SIMPLY THE BEST www.gamakatsu.com.au
Transcription
SIMPLY THE BEST www.gamakatsu.com.au
ESCAPE WITH ET Australia’s leading fishing, outdoors and lifestyle show now has its own magazine. Based on the impeccable reputation and knowledge of Andrew Ettingshausen, this brand encompasses all elements of the great Australian outdoors. The Escape with ET audience will make this online magazine & iPad App their fishing and outdoors resource. It will be the trusted source of information viewers and lovers of the great outdoors require for: • Fishing • Boating • 4 Wheel Driving • Camping • Diving • Research & Technology • Environment • Sport & Outdoor Leisure: Sailing, Water Sports. • Travel & Destinations Why advertise with us? • • • • • Worldwide distribution online and via the App Store on the iPad Backed by a highly respected Australian show Cutting edge technology with high quality finish Respected writers and supporters Promoted heavily through the TV series, website, competitions, facebook, and blog Why an Online Magazine? • • • • • An online electronic publication helps reduce carbon footprint Fast and effective with minimal loading times Free to all members Highly interactive; readers can access links to websites, email addresses, video, search facility and zoom in features Support video, audio, animation and interactive links All advertising pages within this example are for demonstration purposes only. For more information please contact: [email protected] Latest & Greatest XPS Rechargeable LED DUO This year Coleman® launches XPS™ (Exchangeable Power System) technology into their range of electric lights. A world first, this technology not only allows you to use battery packs across multiple products but it also gives you the choice on how you wish to power your product - rechargeable or battery operated. The XPS Duo is 3 lights in 1 – a full area lantern or 2 removable pods. Each removable pod contains NiMH rechargeable batteries with an individual runtime of up to 1.5hrs. Charge on the dock while illuminating (light output: 216 Lumens) 360° using 12 x 5mm white LEDs that never need to be replaced. Hang on pod handles or free stand on fold out arm. Recharge battery pack from 12V and 240V adapters. (Included ) RRP $119.99. For more information visit our website: www.colemanaustralia.com.au Caenan Baitcast Reel The new Caenan features 7 Shimano bearings, High Efficiency Gearing (HEG), Variable Brake System (VBS) and comes in a sleek metallic silver and red finish. A low-mass aluminium spool helps to keep weight down and assist in making long stealthy deliveries to fussy bass and barra holding in your local river snag or along a weedy impoundment bank. The Caenan is capable of delivering 5kg of drag pressure and also features hard EVA grips grips which causes less fatigue to the angler. www.shimanofish.com.au Panasonic Lumix FT2 Whether it is your own clumsiness or a fishing boat mishap, it is no secret that digital cameras are often the first things to break. Tough cameras are fast becoming popular among users and with the new Panasonic LUMIX FT2, it is easy to see why. Boasting a 14.1 megapixel sensor, 4.6 times optical zoom, 28mm wide angle lens and High Definition video, it is the complete package encased in a two metre shockproof shell that is waterproof to ten metres and freeze proof to minus ten. It enables this hardwearing durability with uncompromised image quality, video functionality and low light performance. iew uct Rev d o r P d r k 150 Wo ge & Lin a m I o g with Lo .00 +GST $250 With its Intelligent Auto setting, the camera works everything out for you; face detection, scene detection and adjusting of exposure in different conditions to give you the best possible photograph. Marine Pro Batteries Next time you’re listening to music moored on a deserted beach or watching the fish finder whilst anchored to your favourite fishing spot, take time to consider whether you’ve got the right battery to start your engine and get you home safely. The Century Marine Pro range is designed and manufactured right here in Australia, specifically to suit Australia’s harsh climate and unique conditions. They incorporate specialist hardwearing internal components and advanced design features such as Platelock technology to combat the effects of wave pounding, engine vibration, extreme temperatures and damage from transportation by trailer. 55LB & 80LB Thrust Terrova now with I-Pilot Minn Kota have added new options to popular Riptide Terrova model of electric motors. The new I-Pilot GPS based autopilot feature gives new meaning to the term ‘hands free fishing’ allowing the angler wireless control of his electric motor from anywhere in the boat. Incorporating: Co Pilot-giving total control of your electric motor from anywhere in the boat. Record a Track featureallowing an entire track, up to 2 miles in length, to be stored to memory. Revolutionary Spot-Lock feature which works like an electric anchor, holding the boat in place. Cruise Control - maintaining actual boat speed in 1/10 mile per hour increments. Digitally controlled AutoPilot™ delivering infinitely variable steering adjustments for smoother course corrections & tighter heading accuracy. Digital Camera Warehouse has the LUMIX FT2 available right now, so visit Perfectly adapted to life on the water, Century Marine Pro Batteries are available in a range of sizes and include both dedicated starting and dual purpose batteries designed to provide starting power for engines up to 350Hp and the deep cycling capability to run your on-board accessories. Whether heading out for a days fishing or cruising out for a long weekend to a favourite beach, Century has a marine battery to suit your need. www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au www.centurybatteries.com.au www.bla.com.au And with that HD video, every embarrassing moment or triumph over man, beast or element is easily captured and uploaded online. GPS based Advanced AutoPilot which utilises a series of waypoints to maintain a true heading while adjusting for wind, waves, current & side drift. 2 year warranty 25% OFF 10% OFF Flinders & Outback Water Cruises Morning Top End Eco Cruise Min 2 persons Phone: 0438 857 001 Skytrek 4WD Journey to Experience 10% off Skytrek self drive access fee Phone: (08) 8648 0016 www.flindersoutbackdaytours.com.au www.skytrekwillowsprings.com.au Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 $40 OFF Derek’s 4WD Tours Book a Full and Half day tour to receive $40 off per person Phone: 0417 475 770 www.dereks4wdtours.com CASH ONLY, Valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 ith w e Article g a P le Sing Link Website 0 +GST Product Report $850.0 20% OFF Down n’ Dirty Tour Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy Direct Bookings Only Phone: (08) 8672 5688 www.desertcave.com.au Valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 New Humminbird 858cx DI Combo, a serious sounder for serious fishermen... 10% OFF Wilpena Pound Resort 10% off Scenic Flights and 4WD Tours Phone: (08) 8648 0004 FREE GOLF PACK Coober Pedy Golf Course Receive a free golf pack when hiring clubs for a round! Phone: (08) 8672 5555 www.wilpenapound.com.au www.oldtimersmine.com Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 15% OFF Special Offer Bendleby Ranges 15% off 4WD Levy Phone: (08) 8658 9064 Ocean to Outback Adventure Tour 3 combined tours in 1 Cruise, Camels and Cultural Experiences Phone: (08) 8648 6640 www.pichirichicameltours.com Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 Flinders Ranges By Bike Buy one FRBB trail pass and get one free Phone: (08) 8648 0048 www.wilpenapound.com.au Coupon valid from 1 March 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 10% OFF Over the Edge Sports Melrose General Bike Hire Phone: (08) 8666 2222 www.bendlebyranges.com www.otesports.com.au Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 ith apshot w s n S t c u k Prod bsite Lin e W & il Ema 0.00 +GST $15 2 FOR 1 20% OFF Old Timers Mine Coober Pedy 20% off admission to mine tour Phone: (08) 8672 5555 www.oldtimersmine.com Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 25% OFF Pichi Richi Camel Tours 25% off a sunset camel tour if booking for 4 or more people Phone: (08) 8648 6640 www.pichirichicameltours.com Coupon valid from 1 Feb 2010 to 1 Dec 2010 Please present these coupons at the above businesses to receive discounts. Please check valid dates when booking. It features a brilliant colour, wide-screen 480V x 800H 7-inch LCD display with CCFL backlight and 16:9 aspect ratio which provides a precise, clear picture. The unit comes standard with incredible features like DualBeam PLUS Sonar that combines great detail with wide coverage, 50 channel external GPS receiver, unit cover, temperature, GPS Speed, sonar record and screen snap shot capabilities. The unit also features Down Imaging and SwitchFire giving you command of the most versatile sonar technology on the water to ensure that you maximise your angling experience. You are now able to see what is happening directly below your boat. Timber, weed, bridge pylons, reef and any other structure will show with stunning detail as you patrol the water. The picture-like images are created with high-frequency sound waves emitted in razor thin slices. And the sonar returns from these waves create an instant ‘snapshot’ of what’s directly below your boat. Coupled with SwitchFire, these technologies take the guesswork out of sonar fishfinding. SwitchFire Sonar gives you the power to choose how returns are displayed. Two unique modes give you complete control to adjust to the fishing conditions and let you quickly locate and target fish. The unit allows you to navigate your way through unfamiliar waters with Humminbird cartography – a built in UniMap covers the Australian and New Zealand coastlines at 30 metres per pixel resolution, with an optional upgrade to Navionics Gold card cartography available. Other key features include the GPS Chartplotting and advanced Fishing System capabilities helping to put you right where you want to be. The 858cx DI Combo is Ethernet compatible thus giving you access to some amazing optional extras like the all new Humminbird Radar, NMEA 2000 and more. More Info... For more information on this great unit visit www.humminbird.com.au or consult your local Humminbird stockist. GoPro& Contour Plus ½ Page h it w le k Artic bsite Lin 2 Page e W & x tbo Ad/Fac .00 +GST $950 If you have ever wanted to capture breathtaking video of your adventures, whether on land, sea or in vehicle, there has never been a better time to start camera shopping. The folks at Go Pro and Contour have produced some truly innovative products over the last twelve months, making choice wide and purchase just that little bit more confusing. So, which camera is right for your own personal feats of the landscape? We’ll go through your options and their vast features so you can make an informed decision. The HD Hero camera system from Go Pro is fast gaining momentum as the go-to device for adventure and sports enthusiasts wanting to capture the action on video for easy uploading and viewing. Dubbed as the world’s highest performance ‘wearable’ camera, shooting in full 1080p High Definition, the image quality is truly amazing. Tiny cameras are definitely not known for their clarity and brilliant colour reproduction, but the Go Pro HD Hero is seriously impressive and so versatile. Go Pro’s huge range of optional accessories and mounts render it able to attach to just about anything; helmet, bicycle seat post, your dashboard, your surfboard or jetski or even on your head or chest. This enables stunning, mind-altering captures from angles that will bring footage to life and put an end to boring video. The Go Pro HD Hero comes in a sixty metres waterproof housing that will also protect it from dust, rocks and other debris you might hit in your journey. The battery will allow 2.5 hours of continuous shooting on a single charge, and spare batteries are easily sourced and affordable. You can shoot continuous 5 megapixel stills at 2/5/10/30 and 60 second intervals, handsfree. Quite simply, the Go Pro HD Hero is a smart choice for anything water-bound, especially boating, fishing, surfing and general tear-about antics. Its range of mounts makes it a great choice for any activity, but the waterproof housing gives it the edge for the seafaring adventurer. Another helmet camera gaining momentum across the globe is the Contour Plus, from the good folks at Contour. Brand new to the line-up, the Contour Plus is their top of the range helmet cam with an array of features and seriously striking video quality. Built with the photographic enthusiast in mind, the Contour Plus shoots in 1080p full High Definition and utilizes an f/2.8 170-degree rotating ultra-wide angle lens. This means you get great performance in varying light conditions with minimal distortion or the fish-eye look.There’s also the option of live-streaming your incredible feat via HDMI and an optional external transmitter. Added to that is a built-in GPS to record your location, speed and altitude and the option of an external microphone for better sound recording. If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can use these as a viewfinder for the Contour Plus via Bluetooth. You can even change the camera settings straight from the screen. The Contour Plus is the ideal helmet cam for on-land exploits and is perfect for quick capture and uploading with no fuss. It is not waterproof – however, there is an underwater housing coming soon as an optional extra. Get these and see the whole range now at Digital Camera Warehouse: Contour: http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod7573.htm Go Pro: http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category767_1.htm What’s in a Squid Jig? Squiding has finally started to make its mark with the Australian angling fraternity and for my money, it’s about time! Squid are great fun to catch, you don’t need a boat, it’s something the whole family can do and at the end of it all you get a great feed!! o, ith Vide w le ic t r A ink 2 Page ebsite L W & d A ½ Page ST By Adam .00 +GRoyter $1,000 Skinny leaders: Using a thin leader line from your jig to your braid (2-3m) will get you more grabs. Squid have fantastic eye sight and can see everything so using as skinny a line as you dare is the go! Making this leader line out of fluorocarbon will only increase your chances because fluorocarbon line has the same light refracting index as water making is virtually invisible. The right rod: Using an Egi rod (squid jig rod) makes life so much sweeter. The overall action of the Egi rod is much different to that of a normal rod. They are stiffer in the tip to help work your jigs and the overall action of the rod is parabolic so you don’t tear out the thin hook from the squids tentacles. All that and they look really cool!! I hope this little blurb has helped you further your ambitions to become a better squider. Once you get a few under your belt you won’t look back. www.purefishing.com.au Egi Master >>Tactical Squid Fishing > SQUID RODS > SQUID BRAID Here are some key factors to making a successful squiding trip: Finding good ground: The southern calamari squid is an inshore species that uses its amazing camouflaging skin to blend into surrounding rock and weed. Therefore you’ll find them where there are rocks and weed! Casting over sand in most cases will result in poor catch rates. Using good jigs: A good quality jig is invaluable. Spending from $20 - $35 on a jig will see you with a top notch jig that will have all the right attributes; such as – sharp hooks, correct sinking angle, good body colours, strong connection points and good sizes and weight ranging. > SQUID LEADER > SCENTED SQUID JIGS > SQUID JIG STORAGE Using scent: Scenting your jigs is the second most important thing you can do to help catch more squid (first being buying a good jig). There are a few to chose from such as EgiMax, UV Make-Up and or alternatively, you can buy a Berkley jig that has a body cover that’s made from PowerBait and is already full of fish feeding stimulant! Using braid: Braid or PE line is accentual when squiding because of its lack of stretch you can make your jig action work better and feeling (or seeing) the subtle grabs from the fish is made much easier because of braids visibility. Serious about chasing cephalopods? Introducing Berkley’s Egi Master System Egi Master squid rods - specifically designed squid fishing rods developed by Adam Royter. Egi Master line system - mutli coloured PE braid and tinted 100% fluorocarbon leader for ultra stealth. Power Egi squid jigs - the Berkley advantage of PowerBait scented squid jigs. Egi Master squid bag - accessible jig storage, pockets for leader, braid scissors and more. Available at leading tackle stores, visit purefishing.com.au for more details or call 02 4351 7740 for your nearest stockist. purefishing.com.au PF0692 10.10 ge ith ½ Pa w le ic t r A site Link b 3 Page e W & tbox Ad/Fac 0.00 +GST $1,20 Southern winter they’re more autumn blues and at times even summer blues, but whatever you like to call them we all anticipate the annual return of the magnificent southern bluefin tuna to Portland Victoria any time from February onwards. Over the past five years I have watched with great interest, as the Portland tuna boom has developed from an almost unknown local attraction, into a thriving recreational fishery. Article By Portland fishing charters Image courtesy of Gamakatsu As most people would realise, the tuna haven’t just decided to visit Portland in the last few years. There are a number of things that have happened to help create a greater awareness of this fishery and allowed better access to this wonderful species. Firstly boats have gotten BIG. So big in fact, that a lot are now towed by F-trucks or even trucks with ‘oversize’ signs on them. GPS technology is now more affordable, reliable and accurate, and marine engine technology is now also more reliable than it ever has been. Even the weatherman now gets it right 99 per cent of the time and of course our safety gear has improved, including EPIRB, which gives us a bit more confidence should we run into trouble. My personal tuna targeting evolution began around 16 years ago, when a bunch of mates and I took my 49ft old timber cray-boat out to the shelf for a day tuna fishing. It was definitely a big adventure, requiring us to leave super early in the morning and travelling all the way out to the shelf at 7kts. We got the results though, trolling our assorted cheap lures that were probably more suited to Barra fishing than tuna, and the seed was sown! Not long after that we decided that we could get away with taking my 4.75m Quintrex Bay Hunter out as long as we had another boat come along for backup, which was usually my mate’s 4.8m Savage. We always looked at the weather very carefully and we had good success towing Halco laser pros at around 4-5kts. Then came my 5.6m Barcrusher. This boat was the ultimate so I thought, however over only a matter of a few years it went from being one of the biggest boats at the ramp to only a medium sized one. I now own a 48ft Randell that we use as a lobster and charter boat. I’ve even considered throwing my kayak on the back deck on a nice day and having a paddle through a school of tuna for something different. I guess we all wonder at times how we used to manage without the big boats and modern technology. Southern winter d A4 Ad Standar k bsite Lin with We 0 +GST $850.0 I’ll share with you a few of the things that I’ve learned over the years chasing tuna. I’m sure I’ve still got a lot to learn also and maybe in another 16 years time, we’ll all be doing it differently again. use the internet or ask the local tackle shops, in order to get some up to date information on where the fish have been biting. Try and get some GPS marks, especially from anyone who’s been out recently, as there is a lot of ocean out there. Troll with a variety of lures, trying different colours and sizes, and travel between 5-7kts. Generally we currently troll two Rapala x-raps, the thirty footers, both different colours on the edge of the prop wash. My most consistently successful skirted lure is a homemade tiny pink squid with a bean sinker in the head. It’s the cheapest and most unlikely looking lure but it works well. The only problem is that it won’t hold the water in medium to strong winds so we can’t always run it. Variety is definitely the key with skirts though, and once you find a colour or size that’s working on the day, change the other lures to something similar. Keep in mind however, that what worked the day before might not get touched on another day! The other thing to look for is sea birds (particularly gannets and turns) circling, diving or picking at the water. Troll past any groups of birds that are sitting on the water, with even one lonely albatross sitting on the water often producing results. Always keep a look out for any activity. You will occasionally see a fish bust the water or jump, and missing a school by a few hundred meters can be the difference between a good or bad day. Oil slicks on the water can also indicate tuna feeding below. These are just a few things to watch out for and you will pick up little clues every time you venture out. I hope this article has raised your curiosity about the Portland tuna run, and I hope to see you on the water soon. FACT BOX Portland Fishing Charters Story & Photographs by Brett Wilson, Ask most people what was the first fish they caught and I’m sure that 90% will say a Bream! This silver little scrapper covers the entire Australian coastline with one strain of the species or another, Pikey up north, Black down south and Yellow Fin Bream in the eastern central regions. With urban sprawl, man made waters and the Aussie will to live and play by the water over time has given this fish more places to live and feed than ever. Its not an exotic species, nor a rare and not considered much of a table fish either, but this aside it has spawned a massive amount of interest and made a massive financial contribution to the fishing industry over the past 10 years with a huge surge in Bream related products. ½ Page h it w le Artic ink 3 Page ebsite L W & o e Ad, Vid 0 +GST $1,400.0 Catching Bream on lures is nothing new and its been done for decades in one form or another but over the last 10 years this form of catching Bream has developed into a fulltime pastime for some anglers. Its been responsible for a national tournament circuit, that now has smaller sub comps sprouting off all over the country. This same organisation has even managed to get a free to air TV show out of the comps. There are now dedicated websites, clubs and friends are made, and sometimes lost all over the country because of this bread and butter fish. Some people like to chase them in magnificent looking American bass style boats that go 100 miles and hour and others like to catch them on bread, or an old hot chip with the kids, either way these fish provide massive amounts of opportunity for anyone looking for a bit of fun. For the dad with his kids they are relatively easy to catch, for the hardened lure fisherman chasing the wiley kilo plus models Bream at this size are a huge challenge. The Southern Black Bream is in my view probably the toughest one of the three, living its life in the same system most of the time making it very aware and on his game. The yellow fin who travels to sea to spawn exerts a lot of energy and tends to be more on the chew more often and lives in a bigger variety of habitats. This silver little scrapper covers the entire Australian coastline with one strain of the species or another, Pikey up north, Black down south and Yellow Fin Bream in the eastern central regions. The Pikey Bream is awesome fun, aggressive, fight hard and can live in huge packs that can own a snag and destroy any lure that comes close. Gear for Bream does vary but ideally for luring Bream a 6’10” to 7’2” rod is ideal in the 2 to 4kg class and a 1000 to 2500 size reel is perfect to hang onto all day. Use a rod length of leader onto some fine braid, go as light as you wish for the conditions your fishing, but remember Bream love structure, and know where home is. Lures are once again a personal thing and whether it be a soft plastic or small hard body, fish to your conditions, depth and habitat. d A4 Ad Standar k bsite Lin with We 0 +GST $850.0 The best thing about now days is there is a plethora on information for budding Bream anglers, books, DVD’s and as I said websites with members keen to share knowledge. The good old Bream... a fish from the past and a vital fish for the future! They can swim. BUT They can’T hiDe. new eT siGnaTURe seRies By mako www.shimanofish.com.au It’s almost unfair: thanks to the astonishing clarity of our new High Definition polarised lenses. Mako’s ET Signature Series gives you the edge – whatever you’re fishing for. Fish like yoU mean iT. e h ½ Pag it w le ic t Ar ink 4 Page ebsite L W & x o tb Ad/Fac .00 +GST $1,400 JD’s Boatshed JD’s Boatshed in Sydney was established in June 2004 at Caringbah NSW. The Boatshed’s inspiration was born from a family that has grown up on the water and enjoys its lifestyle and all it has to offer. Starting with only one brand, a cosy showroom and small service area, JD’s Boatshed has come a long way... Tournament 2100 Glastron MX 185 Cobalt 242 Bowrider The showroom has doubled in size over time to cater for a many quality brands, a chandlery and a busy service centre. Our strategic vision is a one-stop Marine Centre that offers all our customers a taste of this lifestyle with only quality products. JD’s Boatshed is committed to the provision of, and a commitment to, quality service in all facets of the business operations. Such is the ongoing success of the JD’s Boatshed business model the expansion into QLD in October 2010 was deemed to be a natural progression for the management team. Located at 247 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay, the branch is building strong customer relationships within the marine markets of the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions. Current line up of boat brands is headed by the Cobalt range of award winning bowriders and sports cruisers. Cobalt Boats has been in the boat building industry since 1968 and is still controlled by the same founding family to this very day. The range of Cobalt Boats has consistently been amongst the recipients of the prestigious J D Power Marine Awards for the last eight years. The owners of Cobalt boats are often repeat buyers and some are now experiencing the enjoyment of their third Cobalt Boat. A true testament to the quality, and value for money, inherent within the Cobalt product. JD’s Boatshed has been diligent in the acquisition of the products they wish to sell and promote in accordance with their business model. The Australian built Formosa aluminium plate boats have now been available through JD’s Boatshed Sydney dealership for a number of years. Formosa Tomahawk 550 Centre Console JD’s Boatshed The Formosa range has proven extremely popular with the boating public, from the dedicated fisherman to the family which requires an all purpose boat for in shore and off shore activities. JD’s Boatshed and Formosa are forging a formidable partnership with the aluminium boating fraternity. Glastron Boats continue to be an integral part of the JD’s Boatshed product line up. The Galstron brand is now into their fifty fifth year of boat building and continue to be a much sought after boat for family enjoyment. As always the Glastron brand is forever looking at the current market requirements and new and exciting models will be available within the coming season. Both branches of JD’s Boatshed are exclusive Glastron Boats distributors and as such can provide the Glastron model which best suits your family boating requirements. Tournament Pleasure Boats are endorsed by JD’s Boatshed as one of the finest Australian built fibreglass fishing and pleasure craft available in todays market place. The Tournament range is popular with the buyer looking for a day cruiser to entertain, a runabout to use for fishing or fun, a full on off shore fishing boat with all the right equipment or a bowrider for the family who wants a tower for boarding or sking. JD’s Boatshed can provide you with the Tournament boat and options for whatever your suits your marine requirements. When it comes to power for your boat JD’s are now suppliers of the latest Mercury outboard motors, and Mercruiser power upgrades, through the Sydney branch sales and service facility. Marine products available through JD’s Boatshed Caringbah comprise Dunbier Trailers, Garmin, BLA Products, Hi Tech Batteries, Fusion Sound, R W Basham, Lowrance, GME, various lubricants, trailer parts and safety equipment. Within the many marine products and accessories supplied by JD’s Boatshed the boating public can always be assured of the commitment to service and the provision of finest quality products by dedicated staff. Tournament 2250 Formosa Tomahawk 620 Centre Cab Full icle with ink t r A e g L 3 Pa Website & d A e Pag .00 +GST Does Blue $1,500 sit waiting off the Gold Coast? Over the recent Easter Long weekend a fleet of up to 20 boats mixed with professional and amateur Blue Marlin fisherman headed out off the Gold Coast shelf for a crack at some Blue Marlin action, what followed showed the full potential of this secret world class Blue Marlin fishery... the Gold Coast is full of world class attractions including Australia’s best theme parks, beautiful resorts, famous beaches and fine restaurants to name a few. But perhaps one of the biggest attractions is yet to be fully realised? To those in the know the Gold Coast is home to some of the best Blue Marlin fishing in the world which is on offer all year round. Over the last 12 months impressive capture statistics have been reported even through the colder months of winter and if you ask the old sea dogs these results are nothing new for this stretch of water. At any one time no more than about 6 boats fish with any consistency for Blue Marlin off the Gold Coast and of those you would be lucky to find 3 boats out during week days, usually professional charter boats. With good weather the weekend may see a limited fleet of perhaps 13 boats hunting for Blue Gold off this impressive coast line. So where would the Gold Coast rank as a Blue Marlin fishery? to put it all in perspective a world class Blue Marlin location over a 12 month fishing period will see a charter boat average around one Blue Marlin every three to four fishing days, this is of course a yearly average, the average Blue Marlin figures reported off the Gold Coast each year are easily as impressive, raising the question “Why isn’t the Gold Coast recognised as a truly World Class Blue Marlin fishery?” It’s a question that many are now asking and the responses are certainly divided, perhaps its better we keep this Blue Marlin location a secret and enjoy the action without the international anglers flooding in from all over the world for a chance at catching our hidden Blue Gold, or just maybe properly managed with some good publicity it could be the next big world class attraction the Gold Coast and the Australian Game Fishing industry needs. For now the jury is out on bringing the crowds but one thing is for sure the Blue Marlin are definitely out off the Gold Coast. ith Article w site Link e g a P 5 b Ad & We ½ Page .00 +GST $1,550 SIMPLY THE BEST “When you fish for a living, you can’t afford to use anything but the best.” – Andrew Ettingshausen See what’s new at Gamakatsu: www.gamakatsu.com.au d A4 Ad Standar k bsite Lin with We 0 +GST $850.0 G OING HARD in st george’s basin www.frogleysoffshore.com.au PO BOX 5177 Ballina NSW 2478 Tel: (02) 6681 3988 | Fax: (02) 6681 3977 | Email: [email protected] Powered by: In this months look at hard body’s we’ll focus on the deep divers, or “crankbait” lures and hopefully open up an amazing world of new piscatorial opportunities which can be achieved y in most southern saltwater estuaries. Story & Photographs by Greg Reid, Photographs by Warren Keelan With this style of fishing there’s one really important ingredient & that’s wind... You need the surface of the water to have a ripple on it. In fact 15-20 knots is prime shallow water hard body time. I’ll be the first to admit I have a serious obsession with soft plastic lures. It started on the humble flathead in the early nineties and then lead to a serious snapper obsession in Jervis Bay for the next decade or so. About 10 years ago small hard body’s shifted into my consciousness and thus began hours of wading shallow flats in Erowal Bay on the northern eastern side of St George’s Basin. Fast forward to the creation of the Basin as a recreational fishing haven, along with the development of some very affordable high quality lite spin tackle and you have a recipe for a lifetime worth of skinny water exploration. In this months look at hard body’s (HB’s) we’ll focus on the deep divers, or “crankbait” lures and hopefully open up an amazing world of new piscatorial opportunities which can be achieved year round in most southern saltwater estuaries. The deep divers really can be broken down into three basic depth categories depending in the size of the bib. As a general rule of thumb you have deep diving <2m, medium <1m and shallow diving <0.5m. You can then break that down into another category (your going to need a bigger tackle box yeah) suspending, floating, and sinking. Now we can call these “crankbaits”, which are fatter and wobble a bit more, or “shads”, which tend to be longer and skinnier and sometimes require a bit more twitching. Each selection will enable you to locate the depth at which the fish, usually bream, are feeding at. For example, using a basic locked blood knot tied directly to the split ring, tie on a deep floating crankbait. Now we’re looking for an area where weed meets the sand, it’s called an edge, and usually no more than about 3m deep. You simply cast out with the wind at your back to get the maximum distance. Just before the lure hits the water click over the bail arm and wind about 4 or 5 fast turns the moment the lure hits the water. This does one of several things. It takes the slack out of the line and gets you connected with the lure in the event of a surface bite the moment it hits the water, or, it creates a reaction bite, or at very least attracts the fish’s attention! If you don’t get hit straight away the 4 or 5 turns (cranks) on the handle enable the lure to dive to about 1.5m and then STOP! or pause. The pause is the killer, the lure then starts to float slowly to the surface and this is when most bites will occur. Every time you crank you lure dives, then you pause and so on until you wind it right in or your lure gets smashed!, and don’t forget a good pair of polarized sunnies so you can see into the water because fish will sometimes follow the lure and hit it right at your feet. With this style of fishing there is one really important ingredient and that’s wind. You need the surface of the water to have a ripple on it. In fact 15-20 knots is prime shallow water hard body time. The stirred up water and the slapping of the waves gives the fish a sense of cover and it stirs up the bottom and gets the fish actively feeding. As with the above, you may need to tie on med <1m and then shallow <0.5 diver if you don’t get a result down around 2-3m. Do this after 10-20 casts. Some of our best bream, and flathead on the surface strikes have come from a foot of water in the middle of the day, you just need wind, a few lures and light line. Speaking of gear, go and spend all your money you can’t take it with you! Just kidding, although sometimes it is easier to ask for forgiveness rather than permission but now I am getting sidetracked. Use lite line. Braid is preferable but not essential. If your on a budget or you couldn’t be bothered tying leader knots, 2-4 lb braid with 4-6 lb leader, or 4lb flourcarbon mono is ample for the sand flats or edges. It’s different if your fishing around wharves or sharp rocks but the Basin has very little in the way of structure until you get into the creeks, and even then 3lb braid with 4lb leader will do the job most days. We regularly land 40cm bream in the snags on this gear. If you use any heavier line you just don’t get the quality of presentation and you can’t cast as far. It’s important to be able to cast as far away from either yourself or the boat as possible so as not to spook wary fish. That’s one reason why I tend to prefer heavier 4.5gram crankbaits over a 3 gram shad. So there you have a basic introduction. Any good tackle shop will have educated staff who will be able to point you in the right direction as far as lures and gear etc. Some of my personal favourites lures are the “Jackall” chubby, “Maria” crankbaits, “Damiki” Mu-SP and the “Eco-Gear” SX 40. You can buy cheap imitations but they don’t work as well as these proven performers which will catch fish. Next month we’ll talk about surface lures because spring is in the air and the fish will be looking to the surface. See you on the water some time... Tight lines and good times. Greg Reid www.bayandbasinsportsfishing.com.au My rule of thumb is if I don’t get a fish within the first ten casts we move or try a different lure... And no water is too shallow! y r a u t Bay & Es s r u o Fishing T y a B s n Jervis Bay to Batema nd! o y e B and “Winner of the 2010 St George’s Basin Flathead Classic” taking snapper without Berley with Tim McDonald Let me start by saying, if you are thinking of taking up this challenge, be prepared to have plenty of disappointment!!! Strangely enough though, you will still get up and go to that spot chasing them and wasting hours in vain. After Johnny Feathers and I dived one of my Snapper spots (seeing big Snapper every dive only to be stopped by the fact the sun had gone down), he climbed into the boat and the first words that came out of his mouth were “you can waste all your time in there”!! This, I think is a great part of what makes these fish so rewarding and so special when you finally spear one. Even though I have shot many, I still get excited every time I shoot a good one. The techniques for targeting Snapper without burley are made complex by the fact that they are a fish that frequent many different environment’s and you can’t simply nail down one single area to target them. e h ½ Pag it w le ic t Ar 4 Page site Link b e W & o Ad, Vide 0.00 +GST $1,60 The easiest area to start targeting them without burley is shallow water, though they are not just a species that stay in shallow water and can be taken from many different depths. Line fishermen often fish them out of 100 metres of water, so finding a single place to target them is very difficult. Shallow water is probably the easiest place to find them as it doesn’t require massive dives to get to the fish. This puts them into the range of any diver, my first Snapper came from 4 metres of water and it was one of those moments where luck was definitely on my side as it was 7.5kg and I speared it with my original 90cm Sporosub gun. Many a beginning spearo has had the chance to take a good Snapper in shallow water, even in their favourite rock hop location, but with the development of your skills, these fish can be taken more often in a wide variety of locations, some of the Aussie legends in spearfishing Paul Rosso and Ian Pukeridge often take great Snapper in shallow water with great regularity, even in waters that surround Sydney. The first thing you must do, is find the fish! Without the use of burley you are not bringing the fish to you so you must find where the Snapper are in order to hunt them. To do this, you must lock away in your memory, any place you have seen good Snapper. Once you find a spot they frequent, you will see them at that spot quite often. I have a number of spots in all different depths of water from shallow to deep where I have seen Snapper and I have them locked away in my head (or GPS for boat dive locations). The next thing you need to do is work out what are the conditions for the Snapper to be there. This is very important as again you won’t be using burley to bring them into the area so you have to know where and when they are there. A couple of my spots take particular current directions to get the Snapper there, if the current is coming from a different direction you won’t even see one there. A couple of my other spots are about time of day, one spot they will only be there from daybreak for an hour, then you won’t see them again, then another spot, they frequent in numbers from about 4pm in the afternoon. Again, a good hunter locks all this information away, consistent catches can’t all be from luck, you need to work hard to get “lucky “ often. This is a lesson I have learnt from many of my spearo mentors. Lots of them keep journals of the fish they have taken when and helps them to become more effective in their hunting. Your photo album can also serve to help you with this. As you go through it, you can see the times of year you have taken your Snapper and where you have taken them (most of us only need one look at a photo of a fish captured and the whole hunt comes back to remembering every detail), then the best option is to try that spot again at the same time of year. The next thing you must do, is find the best way to hunt them. There is nothing that gets the old Snapper to take off quicker than getting a glimpse of a human, so the first thing you need to do is find something that hides you. A Snapper hunter’s best friend is the humble Surgeonfish. With Surgeon, you can shoot Snapper in a couple of ways, mid water and on the bottom. Mid water requires much patience and a steady hand. Mid water shooting of Snapper also requires some real luck and a keen eye for seeing them swimming in amongst a school of Surgeon’s. Often, they will be sitting right in the middle of the school or hanging just under them. To start hunting them, the first thing you need to do is to dive as quietly and as smoothly as you can. The reason they are sitting under the Surgeon’s is the fact that they feel protected there, so you are trying to use that false sense of security to your advantage. Diving directly at the Snapper is generally not effective in this situation. The best method is to try and dive parallel to the fish in range if possible. The first priority is also to make sure you don’t spook the school of Surgeons and second is to keep an eye on the Snapper’s body language. If you notice the Snapper starting to get twitchy, you need to back off on your dive, this is where patience comes in. Your natural instinct is to dive straight at the Snapper and to swim straight at it. You need to push down these instincts as this is rarely going to pay off. When you see the twitch, bring your gun back under your torso and turn your head to avoid full eye contact then drift parallel to the fish. Then, don’t even roll your gun out again until the very last moment before the shot (be careful to do this as smoothly as you can so as not to spook it last second). If the school of Surgeons at this stage are starting to school around you, just relax and continue to drift. Strangely, this is something that can often engage the Snapper’s attention. This is where the steady hand comes in as often the Snapper will come in when the Surgeons have schooled so thickly around you that it is really tough to shoot through the school. I have had to shoot through schools of Surgeon mid water when the only shot I have had at the Snapper is a mid body shot because I have a 2 inch gap in the school and the only part I can see of the target fish is its gut. On the bottom, chasing Snapper with Surgeon, the principle is the same. Once you have found your school of Surgeon, you need to assess the school to see if it is a viable Surgeon school for “bottom hunting” Snapper. One thing that all good hunters know, is that just any old school is not enough to mean you are going to find Snapper with the Surgeons. 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(but co tandard owing t et to be ming in Drip Cof wa ha gourme fee mac 2012) C t and do t camp cooking s very h o in leman e. esn’t ha can be sausage ve to m s. ean bur nt A4 d e t a m i An 0 $1,400.0 Ad +GST ! e r u t n e v d A r u o y g n i r u t p a C imagine more: Having spent over 30 years travelling and exploring wild frontiers, taking home more than just memories in the form of photographs and video has become a way of life; a journey of discovery I have grown to love more and more with every adventure... age with ½ P le ic t r A Link 5 Page Website & o e Ad, Vid 0.00 +GST $1,80 Article by Cliff Guy ............................................... Images supplied by Bo Dreisig & Cliff Guy Capturing special moments on a personal level is great, but there is something really gratifying about being able to share amazing experiences and stories with many people... Not everyone has the opportunity to go on the wild expeditions I am fortunate to experience with my work, and some folk simply wouldn’t wish to, but most enjoy immersing in the adventures through photos and visual productions. In the beginning, heading off with whatever camera and gear I could afford was the only option, and still is to an extent, but the equipment and technology available these days is astounding in comparison. The objectives however have always remained the same; to seek to capture the moments that best showcase the magic of the adventure and the most captivating essence of a place or time. The modern digital era has opened doors we had only dreamed of back then, with an abundance of cameras and accessories now available for amateur and professional alike. It is now entirely possible to let your imagination flow free and literally bring your ideas into reality. Whilst creating works for TV or the big screen takes much skill and commitment, the emergence of easily accessed visual-based technology ... g in m il F w e r c d n a Cliff grants so many people a chance to enjoy the art of photography and to tell their story, and what a truly wonderful thing this is. It’s true that photos and video are now just a mobile phone away, but for those wanting to go a few steps further with their craft, it is very important to give thought to the wider picture so to speak, not only looking into the range of higher end cameras on the market, but giving consideration to the myriad of accessories out there to go with them. After all these years, I am still every bit as enthusiastic about my next adventure, chasing the best light and looking for those enchanting moments that make a story and trigger the emotions; having the right equipment to achieve this, whilst keeping it as simple as possible, is so very important. We use a range of Sony, Panasonic, Canon and Nikon high definition cameras such as the EX1R, D90, 5D and the Panasonic Varicam, and choose all Manfrotto support systems to work them. Manfrotto are an Italian firm with a long and successful history on a global scale, dedicated to the art and industry of photography. From the humble, innovative fig rig for lighter weight camcorders and DSLRs to get those more unusually angled and rotated shots, through to a range of beautiful high end fluid head tripods and many products in between. A fantastic value for money head for lighter weight equipment is the 504HD, sporting the new Manfrotto bridging technology. I was invited to be involved with the product launch of the classy 504 in Las Vegas, and we produced a high-impact promotional clip for its release, but it is this camera heads bigger brother, the 509 that has really caught our attention. Using this smooth, finely engineered piece of equipment in rough, wilderness terrain is proving to be an absolute delight for our crew, especially our main camera operator, Bo Dreisig. Bo is a harsh critic when he needs to be, and rightly so, for he needs his gear to consistently perform given the rigorous expectations of the filming work he does. Bo has compared this smart design 509HD Manfrotto head to the best he has used, and that is certainly saying something, for he has worked on some major projects over the years. One of his latest bigger productions was a series for National Geographic USA in 2010 called Strike Force, which took him to some incredible locations in search of oceanic predators, but even on more gentle expeditions, all of our equipment needs to stand strong, so every day in the field is as successful as possible. Owning loads of expensive gear won’t make you a better operator, but adequate, carefully selected equipment is most certainly a big help for getting the job done well. Bo in action using the sensation al 509HD head... Cliff takes still shots on Mount Stuart using Nikon and Kata Back Pack... Whilst swamps and mountains are traversed far easier by our crew when carrying strong, lightweight Manfrotto legs and heads, it is not all about tripods... Manfrotto and their associated name brands such as Light Panels, Kata Bags and more, deliver a comprehensive range of useful apparatus for the avid photographer or filmmaker and we like to take advantage of this in many ways. Kata bags offer exceptional protection for a vast range of photographic gear and compact lights as big as your palm that fit directly onto the camera such as the ML360 LED panel, can mean the difference between capturing an average shot and a great shot time and time again. Light Panels are exceptional for interview situations, delivering the subtle extra lighting that gives your shot that eye-catching shine. Superbly manufactured Manfrotto grip gear compliments the range enabling us to position cameras and lighting to maximise on creativity, and combined, encourages us to consistently ‘imagine more’ with confidence. The new, impressive Sympla kit gives rise to a revolutionary way to support, steer and operate your camera with remote precision, maximising control and stability, while stylishly engineered lighting support systems allow for easy work-flow with minimal crew, ensuring stunning results. The first Engel with the patented Sawafuji swing motor with only one moving d A4 Ad Standar k bsite Lin with We 0 +GST $850.0 part, specially designed for off road use. After numerous years as eco-adventure presenter on Andrew’s Escape with ET television series, and now running my own media businesses, I am always excited at the opportunity of working with small, highly efficient teams, where all egos are left behind, and everyone is eager to help each other no matter what that takes. In 2012 Engel celebrates 50 years and still remains the leading manufacturer of portable fridge freezers in Australia. And we’re celebrating by releasing a strictly lImItEd EdItIon 50th AnnIvErsAry 40 litre model. As a offer, special fridge ld the go mes with also cod edition a limite nd gold black a it bag! trans For your nearest stockist or to view the entire range of Engel Fridge-Freezers and accessories, call 1300 302 653 or visit www.engelaustralia.com.au With the latest sawafuji electronics including built in battery monitor and digital thermostat control, the limited Edition Gold Engel fridge freezer will become a must have for anyone with an appreciation for quality. Article & Images by Paul Zorn Additional Images by www.readitonline.com.au ionals that the at N a rr Ba 10 20 e th g rin du It was Burdon first thought in ol C s re Lu ys id Re of r ne ow cially available about the need for a commer plastic lure... weedless snag resistant soft Top Darwin Fishing guide Darren Nickolls showed Colin how to modify and jerry rig one of Reidys Rubbers so that the hook did not protrude out side the body. Yet the hook could still be set upon a fish strike. They were effective and several barra were pulled out of some pretty intense timber, but the modifications were cumbersome, time consuming and lacked longevity. By May 2012 after lots of R&D including considerable trial, error and development changes Reidys Weedies were ready for release. This time the Barra Classic played a major part in proving the effectiveness of these lures. The biggest barra caught on a Reidys Weedies was 99cm but they worked on fish of all sizes. ull le with F ic t r A e 5 Pag site Link b e W & Page Ad .00 +GST $2,000 Gold Dust Reidys Weedies enabled casting into timber and along grass and snaggy banks that would other wise be unthinkable with traditional rubbers. Probably more importantly is the fact that competitors could now confidently target highly prospective areas during the shut down periods. In the Nationals and Classic every scoring fish counts. So, how do they work, how do you use them and where can you get some? Currently Reidys Weedies are available in four sizes and six colours. The smallest is 70mm with four lures per pack. The 100mm have three per pack while the 120mm and 150mm come two per pack. Each blister pack comes with one loose lead weight for each body in the pack. The weights are easily fitted into the body weight chamber under the belly of the lure. Simply locate the hole, line up the weight and push it in. Weights can be added or removed to suit your fishing application. In strong current, deeper water and timber snag situations you generally require more weight than if you are casting into lilies. I guess you might say its horses for courses. If you want the lure to sink fast then use more weight. If you want to skip along from lily pad to lily pad then use less. A few trial casts will soon dictate what weight you need. In practical terms it is a good idea to purchase an assorted sinker pack at the same time you purchase the Weedies so you can maximise your weight options. Casting weed beds and into lily pads is a simpler proposition. Most weed snags are minor and can simply be freed up by pulling a bit harder. A bit of experience will soon have you casting into places where you would not normally be game to try. When you hook up a good one you just have to lock up, pull hard trying to get the fish out of the snag and under the boat as soon as possible. You can net them green because you don’t have to worry about getting the lure caught in the net like you do with a lure having trebles. Keep your line tight with constant pressure and a bit of high sticking while steering the fish into the net. It’s certainly exhilarating with a big adrenalin rush. (Don’t tell your rod maker or supplier about high sticking though.) Sure you will still get snagged occasionally especially if the lure slides into a fork. When you first snag up try backing off by giving some slack... I’m only a recent convert to soft plastics so I don’t have the greatest level of expertise, however there are some fundamental pointers that I can give you if you are a complete novice... The main one is that all soft plastic lures generally work best if cast against the current and retrieved slowly. This allows the lure to bounce along the bottom and or through timber hitting branches along the way. Lift and lower the rod during retrieve to enhance tail wag. Fish strikes regularly occur just after bouncing off the bottom or hitting branches as you come through submerged timber. If you are casting snags upstream in strong current then you may well need more weigh than can fit into the Weedies body. In such cases fit additional sinkers or weight to the leader before you tie on the lure. Speaking of tying, I have found that clips tied to your leader work just as well as tying the leader direct to the tow eye. If you use a clip then it’s a bit harder to add external sinkers to the leader but spit shot can be just as effective. Remember the whole idea of Reidys Weedies is to enable you to fish fearlessly in places where other lures fear to go. The secret is that the hook tip is hidden inside the body of the lure preventing the hook fouling on under water objects. Its design is such that the body material is hard enough to prohibit the hook from protruding under normal cast and retrieve conditions; yet it is soft enough to compress and expose the hook during fish strikes. This may allow the lure to drop out of the fork. Double pump your rod lightly as you retrieve again and often you will pull through. After being snagged I have found that some times the lure comes back minus the weight. It’s the weight(s) that maybe causing the obstruction. By forcing the lure through the snag it gets squeezed and sometimes this forces weights back out the hole. Simply replace the weights and the lure is good as new. Also regularly check that the hook tip is not protruding out the top of the body slot. When this happens it’s a result of body being deformed by being squeezed during the unsnagging process. If you don’t slip the hook back into the body slot then you dramatically increase the risk of being irretrievably snagged next cast. I’ve had biggish green barra jump out of the net on several occasions. If that happens just steer em back in and hope your mate on the net is a bit quicker this time around. Ninety percent of all the barra I have seen caught using Reidys Weedies have the hook through the corner of the mouth. The design is such that as the barra grabs the lure and turns to run, your hook setting action pulls the lure to the side of their mouth and this compresses the body exposing the hook. Consequently they are generally hooked well and don’t throw the lure even on the jump. Here is a tip for all of you guys with down scan capable sounders... After locating a good prospective snag drive over it with your sounder in record mode. Pull up away from the snag and watch the recording. Whilst playing backing in “down scan” move the cursor to the snag shown on the screen and push the MARK button. On my Humminbird this creates a photographic way point showing the snag in great detail. Study the screen noting the orientation and depth of the snag. Most fallen submerged trees lay with their crown facing down stream. Position your boat so that you are now within comfortable casting distance down stream from the snag. Anchor here or if you have a Minn Kota I-pilot hit the anchor button so you stay on location. For obvious reasons you want to pull your Weedies through the snag from this direction. However first drop your lure directly over the side of the boat and count how long it takes to hit the bottom. Now look at the depth of the snag branches and bottom in the recorded snap shot. From the time it took to hit the bottom along side the boat you can calculate how long to let the Weedies sink before beginning your retrieve after casting over the snag. Every time you bump the snag you increase the chances of having a barra smash your lure. This just stands to reason as bumping the snag gets their attention and puts the Weedies right in their face. Now all you have to do is get that barra out of the snag. Believe me the best way is to lock up pull hard and wind fast. Its one hell of an adrenalin rush if it’s a big one. Barra are sociable fish and hang around together so you can often pull several fish off one snag. You’re crazy if you don’t have some Reidys Weedies in your tackle box due to their versatility and the extra fishing options that they provide. Try them out and don’t be afraid to idle along the river casting into every snag, back water and rocky crevice you encounter. You will be surprised at how many fish you catch this way. It really puts the fun back into casting softies all day. A3 e v i t c a r Inte 0+ $2,000.0 Ad GST