Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 074 2008 June

Issue 74 June - July 2008

$3.95

Print Post approved; PP 702512 00027

Heaps on boats Winter options Jan’s flies Kayak paddles Electric motors Fly fishing St Helens Customising your tinny

Bringing you the biggest and best in Tasmanian fishing news

ENDURA

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Fly Fisher

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Fishing News - Page 2

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CONTENTS

Winter at Great Lake - Craig Rist 4 Curing the Winter blues - Shane Flude 8 Customising your tinny - Craig Rist 12 Saltwater fly fishing St Helens - Jamie Henderson

16

Jan’s flies - Jan Spencer 18 Electric motors - Leroy Tirant 22 Fly fishing conclave - Nick Taransky 24 Boats

all over the place

Black Magic winners 29 Choosing a paddle for your kayak 38 Inland and Marine fishery news 40 Classifieds and Subscriptions 41 Fishing, boating services directory 42

My Say What an unbelievable run of pleasant weather we had up until this mag went to the printers. Late Autumn and even early Winter was superb. That is unless you want rain - which of course we all need.

I commented to someone that it would still be nice to be dry fly fishing on a small stream, and with a chance of catching a few fish too, no doubt.

Southern bluefin tuna continue to be caught and one big surprise was a kingfish caught in Georges Bay, late May, by one of our writers, Shane Flude. They are supposed to be Summer fish, but with the warm weather and warm water hanging on it is an amazing catch.

Jamie Henderson has written a great piece on Georges Bay fly fishing and both Shane Flude and Craig Rist have written some excellent stories on Winter fishing.

If you are hanging out as a trout fisher you can keep going in some waters, but in just a few weeks it all starts again.

By the time you read this I will have had a short trip to fish Darwin with bream guide Michael Haley. Normally the ‘gun’ saltwater St Helens guide, Michael towed his boat to NT for a six week stint guiding around Darwin. So expect to see a few pics next issue of some top end action.

We had some great feedback on the last issue - in particular in regard to the kayak feature. They are the NEW fishing accessory and a tremendous fishing platform.

Beg, borrow or try one. You will be impressed and they are a lot of fun. And they cost less than some rods.

Mike Stevens - Ed.

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Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Published by Michael Stevens PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250.

Ph/fax; 6331 1278 Email; fishn@bigpond.net.au Advertising: Quenton Higgs - 0427 129 949 Stevens Publishing, ABN 79 095 217 299 All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Print Post approved; PP 702512 00027

37 Wilson St, Burnie Ph 6431 6500 Email: tassietackle@keypoint.com.au

Fishing News - Page 3

Winter at Great Lake Many anglers pack away their rods come the end of trout season and then start counting down the days for it to reopen again in August. If you find it hard to wait until then, as I do, there is some great shore based fishing to be had at Great Lake if you’re prepared to brave the cold. Apart from Tods Corner, and Canal Bay, the remainder of Great Lake is open to trout fishing twelve months of the year.

By the time I have finished a few jobs around the house at the beginning of winter I start to think about those brown trout feeding up in the shallow bays of Great Lake after their annual spawning run. These trout are hungry and in the need for a quick protein hit. The resident paragalaxias are on the menu, as are the ever reliable stick caddis and Great Lake shrimp.

Shore based fishing

When fishing from the shore I find it more interesting to go in search of fish rather than fishing from a fixed location. Wading is a great way to locate fish in the shallow bays of the lake. By fishing this way you will cover the fish that are slowly cruising the deeper drop offs and shallow margins as well as the fish that have stationed themselves in amongst the rocky edges or fallen timber. When fishing water 300 mm and less you will often see a swirl or charging bow wave as a fish responds to your presentation, resulting in an exciting hook up or a disappointing refusal that may prompt a change of tact. This visual aspect is another reason why I like to fish these areas.

A fantastic Winter Great Lake brown caught from amongst the ice.

Shores that have the cold winter wind blowing into them may not look too appealing but can produce some great fishing.

The constant wave action can stir up a soup of aquatic insects at times. Many trout will take advantage of this to feed on these dislodged insects. By wading out and fishing back into shore you can comfortably fish the water with the wind at your back and side to assist casting. Even in this stirred up water it is still possible to sometimes catch a glimpse of a dark elongated shape slowly mooching along in the discoloured water, or the sight of a fin for a split second, as the waves suck the water off the trout’s back.

Polaroiding in winter isn’t something you hear too much about, but is by no means out of the question. The weather at this time can dish out some Declare pretty miserable conditions.

Declare All AllYour YourFishing Fishing Equipment Equipment It can also produce the odd blue-sky day with light winds.

These are the days you can sneak in some early season polaroiding. Even in less than perfect conditions, you can see more with a good set of polaroids than you can with the naked eye. If you haven’t spotted a fish after scanning the water out to the extremes of your vision, you can then locate any submerged rocks, logs and depressions that The catastrohic impact of have the potential to hold fish, accidentally introduced alga “Didymo”, also known as giving you something to cast Rock Snot, on New Zealand’s freshwater environment. to, along with the anticipation of a take in such likely lies.

Shallow shores that quickly The catastrophic impact of accidentally introduced alga drop away into deeper water “Didymo”, also known as Rock Snot, on New Zealand’s freshwater environment. are also worth some time.

One drop of water. One microscopic cell. One ecological disaster.

Trout seem to like the security One drop of water. One microscopic cell. One ecological disaster. of the deeper water close by That’s all it takes. Don’t take our fishery for granted.

That’s all it takes. Don’t take our fishery for granted. so they can move in and out Be Be aa Barrier Barrier -–Not NotaaCarrier Carrier of of pests pests to toTasmania.

Tasmania. of the shallows with a degree Check, & Dry Dry your yourfishing fishingequipment. equipment.

Check, Clean Clean & of safety from predators.

For more information visit www.ifs.tas.gov.au For more information visit www.ifs.tas.gov.au Fishing these drop offs, with or www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo or www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo most techniques, will often or phone Quarantine on 03 6233 3352 or phone Quarantine on 03 6233 3352 produce fish.

T here’s nothing like spending time on the water to better understand a fishing destination. Some bays will Photo - Brad Harris

Help Help Protect Protect Tasmania’s Tasmania’s Freshwater Freshwater Environment.

Environment.

Fishing News - Page 4

hold more fish than others, depending on the conditions, as they do during summer. With the water levels still low, many areas have weed beds close to shore. Where there is weed growth there will be aquatic life, and trout to feed on them.

Combine these areas with rocky shores and a few dead trees and you have a good place to start.

Rising water levels, however, can make a once productive area fishless, leaving the established weed beds and the trout food that live in them, out of reach to the shore based angler.

If the newly flooded ground has no food available for the trout then there’s little incentive for them to be there. When you find your self in this situation, the steeper shores will be less affected by the rising water giving you access to established weed beds. Places such as Swan Bay, Dud Bay, Beehives point, Ducks Point Bay, Reynolds Neck and Elizabeth Bay, to name just a few, are all worth a visit.

Fly Fishing

Fur flies and woolly buggers seem to fish very well early, with a variety of retrieves. Anything from a slow figure eight to fast strip will work at times. The key is to mix it up through out the day to find the retrieve that works.

Another useful piece of information is to know the actual sink rate of each fly you use. This can be done very simply by counting down the time it takes your fly to hit the bottom in say 300mm of water. Once you have this information you can use the count down method to be sure your fly is going to be at the right depth before starting the retrieve. This is particularly useful when you want your fly to be travelling just under a submerged log, in sight of any trout that may be holding up under there.

Winter can bring on some rough fishing conditions.

These can be managed by picking the right shore to fish and using the best cast for those conditions. In very rough windy conditions, long difficult cast are not needed when wading.

Fish a shore with the wind blowing along or into it and wade the shore in a direction that will have the wind blowing the fly line away from your body when you cast. With a strong wind at your back, high back casts will be over powered by the wind, making casting uncomfortable and creating tangles in your leader. A more relaxed cast is made with a low powerful side cast to cut into the wind behind you and then rolled over into the normal forward cast. Short manageable casts allow you to quickly cover the water in front of you before wading the length of your leader and casting again. Fishing a short line will also make it easier to see any unnatural movements in the water from a fish responding to your fly as it lands in the water. Fishing two different flies at the same time will often shorten the time needed to find the right colour, size or type of fly that works on the day.

Fishing News - Page 5

Risty’s Fur Fly

Fly tying goes hand in hand with fly fishing. There’s something very satisfying about catching a fish on one of your own creations. The flies you can tie with the countless fly tying products available these days are limited only by your own imagination.

Fly tying is a big part of my fly fishing. So much so that I will often tie up a few new flies the night before a trip. Some of these new creations will get to stay in my fly box while others will go into the recycle jar that sits on my fly tying bench.

One fly that has gone through the test of time is a fur fly I tied 15 years ago to catch the frog and galaxia feeders in the Western Lakes. Inspired by Rob Slone’s Fur Fly, it is tied with the black tail fur from a brush-tail possum and then a bunch of wild rabbit fur to represent the lighter under belly of a frog or galaxia. The thorax is black ostrich and the head is tied with yellow thread as was in Sloane’s Black Fur Fly. I liked the idea of the yellow head as this makes the fly resemble one more major food item, the stick caddis. The first time I used this fly in the Western Lakes will be one I will never forget. The native galaxias were being savaged by a trout out in the middle of a shallow bay, at the time I was the only one wearing waders.

My old fishing mate, David Catlin urged me to hurry up and catch the fish so we could continue on our walk further back into the Western Lakes. This fish would appear once with a huge swirling, and then reappear in a totally different area. By now I was standing knee deep in the middle of the bay with a forty foot cast out in front of me, waiting for the next sign of this fish. Suddenly the water erupted behind me as the fish chased down some more galaxias. I turned, lifting the line off the water and delivered the fly a metre in front of the fish. The fish surged over nearly parting the water to take the fly. I set the hook and quickly lowered the rod with the first burst of power and speed as it charged out towards the middle of the lake. A long tense fight followed with the heart stopping sight of a fish that must have been 10 pound, rolling out of my net.

Luckily the hook held giving me another chance. This time the fish stayed in the net and weighed exactly 10 pounds, my first double figure brown trout. That fish has now gained pride of place on my wall with the original fly along side it. Since that day, this fly has been successful throughout the seasons and has saved me from having a fishless day more than once.

Risty’s Fur Fly

Bait Fishing

A lot of fish are caught using bait, throughout the year, in Great Lake and winter fishing is no exception. Many people use worms and grubs with set rods along the shores with great effect, enjoying the social aspect as well as the fishing.

In my early days of trout fishing I found it hard to stay in one spot for any length of time, waiting for the fish to come to me. I was soon to be introduced to a devastatingly effective form of trout fishing by David Catlin and his son Grant.

They used a fly rod to cast and retrieve an unweighted bait, usually a cockroach, to constantly fish new water by wading or walking the deeper shores. The fly line, on a fly reel, was replaced with 10 pound monofilament, as the momentum of a fly line through the air would soon see the cockroach tearing from the hook. A more effective way was to cast the cockroach with one smooth action and releasing the loops of line in your hand just before finishing the casting stroke. Worms and grubs can be used in the same way, but trout have always responded well to cockroaches, finding them hard to refuse.

Last year I returned to fish Great Lake at the beginning of July with Simon Hedditch. Simon and I fished together when we were kids. Using cockroaches was a big part of our trout fishing back then. Simon still enjoys cockroach fishing and was keen for an early start to the season after hearing of my success at Great Lake a week earlier. We could hear the ice braking up in the water filled wheel ruts as we drove into Cramps Bay to try a new area of Great Lake. We were the first to drive this track on that day and would more than likely Whilst ice and cold is a factor there can be some have the whole bay to ourselves beautiful weather and superb catches. at this time of year.

We stopped to collect a few cockroaches under out deep, while I fished the shallow knee deep water. Simon rocks and fallen timber and soon had enough for systematically lobbed out the cockroach in front of him and several hours fishing. We fished 2 kilometres of the retrieved the line with long slow strips waiting to feel the slight southern shore, with little sign of life amongst the bump or pull through the line as a fish grabbed hold of the timber and rocks. I eventually spooked a fish out from under cockroach. It wasn’t long before Simon had his first grab and a log, but that was it. We decided to walk over Cramps Sugar was allowing the fish to take a small amount of line before Loaf to Elizabeth Bay. It was now eleven o’clock and the clear setting the hook. After the hook-up H]^bVcd I^V\gV *% L6 $ the fish quickly pulled I8jgkZ ')`\ ;jaa gdaaZg gdY blue sky allowed us to wade-polaroid the shore, SimonE:CC fished the remaining coils of loose line from Simon’s hand and he H=>B6CD I>6<G6

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Ashley Spinner was now fighting the fish from the reel. Simon soon landed a very well conditioned trout that had not been short of a meal after spawning.

Fish started to materialise in front of us as the height of the sun made it possible to see further ahead. Once a fish was located it was simply a matter of landing the cockroach near the fish and watching it move over to the sinking cockroach and picking it up. The line would move off, giving the sign to set the hook. The next three hours saw eight fish caught between us. Most of these fish were spotted before the cast, while others were picked up searching the water out past the limits of our vision. Changing locations from a deep rocky tree lined bay to one that had a gradual silty bottom with weed growth, rocks and submerged trees had paid off on this particular day.

Lure Fishing

There are so many different actions, vibrations, rattles and colours available in lures today, it makes buying one a daunting task. Your local tackle dealer will be up with what’s working from the most popular lures he is selling.

When using lures you still have to think about the water and the type of lure you are about to fish. Casting directly into a strong wind out into deeper water is best done with the heavier spinners and wobblers or by wading out and casting shallower running lures along the shore.

Using the wind from behind you will always be the easiest way to cast the greatest distance, but this will not help you catch fish if the shore has little to offer a trout in the way of food and shelter. Casting over and along drop offs, any dead trees or prominent rocks, and weed beds are all good places to start. Brown trout will search for food in water that is barely deep enough to cover them. How many times have you approached the water thinking “there wouldn’t be a fish that close to the edge or that shallow” only to see a bow wave of a fleeing fish charging out to deeper water? They’re only the ones you can see disturbing the water on their way out. Covering the water with a cast, before you get too close to the edge, may just give you another chance of landing a fish. Once at the water’s edge you can fan your casts around to the shoreline, covering any fish that may be in close before moving along to that area.

The ability to fish a lure through the entire depth of water is always going to be a big advantage. This is one of the reasons soft plastics are so successful and the fact that they can be made virtually snag proof to probe all of the likely areas. Carrying a range of lures that will cover all depths and conditions will give you more flexibility and a greater chance of success.

Whatever method you choose, fishing Great Lake during winter can make it a little easier to wait those extra months for the remainder of the trout waters to re-open.

Craig Rist

It feels so comfortable to wear today’s wading gear compared to the times when we all had neoprene or PVC waders.

Who would guess that another revolution in wader technology is just around the corner? Actually, it already took place last year. It was no surprise for Vision. Last year was Vision’s first to have a waterproof zipper on a breathable wader. To maintain our position at the forefront of wader development we approved the continuation of this design and it will move waders to an all new comfort level. The same has taken place with Stealth Amphibia rubber. This US made special rubber was first used by Vision and has been approved as a much more advanced sole material for wading shoes than traditional felt. This year we introduce our all new wader fabric F3Wader. It is a strong yet very comfortable and breathable fabric. It will be in our Flywater and world famous Extreme waders

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Fishing News - Page 7

Got the Winter Blues?

How to get over them Well it’s that depressing time of year again when Tassie plunges into another winter. We turn on our headlights to travel to work and on again to come home. The memories of the magnificent long summer evenings when we could still just polaroid that Western Lakes brown at 7 pm have faded. It will soon be the shortest day again, a time which surely marks the greatest depth of our winter period. So just what attractions await the frustrated angler during this coming bleak period either out to sea or inland chasing trout? The short answer for most is ‘not much’. There are a few places worthy of mention though and we will examine these areas and the best methods to use.

Out to sea

Because sea temperatures lag behind air temperatures by some 2-3 months in Tasmania the coldest seas are not usually encountered until early spring, and not during winter as you may expect. This means that there is reasonable fishing for most species extending into this winter period. I mainly fish the north coast and concentrate on areas around Port Sorell and Devonport. Common species here include flathead, salmon, wrasse, whiting, couta, pike, shark and squid. All these are still being caught along the coast at the moment and should remain available for at least the next 6-8 weeks.

Certainly a trip during May from Port Sorell will rate as one of the most action packed and rewarding I’ve had this year. We were lucky enough to happen upon a school

Port Sorell is a great all-year-round fishery. of salmon breaking the surface (a rare sight around here) and happily played with these for a while. The ever-reliable pearl watermelon Berkley plastic again proved their undoing.

Several salmon had small baitfish fall from their mouths in the boat and the resemblance to the plastics was remarkable.

We then moved on to the nearby weed bed off Griffiths Point and caught a feed of both species of pike, again on the soft plastics but this time swapping to the wriggly tail grubs. Once squid started to attack the plastics we swapped to jigs and remembered how to catch these critters. I tried the pinch behind the eyes technique to lessen the ink wars.

This dispatches them very quickly and I would recommend this technique to anyone.

Calamari are still around, but start to thin out.

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The squid are still around in good numbers this year but should soon start to thin out and appear again in spring when they start to congregate to spawn. It is worth mentioning that the squid we caught late May were the biggest I’ve seen this year.

The salmon we located because of their surface activity and had they not been up I would have motored over them.

The large schools of salmon did not appear in the Port Sorell estuary last year until late July so I will be eagerly awaiting this period to fish the incoming tides. Fishing however can often be unpredictable so it would pay to fish the incoming tides occasionally over the next few months in case the salmon appear earlier. Once they arrive word will certainly get out fast.

On weekends the estuary became somewhat crowded last year and some peoples’ boat etiquette left a lot to be desired.

Pike have been around in good numbers this year and show no signs of thinning out just yet. I caught them well into winter over the past few years but have been particularly successful this year, I guess I do target them more now with soft plastics and waste less time than I used when just trolling for them. They are much more fun to catch to on light gear than a large trolling rod. I still don’t see many other people targeting them however and see very few at the boat ramps in peoples’ catches, indeed I am often asked what the long fish are. Although their flesh is soft they are good eating and make great fish cakes. They are well worth the effort to target and will provide reliable sport over the winter period.

The flathead have spread out more as winter approaches and can be caught in good numbers in the 30 to 65ft mark.

The ones being caught are mostly over size although very few of the leviathans we claimed over summer are still about. Consistent fishing should continue to around august when they certainly become harder to locate along the north coast.

Set line fishing for gummies has been popular this season and catches are only just starting to slow down. It appears the best months this year were from March to April but there are still some good one about.

The fishing in general does start to decline by July although as the weather in this month is often the worst in the year perhaps it is more a case of not being able to get out rather than not being able to catch. Bass Strait is not a water to be

taken lightly, it can blow up very rough at little notice and remain that way for days on end.

In southern and southeastern parts of the state this winter period is of course eagerly anticipated by the tuna brigade.

There have already been some catches of large bluefin but only time will tell if this season continues on and lives up to expectation.

Inland waters

The coming winter months are certainly not the favourite times for most Tasmanian freshwater anglers. All rivers and most other inland waters are closed from the end of April to the start of August. Some West coast waters including Great Lake, is at a very low level, however it has probably never fished better than is Lake Macintosh are open until is at the moment. It is a tremendous all-year-round fishery for all fishing methods. the end of May. This water can provide surprising results near the Sophia Tunnel inlet during the month of May and early good sizes. Meadowbank received 165 3 kg fish in April and june as large trout feeling the urge to spawn are attracted to Brushy Lagoon was stocked with 21000 rainbow fingerlings the inflowing waters from Lake Murchinson but on reaching in January and 1000 adult browns in May. These stockings the area find no rivers to swim in. Some very large specimens should help to keep local anglers content over the winter. have been taken here in recent years. Shore fishing is possible Other stockings are planned in the near future. To keep abreast however a boat is a better proposition. Any minnow type lure of these releases visit the Inland Fisheries website. works best as the lake supports a good population of large Lake Burbury has again fished well this season with the galaxias. There are a number of drowned trees in this area main complaint being low water levels causing great difficulty however so you will lose lures. in launching your boat. The condition of the fish remains Waters that remain open throughout the year are Lake high and the rainbows are still around in ridiculous numbers Barrington, Brushy Lagoon, Great Lake, Lake Burbury, midging on calm mornings. If you have not visited this lake Craigbourne Dam and Lake Meadowbank. Burbury and yet at first light on a calm morning then it is something you Great Lake would certainly rate as the two standout waters, should put on your “to do” list. During the winter months the others are largely dependent upon previous stocking. however is not be the best time to view this spectacle, late Large atlantic salmon when released provide some interesting spring into summer is better. sport but this action is usually short lived. The remaining fish stocks in these waters are not high and the fish rarely reach

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Fishing News - Page 9

Of all the waters that remain open Great Lake is by far my chosen destination. The three occasions I bagged out last year at this water were once in June and twice in July. On all trips the weather was freezing and the water temperature positively life threatening. I fished off the southern shores with wet fly, rapala lure and gary glitter soft plastic. My day on the fly was the most memorable but also the most physically demanding.

Wading the shallows trying not to fall in as each wave hits your legs is very draining. A striping basket is essential to keep your line under control between casts. My $3.50 Kmart laundry basket is still going fine. I use a floating line and tie a minnow like wet fly pattern which closely resembles the native fish. The trout are often in very close, usually just behind where the waves break. Wind over about 15kts makes casting difficult and usually results in waves that drag your line. The water levels going into this winter are similar to last year but still very low. If we do not receive good winter rains this year then the outlook for next season could be grim. The low levels have certainly not affected the trouts’ size and condition with a number over three pound and still in good nick . Some of the rainbows are now over five. Most of these have been in superb condition. Fish I caught late in May at Great Lake were full of small mussels and large shrimps, a combination I have not seen for some time.I inspected several of the spawning creeks including the canal at Liawenee with Fisheries. The spawning streams were simply full of trout so it’s not hard to imagine why the fishing improves later in June as most of these fish return to the lake.

It is also worth remembering that during the winter period the coldest water will be on the surface of the lakes. On days when there is little wind and wave action to mix the temperatures the fish will be found further down. On these days fish the plastics and on the rough days fish the lures or wet fly. You will see the results.

So despite our depressing winters the Tasmania angler should still be able to maintain some degree of sanity over the coming months. My advice would be to make the most of any settled calm days and head to sea targeting any of the species I have described above. We do experience some perfect calm days in winter, they just don’t get very warm or last that long.

Rough weather works well inland, particularly at Great Lake, so the choice should be easy. Check the Inland Fisheries website for future lake stockings to make the most of the action on

the lowland lakes. Remember to rug up and don’t fall in, particularly in Great Lake where the temperature will soon be around four degrees. If the petrol price keeps increasing however the long term sanity of all anglers will be in doubt and slow winter fishing will be the least of out worries, but that’s another story.

Shane Flude

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Customising your tinny All my working life I have owned and used a small aluminium boat. I now use a 3.7 m Quintrex Traveller. At 70 kg in weight it’s light enough to go on the roof racks. This makes it ideal for travelling around our state and the mainland. Even if you’re not on a full-blown fishing trip, a boat conveniently stored on the roof racks is always there ready to be used, if needed. It also makes driving and parking in cities a lot easier. These small crafts make great fishing platforms, enabling you to access places much larger boats cannot get. Of course they do have their limitations in rough weather, it’s just a matter of being sensible when and where you take them. Estuaries, rivers and lakes are the places where you can really take advantage of a small boat. The popularity of fishing with soft plastics has opened up a whole new fishing experience for many people.

With this has come a realisation of the great fishery we have in our estuaries. Anglers are specifically targeting species such as bream, silver trevally, salmon and tailor. The need for a craft to pursue this type of fishing has increased as well. A small boat properly set up can be an inexpensive way of making the most of your fishing time.

Powering a small boat

When it comes to powering a small boat I have one piece of advice. If the boat’s maximum horsepower is rated at 15 Hp then that is the size I would buy. Over the years I have experimented with lower than the maximum horsepower, only to be disappointed with the performance and safe handling of the boat. When you’re carrying a bit of gear along with two people in the boat, the outboard needs to have enough power to get the boat up on the plane with the weight you are carrying. If it can do this, you then have the power to control the boat if and when you are caught out in a bit of a chop.

There’s nothing worse than copping a wave over the front because you have no more power left to lift up the bow of the boat. The same goes in a following sea, if you haven’t got the power to steer, then a wave can turn the boat side-on to the wave leaving you in a compromising position.

Electric Out Boards

Electric outboard motors are a must for quietly positioning the boat into the best casting position and to manoeuvre in amongst trees, rocks and weeds without damaging the prop of your main outboard. Because the prop on an electric outboard is directly driven though the electric motor there is very little that can break when the prop hits the bottom or a submerged tree. The longest use of an electric outboard is achieved with deep cycle batteries. Although they are more expensive than a standard car battery they will give you longer use of your electric outboard during a day on the water. I use a 12 volt 55 pound thrust electric outboard with a 35 amp-hour deep cycle battery to cut down on the weight. This will last a full day on the water.

As well as being a great tool to increase your chances of catching more fish, they are an auxiliary power source that can be used if your main motor fails.

Casting Platform

I have never been able to leave a boat stock-standard. The need to clear the deck space of all things that can catch a fly

line has always led me to add more storage to a boat. My 3.7 m Quintrex came fitted out with two bench seats, one across the front and one across the back. By installing a forward casting platform between the front seat and the anchor well, I gained valuable storage space and a casting platform that made operating the foot controls of the electric out board much easier. I did this without the need of an aluminium welder.

Instead, I used stainless rivets to secure a piece of 40 x 40 x 3 aluminium channel along the length of the front seat and above the anchor well. This allowed the plywood platform to sit level with the height of the seat. The plywood was then cut to shape and covered with carpet, using Kiwi Grip to glue it down. The entire platform was hinged at the raised anchor well. Two nylon straps, looped over, were fixed at each side and left protruding. These straps assisted lifting up the platform when gaining access to the storage area.

Battery Box

If a battery is not properly secured it can cause a lot of damage to the hull of a small boat. Damage like this usually happens when towing a boat over rough roads with an unrestrained battery sitting on the floor.

Small boats are a lot of fun, very practical, easy to use and transport A permanent solution to this is to mount and with a few modifications make great fishing platforms. a fabricated battery box to a secure part of the boat. I chose to mount my battery box to the back of the rear bench seat.

I also secured it to the first rib on the floor and the internal transom brace.

Positioning the batter y at the back of the boat also helps balance up the boat when you are fishing solo from the forward casting platform.

Most modifications can be easily done at home. Remember ‘measure twice and cut once’.

Rod Storage

The next thing to consider was rod storage. A few years ago I fished the Bow River in Canada from a Drift Boat. These are specifically designed rowboats shaped to slide over rapids on their nylon- lined hull. They had a rod storage solution that allowed more than one fully assembled fly rod to be store out of harms way along each side of the boat. They achieved this by installing one 50mm tube on both sides of the boat, starting midway along the boat then following the curve of the boat up to the Bow. The rod tip was then slid up inside the tube, following the bend and shape of the boat. The remaining half

of the rod was laid flat on top of a bench moulded along the sides of the boat.

To achieve the same thing is my boat I drilled through both sides of the front seat using a hole saw and feed two lengths of 50mm black poly pipe up under the casting platform all the way to the point of the bow. I then finished off the pipe flush with the side of the seat and glued rubber rod holder inserts inside the pipe. To secure the rod handles at the back seat, I installed four straight flush mounted rod holders into the side of the back seat, two on either side. This allowed four fully

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assembled rods to be stored along each side. At this stage the lower half of each rod was still exposed along each side. Not wanting to risk breaking expensive rods on an extended trip, I had some 2mm aluminium folded up to form rod lockers along each side to fully enclose and protect each rod. The lockers are hinged at the bottom from two ribs and latched into position using 60mm Bungee Straps. To prevent the lockers rubbing against the hull, rubber stops were fixed at each end.

Rod Holders

Most small boats of this size do not come fitted with rod holders ready for trolling. To address this, I installed two angled flush mounted rod holders at the rear of the boat. One problem with the flush mounted rod holders is they are not designed to hold fly rods.

There is a very simple and cheap way to over come this, by making your own rod holder adaptor from a piece of 40mm PVC pipe. From one end, mark down 200mm and drill a hole in one side of the pipe using a 20mm hole saw. With a small grinder cut a 20mm slot down to the drilled hole. Take off the sharp edges and cut the pipe to length. The fly rod handle and reel can then be slid down the slot in the PVC pipe and be stored in any flush mounted rod holder on any boat you may be fishing on. This same rod holder adaptor can be used with boat rods that have short handles to keep the reel away from the boat, preventing damage to the boat and reel.

With the use of polypipe running through the front seat the author was able to build storage for nine foot fly rods.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into fly fishing or casting lures and soft plastics, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take much effort to customise a small boat, making it even more enjoyable to use.

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A forward casting platform between the front seat and the anchor well gains valuable storage space and makes operating the foot controls of the electric out board easier.

Rod holders installed in the rear corners with homemade fly rod inserts.

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If you have a breakage contact or call into any G. Loomis Pro Store and request the G.Loomis Xpeditor Service.

Tell them the model number and rod series. If G. Loomis no longer offer that model it will be replaced with what G. Loomis determine to be the closest current comparable model.

Pending stock and availability, you may receive a current replacement rod immediately and walk out of the store with a brand new rod. The cost: $150 or $200 for GLX. Do I have to return my broken rod? Yes, all broken rods replaced by our Expeditor Service do need to be sent back to the factory.

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Fishing News - Page 14

Boat of the year Awards CEO of the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF), Sherry Donaldson said last night ‘The strong line-up of finalists in the 2008 Australian Marine Awards is proof that Australian consumers have more choice of marine product than ever before.’

61 finalists battled it out for the 2008 Australian Marine Awards which were announced at The Marriott Resort Surfers Paradise 21 May. The finalists faced judging panels in Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney.

Ms Donaldson said nominations from locally manufactured and imported products was an indication of the wide choice available to consumers.

‘The benefit of choice is also available to overseas consumers because many of the Australian made products are exported and compete on the international market.

‘This choice helps create 36 000 jobs and generates $6 billion in spending across Australia, making the marine industry a valuable contributor to the national economy.’

Ms Donaldson said the Australian Marine Awards were a celebration of the recreational marine industry in Australia, recognising the country’s finest manufacturers and importers of vessels, innovative products and exporters associated with recreational boating.

Ms Donaldson said the award finalists were evaluated by two teams of judges, four from media and four independents, all of whom were experts in their individual fields.

Judging criteria for finalists includes an exhaustive checklist of more than 40 items covering overall impressions, presentation, ergonomics, performance and safety.

The Australian Marine Awards is supported by media partners Club Marine, Modern Boating, the Gold Coast Bulletin, Seaspray and Yaffa Publishing and is sponsored by OCV Reinforcements, Fusion, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR), Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the Gold Coast City Council.

Results of the Australian Marine Awards are:

Boat of the Year (Power) Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht Fishing Trailerable - Fibreglass/GRP Under 6m Evolution 550 Platinum (PM Marine) Fishing Trailerable - Fibreglass/GRP Over 6m Theodore Marine 720 Offshore; Haines Signature 675F (Commendation) Fishing Trailerable - Aluminium Under 6m Evolution Outsider 520 (Evolution Boat Builders) Stacer 459 Barra Pro (Commendation) Fishing Trailerable - Aluminium Over 6m Quintrex 670 Offshore SDD Fishing Non Trailerable - Up To 10m Leisurecat Australia 8000 Sportsfisher

Quintrex 670 Offshore SDD takes out AMIF award

The Quintrex 670 Offshore SDD (Stern Drive Diesel) took out the prestigious 2008 AMIF award for “Fishing Trailerable Boat of the Year (Aluminium Over 6m)” on Thursday 22nd May, 2008.

The brand’s flagship model began its winning streak in early May, when it was named Modern Boating magazine’s “Aluminium Boat of the Year”.

Quintrex National Sales & Marketing Manager Damien Duncan said the award was a wonderful acknowledgment of the 670 Offshore SDD. “With five other high performing aluminium boats vying for the title, the 670 Offshore SDD’s win was a significant achievement,” Damien said.

“This award along with the Modern Boating win acknowledges Quintrex as Australia’s leading aluminium fishing boat manufacturer over six metres.

“The 670 Offshore SDD is a huge credit to our research and development team who developed the concept of an aluminium light-weight trailerable game-fishing boat into this award winning model,” he said.

The 670 Offshore SDD and the Offshore Series was launched at Melbourne Boat Show last year and is currently taking part in the Quintrex Offshore Relay from Brisbane to Melbourne (Sunday 18th May - Sunday 29th June, 2008) in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

For more information on the special events and promotions taking place in conjunction with the Relay and to follow the 670 Offshore SDD on its 1,200 nautical mile journey visit www.offshore. quintrex.com.au.

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Fishing News - Page 15

Saltwater Flyfishing St Helens Once the trout season has finished most fly fishers hang up their fly jacket and waders and retire to the flytying bench to create some new and wonderful patterns for the coming season—the whole while reminiscing on the season past, its many adventures, waters fished and fish caught.

But……there is a whole other piscatorial fly fishing world out there that can satisfy the hunger that a dedicated flyfisherman has during the off season for trout or even for those that don’t have access to any freshwater. Flyfishing for saltwater species or “Saltwater Flyfishing” has no boundaries, only those set by the angler themselves, any salt water fish species can be targeted with a fly of some description and is only limited by the imagination of the angler. It comes as a shock to most fisherman just how much quality saltwater flyfishing options there are in relatively close proximity to our coastal towns, certainly something that cant be said for our trout fishing.

Tasmania is lucky enough to have a great range of saltwater fish species that live in its many coastal esturies and one prime example is Georges Bay on our East Coast at St Helens. This bay has extensive sand and mudflats covered at high tides loaded with food items for the fish to graze on, good open water, oyster racks, channels, rocky points, channel markers, pylons, marina’s, moored boats and ocean rock walls. It can be fished from a small boat with little travelling time from the ramp but also has many areas that can be waded at various stages of the tide. In short it offers the intrepid salt water fly fisherman a whole host of options in terms of fish and environments to which he can satisfy his fix for casting a fly.

Tackle

It is a common perception that very specialised gear is needed for saltwater flyfishing but this cannot be further from the truth. Any good outfit used for trout fishing should do a perfectly good job of transitioning across to saltwater. A good #6-7 weight fly rod with a graphite, aluminium or stainless steel reel and matched #6-7 line will cover most scenario’s for fishing in our coastal estuaries and rivers, its only when chasing pelagics and larger offshore fish that bigger outfits will be needed. The biggest issue you will be faced with is just the harsh saltwater environment and the corrosive effects it has on gear not designed for use in it. Just remember to be particular about washing the rod, reel and line in warm soapy water afterwards and a good thorough rinse off with fresh water and all should be ok.

If however you are serious about pursuing Saltwater Flyfishing on a more regular basis than there is a whole host of quality leading brand tackle available designed for this purpose.

Sage, Redington, Loomis, Vision and many others make specific model rods for saltwater use; one of my favourites is a Redington CPS #6 Saltwater. This is a 9 foot 6 weight rod with a saltwater fighting butt, Fuji SiC stripping guide and chrome coated stainless steel snake guides to withstand the harsh saltwater environment. The CPS rod feels very similar to the Sage XP rods, a line of easy-casting, light-tipped fast-actioned rods that are considered crisp all rounders and offer excellent balance between turning over large saltwater flies into the wind and soft delicate presentations to a wary Bream. This rod has an amazing amount of power and its ability to lift the flyline and heavy fly out of the water and produce a good distance cast with minimal effort from the angler is outstanding.

My personal preference for a quality fly line suitable for saltwater work is a Rio Saltwater Line in a WF6 floating as I find it suits the Redington Rod that I use perfectly. It is an all purpose saltwater flyline based on the clouser taper, it has a quick loading head but with a bullet shaped taper which enables it to turn over bulky flies a lot easier than other lines.

It also has a hard saltwater coating and is constructed to suit our colder water conditions, many saltwater specific flylines are designed for more tropical conditions and a common problem encountered in cooler Tasmanian waters is the line becomes stiff and unmanageable making effective casting difficult, remember this when choosing a line.

Fishing News - Page 16

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News staffer, Quenton Higgs, hooked up, and hanging on to a fair sized Australian salmon.

A quality large arbor reel is essential, the large arbor reduces memory coils in the flyline, and preferably one with a good drag system as many of the Australian salmon in Georges Bay can weigh up to 6-7lb and will strip line from the reel at a great rate. I have found a fantastic little reel that is priced with the budget conscious angler in mind and is perfectly suited to saltwater fishing. It is the Vision Koma fly reel, retailing at around $130 it offers great value for money in a saltwater tolerant reel, it is available in 4 sizes to suit #5 weight through to #11weight lines, is manufactured from machined aluminium and has a smooth disc drag system.

Leaders are all in the eye of the beholder, there are many brands of commercially made A two kilo Australian salmon can put up a sensational fight on fly gear.

This fish was taken on a 7# Vision 3Zone with a White Clouser fly.

tapered knotless leaders on the market and lengths and weights can be varied depending on the species and area being targeted.

For fishing in the St Helens region I would suggest a good saltwater leader such as Rio, these are made from quality monofilament and are made to IGFA specifications, 10 feet in length and tippet strength of 8-12lb should give a leader with a nice long thick butt section to help transfer the energy needed to turn over heavy or wind resistant flies. Add to this a couple of feet of good 6-8lb Fluorocarbon tippet material and you should be on your way to subduing anything Georges Bay can throw at you.

My personal preference for leaders is to go back to the old school ways and make my own knotted section leaders…..but with a twist..!! I make a 3 section twisted leader, each section being 3 feet in length and stepping down in breaking strain (15lb, 12lb and 8lb) and once twisted resembles a braided section. These sections are then knotted together to make a 9 foot leader, the reason behind the twisted sections is that they don’t hold a memory, even after being stored on the reel for a period of time, and lay out on the water very softly and straight every time. I find that this gives me more accurate casts as the base of the leader doesn’t coil so I can judge pinpoint distances better and can place the fly much more accurately, particularly important when targeting bream on the flats, in amongst oyster racks and around snags.

Flies

If you look back in history many of our pioneer flyfisherman certainly weren’t frightened to have the odd dabble in the saltwater, back then flytying materials and hooks were limited in technology and new advances now mean our flies have come a long way but some of the old school patterns still work effectively. Most of our estuarine fish species will at some point feed on small baitfish, salmon, tailor, trevally and bream can all be fooled with a fly imitating a small injured or dying fish. Some of the old style “Streamer” and “Matuka” flies are a good basic representation of small baitfish and most trout fisherman will have a few of these in their box that will suffice in the absence of dedicated salt water patterns.

However with modern flytying techniques and materials some fantastic flies have been spawned to cover most saltwater situations, one of my favourite flies for targeting fish in Georges Bay is the “Gummy Minnow” which is produced by Tiewell. This fly can be difficult to find but are winners when it comes to imitating the small “sardines” that are prolific in the bay. Others that I favour include the Soft-Dip Whitebait, also produced by Tiewell, and the DNA series of salt water patterns such as the “Sprat” and the “Bon-Bon”, the latter in an olive colour being a particularly good pattern for the salmon.

Another fly that cannot be left out of any saltwater flybox is the “Muzz Wilson Fuzzle Bugger”, this fly is a must if you are targeting bream but will suit almost all saltwater species. It should be kept in a number of different colours and both standard and bead head variants.

Other flies that are quite good include the “BMS” and “Crazy Charlie” which have proven to be excellent patterns for trevally but if used in a small white colour style will be ideal for the garfish. Also a few Clousers, Surf Candies and Deceivers in the mix will be enough to get you well on your way, they are all functional flies that the fish want to eat, once an effective presentation is sorted out you will be pulling in fish hand over fist.

of fish and drift into them, or if your boat has an electric motor slowly motor into the school. If the fish are on top make a long cast and strip the fly back to you rather quickly, salmon will respond to speed and if the fish doesn’t strike at the fly then make another cast, place the fly rod under your arm or between your knees and double hand retrieve the fly even faster. Quite often the salmon will also take the fly as it drops through the Southern black bream are one of the most prized sport fish of all. water column, as if Fly caught bream are highly regarded they are swimming around mopping up the dead and injured bait as they sink. Mackerel and tailor Berley. Once the fish have appeared in the trail use a small will also be mixed in with the Salmon schools quite a lot and white fly, a BMS or small white Fuzzle Bugger, and cast toward will respond to the same techniques and give quite a good the feeding fish, let is sink slowly and then give it a slow pull fight too. letting it rise in the water column, the garfish will hit hard at If hard fighting jumping salmon are not your fare than take times and usually take to the air skipping acrobatically across to the flats at high tide, here you will find schools of bream the top of the water. They are great fun, visually stimulating feeding on the oysters, mussels, crabs and other tasty morsels and fantastic to eat and if really in the mood will take a small dislodged by the rising waters. This requires a much more white dry fly off the surface, dry fly salt water flyfishing….. stealthy approach, more accurate and delicate presentations the ultimate..!! and cracking the code with the retrieve that makes the Bream There are many other species of fish that can be targeted eat the fly. A good place to start is to try and polaroid the fish, with the fly in Georges Bay and like I said earlier is only limited casting to a fish you know is there is much more satisfying than by the imagination of the individual and how much time you blind searching a sandflat, present the fly in front of the fish are willing to spend out on the water. All of a sudden even trying not to spook the fish and work the fly with small twitches the humble mullet becomes a wary sport fish that can be making the material flash and pulse. If the bream responds quite difficult to entice with a fly and lets face it we fly fish for to this and swims at the fly stop the retrieve immediately and the challenge not for the numbers, and what could be more wait for the fish to suck it in. This is one of the most painful challenging than getting a 2lb mullet to take a dry fly on a 4lb and excruciating things you will have to do when saltwater tippet…….sounds like fun doesn’t it…!! flyfishing but resist the temptation to move the fly unless the So don’t be shy in keeping that fly outfit wet for a few more Bream refuses the offering then continue with the retrieve. months yet, you never know the start of the trout season may You should also try mixing up the retrieve a bit until you find not end up being what you hang out all winter for. one that works; using the same retrieve continuously makes Jamie Henderson no sense if you are not catching fish.

Garfish are also one of my favourites on the fly, anchor up the boat near some seagrass beds in some current and send out a good berley trail of tuna oil and Stimulate Ground

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Georges Bay at St Helens is a prolific fishery with a very diverse range of fish species and environments. Probably one of the most common and without a doubt the most fun species to target with the fly would be the Australian salmon. Every year the bay fills with salmon of varying sizes, anywhere from small “cockies” right through to fish up to 7lb and even bigger fish have been hooked.

The salmon will generally move about all over the bay chasing the bait schools and at times small krill so you need to keep a sharp eye out. Small tell tale signs to look out for are birds diving and generally circling an area and groups of pelicans out in deep water, they are all a give away that there is some sort of action. Once some fish are located move up wind or up current of the school

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Jan’s Flies Jan Spencer

Even though the weather in Tasmania’s highlands has turned cold and most of the lakes are closed through the winter months, I am lucky to have Great Lake on my front door step. Great Lake is one of a few which is open all year. There can be some excellent cold weather fishing if you are hardy enough to brace the cold.

Monday 12th May 2008, we had minus 3˚ at Miena, no wind and clear blue sky. This is a perfect recipe for an overnight or early morning midge hatch.

I did need the help of a pair of binoculars to check if there were rising fish from my lounge window and as predicted, there were quite a number of tell tale rings.

By mid-morning the frost had receded and the temperature had shot up past 0˚. I went to see if there was a fish close enough to shore to get a cast to.

As it turned out, there were a number of fish within casting range, but in mirror smooth conditions I am sure the fish get the vibes of anything landing on the water twice the normal distance. It took till mid-afternoon when a slight westerly breeze sprang up and formed a few nice little slicks that I managed to catch a rather nice rainbow, which was mopping up midge on the edge of the ripple and smooth water. It really is nice at this time of year to get a fish on top, nose out, taking off the top.

Over a long period of time with lots of trails and errors in these conditions, I have found it’s best to wait till the wind

gets up and forms some slicks as the food will be concentrated into these areas, as will the fish.

Mostly they will feed subsurface a little, taking drowned midge. A small buzzer pattern let sink and twitched a little as the fish swims onto it will sometimes bring response.

The most success I have had is a small Black and Peacock fished the same way. When slicks form there can be all manner of food gathered together. It’s in these areas that the fish find it so easy to feed. They will follow a slick sometimes till it is hard in onshore, feeding so hard they lose concentration that they are in such shallow water, it can be an amazing sight to see for a shore based angler.

The slicks in the cooler months are a little different in that there is not the fruit salad of feed that there is through the summer months so it does make catching a fish very special indeed.

The following two flies have been tried and tested for many years. More often than not these flies are fish as singles.

4. Take two white turkey biots. Tie one on each side of the body with the point of the biot facing toward the rear of the fly. If the biots are long, cut them in half before tying in.

5. Spin on a nice thorax with the mole fur finishing close to the eye. Bring each of the biots forward toward the eye and tie down, cut away excess biot. Form a small head, whip finish, cut thread away and varnish head.

Black and Peacock (wet) Chironomid Nymph Hook: Thread: Rib: Body: Wing: Thorax:

Medium guage size 12 or 14 Black Fine silver wire Black floss Two white, turkey biots Mole fur

1. Take thread along shank and half way around the bend.

2. Tie in silver wire for rib, then floss for body. Take thread two thirds back along the shank.

3. Wind floss forward to thread and tie down firmly, cut away excess floss. Wind silver wire forward to thread, tie down with thread and cut away excess wire.

Hook: Thread: Body: Hackle:

Short shanked size 12 hook Black Two peacock herls.

Black hen hackle.

1. Take thread full length of shank, tie in two peacock herls by the thick end. Bring thread forward to just behind the eye.

2. Wind peacock herl forward with nice close turns, finishing at the thread, the down firmly and cut away excess herl.

3. Tie in one black hen hackle, make three turns of hackle tie down and cut away excess hackle. Pull the hen hackles over the body and form a nice little head, whip finish, cut away thread and varnish head.

Hope you have some great winter windlane fishing with these flies.

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Fishing News - Page 19

Stacer…looking great in ‘08 For the first time in two years, Stacer has launched a new range showcasing a complete interior refresh, new features and four completely new models.

The SF (Sports Fishing) Series, Nomad and Bowrider ranges form the first stage of the release with the Runabout and Cabin ranges to follow in late 2008.

National Sales & Marketing Manager Damien Duncan said the new 2008 range takes the Stacer brand in an exciting new direction.

“The new 2008 range has retained Stacer’s popular and high performing Evo Series Hulls, functional Mod Pod transom and level flotation and instead focuses on styling, storage and space,” Damien said.

“Our research and development team has given the new models an interior refresh by introducing a new colour scheme of grey and cream across the carpet, upholstery and dashes, delivering a modern and stylish feel.

“In addition to aesthetics, new features across the range include increased storage capabilities, bright anodised rails and new side pocket designs for maximum space usage and functionality,” he said.

Other new features include rolled side decks for comfort and a clean finish as well as a new funnel deck wash on all Mod Pod models.

“For the fishing enthusiasts the new Stacer range also includes four new fishing focused models,” Damien said.

“Our research and development team has designed the exciting 459 Barra Pro, 489 Barra Pro and 519 Barra Pro for the tournament angler after the competitive edge.

“For fisherman in the top end we have also introduced the rugged and roomy 529 Northern Fisher,” he said.

The new 2008 range also sees four new two-tone paint colours on offer with the addition of sunburn orange, platinum grey, dune and toxic green to the already available light blue, black, red and navy.

All 519 models and larger with a Mod Pod purchased as a complete factory ‘Ready 2 Go’ package now also come with a perfectly matched Stacer aluminium trailer.

For more information on Stacer’s extensive range, order a Stacer catalogue, contact Port Sorell Marine, your local Stacer dealer, or visit www.stacer.com.au.

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Fishing News - Page 20

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Fishing News - Page 21

dealer should be able to advise you on what size motor would best suit your needs. All brands of motors have variable speed which allows you to use only the amount of power needed to reposition the More and more anglers are wising up to the boat or hold in wind or current. advantages of using an electric motor for The more amount of energy you fishing. Powered by a deep cycle battery they conserve the longer your battery propel the boat through the water effortlessly life will be. I recommend deep and most importantly, they do it quietly. They cycle batteries because you are constantly drawing down power literally produce no real audible sound.

In today’s age where fish are pressured and recharging which is what these by anglers especially towards the end of the batteries are designed for. There season this can be a real advantage and can are two brands that stick out from increase your catch rates. There are three main the crowd and I would highly brands of electric motor on the market today. recommend. The Delkor 120 They are Minn Kota, Jarvis Walker Watersnake amp and Trojan 135 amp batteries and MotorGuide. I have used different models which are in my opinion two of the from all three brands on more than one best on the market and are priced occasion, and have found some interesting around the $220 mark which makes them good value. differences.

What type of motor should you Firstly it is of course important to get a motor and battery combination to suit buy? Well do you troll more or fly your boat. For example a 12 ft tinny with fish or drift spin? If you fly fish or an outboard and two anglers on board with drift spin a bow mount motor is gear wouldn’t need much more than 40-55 the way to go. A bow mount motor lb of thrust. Matched with an 80-120 amp is secured to the front of the boat deep cycle battery and used for a normal and whilst not in use swivels up to days drift spinning with a bit of slow trolling store in a flat horizontal position.

When chasing spooky fish like bream where there is current, wind or both an electric mixed in you would expect to get 4-7 hrs use. It is controlled two ways. The most motor is virtually essential. They allow a silent, stealthy approach in very shallow water.

If you used a smaller battery or an electric common is by a foot control pedal. motor that didn’t have enough thrust to suit The pedal on a Minn Kota is, in my opinion, 9 ft is to big for the pedal and I found trying call a weedless wedge and lets the motor your boat size then you could cut this time the most user friendly as it can be used without to control the pedal without looking almost steer through anything but the very thickest considerably. There are of course ways to having to constantly look at it. It is easily painful which I found to be hindrance whilst of weed.

Reliability? Well both the Minn Kota controlled by pushing your heel on the bottom fishing. The MotorGuide also has an optional increase battery life.

The Minn Kota brand of electric motors pad to instantly accelerate the boat and to turn remote. The pedal on the Jarvis Walker Water and MotorGuide come with a 3 year limited uses Digital Maximizer technology in most left or right you simple rock the ball of your Snake was similar in ease of use as the Minn warranty, while the Watersnake only has a 12 month warranty and having electronic of their range of motors. This technology foot either way. The speed control is also on Kota but does not have a remote.

For those wishing to only troll with an components there is a possibility that a can increase battery life by up to five times. It the pedal and is easily adjusted with your foot does this by pulsing the charge from the motor also. To stop the motor power you simple take electric motor I’d recommend a transom problem may occur at some point. The mount tiller steer type motor. The shaft length advantage that Minn Kota has here over the instead of drawing constant current. Your your foot off the control.

Another way is and type is another important consideration. brands is that Ross Pullin at Essential Flyfisher to use the Minn All brands have multiple shaft lengths so in Launceston is a recognized repairer for Kota Auto Pilot you can get the best length to suit your boat. their motors. Having a repairer in the state is system which is Whilst on shafts both the Minn Kota and fantastic as Ross really knows his stuff and a small r emote MotorGuide brands offer what the describe as having a local that can repair an item quickly control that can be an indestructible shaft made from composite and get you back on the water is a bonus. worn on your wrist materials and in my experience I have found To the best of my knowledge there is not like a watch or you the Minn Kota shaft seems to have more an approved repairer for the other brands in can actually get a flex which could be an advantage if you hit the state. form fitting cradle something submerged as the shaft will absorb So before buying an electric motor do that clips onto your more of the knock and you wont damage the your homework and ask around to see who rod and just let housing or steering unit of the motor. your thumb do the The propellers on an electric are also uses what and the advantages some might talking. Either way important as the bear the brunt of knocks and have over others, I think you’ll be surprised they are both user dings as you steer around logs and rocks and at the answers you get. Most importantly friendly systems. weed. The MotorGuide prop at first glance remember that you pay for quality and buying The foot pedal seems small compared to the other brands cheap because you want a motor now and for the MotorGuide but don’t let this bug you as it works fine the cant afford the better model isn’t the way to brand requires toe only thing I didn’t like about the prop was go. Buy the best first up and you won’t be operation only as it had a tendency to foul quickly with weed. disappointed even if you’re only going to use MotorGuide make an extensive range of bow and transom mount even my small size The Minn Kota prop comes with what they it occasionally. motors. Electric motors make it easy to sneak up onto fish.

Leroy Tirant

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Fishing News - Page 22

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Fishing News - Page 23

First Australian Fly Fishing Conclave

The Conclave proper got under way on Saturday. This year, more structured sessions were offered to a full house of around twenty people who signed up to attend, though there was still a relaxed feel to the event. It was great to meet quite a few locals there too, as Peter offered day attendance to Tasmanians who weren’t in need I’ve just returned to Canberra from the first of accommodation. As well as the Australian Fly Fishing Conclave, which was organised workshops, there were a held at “Hayes on Brumbys” from 19 to 21 lot of impromptu demonstrations April. For me it was a chance to watch and as well. A fly retrieve display by learn from leading casters, fly tyers and fly Muzz Wilson and Peter Morse anglers from around the country, and also talk along the edge of the casting pool will lead to a lot of fish wishing a little about bamboo rods and rodmaking.

Peter Hayes needs little introduction to that it hadn’t been held! Late night Tasmanians. Within the fly fishing community, casting for the die hard “tight loop The purpose built casting pond at ‘Hayes on Brumbys’ was the main classroom. he is well known across Australia and ninjas” usually clicked over past internationally for his competition casting midnight, and often the same people had and had some interesting new rods from Sage and fishing achievements, casting courses, been casting for an hour while many were to try out.

Innovative fly tyer, Muzz Wilson (aka and guiding business. Anyone who has spent still pouring their first cup of coffee in the “The River Gnome”) demonstrated different even a little time with Peter knows they have morning.

There were a huge range of sessions fly tying techniques and new patterns. There is met someone special. Aside from his amazing casting talent, and ability to teach, his energy offered. Matthew Howell (along with Peter, real fishing thought behind all of Muzz’s flies, as a person, and generosity of spirit, make the only other FFF MCI accredited caster in and he does a great job relating the “why” as him popular for all the right reasons. He even Australia) taught Snake Roll and Spey casting, much as the “what” behind his patterns. The and did a workshop on tighter loops and line first evening, a few people went out for a fish. likes bamboo rods!

A few years back, Peter relocated his speed. Hayesie is proud as punch that people Muzz caught six on his flies, while no one else base from Miena to Cressy, on the banks of like Matthew who started as students at his caught any. Was it technique, or the flies, or a Brumbys Creek. In addition to the wonderful casting classes, have progressed so far that he combination of both? Only the fish know for sure I guess, and they’re not telling! fishing at the doorstep, Peter has constructed a can learn stuff back from them.

Nick Voce, who Peter Hayes acknowledges Double Hauling, among other things, was purpose built casting pond, and created warm, as having taught him a lot over the years, is demonstrated by Mick Kaksa, an amazing welcoming accommodation. Each bedroom another innovative fisherman that doesn’t is dedicated to a different iconic Tasmanian caster and down to earth guy. He was even nice fly fisher, so we have rooms including the to me after catching my killer flu that I bought seek the spotlight. Nick’s biggest goal in “Scholes”, “Wigram”, “Jetson”, “Brookes” along to share with everyone. Mick has had casting is smoothness, trying to eliminate even Muzz Wilson practises casting indoors and “French”. Each room is decorated with the annoying habit of getting up at fly fishing the smallest shock waves from the line. Just with a special practice rod and line. photos and other memorabilia relating to the shows and winning the distance competition watching Nick cast for 10 minutes seems to make you a cast better, as the precise, smooth and it was nice to finally meet him in person. without looking like he’s trying. person it is named after.

Mick teamed up with Greg Jackson (my loading tends to be infectious (a bit like my His passion for fly fishing, knowledge of the A couple of years ago, Peter sought and Tasmanian fishery, and generosity in sharing obtained his Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) room mate for the week – are you sick yet?) for flu eh Nick).

Peter has invested in a Sage casting information is a wonderful thing. Greg’s topic Masters Casting Certification (MCI). He got extreme distance casting. Greg spends many thinking about the FFF Annual Conclave, nights after work casting on the local oval, analyser, which Simon Zarifeh manned over over dinner was “enthusiasm” as a vitally held in the USA, and how it would be good to and has developed a smooth, long, deceptively the weekend, explaining the concepts and important element of being a good angler. hold such an event in Australia. With experts powerful casting stroke and haul. He can false actions to focus on for a better casting stroke. Greg’s enthusiasm was clearly evident, as he in various aspect of fly fishing, people can cast a full fly line pretty much endlessly, while The analyser is an interesting contraption, delivered his talk while almost dancing a jig! enroll in a range of workshops, suited to conducting a casual conversation. Greg talks connecting to the butt of the rod, relaying We also heard a sneak preview about his new their interests and current level of skill. Last to his loops - “a little higher now”, “A little casting information back to a computer, and book “The Artificial” which will be out soon, year, Peter invited what would be the nucleus tighter” – and they listen! He quickly got comparing the subject’s cast to an average of hopefully along with a new print run of “Frog many of the world’s best casters. Whether Call”. I can’t wait. of this year’s presenters for a weekend of dubbed “the Loop Whisperer”!

Well with the Conclave over, I’m back Well known identity, Peter Morse, you’re a technically minded person or not, casting, fishing, fly tying, sharing information, drinking, and telling stories (not necessarily in demonstrated tying some new saltwater fly it’s good to have an objective reference to home having learnt a lot, and with a bunch that order). I was lucky enough to be there last patterns, casting heavy saltwater flies without relate your casting action to. I have a little of new ideas. I’ve been out on the lawn every night working on some sneaky curve casts and year, and came home with a full brain (not that “Clousering your rod”, as well as how to homework to do…

I did some demonstrations on the basics other tricks. I know that aside from casting hard to do) and eager anticipation for 2008. play large fish properly. For me as a bamboo I went down a few days early this year rodmaker, this was great, as the principles of of making a bamboo fly rod. Launceston being fun in itself, it will make me a better fly to get out and fish a bit in some of the local playing fish without damaging a cane rod are rodmaker, Peter McKean, probably Australia’s angler, and enjoy my fishing even more.

Another great thing about Hayesie, is creeks. I had a great day on a headwater stream exactly the same, using the powerful butt of most established current rodmaker, came with Peter, sight fishing in turn for vividly the rod, rather than high-sticking. Peter also along with some of his fine rods to cast too. that as well as being an ideas man, he has the red spotted browns. We then had a couple of gave a slide presentation over Sunday dinner As well as making wonderful rods, Peter has energy and drive to make things happen as days fishing with Mick Kaksa and Nick Voce. on billabong fishing in the Northern Territory, been very supportive and helpful with my well. The weekend went off smoothly, but it own efforts. It’s always great to catch up took an immense amount of work by Peter Loads of fun! with him. to make it come together. I’m sure all of us For those who needed a fishing “fix” along there, presenters and guests appreciate that. with other workshops over the three days, I’m looking forward to next year already. With several options were offered, including wading such an event on your doorstep, I think you the Western Lakes, drift boating the Macquarie should keep an eye out for it too!

River, boating on Arthurs Lake, and stalking Nick Taransky on small streams.

W i t h Pe t e r H ay e s a n d Matthew Howell both being FFF MCI accredited instructors, they are qualified to test people for the CI level certification, which they did during the Conclave. I attempted this along with a few others who had also prepared for it, and thankfully the four of us all passed!

Another real highlight for me was the Saturday evening talk by Greg French. I’ve been a fan of It was never too dark, or too late Greg’s writing for a long time, to be at the casting pond.

Catching brightly spotted, small stream trout with Peter Hayes was a highlight.

Fishing News - Page 24

Don’t follow me I’m going offshore

Quintrex 630, 670 and 670 Centre Cab Offshore

Power Options: Single or twin outboards, petrol or Cummins diesel sterndrive.

To order the OFFSHORE brochure or to see the awesome video of the Diesel and Outboard versions of the OFFSHORE in action, go to: www.quintrex.com.au

Lewis Marine - Twin rig specialists on Quintrex Offshores

198 - 200 Campbell St, Hobart

03 6234 7266

www.lewismarine.com.au Fishing News - Page 25

Polycraft Brumby 480

Plastic boats are gradually catching on in this country and Polycraft continues to kick goals with its ever expanding range. Shane Mensforth tests a neat new model designed for the estuary/inshore sportfisher.

In mid January I got to test the latest release from Polycraft, the Brumby 480. Like its predecessors, the Brumby is a soft riding, affordable and durable boat, built in Australia for Australian conditions. The 480 Brumby is available as a centre console, rear centre console, side console and front runner, and will appeal to fishermen and their families alike.

As is the case with all Polycraft boats, the Brumby is constructed from roto-moulded high impact plastic and is just about as tough as they come. It will fit nicely into the fresh water/estuary/inshore scene and there’s no doubt it would make a terrific tropical sportfisher; in fact, I can see the Brumby finding its way quickly into the aluminiumdominated barra market.

Hull design

The 480 came about as a direct result of customer and dealer feedback for a mid-range boat between the current (and soon to be rebadged) 450 and the 530 Warrior. It includes all the great features that have made Polycraft one of Australia’s leading boat brands and in particular a unique hull design that offers a soft, quiet ride with exceptional stability at rest. The 480 Brumby comes with a fully carpeted floor as standard.

The 480 Brumby has a load capacity of five adults and is rated for outboards between 60hp and 80hp. The boat is available in eight classic Polycraft colours, most of which have high levels of on water visibility, which means safer boating and fishing for all users.

Fit out

The model we had to test was a side console, finished in brilliant blue. It’s pretty basic in layout, which is exactly what is required in a rig that is intended for inshore lure casting, crabbing, whiting fishing and a host of other possibilities.

There is a heap of usable cockpit space, courtesy of the offset console and a very generous beam. Fishing three big guys or mum, dad and two kids would present few problems. The cockpit floor is totally uncluttered and up front the foredeck is slightly elevated for casting. There are twin storage lockers beneath the casting platform,

Above: The Brumby in full flight The side console set up is very neat.

which will easily accommodate life jackets, safety equipment and ropes etc. A neat drop-down rear lounge is included, which can also be used as an elevated casting platform in calm water situations.

Gunwales are broad and, despite being constructed from plastic, the hull is rigid and just about as tough as the most discerning angler could want. I have heard some folk unfamiliar with Polycraft refer to them as toys, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Brumby is

GILLIES LURES

ALL NEW OCKTA New from J M Gillies is the exciting range of “Ockta” lures.

Incorporating innovative japanese design and technology the ockta lure is effective on reef and bottom dwellers as well as pelagic species.

These lures have a unique action and can be fished with most retrieve styles. They can be straight jigged up and down, bounce jigged whilst drifting and cast and retrieved.

Ockta lures are perfectly balanced as to allow the lure to pulsate the skirts giving the appearance of a swimming octopus With 2 exceptionally sharp swinging forged hooks set up on kevlar connectors, hook up rates are increased.

Four great fish attracting colours with added glow in the dark features, holographic finish on lure head and glow live eyes Nine sizes from 20 – 300 gm. Will cover all areas of saltwater fishing from bays to reef to deep sea applications Colours available – blue, firetiger, pink, red Sizes available – 20gm, 40gm, 60gm, 80gm, 100gm, 120gm, 150gm, 200gm, 300gm.

Fishing News - Page 26

Gillies Pilchard 7 - 10 - 25 - 40 - 60 - 85gm Gillies GT Stickbait Minnow - 14cm & 20cm

Gillies Baitfish 7 - 10 - 25 - 40 - 60gm

Gillies Squidfish 40 - 60 - 100 - 150gm

Gillies Crystal Popper 11cm & 14cm

certainly no lightweight, requiring at least 60 horse power to get up and go and it’s capable of carrying quite heavy payloads. Polycraft have already carved out a significant market with commercial fishermen and crabbers – the type of users who work their equipment hard – and this is a good indicator of just how durable the ‘toy’ boats really are.

Ride and performance

It was a delightful morning as we slipped the new Brumby in for a test run and photography session near my home town of Adelaide. Several Port River dolphins were on hand to escort us out of Angas Inlet and around to the North Arm, which always makes boat testing that little bit more enjoyable.

As I’d anticipated, the Yamaha 80 four stroke was exactly what the Brumby 480 hull needs to get up and planing quickly. You could get by with less horses, but I like to see a boat powered up to the max, as it’s then possible to throttle back a little, save fuel and, in the long term, increase the life of the engine. The Brumby offers full pod motor mounting, which helps cope with the extra weight of four stroke engine installations.

Estimated top speed over the North Arm Speedboat Club course was better than 30 knots and the Poly loped along beautifully (and economically) at around 24. Courtesy of pronounced reverse chines, it turns nice and flat and stability at rest is really impressive. As mentioned, this is a beamy hull with plenty of inherent buoyancy and it shows when you’re walking around and not worrying too much about weight distribution.

Although we had no chop or swell in which to gauge the Brumby’s rough water capabilities, I have little doubt it would perform admirably in adverse conditions. There’s decent amount of flare in the bow, the substantial beam already mentioned and enough weight to offset its inherent buoyancy, so I would be surprised if this rig wouldn’t get you home safely in the event of unexpected bad weather.

There’s storage up front under the casting platform.

The 480 hull has a generous beam of 2.15m.

Conclusion

I have no hesitation in recommending Polycraft’s brilliant Brumby 480 to anyone in the market for a rugged, functional and easily maintained fishing boat.

For those who chase bream in the estuaries or barra in the tropics but want a boat they can take outside as well, this one would be hard to go past.

Specifications

Length – 4.83m: Beam – 2.15m Depth – 0.92m: Hull weight – 550kg Load capacity – 5 adults: Shaft length – 20 inches Fuel capacity – 70 litres

Optional Extras

There are several optional extras available that will appeal to serious anglers, including a live bait tank, bait board, casting deck insert and side pockets.

The Brumby can be built to survey, which may interest commercial operators and those who require a big tender for offshore charter fishing vessels.

Fishability

Being quite basic in design and layout, the 480 Brumby is the ideal platform for light tackle lure casting. Three bass or barra anglers could toss lures all day without fear of getting in each other’s way.

There’s also enough room to throw a 100 litre ice box on board to store the catch or keep the soft drink and sandwiches cool.

Contact

The test boat was supplied by Adelaide Outboard Marine.

Polycraft are manufactured by Polycraft Industries, 89 Childers Road, Bundaberg, QLD 4670 Phone: (07) 4155 2457 Fax: (07) 4155 2088 Email: polycraft@polyindustries.com Web: www.polycraft.com.au

Fishing News - Page 27

The Metal Lure Company Maniac spoons are designed for slow to medium speed retrieves and shallow water areas in both salt and fresh water environments. They can be spun, jigged or trolled.

Available in 8 sizes (5g to 45g) and 6 colours.

Raiders are a ‘multi-purpose’ medium to high speed jig with a unique ‘fluttering’ action on the drop that makes them excellent for spinning, jigging and trolling numerous species in salt and fresh water.

Available in 9 sizes (10g to 200g) and 17 colours.

Snipers are a medium to high speed lure designed to imitate fleeing bait fish and can be used for spinning, jigging or trolling in both salt and fresh water environments.

8 sizes, 8 colours.

Available in 7 sizes (15g to 95g) and 8 colours.

lure-Tails make a good lure even better. They feature a large hook eye, bright colouring to attract fish, improved swimming action and strong single-hook penetration.

GRA20166

AvAilAble from All good fishing TAckle reTAilers Trade Enquiries: Dunphy Sports-Fishing Imports P/L. Ph: 9526 2144

Fishing News - Page 28 GRA20166 TFN Jun 08.indd 1

Also check out the ‘Spinning Around’ DVD series. Sheer fishing excitement with metal lures.

WWW.SPANYID.COM 19/5/08 11:20:11 AM

The final Black Magic WINNERS

Our most successful competition has come to an end after eight years. Black Magic has supported this with some fabulous prizes all the way through and we thank sincerely them for that. We have only two prize packs left, but have put a few other photos in as well.

Photo Competition

Black Magic Winner Jason Holliday

Jorgia Woods

Tyler Honner

Ryan Ivory K Niekamp

Black Magic Winner Katrina Watson

Kaden Lewis

Adam Lewis

Starlo Upgrades with Yamaha New 20hp Four Stroke Mercury

Mercury Marine has extended is impressive FourStroke outboard lineup with the introduction of an all-new 20hp model.

While weighing in at only 53kgs, the new 20hp machine still boasts plenty of power with its 351cc displacement.

“This is an engine which delivers top performance in a fully-featured yet lightweight and portable package,” said Mercury’s Product Director for Outboards, Ken Evans.

“Our Four Strokes are clean, quiet, fuelefficient outboards, and our new 20hp model is no exception.”

Importantly, with fuel prices getting higher and higher, Mercury Marine’s Four Stroke technology has been proven to consume 40% less fuel across the board which translates to extraordinary savings.

A 3-star VELS rating means the engine is also environmentally friendly with ultra-low emissions.

The new 20hp Four Stroke is available with a multi-function tiller featuring Mercury’s exclusive shift-in-handle design as well as providing control of steering, throttle, throttle friction and stop controls for convenient one-hand operation.

The new manual trim models include, for conveyance and safety, automatic reverse hooks.

Power tilt models are available in 38cm and 50cm (15 and 20 inch) shaft lengths for added versatility.

The outboard is offered in manual or electric start, with the electric start models equipped with a manual-starter for added safety and peace of mind.

Along with super-quiet performance, thanks to a through-prop exhaust which buries exhaust noise underwater, the engine also features a unique engine mounting system that reduces vibration which together make Mercury’s new 20hp Four Stroke incredibly user friendly.

High profile fishing writer and TV presenter, Steve “Starlo” Starling, has recently upgraded his fishing boat to an imported 17 foot flats skiff powered by Yamaha.

Starlo insisted on Yamaha and planted a new F115 fourstroke outboard on the back of his boat, rather than switch engine brands with his new skiff.

Steve Starling has long been a part of the Australian fishing and boating scene. From pioneering soft plastic lures and the bream fishing tournament scene to his role as TV presenter and respected journalist, Starlo is never far away from the fishing front line.

With such high expectations of his fishing and boating equipment, Starlo has again put his confidence in Yamaha to power his latest boat. “I ran a Yamaha F115 four-stroke outboard on my previous rig, and it never missed a beat,” Starlo explained.

“This Yamaha model provides exactly the mix of performance, economy, smooth running and quiet operation that I demand — all backed by Yamaha’s legendary reliability. My F115 starts first turn of the key every single time; regardless of weather conditions or how long it has been sitting idle. Then it gets me where I’m going quickly, quietly and without any fuss... that’s incredibly reassuring!”.

The standard gauges that Yamaha include with every 4-Stroke engine deliver class leading features and help make boating a breeze. Furthermore, the fuel management meter supplied with the F115 has a ‘distance to empty’ function which is invaluable when out on the water and a long way from home.

Starlo’s new boat is a low profile 17 foot centre console and is geared for barra and bream style fishing where manoeuvrability and casting space on deck is paramount.

Extra wide coamings, endless storage, ultra shallow draft and simplicity of layout make Starlo’s boat a formidable partner in lakes, estuaries and other flat water environments.

The stepped hull is design matched to the refined power of the Yamaha F115 to ensure maximum speed and optimum handling performance.

The US fly-fishing inspired rear casting/poling platform is a unique feature of this boat. Neatly positioned over the outboard, the tower provides the ideal vantage point for spotting fish. It allows the angler to cast a line unimpeded by other members on board the boat.

The Yamaha powered fishing machine has a big job ahead in keeping up with Starlo’s fishing and television commitments across Australia. One thing is guaranteed, Starlo will again be enjoying the benefits of owning Australia’s best selling outboard brand.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. All Yamaha 4stroke outboards are supported with a full 4-year manufacturer’s warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3 year warranty – standard conditions apply.

Fishing News - Page 29

Stacer unveils an exciting new fishing range

As part of the Stacer 2008 model release, three new tournament style fishing models have been added to the SF (Sport Fishing) Series – 459 Barra Pro, 489 Barra Pro and 519 Barra Pro. The Barra Pro models have been designed specifically for the tournament angler and incorporate some of the most exciting features of the new 2008 Stacer range.

National Sales and Marketing Manager Damien Duncan said the Barra Pro models are a first for the Stacer brand.

“We have designed the Barra Pro models to compete head on with the market leaders in aluminium and glass tournament style boats,” Damien said.

“Stacer has never had a range of boats that has competed specifically in this market and given recent strong sales of other brands, we believe Stacer now not only has a range that competes but exceeds customer expectations with unsurpassed storage, space, styling, stability, safety and suitability.

“The Barra Pro range offers a unique tournament style transom with more usable space and storage, and when combined with the stability and superb tracking of the SF Sports hull this range ultimately sets a new standard for aluminium tournament boats,” Damien said.

The SF Sports hull combines the sleek, spray deflecting side sheets of the Evo Series II Hull with a concave high performing bottom

sheet design. The result is a high performance hull that glides over the water and provides superb stability at rest.

Other stand out features of the Barra Pro range include an above tournament standard live bait tank (75 litres) and kill tank (120 litres), a revolutionary purpose built side console with four rod holders bright anodised grab rail, sports steering wheel and the new 2008 grey and cream internal colours.

The maximum horsepower ratings across the Barra Pro models range from 60 horsepower on the 459 Barra Pro and extends to 100 horsepower on the 519 Barra Pro. All models are built on 3mm bottom sides and 2.5 mm top sides while the 519 Barra Pro can be optioned up to feature 4mm bottom sides enabling the model to be rated to a maximum 115 horsepower motor.

All Stacer Barra Pro models are available as Stacer ‘Ready 2 Go’ packages including boat, motor, trailer and 3 year limited factory back warranty.

For more information on Stacer’s extensive range, visit Port Sorell Marine, order a Stacer catalogue or to locate your local Stacer dealer visit www.stacer.com.au.

QUICKSILVER 6.4WARRIOR A stunning 6.4 metre day boat with all the capabilities you could want From fishing to watersports the Warrior does it all.

175HP Mercury Optimax with Smartcraft guages.

5.1, 5.3 and 5.8 models also available.

Check this out soon. $48,990 Fishing News - Page 30

LOOK DEEPER INTO OPTIMAX Look deeper into the OptiMax range and you’ll discover more than just a great range of next generation fuel-injected outboards. You’ll also find an engine created with ultra-low emissions and a fuel economy that’s 30% better than the competition, and with the best power to weight ratio on the market. So optimise your boating experience with an OptiMax at your nearest Mercury Dealer. Look deeper into black.

Best top speed (kph)

Best fuel economy (km per litre)

3% FASTER

15% BETTER

69

F

E

Mercury OptiMax 90hp

3.28

Mercury OptiMax 90hp

2.85 Eninrude E-TEC 90hp

67

F

E Eninrude E-TEC 90hp

Port Sorell Marine 7 Club Drive Shearwater, Port Sorell Phone: 03 6428 7124 Seaport Marine & Shipwright Centre 391/1a Westbury Road, Prospect Phone: 03 6344 3311 Channel Marine Services Lot 10 Gemalla Road, Margate Phone: 03 6267 1456

www.mercurymarine.com.au

Tests where conducted by Mercury Marine using Mercury Marine testing standards and practices. All models were tested using the same procedure on the exact same boat hull. Prior to that, all competitive product was run-in according to their operator’s manuals and propped for best performance within their own maximum RPM range specification. Fuel flow data was taken at idle, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 2700 RPM, and then every 250RPM increment thereafter to wide open throttle. Note: “Yamaha”, “Suzuki”, “Honda” and “Evinrude E-Tec” are registered trademarks of their respective corporations.

Fishing News - Page 31

Sizzling Summer Sellout

Sensational deals on selected stock boats Makocraft Polycraft Bluefin Stabicraft Big clearance as we make way for new stock

StabiCraft SuperCabs - all year round comfort, protection and safety

ALL NEW 759 SuperCab GIII - coming soon On-water demo boats include: New 759 Super Cab Generation 111, 659 Super Cab with new super fish transom and the new model release 529 Fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r

Evolution Award winning 550 Cuddy

Stabi C on wa raft demon ter day costration m soon ing

On water Evolution Demo days July 12 and 13

See us at the Melbourne Boat show for AMIF a great Evolution deal Under We will be at the Evolution stand in Melbourne with the 6

Fishing

m Trailera b

BOAT O THE F YEAR

le

full range of boats so come and see us if you are in Melbourne.

Following this Deegans present an opportunity for an on water demonstration the following weekend.

New 5.0m Sportfisher and Sports runabout launch Launched in Melbourne â&#x20AC;&#x201C; We invite you to demo this exciting new 5 metre, plus also on the water will be 5.5 and 6.5 metre boats. On water demo days July 12 and 13.

We take Tasmania Boating 102 Eastland Drive Ulverstone Ph: 6425 2238 www.deeganmarine.com.au Fishing News - Page 32

Stabi-Craft 589 Super Cab David Lockwood New Zealand paua or abalone divers make big bucks. But they pay a price, heading out in fair and foul weather, hell and high seas, and diving in freezing conditions. But it was their demands for an insinkable boat that led Kiwi boatbuilders Stabi-Craft to reinvent the rigid-hulled inflatable (RIB) by making an aluminium clone.

With all the attributes of an inflatable but way more resilience, practicality and greater application, Stabi-Craft hit on a winner with their tin duck and, in so doing, gained a cult following that now includes serious offshore fishers and those of us across The Ditch.

Using extruding aluminium pontoons welded to the central aluminium hull, the Stabi-Craft boats boast level flotation so, in the unlikely event you are swamped, they won’t sink or flip. In fact, such is their inherent safety that yard now builds rescue and commercial craft to 14-metres based on the pontoon or RIB-style hull.

But for recreational purposes, the Stabi-Craft trailerboat range from the open 3.89 metre dory through various cuddy cabins to lock-up cabin boats holds the most sway. And in recent times and some rough weather, this writer has had the good fortune to drive several of them.

The smallest Stabi-Craft runabout, the 389XR, and one of the biggest Super Cabs, the 759, exhibited superb seaworthiness and amazingly smooth rides that surpass your traditional tinnie.

The subject of this test, the 589 Super Cab, reinforces my belief that these unconventional craft deserve a place on the water. Pretty boats they are not, but if safety heads your check list so, too, these craft.

Building Blocks

Stabi-Craft builds well-finished boats due, in part, to the fact the yard uses computer-aided design and special routers to cut the aluminium to within 0.5mm tolerance. The 589 Super Cab is built with a 5mm-thick deep-vee hull for its running surface and has 3mm-thick alloy tubes or pontoons bracing it.

The tubes, each with three separate airtight chambers, allow the boat to displace only so much water before they force it back up.

Hence the seven-adult safe load-carrying capacity and 1600 litres of reserve buoyancy, not to mention the near-impossibility of broaching the boat. And should one chamber be holed, no worries, there’s still positive buoyancy, says Stabi-craft.

While the beam is a comparatively narrow 2.31m, stability at rest is amazing. This fact alone puts this boat in the serious offshore big-fish league. Shark fishers will find few fibreglass craft of any kind that can rival the stability of a Stabi-Craft and they would make great cold-climate tuna-chasing boats in, say, Tassie.

Though this boat had a checkerplate floor that drained to a bilge (and pump) back under the integrated outboard pod, there is the option of a self-draining floor that would further enhance the fishability of this boat.

But in most respects you should view the Stabi-Craft as a blank sheet of paper, a cart blanche or canvas with which to do your own customising. There are factory options but, really, they’re a little underdone for serious offshore fishing.

On the road, meanwhile, the all-up towing weight is real bonus, as the 589 Super Cab tips the scales to just 1210kg on a tandem trailer.

This is well within the towing capacity of even a mid-sized family sedan, reducing car and travel costs considerably compared with the big rigs that need to be towed by the 4WD league.

Super Cab

The enclosed wheelhouse with full headroom and armour-plate glass windscreen, plus the inherent buoyancy in the bow is what makes the 589 Super Cab a great foul-weather boat. It’s the right kind of layout for fishing the far NSW South Coast, SA or Tassie.

Which is hardly surprising, as the wind-blown Kiwis know all about bad weather.

You can access the pointy end two ways: by shuffling around the side decks with non-skid treads, grab rails on the cabin top, and split bow rail; or through the escape hatch in the cabin. The latter is easier, requiring a tolerable amount of contorting to reach the bowsprit, small cross bollard and truly deep anchor well. You could also use a side-anchoring system with your ground tackle and anchor-retrieval buoy stowed in the cabin (my choice).

There’s not a lot inside the cabin: the optional factory-fitted vee berth with upholstered cushions is more of a seating area than a sleeping space for two. The cabin features two huge sidepockets, plus storage space under the seat bases with cushions.

The dash is similarly low-fuss and no-frills, but there is a cover to keep the wiring protected and contained. I also noted space to flush mount a 10in-plus electronic screen and a spread of engine gauges and switch panel for lights, wiper and bilge pump. There was a basic throttle for the 115hp EFI four-stroke outboard and a sports wheel linked to (optional) hydraulic steering.

StabiCRaft SuperCabs range in size up to the new 759 SuperCab Generation III The navigator has a couple of sturdy stainless-steel grab rails, but with the rake of the windscreen you have to step back to eliminate any chance of hitting your head when underway. Headroom, otherwise, is excellent.

But on the rear of hardtop, the boat could do with a factory-fitted or backyard built rocket launcher for improving rod storage, plus perhaps a pair outriggers and some more serious electronics.

Cockpit Capers

Somewhat ironically, the highlight of the 589 Super Cab is what you don’t get - a clutter-free cockpit. One big broad expanse of checkerplate flooring ranges back from the twin pedestal helm seats, which have handy built-in grab rails for crew, to the transom.

The space between floor and hull is a watertight air chamber that includes the 150ltr underfloor fuel tank with integrated magnetic fuel gauge. Storage exists in full-length side pockets and deep voids under the transom where you could stash tubs of tackle, fishing or dive gear and a portable icebox.

But you will have to come up with something clever in respect of fish storage, fashion your own live bait tank and make a bait-rigging area. Being aluminium it shouldn’t be hard to fabricate these things.

The live bait tank can probably fit outboard on the outboard-engine pod.

I’m told Stabi-Craft owners typically fit a foam-insulated liftout fish box with rubber non-skid feet to their boats. There should be room for stowing such an item in the footwell in the cabin.

With or without a pile of gear, the boat is remarkably stable and it boasts terrific freeboard. Three adults leaning outboard induced about half the list of what you will experience in a conventional deep-vee boat, which bodes well for landing big fish.

Speaking of which, the transom has a portside door with lift-out panel that can be relocated in a dedicated slot to starboard.

The deck cleats I could live with, mounted as they were proud of the sides, but the plastic rod holders could be replaced with stainless if you want to troll with heavy tackle. The boat was fitted with a small nylon cutting board mounted on a lift-out ski pole.

I was pleased to find the battery mounted off the floor, behind a watertight plastic hatch in the transom, in a dry and accessible spot for servicing. The bilge is mid-floor, so it remains to be seen whether water pools in the corners of this boat.

Rough-water Rider

It’s not till you’ve driven a Stabi-Craft that you begin to appreciate beauty is more than skin deep here. With the recommended 115hp (four-stroke) outboard you are assured a big cruising range and, with the hardtop, side-opening windows for ventilation, and big glass windscreen with wiper for vision, you can cruise or fish in this boat in the foulest of weather - when the fish are often biting best!

The outboard is mounted with a product called Vibrastop to, you guessed it, reduce vibration. This it does. But with all the bare aluminium and the open cabin there is some reverberation of sound at high speeds. Lift-out cockpit carpet or rubber matting would help… another small job for the handyman.

Underway, the hull of the Stabi-Craft works like that of a RIB, with the outer sponsons trapping air for lift and a central deep-vee that cleaves the waves. Suffice to say, the boat is very easily driven and efficient with its modest 115hp outboard.

In the estuary, we hooked into a big-boat wash and ran the StabiCraft sideways down into the trough where many other deep-vee craft would catch a chine and trip up. Not this little tin duck. Instead, the buoyancy chambers around the bow saved the day, providing lift once the bow thought about digging in.

With full leg in-trim, the boat planed at 2500rpm and a fast trolling speed of eight knots, which is good for fuel economy.

Thereafter, it returned a heavy-weather cruise of 13.5-14 knots at 3200rp, and a smooth low-speed cruise 19-20 knots at 3500rpm, without too much engine noise.

Offshore, where there was a short-sharp metre or more of swell stacking up on a run-out tide, the 589 Super Cab never thumped.

The 115hp was in the zone at 4000rpm for 21.4 to 22 knots, which is

considered optimum cruising revs for most outboards. If conditions allow, 4500rpm gives 27 knots, 5000rpm returns 30.1 knots and the top speed is 35 knots on the GPS at 5800rpm.

Interestingly, this boat is doubly buoyant in the transom and it backs up amazingly well. I’m not one to chase fish in reverse in a small boat, preferring to fight them off the quarter while going forward, but if you needed to go back in a hurry this outboard-powered boat will do it.

I’m not sure what it is about sweet-riding boats but their lack of good looks. Many catamarans and trimarans fall into this category, so too this pontoon boat from New Zealand. But while they are far from oil paintings, Stabi-Craft are supremely utilitarian and backed by an impressive three-year hull warranty.

What’s more, with some of the groovy factory colour options and graphics you could create something that didn’t go unnoticed.

Add some clever backyard fitout, a fish box, rod storage and a pair of poles, and here’s a boat that should be able to handle just about anything you throw at it.

Specifications

STABI-CRAFT 589 SUPER CAB

Options Fitted

Vee berth and cushions, wiper, opening navigator window, hydraulic steering, Nyalic on pontoons and transom, trailer, plus registrations, safety gear and more.

General

Material: Aluminium 5mmm hull, 3mm pontoons Length (overall): 5.98mm Beam: 2.31m Deadrise: n/a but deep-vee centre hull Weight: Around 740kg hull only, about 1250kg on road

Capacities

Berths: Two on deck or squeeze in cabin if you add an infill.

Fuel Capacity: 150ltr Passengers: Seven adults @ 75kg ea Rec/max hp: 150hp

Engine

Engine on test: 115 four-stroke outboard Rated hp: 115hp@5500-6000rpm Drive: outboard Propeller: 16in stainless steel Vengeance

Fishing News - Page 33

WILDCOUNTRY FLEECEVESTS MENS AND LADIES

MENS WILD COUNTRY FLEECE JACKETS

Top value polar fleece in a huge range of colours for men and women

34

$

95

Polar fleece full zip jackets, large range of colours

105

SHORT SLEEVE

EVERWARM THERMALS

Available in long johns and long sleeve top in sizes XS to XXL. Just the thing for an outdoor adventure in the cooler months

$

39

Top quality Australian made, Tasmanian merino wool socks.

95

PILGRIMFLANNELETTESHIRTS

Brushed all cotton flannelette shirts in full and half button styles. Size M to 5XL and kids 6 to 14 $9.95.

BLACKWOLF DUFFLEPACK

$

19

95

30 ltr

2195

$

17

95

19

Great value duffle bags that stow away easily.

Sizes 30 ltr, 50 ltr, 100 ltr and 150 ltr.

Soft shell, flexible (with hood) fabric, lightweight, waterproof, keeps the wind out.

Olive and navy.

$

7995

3

OLIVER SAFETY BOOTS

95

$

Waterproof japaras with all seams sealed. Black and navy.

Sizes S to 3XL Kids sizes 6 to 16 $49.95

120

4995

$

WILD COUNTRY DOWN VEST

$

5995

Mens warm, lighweight $ 95 feather and down vests. Black, smoke, wine and mushroom.

59

MENATWORK TROUSERS

STOWAWAY JACKETS

All cotton drill work trousers in navy and khaki.

Waterproof packable raincoats in assorted colours.

Kids sizes too at $39.95.

$

$

4495

2650

PILGRIM DENIM JEANS

$ $

RIDGELINE LITTLE CRITTERS PACK

Value pack from Ridgeline for the kids. Includes fleecy pants, top, beanie, backpack and bonus headtorch.

Huge range of beanies in heaps of colours and styles including From Only wool, thinsulate $ 95 lined and acrylic An extremely well priced safety boot from Oliver. Black pebble leather only. Sizes 512.

WILDCOUNTRY JAPARAS

RIDGELINE DRYSKIN JACKET

95

From

$

WILDERNESS WEAR MERINO FLEECE SOCKS

12

$

Value pack of mens hipster briefs

Great value work shirts all cotton in navy, khaki, green and hi-vis orange.

8

$ 95

Excellent value heavy duty mens gumboots

140

JOCKEY 7 PACK BRIEFS

From

WILD COUNTRY WOODY MENS GUMBOOTS

$

MEN AT WORK SHIRTS

21 $ 1995

Huge range of ski gloves and mitts to suit men, women and kids from brands including Dents and Wild Country

$ $

$

44

95

Great value lace up hike or work boot, 100% waterproof.

Sizes 3 to 13

Iconic Blundstone brown leather boots in sizes 2-13

LONG SLEEVE

$

MACKFLINDERSHIKEBOOTS

BLUNDSTONE500 ELASTIC SIDED BOOTS

BEANIES

SKI GLOVE AND MITTS

149

29

Great value regular fit jeans available in stonewash, lightwash and black.

WAVERLEY WOOL BLEND PULLOVERS

Great value pullover for work or casual wear in zip and vee neck. Navy, green, brown and burgundy.

CAMOUFLAGE FLEECE VESTS

Dents fleece vest in Auscam print.

Great value.

$

3995

$

2495

RIDGELINE TOP TO TOE PACK

Pack includes polar fleece trousers, socks, beanie, thermal short sleeve top and heavy bush shirt. S to 3XL.

ALLGOODS

$

9995

Sorry some items are not available at all stores but may be placed on overnight order.

Launceston 71-79 York St 6331 36 44

Tent City Launceston 60 Elizabeth St 6331 3644

Fishing News - Page 34

Devonport 6 Formby Rd 6424 7099

Glenorchy 15/352 Main Rd

(opp. Elwick Hotel)

6272 1122

The Beginning of the Future The day you caught your first fish. The first time you climbed into a boat.

These moments make up the beginning of the future.

Today, Honda’s forward thinking comes together to bring you the latest addition to the Honda Marine range. The all new BF40 and BF50.

The most technologically advanced, light weight, quiet 4-stroke 40 and 50 hp outboard engines the world has ever seen. Fuel injected efficiency and BLAST™ technology deliver powerful acceleration while the newly streamlined gear case cuts through the water to maximize speed and performance.

Delivering world famous fuel efficiency and an environmental performance that exceeds the most stringent standards while typical Honda reliability gives you peace of mind.

The all new BF40 and BF50 represent the Honda dream and everything you have come to expect from the world’s largest engine manufacturer.

Honda once more sets the standard in performance, reliability and ease of use.

For more information call 1300 1 Honda or visit www.honda.com.au

*5 Year warranty applies to domestic use only

HOBART: Maynes Marine Newtown 03 62283999, KING ISLAND: Williams Engineering King Island 03 64621539, NORTHERN TASMANIA: Deegan Marine Ulverstone 03 64252238.

Fishing News - Page 35

BAR CRUSHER 560C RICK HUCKSTEPP

Bar Crusher boats are manufactured in Victoria in one of the most well thought out and laid out factories that you will find in the boat building industry.

From the outset the first thing you notice with these boats is the design and quality of workmanship.

The decks and boarding platform at the transom are constructed with alloy checker plate which ages well in a harsh work environment. The side sheets on this model are 3 mm thick and they extend past the transom bulkhead. They are finished with piping, with rebates for hand holds when boarding using the sturdy ladder which lifts up and folds onto the platform. The rest of the boarding platform remains clutter free with the exception of a nylon burley bucket which comes with its own muncher. The design of the square bucket is tapered so that it wedges into place firmly, in a hole in the platform.

Stepping onto the boarding platform one easily negotiates a half height transom entry which features a nylon slide-in safety door. Once inside, a full beam fold down bench seat may be lowered to access the twin battery installation in the bulkhead, alongside which is a small amount of stowage space.

When folded up this bench seat becomes a barrier to the walk through transom negating the necessity to use the nylon board which may be stowed.

In the top of the starboard side of the bulkhead a moulded tinted perspex hatch opens to a large live bait tank. The hatch is held closed by elastic toggles.

A bait rigging station which has rod holders and a removable cutting board stands on a single post with a chamfer at its foot to prevent it rotating and the entire assembly is easily removable for cleaning.

Centrally located underfoot at the aft end of the cockpit deck is a large kill tank that is bunged to drain to the ballast compartment in the keel. These voids are used extensively on fishing trawlers to offer increased stability while at rest and underway at slow speeds. It fills and keeps the chines low in the water and the contents jettison quickly when accelerating onto the plane.

Aft of the kill tank against the rear of the transom bulkhead, a short pit is fitted with a bilge pump and another pump for the live bait tank. Its plumbing passes through the ballast void to the bottom of the hull.

Typical side pockets run down each side of the cockpit. At the end of the starboard side pocket a fuel filter with a water sedimenter is installed high up so that a hose may be utilised to drain the contents for removal.

The fuel tank is located over the ballast cavity and the top of the tank forms part of the deck. It has a fuel filler on the deck so the level inside may be easily viewed and the tank dipped to measure contents. This style of tank is classed by marine surveyors as an external tank and complies with commercial survey requirements.

The pedestal seats are narrow in profile so minimal deck space is taken up and they have elevated floors within and rebates on the outer shell so that the deck may be completely washed down while keeping the contents dry.

While the cabin on the 560 is a cuddy rather than half sized, it slopes up from the bow end sharply so there is plenty of head height when sitting on the v-berths near the opening to the helm. To enable comfortable sleeping for two, optional extensions may be used on the aft end of the berths that take the sleeping platforms out to 2.1 m in length. When not in use they are neatly stowed under the berths inside the base frames.

The aperture leading into this cabin is large as is the access through the cabin roof via a long and wide alloy hatch.

From here one stands close to the anchor well gaining good leverage to work the ground tackle. All Bar Crushers come with an anchor well wall bracket for mounting one of Stress Free’s drum winches which fits the anchor wells in all models neatly.

The helm station hosts Suzuki’s instrumentation and Navman’s chart plotter and depth sounder flush mounted.

A radio was slung underneath and should you wish to use external gimbal mounted instruments, a flat top dash will be capable of hosting medium (up to eight inch screen) cabinets across its beam.

Of note was the strength of the windscreen assembly on these boats. The frames are custom made and the front and side Fishing News - Page 36

On water performance is excellent and soft. A lack of strakes softens the landing at speed.

The helm is plenty big enough for all your instrumentation.

Attention to detail is evident in every area.

The fold away hardtop is unique, clever and easy to use. panes are of hardened glass. They have been kept purposely low profile to give the strength required to resist tonnes of water should it come over the front during horrendous seas.

These boats are fitted with side clears but none from the front windscreen to the alloy hard top. The hard top is collapsible though and may be swung down and attached to the top of the screen by rubber toggles. This allows for a relatively dry ride through big seas and rain while reducing the wind resistance of the cabin. With the aid of gas struts it is quickly and easily collapsible to achieve this and further, it may be detached bar the hinge on the targa, and folded back into the cabin for long hauling or stowage under a low carport. Should you be really cramped for height, the windscreen also folds back to offer the lowest profile possible.

Hinging of most anything that swings on the Bar Crusher is from custom built heavy alloy tube through high impact resin pivot points which reduces any on board rattles and alleviates corrosion between metals.

Fitted with Suzuki’s 140hp four-stroke it was powered to the maximum recommended level and with two people on board had no issues with hole shot.

If one looks at the long length of the hull to the forefoot and its angular entry at the bow one can see how these hulls exhibit the behaviour they do when working in rough waters such as bar crossings. The hulls track dead straight in an oncoming or following sea with no broaching to worry about and they slice the top of chop as they travel through it, and softly so.

One of the reasons the manufacturer claims is responsible for gentle entry through rough water is the sheer hull with no strakes which generate resistance when landing at speed. Bar Crushers are designed with sheer sides coming off the keel line all the way to the swept up spray chine at the forequarters.

Many boats with flared bows deflect a lot of upcoming spray but the downside is the harder landings. Hence on the Bar Crushers, compared with flared hulls you might get slightly more spray generated but you won’t be running up the bills at the chemist buying pain killers! The ingenious clears and hardtop design put paid to any spray issues when deployed correctly.

Conditions on Port Phillip Bay were about a metre of short chop rolling from the south ahead of heavy rain and wind squalls. Running into it, along and with it was effortless and with engine trimmed in the hull tracked like it was on rails. The conditions were not conducive to full throttle testing but at 5000rpm the GPS clocked us at 48kmh and back at 4000rpm we managed 37kmh. A slow cruise at 3000rpm will have you loafing along at 20.5kmh and with four stroke economy; the 150l tank will see you spending big days on the water out wide.

These boats are extremely well made and with a multitude of purposes in mind. Heavy duty sea handling and longevity of life are just two of them. In many cases, the human body will break before anything on this hull does.

SPECIFICATIONS Price range from: $55,000 depending on different dealer fit up and freight costs GENERAL Material: marine grade plate aluminium Bottom sides: 4mm Top sides: 3mm Length overall: 6.1m Beam: 2.25m Deadrise: 18-degrees Weight: 1300kg dry BMT CAPACITIES Fuel: 150l People day: 6 to 450kg People night: 2 Payload: 680kg people, luggage, motor Rec. max. hp: 140 Rec. max. transom engine weight 230kg ENGINE Make/model: Weight: Displacement:

Suzuki DF140 4-stroke 186kg 2044cc

Supplied by: Bar Crusher www.barcrusher.com.au Avail. in Tasmania from Coastal Marine.

530C

Bar Crusher 530C

YamahaF100EFI4Stroke Digital Gauges Kill Tank Live Bait Tank Rocket Launcher

560C

Trim Tabs Rod Holders Bait Board Nav Lights Bilge Pump Twin Batteries

StepThroughTransom Dive/Swim Ladder FoldingGasStrutRoof with Clears EasyTowBrakedTrailer

$45990

620C

Barcrusher 560C

Bait Board StepThroughTransom Nav Lights Dive/Swim Ladder Suzuki DF140 EFI 4 Stroke Bilge Pump FoldingGasStrutRoofwith Kill Tank Twin Batteries clears Live Bait Tank SkiPole,VHFRadioEasytowtandembraked Rocket Launcher 150L Fuel Tank Trailer Trim Tabs HydraulicSteering$53990 Rod Holders

This Demonstrator 620C is fully optioned for serious fishing and will astound you with its on water performance.

Bar Crusher 620C - Demonstrator SAVE $3500

•YamahaF1504strokewithdigitalspeedo•Tachoandfuelmanagementmeter •Tandemtrailerwithmeshwalkway,alloywheels,bearingbuddies,andalloy sparewheel•OutRiggers•LowranceColourSounder/Chartplotter7”screenand navionicscard•VHFRadio•27MhzRadio•DeckWash•Fronttravelprotection cover•Sidedropsheetprotection•Rocketlauncher•Livebaittankplumbed• Largekilltank•Frontbunkswithcushions•FoldingGasStrutroofwithsideclears • Bait Board • Rubber tube matting on floor • 17 Rod Holders.

640C

Demonstrator Clearance save $3500 NOW $69 990

Why you should consider a BARCRUSHER Barcrusher 640C Demo Nav Lights

Yamaha F200 EFI 4 Stroke Bilge Pump Kill Tank Step Through Transom Live Bait Tank Dive/Swim Ladder Rocket Launcher FoldingGasStrutRoofwithClears Trim Tabs Twin Batteries Rod Holders Ski Pole Bait Board

VHF Radio EasyTowTandemBraked Trailer 300L Fuel Tank Hydraulic Steering

Your Price $73317

640HT

BarCrusherBoatsarewithoutadoubtthemost amazinghullsonthemarket.Headstraightoninto roughseasandtheseboatswillamazeyouwith nobanging,jarringorslammingthatyougetwith most hulls on the market.

ToughplatealloyBarCrusherboatsusecutting edgedesign,sotheyarehightechratherthan low tech.

Look at the features: Smootherridethananyaluminiumboatand comparabletoglassboats.Strongplate aluminiumconstruction(5mm&4mm)Hull constructionuses6fullyweldedandfolded stringersrunningforeandaftwhicharefully weldedtothebottomplateprovidingincredible strength and rigidity.

Lighttotowbehindvehiclewithlowtowing capacity.

Innovativefoldinggasstrutroof,thatcanbefolded intoboatforstorageinshedswithlowheight.

Deeper“v”thananyotheraluminiumboatofits typeinAustralia.Waterballastsystemprovides exceptional stability at rest.

Superb following sea performance.

Windscreensaretoughenedglassforlonglife and good visibility.

Largefronthatchforeasyaccesstotheanchor.

Thedecktreadfloorisfullysealedtoprovide aneffectivesecondsealedbottominthe boat.

Nounderfloorspacestotrapsmells,oldbait andtackle.Theentireinsideoftheboats canbehosedoutwithfreshwaterfor effective and fast cleaning.

Allhullscomewithstandardfeatureslike: Large kill tanks, live bait tanks, solid rearaccessladder,dualbatterysystem, foldingrearseat,rodholders,stepthrough transom,swimplatform,navlights,anchor light,burleybucket&muncher,storage pockets,clearbowlfuelfilter,plusahostof otherstandardfeaturesthatareoptionson most boats.

Weinviteyoutoacloseinspectionofthese remarkableboats.Thenyoucandecide what boat is for you.

Estuary,LakeorOffshore Barcrusher 640 Hard Top Bait Board

Lock Up Cabin Titanium Pearl Paint 2 x DF140EFI 4 Stroke Suzukis Nav Lights Bilge Pump Anchor Light 300L Fuel Tank Step Through Transom Hydraulic Steering Lowrance Sounder/GPS Dive/Swim Ladder 27mhz Radio Kill Tank Deck Wash EasyTowtandembrakedtrailer Live Bait Tank with4wheeldiscsandalloywheels Rocket Launcher Twin Batteries Ski Pole Itsimplydoesn’tgetanybetter Trim Tabs than this VHF Radio Rod Holders

$99975

We’ve got a boat for you Bass Highway, Somerset, Burnie, TAS 7320 Phone: 64 352 200 Email: anthony@coastal-marine.com.au

Fishing News - Page 37

Which Paddle For Me? With all the thought and planning we put into setting up our kayak for fishing, unfortunately we often leave little consideration or budget for one of the most important pieces of equipment: the paddle.

Recently I purchased a 4.5m Prowler Elite that I optioned up with a myriad of fishing accessories. When I turned my attention to selecting a paddle I was initially shocked at the variety and price range. To be honest, apart from considering whether I should choose an alloy or fibreglass shaft with a blade to suit the colour of my kayak, I hadn’t given paddles much thought.

How wrong I was.

It’s always good to get advice from the experts, so I contacted my local stockist and discovered the following. You can also look on www.oceankayak.com.au or www.bla.com.au. Firstly, choose a paddle that will suit the majority of your paddling. There are three main categories:

Sea Kayak/Touring/Fishing

Longer shafts, lighter materials, smaller blade sizes for efficiency and faster stroke rate, reducing drag and energy efficiency. Blades are generally asymmetrical in shape.

Whitewater

Stronger shafts, durable blade, larger blades to grip water for repeated acceleration/ deceleration. Typically slightly heavier than touring paddles. Blades are generally symmetrical in shape.

Surf

Shorter, stronger shafts, larger blades to grip water for repeated acceleration/deceleration.

Blades are generally asymmetrical in shape.

Other factors to consider are the width of the kayak - the wider the kayak, the longer the paddle needs to be. You also need to consider the style of ‘paddling’ you will be doing:

High-angle Paddling = Power = White

water, fitness and competition.

Fisho terms trolling for pelagics on skirted lures

Low-angle Paddling = Cruising =

Recreational, relaxation and touring.

Fisho terms trolling for estuary species or with live baits Fishing News - Page 38

Suggested paddle lengths for the average paddler are:

High-angle

White water 194cm - 200cm Multi-sport/Competition 212cm - 220cm

Low-angle

Dihedral Blade: Designed to give direction to the flow of water off the blade to reduce drag and fatigue by providing a powerful, smooth

Sit-on-tops 214cm - 220cm Sea kayaks 220cm - 230cm Extra wide kayaks up to 240cm Fortunately manufacturers such as Carlisle produce paddles that utilise the Smart Shaft system allowing the shaft length to be adjusted up to 100 mm between 2.15 and 2.25m. Another advantage with this system is it allows you to offset the angle of the blades.

This option comes in very handy as your paddling efficiency improves.

For flat water longer distance paddling a smaller blade size is preferable as it reduces fatigue. Whitewater or surfing requires a larger blade size. Sea Kayak paddles are typically asymmetrical to provide easy entry and exit, reducing torque during stroke.

Whitewater paddlers use both symmetrical and asymmetrical blades by personal preference.

stroke.

Spoon Cupped Blade: Generates a powerful stroke for increased speed and control.

Recommended for more experienced paddlers.

Wing Blade: Designed to generate lift, with a strongly cupped blade with hi-drag for increased speed, like the airplane wing. Generates exceptional power and stroke efficiency in all applications.

Now that you have deciphered all of that you just need to choose your material alloy, fibreglass, carbon, carbon/Kevlar…

After the amount I spent on fishing accessories the mid range Carlisle Simply Magic with a fibreglass shaft was what my wife recommended I purchase at $119.00 … although I was leaning towards a carbon model at just over $300.00 until I was advised of the alternate sleeping arrangements that came with it!

Introducing the Allison Range 10 Year Structual Warranty on allison hulls

ALLISON 244 Ocean Angler Centre Cab

With the serious sportsfishing angler in mind. A comfortable and spacious fishing area combines with bunks that are nearly seven feet long. This is a real ‘comfort’ boat for the serious fisherman who wants strength and durability in a stable soft riding hull, the ability to spend a night on board, for those with a family, and equally those that are serious about fishing.

In stock now, powered with the fabulous twin 150HP 4-stroke Yamahas $92 800. el on $500* FREE fu n first three alliso e n sold during ju ply *conditions ap

10 Year Structual Warranty on allison hulls

el on $500* FREE fu n first three alliso e n sold during ju ply *conditions ap

Vulcan 189

Virtually 2 boats in one’ the Allison Vulcan 189 is a boat the whole family can enjoy in both cruising and fun mode, whilst the anglers can prepare the boat for serious fishing expeditions. Many great features - including the bulkhead between the cockpit and the cabin with plenty of room in the cabin and two berths for those overnight fishing jaunts.

el on $500* FREE fu n first three alliso ne sold during ju

Fisherman 5

Not a centimetre of wasted space in one beautifully built 5.18m package is a fishing boat with all the features experienced anglers have had on their “wish list” for years.

Cockpit measuring no less than 2.52 metres long, from the transom through to the bulkhead and 1.62 metres wide, giving the Allison Fisherman 5 easily one of the biggest cockpits in its class.With carefully designed transom wells for the bait and drinks, a huge opening walk-through hatch to make anchoring a breeze, full length fibreglass cockpit side locker storage and wide, flat cockpit coamings (to position rod holders any which way), the Allison Fisherman 5 is a win, win, win for Aussie fishing families.

Fisherman 189

A strong and safe boat for inshore and offshore fishing. The solidly built hull with fibreglass subchassis has a variable Vee shape which makes for an easy ride and excellent stability at rest. The wide deflection chines ensure quick planing and the broad shoulders ensure stability and well mannered handling in rough water.

The cockpit is a fisherman’s delight with easy washable moulded fibreglass floor with side drains, the moulded side pockets and comfortable 78cm internal freeboard. Also the oval live-bait tank with its large cutting board lid.

y

pl *conditions ap

www.easternshoremarine.com.au 14 McIntyre St, Mornington Ph: 6244 1163

Fishing News - Page 39

Inland Fisheries News

Recreational Marine Fisheries News

New Elephant Rock Research Area

New boat ramp and access for Lake Echo

Lake Echo should receive increased angler attention this season due to the completion of a long awaited project to improve accessibility to the fishery. The catch rate for rainbows increased significantly last season and Lake Echo has been touted as a mini-Great Lake fishery, but has been under-utilised to date. This is set to change with the completion of a 3.5 km road and the construction of a new concrete boat ramp, which has opened up the northern end of the lake to boating.

Newly installed directional signage will enable boating anglers to locate the northern access with surety, and the boat ramp, which is designed for most water levels and has a sheltered aspect, should increase safety whilst boating. These significant improvements will enable anglers to capitalise on the fishery’s natural premium characteristics over the coming season.

Dear Editor,

My name is Louis Cooper.

I am ten years old.

I live in Mole Creek.

I absolutely LOVE fishing.

I am going to be a fisherman when I grow up.

I have written an imaginary story and I wonder if you would like to publish it in your magazine?

I fish at the Rubicon River.

I have caught mullet, cocky salmon, flathead and gummy shark (which you have to let go).

I usually use lures.

I am saving up for a Shimano baitcaster.

Thank you.

Louis Cooper.

P.S. I have included a photo of me fishing on a CD.

FISHING TRIP

Last week I went on a fishing trip to St. Helens. Packed with car, boat, lures and game fishing rod I was ready and raring to go. I got there and I was the only one, lucky, probably because it was about one degree Celsius. But I did not care. I launched my STACER 569 Coral Runner and was happy happy.

I went out deep into the sea. I put my fifteen dollar lure in and got a fish on straight away. He was a Snapper, about four pounds. That meant there were some good fish out there. After an hour I had caught about five fish, which were all Silver Trevally. I went back to the car, set up camp and got some lunch.

Then I went back out again and saw a big shark. I stopped in a school of Snapper. They were massive things.

I cast using my $2,598 12 foot game rod. 25 pound line because I knew there was going to be something tough.

He got on. I set the drag and has flying! Well my line was two kilometers, so that was good. He got tired so I started to wind in. He saw the shark that I had seen earlier. Uh oh! I thought he was going to rip the line. Phew! … He didn’t. Finally, after three hours, I reeled in a 295 kilogram Snapper. It was very hard work.

I got back with the fish in the boat and saw a man and his son fishing. He looked at the fish and then at me. He got his mobile phone out and called WIN News, Southern Cross News and ABC News and told them about the fish, when he got off the phone he was still shocked. Then his son, about ten, had a fish on. It was a Snapper. That was his Fishing News - Page 40

On 23 April, a temporary Research Area was declared at Elephant Rock as part of a research project on possible controls of the long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii). The urchins overgraze seaweeds and algae on rocky reefs, which are a key habitat for abalone and rock lobster as well as a nursery area for many scalefish species.

Back in January, this column was about the research conducted so far that has shown large rock lobsters, more than 2kg, have the potential to be an effective predator of the long spined sea urchin.

To test how effective they are in wild conditions, 750 large rock lobsters were released in an urchinaffected area around Elephant Rock north east of St Helens on the East Coast.

The Research Area is on the north east coast of Grants Point, that is within an imaginary line commencing at the intersection of the high-water mark and the line longitude 1480 20’ 11.95” East on the northern side of Grants Point then in a North East direction (45 degrees East) to the intersection of the thirty five metre bathymetric contour and continues south from that point by the thirty five metre bathymetric contour to the intersection of the line latitude 400 15’ 26.51” South then due West to the high-water mark.

A second temporary Research Area is likely to be declared in the Fortescue Bay area later this year.

To help ensure the scientific validity of the research project, the Elephant Rock Research Area will be closed to commercial and recreational fishing by diving and the use of rock lobster pots or rings, for up to three years.

Fishing for scalefish by rod and line, long line, drop line and the use of nets will continue to be permitted. The bottom corner of the Research Area is subject to an existing prohibition on the use of recreational graball and mullet nets and setlines, including long and drop lines, for the area of Georges Bay west of a line between Grants Point and St Helens Point as the area is a Shark Refuge. These prohibitions continue to apply in this part of the Research Area.

The large rock lobster being released into the research area are specially-marked with two separate holes of at least 5mm in diameter in the tail fan and two lines of blue and/or yellow coloured elastomer (a coloured dye) in the muscle tissue on the underside of the rock lobster’s tail. As well as the fishing restrictions within the Research Area, it is an offence to be in possession of these specially-marked research rock lobster.

The research project is being conducted by the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute with funding provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, NRM North and NRM South and with the support of the Department and abalone, rock lobster and recreational fishing advisory committees. first Snapper he had ever caught. His dad, who was about 42, was happy that he caught one. They were staying in the same caravan park as I was. I was in the fifth camping spot, and they were in the fourth, both our caravans were the same style.

I asked him and his boy if they wanted to have tea with me at 7:30pm. The three television crews arrived from each of the stations, they interviewed me and I told them about the man and his boy, and about how his boy was a keen fisherman.

Professional fishermen came and they weighed and measured my fish and took some photos. Somehow the fish was still alive so I tagged it and then let it go.

When everyone had left, I took the man and his boy out with me and we had a fish. The boy caught a 90cm Bluefin Tuna. Together, the boy and his father caught five Snappers and five Bream, so we had fish soup for dinner. The next day the boy and his dad had to leave. It was sad because we had had such a good time together, so I gave the boy my spinning rod that I had in my boat. The boy was very happy and the man thanked me a lot, and I gave him my $2,958 rod that I caught the Snapper on, then they left. I had a great time with them, too. I stayed another week and caught the same Snapper I tagged and heaps other fish.

For more information about the research project or research area, please contact the Wild Fisheries Management Branch, DPIW on (03) 6233 6208.

Need more information?

For information on recreational sea fishing: • call the Recreational Sea Fishing Line on (03) 6233 7042; • visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au; or • subscribe online to have fishing news information updates emailed to you.

•Strong,reliableper- •Leakproofandimpact formance resistant •Highcrankingpower •Strongcarryhandles • Shock endurance • Withstand deep • No Vibe™ vibration dishcharge resistance •Highreservecapacity •Envelopedseparators

140InvermayRoad 6326 2900 Invermay For your nearest EXIDE stockist

Free Classifieds Advertisements of a non-commercial nature, to current subscribers of Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News, are free and can be inserted for two issues. Cost for commercial and non subscribers remains at $11 and must be pre-paid.

E-Tec 150hp

RL Winston Fly Rod

2006 Saltwater, longshaft, still under warranty$13 500 Phone Leroy 0428347736.

BoronII 8ft 6in AFTM#4 fast taper, light Approx 80grm) yet powerful.

Beautiful green rod, unused.

Reluctant sale. Bargain at $700 neg. Phone 6234 2456.

Channel Marine QUICKSILVER 6.4Mtr WARRIOR HALF/CAB 175Hp Optimax Mercury 20hrs only Dunbier tandem trailer Ex demo $48,900 3.6 Mtr dinghy’s three to choose from with4.5Hp, 8hp and 15hp From $2,000 to $2,500 Sterncraft 7.85Mtr alloy 200Hp mercury outboard Tandem trailer many options $54,000 ONO Islander 440 runabout 80Hp yamaha four/stroke Fishfinder & radio Saftey gear included $17,500 90Hp xl 2003 mercury outboard Excellent condition $6,500 90Hp xl 97 johnson outboard Excellent condition Ph 62671456 or 0407040751

2 Fly Rods Redington 8wt, 7pc, see review issue #52, used once rrp $350, now $250. Orvis TLS 10wt, 4pc, used twice RRP $400, now $300. Tim 6331 2441

Eastern Shore Marine BOATS Haines Hunter 23.5’, Yamaha 225hp ‘03 low hrs, extras $37,000.00 Sea Jay 4.35 dinghy, E40hp Yamaha $10,000 Achillies 12ft inflatable, 25hp Tohatsu $4,500 MOTORS 200hp Yamaha ‘99 good cond. $5,500.00 135hp Mercury, low hrs, good cond. $5,500 50hp Mercury ‘78 $1,200 40hp Mariner tiller $2,000 30hp Suzuki $2,500 20hp Evinrude ‘96 model $1,700 9.8hp BB Mercury $600 9.8hp Tohatsu s/s ‘06 $1,500 5hp P125A Yamaha ‘69 $350 Electric Winch 1500lb $400

Launceston,7248

Captain Marine 4.0mtr – Quintrex Runabout, 30hp Yamaha, $9000 24 Gleadow St., Invermay Ph. 63343118

Wanted Tasmanian Metal Fishing Club Badges Phone 0418585310 or email dannymur1@bigpond.com

13 foot Quintrex 25 hp Evinrude fresh water use only, screen, fwd controls, fish finder, safety gear, spares Goes well $2500 o.n.o. Ph 0427936604

$15,990 Mid Night 5.25m, Yamaha 115HP V4, Yamaha 15HP 4 stroke, King trailer, $18,000 5.20 Cavalier Express, Evinrude V4 90 HP, Evinrude 5 HP 4 stroke, Mackay Tilt Trailer, $15900 Markham Whaler, Twin Evinrude 25HP Quintrex 510 Spirit Outboards 2004 Mercury 8HP S/S Yamaha 8HP S/S $ 1996 Mercury 6HP S/S – fresh water only $1000 Johnson 20HP Somerset 64352200

Coastal Marine Trail Craft 5.6m Johnson 115Hp, Johnson 25Hp $40,000 Sea Jay 450, Mariner 50hp oil inj.

Wanted Old Japanese swords, WWII or older.

Must be authentic. Phone 0417 543 815

Gone Fishing Charters

• East coast estuary and bay • Bream, salmon, garfish, flathead, mullet and squid • Specialising in BIG BREAM • Soft plastics, lures, flies and bait • 5.8 metre sportfishing boat.

Gone Fishing Charters - St Helens MichaelHaley63761553or0419353041 mhaleycharters@bigpond.com www.breamfishing.com.au

Subscribe and WIN Subscribe, Back Issues: Just fill in the form, or send your details as below.

Fax to 03 6331 1278 or post to Stevens Publishing, PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250 or email details to fishn@bigpond.net.au Classifieds - FREE for subscribers Name;__________________________________________________________Address;____________________________ __________________________________________________________Postcode;____________Phone________________ Advertising payment: ___ $11. Attach details by Fax, email or post.

Subscriptions:___ $24; 1 year. ___ $48; 2 years. Back issues; $3.95 each - Issue No req’d.____________ Payment by; ____ Bankcard ____ MasterCard ____ Visa ____ Cheque ____ Money Order Credit Card __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Exp. date __ __ /__ __ Total amount; ______ From issue no. ____ Fishing News - Page 41

FURY drives prop technology to new limits

Mercury Propellers have used the revolutionary X7 alloy to create the Fury – a new range of props which deliver more speed and greater endurance at the big end of town.

Co m i n g i n 2 4 ”, 2 5 ” a n d 2 6 ” pitch options, Fury propellers have been created for sports-lovers and competitive fishers – people who demand performance.

“Our exclusive X7 stainless steel alloy is 30% stronger than conventional stainless steel and four times more

durable, so the designers have been able to make new rules,” said Mercury’s National Par ts and Accessories Manager, Mick Hall.

“That amazing strength means the blades on a Fury propeller are much thinner but actually stronger than standard and the results are clear.”

Testing has shown Fury propellers deliver: 12% better acceleration from 030km/h* 2.2km/h faster top speed* Last year Mercury Propellers used the X7 alloy to create the extremely popular Enertia range of props which have been taken up by boat lovers around the world. That technology has now been extended to the Fury.

“Our Enertia range goes up to a pitch of 22 inches, so Fury has been

created to take over from there,” Mick said.

“As the name indicates, Fur y propellers are for those boaties running bigger engines – 200hp or more in twin or triple rigs, where performance is everything.”

But it’s not just about performance, the Fury story is also about longevity.

“With X7 being four times more durable than regular stainless steel, you can be confident a Fury propeller is going to deliver for a long time,” Mick said. *Fury versus standard stainless steel propeller with same pitch.

GREAT TASMANIAN FISHING ACCOMMODATION GreenGate Cottages

Ormiston House

Ideal for families and couples.

Two cottages each with two bedrooms.

Easy walking distance to town centre.

• BBQ facilities • Fully self contained

Luxury accommodation on the shores of Macquarie Harbour Off street parking, great fishing 4WD tours available.

The Esplanade, Strahan. 7468. Ph: 03 6471 7077 e-mail: ormiston@iinet.net.au

20 Meredith St, Strahan 7468. ph: 0439 717307 Email: hentystrahan@bigpond.com.au

CEDARHEIGHTS, STRAHAN

• affordable accommodation • bbq facilities • car park • laundry • microwave oven • television • video cassette recorder • dvd

7 Meredith St. Strahan 7468. ph: 03 6471 7717 e-mail: cedarheights@vision.net.au

A truly unique wilderness experience; right on the shore of Australia’s deepest freshwater lake.

Self contained wilderness cottages, travelers lodge, camp sites & powered sites.

Licensed Restaurant with lake views. Surrounded by a World Heritage National Park. Scenic cruises on the Lake, walkers ferry. Fishing hire and Fishing license agent.

Ph: 03 6289 1137 Email: stay@lakestclairresort.com.au www.lakestclairresort.com.au

Our time is yOurs…

Strahan Marine CharterS

The perfect place for all your accommodation, shopping and activities in the Central Highlands.

“ What a great place to stay! These quality, new bungalows have everything you could ask for to comfortably explore this beautiful region of Tasmania.” (Wendy & Harry- Ulverstone TAS) Let us be your guide, whether you are after the excitement of catching your own fish or a more relaxed scenic cruise we will personalise the cruise to suit you.

In a peaceful location with plenty of parking. Eight villas. Disabled access, superbly appointed, close town.

For more information on any of the experiences strahan marine Charters offer, contact the strahan Activity Centre: activities.centre@strahanvillage.com.au 9359

(03) 6471 4300

www.puretasmania.com/SMC

DriftwoodVillas,34HarveySt.Strahan.7468.

Ph:0364717618email:driftwoodvillas@bigpond.com

Cnr Andrew and Harvey Sts. Strahan 7468. ph: 03 6471 7268

Tavern

Shop

Cafe

2-storey Ensuite Rooms

Caravan Park

Cottage Accommodation

Phone Tarraleah on www.tarraleah.com 6289 3222 Phone: 6289 0111 Web:

email: enquiries@strahanbungalows.com.au

Anchor Down Holiday Holiday Accommodation Accommodation

122

Six, cottage-style, two bedroom accommodation apartments located in the beautiful tourist town of Strahan.

Reflective journeys, deep wilderness, * echoes of the past and $ an untouched coast from

Annie & Max invite you to enjoy a quiet, relaxing stay in their smoke-free units.

Stay at the welcoming Strahan Village, the perfect base to explore the rugged West Coast, from just $122* per night, including two breakfasts. Book your Gordon River Cruise, West Coast Wilderness Railway or Piners & Miners journey when you call.

Fishing News - Page 42

9359

1800 084 620

10 Andrew Street, Strahan Tasmania. 7468.

Ph:(03) 6471 7006 Email: enquiries@anchordowncottages.com.au www.anchordowncottages.com.au

Relax in style and comfort on the shores of Great Lake at Miena Now Relax in style and comfort on the open 12 shores of Great Lake at Miena months of Central Highlands Lodge is the most central fishing lodge

the year to the famous fisheries of the Western Lakes, Arthurs Lake, Penstock and Little Pine lagoons.

• Selection of guided tours available to surrounding areas. Evening eco-spotlighting tours. Experience the Tasmanian Highlands.

• Licensed cafe, bar and restaurant with comfortable and affordable accommodation.

•Comfortable, affordable accommodation Restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days per week.N (Open ow for • Licenced cafe, bar and restaurant opfunctions. breakfast Sept till April only). We cater for in-house conferences and en 2 • Private and • Brush up on yourfishing fishing skills withtuition some advice from our experts. monPrivate1fishing th transport lake. Hire one of ourtours professional fishing guides, complete with equipment, • Guided f the y s o and a picnic lunch. ear • Licences and tackle • Discounts for fishing club members - just present your membership card. We sell fishing licences, flies, maps, ice and gas.

Relax in style and c shores of Great Lak

Ideal for travelling couples or families to relax and enjoy while visiting Strahan and the surrounding area.

For bookings or information call

*Per room, per night (Garden View room, single/double occupancy, including 2 breakfasts).

Subject to availability. Conditions apply. Valid to 30/11/2007. Quote GS068 when booking.

Five Five fully fully self self contained contained units. units. Five Five minutes minutes walk walk from from Strahan’s Strahan’s main main street. street. Enjoy Enjoy our our 2½ hour crayfish dinner and fishing 2½ hour crayfish dinner and fishing cruise cruise on our yacht ‘Stormbreaker’ on our yacht ‘Stormbreaker’

The Esplanade, Strahan. 7468 ph: 03 6471 7422 email: wcyc@tassie.net.au

Central Highlands Lodge is the mos tohighlandslodge@bigpond.com the famous www.centralhighlandslodge.com.au fisheries of the Weste Email: Penstock and Little Pine lagoons.

• Selection of guided tours available Under new ownership and management. Ph 03 62 598 179

Fishing and Boating Directory Advertise here for $77. Contact Quenton Higgs 0427 129949

Fishing • Guiding • Charters

GO Fishing charters

46’ Cresta Sports Fisherman Based at Southport fishing Pedra Branca

• Up to eight anglers • Professional crew • Comfort plus • Full range of tackle • Huge variety of fish • Australian record holders Contact: Lee Harris 0407 240 750

Tackle and Supplies

Boat building and repairs

Call in for all your fishing tackle including full range rods, reels, lures, landing nets and bait. Also life jackets plus diving gear and stuff for all water sports.

BURNIE MARINE Services

Scott, 53 King Street Scottsdale.Ph. 63522357 Julie-Anne, 41 Quail Street St Helens. Ph. 63761390

Private Fisheries

Top Service – Top Price

• Over 30 years experience on all types of motors • Approved insurance repairer to boats and motors • Propellor rebuild and refurbishing • Repairs of all types - including skegs etc.

• Contact: Cyril Stevens Phone 6431 3082 Fax 6431 1255

Aluman

Engineering St Pauls River Cabins MOONSHINE CHARTERS

36’ Steber Sportsfisher Eaglehawk Neck - Jan-April Pedra Branca - July Bookings/info - Steve Gilbert 03 6261 1558 or 0408 105 311 www.moonshinecharters.com.au

St Pauls River Cabins are nestled at the bottom of St Paul’s Dome. An ideal location. Magnificent views. A few metres walk to your own fishing spot on the St Pauls.

Break O’Day and South Esk rivers nearby.

Email: saint146@pacific.net.au Phone: 03 6384 2211 www.stpaulsrivercabins.com

Launceston Lakes Fly Fishing

St Helens

Fly Fishing Tuition, conducted at the waters edge max. of four clients per guide, 9am or 1pm 7 days 3 hours tuition and ½ day is 4.5 hours full day 10 hours same tuition 3 hours minimum. ½ day $150. Full day $200.

Bookings are essential.

1166 Ecclestone Rd, Riverside Phone 03 63 966100 www.launcestonlakes.com

Hillcrest Tourist Park & Mini Market 100 Chimney Heights Rd. 63763 298

Youreveryneedcateredfor •Eighten-suitecabins• Conveniencestore•Hot takeaways•Groceries• Newspapers•Fuelandoil • Bait and tackle • Boat parking•Boatandcarwash

Air-O-Float Stabilizers

Constructed of an extremely strong, flexible, welded outer bag, with a tough inner bladder. Attached to the boat by sliding into a track that any handyman can fit (or fitting can be arranged).

Air-O-Floats give great stability and safety with their buoyancy.

Suitable for tinnies, fibreglass, punts, canoes, fishing, whitewater, yacht/boat tenders and clubs.

For more info phone 6443 4420 or 0427 571 212

Vandieman Seaman boats Proplate custom boats, Boat repairs Propellor repairs Mark Tapsell 424 Hobart Road, L’ton Ph 6343 3341

GREAT LAKE SHOP

SPINNING RODS, REELS & LURES • Hooks, sinkers, bait including mudeyes, scubworms •Excellentselectionlocallytiedflies • Fishing licences • Maps Petrol, diesel, air, ice, gas bottle refills.

Full range groceries, magazines and papers.

Ph 6259 8149

Cnr.MarlboroughandGreatLakeHighways.

Tall Timbers

the edge of the world is at your doorstep

Tall Timbers Tasmania Pty Ltd ScotchTownRoad,SmithtonTasmania7330 Ph (03) 6452 2755 or 1800 628 476 Email:enquiries@talltimbershotel.com.au www.talltimbershotel.co.au

Fishing News - Page 43

Rebate available on range of Yamaha 4-Stroke engines Commences May 1 for a limited period Conditions apply Only at participating dealers

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