GET READY FOR SBT • EASTER HOLIDAY FEATURE
Features Tackling Portland tuna • Finding Elingamite reddies • Topwater Murray cod guide • Easter scones in the camp oven •
Boating & kayaking Introduction to SUP fishing • Centre console boats guide •
Tried & tested Zerek Flat Shad Pro and Live Mullet • Aquayak AQUA II • Bulls Bay 1700 with Mercury CT 90hp • Whittley CW 1950 with Yamaha F115hp •
NEW FIND THE
LOGO COMPETITION
SEE INSIDE!
March, 2018 Fishing Monthly G R O U P
Registered by Australian Post Publication No: 100002088
$6.95 (GST inc.)
issuu.com/fishingmonthly
fishingmonthly
Fishing Monthly Magazines
www fishingmonthly FishingMonthly
The Clearest Lenses on the Planet. We want you to see what’s out there. That’s what inspires us to keep pushing the sunglass industry forward with technology that provides 100% UV protection and goes beyond polarization to provide the ultimate in light management. For more information, contact us at costaint@costadelmar.com
Style Shown: Reefton costadelmar.com
daiwafishing.com.au
SPECIFICATIONS Model No.
Running Depth
Body Length
Weight
Hooks
XRMAGXP170
Surface
17cm
145g
2 x 5/0
rapala_australia
www.rapala.com.au
@Rapala.Australia
Check out the Xplode in action!
CLEARER, SHARPER, GLARE FREE VISION
hobie.com.au
hobiepolarized.com.au HobiePolarizedAsiaPacific HobieCatAsiaPacific HobieSUPAsiaPacific HobieFishingAsiaPacific
$6.95
$6.95
RRP (GST inc.)
RRP (GST inc.)
MARCH 2018, Vol. 13 No. 5
Contents WEST COAST West Coast
06
16
20
31
54
Portland 17 Warrnambool 17 Apollo Bay
18
Cobden 18
CENTRAL Geelong 20 Port Phillip West
22
Port Phillip North East
24
Port Phillip East
26
Mornington Peninsula
28
Western Port North
30
Western Port South
31
Phillip Island
34
EAST COAST Lakes Entrance
36
Marlo 36 Gippsland Lakes
38
McLoughlins Beach
38
Bemm River
39
NSW SOUTH COAST Eden 42 Mallacoota 42 Bermagui 43 Merimbula 44 Narooma 45
VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Horsham 62 Robinvale 63
From the Editor’s Desk... JAPAN - DOING TACKLE SHOWS RIGHT I hadn’t been to a Japanese tackle show in years. The last time was in the ‘90s with Quintrex Boats International’s Marketing Manager, Andrew Hill, as he opened a few doors for me to get an insight into a market that Australia was exporting around 2000 boats a year into. At that time, there were tens of thousands of uberkeen anglers, sampling all of the delights of the latest rods, reels, lures and baits. Fans lined up for hours to get autographs from their favourite fishing stars like Jim Murata (Japan’s Mister Shimano) and Norio Tanabe (the first Japanese angler to win a US BASS event, and the creator of the Nories brand). Show-goers paid money for the latest catalogues to get signed, and each stand had hands-on engagement with the fishing public.
And you know what? Nothing has changed. After a few days at the Yokohama Fishing Show in January, the numbers may be down a little from the ‘90s, but the enthusiasm remains the same, both from manufacturers and the attendees. So what’s it look like? The best way is to watch the video on the Fishing Monthly YouTube channel or the www. tacklejunkie.fish Facebook page. In a nutshell, if you take the Brisbane, Rose Hill or Melbourne Boat Show and swap out the boats for tackle stands, that’s what the show is like. It’s a tackle junkie’s dream fix, and it would have been even more exciting if I could understand more than a little Japanese. The most amazing part of it, however, was that it was a no-purchase show. Apart from some merchandise and clothing under a certain price limit, all of the major companies were simply showing their new
products, letting the customers interact with it and making their famous pro-staff available to the fans. And it wasn’t just die-hard anglers that had fun; there were also activities for families. There were thousands of rainbow trout in a pool that were eminently catchable, and available for the kids, and they loved it. Why haven’t we got a tackle show like this in Australia? Plenty of people ask this question every year. Boat Shows ‘don’t have enough tackle’ and fishing shows don’t have the manufacturer support to get off the ground. Plenty
of show organisers have tried and failed. I’m a pretty vocal supporter of the industry getting behind a show that will excite the angling public. Is it happening yet? Not from the top down. At the moment, the vibrant Lure Show in Ipswich, Queensland each winter, is the closest we have – even if it’s a distant second to tens of thousands of tsuri-baka (fishing crazy) Japanese. But we do have ideas and a passion for the sport, and you’ll be the first to know when we make some inroads into making it happen.
Yarrawonga 63 Jindabyne 64 Wangaratta 65 Shepparton 66 Ballarat 67 Eildon 68 Eildon Rivers
68
Bonnie Doon
69
Bendigo 70
BOATING AND KAYAK
83
REGULAR FEATURES Back to Basics
14
Chappy’s Hotspot
41
Dam Levels
62
Fun Page
82
Inland Fisheries Service
51
Science meets fishing
12
Spearfishing 50 Tasmanian Lake Levels Tech Tricks
55 100
Tournament News
73
Trade and Services Guide
80
Victorian Tide Times
98
What’s new fishing
46
What’s new boating
86
SPECIAL FEATURES
Publishers: Steve Morgan Matthew Drinkall Advertising: Ph: (07) 3387 0800 Fax: (07) 3387 0801 Copy and materials should be sent direct to: ads@fishingmonthly.com.au Advertising Enquiries: Peter Jung ads@fishingmonthly.com.au
Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Pty Ltd Subscriptions: Kym Rowbotham
A Simon Rinaldi image.
TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 72 FIND THE GAMAKATSU LOGO COMPETITION PAGE 85 Victorian and Tasmanian Fishing Monthly magazine goes on sale the last week of each preceding month (latest sale date 31st of the month).
Office Manager: Marie Dykstra Annual Subscriptions: $65 for twelve issues (GST inc.) Make cheques payable to Queensland Fishing Monthly PO Box 3172 LOGANHOLME QLD 4129 SUBSCRIPTION HOTLINE FREECALL 1800 228 244
Published by:
Qld Fishing Monthly Pty Ltd ABN 72-010-542-195 All material is © copyright, and cannot be reproduced in part or in full, by any means, without written permission of the Managing Editor. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.
IN
G
FISH
IN
G
’
RE
MARCH 2018
Field Editor: Kelly Hunt
Website: www.fishingmonthly.com.au
Simon Rinaldi with a true ‘barrel’ SBT from Portland.
TU
60
Sub-Editors: Bob Thornton Nicole Penfold Cordelia Adams
Production: Karen Millward Jenna Milburn Keith Hawley
OUR COVER
FU
58
Easter scones in the camp oven
Editorial Manager: Jacqui Thomas
Printing: APN – Print
S
Topwater Murray cod guide
Managing Editor: Steve Morgan s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au
Advertising Sales: Peter Jung pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au Phone: (07) 3387 0800
A
LI
56
Phone: (07) 3387 0800 Fax: (07) 3387 0801
Come and visit Fishing Monthly Group’s official Facebook page for all your monthly fishing information. Download QR Reader to access.
RA
8
Finding Elingamite reddies
Business Office: Unit 1, 11 Knobel Court, Shailer Park, Qld, 4128
SINCE 2004
AUST
6
Portland tuna set to explode
VICTORIA FISHING MONTHLY
96
ION
52
84
AT
71
TASMANIA WRAP
64
CI
Central Gippsland
59
N
O
71
CT
71
Crater Lakes
TE
70
Melbourne Metro
PRO
West/South Gippsland
FI
SH
ING TRADE
AS
S
MEMBER
Fishing FishingDiary Diary Angler: Angler: Hugh Hugh Johnstone Johnstone Off Portland, Portland, VIC VIC Location: Location: Off April April 17th, 17th, 2016 2016 Date: Date: clear, SS 55 kts, kts, Conditions: Conditions: clear, incoming incoming tide, tide, waning waning moon moon Black Black Magic Magic Tackle: Tackle: 200lb 200lb Tough Tough Trace, Trace, IGFA IGFA 15kg 15kg mono mono and and anan Equalizer Equalizer gimbal gimbal and and harness. harness. Note: Note: High High performance performance line line and and leader leader areare imperative imperative when when game game fishing! fishing! record. record. n ANSA n ANSA Australia Australia and and VICVIC - Jnr - Jnr 59.6kg 59.6kg QUALITY QUALITY LEADER LEADER FOR FOR EVERY EVERY OCCASION... OCCASION... NEW NEW
NEW NEW
NEW NEW
Tough Tough Trace Trace • • • • •
Developed, Developed, tested tested and and refined refined overover the the last last 25 years, 25 years, our our copolymer copolymer and and fluorocarbon fluorocarbon leader leader is recognised is recognised for high for high performance performance around around the world. the world. Whether Whether you you are fiare shing fishing in freshwater in freshwater or saltwater, or saltwater, when when that that quality quality fish strikes, fish strikes, don’tdon’t be disappointed…choose be disappointed…choose quality quality Black Black Magic Magic leader. leader.
Follow Follow @blackmagictackle @blackmagictackle on Facebook on Facebook andand Instagram Instagram to see to see the the latest latest catches catches andand enter enter in our in our competitions. competitions.
Q
•excellent excellent abrasion abrasion resistance resistance •excellent excellent knotknot strength strength •highhigh sensitivity sensitivity •manufactured manufactured from from Japanese Japanese copolymers copolymers extruded extruded to the to the specifi specifi cations cations of Black of Black Magic Magic •value value for for money money - more - more metres metres perper spool spool
Available Available in 20lb, in 20lb, 30lb, 30lb, 40lb, 40lb, 50lb, 50lb, 60lb, 60lb, 80lb, 80lb, 100lb, 100lb, 130lb, 130lb, 200lb, 200lb, 300lb 300lb andand 400lb. 400lb.
the the best best byby test... test... www.blackmagictackle.com www.blackmagictackle.com
De flu
Wh do
Southern Bluefin Tuna
Portland tuna are set to explode WESTERN PORT STH
Jarrod Day jarrodday@iprimus.com.au
Tuna stocks in South West Victoria have soared over the past 7 or 8 years; so much so that they are a viable target year-round. Even this summer, a school of sizeable tuna showed up in the Port Phillip Heads, so it’s fair to say that our southern coastline is set to explode with southern bluefin. While there are months when they are fewer in numbers and more challenging to locate, they are still a possibility if you’re willing to put in the time on the water.
A typical tuna season tends to begin around February for Victorian anglers and runs though until the June to July period when the Southern Ocean decides it’s time to show anglers what it’s made of with huge ocean swells and freezing conditions. Still, there are days when all is calm and if you want to head out in search, the tuna will be more than willing to eat your lure spread. The heart of tuna season is March, April and May. During this time the boat ramps at Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Portland and Port MacDonnell become increasingly busy. Due to this increase in numbers, it’s common for southern
bluefin to be caught as far east as Wilsons Prom and Phillip Island in Bass Strait, as well as out from
the Port Phillip Bay Heads. I have no doubt that this season will be unlike any other and as long as you’re
You don’t always have to travel too far to find tuna. Under the lighthouse is a wellknown location to find tuna in numbers.
While it is nice to go ‘barrel hunting,’ school fish are a lot of fun to practice your techniques on.
When choosing your lure spread, it pays to speak with other tuna anglers and find out what’s working on a particular day.
This Tornado lure has accounted for many tuna and continues to prove its worth.
rigged and ready, catching tuna with a bunch of mates is certainly a lot of fun. BE PREPARED Fishing out in the ocean – more importantly, the Southern Ocean – for bluefin tuna is not just about having all the big flashy gold reels, expensive rods and tonnes of lures – it’s about safety. While it is a good idea to be set up right to catch them, the priority should be checking over and making sure your boat and everything required for being safe on the water is in check. Over the past few years quite a number of boats have had some misfortune at sea. With ocean swells and weather conditions that can change rather quickly, making sure everything is in excellent working order before departure is paramount.
Checking over your safety gear regularly can quickly open your eyes up to issues. You’ll find out of date flares, rusty radio antennas, flat torch batteries, life jackets/vests that require servicing and more. Of course, this leads to further checking over your boat trailer. Although all this safety gear does require checking, having your boat serviced is also vital, as the last thing you’d need is to break down 60km from the boat ramp and have to be towed in, which can take hours and be unsafe for all on board while waiting for the coast guard to turn up. THE WEATHER The Southern Ocean can be very mean and nasty at times and, without prior knowledge of the area, can get you into strife no matter how experienced you are.
RINCON
Like the California point break it was named for, the Rincon has a classic West Coast straight bridge, wrapping style lines and edgy curved temples.
GREEN MIRROR: Enhanced vision and contrast for fishing inshore and on flats. • Copper Base • 10% light transmission
8
MARCH 2018
OPTIMAL USE: • Sight fishing in full sun • High contrast
It always pays to fish multiple rods to maximise your chances of success.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
It’s not just southern bluefin that are around, there are some monster albacore as well.
We all use many apps on our mobile devices these days to check the weather prior to heading out and apps often contradict each other, so don’t just rely on the one. In fact, you really should have a few on your smart phone so you can look at each and make the safest decision on whether to head out or not. While there are countless weather apps available, switching between WillyWeather, Seabreeze, Windfinder and Weatherzone should give you enough information to make the right decision.
The Tornado lures are a proven tuna killer.
WHAT TO EXPECT Tuna don’t really live by any rules; in fact they just make up their own, and they can show up anywhere along the coast and at any time. However, tuna are still predictable and from February to July they are in abundance throughout the West Coast. For almost a decade, southern bluefin tuna have been a highly soughtafter species for Victorian recreational anglers and over the past few years angler numbers have slowly declined in targeting them. In saying that, with sporadic schools of tuna over 100kg turning up, those who have cut their teeth chasing fish in the 10-25kg bracket wait until the barrels show up and then head down for one or two days to try their luck at a monster – some are successful and others aren’t. It’s a lot of fun to tangle with a beast and so is honing your skills on the smaller models. Throughout the three prime months, schools of fish move into different depths of water with a lot of fish closer in to shore. This allows anglers with smaller craft easy access in the right conditions to catch their quarry without needing to head out into the deep blue.
When gearing up, don’t go too light. Big tuna are about with the small ones and you don’t want to be under-gunned. March, April and May are great times to be working in close, especially around Lawrence Rock and just beyond in an easterly and southerly direction out to
50m. Even then, a popular location to find schools of fish is in close around Cape Bridgewater. Often schools of fish round up bait just To page 10
THE ALL NEW TOUGHER MAHINDRA PIK- UP • • • •
4X4 WITH LOW RANGE TRANSFER CASE & EATON MECHANICAL DIFF-LOCK ALL NEW STYLISH INTERIOR • ISOFIX CHILD RESTRAINTS INTERCOOLED TURBO DIESEL • HILL DESCENT CONTROL & HILL HOLD 2.5 TONNE BRAKED TOWING • SATELLITE NAVIGATION & REVERSE CAMERA*
PARTICIPATING MAHINDRA AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS - VICTORIA FRANKSTON - BALLARAT - BENALLA - BENDIGO - KILMORE KYABRAM - ROBINVALE - SEYMOUR - WODONGA *Satellite Navigation and Reverse Camera on S10 Model Only.
MARCH 2018
9
The State Government is investing a record $46 million, including $9 million from fishing licence fees, into its Target One Million plan to increase participation to one million anglers by 2020. Native fish into Rocklands For the first time, Fisheries has stocked more than 215,000 Murray cod and 215,000 golden perch fingerlings into Rocklands Reservoir to complement its mixed fishery of redfin, trout and carp. The fingerlings will take several years to reach catchable size and when they do, Rocklands is expected to provide an ideal home. The hope is that Rocklands will one day rival Lake Eildon’s native fishery!
Record bass stocking A new stocking record has been set for Australian bass with the release of more than 474,000 fingerlings into 19 rivers and lakes throughout Gippsland. This eclipses the previous record of 162,000, set in 2016. Amongst the record-breaking list of waters were: • Blue Rock Lake
30,000
• Lake Glenmaggie
35,000
• Macalister River
43,500
• Mitchell River
110,000
• Snowy River
110,000
• Tambo River
27,500
• Thomson River
15,000
• Wonnangatta River
40,000
Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/bassstocking
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
FADS off Torquay Fish attracting devices (FADs) have been attached to the artificial reef off Torquay to improve fishing opportunities for kingfish. The five FADs were attached in December and will remain in the water for six months, when kingfish are most active, then be removed to reduce the risk of damage during winter swells or entanglement during whale migration. Each FAD consists of a large yellow surface buoy, and a sub-surface buoy, attached to a rope that descends 25 metres to the concrete reef module below. Flashing lights on each FAD ensure safe navigation in low light and at night.
Apollo Bay gantry
One million trout stocked
The Colac Otway Shire has installed a new gantry at Apollo Bay to help game fishers weigh sharks and tuna up to 500 kg.
In 2017, more than one million trout and salmon were stocked, weighing 51 tonnes!
Huge tuna over 150 kg and sharks over 300 kg have been landed at Apollo Bay in recent years so the gantry is expected to get quite a work out!
Stocked waters included:
The gantry will be operated by trained local volunteers who can be telephoned to arrange its operation.
Most of these fish were yearlings grown at our Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon. • Hepburn Lagoon
10,000
• Lake Purrumbete
32,500
• Lake Bullen Merri
24,900
• Lake Toolondo
16,800
• Lake Eildon
83,000
• Lake Wendouree
28,750
• Lake Hume
69,000
• Tullaroop Reservoir
53,000
For the full list of waters visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/troutstocking2017 or check out the new searchable database online at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/database
WHAT’S NEW FISHING NEW ASTRO VIBE COLOURS
1
Strike Pro’s very successful Astro Vibe 45 has been a standout in the Hobie Bream series and Vic Bream Classic series, and has helped anglers win a number of events. Now two new fish-catching colours have been added to the range: 612E and 793E. Like the other colours in the Astro Vibe range, the new colours incorporate a polycarbonate belly with small inbuilt rattles for added sound, which can be handy when the water is slightly discoloured. The Astro Vibe’s construction also allows for a transparent finish to be achieved in a metal blade, and the belly section is enhanced with UV for added attraction and effectiveness. The Astro Vibe 45 is 4.5cm long, weighs 9.6g and comes fitted with quality hooks. It’s deadly on bream, bass, estuary perch, yellowbelly, mulloway, flathead and redfin, just to mention a few. www.jurofishing.com
ZMAN 2.75” FINESSE 2 FROGZ
green and blaze orange colourations. It comes in 6, 8, 10, 14, 17, 20, 25 and 30lb breaking strains in 150m and 300m spools. Price: SRP 150m $34.99, 300m $67.99 berkley-fishing.com.au
BONE DASH 90S
1 4
The Bone Dash 90S is a dual function sinking pencil and vibe, and is the first lure produced by legendary rod maker Bone Lim. This dual-function, sinking pencil bait flutters on the fall and slides on the retrieve, giving anglers options like never before. By attaching the line to the front eyelet, the Dash 90S will work like a sinking pencil bait, fluttering on the fall with a side-to-side glide on a straight retrieve. Attaching your lure on the top eyelet will enable the vibe mode, giving the Dash 90S a tight wobble on a straight retrieve. This tie-off position also creates less resistance through the water while still maintaining the fluttering sink. The Bone Dash 90S measures 90mm long, weighs 33g and comes in 10 colours. Bone recommends anglers fish these lures with the Bone Voyage series rods such as the BVC774H, BVC684XH, BVC704XH or the BVS704XH. www.wilsonfishing.com
ZMan’s bite-size 2.75” Finesse FrogZ features a realistic frog profile and twin paddle feet that create noise, water movement and a bubble trail that predators can’t resist. Rig it for surface fishing on a TT 2/0 ChinlockZ or ChinlockZ Finesse hook, hold the rod tip up and wind the Finesse FrogZ until you hit the magic speed where the feet are bubbling and it’s calling predators to attack. Alternatively you can rig the Finesse FrogZ on a TT 2/0 SnakelockZ or ChinlockZ SWS to fish weedless through cover, or even on a standard HeadlockZ or DemonZ jighead for subsurface fishing. A bottom hook slot and deep top hook pocket protect the hook from fouling or snagging when weedless rigging, and the softness and flexibility of the ZMan 10X Tough ElaZtech ensures the plastic clears on the strike, exposing the hook and pinning the fish. Deadly on bass, saratoga, mangrove jack, barra and more, this little frog is also sure to get eaten by a few surprises in both the fresh and salt water. It’s available in six colours, with four per pack. Price: SRP $10.95 www.zman.com.au
Pumping worms and yabbies is a great way to get the freshest of fresh bait for your day’s fishing. Having the right tool to get the job done is an important step to success and one that needs careful consideration. The Wilson Big Willy Bait Pump gives users an extra long 39” shaft meaning you do not have to bend so far down when pumping. This is a great asset for those who want to collect bait comfortably and easily. Stainless steel and brass construction mean that this pump will go the distance, giving you years of faithful service and opening up your fishing options. Available at all leading tackle stores, the Big Willy will become a vital part of any bait collection trip. For more information on this and other bait collecting products from Wilson’s, visit the Wilson Fishing website. You can also catch up with the latest news, catch photos and videos at www.facebook.com/LWilsonAndCo. www.wilsonfishing.com.au
BERKLEY FIRELINE ULTRA 8
PELICAN IPHONE CASE
3
Berkley Fireline Ultra 8 delivers a line that is incredibly strong and abrasion-resistant yet long casting and user friendly, resisting wind knots like never before. Optimised for spin reels, Fireline Ultra 8 is ideal for all light to medium lure fishing applications. The unique fusing process using heat to molecularly bind thousands of Dyneema fibres gives Fireline Ultra 8 more body than regular braids. The body and heft of Fireline Ultra 8 delivers unique handling properties and superb manageability. More tolerant of line twist than traditional soft braids, Fireline Ultra 8 performs exceptionally well on spinning reels meaning less loose loops and less wind knots on the water. The 8 strand fusing process also gives Fireline Ultra 8 several significant advantages. It is four times more abrasion resistant than original Fireline, and is rounder and smoother, casting 10% further than traditional Fireline. Fireline Ultra 8 retains superb knot strength and near zero stretch, delivering a telegraphic feel for structure and strikes. The unique fusing process produces a round profile that resists digging into the spool under heavy loads, and never separates like many standard braids. Fireline Ultra 8 is available in crystal, flame
46
MARCH 2018
PRODUCT GUIDE
BIG WILLY BAIT PUMP
2
5
3
4
6
With an IP68 waterproof rating, the Pelican Marine case shields your smartphone from the harshest elements that mother nature can throw at you. Providing reliable protection from the snow, dirt, sand, dust and water, the Pelican Marine’s slimline five-layer shell design protects your smartphone and its screen from scratches, impacts and drops from all angles. The case has been uniquely constructed of impact absorbing materials, like the ultra-tough elastomer internals and a rigid polycarbonate outer shell, with a soft-touch over-mould incorporated into the design for an easy hold that also reduces the risk of the device sliding off surfaces. Like all Pelican protective equipment, the ruggedised Marine case has been tested to military specifications and is guaranteed to survive multiple drops. The IP68 waterproof protection rating enables your smartphone to stay submerged under water at a depth of up to 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. The Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Case is compatible with iPhone 6, 7, 8, X and plus models. Price: SRP: $99.95 www.pelicanstore.com.au
5
6
visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!
6
SCAN THE QR CODE!
PRODUCT GUIDE
WHAT’S NEW FISHING X-RAP MAGNUM XPLODE
7
9
8
The over-engineered X-Rap Magnum Xplode combines a heavy through-wire construction with a thick-walled ABS body, giving it Rapala’s Magnum level of strength to absorb the most vicious strikes. Featuring 3D holographic eyes and internal foil, it is explosive and loud. Low positioned tow points pull the popper downwards, keeping the X-Rap Magnum Xplode stable in all weather conditions, while its deep cupped face generates a thunderous service explosion with each sweep of your rod. The long-casting, rear-weighted X-Rap Magnum Xplode rests tail down, perfectly positioning the 5/0 VMC 75 series 6X Tropic Spark Point trebles, which are connected to 250lb split rings. Available in eight fish-catching colours, the lure weighs 140g and is 17cm in length. Suitable for many large saltwater gamefish, such as GTs, tuna and kingfish, the X-Rap Magnum Xplode is a must for all serious sport and game fishers. It’s due to arrive in Australia around March. Price: SRP $49.95 www.rapala.com.au
VANFOOK JWS-50 ASSIST HOOK
10
7
8
The JWS-50 wire assist hook from Vanfook is a single assist hook designed to battle fish with sharp teeth, such as mackerel. You can use these assist hooks when jigging or on stickbaits and poppers. Fitted with standard wire JH-10 and JH-30 hooks, Vanfook JWS-50 assist hooks have excellent fish-holding strength and superb hooking penetration. The assist line is a strong, flexible and difficult to kink hybrid wire (200lb) which is further protected with a transparent shrink tube. Made in Japan, Vanfook JWS-50 assist hooks are available in sizes 1/0 to 6/0 with three assists per pack. For more information on this and other hooks in the Vanfook range, check out the EJ Todd website. You can also find more info, news and catch photos on the EJ Todd Facebook page. www.ejtodd.com.au
11
SHIMANO OCEA JIGGER RODS
12
9
Jig-eating fish are usually at the nasty end of the spectrum, and the Japanese domestic market Ocea Jiggers have the power and design features to keep the biggest of them away from trouble, and heading towards the boat. Built on Shimano’s exclusive Spiral X and High Power blanks, Ocea Jiggers range in length from 1.88m to 1.91m, so they’re all one piece, which makes them a delight to fish with. Depending on the target species and the jigging technique required to entice them, the Ocea Jigger line-up has spin rods for slow jigging for demersals, right through to overheads that are ideal when targeting deepwater species like kingfish, samsonfish and tropical muscle like dogtooth tuna. Custom Shimano Ci4+ reel seats and comfortable EVA grips mean the high intensity fights these rods will be a part of ensures the angler’s comfort for the duration of the fight. The guides are Fuji Titanium frames with SiC inserts. For the full list of specs visit the Shimano Australia website. www.shimanofish.com.au
EUREKA TORPEDO AND TROLL DOLL
10
DAIWA LEGALIS LT
11
JIGPARA AND ZOC HOOKS
12
Eureka Lures Australia has released an impressive range of pre-rigged small game lures that will be effective on small pelagic species. The Eureka Torpedo lures are a classic bullet shaped lure that will work in most sea conditions. They feature double feathers with an outer skirt and all come pre-rigged with quality nylon leaders, crimps and a Stainless Steel single hook and are available in four colours suitable for tuna, mahimahi, mackerel and albacore. The Eureka Troll Dolls are professionally prerigged with a quality double hook, monofilament trace and are available in five proven colours. Troll Dolls are a great high speed lure suited for tuna, albacore, mackerel, kingfish, salmon and tailor. To browse the full range of Eureka game lures, visit the Juro website. You can also see all the latest news and photos from Eureka distributor Juro OzPro at www.facebook.com/ JuroOzProTackle. www.jurofishing.com
The Legalis LT is one of the latest generation of reels based on Daiwa’s LT or Light Tough concept – lighter, stronger and more compact than ever before. It also incorporates Daiwa’s innovative technologies such as Tough Digigear, ATD, Air Rotor and Airbail, making it one of Daiwa’s most technically advanced budget reels that delivers on both price and performance. Key features include: LT Concept (suits the new generation of PE lines for higher line and drag capacity, stronger gearing, improved handling and increased performance); Tough Digigear (50% stronger than previous Digigear II); Airspool ABS (up to 30% lighter than previous generations, and has a redesigned spool lip improving overall castability); ATD drag system (reduced start-up inertia protects delicate and thin lines from aggressive strikes); Air Bail (maximum rigidity and strength with minimum weight, with a protrusion-free design mitigating line tangles during the retrieve); Air Rotor (reduces weight, stress and flexing, while enhancing transmission of vibration and allowing the rotor to spin with perfect balance); Twistbuster (tapered line roller offsets line twist and greatly improves line management). www.daiwafishing.com.au
Majorcraft has introduced a new range of lead and tungsten jigging lures — 185 versions of Japan’s number 1 saltwater lures. First up are the Vertical Short and Vertical Long Jigparas. Designed with a centre balance and asymmetric body, these have a classic broad slide action, perfect for mechanical jigging for high speed species and big predators. The Tungsten lure is denser and smaller than lead to create less water resistance and sink faster, for a quick cast and catch. The Micro is 3-10g and designed for the smaller estuary and freshwater species. The Vertical Slow Pitch and Slow Pitch fluttering jigs are designed for slow pitch angling. Their slow dancing action means they stay in the strike zone for longer, bringing in shut down or slower fish. Majorcraft has also released 45 variations of the custom coated assist hooks that come in a vast range of sizes and drop lengths. They all have a premium epoxy Z-Hard coating, which keeps the fish on the hook. www.majorcraft.com.au
Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2018
47
WHAT’S NEW FISHING DUO D-SQUID 95
13
One of the most advanced squid jigs in the world is now available here in Australia. The DUO D-Squid eliminates the traditional ‘feather wing’, which causes drag. Removing these wings, along with internalizing the weight in the body, means the D-Squid reaches the bottom at a speedy rate and allows a light yet sharp darting action in the deep zone. In additiona to this, the D-Squid has a body shape which allows the lure to maintain an ideal body position after the darting action. This results in the increase of bites and eliminates the annoying problem of the hook catching the line. There are two body sizes, 95mm (21g) and 105mm (27g). The 95mm and the 105mm will show its true potential at 15m+ and 20m+ respectively. Another great thing about the D-Squid is the colour line-up; you can select from a wide range of proven colours depending on the field conditions and activeness of the squid. With the D-squid, you will easily be able to reach those deep zones and in fast flowing currents never fished before. Price: SRP $19.99 www.duo-australia.com.au
MAZZY SLIDE BOMBER
14
The all-new Mazzy Slide Bomber from Big Yella Time is here. It took many hours of design to get this lure doing exactly what was intended, along with extensive field testing of different prototypes, and now anglers can finally get their hands on some. The Slide Bomber measures 100mm and 40g, and this tall-bodied lure is designed to swim in wide S-curves. By changing your retrieve speeds with a start-stop action, the lure’s swimming action can be increased dramatically. The Slide bomber can be retrieved at super slow speeds but also does not mind pace either. It has a very slow sink, and this action is dynamite on large fish. It gives these wary and cunning fish the urge to attack. So whether you want to target Murray cod in the fresh or mulloway, jacks and flathead in the salt, the Mazzy Slide Bomber has you covered. Price: SRP: $27.95 www.bigyellatime.com
PRODUCT GUIDE
visit the Samaki website. You can also like them on Facebook and Instagram, where you’ll see the latest catch photos and new releases. www.samaki.com.au
SAMAKI RED SNAPPER SHIRT
16
13
Samaki’s new Red Snapper shirt is striking and full of colour. It features hungry snapper in a baitfish-filled rockery, chasing down a Samaki Boombait. This shirt is made from lightweight fabric that features UPF50+ technology, providing the highest level of protection against the harsh sun. The soft touch, 100% polyester material is comfortable on the body and has the added feature of being breathable, keeping you cool and dry. Samaki designs are brought to you by Australian anglers who love to design Australian species. Red Snapper shirts are available in adult, youth and kids sizes, ranging from a size 2 through to a 3XL, allowing the whole family to get in on the action and out onto the water. For more information, including the location of your nearest stockist, visit the Samaki website or like them on Facebook and Instagram. Price: SRP$59.95 (adults), $49.95 (kids) www.samaki.com.au
SWIM BAITS AUSTRALIA
14
15
17
From the fish mad brains that bought you the Shads Lures range, Swim Baits Australia are brand new swag of lures that started hitting shelves and catching big fish in 2017. These high quality timber swimbaits and glidebaits can be found in sizes from 100mm right through to a mammoth 230mm, and they are bound to get the strike in both rivers and dams. All models are fitted with strong hardware and are available in a great range of colours. Not only will they get the bite, they’re also strong enough to hold on to some of the giants who are eating them. For more information, up-to-date news and recent catch photos, look up Swim Baits Australia on Facebook to see what all the fuss is about. w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / S w i m - B a i t s Australia
16
NEW 9CM SAMAKI MAGNETIC 18 SQUIDLY RIGS 15 RELEASE CLIP Black Magic’s range of Squidly rigs have Samaki is expanding further into the practical tooling and accessory market with the launch of the Magnetic Release Clip. The Samaki Magnetic Release clip allows you to access any item you want with ease. The quick release system is made of an aviation-grade aluminium magnet, which is strong and durable. With a maximum weight capacity of 3.5kg, it also features a high strength carabiner. these are so handy you’ll want more than one by your side. Ranging in three awesome colours black, red and cobalt, they are in stores now. The Samaki accessory range also includes fish grips, pliers (long-nose, split ring and multitool) and line spoolers. For more information, including the location of your nearest stockist, 48
MARCH 2018
proven to be very effective on deepwater denizens off the shelf, and on big snapper as well. Now a smaller size squid (9cm) has been added to offer anglers a wider range of species to target with this popular rig. Great for both casting and jigging, the 9cm Squidly has three plastic squids rigged in a paternoster style. The components, as always with Black Magic tackle, are high in strength and performance. Squidly rigs use 60lb trace and a long shank hook. Keep an eye out for the new Squidlys at a store near you, and watch out for the new candy colour as well. Before you use these rigs, check the local fishing regulations regarding the number of hooks allowed per rig. If need be, you can just remove one of the hooks and use it separately. www.blackmagictackle.com
18
17
visit www.tacklejunkie.fish for the latest tackle news - AS IT HAPPENS!
SCAN THE QR CODE!
PRODUCT GUIDE
WHAT’S NEW FISHING
Field testing the new Zerek Flat Shad Pro and Live Mullet There’s a huge range of soft plastics on the market, and all of their different designs have not come about by accident; rather they are the result of extensive research and development. The one thing I really like about plastics is that they are continually evolving, and a look at the new range of Zerek soft plastics confirms this fact. Zerek is all about making good lures even better. The original Zerek Flat Shad sported a baitfish-shaped body and active tail that virtually begged a fish to have a bite. I have found them to be extremely effective, especially on ambush predators such as barra, jacks, flathead and cod. Now Zerek has revamped the Flat Shad with a softer and more flexible body material throughout. It’s called the Flat Shad Pro, and it’s part of Zerek’s Professional Craft series of plastics. The newbies are lighter, yet just as dangerous to fish due to the supple body collapsing upon a bite to enable the hook to do its job. These new lures have been designed to be cast on a more lightly-
The Flat Shad has a high degree of snag proofing as the hook will lay right along the lure’s back during the retrieve. lure, with a deliberately slow retrieve, was deadly on these marble-eyed freshwater marauders. Casting just behind a large rock in a high country stream, I eased the snag-
TESTED
the action of a swimming fish. Remember how effective the Zerek Live Shrimp is, due to its very lifelike action and appearance? The same flexibility and realistic appearance is the key with the Zerek Live Mullets, as their segmented construction provides ultra flexibility in the water. Moreover, these segments are held together with Kevlar matting material throughout to ensure that toothy critters don’t give them the chop. They also feature 3D eyes for maximum attraction. Available in a wide range of colours, sizes and weights, the Live Mullet has certainly earned its place in the tackle box. Just like the Pro Series Flat Shad, the Mullet’s action stands out from the crowd. It can be retrieved as fast or as slow as you like without sacrificing that fish-attracting wiggle. I’ve seen these Mullet take quite a few species of fish so far, and without a doubt durability is one of the best things about them. In the freshwater they were good on Murray cod, and my son Scott was generous enough to take me out from Mission Beach and show me how effective the Mullet was on a decentsized queenfish. Despite the attention the queenie gave the lure with its teeth, the Live Mullet came out unmarked. That’s pretty tough! - Wayne Kampe
This Zerek Live Mullet came through totally unscathed from an encounter with a queenfish taken by Scott Kampe. weighted hook, and this reduction in weight gives the tail a slower, more active and enticing action. The Flat Shad Pro can flutter down or be retrieved on the slowest of rolls, with the tail working very enticingly. For those among us that like to pimp their lures, there’s an attachment loop
for an additional stinger hook set into the lead belly weight of Zerek’s weedless worm hook. These lures come in a range of sizes Murray cod find the Zerek Flat Shad Pro hard to resist. This fish nailed the lure the from 3.5-7”, and there are five colours second the author started a slow roll retrieve. to choose from. I opted for a bright orange/yellow 4.5” model to try out on Granite Belt cod, and I found that the proof Zerek over the rock and watched in amazement as three smaller cod fought over the offering. One naturally hooked up, and I released it after a quick photo. In the saltwater I gave a couple of Flat Shad Pros a swim in the Murray River near Tully, and saw everything from barra through to jacks attacking them. Zerek Live Mullet series The concept of a lure closely resembling a fish is an old one. Early offerings made by various companies were moulded to look like fish, but sadly did not swim like one, as they lacked flexibility due to a one-piece rigid construction. They were innovative, but not reliable fish catchers. These days the new Zerek Live Mullet range from their Professional Craft series are as far removed from those early offerings as I am from competing in an The Zerek Flat Shad pro series is virtually Iron Man event. Constructed from a highly The Zerek Flat Shad pro series is virtually snag proof. This barra scoffed the snag proof. This barra scoffed the durable, high-end TPE material, the Live Flat Shad right in the sticks. Flat Shad right in the sticks. Mullet is specifically designed to imitate
MARCH 2018
49
TOURNAMENT CALENDAR MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE AUGUST
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
3 Mar
His and Hers Partners Classic Lake Mulwala
Tony Bennett (03) 5744 1667
3-4 Mar
ANSA Victoria State Championship Glenelg River
www.ansavic.com.au ansavic@bigpond.com
6-8 Mar
ABT BREAM Series Australian Open Sydney Harbour/Hawkesbury River
abt.org.au
15-18 Mar
Cod Nationals Lake Mulwala
Tony Bennett (03) 5744 1667
18 Mar
Alfredton Rotary Club Fishing Competition Lake Wendouree
alfredtonrotary.wixsite.com/fishingcomp
20-21 Mar
ABT BREAM Series Round 3 St Helens, Tasmania
abt.org.au
24 Mar
CVLCSS Round 2 Mitchellstown
www.cvlcss.com David Nelson 0418 378 944
24-25 Mar
ABT BREAM Series Round 4 Derwent River, Tasmania
abt.org.au
7-8 Apr
ANSA Victoria State Championship Port Phillip Heads
www.ansavic.com.au ansavic@bigpond.com
21-22 Apr
ABT BREAM Series Round 5 Gold Coast
abt.org.au
5-6 May
Round 4 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Metung
www.hobiefishing.com.au
5-6 May
ANSA Victoria State Championship Apollo Bay
www.ansavic.com.au ansavic@bigpond.com
5-6 May
ABT BREAM Series Round 6 Swan River, WA
abt.org.au
19 May
CVLCSS Round 3 Lake Mulwala
www.cvlcss.com David Nelson 0418 378 944
2-3 Jun
ABT BREAM Series Round 7 Hawkesbury River
abt.org.au
11-12 Aug
ABT BREAM Series Round 8 Lake Macquarie
abt.org.au
24-27 Aug
CVLCSS Round 4 Mildura David Nelson 0418 378 944
www.cvlcss.com
13-14 Oct
Round 7 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Hopkins
www.hobiefishing.com.au
13-14 Oct
ABT BREAM Series Round 9 South West Rocks
abt.org.au
27 Oct
CVLCSS Round 5 Lake Eppalock
www.cvlcss.com David Nelson 0418 378 944
19 Nov
ABT BARRA Tour Round 1 Kinchant Dam (evening event)
abt.org.au
20 Nov
ABT BARRA Tour Round 2 Teemburra Dam (evening event)
abt.org.au
21 Nov
ABT BARRA Tour Round 3 Peter Faust (Night Championship)
abt.org.au
23-24 Nov
ABT BARRA Tour Round 4 Peter Faust (evening event)
abt.org.au
24 Nov
CVLCSS Round 6 Lake Eildon
www.cvlcss.com David Nelson 0418 378 944
24-25 Nov
Round 9 Hobie Kayak Bream Series Mallacoota
www.hobiefishing.com.au
30 Nov-2 Dec
ABT BREAM Series Grand Final Marlo
abt.org.au
Add your tournament or competition to this list by emailing jthomas@fishingmonthly.com.au or calling 07 3387 0800 in office hours. Just supply a date, venue, tournament name and a telephone number and contact name. 76
MARCH 2018
UNBEATABLE
UNBEATABLE UNBEATABLE
5-115HP FOURSTROKE
75-115HP FOURSTROKE 75-115HP FOURSTROKE
ORE COMPACT AND MORE POWER
HP FOURSTROKE – UNEXPECTEDLY COMPACT HONDA 115 OVER 33% HEAVIER
2.4L
2.4L
2.2L
MORE COMPACT MORE POWER BETTER FUEL AND EFFICIENCY AND MORE RANGE THAN EVER BEFORE 2.1L – UNEXPECTEDLY 115HP115HP FOURSTROKE COMPACT CRUISE SPEED FUEL EFFICIENCY
270
4.25
2.0L 1.8L
3.40
NEW 2.1L
MERCURY 2.55 1.70
170kg
171kg
177kg 182kg THE NEW MERCURY 115HP FOURSTROKE COMES 260 IN AT AN INCREDIBLY LIGHT 163KG* MAKING IT THE NEW 217kg PREVIOUS MERCURY LIGHTEST IN ITS HORSEPOWER CLASS. MERCURY OPTIMAX MERCURY
FOURSTROKE 1.7L
115hp
2.1L 115hp
1.6L
YAMAHA
SUZUKI 2.0L
1.7L
(54kg Heavier)
HONDA
1.8L
0.85
EVINRUDE
1.7L
THE ALL NEW MERCURY 75 –115HP RANGE HAS 0.0 HEAPS OF YAMAHA IT, HELPINGSUZUKI OUT GUN OTHER NEW HONDA 4-STROKES EVINRUDE IN THE CATEGORY. MERCURY NEW MERCURY 115HP FOURSTROKE
115HP OPTIMAX
80.47
280
2.4L
5.10 1.6L 2.2L
72.42
300 290
163kg
VS. 115HP OPTIMAX 1.8L
2.4L
64.37
217kg
310
1.8L
48.28
320
115HP DISPLACEMENT COMPARISON 2.0L 115HP FOURSTROKE FUEL EFFICIENCY
HONDA 115 OVER 33% HEAVIER
40.23
177kg
SUZUKI 115 OVER 12% HEAVIER 182kg
32.19
EVINRUDE E-TEC OVER 8.5% HEAVIER
24.14
YAMAHA F115B OVER 5% HEAVIER
8.05
330
OPTIMAX 1.5L OVER 4% HEAVIER171kg
16.09
VS. CURRENT FOURSTROKE AND OPTIMAX
MERCURY 115 LIGHTEST 340 170kg
(54kg Heavier)
2.0L
56.33
SUZUKI 115 OVER 12% HEAVIER
0.0
kg
EVINRUDE E-TEC OVER 8.5% HEAVIER
YAMAHA F115B OVER 5% HEAVIER
km/l
EST
OPTIMAX 1.5L OVER 4% HEAVIER
g/kWh
URY
115HP DISPLACEMENT COMPARISON
ed on Mercury’s 115hp (L) model. Information based on manufacturers’ claimed horsepower and weight figures. THE NEW MERCURY COMES THE ALL NEW MERCURY 75 –115HP RANGE HAS MERCURY’S NEW115HP 115HPFOURSTROKE FOURSTROKE DELIVERS MERCURY’S NEW 115HP FOURSTROKE DELIVERS UP IN ATUP ANTO INCREDIBLY LIGHT 163KG* MAKING IT THE HEAPS OF IT, HELPING OUT GUN OTHER TO 63% BETTER FUEL EFFICIENCY4-STROKES AT CRUISE VS. THE 14% BETTER CRUISE SPEED ECONOMY LIGHTEST IN ITS HORSEPOWER CLASS. IN THE CATEGORY. 115HP OPTIMAX WITH A SLIGHT TOP SPEED ADVANTAGE.
BSFC dyno testing;Mercury data is an average of 60%-80%Dealer rated engine speed e your authorised Marine *Based on Mercury’s 115hp (L) model. Information based on manufacturers’today. claimed horsepower and figures. Testweight conducted on a 1775 Lund aluminium boat. based on standard ICOMIA emissions test.
See your authorised Mercury Marine Dealer today. See your authorised Mercury Marine Dealer today. ALBERTON ALBERTON MARINE
ECHUCA EADES XTREME MARINE
MELBOURNE THE MARINE SHOP
39 Johnson Street Alberton Phone: (03) 5183 2344 | Fax: (03) 5183 2219 Email: albertonmarine@wideband.net.au Website: www.albertonmarine.com.au
24 Sturt Street Echuca Phone: (03) 5482 2333 | Fax: (03) 5482 2133 Email: info@xtrememarine.net.au Website: xtrememarine.net.au
6 Holland Drive Melton Phone: (03) 9747 0588 | Fax: (03) 9747 3999 Email: admin@themarineshop.com.au Website: themarineshop.com.au
BENDIGO BENDIGO MARINE & OUTDOORS
MELBOURNE MELBOURNE MARINE
MELBOURNE TRIPLE M MARINE
160 Midland Highway Epsom Phone: (03) 5448 3988 Email: sales@bendigomarine.com.au Website: bendigomarine.com.au
92 Hallam South Road Hallam Phone: (03) 9703 2003 Email: info@melbournemarine.com.au Website: melbournemarine.com.au
117 Northgate Drive Thomastown Phone: (03) 9465 8787 | Fax: (03) 9466 1418 Email: triplemmarine@dodo.com.au Website: triplemmarine.com.au
MELBOURNE BL MARINE
GEELONG MOOLAP MARINE
MORNINGTON WES FROST MARINE
612- 614 Plenty Road Preston Phone: (03) 9478 1420 | Fax: (03) 9470 4638 Email: info@blmarine.com.au Website: blmarine.com.au
250 Portarlington Road Moolap Phone: (03) 5248 3772 | Fax: (03) 5248 5913 Email: info@moolapmarine.com.au Website: moolapmarine.com.au
3 Satu Way, Mornington Phone: (03) 5976 4622 | Fax: (03) 5976 4633 Email: sales@wesfrostmarine.com Website: wesfrostmarine.com
SHEPPARTON BOATS AND MORE
TOORADIN P&J MARINE SERVICE CENTRE P/L
207 Numurkah Road Shepparton Phone: (03) 5822 2108 | Fax: (03) 5821 2908 Email: sales@boatsandmore.com.au Website: boatsandmore.com.au
101 Tooradin Station Road Tooradin Phone: (03) 5998 3107 Fax: (03) 5998 3108 Email: pjmarine_services@bigpond.com
MORWELL CRAWFORD MARINE
MELBOURNE REGAL MARINE
71-77 Chickerell Street Morwell Phone: (03) 5134 6522 | Fax: (03) 5134 6455 Email: info@crawfordmarine.com.au Website: crawfordmarine.com.au
514 Canterbury Road Vermont Phone: (03) 9874 4624 | Fax: (03) 9874 6586 Email: sales@regalmarine.com.au Website: regalmarine.com.au
km/h
BAIT & TACKLE WEST COAST Portland Bait & Tackle (03) 5523 5213 Compleat Angler Portland (03) 5521 1844
Nautical Marine (03) 5984 1666
FISH TAXIDERMY
Melbourne Marine Centre (03) 9703 2003 Regal Marine (03) 9874 4624
Fish Taxidermist 0428 544 841
Streaker Marine (03) 9729 8288
Neptune’s Treasures 0419 643 654
Triple M Marine (03) 9465 8787
CENTRAL
SCREEN PRINTING
Warragul Marine (03) 5623 6250 Wes Frost Marine (03) 5976 4622
Logan Specialised Screen Printing (07) 5546 4107
EAST COAST
BOAT TRAILER
Inverloch Marine (03) 5674 1502
For all your fishing tackle needs
FRESHWATER
CENTRAL
Boats and More Shepparton (03) 5822 2108
Vic Marine & Trailer Warehouse 0412 264 450
Boats and More Echuca (03) 5482 1992
BOAT HIRE
Eades Xtreme Marine Echuca (03) 5482 2333
MARINE ACCESSORIES
PROVEN WORLD LEADING
ANCHOR DESIGNS
Lake Eildon Houseboats (03) 9397 6977 Boab Boat Hire Shepparton (03) 5822 2108 Boab Boat Hire Echuca (03) 5482 1992
HOLIDAY RENTAL
The SARCA EXCEL and SUPER SARCA are certified type approved Super High Holding Power
Best Brands – Great Advice
Super Sarca
Sarca Excel
Warrnambool Holiday Park (03) 5562 5031 Stick with convex design and leave the mud behind
EAST COAST
Designed and manufactured in Australia Check out the holding power figures on www.anchorright.com.au www.anchorright.com.au | 03 5968 5014
Anchor Right 03 5968 5014 or www.anchorright.com.au
Come in and say hello PROUDLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY MICHAEL FELSOVARY
For updates check us out on Facebook
Hooked On Bait and Tackle
174-180 OLD GEELONG ROAD, HOPPERS CROSSING
03) 9748 3811 Open 7 Days
(
Salt-away 1800 091 172 or www.salt-away.com.au
ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS Specialty Fishing Products
Hooked On Bait and Tackle Hoppers Crossing (03) 9748 3811 Fishing Fever Mordialloc (03) 9590 9899 Melbourne Marine Centre (03) 9703 2003 JV Marine World Braeside (03) 9798 8883 Compleat Angler Ringwood (03) 9870 7792 The Flyfisher Melbourne (03) 9621 1246
www.specialtyfishing.com.au
On the Waters Edge
FRESH BAIT | HIRE BOATS | ICE
• Easy access for boats • 10 cabins (3 with ensuites) • LPG gas refills • Kiosk
• Plenty of powered and unpowered camping sites • BBQs • Playground
FREE ADVICE ON WHERE THEY’RE BITING
OPEN
from dawn to dusk
Lester Rd Yanakie WILSONS PROM E sicp@sicp.com.au
03 5687 1385
Shallow Inlet Caravan Park (03) 5687 1385
“Over 250 patterns to choose from”
Always Angling Traralgon (03) 5174 8544
FRESHWATER
ORDER ONLINE
Compleat Angler Echuca (03) 5482 1992 Compleat Angler Shepparton (03) 5822 2180 Compleat Angler Wangaratta (03) 5722 4622
www.adrenalinflies.com.au
Naaj Marine 0421 955 371 Unique Marine Accessories (03) 5427 1802 CMC Marine Sales www.cmcsales.com.au Hunter Marine Boat Builders (03) 5032 2320
SHALLOW INLET CARAVAN PARK
7 DAYS
EAST COAST
MARINE MECHANICS
WEST COAST
Adrenalin Flies
www.adrenalinflies.com.au
Korr Lighting
www.korrlighting.com.au
She Left
www.hdvcs.com.au
CENTRAL Chelsea Yamaha (03) 9772 1212
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION EAST GIPPSLAND
MARLO
21 Marine Parade MARLO VIC
OCEAN VIEWS CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK
03 5154 8268
• Deluxe cabins HOSTS: Les & Kathy HEYNE • Cabins with ensuite • Budget cabins • Premium ensuite vans • Powered & Unpowered sites • Pet friendly • Undercover BBQ areas in Marlo • Large oval • Kitchen Largest park • Camp fires • Kiosk the beach to lk Short wa • Coffee shops
www.marlocamping.com.au Marlo Ocean Views Caravan and Camping Park, Marlo (03) 5154 8268
All you need to worry about are the fish
CUSTOMISED MAINTENANCE & SERVICE to meet your individual boating needs
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED… Outboard service & repairs Complete boat & motor fitouts Electrical accessory installations
95
Each 4 colours available
SERVICE CENTRE
KRIS OAKLEY MARINE SERVICES
5 Quality Drive, Dandenong South 3175 Victoria Email: krisoakleymarine@hotmail.com Phone: (03) 9794 5524
Kris Oakley Marine Services (03) 9794 5524 JV Marine World Braeside (03) 9798 8883 JV Marine World Laverton (03) 9368 7100
From
31
$
Centre 12 Squid Size: 150mm, Weight: 35g Also available Centre 13: Size: 170mm, Weight: 55g
The Fish Inc Centre has a realistic squid profile designed to be trolled or cast. Features include dazzling finishes, a fixed weight for balanced swimming action at speed and a lively skirt and tentacles for added attraction and strike triggers.
www.fishlures.com.au GT Lures
www.fishlures.com.au
SAMPLE AD - BUSINESS NAME This is where your copy will appear. You will have approximately 30 words within a 5x2 ad size.
$320 + GST for 6 months Email : pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au
This section in V&TFM Fishing Monthly consolidates the trades and services in your area that are relevant to your fishing and boating. Whether you’re a local looking for more options or a travelling angler fishing around the state, this guide will direct you to reputable businesses in the area you’re searching. 80
MARCH 2018
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Geelong Charters & Fishing Trips, Geelong (03) 5275 7107 Katrina Louise Charters, Cheltenham 0402 828 140 Kestrel Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 1783
EAST GIPPSLAND (Continued)
Queenscliff Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 0458 504 058
Bemm River Holiday Accommodation & Boat Hire, Bemm River
Pro Red Fishing Charters 0421 442 775
(03) 5158 4233 or 0427 584 233
Rip Charters Fishing Trips, Sorrento (03) 5984 3664
Lazy Acre Log Cabins 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM SPACIOUS COTTAGES ♦ Solar Pool ♦ Free Wi-Fi ♦ Air-Con/Heating ♦ Fishing Advice ♦ Boat Parking
Saltwater Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 4888 Quiet central location Ideal for all the family Close to 90 mile beach 5min drive to boat ramps
Off The Hook Fishing Charters 0419 554 916
N O W AVA IL A B L E ALL YOUR FISHING MONTHLY GEAR From
T-Shirts
$
St Kilda Fishing Charters, St Kilda (03) 9770 2200
22 85
Western Port Fishing Charters, Hastings (03) 9769 5544
EAST COAST Far Out Charters, Lakes Entrance 0428 401 819 Prom Coastal Charters, Yanakie (03) 5687 1248 or 0429 935 583 East Gippsland Charters 0400 564 032
(03) 5155 1323 ♦ 0418 516 555 ♦ 35 Roadknight Street, LAKES ENTRANCE
FRESHWATER Angling Expeditions Victoria, Tawonga (03) 5754 1466
Lazy Acre Log Cabins, Lakes Entrance (03) 5155 1323
TASMANIA
Highland Trout Lakes, Ballarat (03) 5368 9574 Millbrook Lakes Lodge, Ballarat (03) 5334 0404
TASMANIA & FLINDERS ISLAND
AMAZING ANSONS BAY
ABSOLUTE WATERFRONT HOLIDAY HOME • Stylish house with great water views • Bathroom on 2 levels • Access to the beach in front of house • Boatshed with bikes and kayaks for your use • Boat ramp at Ansons Bay • Great fishing due to remoteness
Phone Cases From
$
Ausprey Tours, Launceston (03) 6630 2612
29 45
Mugs
Gone Fishing Charters, St Helens (03) 6376 1553
From
$
Fish Wild Tasmania, Hobart 0418 348 223 Flinders Island Adventures, Flinders Island (03) 6359 4507
1 7 27
Trout Territory, Northern Midlands (03) 6397 5001
NSW SOUTH COAST Reel Affair, Merimbula freecall 1800 233 247 Espirit Charters, Bermagui (02) 6493 4104 or 0407 260 110 Freedom Charters, Eden (02) 6496 1209 or 0415 602 446 Headland Fishing Adventures, Merimbula (02) 6495 1134
Clocks $
Island Charters, Narooma (02) 4476 1047 or 0408 428 857 K9 Fishing Charters, Merimbula (02) 6495 1681 House rents for $190 per night – sleeps 6 Contact Kevin 0457 778 097 or for more photos go to Stayz Property – number 220674
CHARTER BOATS WEST COAST Portland Fishing Charters, Portland (03) 5523 3020
CENTRAL
Timeout Fishing Charters
0400 440 705
www.timeoutfishingcharters.com.au 5% Discount on Presentation of this Ad
Timeout Fishing Charters 0400 440 705 South-West Fishing Charters, Portland 0418 306 714 Gone Fishing Charters 0409 007 068 Able Fishing & Charters, Williamstown (03) 9502 3777
Merimbula Marina, Merimbula (02) 6495 1686 or 0427 951 080
42 7 0
Carry Bags
Narooma Charters, Narooma 0407 909 111 O’Brien Charter Service, Bermagui 0407 214 124
FISHING GUIDES
From
$
20 3 3
NSW SOUTH COAST Wilderness Fishing Tours, Mallacoota 0424 625 160 Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures (02) 6495 9902 or 0400 062 504
TRADES AND SERVICES ADVERTISING Line listing from $90 + gst 6 months* 2cm x 2 from $195 + gst 6 months* 5cm x 2 from $320 + gst 6 months* 8cm x 2 from $590 + gst 6 months* Rates exclusive to Trades and Services Directory *Conditions apply Call (07) 3387 0835 or email pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au
Throw Pillows
From
$
25 4 2
and lots more...
MANY DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS ALL MADE TO ORDER
If you have any other trades or services that you would like to see in this section please don’t hesitate to give us a call Email: pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au
ACE Fishing Charters, Bonbeach (03) 9773 4183 Adamas Fishing Charters, Barwon Heads (03) 5254 3320 Big Red Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 1800 805 587
CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014
Blue Magic Fishing Charters, Rowville (03) 9759 5301
Salt-away 1800 091 172 or www.salt-away.com.au
Calypso Fishing Charters, Tootgarook (03) 5985 8463
Techni Ice (03) 9783 1922
fishingmonthly.redbubble.com
Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2018
81
FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS WORDS CONTAINING FISH
SELFISH STANDOFFISH OAFISH FISHMONGER FISHTAILING FISHERFOLK FISHERIES FISHPONDS OUTFISHED FISHBOWL
FISHY FISHNETS FISHEYE WAIFISH ELFISH OFFICIAL WOLFISH EFFICIENT AFFICIONADO FISSURE
Valley Hill Rocketeer Slicer
Name: Address:
P/Code:
The first correct entry at the end of each month will win the prize pack. SEND ENTRIES TO: VIC Find-a-word Competition, PO box 3172, Loganholme Qld 4129
VIC MAR 2018
Phone (day):
BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie
The Rocketeer Slicer from Japanese tackle giant Valley Hill is a real feat of Japanese design and engineering. The Rocketeer Slicer has a unique metal plate at the nose of the jig, which lets you secure line in two places, and ensures a superior swimming action even through debris. In addition, its tail system lets you cast more effectively into the wind. The Rocketeer Slicer is available in two sizes (3.0 and 3.5) and 13 different colour combinations. It has proven to be highly effective on Australian squid. www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au
SPOT THE
10 DIFFERENCES
GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy
ORIGINAL
FIND-A-WORD
Congratulations to Elizabeth Coombes from Vermont, who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition! Monthly winners receive a sponsor prize. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – V&TFM
SUBSCRIBER PRIZE
The subscriber prize winner for January is K Gray of Maffra, who won 28 packs of Madeyes valued at $300. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM
North Narrabeen, D Spinks of Scone, P Stever of Austinmer, S Layton of Mount Warrigal, S Ramage of Davistown, G Minett of Taree, W Cumming of Bass Hill, W Newall of Cumnock, P Maynard of Blaxland, K Hester of Beverly Hills, B Becroft of Concord, D Appleby of Macquarie Hills, J Mason of Griegs Flat, G Wade of Empire Bay, C Cooper of Boorowa, I Donaldson of Cessnock, F
Seal of Junee, R Chown of Glendenning, S Cook of Seven Hills, C West of Dapto, R Durie of Holt, C Carter of Richmond, B Schnitzer of Cooma, B Robley of Noraville, J Cross of Mondrook, W Short of Hamlyn Terrace, B Hall of Balgownie, D Thompson of Hillvue, D Conroy of Pace. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM
LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS
FIND THE GAMAKATSU LOGO
The answers to Find the Gamakatsu Logo for January were: 9, 12, 20, 25, 32, 34, 40, 42, 45, 48, 61, 64, 67, 90, 100. – V&TFM
82
MARCH 2018
This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Mahimahi
The Find the Gamakatsu prize winners for January were: J Paul of Inverell, N Walters of Palm Beach, M Baker of Gorokan, D Smith of Rose Bay, J Wicks of Cootamundra, B Gorham of Toronto, L Comerford of Penrith South, S Harris of Buff Point, A Munro of Old Bar, G Hall of Grenfell, J Vagg of Tuross Head, D Nacinovic of
GUESS THE FISH?
Answer:
boats & kayaks
In the skipper’s seat 84 Kayaks on Curdies Inside story...
Bulls Bay is a classic low country shallow water bay between Georgetown and Charleston, S.C., and the new Bulls Bay lineup of boats from Carolina Composites is just that... classic. Carolina Composites has taken a classic bay boat hull design that has been popular for decades in the coastal Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida and retooled and modernized it to produce their new Bulls Bay lineup.
Made for...
Carolina Composites build Bulls Bay Boats with angler and families in mind, and offer real value for money with all their boats.
This month...
Peter Jung jumps into Bulls Bay 1700, the smallest in the range. Check it out on page 94!
Corey Gallagher explores this hidden gem in search of the crafty bream that it’s famous for.
88 SUP basics
Justin Willmer gives a basic rundown of Stand Up Paddleboard fishing, and why it’s becoming so popular.
90 Aquayak AQUA II
Bob Thornton gives this 2-person kayak a whirl in SEQ’s Hinze Dam, and tries out some of Aquayak’s handy accessories as well!
92 To CC or not CC? Wayne Kampe looks at the pros and cons of owning a centre console boat.
96 Whittley CW 1950
Editor Steve Morgan climbs aboard this beautiful craft, powered by a Yamaha F115hp.
Bulls Bay 1700 with Mercury CT 90hp 4-stroke
- SC
TENT -
RE ONLINE MO
T
SPECIFICATIONS Hull Length ....... 5.20m Beam................. 2.24m Hull Weight (dry) 590kg Max hp ...................115 Min hp ....................115 Number of People.... 4 Fuel Capacity ......110L and retrieved by one person. These are all key features of a boat this size, but the most important components of a fishing boat of this style are fishing space and storage. Let’s break down the key features of the Bulls Bay 1700. STORAGE AND FISHABILITY Storage and fishability go hand in hand. Insufficient storage means your fishing 94
MARCH 2018
expectation was that it might labour getting underway. It was a pleasant surprise that this was far from the case. In the video for this test I called it a ‘pocket rocket,’ and it was. The Bulls Bay was very smooth out of the water (5.4 second hole shot) and with minimal trimming of the motor it got up to a very respectable 57km/h. We lucked out with some amazing weather during the testing days, so there was no wave action to deal with; we just had to enjoy the 1700 gliding over glassy conditions. It was extremely quiet and very easy to manoeuver. The key was getting the trim right – once you had that down, it was simply a matter of enjoying the ride. You have to love the soft ride that fibreglass boats offer. I know that when I wasn’t driving, I took advantage of the seat in front of the console to take in the surroundings. MERCURY CT 90HP 4-STROKE Part of Mercury’s 2.1L range of four stroke motors, the Command Thrust 90hp 4-stroke was the surprise for me. The Command Trust gearbox gives it the ability to push a larger diameter prop, which assists getting a boat on the plane and keeping it there at lower speeds. This then contributes to better performance and fuel savings. Andrew from Melbourne Marine was happy with the
numbers for the Mercury during testing, but felt that he could still tinker with the prop to improve them even further. The surprise was how well balanced this motor was with the 1700. It had power to burn and I can only imagine what a 115hp motor would be like. As much as I wonder about that, it certainly wasn’t necessary. ELECTRONICS AND OPTIONS A boat like the Bulls Bay lends itself to having an electric motor on the front of it and the test boat had a 55lb MotorGuide electric on the bow. This gives you the versatility to sneak around in the timber or to quietly fish the shallows and is a must-have as
far as this author is concerned. This proved to be true over the couple of days we spent on the water. The medium to large centre console provides a large enough area to place any electronics you may want, as well as your gauges and switches. The Garmin set up on the test boat was one of the new release Striker 7 Plus Series units. This is a great easy to use option with great features like Garmin’s CHIRP ClearVu and SideVu. Like all of their fit-outs, Melbourne Marine Centre had put a lot of thought into the electronics for their boats. FINAL THOUGHTS I left this boat test thinking, if I wanted to step up to a fibreglass boat from what I have, this is the type of boat I would like to get. It had all the benefits a smallish tinny has to offer, but with the quiet, soft ride that fibreglass provides and the performance of the Mercury engine. The handling was also impressive. There is plenty of general storage as well as a couple of
DE FOR EX
Bulls Bay isn’t a boat brand that many people will have heard of, unless you know your US boat manufacturers well. They are produced by Carolina Composites, who also make Pioneer Boats. They are an entry-level fibreglass hull, but as we know, US entry-level boats offer plenty of options and a degree of sophistication, which is certainly the case with the Bulls Bay 1700. Melbourne Marine Centre is the Victorian dealer for them and we hit one of the Gippsland Lakes to put it through its paces. The 1700 is the smallest of the range of Bulls Bay boats available and is a centre console configuration. Targeted towards the fishing market, this is a boat that is small enough to be towed behind the family sedan, would fit into most garages and can easily be launched
PERFORMANCE RPM Speed (km/h) Economy (L/H) Idle (690).................... 4.1 ..........................1.2 1000 ........................... 6.0 ..........................2.1 2000..........................10.5 ..........................5.6 3000.......................... 17.0 ........................ 10.6 4000......................... 38.7 ........................ 14.8 5000......................... 51.5 ........................ 27.6 WOT (5600) ............... 57.0 ........................31.8 Hole Shot ..................................5.38 seconds
CO
pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au
areas are cluttered by gear. Poorly designed fishing space limits the fishing opportunities for the angler. Being a centre console the Bulls Bay 1700 is designed to offer a 360°C fishing experience. Large decks at the front and rear are ideal to cast lures from and there is plenty of space around the console to comfortably pass either side of it. You also have the bonus of higher gunnels in this area to lock into if you are fighting a bigger fish. For a smaller boat it definitely has a big boat feel. In a nutshell the 1700 has great fishability. There is significant storage throughout the 1700. There are large areas below the front deck and the skipper’s seat as well as under the seat in front of the console. There is plenty of room for your fishing gear, safety gear and much more, so keeping fishing areas clear of clutter isn’t an issue. Like many boats of this size rod storage is minimal, so if you have multiple rods on board, take a little care with where you put them. LAUNCH AND RETRIEVE The test boat was on a Mackay single axle multi roller trailer and this was well suited to the 1700 hull. Weighing in at around 1200kg fully loaded, it can be towed by your average 6-cylinder vehicle and the multi-roller system allows you to drive the boat on and off the trailer. If you aren’t comfortable doing that, it’s a very simply process to launch and retrieve it with two people or one person if necessary. RIDE AND PERFORMANCE The Bulls Bay 1700 has a maximum horsepower rating of 115hp and a minimum of 75hp. The boat we tested had a 90hp Mercury 4-stroke on it and I must admit my
R
Peter Jung
Q
RA
CON
AN THE
FMG
livewells for those interested in releasing fish or who are tournament orientated. My only concern would be rod storage. However with a bit of thought I am sure there is a simple solution to this. My final observations are for the fishability. It’s very stable at rest, providing a solid platform to cast lures from. You could easily fish three up and the addition of the MotorGuide electric motor only adds to your ability to do this type of fishing. It would be a great boat to do this from in any estuary, small waterway or lake system and the ability to launch and retrieve it with one person ensures it would spend plenty of time on the water. As tested the Bulls Bay 1700 was priced around $47,000, which in my mind is great value for money. To find out more about the Bulls Bay and the other boats in the range you can contact Melbourne Marine Centre on (03) 9703 2003 or go to their website www. melbournemarine.com.au.
Main: Conditions during the boat test were almost too good – with the Bulls Bay in full flight the author was taking in the scenery from the seat in front of the console. Above: The Bulls Bay was quick out of the hole. It handled very well and was a pleasure to drive.
Stability at rest and stealth are two key features you look for when purchasing a boat to cast lures from. The 1700 is very stable at rest and the MotorGuide provides the ability to quietly poke around and fish all those nooks and crannies.
The Mercury CT 90hp 4-stroke engine is not the maximum horsepower motor for the Bulls Bay. You wouldn’t have known this with how well it performed during the test.
The Mackay multi roller trailer made launching and retrieving the 1700 easy. You could drive on, drive off or easily get on and off the water by yourself if needed.
The console of the 1700 has ample room for all of your electronics and switches and has a large seat behind it so the skipper and passenger are comfortable.
The area around the console was spacious. There is plenty of room to allow you to fish around the entire boat.
The Bulls Bay 1700 has a 15° deadrise, which ensures great stability at rest and excellent handling underway.
Additional seating on the front of the console ensures all passengers ride in comfort. It also has extra storage in it.
The rear cast deck and seat has two livewells and extra storage under them.
Left: The front cast deck is large enough for two anglers to fish from and has a large storage space under it. Right: The author believes that any boat of this nature should have an electric motor on it. The MotorGuide 55lb thrust electric motor on the test boat added an extra dimension to the areas you are able to fish. MARCH 2018
95
Whittley CW1950 with Yamaha 115 4-stroke - SC
TENT -
RE ONLINE MO
T MARCH 2018
hit 60km/h at 5900rpm. Naturally, economy suffers and WOT will yield 1.5km/L. Overall, the CW range is a great compromise between price, quality, comfort and fishability. Can you get better value for money on the market for $60,000? We dare you to try. For more information, visit your local Whittley dealer or www. whittleymarinegroup.com. au. Also, make sure you like the Whittley page on Facebook for updates on the latest models.
Main: The Whittley CW1950, paired with Yamaha’s 115hp 4-stroke is designed to sell for under $60,000, positioning it right in the market for boaties who want to upgrade to some luxury from a tinnie. Above: Whittley makes boats in the spectrum from luxury through to fishing boats. The CW 1950 sits at the fishing end and does the job well. Indeed, Alan seems perpetually excited about all of the boats in the Whittley range and as a company head that’s not scared of getting out and selling rigs, he realises the price points that tick boxes with boating families. “This rig is put together to sit under the $60,000 mark, and that’s a level which seems to keep a family happy that wants to move up into
SPECIFICATIONS Overall.Length......................................... 6.17m Length.on.trailer ........................................7.1m Height.on.trailer ......................................2.45m Width.on.trailer .......................................2.22m Beam..........................................................2.2m Deadrise.at.transom....................................19° Fuel ............................................................ 115L Tow.weight ............................................ 1500kg Rec.hp ......................................................... 115 Max.hp ..................................................... 150hp 96
DE FOR EX
I’d never been to Queenscliff before and by all reports it was going to be like a washing machine, So when we met Alan Whittley on the docks at the marina, we were surprised that the entrance of Port Phillip Bay looked like a mirror. Even after putting up the front to check out the surroundings, they were impeccable in every way – in short, a crappy day for boat testing. Sure, we can take a pile of awesome looking images, but we don’t really get to test the chops of the hull when things get nasty. That’s not to say that this Whittley hull is untested. It’s derived from the old Mako hull from John Savage, which has subsequently been increased in beam and has a pair of air-filled pods in the position where you’ll usually find bolted on duckboards. “That’s an important way that we can make the boat more stable but still able to go out and fish offshore for tuna,” said Whittley cheek, Alan Whittley.
CO
s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au
R
Steve Morgan
Q
RA
CON
AN THE
one for your pinkies and one for your lunch. Either way, the cockpit flows forward into the open cabin, which is ample to get the family out of the sun, wind and rain. Hammers down on the Yamaha and the rig was surprisingly quick onto the plane, which was surprising because the CW1950 is rated to 150hp. The best economy from the boat came at 4500rpm, where at 43km/h the Yamaha delivered 2.2km/L of petrol burned. Need to get back to the ramp in a hurry? Drop the hammers and you’ll
FMG
PERFORMANCE Rpm...... speed.(km/h).. economy.(km/L) Idle ....................... 4.6 ....................... 4.2 1000 ...................... 5.4 ....................... 6.6 2000.................... 10.0 ....................... 2.2 3000....................... 14 ....................... 1.5 4000....................... 34 ....................... 2.1 4500 ....................... 43 ....................... 2.2 5000....................... 50 ....................... 1.8 5900 ....................... 60 ....................... 1.5 a bigger, more comfortable fibreglass boat from a tinnie,” Alan continued. The fact that the boat/ motor/trailer rig weighs in at only 1500kg is another bonus. It means that many family cars will be able to tow it without having to upgrade a tow vehicle. Stepping onto the boat through the transom door, you immediately notice that the customer decking
on the floors look fantastic. This synthetic, fibreglass floor covering is becoming incredibly popular in modern boats and Whittley’s treatment of the material looks the goods. The cockpit is clean and the gunwales padded. Both driver and passenger helm seats are comfortable and set up with a system to cover a splitlidded cooler box – maybe
The 115hp supplied on the test boat is 35hp less than the maximum, however the boat ran with good economy (2.2km/L) and hit 60km/h at 5900rpm.
Top: The front cabin is open to the cockpit and the bunks are long enough to stretch out and get some rest between bites. Above: Moulded in footrests allow the driver and the passenger to support their weight when the conditions get rough. We didn’t need them on the test day!
The cockpit is lined with custom-sized and designed SeaDek. It looks great and is easy to wash down. Of course, it’s non-slip.
There’s room on the dash to flush mount large electronics. The test craft was set up with no frills, just a simple combo unit and the Yamaha gauges.
The whole aft of the cockpit is useful fishing space and the transom door design is unobtrusive. Quality seats and clever cooler mounts underneath maximise the use of space.
Top: The CW 1950 boasts the near-standard rocket launchers to get the rods up and out of the way. Left: Side pockets get some of the essential fishing gear out of the way and padded gunwales make it comfortable to hang a line over the side in deeper water. Right: Instead of bolt-on duckboards, there are pods, which are an extension of the hull. These offer extra buoyancy.
Top Left: Keep your live baits in here – the tank is on the port side and the transom door on the starboard. Top Right: You’d be amazed how many boats lack a decent grab rail for the passenger. The Whittley has a great one. Left: The rear pods are designed to add stability to the 1950 hull. Right: Easy to drive and quick onto the plane, the Whittley CW 1950 is a sweet way to move up and into the Whittley family. MARCH 2018
97
Victorian Tide Times
2018 2018 Local Time
POINT LONSDALE – VICTORIA POINT – 144° VICTORIA LAT LONSDALE 38° 18’ LONG 37’
JANUARY Time Time JANUARY m
Time m 0033 0.81 0033 0.81 0545 1.32 0545 1.32 TU 1152 0.26 1152 0.26 TU1813 1813 1.51 0123 1.51 0123 0.79 0649 0.79 WE 1246 0649 1.35 1.35 WE1904 1246 0.20 0.20 1904 1.61 0206 1.61 0206 0.73 0742 0.73 TH 1336 0742 1.40 1.40 1336 TH1949 0.14 0.14 1949 1.69 0244 1.69 0244 0.64 0825 0.64 FR 1422 0825 1.46 1.46 1422 FR2030 0.10 0.10 2030 1.74 0318 1.74 0318 0.55 0905 0.55 0905 1.50 1505 SA 1.50 1505 SA2107 0.11 0.11 2107 1.75 0352 1.75 0352 0.47 0942 0.47 0942 1.52 1545 SU 1.52 SU 1545 0.15 2141 0.15 2141
18’ of High LONG 144° TimesLAT and38° Heights and Low37’ Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY m Time Time m Time MARCH m TimeFEBRUARY m
m 1.38 1.38 0.83 0.83 1.22 1.22 0.38 0.38 1.43 1.43 0.79 0.79 1.24 1.24 0.34 0.34 1.48 1.48 0.72 0.72 1.27 1.27 0.31 0.31 1.53 1.53 0.66 0.66 1.31 1.31 0.30 0.30 1.57 1.57 0.59 0.59 1.35 1.35 0.30 0.30 1.59 1.59 0.54 0.54 1.38 1.38 0.31 0.31
Time 0131 0131 0715 0715 FR 1311 1311 FR 1927 1927 0213 0213 0802 0802 SA 1402 1402 SA 2011 2011 0250 0250 0843 0843 SU 1448 1448 SU 2048 2048 0326 0326 0919 0919 MO 1531 1531 MO 2124 2124 0400 0400 0954 0954 TU 1613 1613 TU 2159 2159 0434 0434 1028 1028 1653 WE 1653 WE 2236 2236
m 1.38 1.38 0.73 0.73 1.23 1.23 0.39 0.39 1.44 1.44 0.65 0.65 1.30 1.30 0.37 0.37 1.50 1.50 0.56 0.56 1.37 1.37 0.36 0.36 1.54 1.54 0.48 0.48 1.43 1.43 0.36 0.36 1.57 1.57 0.41 0.41 1.47 1.47 0.37 0.37 1.57 1.57 0.34 0.34 1.50 1.50 0.40 0.40
0447 1.73 1.73 22 0426 0426 1.60 1.60 0508 0545 1.61 1.61 22 0508 770447 77 0545 1026 1142 1026 0.40 0.40 221017 1017 0.49 0.49 1102 1142 0.25 0.25 22 1102 1734 1646 1.51 1626 1.40 1820 1.49 TH SU MO WE
1.56 1.56 0.29 0.29 1.51 1.51 0.45 0.45 1.53 1.53 0.26 0.26 1.50 1.50 0.50 0.50
Time 0416 0416 1046 1046 MO 1645 MO 1645
11
220022 0022 0534 0534 TU 1157
1157 TU1757 1757 0124 0124 0645 0645 WE 1304 1304 WE1902 1902 0220 0220 0746 0746 TH 1405 1405 TH2001 2001 0313 0313 0842 0842 FR 1500 1500 FR2056 2056 0401 0401 0934 0934 1554 SA 1554 SA2147 2147
33 44
55 66
16 16
17 17
18 18 19 19
20 20 21 21
Time 0102 0102 0621 0621 TH 1246 1246 TH 1849 1849 0201 0201 0730 0730 FR 1352 1352 FR 1952 1952 0255 0255 0830 0830 SA 1451 1451 SA 2046 2046 0343 0343 0923 0923 SU 1546 1546 SU 2137 2137 0427 0427 1013 1013 MO 1639 1639 MO 2223 2223 0508 0508 1059 1059 1730 TU 1730 TU 2305 2305
11
22
33 44
55 66
m 1.52 1.52 0.72 0.72 1.37 1.37 0.20 0.20 1.59 1.59 0.62 0.62 1.44 1.44 0.18 0.18 1.65 1.65 0.50 0.50 1.50 1.50 0.18 0.18 1.69 1.69 0.40 0.40 1.54 1.54 0.21 0.21 1.69 1.69 0.32 0.32 1.55 1.55 0.27 0.27 1.66 1.66 0.27 0.27 1.53 1.53 0.34 0.34
16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19
20 20 21 21
Time 0440 0440 1118 1718 TH 1118 TH 1718
m 0.75 0.75 1.30 1.30 0.34 0.34
0038 2 0038 0604 2 0604 1237 FR
1.44 1.44 0.67 0.67 1.36 1.36 0.33 0.33 1.51 1.51 0.55 0.55 1.45 1.45 0.31 0.31 1.57 1.57 0.43 0.43 1.53 1.53 0.30 0.30 1.61 1.61 0.33 0.33 1.59 1.59 0.32 0.32 1.62 1.62 0.26 0.26 1.61 1.61 0.36 0.36
11
FR 1237 1838 1838 0138 0138 0715 1345 SA 0715 SA 1345 1942 1942 0230 0230 0815 1445 SU 0815 SU 1445 2036 2036 0317 0317 0906 0906 1538 MO 1538 MO 2123 2123 0400 0400 0952 0952 1628 TU 1628 TU 2206 2206
33
44 55 66
Time 0521 0521 1139 1750 FR 1139 FR 1750
16 16
m m 0.80 0.80 1.18 1.18 0.55 0.55
Time Time 0109 0109 0559 1238 SU0559 1828 SU 1238 1828 0101 0101 0654 1335 MO0654 MO 1335 1919 1919 0146 0146 0740 1426 TU0740 TU 1426 2004 2004 0227 0227 0822 1511 WE0822 WE 1511 2045 2045 0303 0303 0901 0901 1550 TH1550 TH 2121 2121 0337 0337 0939 0939 1627 FR 1627 FR 2157 2157
11
0045 1.32 17 0045 0638 1.32 0.72 22 17 1246 0.72 1.24 SA 0638 SA 1246 1857 1857 0132 0132 0730 1343 SU 0730 SU 1343 1945 1945 0215 0215 0810 1431 MO 0810 MO 1431 2025 2025 0253 0253 0846 0846 1516 TU 1516 TU 2103 2103 0330 0330 0922 0922 1559 WE 1559 WE 2141 2141
18 18
19 19 20 20
21 21
1.24 0.53 0.53 1.39 1.39 0.62 0.62 1.34 1.34 0.50 0.50 1.45 1.45 0.52 0.52 1.44 1.44 0.47 0.47 1.50 1.50 0.42 0.42 1.53 1.53 0.46 0.46 1.54 1.54 0.33 0.33 1.59 1.59 0.46 0.46
33
44 55
66
Local Time APRIL APRIL Time m
m 1.47 1.47 0.49 0.49 1.50 1.50 0.49 0.49 1.52 1.52 0.39 0.39 1.59 1.59 0.48 0.48 1.55 1.55 0.31 0.31 1.66 1.66 0.48 0.48 1.56 1.56 0.26 0.26 1.68 1.68 0.49 0.49 1.55 1.55 0.25 0.25 1.67 1.67 0.52 0.52 1.52 1.52 0.26 0.26 1.64 1.64 0.55 0.55
m Time m 0540 0.59 0540 1219 0.59 1.42 1807 1.42 0.66 MO1219 MO 1807 0.66
16 16
0030 1.43 17 0030 0624 1.43 0.47 17TU0624 1311 0.47 1.54
TU 1311 1854 1.54 0.63 1854 0.63 0115 1.48 0115 0705 1.48 0.37 1358 0.37 1.65 WE0705 WE 1358 1937 1.65 0.60 1937 0.60 0157 1.52 0157 0746 1.52 0.29 1443 0.29 1.72 TH0746 TH 1443 2019 1.72 0.58 2019 0.58 0238 1.54 0238 0829 1.54 0.23 0829 1526 0.23 1.75 FR1526 1.75 FR 2100 0.58 2100 0.58 0317 1.54 0317 1.54 0912 0.21 0912 0.21 1609 1.74 SA 1609 SA 2143 1.74 0.58 2143 0.58
18 18
19 19
20 20 21 21
0437 7 0437 1033 7 1033 WE 1714
0411 1.48 1.48 0359 1.53 1.53 0407 1.55 1.55 70411 220359 22 0407 1015 0.29 0.29 22 0956 0.22 0.22 0959 0.27 0.27 7 22 1015 0959 0956 SA 1701 1.59 SU 1653 1.70 TH 1640 1.63
0513 8 0513 1113 1113 TH 1756
1.56 1.56 0.22 0.22 1.56 1756 1.56 TH 2322 0.47 0.47 2322
0443 1.54 1.54 0445 1.44 1.44 0441 1.50 1.50 23 0443 80445 230441 1037 0.22 0.22 1049 0.33 0.33 23 1040 0.26 0.26 8 1037 1049 1040 FR 1721 1.63 SU 1736 1.53 MO 1739 1.63
0546 9 0546 1149 1149 FR 1837
0519 1.52 1.52 0521 1.38 1.38 0528 1.45 1.45 24 0519 90521 240528 1116 0.21 0.21 1124 0.38 0.38 24 1126 0.33 0.33 9 1116 1124 1126 SA 1804 1.60 MO 1814 1.46 TU 1830 1.56
0104 0036 0606 0104 0.60 0.60 0036 0006 0.41 0.41 0606 1.53 1.53 10 0735 0655 1159 100006 25 10 0735 1.39 1.39 25 0658 0658 0655 1.56 1.56 25 1159 0.36 0.36 10 1340 0.34 1257 1248 0.33 1831 1.39
0620 10 0620 1225 1225 1917
0600 1.32 1.32 0623 1.40 1.40 0558 1.49 1.49 100600 250623 25 0558 1200 0.45 0.45 25 1215 0.42 0.42 1157 0.22 0.22 10 1200 1215 1157 1857 1.40 1930 1.49 1851 1.55
0121 0050 0.52 0.52 0147 0.68 0.68 0121 0005 0.50 0.50 11 110050 260005 11 0147 0816 0737 0642 0737 1.48 1.48 26 0816 1.31 1.31 26 0744 0744 0642 1.49 1.49 11 1423 0.38 1344 1333 0.35 1236 0.32
0036 11 0036 0656 0656
0026 0.73 0.73 0051 0.67 0.67 0022 0.59 0.59 110026 260051 26 0022 0645 1.26 1.26 26 0732 1.35 1.35 0640 1.44 1.44 11 0645 0732 0640
0134 0.62 0.62 0049 0.58 0.58 0237 0.76 0.76 0213 0213 12 0237 120134 270049 12 0820 1.39 1.39 27 0722 1.44 1.44 12 0904 1.24 1.24 27 0841 0841 0820 0904 0722 1420 0.37 1317 0.30 1515 0.43 1441
0115 12 0115 0734 0734
0112 0.77 0.77 0200 0.67 0.67 0107 0.65 0.65 27 0107 120112 270200 0730 0741 0857 0741 1.22 1.22 27 0857 1.34 1.34 0730 1.39 1.39 12
0224 0.72 0.72 0337 0.82 0.82 0318 0138 0.66 0.66 0318 13 0337 130224 280138 13 0907 1.32 1.32 28 1001 1.19 1.19 28 0953 0953 0809 1.39 1.39 13 1001 0907 0809 1513 0.40 1618 0.45 1553 1406 0.28
0159 13 0159 0819 0819 1422
0208 0319 0208 0.79 0.79 0319 0.63 0.63 0159 0.70 0.70 28 0159 13 28 0849 1015 0830 0849 1.19 1.19 28 1015 1.38 1.38 0830 1.33 1.33 13 1423 0.65 1543 0.67 1423 0.39
0452 0.84 0.84 0322 0.80 0.80 0234 0.74 0.74 14 0452 140322 290234 1107 1.17 1.17 0959 1.26 1.26 29 0904 1.34 1.34 14 14 0959 1107 0904 WE 1730 0.45 SU 1611 0.41 MO 1504 0.27
WE 1730 0.45
0250 14 0250 0915 0915 WE 1516
0319 0433 0319 0.77 0.77 0433 0.55 0.55 0304 0.72 0.72 29 0304 1007 1125 0950 14 29 1007 1.22 1.22 29 1125 1.46 1.46 0950 1.30 1.30 14 SA 1537 0.69 SU 1701 0.69 TH 1536 0.46
0042 1.32 1.32 0432 0.84 0.84 0343 0.80 0.80 15 0042 150432 300343 0611 0.81 0.81 1055 1.22 1.22 30 1012 1.31 1.31 15 15 0611 1055 1012 TH 1212 1.19 MO 1714 0.41 TU 1615 0.27
0357 15 0357 1025 1025 1627 TH
0440 0535 0440 0.69 0.69 0428 0.69 0.69 0535 0.46 0.46 30 0428 1116 1118 1228 15 30 1118 1.30 1.30 30 1116 1.32 1.32 15 1228 1.56 1.56 1703 0.50 1702 0.69 1806 0.68 FR SU MO
1646 1.51 SU2236 2236 0.22 0.22
1626 1.40 MO2214 2214 0.34 0.34
1820 1.49 WE 2345 2345 0.42 0.42
1734 TH 2314 2314
0459 0542 0531 1.69 1.69 0459 1.59 1.59 0622 1.54 1.54 0542 880531 88 0622 1115 1051 1222 23 1115 0.35 0.35 23 1051 0.44 0.44 1222 0.26 0.26 23 1138 1138 MO 1740 1.48 TU 1705 1.40 TH 1911 1.43 FR 1817 MO 1740 1.48 2322 2322 0.31 0.31
TU 1705 1.40 2247 2247 0.38 0.38
TH 1911 1.43
FR 1817 2354 2354
0532 0618 0532 1.57 1.57 0025 0.51 0.51 0618 0614 1.63 1.63 99 0025 990614 1124 1202 0659 24 1124 0.40 0.40 0659 1.47 1.47 24 1216 1216 1202 0.33 0.33 24 TU 1837 1.43 WE 1746 1.40 FR 1300 0.29 SA 1905 TU 1837 1.43
WE 1746 1.40 2325 2325 0.43 0.43
WE WE 1248 0.33 TH TH 1831 1.39 1938 1938 1.38 1.38
TH TH 1333 0.35 FR FR 1236 0.32 2039 1923 2039 1.34 1.34 1923 1.38 1.38
FR1420 0.37 SA1317 0.30 FR SA 2138 1.32 1.32 2022 1.37 1.37 2138 2022
SA1513 0.40 SU SU1406 0.28 SA 2237 1.31 1.31 2130 1.37 1.37 2237 2130
SU 1611 0.41 MO 1504 0.27 2336 1.34 1.34 2244 1.39 1.39 2336 2244
MO 1714 0.41
TU 1615 2357 2357 0502 0502 1130 1130 1735 WE 1735 WE
31 31
0.27 1.44 1.44 0.79 0.79 1.32 1.32 0.24 0.24
FR 1300 0.29 2000 2000 1.38 1.38
SA SA 1340 0.34 2052 2052 1.32 1.32
SU SU 1423 0.38 2146 2146 1.29 1.29
MO 1515 0.43 MO 2245 1.27 1.27 2245
TU 1618 0.45 TU 2345 1.28 1.28 2345
TH 1212 1.19 1834 0.43 0.43 1834
1.49 1.49 0.24 0.24 1.47 SA 1905 1.47
0.57 1.44 SU SU 1257 0.24 2000 2000 1.43
0.65 1.39 MO MO 1344 0.26 2104 2104 1.39 0.72 1.33 TU 1441 0.29 TU 2217 1.37 2217
0.76 1.30 WE 1553 0.33 WE 2331 1.39 2331
1.60 1.60 0.23 0.23 1.60 1714 1.60 WE 2245 0.41 2245 0.41
1.51 1.51 0.25 0.25 1.50 1837 1.50 FR 2359 0.53 0.53 2359 1.45 1.45 0.29 0.29 1.44 SA 1917 1.44
0.59 0.59 1.38 1.38 1300 0.34 0.34 SU 1300 2000 1.37 1.37 2000
0.66 0.66 1.31 1.31 1339 0.40 0.40 MO 1339 2048 2048 1.32 1.32 0.73 0.73 1.24 1.24 0.46 TU 1422 0.46 2144 2144 1.27 1.27
0.79 0.79 1.19 1.19 0.51 WE 1516 0.51 2245 2245 1.26 1.26 0.82 0.82 1.16 1.16 0.55 TH 1627 0.55 2348 2348 1.28 1.28
1.63 TH 1640 2220 0.47 0.47 2220
FR 1721 1.63 2300 0.50 0.50 2300
SA 1804 1.60 2341 0.54 0.54 2341
SU 1851 1.55 SU
1240 0.25 0.25 MO 1240 MO 1943 1.49 1.49 1943
1327 0.31 0.31 TU TU 1327 2045 2045 1.43 1.43
WE WE 1423 0.39 2155 2155 1.39 1.39
TH 1536 0.46 2305 2305 1.38 1.38
FR 1703 0.50
1.59 SU 1653 1.70 SA 1701 2232 0.58 0.58 2226 0.60 0.60 2226 2232
SU 1736 1.53 MO 1739 1.63 2309 0.63 0.63 2310 0.62 0.62 2309 2310
MO 1814 1.46 2346 0.68 0.68 2346
TU1857 1.40 TU
1238 0.51 0.51 WE1238 WE 1947 1.34 1.34 1947
1325 0.59 0.59 TH TH1325 2045 2045 1.31 1.31
FR FR 1423 0.65 2148 2148 1.30 1.30
SA 1537 0.69 2248 2248 1.33 1.33
SU 1702 0.69 2343 2343 1.37 1.37
TU 1830 1.56 2358 0.65 0.65 2358
WE1930 1.49 WE
1312 0.52 0.52 TH1312 TH 2033 1.44 1.44 2033
1421 0.61 0.61 FR FR1421 2137 2137 1.42 1.42
SA SA 1543 0.67 2239 2239 1.43 1.43
SU 1701 0.69 2335 2335 1.45 1.45
MO 1806 0.68
0011 1.42 1.42 31 0011 0551 0551 0.61 0.61 1231 1.40 SA 1231 1.40 SA 1823 1823 0.50 0.50
CopyrightCommonwealth Commonwealth of of Australia Australia 2016, 2016, Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology Copyright Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Timesare areininlocal localstandard standardtime time (UTC (UTC +10:00) +10:00) or or daylight daylight savings savings time Times time (UTC (UTC +11:00) +11:00) when whenin ineffect effect New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon New Moon First Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon
Last LastQuarter Quarter
Tide predictions for Port Phillip Heads have been formatted by the National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Copyright reserved. All material is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct. It is supplied on the condition that no warranty is given in relation thereto, that no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions is, or will be, accepted and that the recipient will hold MHL and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Australia free from all such responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Predictions should not be used for navigational purposes. Use of these tide predictions will be deemed to include acceptance of the above conditions. 98
MARCH 2018
CHASE THE BIG REDS THIS SUMMER, WITH WHITTLEY’S CW SNAPPER TIME SALE!
Save
CW 2150 Features: • Yamaha F 150 4 Stroke • Mackay Dual Axle Trailer • Hydraulic Steering
• Front & Side Clears • Garmin 7” Striker GPS/FF • Bait Board & Dual Batteries • Salt Water Deck Wash
$10,000
Usually $79,990
Package Deal $69,990
New Release
CW 1950
CW 1650
Features: • Yamaha F 115 4 Stroke • Mackay Dual Axle Trailer • Walk Thru Rear Door • Folding OB Well Door
• Walk Thru Front Cabin • Garmin 7” Striker GPS/FF • Largest In Class Fishing Cockpit • Unique Moulded Boarding Platforms
Save
$5,000
Usually $59,990
Package Deal $54,990 Log onto our Website to Build a Boat
Features: • Yamaha F 70 4 Stroke • Mackay Single Axle Trailer • Premium Rubber Flooring • Sports Boarding Platforms
• Sports Bimini With F&S Clears • Garmin 4” Striker GPS/FF • Safety Gear & Registrations
Save
Usually $39,990
Package Deal $37,990
$2,000
Victoria’s #1 Selling Glass Brand
03 8339 1800 – WWW.WHITTLEY.COM.AU CALL TODAY WHITTLEY CW SERIES WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE