Hooked Up 153 Feb 2025

AUSTRALIA’S ONLY FREE FISHING & TACKLE MAGAZINE

THE 2025 DUSKY FLATHEAD SPECIAL EDITION 8 GUN ANGLERS INTERVIEWED LURE BUYER’S GUIDE FEATURING OVER 120 LURES

FREE #153 FEB 2025

TAKE CONTROL.

INTRODUCING THE NEW

TROLLING MOTOR Control begins with Recon – the first salt-ready electric steer trolling motor from Lowrance. A unique joystick remote, wireless foot pedal and display integration allow you to control your motor from anywhere onboard.

While best in class GPS and thrust hold you in position, no matter the conditions. With all that taken care of, all that’s left is for you to take control of your cast and reel in the fish.

®Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off, and ™ common law marks. Visit www.navico.com/intellectual-property to review the global trademark rights and accreditations for Navico Holding AS and other entities.

WATCH THE

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Over two decades of relentless refinement, the 25 SALTIGA stands at the pinnacle of strength and reliability. Featuring the groundbreaking POWERDRIVE DESIGN, it’s built with an uncompromising focus on power and toughness to perform when it matters most.

A design philosophy that pursues toughness and power

DRIVEGEAR DIAMETER - OVER 10% UP

above all else to deliver anglers the ultimate strength.

20 SALTIGA 14000-XH Gear

25 SALTIGA 14000-XH Gear

daiwafishing.com.au

HOOKED UP MAGAZINE - FEBRUARY 2025 - ISSUE #153 ON THE COVER: Caitlin Berecry with a 91cm dusky flathead taken on a swimbait.

CONTENTS

SO MUCH FISHING AND SO LITTLE TIME

6-13 FISHING & TACKLE NEWS 14-21 ANGLER INTERVIEWS

February isn’t about deciding if you’ll fish—it’s about making the tough call on what you’ll fish for. There’s no shortage of options, and whichever way you go, you’re in for some serious action. Offshore, striped marlin are lighting up the game fishing scene, with bait balls getting smashed and boats raising multiple fish a day. If that’s not your style, school southern bluefin tuna are in full swing, and the kingfish are out in force, ready to test any angler with a penchant for topwater chaos.

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYER’S GUIDE

Closer in, the estuaries are alive, with bream and perch feeding hard, while up in the rivers, bass, trout, and Murray cod are making the most of the warm water. And if you’re looking for sheer power, Northern Australia’s bluewater playground is firing, with Spanish mackerel, GTs, and a buffet of reef species all in prime condition. For those who prefer still waters, the impoundments are giving up incredible barramundi sessions, with metre-plus fish smashing lures in the early mornings and late evenings.

PUBLISHER Hammerhead Media Pty Ltd

22-46

With so many species on the chew, it’s the best kind of problem to have— choosing where to go and what to target. But if there’s one thing you need to make time for, it’s chasing dusky flathead on lures. This issue, we’ve got something special—our 2025 Dusky Flathead Lure Buyer’s Guide, packed with everything you need to know to get the right gear for the job. Whether you’re a soft plastic fanatic or a hardbody diehard, we’ve got you covered.

Kosta Linardos kosta@hookedup.com.au

So, wherever you’re fishing this month, make the most of it—because February is a special time to be on the water.

ONLINE EDITOR

Kosta Linardos.

Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR IN CHIEF

SUB EDITOR Ian Gilbert

Adam Hewson info@hookedupmagazine.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGN Cassandra Li, Stephen Tan

CONTRIBUTORS Jack Hammond, Sam Leys Mitch Chapman, John Cahill, Stuart Pentin, Colby Lesko, Lee Rayner, Joel Bramble

ADVERTISING info@hookedup.com.au

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Find Us Online hookedup.com.au

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THE TRANX ISN’T YOUR AVERAGE LIGHTWEIGHT BAITCASTING TRANXTHE ISN’T YOURAT AVERAGE LIGHTWEIGHT REEL.THE TIPPING SCALES JUST OVER 300G IT’S BAITCASTING BUILT TO BE REEL. TIPPING THE SCALES AT JUST OVER 300G IT’S A POWERHOUSE, NOT A FEATHERWEIGHT. BUILT TO BE A POWERHOUSE, NOT A FEATHERWEIGHT.

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Yet despite its powerhouse performance, the Tranx feels surprisingly sleek and compact your hands.

The double-handled 300 the standard effortlessly cranks Yetindespite its powerhouse performance, Tranxgear feelssize surprisingly sleek and 78cm of line with each turn. And if speed your game, buckle for the HGcranks compact in your hands.handle The double-handled 300isstandard gear size up effortlessly option singlehandle powerturn. handle a power handle knobbuckle that reels a HG 78cm–offeaturing line withaeach Andwith if speed is your game, up forin the 103cm per option – featuring a singlemassive power handle withturn! a power handle knob that reels in a massive 103cm per turn!

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FISHING & BOATING NEWS

SHIMANO 25 STELLA SW It’s always a very exciting time here at Hooked Up when flagship reels are released, and a new Stella is certainly about as flagship as it gets.

The Stella SW name has been an icon for over 30 years, and this is the 6th version of the Stella SW since its inception. We only have limited information so far, but what we do have is very exciting. First off, only three models will be released initially, and they are what we consider would be three of the most popular models- —the 10000PG (4.8:1) 10000HG (5.6:1), and 14000XG (6.2:1).

The addition of the Anti-Twist Fin further optimises line management, ensuring seamless performance even when battling fish at full drag.

The Infinity technologies were first released with the Stella FK and we have seen the benefit of these in gearing and line management and these will be a welcome addition to the Stella SW. We have also extensively tested the Ant-Twist Fin and can confirm this isn’t a gimmick but greatly improves line management by reducing wind knots.

While aesthetically the changes are only subtle, at Hooked Up we all think it looks amazing with some refined changes. Of most importance there are some major changes to the technology and engineering. The first being a new drag system called XX-TOUGH that applies pressure evenly from both the top and bottom of the spool, ensuring maximum heat dissipation while maintaining flawless stopping power.

A feature that we can see being of huge benefit just from the images is an up-sized drag knob which will allow for more precise and easier adjustment in the heat of a fight. Shimano have also said they have improved X-Protect and X-Shield sealing systems to further improve defence against saltwater intrusion, ensuring the reel stays smooth and reliable season after season.

Shimano’s InfinityXross gearing improves strength and longevity, while the InfinityLoop system enhances line lay for longer, more controlled casts.

We cannot wait to get our hands on one and put it through its paces so keep your eyes out for a full review in future editions. shimanofish.com.au

2025 Stella SW 14000XG

2025 Stella SW drag knob 6

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2019 Stella SW drag knob WWW.HOOKEDUP.COM.AU

2025 Stella SW 10000HG

2025 Heat Sink drag system

FISHING & BOATING NEWS

SAMAKI DRIFTER TRAVEL ROD

The Samaki Drifter is a 7-piece deluxe travel rod series designed for estuary and freshwater fishing. It features AA Cork grips, Fuji K Guides, and a unique solid wood reel seat, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to your travels. The rod comes in a Samaki hard travel case, ensuring maximum protection during transport.

Combining convenience with exceptional craftsmanship, the Drifter is perfect for anglers who value both reliability and style on the go. samaki.com.au

DAIWA 25 SALTIGA 300

SALTY CREW SKIPPER HOOD SUNSHIRT

SStay cool, comfortable, and protected with the Salty Crew Skipper Hood Sunshirt. Designed in Salty Crew’s signature Coal colour, this longsleeve essential is crafted from 90% recycled polyester and 10% elastane perforated jersey for optimal performance. Featuring a three-piece hood and a built-in breathable face mask, it’s ideal for extended fishing adventures. The sunshirt boasts UPF50+ protection, moisture-wicking properties, and anti-microbial technology to keep you fresh throughout the day. Flat-lock seams and underarm gussets ensure maximum comfort, while the screen-printed front, back, and sleeve graphics add a stylish touch. Perfect for Australian summers, it shields you from harmful UV rays while keeping you cool on the water. salty-crew.com.au

Setting a new standard in level wind overhead reel design the 25 Saltiga 300 delivers jigging anglers their most advanced reel ever. True to Saltiga’s tradition for ultimate strength and precision the 23 Saltiga 300 features Hyperdrive Design, with the four-pillar design concept combining to create a reel that is smooth and refined and unwavering in strength. Hyper Armed Housing and Hyper Double Support create a rock-solid foundation for the new Saltiga 300, while Hyper Digigear and Hyper Tough Clutch partner for performance leading reel refinement, power, and longevity. Angler ergonomics and control is equally considering in the reel’s design with the frame featuring a ‘thumb holding’ design that’s shaped for optimum comfort and gripping power, while a single swept handle maximise reel balance and power, and a T-shaped power knob delivers supreme angler comfort during the most demanding and arduous jigging sessions. The list of features doesn’t end there with anode protection, enhanced level wind design, and new spool lock mechanism combining to make the 25 Saltiga 300 Daiwa’s most advanced, performance and strength focused level wind jigging reels ever created. The 25 Saltiga 300 weighs 420 grams, features a 7.3:1 retrieve ratio, 13kg of drag, 12 bearings and PE 2/400m line capacity. ‘Break Your Record’ and seize and catch your dream with the 25 Saltiga 300. daiwafishing.com.au

SHOUT ASSIST BB SWIVEL

When jigging you should never tie to the split ring and always be prepared to lose the jig rather than lose the fish. Many anglers have learned this the hard way and have been confused about how they should rig a jig to ensure the fish comes to the boat. Shout have designed the ultimate assist with the Shout BB swivel. The swivel and its parts can all withstand extreme drag pressures thanks to the volume of the core material. The bearing ball uses a high-grade SUS304H ball that maintains high rotation performance even when tension is applied when fighting big fish. The stress on the line is minimized reducing line twist which can dramatically weaken your braid after many drops and retrieves. The Assist BB swivel features solid ring on top that you tie your line to, a split ring for connecting to a jig, and a press ring for attaching your assist cord and hook. This ensures you’re always connected to the fish with a strong connection. It’s the most secure way to jig for large fish such as kingfish, samson fish, amberjack and dogtooth tuna.

Made in Japan. vivafishing.com.au

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FISHING & BOATING NEWS

MEGABASS ANTHRAX RETURNS

The Megabass Anthrax has made its highly anticipated return, captivating anglers with its distinctive design and innovative features. Equipped with a roller gyro balancer system, this surface lure delivers versatile action. Retrieve it with your rod upright, and it stirs the water powerfully while emitting a clicking sound as the internal ball glides along the roller shaft. This dynamic movement, combined with a super rolling action, creates irresistible triangular waves. Its fins protrude above the surface, tailing left and right to cut through currents and amplify its appeal to bass. Renowned for its revolutionary mechanism that redefined surface stirring lures, the Anthrax remains a staple in the Megabass lineup and a must-have for those targeting topwater predators. vivafishing.com.au

McLURES RAINMAKER 8

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 Rainmaker 8 is a deep running heavy cup faced jetted skirted lure of the purest pedigree. The Rainmaker 8 offers a cup faced front with 4 jet holes in the head to help create an amazing bubble trail as this lure trolls through the water. These lures can be used in most sea conditions and position behind the boat. 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 Rainmaker is 9.5in overall length with an 8in skirt and weighs 120gm. These lures are available in 13 brilliant colours that will appease any anglers targeting marlin, yellowfin tuna or southern bluefin tuna barrels. jurofishing.com

DECOY Y-S25

The Decoy Y-S25 is a premium light game treble hook trusted by tournament anglers targeting bream and bass. Engineered with a short, slim profile and a wide-gap triple hook design, it delivers unparalleled hook-up rates. The razor-sharp points penetrate easily, while the exceptional holding power ensures your catch stays securely hooked through every fight. Built with precision and durability in mind, the Y-S25 pairs perfectly with small crankbaits and finesse surface lures, making it an indispensable choice for technical fishing scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to upgrade your tackle, the Y-S25 will give you the edge on the water. instagram/decoy_austraalia

MERIDIAN 5 INCH SCHOOL BLUEFIN RANGE

Meridian Tackle crafts some of the world’s finest resin-headed skirted lures, developed through years of rigorous on-water research. Based in Tasmania, the team has perfected lures tailored to target school southern bluefin tuna, combining precise shape, action, size, and colour for maximum effectiveness. Their renowned models—the Demon, Quasi, and Ahi—are all available in 5-inch sizes, ideal for various conditions. The Demon 5, proven to perform on barrel and school tuna alike, runs at 6–14 knots and suits any spread position.

The Quasi 5, with its slanted 10-degree face, creates an impressive bubble trail and excels in the shotgun position at 5–9 knots. Lastly, the Ahi 5, celebrated for its head shape, is not only a stellar billfish lure but also a standout for school tuna, thriving in the corner positions or behind directional teasers in clean water. Add a Meridian 5inch into your spread today and see the difference quality skirted lures bring. meridiantackle.com.au

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FISHING & BOATING NEWS

DAIWA 25 TATULA TW 200

The Tatula family welcomes a new 200 model with the arrival of the all-conquering 25 Tatula 200. Delivering smoothness, strength, and plenty of muscle the new Tatula 200 is the designed to perform and built to be bullet proof day-after-day and fish-after-fish. The new 25 Tatula TW 200 incorporates Daiwa’s newest baitcaster design concept, Hyperdrive Design, for the first time. Hyperdrive is the culmination of multiple key-elements with the goal of creating a reel with more winding-power under load, that’s smoother and more refined and has a long-lasting feel. Hyperdrive Digigear, TWS, and Magforce, deliver unmatched strength, smoothness, and precision both on the cast and on the crank, while Daiwa’s UTD drag gives you the muscle to stop just about anything that swims with its 6kg of drag smooth and trouble free. A large capacity 38mm spool gives the reel the ability to hold a tonne of line, while a large swept handle, complete with high-grip knobs, ensures maximum cranking power and control for the angler. Weighing in at 225grams and featuring 6kg drag, eight bearings, and a PE 4/140m line capacity, the 25 Tatula TW 200 is available in four models, including left and right hand models. daiwafishing.com.au

SHIMANO TRANX 300 B

Shimano’s complete redesign and upgrade of the new Tranx 300 B baitcaster takes an already respected workhorse and elevates it straight into the thoroughbred league. Crafted with precision and incorporating Shimano’s CoreSolid and Hagane body technologies to integrate the side plate, level wind guard and frame into a single, ultra-rigid unit, the Tranx 300 B is a powerful, flex-free reel reel suited to tackling the toughest fish in both fresh and saltwater. With its SVS Infinity MD Tune braking, long distance casting is trouble-free and an absolute breeze — even in a breeze. Whether you’re firing out over-sized swimbaits or finessing lightly-weighted soft plastics, the Tranx 300 B’s integrated X-Ship and Micromodule systems offer the perfect mix of control and accuracy, while X Protect keeps water on the outside, where it belongs. And it’s all backed up with the sort of drag performance and brute cranking power you need to tame river monsters and sea creatures. In short, Shimano’s Tranx 300 B redefines the boundaries of modern, low-profile baitcaster reels by putting potent performance squarely in the hands of even the most discerning angler shimanofish.com.au

SAMAKI ZEPHYR

The Zephyr Jig 1500 is a showcase of Samaki’s commitment to quality and innovation. Built with a cold forged CNC Body and machined brass gears, it offers exceptional strength and durability. Its luxurious matte black cosmetics, paired with brushed gold details, deliver a sleek and sophisticated look. Designed for inshore slow jigging, it’s perfect for targeting species like snapper, pearl perch, and coral trout. Featuring an ergonomic Power Handle for comfort and a carbon drag system with a 6:2:1 drag ratio, this reel strikes the ideal balance of speed and torque for precise jigging applications. samaki.com.au

ALVEY LUDERICK CAPTAIN SERIES

The Luderick 4 3/4” Captain series reel by Alvey is a classic favoured by the blackfish/luderick community for its fingertip spool control. It’s known for its simple, durable construction with minimal moving parts, designed to withstand harsh conditions. Featuring Alvey’s new carbon fibre reinforced Nylon, it’s lighter yet stronger, enhancing performance. Dual ball bearings ensure smooth operation, complemented by a graphite back and spool lock for easy use. The reel includes Alvey’s Easy Cast System for quick left to right-handed switching. Made in Australia, it boasts stainless steel handles and name badges, available in 3 stylish colours. Line Capacity: 4kg/500m alvey.com.au

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FISHING & BOATING NEWS

FENIXLIGHT HL45R Fenixlight, a leader in high-performance LED lighting, specialises in creating durable lighting solutions for challenging environments. Founded in 2001, the company’s expertise spans industries such as fishing, hunting, mining, law enforcement, and emergency services. Renowned for their innovative and reliable designs, Fenixlight’s products are trusted worldwide. The Fenix HL45R is a professional-grade headlamp that delivers an impressive 1000 lumens with a 220-metre beam, making it an excellent choice for fishing. It includes a rotary switch and an electronic push-button for precise control, as well as a focusing ring to transition smoothly between floodlight and spotlight modes. The gesture-sensing function allows for effortless on/off operation with a simple wave.

Powered by a 1900mAh rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries as a backup, the headlamp boasts a robust aluminium alloy case and IP68-rated protection, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions. This makes the Fenix HL45R ideal for fishing and outdoor adventures. fenixlight.com.au

STRIKE PRO CHATTERBAITS TStrike Pro has just released a Chatterbait blade with a difference. Its hybrid blade fatures metal and plastic with an Internal Rattle Chamber for added attraction. The Plastic section on the blade also colour matches the skirt colour.

The skirts are Silk-cut Silicon round skirts and offer tantalizing action and colour schemes. They also feature a Snap Clip and Worm Keepers on the hook so you can attach a soft plastic for added attraction. The Chatterbaits offer amazing action and impeccable quality. They are available in 2 sizes 1oz and 1/2oz and are highly effective on Murray cod, yellowbelly, bass and redfin. jurofishing.com

BLACK MAGIC TINGA STINGA WHITING RIGS

The Tinga Stinga is the latest addition to Black Magic’s successful range of whiting rigs, designed for areas with stronger currents and tidal flows.

Available n two variations, it can be rigged with a KL 01 recurve hook, which tends to self-hook in the corner of the mouth for easier release of undersized fish, or a size 6 long shank hook, ideal for anglers who prefer to strike on the bite and easier to bait when using worms. Both setups are rigged on 15lb fluorocarbon with our trusted Black Magic swivels. Unlike our existing Whiting rigs, the Tinga Stinga features a 500mm backbone leading to a 3-way swivel. A 600mm trace extends from this, allowing the hook to wave enticingly in the current. A separate branch runs down to a pre-tied loop for the sinker, using a lighter 12lb line that breaks away if snagged, preserving the rest of the rig. The dropper loop allows for quick sinker changes to match shifting currents. Each pack includes two pre-tied rigs. For best results, pair with 12lb Hyperglide 13x Braid for precise casts into prime fishing zones. blackmagictackle.com.au

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FISHING & BOATING NEWS

GAFF-MANN MEDIUM & LARGE NET/GAFF COMBOS

SALTY CREW SURFACE WINDBREAKER The Surface Windbreaker Jacket in Olive by Salty Crew is your goto layer for unpredictable weather. Crafted as a midweight shell, it offers durability and comfort without feeling bulky. The mesh-lined hood and vented back yoke ensure superior breathability, keeping you cool during active pursuits. Featuring a contrast lower panel, zippered pockets, and signature Salty Crew chest and sleeve prints, it blends function with style effortlessly. The zip front and elastic cuffs provide a secure fit, while the adjustable drawcord hood adds versatility for changing conditions. Ideal for outdoor adventures or casual outings, this jacket combines practical features with a sharp, modern look. salty-crew.com.au

Introducing the Gaff-Mann Heavy duty landing net. Hand crafted with precision in Australia, this net is specially designed for the challenges of heavy-duty fishing. The head is anodized inside and out, using structural grade aluminium for maximum strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity in the harshest marine environments.

The structural-grade aluminium handle, measuring 1010mm, is fully marine anodized. This fishing net boasts a remarkable capacity, effortlessly handling up to 40kg, and is also used by commercial salmon farmers in Tasmania. This landing net is ideal for landing extra-large gummy sharks, school sharks, snapper, kingfish and more. There are 2 models in the range, starting with the GAF0007N 500 x 500 x 800mm the next model up is the GAF0089N 600 x 670 x 1200mm, providing ample space for a variety of catches. The mesh is heavy duty ensures durability and reliability in every fishing expedition. The detachable gaff head, measuring 8mm x 75mm, adds versatility to your fishing gear, allowing you to adapt to different situations with ease. Handmade with meticulous attention to detail, this Australian-designed product reflects the commitment to quality that defines the Gaff-Mann brand. Longer handles lengths of 1210mm and 1410mm are available as an optional extra. gaffmann.com.au

THE 2025 MERIDIAN TACKLE TASMANIAN BROADBILL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Coming off the back of the incredibly successful 2024 edition, the Sports Fishing Club of Tasmania is incredibly excited to present the 2025 Meridian Tackle Tasmanian Broadbill Championships. Based out of Pirates Bay in Eaglehawk Neck, the competition is to be held between Friday March 29th till Saturday April 5th with a maximum of 5 days of competitive fishing to be conducted during this time. This competition format hopefully allows competitors to get the maximum number of days with suitable weather to get out wide and chase the gladiator of the sea’s The Broadbill fishery in Tasmania has grown year on year in recent history with the 2024 championships resulting in 27 Broadbill Swordfish tagged and a further 6 captured and weighed. With incredible prizes on offer for individuals including females and juniors as well as teams, this is not a competition to be missed. sportsfishtasmania.com.au 12

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Samaki Zing Rod The 4th Generation Zing Series pushes performance further with: > HyperKinetic Nano+ Fibre Graphite Blanks for enhanced sensitivity and power > Fuji Concept “O” Guides for seamless line flow > Samaki Exclusive Ergonomic Reel Seat designed for comfort > Signature Camouflage Hard EVA Grips with Red Highlights for a firm hold Designed for Estuary, Inshore, Travel, Egi, and Surf, the Zing series now features species-specific models in 7’2”, 7’4”, and 7’6” lengths.

Samaki Sora Spinning Reel

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Engineered for durability and smooth operation, the Sora Spinning Reel features: > Micro-Adjustable Carbon Fibre Drag for ultimate control > Triple Anodized Aluminium Spool for longevity > Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearings ensuring fluid performance > Machined Aluminium Handle & Brass Pinion for strength and reliability > Gold Anodized Line Roller & Waterproof Drag for added protection Available in 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000 & 5000 sizes, the Sora is ready for light estuary to inshore battles.

Scan for Information

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DUSKY FEVER

Big fish, big lures, and an even bigger obsession—Australia’s dusky flathead fishery has hit fever pitch. From old-school grit to modern tactics, we dive deep into what makes this iconic species so addictive and why the best is yet to come.

Words: Kosta Linardos

There aren’t many fisheries—if any— where you can catch a trophy-sized fish of a target species from land, boat, or kayak. And I don’t think there are any where you can do it in protected, shallow waters. On top of that, the species in focus—the dusky flathead—grows to lengths of a metre, maybe even more.

There was a time when big dusky flathead were seen as food, not a sportfish. I have photos from the ’80s of my mum holding up dusky heads as big as hers—fish my father had brought home to eat. As a kid, I remember finding the remains of huge fish at the cleaning tables at the Bermagui River and seeing trees in Eden where anglers had nailed large flathead heads to the trunks. They weren’t doing anything wrong. They were eating what is, to this day, a great table fish—and perhaps, somewhat barbarically, making a trophy of their catch.

Times have changed. Bag limits have been tightened, slot limits introduced across NSW and Victoria, and stocking programs established. As a result, dusky flathead are bouncing back in both numbers and size. Australia’s modern sport anglers have taken notice, embracing this fishery with open arms— and open wallets—when it comes to lures, rods, reels, boats, and electronics.

It’s an incredibly accessible species, and hundreds of thousands of anglers along Australia’s heavily populated east coast— from Cairns in Queensland all the way down to Victoria’s Gippsland Lakes—are

obsessed with it. As a fishery, it’s hit fever pitch. That’s why we’ve dedicated an entire issue to it.

school grit, countless casts, and a solid understanding of flathead habitat and environmental conditions.

Hooked Up has covered this species multiple times every year since its inception, exploring every technique— from fly fishing to casting big glide baits—across the east coast. But with interest in big flathead at an all-time high, we thought it was time to put together a buyer’s guide and interview some of the country’s top dusky anglers.

In my opinion, we’re only just scratching the surface when it comes to lure development for big flathead. Over the next five years, I think we’ll see lures get bigger, more refined, and purposebuilt for the species. Right now, out of the 121 lures in our buyer’s guide, fewer than 10 were actually designed with flathead in mind—and I don’t think any were specifically made for them. Most were originally intended for barramundi, largemouth bass, sea bass, and other overseas species.

That doesn’t mean they don’t work—they absolutely do. Every lure we’ve featured has caught its fair share of big flathead.

But I see a lot of room for refinement, more dedicated flathead designs, and an influx of international products better suited to this growing fishery.

Until then, enjoy our Dusky Flathead Special Edition. Take care of every flathead you catch—and don’t blame us for how hyped this gets you to hit the tackle store and drop some hard-earned cash on new lures.

You’ll notice that our buyer’s guide focuses on big lures designed to tempt big fish. We’ve left out trolling lures— not because they aren’t effective, but because covering them properly would take another hundred pages. A dusky flathead may eat any lure, of any size, at any time. Many personal bests have been caught while anglers were chasing bream or whiting. But one thing a decade of covering this species has taught us—just as with many other species—is that big lures catch big fish, and big gear lands them. Fishing with bigger lures means fewer bites, but it also means a better shot at a trophy. It’s a sacrifice you have to be willing to make: going all day for nothing, with the chance of landing a giant.

One of the coolest and most unique things about this species in the modern era is that live sonar won’t help you.

In fact, sonar plays only a minor role.

Dusky flathead can’t be “cheated” with technology—you have to put in the work. It’s a fish that still demands oldWWW.HOOKEDUP.COM.AU

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THE 2025 FLATHEAD SPECIAL - ANGLER Q&A

COLBY LESKO

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? Boat

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on?

How many years have you chased big dusky flathead? 5

Baitcaster or spin?

Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, and what kind of ground are you looking for? I Just use sunnies to find the flats.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

South Coast Rivers What’s your favourite flathead location to travel to? Tuross River What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

85cm from the Tuross River on a Molix Glide 178 Do you ever troll for flathead?

I have and it’s quite effective What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure?

JACK HAMMOND

195 Crossfire Bent Baitcaster What’s your two favourite combos for flathead?

Spin: Samaki Zing Extreme V3 701 10-17lb, Samaki Soro 3000 with X Braid Pentagram PE2.

Cast: Samaki Zing Extreme V3 762 1530lb, Samaki Zing HD 300 with X Braid Pentagram PE4.

Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what lb and is there a brand you prefer?

Fluoro- X-Braid Oltollos 20lb for light and 30lb for heavy.

What’s one tip you’d give to an angler new to flathead?

A lot of rain fish the lower reaches and if not much rain fish the higher reaches.

What’s your bucket list size and capture method?

Swimbait: n/a Glidebait: Molix Glide 178 Jerkbait: Redic Jerkbait SF 110 Plastic: Slug-Go Topwater: 195 Crossfire Bent

1m on a glidebait or surface lure.

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? Mainly boat

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on?

How many years have you chased big dusky flathead? 14 years.

Jerkbaits

Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, and what kind of ground are you looking for? My electric motor and a good pair of polarised sunnies to find that bit of structure with a big girl laying next to it.

Baitcaster for XL baits and spin for the lighter stuff.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

My local system which is Port Stephens, NSW. What’s your favourite flathead location to travel to? Forster, Yamba and even the Goldcoast.

What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

Baitcaster or spin?

What’s your two favourite combos for flathead?

Spin: Gloomis NRX+7’0 6-12lb, Shimano Twin Power 2500FD, 15lb Kairiki 8+ braid Cast: Shimano Poison Adrena 6’10” 10-20lb, Shimano Bantam 150A, 20lb Grappler braid.

Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what lb and is there a brand you prefer?

Fluoro- Shimano Ocea, see baove for lb.

What’s one tip you’d give to an 96cm out of Port Stephens on a 3” Berkley Gulp! angler new to flathead?

Grub many years ago!

Patience! Big flathead don’t get big for no Do you ever troll for flathead? reason, so be stealthy, ensure your lure is in the zone where they would sitting Never Troll for flathead, in my opinion it takes waiting for a feed and if a lure is not the fun out of the sport. working don’t be afraid to change it up What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, to something different or change your retrieval as the smallest things you could jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure? be doing wrong can be fixed with the Swimbait: Zerek Affinity 220 slightest adjustments to trigger that fish Glidebait: n/a to bite!

Jerkbait: Shimano Slim Assassin 149F What’s your bucket list size and Plastic: 100mm Squidgies Fish in Black & Gold capture method?

Topwater: OSP Bent Minnow 130 A metre off the top!

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THE 2025 FLATHEAD SPECIAL - ANGLER Q&A

JOEL BRAMBLE

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? Boat and kayak

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on?

Biwaa Deus 5 in Kaleido Star How many years have you chased big dusky flathead? I have specifically chased big Baitcaster or spin? dusky flathead for around 6 years.

Spin Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, What’s your two favourite combos and what kind of ground are you looking for flathead? for? I use a mix of electronics and polarised glasses. Shallow sand flats with weed patches, broken ground/reefy areas and drop offs that lead onto flats.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

Tidal estuaries along the east coast of Victoria and the south coast of NSW. What’s your favourite flathead location to travel to? Lake Tyers What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

95cm on a 5inch Biwaa Deus from the Bega River.

Do you ever troll for flathead?

No, never.

Spin: NS Blackhole Amped 6-12lb, Shimano Stradic 2500, Sunline Siglon AMZ PE1.2 Spin: NS Blackhole Amped 10-20lb, Shimano TwinPower 3000, Sunline Siglon AMZ PE2 Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what lb and is there a brand you prefer?

Flurocabon-Sunline FC Rock 20lb What’s one tip you’d give to an angler new to flathead?

If you catch fish in certain spots, look for other spots with similar features and there will generally be fish there too. Also, just fish as much as you can, time on the water is key.

What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, What’s your bucket list size and jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure? capture method?

JOHN CAHILL

Swimbait: Molix S Trout 5.5 Glidebait: Molix Glide 178 Jerkbait: Lucky Craft Pointer 100 Plastic: Biwaa Deus 5 Topwater: OSP Bent Minnow 130

1m on a jerkbait.

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? Boat, some wading

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on?

How many years have you chased big dusky flathead? 10 years.

Squidgies Fish 100mm in Silver Fox.

Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, and what kind of ground are you looking for? I use both, electronics come to play when it’s overcast and dull, I like weed patches, rocks or rubble patches amongst the sand.

Both, baitcaster for the bigger stuff.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

Mallacoota, Lake Tyers, Gippy Lakes.

Spin L: Millerods Vibe Freak, Daiwa Certate 3000, 12lb Tasline

What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what lb and is there a brand you prefer?

95cm on a Gan Craft Jointed Claw.

I’ll use both, currently using Sasame fluro in 16 and 20lb.

Baitcaster or spin?

What’s your two favourite combos for flathead?

Spin H: Daiwa TD Commander 722MHXS Hellkat, Daiwa Certate 3000, 16lb Tasline

What’s your favourite flathead location to Cast: Millerods Swimfreak AU, Megabass Rhodium, Tasline 20lb travel to? Coota.

Do you ever troll for flathead?

Never.

What’s one tip you’d give to an angler new to flathead?

What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, You’re probably fishing too deep, also jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure? because you caught them in a spot last year doesn’t mean they will be there this Swimbait: Megabass Ayu Twitcher year, things can change a lot.

Glidebait: Evergreen ES Flat What’s your bucket list size and Jerkbait: Daiwa Double Clutch capture method?

Plastic: 6inch Catch Fishing Curly Tail Topwater: Berkley Bender 150

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Everyone wants the metre flathead, I’ll take it any way but preferably I want to see it eat!

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

17

THE 2025 FLATHEAD SPECIAL - ANGLER Q&A

LEE RAYNER

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? All three

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on?

Squidgies Fish 100 How many years have you chased big dusky flathead? Since I was a young kid – so Baitcaster or spin? it’s too many years to even think about.Probably Baitcaster easier to say my whole fishing life Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, and what kind of ground are you looking for? Polarised glasses are imperative to find the key areas.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

All through Gippsland with the majority in Gippsland Lakes What’s your favourite flathead location to travel to? Gippsland Lakes What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

89cm on a 6.5inch Keitech Easy Shiner rigged unweighted.

Do you ever troll for flathead? I have done a bit of it but I need to do more – it’s very effective

What’s your two favourite combos for flathead?

Spin: Shimano Expride 7ft 6-12lb Vanford 3000, 20lb braid Cast Jerkbaits: Shimano Expride 1610MH, Curado 150DC, 30lb braid.

Cast Plastics: Shimano Tcurve 1610MH, Curado 150DC ,30lb braid.

Cast Swimbaits: Venom 7ft 6KG baitcaster, Curado 200DC, 30lb braid.

Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what lb and is there a brand you prefer?

Flurocarbon for everything subsurface and standard hard leader for topwater so it doenst drag the lure down.

What’s one tip you’d give to an angler new to flathead?

Be patient and tune into everything thats going on – water temp, barometer, bait What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, that’s in the area, tides etc, and take note jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure? of when you catch fish at certain spots.

Swimbait: Shimano Arma Joint 190SF Glidebait: Gan Craft Jointed Claw 128F Jerkbait: Duo Realis Jerkbait 120mm Plastic: Keitech Easy Shiner 6.5 and 8 Topwater: Bassday Sugar Pen 120 and Berkley Bender 120

MITCH CHAPMAN

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? All of the above, depends on where I’m fishing.

How many years have you chased big dusky flathead? 15 plus years.

Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, and what kind of ground are you looking for? I use the sounder a lot as I like to know the depth I’m in as that determines what lures I’m throwing.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

What’s your bucket list size and capture method?

I love any flathead over 80cm but I suppose the dream is the metre flathead.

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on?

If you take out plastics which the OG is the Squidgies Fish 80 and 100 in Silver Fox, I’d say it would have to be either the Smith Cherry Blood or recently Bent Minnows.

Baitcaster or spin? Baitcaster for XL baits and spin for the lighter stuff.

What’s your two favourite combos for flathead?

Spin: Dobyns Champion Xp 703SF, Daiwa OG Steez 2500, 16lb Sunline Asegai braid.

Cast: Dobyns Champion XP, 704C, Anywhere from the Gippsland Lakes system, all Shimano Curado 201DC, 20lb Sunline the way up to the south coast of NSW generally.

Castaway .

What’s your favourite flathead location Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what to travel to? East Gippsland for me is where lb and is there a brand you prefer? it’s at.

Fluoro- Sunline System Shock FC in 16 to 30lb .

What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

What’s one tip you’d give to an 93cm in which I’ve caught 4 of them the same angler new to flathead? No water is too size, just can’t seem to crack the next size up.The shallow when it comes to big flathead. And first one was on a jerkbait. just keep casting. As you never know when you’re going to get clunked by a big one.

Do you ever troll for flathead? No.

KA

LA

MA

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What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, What’s your bucket list size and capture method? The obvious answer jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure? for this is the magical 1m mark. But I’d Swimbait: n/a be happy with anything in the high 90’s.

Glidebait: Molix Glide 130 I know they are there, I’ve seen them, Jerkbait: Smith Cherry Blood 90MD hooked them, just never been able to keep the hooks in one. I’d love a top water bite Plastic: Biwaa Deus 5 from this fish, but I love the bite from a Topwater: OSP Bent Minnow 106 or 130 jerkbait, you can’t beat it.

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BLACK STREAM FC

ALMIGHT SINKING PE

FC SNIPER INVISIBLE

Equipped with cutting-edge Plasma Rise technology. This innovative line features a special polymer layer offering rubber-like cushioning to absorb shocks and resist abrasion. Ideal for the toughest fishing environments.

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

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

A 100% high grade fluorocarbon. It has been formulated for high pressure fishing situations and has the invisibility and suppleness to fool even the most fickle fish.

With the line colour alternating every 15cm which helps it disappear.

Available in: 70m spools 4lb to 60lb

ejtodd.com.au

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Available in: 75m spools 2lb to 20lb FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

19

THE 2025 FLATHEAD SPECIAL - ANGLER Q&A

SAM LEYS

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? Boat and kayak.

How many years have you chased big dusky flathead? 10 Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, and what kind of ground are you looking for? I use sidescan to find weedbeds and downscan to find drop offs.

When the water is cooler I’m looking for sandflats with weedbeds and ground that has a little more rock and shell.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

Shallow tidal estuaries along the South-Coast of NSW What’s your favourite flathead location to travel to? Mallacoota.

What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

86cm at Lake Tyers on a 9 inch Slug-Go. Do you ever troll for flathead? No. What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure?

Swimbait: Jackall Chibitarel 130mm Glidebait: Evergreen Sea Drive 140 Jerkbait: Shimano Exsence Strong Assassin Plastic: Biwaa Deus 5 Topwater: OSP Bent Minnow 130

STUART PENTIN

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on? Biwaa Deus 5 in Golden Shiner.

Baitcaster or spin?

Spin until I die.

What’s your two favourite combos for flathead?

Spin: Dobyns Champion XP 702 8-17lb, Daiwa Revelry 3000 HD with 20lb Tasline.

I have two of them.

Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what lb and is there a brand you prefer?

30lb Fluorocarbon leader, any type of Sunline leader, it’s all good.

What’s one tip you’d give to an angler new to flathead?

If you find a spot where you are catching a big flathead, don’t post photos on social media. Keep the good spots quiet. That’s the best piece of advice I can give.

What’s your bucket list size and capture method?

1 metre flathead, sight cast on a bent minnow. I don’t think it can get any better than that.

Do you fish from a boat, kayak or landbased? I fish from all three.

What lure have you caught the most dusky flathead on?

How many years have you chased big dusky flathead 25 years but using big lures for 5 years.

Big flathead- Molix 178 in white.

Do you use your electronics or just your polarised glasses to find flathead ground, and what kind of ground are you looking for? Just my sunglasses and I get an understanding of places at low tide.

What flathead waters do you fish most?

All south coast estuaries in NSW. What’s your favourite flathead location to travel to? Mallacoota but don’t get down there much.

What’s the biggest flathead you’ve landed, where from and on what lure?

Merimbula Lake on a Bushy Stiffy Popper in green while targeting whiting. It was in the high 90s.

Baitcaster or spin?

Bait cast for all glide baits. Spin for plastics.

What’s your two favourite combos for flathead?

Spin: An old G Loomis Mossyback in 6-12Ib with a Stella 4000XG Cast: A 6kg Venom baitcaster with Shimano Antares DC MD. Fluorocarbon or mono leader, what lb and is there a brand you prefer?

Bait cast 40lb fluorocarbon, spin 16lb fluoro. I like Sunline leader.

What’s one tip you’d give to an angler new to flathead?

If you want big fish throw big lures, if you want lots of fish throw small lures.

Do you ever troll for flathead? Have done when I was little, and it works surprisingly well. What’s your bucket list size and capture method?

What’s your favourite swimbait, glidebait, jerkbait, soft plastic and topwater lure?

Don’t really have one but I would love to get good at using Bent Minnow surfaces Swimbait: n/a lures for them.

Glidebait: Molix Glide 178 Jerkbait: n/a Plastic: 100mm Squidgies Fish in Black & Gold Topwater: any walk the dog type lure

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COLBY LESKO

@blackmagictackle https://www.blackmagictackle.com/xt-lures/

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the best by test...

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

21

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYER’S GUIDE

JERKBAITS

22

BOMBER LONG A 14A HD

BOMBER LONG A 15A HD

Length: 89mm Weight: 9.4g Dive Depth: 90cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

Length: 119mm Weight:13g Dive Depth: 90cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

DAIWA DOUBLE CLUTCH 75

DAIWA DOUBLE CLUTCH 95

Length: 75mm Weight: 5g Dive Depth: 1.5m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 95mm Weight: 8.8g Dive Depth: 2m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

DAIWA DOUBLE CLUTCH 115

DUO REALIS JERKBAIT 120F

Length: 115mm Weight: 20g Dive Depth: 2m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 120mm Weight: 17.1g Dive Depth: 1.6m Buoyancy: Slow Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

DUO TIDE MINNOW SLIM 140 SP

EVER GREEN GENERAL 110F

Length: 140mm Weight: 18.6g Dive Depth: 1.2m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 110mm Weight: 11g Dive Depth: 60Cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

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THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYER’S GUIDE

JERKBAITS FISH CRAFT JERK MAN 85

FISH CRAFT SLIM SHADY 115

Length: 85mm Weight: 10g Dive Depth: 1m Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

Length: 115mm Weight:14.6g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

FISH CRAFT DR STRETCH 85

LUCKY CRAFT POINTER 100SP

Length: 85mm Weight: 12.5g Dive Depth: 3m Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

Length:100mm Weight: 16.5g Dive Depth: 1.3m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: No Weight Transfer: No

MEGABASS COOKAI SLIM 120F

MEGABASS VISION ONETEN

Length: 122mm Weight: 12g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Slow Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 110mm Weight: 14g Dive Depth: 1.8m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

MEGABASS VISION ONETEN LBO SW

SAMAKI REDIC JERKBAIT SF90

Length: 115mm Weight: 14g Dive Depth: 1.7m Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 85mm Weight: 11g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Slow Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes WWW.HOOKEDUP.COM.AU

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THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYER’S GUIDE

JERKBAITS

24

SAMAKI REDIC JERKBAIT SF110

SAMAKI REDIC JERKBAIT SF125

Length: 110mm Weight: 16g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Slow Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 125mm Weight:20.5g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Slow Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

SAMAKI REDIC JERKBAIT SF150

SHIMANO EXSENCE RANBLUR 145F

Length: 150mm Weight: 34g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Slow Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 145mm Weight: 28g Dive Depth: 50cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

SHIMANO EXSENCE RESPONDER 165F

SHIMANO EXSENCE SILENT ASSASSIN 99F FLASHBOOST

Length: 165mm Weight: 27g Dive Depth: 60cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 99mm Weight: 14g Dive Depth: 60cm Buoyancy: Slow Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: No

SHIMANO EXSENCE SILENT ASSASSIN 99SP FLASHBOOST

SHIMANO EXSENCE SILENT ASSASSIN 129F JETBOOST

Length: 99mm Weight: 16g Dive Depth: 60cm Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: No Weight Transfer: No

Length: 129mm Weight: 22g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

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THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYER’S GUIDE

JERKBAITS

26

SHIMANO EXSENCE SILENT ASSASSIN 140F JETBOOST

SHIMANO EXSENCE SILENT ASSASSIN 165F JETBOOST

Length: 140mm Weight: 23g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 165mm Weight: 32g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

SHIMANO EXSENCE SLIM ASSASSIN 149F JETBOOST

SHIMANO EXSENCE STRONG ASSASSIN 125F

Length: 149mm Weight: 20g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 125mm Weight: 25g Dive Depth: 70cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: Yes

STRIKE PRO CYBER BAIT

TACKLE HOUSE BIT STREAM 85

Length: 85mm Weight:9.8g Dive Depth: 3.6m Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 85mm Weight: 11g Dive Depth: 1.6m Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: No Weight Transfer: No

TACKLE HOUSE CONTACT FEED SHALLOW

TACKLE HOUSE NODE 130F

Length: 128mm Weight: 18.5g Dive Depth: 30cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

Length: 130mm Weight: 18g Dive Depth: 90cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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Better boat ramps at

Inverloch Boating access to Anderson Inlet is better than ever thanks to two projects funded by your boating licence and registration fees.

At Mahers Landing, there’s a new two-lane ramp that provides great access to deep water.

A new jetty alongside has room for 8 boats to tie up and is complemented by 55 asphalt parking spaces for cars with trailers, plus a fish cleaning table and toilet block.

The $5.45 million project includes guard rails, rubber fenders on the jetty, and solar lighting to aid launching in the dark.

At the Inverloch ramp nearby, a second jetty has been built to provide more protection from tidal flow and increase the number of boats that can be tied up while trailers are retrieved from the car park.

Go Fishing Victoria More people fishing, more often

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYER’S GUIDE

JERKBAITS

28

YO-ZURI 3D FINGERLING 100

YO-ZURI 3DB JERKBAIT 110

Length: 100mm Weight: 17.5g Dive Depth: 1.5m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

Length: 110mm Weight: 15g Dive Depth: 1.5m Buoyancy: Suspending Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: Yes

YO-ZURI CRYSTAL MINNOW 90

YO-ZURI CRYSTAL MINNOW 110

Length: 90mm Weight: 7.5g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

Length: 110mm Weight: 12g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

YO-ZURI CRYSTAL MINNOW 130

YO-ZURI 3D CRYSTAL MINNOW 90

Length: 130mm Weight: 21g Dive Depth: 1m Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

Length: 90mm Weight: 7g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

YO-ZURI 3D CRYSTAL MINNOW 110

YO-ZURI 3D CRYSTAL MINNOW 130

Length: 128mm Weight: 18.5g Dive Depth: 80cm Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

Length: 130mm Weight: 21g Dive Depth: 1m Buoyancy: Floating Rattle: Yes Weight Transfer: No

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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The Lox Yoshi range has been revered for by experienced anglers for many years now and Lox has just released the new and improved Series IV. Lox rod blanks are crafted from high-modulus 30 tonne + 46 tonne (46 tonne butt section) Japanese Toray carbon and feature advanced IV core loop technology.

Lox incorporates the latest advancements in rod blank design and technology to provide exceptional performance.

Series IV

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

Toray Carbon

Lure Chart

New YOSHI Series IV

n a orm

N e t Ka

Ka vivafishing.com.au

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYERS GUIDE

GLIDEBAITS EVERGREEN SEA DRIVE

EVERGREEN SEA DRIVE RATTLIN’ BONE

Length: 140mm Weight: 28g Buoyancy: Sinking

Length: 140mm Weight: 26.5g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

EVERGREEN ES FLAT

FISH CRAFT DR GLIDE

Length: 145mm Weight: 50g Buoyancy: Floating

Length: 127mm Weight: 23g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW 128F

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW 148F

Length: 128mm Weight: 21g Buoyancy: Floating

Length: 148mm Weight: 37g Buoyancy: Floating

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW 178F

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW 148SS

Length: 178mm Weight: 56g Buoyancy: Floating 30

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

Length: 148mm Weight: 37g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking WWW.HOOKEDUP.COM.AU

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYERS GUIDE

GLIDEBAITS GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW 178SS

GAN CRAFT X AIMS JOINTED CLAW SALT CUSTOM

Length: 178mm Weight: 56g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

Length: 148mm Weight: 37g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

GAN CRAFT X AIMS JOINTED CLAW SALT CUSTOM

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW 230 MAGNUM

Length: 178mm Weight: 56g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

Length: 230mm Weight: 112g Buoyancy: Sinking

GAN CRAFT SSONG 115SS

MOLIX GLIDE BAIT 140SS

Length: 115mm Weight: 28g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

Length: 140mm Weight: 63g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

MOLIX GLIDE BAIT 130 SS

MOLIX GLIDE BAIT 178 SS

Length: 130mm Weight: 30g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

Length: 178mm Weight: 75g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking WWW.HOOKEDUP.COM.AU

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THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYERS GUIDE

SWIMBAITS

32

BIWAA SEVEN

BIWAA S TROUT 5.5

Length: 130mm Weight: 34g Buoyancy: Sinking

Length: 140mm Weight: 29g Buoyancy: Sinking

BIWAA S TROUT 7.5

BIWAA SWIMBASS

Length: 190mm Weight: 85g Buoyancy: Sinking

Length: 152mm Weight: 65g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

EVERGREEN X MADNESS BALAM 245

EVERGREEN X MADNESS BALAM 300

Length: 245mm Weight: 107g Buoyancy: Floating

Length: 300mm Weight: 168g Buoyancy: Floating

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW RATCHET 144

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW RATCHET 184

Length: 144mm Weight: 56g Buoyancy: Floating

Length: 184mm Weight: 70g Buoyancy: Floating

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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Call your local Sportsman dealer now for a water test VIC - R&M Marine: 03 5986 7788 NSW - Hunts Marine: 02 9546 1324 Nth Qld - Reef Marine 07 4957 3521 SA/NT/WA/STH QLD - Seabow Marine 03 5986 7788 www.sportsmanboatsaustralia.au

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYERS GUIDE

SWIMBAITS

34

GAN CRAFT JOINTED CLAW SHIFT

JACKALL GANTIA

Length: 183mm Weight: 56g Buoyancy: Floating

Length: 180mm Weight: 52g Buoyancy: Suspending

LITTLE JACK GORGON 125

MEGABASS HASU RAVER

Length: 125mm Weight: 15.6g Buoyancy: Floating

Length: 178mm Weight: 31.5g Buoyancy: Slow Floating

MEGABASS MAGDRAFT AYU TWITCHER

MEGABASS SPINE X

Length: 178mm Weight: 31.5g Buoyancy: Slow Floating

Length: 190mm Weight: 46g Buoyancy: Floating

SHIMANO BANTAM BT BAIT

SHIMANO BANTAM ARMAJOINT

Length: 99mm Weight: 7g Buoyancy: Slow Sinking

Length: 190mm Weight: 53g Buoyancy: Slow Floating

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYERS GUIDE

SWIMBAITS ADUSTA PICK TAIL SWIMMER

BIWAA KAPSIZ 6

Lengths: 127mm/178mm Weight: 27g/70g Pre Rigged: Single treble at front.

Length: 152mm Weight: 43g Pre Rigged: Single treble at front.

BIWAA SUBMISSION SHAD

ENTICE MR WEEDLESS

Lengths: 127mm/203mm Weight: Your choice Pre Rigged: Avaialble rigged with single weighted hook and unrigged.

36

Length: 140mm Weight: 27g Pre Rigged: Weedless single hook

ENTICE GOTCHA SHAD

FISH CRAFT DR SHAD

Length: 170mm/220mm Weight: Your choice Pre Rigged: Unrigged

Lengths: 100/125/150mm Weight: 27/38/64g Pre Rigged: Single hook on top/treble on belly

MEGABASS MAGDRAFT 6

MOLIX RT SHAD

Length: 150mm Weight: 35g Pre Rigged: Single treble at front

Length: 140/178/229mm Weight: Your choice Pre Rigged: Unrigged

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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NEW RELEASES FOR 2024!

Spinnerbaits 11/2oz, 3/4oz & 1/4oz

Chatterbaits 1oz & 1/2oz

A popular style lure featuring a Chatterbait blade with a difference.

This hybrid blade features metal and plastic with an Internal Rattle Chamber, Silk-cut Silicon round skirts, Snap Clip and Worm Keepers on the hook so you can attach a soft plastic. Superior quality and action.

Ideal for Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, Bass & Redfin

A new redesigned version of the popular Strike Pro Spinnerbait lures.

This lure features a colour matched painted head, silk-cut silicon round skirts, some feature added Krystal Flash, Ball Bearing Swivels and Worm Keepers on the hook so you can attach a soft plastic.

Ideal for Murray Cod,Yellowbelly, Bass & Redfin

WWW.HOOKEDUP.COM.AU

www.jurofishing.com

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153 37

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYERS GUIDE

SOF T PLASTICS

38

ADUSTA PENTA SHAD

BAIT BREATH EGG TAIL SHAD 4.3

Length: 127mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 4

Length: 109mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 6

BAIT JUNKIE GAR

BAIT JUNKIE MINNOW 6.2

Length: 254mm Tail Type: Jerk Shad Pcs Per Pack: 2

Length: 155mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 3

BAIT JUNKIE WAVE MINNOW 5.5

BAIT JUNKIE PRAWN 5

Length: 140mm Tail Type: Curl Tail Pcs Per Pack: 6

Length: 127mm Tail Type: Prawn Pcs Per Pack: 4

BIWAA DEUS 5

BIWAA SUBMISSION SHAD 4

Length: 127mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 5

Length: 100mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 4

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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ALL TACKLEHOUSE LURES FEATURE A ONE-PIECE STAINLESS STEEL HARNESS!

FOR KINGFISH AND TUNA, WE HAVE YOU COVERED. MADE IN JAPAN

Canary- Slow Sinking Stickbait 145mm/60g

Flitz- Weighted Offshore Casting Minnow 120mm/75g 44mm/2.6g

Contact Britt - Sinking Stickbait 120mm/65g, 145mm/98gm, 170mm/115g

Contact Feed Popper 175mm/74g, 150mm/60g, 135mm/45g, 120mm/30g, 121SW/30g, 100mm/21g, 100SW/43g, 70mm/9.5g, 70SW/15g

www.gladiatortackle.com.au

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FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153 39

THE 2025 BIG DUSKY FLATHEAD LURE BUYERS GUIDE

SOF T PLASTICS

40

DIGITAL SQUAD RAZIEL SHAD 5

FISH CRAFT DR PRAWN UNRIGGED 4

Length: 127mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 4

Length: 100mm Tail Type: Prawn Pcs Per Pack: 4

FISH CRAFT DR PRAWN UNRIGGED 5

KEITECH EASY SHINER 6.5

Length: 127mm Tail Type: Prawn Pcs Per Pack: 3

Length: 165mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 3

KEITECH EASY SHINER 8

MOLIX RT SHAD 4.5

Length: 203mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 2

Length: 115mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 4

SAMAKI LIVE SHRIMP 89

SAMAKI LIVE SHRIMP 127

Length: 89mm Tail Type: Prawn Pcs Per Pack: 1

Length: 127mm Tail Type: Prawn Pcs Per Pack: 1

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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THE VEXED WHITING SYSTEM • COMMERCIAL GRADE MAINLINE • SWAP-OUT QUICK LINK ASSISTS • VEXED SWIVEL SYSTEM • FISH CATCHING SINKER

4 HOOK ASSIST OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

TWIN ASSIST

TRIPLE ASSIST

LONGSHANK ASSIST

MUTSU CIRCLE ASSIST

TOM BOT U

NK

SHA

LONG

S MUT

M WOR

M WOR

TOM BOT

OR

JUNI

T MEA

T MEA

RO MIC

TOM BOT

vexedfishing.com.au

Win an Alvey Reel

To celebrate the release of our new Whale Reel Range, we’re giving away your choice of 1 of 5 reels from the new range. Entries close 28th February 2025.

Enter at alvey.com.au.

Terms and conditions apply.

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FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153 41

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SOF T PLASTICS

42

SQUIDGIES FISH 100

SQUIDGIES FISH 150

Length: 100mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 4

Length: 127mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 2

SQUIDGIES PRAWN PADDLE 110

SQUIDGIES PRAWN WRIGGLER 95

Length: 110mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 4

Length: 95mm Tail Type: Curl Tail Pcs Per Pack: 5

SQUIDGIES PRAWN WRIGGLER 110

SQUIDGIES RIDGE SHAD 140

Length: 110mm Tail Type: Curl Pcs Per Pack: 4

Length: 140mm Tail Type: Paddle Pcs Per Pack: 4

SQUIDGIES WRIGGLER 100

SQUIDGIES WRIGGLER 120

Length: 100mm Tail Type: Curl Tail Pcs Per Pack: 5

Length: 120mm Tail Type: Curl Tail Pcs Per Pack: 5

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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CHASING SCHOOL BLUEFIN? DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS! DEMON 5

AHI 5

QUASI 5 Meridian Tackle crafts some of the world’s finest resin-headed skirted lures, developed through years of rigorous on-water research. Based in Tasmania, our team has perfected lures tailored to target school southern bluefin tuna, combining precise shape, action, size, and colour for maximum effectiveness.

Our renowned models - the Demon, Quasi, and Ahi are all available in 5-inch sizes, ideal for targeting school tuna in various conditions.

meridiantackle.com.au

meridianlures

sales@meridiantackle.com.au

meridiantackle

TWO WORLD LEADING

ANCHOR DESIGNS

SARCA EXCEL

The SARCA EXCEL and SUPER SARCA are certified type approved Super High Holding Power.

SUPER SARCA

www.jmgillies.com.au

Designed and manufactured in Australia www.anchorright.com.au | 03 5968 5014

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Anchor Right AustrAliA

Pty

ltd

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TOP WAT ER

44

ADUSTA SILENT BLASTER 140

EVERGREEN JUSTINE 115

Length: 140mm Weight 45g Type: Wakebait Weight Transfer: No Rattle: Yes

Length: 115mm Weight 19.5g Type: Pencil Bait/Dog Walk Weight Transfer: Fixed tail weight Rattle: No

EVERGREEN SHOWERBLOWS 777

EVERGREEN COMBAT RAT

Length: 77.7mm Weight 9.3g Type: Pencil Popper/Dog Walk Weight Transfer: Fixed tungstan tail weight Rattle: Yes

Length: 150mm Weight 66g Type: Wakebait Weight Transfer: No Rattle: Yes

EVERGREEN STREAM DEMON 170J

FISH CRAFT DR FLEX

Length: 170mm Weight 39g Type: Wakebait Weight Transfer: Yes Rattle: Yes

Length: 112mm Weight 16.4g Type: Bent Minnow Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No

LUCKY CRAFT GUNFISH 115

LUCKY CRAFT SAMMY 115

Length: 115mm Weight 19g Type: Pencil Popper/Dog Walk Weight Transfer: Fixed tungstan tail weight Rattle: Yes

Length: 115mm Weight 20g Type: Dog Walk Weight Transfer: No Rattle: Yes

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

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Marine Tech: Victoria’s Premier Marine Outfitters.

Specialising in top-tier engine servicing and electronic fitouts. Our team of certified marine technicians ensures unmatched expertise in selecting and fitting the best products for your safety on the water.

No job too big or small – trust us to service or fit any boat or engine to the highest standards.

P: 03 8774 5144 - 0405 610 634 E: john@marine-tech.com.au W: www.marine-tech.com.au A: 11a/93 Wells Rd, Chelsea Heights VIC 3196

MARINETECH Service & Installations

Australia’s live sonar specialists.

Venturing into live sonar but unsure where to begin? Look no further than Moose Marine. As seasoned experts in live sonar technology, we guide you through every step, offering top-tier products from Garmin, Humminbird, Simrad, GFAB, and more. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading, we ensure your live sonar system operates at peak performance. We offer sales nationally and also offer full custom fit-outs at our base in Chelsea Heights, Victoria. Contact us today to explore our competitive live sonar package deals and dive into the world of live sonar with confidence.

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P: (03) 6185 0169 W: moosemarine.com.au E: info@moosemarine.com.au

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TOP WAT ER MEGABASS SUWITCH

OSP BENT MINNOW 106

Length: 147mm Weight 32g Type: Wakebait/Diver Hybrid Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No

Length: 106mm Weight 10g Type: Bent Minnow Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No

OSP BENT MINNOW 130

PHAT LAB NEKOSOGI

Length: 130mm Weight 20.5g Type: Bent Minnow Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No

Length: 195mm Weight 53.5g Type: Wakebait Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No

STRIKE PRO SLINKY MINNOW

Length: 75mm Weight 4.6g Type: Bent Minnow Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No

Length: 135mm Weight 27.5g Type: Pencil Popper/Dog Walk Weight Transfer: Yes Rattle: Yes

YO-ZURI 3DB WAKE PROP 85

YO-ZURI 3DB WAKE PROP 105

Length: 85mm Weight 23.5g Type: Wakebait Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No 46

YO-ZURI 3DB PENCIL POP

FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 153

Length: 105mm Weight 28g Type: Wakebait Weight Transfer: No Rattle: No WWW.HOOKEDUP.COM.AU

C-SERIES SEMI-OFFROAD LOWERED REAR ROLLLER FOR EASY RETRIEVE IN SHALLOW WATER GALVANISED METAL CURVED WHEELGUARDS

HEAVY DUTY CROSS MEMBERS ROLLER ROCKER OR EYE TO EYE SUSPENSION

HEAVY DUTY U-BOLTS ON AXLES

SWING AROUND DRAW BAR

SOCKETED SPARE WHEEL FOR BEACH LAUNCHING

FRONT MESH INFILL

HEAVY DUTY CHASSIS

sales.savagetrailers@gmail.com 03 9708 2970 WWW.SAVAGETRAILERS.COM.AU

We know you’re looking for adventure!

You want to get off the main highway and go where the fish are. We’ll get your boat there and back with our all-new C-Series Semi offroad series!

Available in dual and single axle and engineered to suit your boat and the journey.

MUD TERRAIN TYRES & BLACK ALLOY WHEELS

THE ULTIMATE MID RANGE OUTBOARD 75-115HP FOURSTROKE

Mercury’s 75-115hp FourStrokes offer 2.1 litre displacement providing superior mid-range fuel economy, quick acceleration with smooth overall operation and sound quality... along with the lightest weight 115hp available.

• Unbelievable Power and Torque • Lightweight and Compact Design • Maintenance Free Valve Train • 3+3 = 6 Year Warranty For more information go on-line or see your nearest Mercury dealer. mercurymarine.com.au