and expert craftsman when it comes to switching systems for boats. He makes stylish and effective customised push-button switch panels and he can do almost anything. They have a CNC routing machine to custom-cut the panels out of multiple material choices as well as laser cutting engraving to label all switches on the panel. He has multiple switches to choose from with LED colour options and he can label all panels with LED backlighting. My panel is made from 6mm Dura Matte which doesn’t reflect light, doesn’t scratch or show swirls from oil on your hands. It has bevelled edges and is back bolted so there are no visible screws. It features a back-lit Edencraft logo and I can turn the LED backing lights off or dim them with a touch-sensitive switch. This is the third switch panel I’ve had from

Oz Marine Tech and they have never let me down. I can’t recommend Ibrahim and the team Oz Marine Tech highly enough, as they are a pleasure to work with, extremely professional and their work is flawless. This is a very stylish aspect of the boat, and more importantly extremely functional in any light conditions for both captain and crew. You can reach Oz Marine Tech at www.ozmarinetech. com.au or on (03) 9056 9199. They can make panels up and deliver them anywhere in Australia.

Anchoring

When it came to an electric anchor winch I went with Edencraft’s recommendation, which is Stress Free – and my experience has been exactly that. The winch came prespooled with rope, chain and chain sock that perfectly suited the boat. All I’ve mainly done

The Syonix Nightwave as I’m coming towards the channel markers, note how bright they appear from quite a distance.

Oz Marine Tech made a custom switch panel and custom anchor switch panel.

The Syonix Nightwave camera vison via the Simrad. This was on a new moon coming into the Martha Cove canal. This is a notouriously dark harbour and ramp.

fishing-wise so far is anchor-based fishing, with lots of whiting and gummy sessions in hard-running currents in Western Port and Port Philip Bay.

The winch has been faultless, it’s extremely powerful, quiet and does its job every time. You can reach Stress Free at www.stressfree.com.au.

I paired it with an Anchor Right SARCA Excel, and it’s the best anchor I’ve ever owned. It holds first time, every time. I’ve anchored in areas where most people struggle to hold and it’s been outstanding. The combination of Stress Free and the SARCA Excel provides me with confidence no matter where I’m anchoring. You can reach Anchor Right at www. anchorright.com.au

Savage Trailers

The final aspect of the whole package – and one of the most important – is the trailer. I opted for a Savage Trailer – the seventh I’ve owned. Ben and the team at Savage make exceptional trailers that are custom-built for each boat. I opted for an aluminium dual-axle Pro Series trailer with carpeted bunks. It’s a joy to tow on the road and driving the boat on and off with the bunk system is easy in even the most trying conditions.

The bunks protect the hull from any possible damage or marks. If you’re new to boating or nervous about driving your boat on and off, you cannot get an easier, safer or better system than this. I’m often the last boat to get to the ramp but the first one out, and yes, that has a bit to do with experience, but the ease of the trailer makes a big difference in speed and efficiency.

I’ve never had anything fail on me on any of my Savage Trailers over the past 14 years and I use them often and over long distances on Victoria’s very average roads.

Savage customised the wrap down the I-beam on my trailer in white and black to match the aesthetic on the boat, and custom wraps and decals are an option for all customers. It looks amazing and its performance is faultless. You can get in touch with Savage Trailers at www.savagetrailers.com.au or call on (03) 9708 2970.

To Conclude

While I understand not everyone can afford to put a package together like this (it has taken me years of saving and hard work to do so), I do hope that the companies and products I’ve used have given you some great ideas of what you can add to your existing boat or new model to create a better and safer fishing platform for your fishing adventures.

The aluminium I-Beam looks exceptional and the performance on the road is even better.

The Savage Trailers bunk system offers the easiest drive on and off experience of any trailer on the market and it protects the hull from any damage.

this is what it’s all about!

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