Victoria and Tasmania Fishing Monthly March 2019 by Fishing Monthly

MARCH INTO AUTUMN • START YOUR PERCH SEARCH

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Tried & Tested Stessco Bowrider 520 with Yamaha F90hp • Kayaking in the wind • Bar crossing for beginners • Yamashita Eginno Pyonpyon squid jig •

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Venus Bay estuarine assault • Port Welshpool delights • Live baiting tips •

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March 2019, Vol. 14 No. 5

Contents WEST COAST West Coast

Warrnambool 18 Cobden 19 Apollo Bay

CENTRAL Geelong 20 Port Phillip West

Port Phillip North East

Port Phillip East

Mornington Peninsula

Port Phillip Bay Offshore

Western Port North

Western Port South

Phillip Island

EAST COAST Lakes Entrance

Marlo 40 Gippsland Lakes

Corner Inlet

Bemm River

NSW SOUTH COAST Bermagui 46 Mallacoota/Eden 46 Narooma 44 Merimbula 45

VICTORIAN FRESHWATER Robinvale 61 Snowy Mountains

Wagga Wagga

From the Editor’s Desk... It’s become a habit over the last couple of years to head to Japan to see the latest and greatest tackle. Last year it was the Yokohama Fishing Show and this year it was Osaka. These are the two main shows in Japan and they’re held a couple of weeks apart, right in the middle of winter (the Australian summer, and yes, it was a welcome escape from the heat). Japanese companies use the shows to launch new product and to engage with the tens of thousands of fishing fans that come out to see the gear and meet their favourite fishing personalities. And Japan has plenty of both – gear and fishing personas. It’s not uncommon for hundreds of people to attend a stand-side presentation with a TV guy or girl or a winning tournament angler to hear them speak. It comes complete with security guards and ropes to hold the crowd in and to keep the aisles clear.

Image courtesy of Yokohamajapan.com

And then there are the giveaways. There’ll be a hundred people who want a chance to win a lure, and each of them challenges the host to rock-paperscissors – simultaneously! And the cool thing about it is that nobody cheats (I’d often remark that in Australia, there would still be 90 contestants after 10 attempts). Closer to home, developments in the 2019 AFTA Trade Show on the Gold Coast may mean that YOUR opportunity to see the latest gear and to meet your fishing stars may be closer than

you think. Traditionally a tradeonly event, the 2019 AFTA Trade Show is set to be opened to the public for a look-and-see only event on Saturday 17 August this year. It seems like a long way away, but you all probably know by now that life is like a roll of toiler paper – the closer to the end you get the quicker it goes. So it will be here before you know it. The Gold Coast may seem a long way to go to see some fishing tackle (and to not buy any!), but I’m sure that there will be thousands of fishing fans

who will take the opportunity to travel to this great destination. After all, there’s plenty of accommodation at the right price and there’s not much better weather anywhere than the Gold Coast in winter. The family can go to the theme parks and you can give a rocksolid guarantee that you won’t buy a thing! Actually, that’s not quite correct – there will be limited stickers, caps and catalogues available, but nothing to catch a fish on. I’m old enough to remember the last time the industry opened its doors to the public; it was at a Sydney show and it was well regarded for years afterwards. One thing is for sure, you can bet that any fishing media, pro-staffer, social media legend and content creator will be there – either working the booths or visiting them – so here’s your 6-month heads-up… it’s time to plan a family holiday to the Coast!

Albury/Wodonga 62 Yarrawonga 62 Mildura 61 Horsham 70 Wangaratta 63 Shepparton 64 Ngambie 64 Bendigo 68

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TASMANIA WRAP

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A Daniel Griffin image.

MARCH 2019

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Daniel Griffin took this chunky EP from his Hobie at Venus Bay, on a bent minnow style lure, no less!

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Estuary perch madness at Venus Bay

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GIPPSLAND

EPs ignite at Venus Bay VENUS BAY

Jamie Smith

Although I like targeting many species, estuary perch are particularly close to my heart, and I have spent many hours on the water in search of them. We are very lucky in Victoria to have so many waterways that hold estuary perch.

excellent beach fishing options to bread and butter fishing in the inlet and river. ACCESS Venus Bay has one boat ramp that can be accessed from Fishermans Road, and it offers easy access to launch your boat or kayak. Boat launching is affected by tide. The area around the ramp is quite shallow, and although there are

River along the road leading into Venus Bay. These are all well maintained by the council and Fisheries, and offer great access to the waterway. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Getting started can be quite tricky, mainly because everything looks the same, especially at high tide. However, there are a few keys that can help you find likely spots for fish to congregate. First of all, look for ambush points. Due to the tidal nature of Anderson Inlet, getting out at low tide can really give you a feel for where the fish may be at the top of the tide, and also where they may head to when the tide is low. Look

Mouths of creeks are good locations to try for perch, especially at the start of an outgoing tide. in numbers in areas like this. Current lines and areas where two channels converge are some of my favourite areas to look for. Current influences where the food is, and areas of deep water with flats all around will encourage the perch to school and wait for the food to come to them, especially as the tide drops. A recent trip with Peter Jung from Fishing Monthly and Andrew Stephen from

There are a number of fishing platforms in the area. This one is just down from the boat ramp. Every waterway that enters the ocean from East Gippsland around to the South Australian border holds populations of them, but my favourite is Venus Bay. Venus Bay is a small coastal town situated in the South Gippsland Shire approximately two hours from Melbourne. It is located on Andersons Inlet, which provides an accessible boat ramp and fishing jetty. Even though it’s not an official fishing town, there are plenty of hotspots in the area for all types of fishing, from

navigation markers in place I would advise that larger boats should be launched at mid to high tide to avoid any dramas. Small craft and kayaks shouldn’t have any problems; just take care at low tide, take your time and you will get to where you want to go. Shore-based anglers are also catered for. There is a fishing platform just down from the boat ramp, and a planned upgrade for the boat ramp also includes options for landbased fishos. There are also a number of platforms sprinkled along the Tarwin

Mia Stephen showed dad Andrew how to catch them. EPs on plastics is a great way to get kids into fishing. for structure hanging over the water’s edge, creating a little bit of shade or full shade over the water below. If this coincides with the edge of the mangrove line, even better. EPs will school

Venus Bay EPs can be caught all year round. Brendan Smith got this fish in the depths of winter.

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MARCH 2019

Melbourne Marine Centre really showed the worth of current lines. Launching at the bottom of the tide, all of my usual hotspots were high and dry, but we found a current line pushing onto a flat. This produced some of our best fish for the trip until water eventually spread over the flat and the fish went with it. Another sign to look for is timber that has fallen into the waterway. EPs love a bit

• Excellent for sight fishing • Everday activities • Most versatile • Cloudy days

Fishing Monthly’s Peter Jung joined the author at Venus Bay and caught his first ever estuary perch.

of structure to hold under, and baitfish love hiding in it. Mouths of creeks are also well worth spending some time fishing. ELECTRONICS A sounder is pretty much an essential item on a boat these days, and it certainly helps to have one when you are looking for estuary perch. You are generally looking for shows of baitfish, rather than the EPs themselves. Where there are baitfish, the EPs won’t be too far away. An electric motor is also a handy thing to have on your boat. To have the stealth to hold in a likely area is a great advantage to

GIPPSLAND have. It is an even bigger advantage if you find fish, because generally if you find one EP there will be plenty more. OUTFIT When it comes to choosing what size rod and reel to use, that really

fish’s mouth. It’s always best to have a reel that is balanced to the rod, as you will be doing a lot of casting. Reels in the 2000 or 2500 size are what I like to use. They have good line capacity and offer a little bit better casting

caught of most types of lures. EPs can be targeted with surface lures, diving hardbodied lures and soft plastics with equal effect, however my personal favourite is soft plastics. I tend to start fishing with a plastic and then play with the other options if the plastics aren’t working. I find that plastics are in the strike zone for longer than the other two lure types. There have been plenty of times when a fish has picked my plastic up before I even put my bail arm back over. Soft plastics There’s a multitude of soft plastics on the market that will catch estuary

perch. I prefer plastics that are 2.5-3” long on a 1/8-1/12oz jighead, depending on the water depth and current. When I go fishing I tend to have three rods set up with three different profiles, generally a 2.5-3” paddle tail, 2-2.5” curl tail and a prawn imitation plastic. I am a fan of natural coloured plastics or matching the hatch with the local baits. The best colours for me in Venus Bay have been bloodworm, motor oil and avocado olive. However, I believe the profile of the plastic is the key, so don’t be afraid to use something a bit out there if you are

Checking out areas at low tide will give you an understanding of what lies below the water line at high tide. depends on what lure you’re going to be casting at the EPs. I love fishing soft plastics, so I like to use a rod that is quite tippy. Around 1-3kg or 2-4kg will be well suited, and that’s so I can feel my lure when casting but most of all feeling that soft plastic get sucked right into the

distance than a smaller reel. Heavy line and leaders are not required with estuary perch. A quality 4-6lb braid with a 6-8lb fluorocarbon leader will do the job on most occasions. LURES Estuary perch are one of my favourite fish to catch because they can be

Wes Miller holding up a couple of typical Venus Bay estuary perch.

Flathead are a tasty by-catch when fishing for estuary perch.

having no success on the natural colours. Hardbodies Hardbody lures can be very effective at times, particularly small baitfish imitations. There is no better feeling than having your slow rolled lure intercepted halfway back to the boat, so

I always have a few handy. Fishing with hardbodies in Venus Bay can be quite difficult at times though, because certain tides will bring on a lot of that slimy weed we all hate. This tends to foul your lure if it hits the bottom too much, which can be very To page 10

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18/06/2018 12:04:01 PM

Go Behind the Scenery

Tasmania

Fish deeper to find the keepers TASMANIA

Kelly Hunt

Can you believe we’re in the third month of the year already? And what a year it has been so far. The fishing has been full throttle since 1 January and has seemed turbo charged since then. The weather has been fantastic, perhaps a little too warm, and the wind and sea conditions have been for the most part very good. The severe fire conditions that saw a great number of fishing areas threatened in February look to have subsided. Early to mid-February created some issues with road access

upsized salmon, but they are really making Tasmania home of late and you can expect to catch them well into March. The hotspots have been Coles Bay in and around the moorings and across to Honeymoon Bay. The rocky shore and points all the way down to the passage are also worth a try. Down south they have turned up around Eaglehawk Neck, the bays in and around Port Arthur and the Derwent River. The Derwent River has been giving up quite a few kings this year. Boat anglers have been doing well, but so have the shore-based fishos from all reports. The area in and around Bellerive Bluff is

riggers is a proven way to catch big yellowtail kingfish on the mainland, so maybe it’s time we gear up for that in March. YELLOWFIN FEVER March is the time of year serious offshore gamefishers get really excited and the mighty yellowfin tuna is on everyone’s minds. It’s a much sought after fish and a prize trophy. There were years where they were quite abundant and places like the back of Merricks Reef off St Helens and the waters just off Schouten Passage were known to hold them. This just hasn’t happened for a few years and I am willing it to happen this year.

March is the best month to target kingies in Tasmania. They are around in big numbers and sizes. to some of the highland lakes due to the danger of wild fire. This also impacted the southern boat ramps in and around Geeveston and Southport. Thankfully all this seems to be behind us and these areas are available for us to enjoy again. So, let’s have a look at what we can get up to this March in and around this great island state. KINGS EVERYWHERE Yellowtail kingfish have been the fish of 2019 and there were plenty found in February. Kingies are still about and the anglers who found them early will be honing their skills to perfection by now. It pays to do so because this species of fish feeds hard when hungry, but they can also frustrate anglers when sighted and not take a lure or bait. The shore-based anglers must look for some points or areas that promise some reef and broken ground. Look for some water movement and be prepared to up your retrieve to incite a bite. There are more kings being caught this season, and of a bigger size. Traditionally they have always been found travelling with the schools of 50

MARCH 2019

always a popular sport to try a good long cast with a speedy retrieve. Boat anglers have been trolling small skirted lures like Zacatak 9mm and longer minnows. Soft plastics are also proving to be a winner with erratically worked Gulp Jerk Shads taking their fair share. Locating a pocket of kings is best done with lures and soft plastics. Hardbody diving lures that will take a bit of pace as you wind them in swiftly are your best bet. Soft plastics that are elongated will work well. The numbers of fish reported in early February and the varied and different locations they were caught suggest a session in the boat would be a great deal of fun. Lures that you would use for salmon are fine and so are the rods and reels. Be warned though, an upsized specimen of 5-8kg will take you to task quickly on such gear but will be a lot of fun. If you are trying to target the bigger fish that have been about this year, I’d opt for a deeper diving lure with a badly wounded fish action. Slow trolling squid tentacles and small live baits on down

The water off Bicheno and the Passage looked fabulous late February and was a good temperature for holding cruising yellowfin tuna and marlin. Pound for pound, these babies are the fastest and the most agile of all the tuna we face here in Tasmania. To land a good-sized yellow is an angling feat that not many can lay claim to.

Yellowfin are a true athlete of the ocean and are also fantastic eating when looked after. After a big battle tuna species can suffer what is known as ‘burnt tuna syndrome’. This is where the fish has over heated in the battle and continues to do so while on the deck after capture. This can leave the flesh tasting muddy and not very appealing. If you go to the trouble of catching it, a little more trouble won’t hurt to make sure you have some ice. Don’t be one of those people who complain about the bad taste after leaving the guts in the fish all day on the deck of your boat. Yellowfin love a temperature break and current line. If you find some water that is dramatically hotter (by 2-4°C) than previous areas, work up and down that area until you can get a sense of where that temperature break is and where it runs. You can use the sounder to plot marks and instead of naming them just log the temperature readings. You will soon get a picture of what might be going on around you. While traveling and plotting, keep an eye open for bait schools as well. If you start to have a temperature break and some bait, you have found an area that is worth working over. Come over the ground from all angles, working the bait from the warmer water to the colder and vice versa. Yellowfin are also a species of fish that don’t mind traversing the shallow ground to get to where they want to go. Many spots along the east coast of Tasmania have held and had yellowfin feed in water as shallow as 50m. Don’t get hung up on any special lure needed to target yellowfin in Tasmania. If you have a good spread of lures that mimic the Tasmanian pelagic bait you are on the money. A couple of brown and light orange skirts will keep you in good stead as they will replicate the squid we start to see offshore and around in March.

A patch of weed was hiding this beautiful pair of kingfish. As I have mentioned, it has been a while since we have seen a good run of yellowfin in Tasmanian shores. When we do see them they are normally good-sized fish of 50kg or better. With the water temperature and quality we had out wide in February, I believe we have a chance of seeing some this month. I would like to see the broadbill crews get a good old fashioned NSW cube trail going while they are dropping for swords. Although, the way the mako sharks have been fishing you would have three sharks at your boat in no time. Not ideal when you are trying to catch a broadbill. It wouldn’t be nice to hook a sword and get it boatside only to have it munched by a mako full of the cubes destined for a yellowfin tuna. Don’t let me down, get out and pull a solid spread of lures. Get some 10” lures out, creating a good fuss on the surface and cover yourself in glory. Destinations like Bicheno and Triabunna are prime yellowfin haunts. They are also great places

The waters around Eaglehawk Neck are a great place to target. This awesome rays bream came on board during a recent trip out.

to take the family while you are out draggin’ lures for hours offshore. BLUE SPOT FLATHEAD Tasmania is lucky to have a number of flathead species in our waters. The bigger sand and tiger flathead are the ones I like to target to eat. There is also the big blue spot flathead that are becoming more and more popular to target. These fish are often very big and seen as a bit of a trophy. They are great fun to catch on big soft plastics with an active tail. A trick is to use a heavy jighead to make sure you are working the seafloor hard and get an occasional puff of sand as you retrieve. The retrieve is also very important and most success is had with a slow to very slow retrieve. If you have a stretch of water you suspect they might be living in a good trick is to check that area out at low tide. Low tide will allow you to see all the area that the big flathead may lay looking to ambush its prey. Working this out and having a soft plastic come past a big flathead’s nose will have you hooked up in no time. Marcus Popowski is a super keen fishermen who prides himself on thinking outside the box to catch fish. He is a great family man and raises his kids to love the outdoors and fishing as much as he does, but also to fish responsively and for the future. With the southern blue spot flathead currently receiving increased recreational fishing efforts across the North West coast of Tasmania, Marcus was very keen to assist by being a fisheries ambassador for this species. Very little research had been completed on the southern blue spot flathead and no foreseeable changes could take place unless some research was completed. It is incredibly important for the big estuary flathead to have some size and possession limits applied to them for sustainability. This

Go Behind the Scenery would bring us into line with other mainland states and their current regulations on larger species of flathead. This led to Marcus getting involved in providing samples from July 2012 to September 2014 so that they could determine an idea of the southern blue spot flathead’s population, including growth, size at maturity modelling and age structure. The majority of these fish found in our estuaries are females and they are in these estuaries in good numbers over the summer months to spawn. It would have been about six years ago that Marcus

released his first large southern blue spot flathead. The release of this fish had the biggest influence on his fishing hobby to date. He has been fishing from the day he could walk, and so a flathead was just a flathead to him. There was no education on the five species you can catch here in Tasmania – southern sand, tiger, rock, dusky and the southern blue spot. A flathead was just a flathead. Since then, releasing a large wild brown trout, or flathead to the ever common Australian salmon is just second nature for Marcus and he actually enjoys releasing a

Tasmania

fish more than keeping them. This often causes questions from nearby fishers, but it is a great way of educating fellow fishers on catch and release and discussions on spawning fish, whether they ever take it on board is for them to determine. With modern technology and social media the ease of capturing a quick photo of your fish and releasing it is one of the best ways to preserve your fishing memories without having to take back a stiff, bent, discoloured trophy to show family and friends. But Marcus still keeps fish for a feed and gets much Tasmanian waters are home to some of the most interesting fish, including this recent capture. You never know what you’re going to catch next out near the shelf.

A mixed bag that included a blue eye trevalla and an imperador from a recent trip, where every cast seemed to produce a catch.

enjoyment from cooking up some fresh Tasmanian species for the family to enjoy. The southern blue spot flathead is a softer meat than the popular common sand flathead, hence harder to skin and debone. ‘A flathead is just a flathead’ mentality is an area where species recognition is going to be a huge education process with the Tasmanian recreational fishers. It was good to see Fisheries Tasmania recently releasing posters with the five species of flathead in Tasmania. Without education on species recognition then bag and size

limits (if introduced) will be harder to comply with for the everyday fishers. The banning of netting in Duck Bay and other surrounding inlets and rivers has seen an increase in fish numbers and a definite size increase. The increased popularity of soft plastic fishing has probably seen this take over as the preferred method of catching the southern blue spot flathead in shallow estuaries instead of bait and spear methods. Unfortunately, these methods do not lend themselves to catch and

release. With bait fishing these large flathead often are gut or gill hooked and retrieving hooks is nearly impossible without damaging the fish. Spear fishing is a popular method but a high percentage of these large flathead are often found in a foot of water or less at night. They are such a strong fish that they end up ripping free from the spear and swimming off with significant head and gill injuries, with a slow death nearly inevitable. Nutting out the methods and what works best for catching these large flathead To page 52

MARCH 2019

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ATOMIC HARDZ SLAPPA

PowerVision is launching the world’s first multi-functional water drone. Equipped with a 220° dual-joint rotation camera, the PowerDolphin can capture 4K UltraHigh-Definition footage. The camera can rotate 70° above water and 150° below the water, sending real-time 1080 pixel footage wirelessly to your phone through the Vision+ app, with a maximum transmission distance of 1000m. The drone includes adjustable front lights to capture stunning illuminated photography in various water conditions. The integrated PowerSeeker detects fish within a range of 40m and travels by waypoint to the perfect fishing spot, utilising the built-in sonar GPS to plot the ocean floor. It will tow hooks, lure fish, release bait and capture fish at a distance of up to 1000m. Once the fish takes the bait, the PowerDolphin will automatically drag itself back to the controller. The PowerDolphin can travel at a speed of 5m per second. A helpful technology for Australia’s lifesavers, PowerDolphin’s robust design and 3 speed gears enables it to tow and remotely release lifejackets, lifebuoys and other rescue equipment. Price: SRP $1299 www.powervision.me

The Atomic Hardz is one of the most popular lure brands in Australia, and the new Slappa has just arrived and has quickly proven itself on Murray cod up to 70cm and larger bass. The Atomic Slappa is a classic surface crawler designed to make maximum disturbance on the water. It is 90mm long and has large aluminium wings that fold against the body, enabling anglers to deliver a long accurate cast time and time again. The wide body displaces water and provides the point upon which it waddles across the surface. The small cupped face also spits water as it moves across the surface. Cast them for bass and cod, wind slowly and hold on! The Slappa is available in 14 colours, including both natural and brightly visible patterns, and also some glow colours for anglers casting at night. For more information on this and other new releases, visit the Atomic website or check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/ atomiclures. www.atomiclures.com.au

DAIWA FUEGO NATIVE CUSTOM

MAXIMA CLEAR

Bold in looks and impressive in design, the Fuego Native Custom is a baitcaster that definitely stands out from the crowd. The Fuego’s striking low profile aluminium frame sits effortlessly in the hand and combines with its advanced technologies and designs to ultimately impress in style and engage in performance. Weighing in at 215g, the Fuego Native Custom is lean and mean where it counts, yet refined and precision designed where it’s needed. It’s a combination that many reels aspire to have but few budget priced reels fully achieve. Featuring many of Daiwa’s best baitcaster design features including Magforce Z, UTD, Swept Handle, and a spec sheet that includes a 6.3:1 and 7.3:1 retrieve ratios, six ball bearings, the Fuego Native Custom is pimped and ready for baitcaster excellence. www.daiwafishing.com.au

NIKWAX SOLARWASH

In just two weeks of summer exposure, synthetic materials can lose up to half their strength, making them much more vulnerable to tearing and puncture. To save your expensive gear, and double its lifespan, simply apply both Nikwax SolarWash and SolarProof. Their combined presence forms a protective coating which helps to maintain the product’s exterior. Both sprays also individually increase UV resistance by 50% and form a waterproof shield against unwanted leakage. With the ability to remove dirt and other barriers that decrease water repellency, SolarWash is the perfect high-performance tool for protecting outdoor equipment. It increases the durable water repellency of a product to the highest testable standard after just one spray and rub-in. Both water-based sprays can be applied to wet or dry equipment that has been cleaned. For the best results, apply Nikwax SolarWash and SolarProof to brand new equipment. All Nikwax products are palm oil free, nonhazardous, water-based, biodegradable and contains zero fluorocarbons. Price: SRP $25.95 (SolarWash), $34.95 (SolarProof) www.nikwax.com

MARCH 2019

PRODUCT GUIDE 1

Maxima, a company that has produced quality monofilament fishing lines for decades, has now upped its game once again, with the introduction of Maxima Clear! The new Maxima Clear fishing line is incredibly strong and easy to handle, yet retains the tough, high-durability finish that maxima has always been known for. It has outstanding knot strength, exceptional abrasion resistance and low memory to improve casting distance. On top of that, its clear finish makes it difficult for fish to detect under water. Maxima Clear meets a wide range of freshwater and saltwater fishing situations, from casting and jigging to trolling and bottom fishing. It is available in Leader Wheels, with poundages between 1-30lb, Guide Spools, with poundages between 6-50lb, and Service Spools, with poundages between 2-130lb. There really is a Clear spool to meet just about any fishing situation. www.jmgillies.com.au

ZEREK GADGET Z TRAYS

Zerek has released an airtight range of storage trays to keep your tackle in the best shape possible. Worm proof and TPE plastic safe, the Gadget Z range from Zerek makes use of a large rubber seal to keep these boxes airtight, and this serves to prevent water from getting in to destroy the lures inside. Made from polypropylene material, the Gadget Z trays comes with removable compartment separators to allow the angler to design their own internal layout how they want, while maintaining the airtight seal to protect expensive lures. Additionally, three extra strong locking clasps are fitted to ensure the tight seal remains locked tight, regardless of how the boxes are stored or transported. Initially two models are available, the large size coming in at 360x230x50mm and the small at a compact 275x185x50mm. www.wilsonfishing.com

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING SHIMANO REVOLUTION SERIES 7

The newly revamped Revolution series brings 20 different rods to choose from in spin, jig, troll and surf, they’ve got you covered, whatever the target species. This is a wide-ranging series, consisting of light, medium and heavy spin, baitcast, jig, bluewater troll rods at value for money prices – in effect, almost every fishing style available in Australia. The new Revolution models have been updated with all-new fittings. Using Fuji O Ring guides, which have increased protection for the insert, Soft Touch reel seats for greater comfort during long fishing sessions, which complement the hard-wearing customshaped EVA fore and butt grips. The twopiece rods also have subtle ferruling system that you’d be hard pressed to pick. Utilising Shimano’s 24-30 Ton Toray graphite, the blanks the new Revolutions are built on combine casting performance – where applicable – with incredible lifting and fish fighting power. www.shimanofish.com.au

ZMAN TRD CRAWZ

Joining the already incredible line-up of various soft baits ZMan offers, the new TRD CrawZ is sure to fill a gap for those chasing crustacean-eating critters in fresh and saltwater. One thing that makes the TRD CrawZ so unbelievably effective is the fact that when it’s rigged on a NedLockZ jighead, it stands on its head, waving its claws like a real yabby defending itself. The buoyancy of the 10X ElaZTech material serves to make this feature even more life-like. The fins on the tail of the yabby resembles a tucked in tail, but also aids in helping this great bait glide naturally to the bottom on a slack line. Additionally, if rigged backwards, it can also glide in under structure! With 8 colours to choose from, this 2.5” bait will be perfect for the likes of bass, bream, yellowbelly and many, many more. www.tackletactics.com.au

SAMAKI WINDCHIME

The new Samaki Windchime shirt is saturated in colour; with a scale base for depth, they’ve added some key species to make your fishing senses come alive. Sailfish, barramundi, jewfish and mangrove jacks feature on the front and back, all erupting out of their hiding places to inhale lures. The lightweight fabric is perfect for all outdoor elements, protecting from the harsh sunrays with UV50+ resistant technology. The soft touch 100% polyester material is comfortable on the body, plus has the added feature of being breathable, keeping the angler cool and dry. Samaki designs are brought to you by Australian anglers who love to design Australian species. Windchime shirts are available in adult, youth and kids sizes from a size 2 through to a 2XL, allowing the whole family to get in on the action and out onto the water. Price: RRP from $49.95 www.samaki.com.au

DUO ROUGH TRAIL HYDRA

WARLOCK COD LOLLY

Long and lean and designed as the ultimate sinking stickbait for large predators, the new Duo Rough Trail Hydra 220 is the lure to pack for your next offshore adventure. Slim-profiled and with a fixed weight in the tail to maximise casting performance and enhance its action, the Hydra 220 features a dynamic skipping action when worked across the surface, while a twitch and jerk retrieve will see it move from side to side to enhance strikes. A hyper realistic garfish imitation when worked across the surface, the Hydra is ultra long (220mm) in length to reduce fishing swallowing and biting off the lure, while its tail-heavy, 58.2g body weight allows for long, tangle free casting on the water. If you’re looking to call up the predators to the surface the new Duo Rough Trail Hydra 220 is the lure to reach for. www.duo-australia.com.au

Just in time for big cod season, the Warlock Cod Lolly is here and ready to make an impact on the Murray cod fishing community. The Warlock Cod Lolly is suitable for the deeper dwelling fish that are a challenge to reach with other lures, and it has the ability to dive quickly to the required depth. This lure will get in the faces of big predators in their hidey-holes and put you I with more chances at landing that dream fish. The Cod Lolly has an incredibly enticing sideways swaying action that is irresistible to most predatory fish, especially big Murray cod in rivers and dams. The Cod Lolly is available in a range of striking colours and is very well built, with quality materials to handle the toughest predatory fish, and will see you through many memorable cod captures. www.jmgillies.com.au

SHIMANO TRANX 200

Shimano’s Tranx baitcaster series has been expanded, with the addition of a 200 size in two retrieve ratio options. Whether you’re chasing barra and threadies upstream or even big Murray cod, GTs and the like out the front, these are perfect for the job. These reals feature the CoreProtect system, which offers superior saltwater resistance through an internal water repellent and water resistant seal system. A large 48mm throw handle with double paddle assists cranking power and complements the 7.2:1 gear ratio (the 200A has a 6.2:1 retrieve speed). Featuring Shimano’s Hagane Body, the Tranx holds 170m+ of 30lb braid, and boasts a 5.5kg Cross Carbon drag. The new SVS Infinity casting controls make these reels a precision caster’s dream by adjusting the external brake adjustment dial. A longer handle and three SA-RB bearings plus one roller bearing provide almost effortless winding. Shimano recommends pairing the Tranx 200 with a JDM Dialuna or revamped Revolution series rod. www.shimanofish.com.au

Please email contributions to: nicole@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2019

WHAT’S NEW FISHING SAMAKI SKITCH X

OKUMA KOMODO 13 SS 273

Samaki Skitch X offers you a new range taking Skitch into the future. With an extended history of Skitch and Skitch Nano, Skitch X has combined all of its predecessors fantastic features and rolled them into the one. The X factor in the Skitch X is obvious in its ultra slick cosmetics with a sleek black blank encased in X weave wrap, a powerful performance feature, ultra hard EVA grips for comfort and support as well as striking blue details and carbon fibre locking rings. The Samaki Skitch X has been created for every angler across the nation, from Barra fishing enthusiasts with a 6’0ft cast and spin model , to the estuary fisherman taking advantage of light and medium spin 7’ models, offering the ever so popular slug spinning 9’ model plus the famous 6’6” and 7’ heave models which are designed to give you the grunt you require when fishing heavier slugs. Price: from SRP $99.95 www.samaki.com.au

ZEREK AFFINITY

The Zerek Affinity is a 220mm long, 3-jointed floating swimbait originally designed for large bass and pike, but built to accommodate the brutal fisheries that are Murray cod and barramundi. Constructed with a tough ABS plastic body that is supported by through wire construction to ensure durability, the Affinity features a unique joint section that creates a smooth sliding action during retrieve. With its large profile, the Affinity is the prefect size for massive predators that are feeding on larger baitfish in the fresh or the salt, and with the addition of the two provided removable weights (10g and 20g), the Affinity can target them at any depth. The removable weight concept keeps the extra weight perfectly hidden, and balances the lure’s action whether you’re using the lure unweighted or with the chin weights. Unweighted, the Affinity weighs in at 96g and comes in 10 very lifelike colours. www.wilsonfishing.com

RAPALA BC400

MARCH 2019

The Okuma Komodo SS Series of baitcast reels has made a name for itself in big fish circles, taking on species such as barramundi, Murray cod, PNG black bass and offshore jigging targets, thanks to its stainless steel main gear, pinion gear, drive and spool shafts, offering the ultimate power, combined with impressive drag outputs. The compact and much anticipated 200 Series models are now available, including the KDS-273 and KDS-273LX (left hand). Both models fit neatly in the palm, boast 9kg of drag, a gear ratio of 7.3:1 and a line capacity of 0.29mm/205m. They boast a heavy-duty build, heavy drag capabilities and plenty of line capacity in a compact size. This feature-packed reel also includes precision Japanese ABEC-5 spool bearings, 6-pin Velocity Control casting system, Spool Access Port, rigid diecast aluminium frame and side plates with CRC: Corrosion Resistant Coating process, A6061-T6 machined aluminium, anodized spool, multi-disc high output Carbonite drag system, dual antireverse for maximum reliability, Zirconium line guide, synchronized level wind optimized for braid, and more. Price: SRP $389.90 www.okuma.com.au

SKY RIGGER

A new drone fishing device invented by NSW anglers Jaiden Maclean and Byron Leal has launched after more than two years’ research and development. The pair created the patented Sky Rigger following the viral success of their Drone Fishing for Tuna video, which achieved hundreds of millions of views across the world. At the time, they used a makeshift device to attach their rig to a drone and deliver the bait from the beach out beyond the breakers, and within 24 hours they landed a 20kg tuna. The success of the video inspired them to develop a new drone accessory to make the sport safe and accessible for everyone. The Sky Rigger, distributed by Sea Ulcer, attaches to DJI Phantom drones. Its unique, foolproof design ensures the safety of the drone while allowing unimpeded use of its camera so anglers can capture unique unseen fishing action. Price: SRP $199 www.seaulcer.com

BLACK MAGIC 15 FLEA

The new Rapala BC400 is the ultimate all-round oversized baitcast reel. Whether you are casting large swimbaits for Murray cod and barramundi, or slow pitch jigging reefs for demersal species, the BC400 is the ultimate crossover reel. It also features six ball bearings and a large over-sized handle, and the 6.3:1 gear ratio allows the angler to wind fast when needed, making this reel a very versatile fish catching weapon. The CNC machined alloy spool has a line capacity of 200m/0.33mm of 50lb braid, and is easily accessible with a quick switch side plate, allowing for quick and easy maintenance on or off the water. Carbon fibre drag washers with a drag output of 10kg/22lb, centrifugal brake system, precision machined brass gear and a one-way clutch system will see you stopping and landing that fish of a lifetime. Check it out at your favourite tackle store. www.rapala.com.au

PRODUCT GUIDE

Like the Maggot lure before it, the wellknown Black Magic Flea has had a refresh with some great looking new skirt colours added to the range Coupled with some of the old favourites, anglers can now select from 10 colour options to suit their preferences. For those who aren’t familiar with the Flea, it’s a 200mm lure ideally suited for tuna, but it’s got a great record with other pelagic species like mahi mahi, sailfish and marlin. The head itself is 30mm in length and is a cup face pusher with a small reverse taper. That gives it a nice wriggly trolling action with a good bubble trail. Black Magic recommends using up to 200lb leader with this lure and a 7/0 game hook. The last point worth noting is that all the heads have good UV content which you’ll see if you place them under a UV light. You’ll notice UV content in some of the skirts and there are glowing lumo versions too – all extra attraction for your target species. www.blackmagictackle.com

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PRODUCT GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW FISHING

Unique Yamashita Eginno Pyonpyon new on the squid scene

TESTED

Anybody who enjoys squid fishing, whether it is an obsession or an occasional flirtation, would or should know the Yamashita brand of squid jigs. Yamashita’s innovation is second to none, and the jigs in their various iterations are available at an affordable price. I have accumulated a significant collection of Yamashita jigs over the years. It has been difficult to walk past them in a tackle store and not at least grab one or two. Eginno Pyonpyon It can be interesting to find out the translations of Japanese product names. In this case, ‘Eginno’ is the combination of egi (squid) with innovation, and Pyonpyon means ‘jump jump’, like the flicking of a prawn. Like all Yamashita jigs, these new jigs have some unique and interesting features to attract cephalopods to them. All of these features are based around mimicking a prawn in the water. The first thing you’ll notice is the folding front flap. It is designed to fold back on the cast to assist with casting distance, and will then fold out during your retrieve to create a unique water resistance. The goal is to create an effect that’s similar to

The author with a handful of South Australian cephalopod. that of a prawn swimming. I assumed that the design would give the jig a bit of a sideto-side action like it does with a lure, but this was not the case. There was no visible action created by the bib, but it does slow the decent of the lure. This is ideal when you’re fishing shallow water for the likes of tiger squid in Queensland, as you can fish far more slowly, keeping the jig in the zone for longer. The next feature that’s a bit different is the addition the leg feathers. Video of the jig underwater show that these feathers need minimal movement of the jig for them to move and sway, similar to that of a prawn swimming. I suspect that for squid, with their high sense of vision, this additional movement would further spark interest in the jig. The Search Rattle in Yamashita jigs is a feature I have always liked, and I am glad it is in the Eginno Pyonpyon. I was lucky enough to speak to one of the members of the Yamashita research and development team a number of years ago about this. He explained to me that they had put a huge amount of hours into creating the correct pitch in the Search Rattle – 600hz to be exact. At 600hz the Search Rattle mimics a feeding sound that hungry squid

The Yamashita Eginno Pyonpyon looks a little different from conventional squid jigs. Different in this case is full of Yamashita innovation. are attracted to. How’s that for attention to detail? My experience with the Yamashita rattling jigs is that you will have occasions where if you are not using a rattling jig, you may as well not be fishing. It really can make all the difference. Last but not least are the 490 Glow Beads. These have been inserted into the body of the jig to create the unique glow a prawn emits in the water. This is not a feature of all the colours in the range, however, as some are UV enhanced instead. From the packet to the water It is one thing to be different, but that difference also needs to work. I was given a couple of jigs in the 3.5, 18g size, and my plan was to use them in the squidrich waters around Port Vincent in South Australia. From a squid fishing perspective, this is a magnificent place as you have plenty of options, whether you’re landbased or fishing from a boat.

Even the smallest squid enveloped the jig. There was no questioning they wanted it! The marina wall was my first port of call, and I realised pretty quickly that I had to fish the Eginno jig a little differently from other jigs. With traditional jigs I generally use quite a strong whipping action, with a short to medium pause in between. I found that although this retrieve did work with the Eginno, the 3.2 second per metre drop rate of the jig meant that my pause needed to be longer. I also found that the Eginno didn’t whip from side to side like a standard jig, but instead hopped up and up, moving out of the strike zone. More subtle hops were better, and I didn’t have to worry about the jig plummeting into the structure below. Looking back at it now, it was a more finesse presentation, which was ideal during the Christmas holiday break. There was certainly plenty of fishing pressure on the local squid, and we had more success than most. This also proved to be the case out of the boat. The slower presentation had the jig in the zone for longer, and the squid couldn’t resist them.

I think part of the reason for our success was the hook-up location of the Eginno jigs. In 10 days of fishing them I had zero just tentacle hook-ups. Even the smallest squid enveloped the jig. The majority of the hook-ups were in the

The author was impressed with the hook-up points when using the Eginno jig. Most squid were hooked in the prime location between the eyes, with no tentacle hook-ups.

The result of a couple of hours testing the Yamashita Eginno Pyonpyon.

sweet spot between the eyes. You get maximum result for effort when you are hooking them there. Final thoughts I didn’t think I needed more squid jigs, but I have now changed my mind. There are enough differences in the Eginno jigs, and situations where they would be the best option, that I’ve decided to get a few more. Bring on the squid season here in Southeast Queensland, because I can’t wait to use the Yamashita Eginno jigs on the tiger squid around the Moreton Bay islands. I think the Eginnos will be perfect for the shallow water presentation required to target these squid. The Eginno jigs are available in two sizes (3.0/15g and 3.5/18g). Both sink at the same rate and are available in eight colours. To find out more about the Yamashita Eginno range, and the other Yamashita jigs available, go to www.ejtodd.com.au or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Yamashita.Australia. - Peter Jung

MARCH 2019

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

Ready to enter the world’s biggest fishing comp? Australians across all states and territories are being encouraged to prepare their fishing gear for the 2019

Pirtek Fishing Challenge. The Challenge is a major fundraising initiative that helps to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and awareness of the disease. More than 17,000 men are

major fundraising partner for the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit. The challenge is an online

national fishing competition open to all ages and experience levels. All competitors receive a limited-edition cap, brag mat and sticker, along with a redemption voucher for a bottle of Pirtek Protect, which is lanolin grease that has been

on the brag mat with their angler number and upload the photo to the website for judging.

Snap-On Tools 100-piece tool kit valued at $600 and a Valvoline $500 oils and lube pack. Spotter sunglasses are also supplying their awesome polarized eyewear. One of the big attractions of the challenge is the $90,000 in cash supplied by Pirtek Fluid Systems and divided across the 25-target fish nationally. This is awarded via a ‘mystery length’ a secret measurement determined by the event organizers. Michael Guest, Event Director, says the challenge is designed to allow people of all ages and experiences to get involved and enjoy a day outdoors. “It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time, the Pirtek Fishing Challenge is all about getting together with your friends and family, having fun and

supporting our charity partners,” he said. “Prostate cancer continues to affect thousands of families each year, and sadly almost every Australian knows someone who is affected by the disease.” “The Pirtek team and I will continue to do all we

can to give PCFA and The Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit the support they need.” For more information and to register visit www. pirtekfishingchallenge.com. au. Registrations cost $25.00, plus postage and handling. – Pirtek Fishing Team

The list of 25 target species will be released to competitors on Sunday, 24 February to allow all anglers time to plan their fishing trips. This year, the Challenge is offering a record $213,000 in cash and prizes. Just by entering, all registered participants will be in the running to win a boat, outboard and trailer package valued at over $29,000 courtesy of Stacer/Evinrude. Along with two $2600 Snap On Tool chests, $2000 worth of Berkley/ABU Garcia fishing tackle, a $2000 Lowrance Hook2 12 Sonar/GPS, $1700 BCF spending spree; eight YOUR CHALLENGE • Enter the challenge via the website and be sure to read the terms and conditions. • After you have registered, a limited edition Fishing Challenge cap and Fishing Challenge brag mat will be posted to you. • The list of target species will be available via the website www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au at 1200 hours AEDST on Sunday, 24 February 2019.

diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia every year. Pirtek has been partners with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia since 2009 to help raise vital funds for prostate cancer research, awareness initiatives and support programs by hosting Australia’s biggest single day fishing competition. The challenge is also a

designed specifically for the marine and fishing industry. It can be redeemed at any one of the 98 Pirtek outlets around Australia. You can find these locations at www. pirtek.com.au. This year’s challenge will take place on Sunday 17 March 2019 between the hours of 6.00am-6.00pm. Competitors need to fish for their chosen species, photograph their catch

• On Saturday, 16 March 2019 (after 6:00pm) you will be sent via email a repeat list of the target species plus your angler number. You can also log on to the website to download this information. • Fishing will commence at 6:00am and finish at 6:00pm on Sunday, 17 March 2019. • All lines must be out of the water at 6:00pm on Sunday, 17 March 2019. • When you catch your target species simply lay the live fish with the nose in line with the ‘0’ (zero) measurement on the Pirtek bragmat. • Photograph the fish so the entire length can be seen in the photograph along with your angler number. • Check out the Photographing Your Fish page for information on how to correctly photograph your catch.

MARCH 2019

• If you do not receive your brag mat before Sunday 17 March, you may measure and photograph your fish using last year’s brag mat, a fisheries measuring sticker, another competitors mat (with your Angler Number), or a generic brag mat (BCF sell them). • If you are not happy with the photograph, simply take another one. • Quickly release the fish and try to catch a bigger one. • Only a fish caught by the registered angler can be entered. • Any photograph that shows a fish not alive or damaged will not be accepted. • Any photograph which has undergone digital manipulation, i.e., photoshop, will be disqualified. • You can only upload one photograph per angler to the website. This needs to be your biggest fish. • Follow the directions on the website to upload your photograph. • The upload needs to be complete by 7:00am AEDT, Monday, 18 March 2019. • Any photographs uploaded after this time will not be accepted.

• Remember to write your angler number clearly in the white box provided on the brag mat.

• If your photograph is damaged, blurry or the overall measurement of your fish is not clearly seen with your angler number the photograph will be disallowed.

• Check your photograph to ensure the whole fish is in the photograph and the nose end of the fish is in line with the ‘0’ (zero) measurement and the overall length along with the angler number is clearly visible.

• Check the website on Saturday, 23 March, 2019 to see if you’re a winner. The National Fishing Challenge committee’s decision will be final and no correspondence entered into.

Size Range: Up to 1m, but more commonly encountered at 30-60cm.

Tactics: Smelly baits are very effective for carp. Carp will also get up into shallow water and mooch along the bottom looking for aquatic insects, and this is where fly anglers can have some fun, sometimes landing some huge specimens. Rigs: A medium running sinker rig, paternoster rig or float rig with 6-20lb braided line onto a 10-20lb leader. Anglers can obviously go lighter in clear water free of snags. Bait: Baits as varied as scrubworms, corn, bread, dough, shrimp and grubs are all attractive to carp and the use of berley will increase your success rate dramatically. Lures: Carp will take lures, usually as by-catch. Fly anglers can target carp in shallow water by sight fishing with small nymphs.

GOLDEN PERCH Size Range: Up to 75cm, commonly caught at 25-50cm.

Tactics: Lures and live baits are popular, and they also love to hunt down worms and grubs set on the bottom. Lures cast around fallen timber in rivers and standing timber in lakes are all successful, especially around first and last light, and the warmer periods of the year are generally preferred. Rigs: Running sinker rig and a paternoster rig are both good options with 20lb braided main line to 20lb leader. The same line weights can be used for lure fishing. Bait: Baits of yabby, live shrimp, worms and even smelly dead baits are successful. Lures: Lures like Australian-made hardbodied lures, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits all do damage on yellowbelly.

MURRAY COD Size Range: Up to 1.8m, common from 40-80cm.

Tactics: Murray cod are a structure-loving and territorial species. Therefore, lures or baits fished or cast around big snag complexes repetitively usually get a response eventually. During periods of low light, they will often leave their lairs in search of food. Rigs: 20-30lb should be your minimum line weights for both your mainline and leader. Lures: Murray cod will eat a variety of surface lures, hardbodies, lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits. As with bait, lures should be big and annoying to achieve the best results.

REDFIN Size Range: Up to 60cm, common from 20-40cm. Tactics: Redfin are a schooling fish, so finding schools of fish before deploying bait or lures is preferred. Redfin are very aggressive and will respond to a variety of presentations in the lakes and rivers where they have been introduced. Rigs: A small running sinker rig fished vertically from a boat on 6-10lb is sufficient for redfin anywhere. Bait: Any small invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans and insect larvae make great redfin bait. Yabbies and shrimps are definitely standouts when searching for bigger perch. Lures: Anything suitable for bass or trout will certainly fool redfin. Small hardbodies, soft plastics, surface lures and even flies will readily take perch.

Rigs: Light braided line around 4-6lb with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader around 8-14lb is preferred for lure fishing. The same applies for bait fishing, with unweighted, weighted and floated rigs working, depending on how deep and where the fish are holding.

COASTAL

Tactics: Bass in rivers love structure, but when they spawn in winter, they will school up in open water around the tidal reaches. Bass can be a little different in the dams. If there are bony bream or other schooling baitfish present, the bass will usually school up in deep water, chasing the smaller bony bream. If there is a lot of structure around the edges and the food source in predominately insects, small fish and shrimps, the bass will feed in shallow water. Fishing where the bass are with lures or bait that mimics what food source is available is the preferred approach.

Bait: Grasshopper, cricket, worms, yabbies, and particularly live shrimp are successful. Lures: Bass take a variety of lures from surface lures, diving lures, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, jigs and even flies. Match your lures to suit where and how the bass are feeding.

BREAM (ALL SPECIES) Size Range: Up to 50cm, common from 25-35cm.

Tactics: Bream are incredibly widespread and can be found in just about every saltwater river, creek and coastal lake in the state. Bream love structure – especially rock – and if you find rocks or other hard structure in the intertidal zone, you can be sure that bream hang around it at some time of the day. Bream will also aggregate around weed an flooded grass at times. Keep the gear light when bream fishing, as this will get you more bites. If you want to catch a bream on a lure, make sure that it’s small. They’ll eat nearly every bait you can find or buy, it just needs to be presented in a natural way. Rigs: Running sinker onto a #1 or 1/0 hook will work for the bait anglers. For the lure brigade, 2-6lb braided line connected to 6-10lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader is ample.

COASTAL

CARP

Size Range: Up to 65cm, common from 30-40cm.

Bait: Because they are omnivorous almost anything found or bought should catch bream, including white bread, which is an under-used favourite. Lures: Small hardbodied divers, smaller than your little finger, cast around rocky shores, mangroves or bridges and worked with a slow, steady retrieve are hard to beat. When fish go deeper, tiny soft plastics and blades with according jighead size is a sure-fire way to pin a bream. At times, they will also rise to small surface lures.

FLATHEAD

Size Range: Up to 1.1m, commonly caught 30-65cm. Tactics: Flathead are classic ambush predators that use camouflage to their advantage, often burying themselves in sand or mud when awaiting their prey. Drop offs, weed edges, hard rock and mud edges are all great spots for flathead. Flathead have a preference for tidal movement, either running in or running out, and don’t feed as much when the water is slack. Rigs: A running sinker rig with 6lb braid with a 15lb leader is sufficient for bait fishing. The same goes for lure fishing, but try to attach your lures with a loop knot where possible to maximize the action of the lure.

COASTAL

Lures: Winged lures trolled off a downrigger are fantastic for when trout are schooling deep. Hardbodies, small bladed spinners and soft plastics are great for trout in shallow water.

BASS

Bait: Flathead will eat anything they can fit in their mouth, whether it’s live, dead, big or small. Lures: Most lures work well on flathead, the trick is to have it in their face. Lures such as soft plastics, vibes, lipless crankbaits and hardbodied lure all take flathead, and they’ve been known to chase down swimbaits and surface lures as well.

AUSTRALIAN SALMON Size Range: Up to 90cm, common from 30-60cm.

Tactics: Salmon make migrations along the coast and come in close to beaches and headlands to chase bait. Anglers use this aggressive behaviour to their advantage, and rack up huge scores of fish casting baits and lures from the beach and headlands. They will also occasionally head up into rivers. Rigs: A lightly-weighted live bait or moving dead bait is hard to beat when concentrations of salmon have been found. Bait: Any readily available baitfish rigged live is dynamite, with squid and a variety of dead flesh baits also great for salmon.

TASMANIA

Bait: Baits of worms, crickets, grasshoppers, mudeyes and shrimps can all be successful at different times.

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

Tactics: In dams and lakes trout can form huge school in deep water, and this is when they can be caught trolling lures. Trout are an opportunistic predator in streams, meaning they will investigate anything that comes into their domain. At other times, trout can sometimes be very fussy, particularly when there is a specific hatch of insects or baitfish in the area. Drifting baits, or casting small lures and flies is a good tactic in rivers.

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

Size Range: Up to 1m, common from 30-50cm.

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

(BROWN AND RAINBOW, INC. TASMANIA)

MURRAY DARLING BASIN

TROUT

GREAT DIVIDING RANGE

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

Lures: Salmon can be highly aggressive and willing to chase down a huge range of lures, from metal slices, hardbodies, soft plastics, surface lures, flies and even improvised presentations! Offerings that resemble the available bait tend to get more attention, however matching the hatch is not always necessary. MARCH 2019

BAIT & TACKLE

MARINE MECHANICS

WEST COAST

ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS

Kris Oakley Marine Services (03) 9794 5524 JV Marine World Braeside (03) 9798 8883

Portland Bait & Tackle (03) 5523 5213 Compleat Angler Portland (03) 5521 1844

JV Marine World Laverton (03) 9368 7100

CENTRAL

Nautical Marine (03) 5984 1666

“Over 250 patterns to choose from”

Melbourne Marine Centre (03) 9703 2003 Regal Marine (03) 9874 4624 Streaker Marine (03) 9729 8288

For all your fishing tackle needs

ORDER ONLINE

Triple M Marine (03) 9465 8787

www.adrenalinflies.com.au

Warragul Marine (03) 5623 6250 Wes Frost Marine (03) 5976 4622

EAST COAST Inverloch Marine (03) 5674 1502

FRESHWATER

Best Brands – Great Advice Now Stocking

products

Adrenalin Flies

www.adrenalinflies.com.au

Korr Lighting She Left

www.korrlighting.com.au www.hdvcs.com.au

Hydrowave

www.hydrowaveaustralia.com

Boats and More Shepparton (03) 5822 2108 Boats and More Echuca (03) 5482 1992 Eades Xtreme Marine Echuca (03) 5482 2333

$449 USD (includes shipping)

www.hydrowaveaustralia.com 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

(

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

EAST COAST Always Angling Traralgon (03) 5174 8544

FRESHWATER Compleat Angler Echuca (03) 5482 1992 Compleat Angler Shepparton (03) 5822 2180 Compleat Angler Wangaratta (03) 5722 4622

MINN REPAIRS & SERVICING

www.fishlures.com.au

FG Wizz

www.fgwizz.com.au

NOW YOU CAN TIE THE PERFECT FG KNOT EVERY TIME

• All electric motor brands • Australia wide freight • Quick turn around • Authorised Minn Kota/Watersnake repairer Minn Repairs & Servicing Call Troy 0412 605 080 – W: minnrepairs.com minnrepairsservicing E: minnrepairs@gmail.com

NO MORE bulky braid/leader joins

SEE IT! .. BUY IT! .. www.fgwizz.com.au

Minn Repairs & Servicing 0412 605 080

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

CENTRAL

PROVEN WORLD LEADING

ANCHOR DESIGNS

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

Fish Taxidermist 0428 544 841 Neptune’s Treasures 0419 643 654

SCREEN PRINTING Logan Specialised Screen Printing (07) 5546 4107

BOAT TRAILER

Super Sarca

Sarca Excel

Chelsea Yamaha (03) 9772 1212

FISH TAXIDERMY

MARINE ACCESSORIES

MARINE MECHANICS

CENTRAL Stick with convex design and leave the mud behind

All you need to worry about are the fish

CUSTOMISED MAINTENANCE & SERVICE to meet your individual boating needs

Vic Marine & Trailer Warehouse 0412 264 450

www.anchorright.com.au | 03 5968 5014

Salt-away 1800 091 172 or www.salt-away.com.au SERVICE CENTRE

KRIS OAKLEY MARINE SERVICES

5 Quality Drive, Dandenong South 3175 Victoria Email: krisoakleymarine@hotmail.com Phone: (03) 9794 5524

BOAT HIRE

Designed and manufactured in Australia Check out the holding power figures on www.anchorright.com.au

Anchor Right 03 5968 5014 or www.anchorright.com.au

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED… Outboard service & repairs Complete boat & motor fitouts Electrical accessory installations

GT Lures

ONLINE TACKLE PRODUCTS Specialty Fishing Products

www.specialtyfishing.com.au

Lake Eildon Houseboats (03) 9397 6977 Boab Boat Hire Shepparton (03) 5822 2108 Boab Boat Hire Echuca (03) 5482 1992

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WEST COAST Warrnambool Holiday Park (03) 5562 5031

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. 78

MARCH 2019

EAST COAST

CHARTER BOATS

SHALLOW INLET CARAVAN PARK

Able Fishing & Charters, Williamstown (03) 9502 3777

FRESH BAIT | HIRE BOATS | ICE

Adamas Fishing Charters, Barwon Heads (03) 5254 3320

On the Waters Edge

• Easy access for boats • 10 cabins (3 with ensuites) • LPG gas refills • Kiosk

FREE ADVICE ON WHERE THEY’RE BITING

OPEN

from dawn to dusk

7 DAYS

• Plenty of powered and unpowered camping sites • BBQs • Playground

Lester Rd Yanakie WILSONS PROM E sicp@sicp.com.au

03 5687 1385

Shallow Inlet Caravan Park (03) 5687 1385

Big Red Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 1800 805 587 Blue Magic Fishing Charters, Rowville (03) 9759 5301 Geelong Charters & Fishing Trips, Geelong (03) 5275 7107

ALL YOUR FISHING MONTHLY GEAR From

T-Shirts

Katrina Louise Charters, Cheltenham 0402 828 140

22 85

Kestrel Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 1783 Queenscliff Fishing Charters, Queenscliff 0458 504 058 Pro Red Fishing Charters 0421 442 775 Rip Charters Fishing Trips, Sorrento (03) 5984 3664 Saltwater Charters, Queenscliff (03) 5258 4888

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

Off The Hook Fishing Charters 0419 554 916 St Kilda Fishing Charters, St Kilda (03) 9770 2200 Western Port Fishing Charters, Hastings (03) 9769 5544

EAST GIPPSLAND

EAST COAST

MARLO

21 Marine Parade MARLO VIC

OCEAN VIEWS CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

ACE Fishing Charters, Bonbeach (03) 9773 4183

N O W AVA IL A B L E

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 Short walk to • Coffee shops

www.marlocamping.com.au Marlo Ocean Views Caravan and Camping Park, Marlo (03) 5154 8268

EAST GIPPSLAND (Continued) (03) 5158 4233 or 0427 584 233

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM SPACIOUS COTTAGES ♦ Solar Pool ♦ Free Wi-Fi ♦ Air-Con/Heating ♦ Fishing Advice ♦ Boat Parking

Prom Coastal Charters, Yanakie (03) 5687 1248 or 0429 935 583 East Gippsland Charters 0400 564 032

Phone Cases From

29 45

Mugs

FRESHWATER

From

Angling Expeditions Victoria, Tawonga (03) 5754 1466 Highland Trout Lakes, Ballarat (03) 5368 9574

1 7 27

Millbrook Lakes Lodge, Ballarat (03) 5334 0404

TASMANIA & FLINDERS ISLAND Ausprey Tours, Launceston (03) 6630 2612 Gone Fishing Charters, St Helens (03) 6376 1553 Fish Wild Tasmania, Hobart 0418 348 223 Flinders Island Adventures, Flinders Island (03) 6359 4507

Bemm River Holiday Accommodation & Boat Hire, Bemm River

Lazy Acre Log Cabins

Far Out Charters, Lakes Entrance 0428 401 819

Trout Territory, Northern Midlands (03) 6397 5001

Clocks $

NSW SOUTH COAST Quiet central location Ideal for all the family Close to 90 mile beach 5min drive to boat ramps

Reel Affair, Merimbula freecall 1800 233 247

42 7 0

Carry Bags

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 Island Charters, Narooma (02) 4476 1047 or 0408 428 857

From

20 3 3

K9 Fishing Charters, Merimbula (02) 6495 1681 Merimbula Marina, Merimbula (02) 6495 1686 or 0427 951 080 Narooma Charters, Narooma 0407 909 111 (03) 5155 1323 ♦ 0418 516 555 ♦ 35 Roadknight Street, LAKES ENTRANCE

O’Brien Charter Service, Bermagui 0407 214 124

FISHING GUIDES Lazy Acre Log Cabins, Lakes Entrance (03) 5155 1323

CHARTER BOATS WEST COAST Portland Fishing Charters, Portland (03) 5523 3020

NSW SOUTH COAST Wilderness Fishing Tours, Mallacoota 0424 625 160 Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures (02) 6495 9902 or 0400 062 504

CHANDLERY & ACCESSORIES

CENTRAL

Anchor Right (03) 5968 5014

Timeout Fishing Charters

Salt-away 1800 091 172 or www.salt-away.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

Techni Ice (03) 9783 1922 X Factor Signs 0413 113 828

0400 440 705

www.timeoutfishingcharters.com.au Timeout Fishing Charters 0400 440 705 South-West Fishing Charters, Portland 0418 306 714 Gone Fishing Charters 0409 007 068

Boat Wrap Specialist www.xfactorsigns.com

fishingmonthly.redbubble.com

Advertisers wanting to be involved in this directory can call (07) 3387 0800 or email pjung@fishingmonthly.com.au MARCH 2019

FUN PAGE AND COMPETITIONS WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR CATCH

CRACKER WHOPPER DECENT IMPRESSIVE THUMPING NICE BEAUT DELICIOUS MONSTER PANSIZED MAMMOTH FIGHTER FLIGHTY

NIFTY DELIGHTFUL BEAUTIFUL CHUNKY AVERAGE ARMFUL HUMBLE ADMIRABLE SOLID QUALITY FEISTY ARM STRETCHING

DTD - REAL FISH OITA

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 MARCH 2019

Phone (day):

BARRA COUNTRY by Brett Currie

The ‘Real Fish Oita’ is an incredible, award winning squid jig manufactured in Europe by leading Croatian company - DTD. Taking out the coveted ‘best new product’ in its class at the EFTTEX 2015 Expo in Warsaw, this wonderful range is now available in Australia through Dogtooth Distribution. The product imitates real fish species. This coupled with DTD’s use of only the highest grade materials available, ensures great balance and results in superior catching ability. With the unique ‘fish parasite’ feature, aimed at luring predators in for an ‘easy kill’, these truly unique jigs are set to explode into the Australian market. FEATURES - Double weight system with inner weight designed to produce sound while squid jig is in action. COLOURS - 7 different designs representing popular fish species. ADDITIONAL - Luminous body, fish parasite, great balance, sound effect, quality stainless steel hooks SIZES - 5 Sizes available www.dogtoothdistribution.com.au

SPOT THE

10 DIFFERENCES

GEORGE & NEV by Michael Hardy

ORIGINAL

FIND-A-WORD

Congratulations to, Mark Terrill who was last month’s winner of the Find-a-Word Competition! Monthly winners receive a Fishing Monthly prize pack. Prize delivery can take 8 weeks. – V&TFM

SUBSCRIBER PRIZE

The subscriber prize winner for January is M Clutterbuck of Huonville, who won a pair of Mako polarised eyewear. All subscribers are entered in the monthly subscriber prize draws. Prize delivery takes up to 8 weeks. – V&TFM

D Fitzgerald of Coldstream, F Hutchins of Sunbury, N Bryant of North Albury, B Walpole of Warrnambool, G Boucher of Seymour, K Scott of Gawler, D Hausler of Croydon Hills, B Pontt of Loxton, B Bell of Wodonga, A Foster of Drouin, D Parry of Stawell, T Mathieson of Patterson Lakes, G Ball of Tatura, R Crossman of Echuca, N Sanders of Irymple, J Laszczyk of Newborough, A Pollard of

Darley, R Morgan of Dingley, N Foot of Lara, R Gillett of Portarlington, B Peeters of Colac, P Merrick of Shearwater, B Heazlewood of Mt Gambier, H Siesmaa of Fertree Gully, K Tripp of Glenroy, W Clapham of Alexandra, P Musgrove of Casterton , K Robinson of Ocean Grove, and N Wiese of Boronia. 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: 16, 20, 21, 26, 32, 38, 42, 52, 54, 58, 60, 63, 64, 80, 90. – V&TFM

MARCH 2019

This month’s Guess the Fish Answer: Tilapia

The Find the Gamakatsu Logo prize winners for January were: H Kirk of Hadspen, F Healey of Traralgon, B Rafferty of Maryborough, G Smith of Stawell, D Robinson of Carisbrook, B Howieson of Wratton Bully, K Scutchings of Myrtleford, D Hill of Cranbourne North, E Sliwa of Ballarat, J Morrison of Clunes, R Waterfall of Bittern,

GUESS THE FISH?

Answer:

boats & kayaks

In the skipper’s seat

Inside story...

Stessco is an Australian owned and operated family business. With a love of fishing and boating, Stessco has built a wide-ranging network of dealerships, with the goal of providing customers with dependable, value-for-money aluminium boats. Stessco prides itself on the wide variety of options available which can be added to the already wide range of different vessels.

Made for...

Anglers who are after a reliable tinny that can be customised to suit their individual requirements and fishing style.

This month...

Editor Steve Morgan climbs aboard the new Bowrider 520 with Stessco’s Adrian Biel. Check it out on page 88!

82 What’s New in Boating Check out all the latest products and industry news in the world of boating.

84 The answer my friend, is yakking in the wind

Justin Willmer explains a few ways to cope with and even use wind to your advantage in the yak!

86 Bar crossing for beginners Wayne Kampe gives some pointers for a valuable skill for anyone wanting to travel offshore – bar crossings!

FEBRUARY 2019

Stessco Bowrider 520 with Yamaha F90HP - SC

TENT -

RE ONLINE MO

DE FOR EX

Length..........................................................5.1m Beam..........................................................2.29m Bottom.sheet ..............................................3mm Side.sheet....................................................3mm Hull.weight ................................................500kg Max.HP .......................................................... 115 Fuel .............................................................. 110L Capacity .............................................. 6 persons Main: Chasing a locally made aluminium plate boat that will keep the whole family happy and not break the bank? You need to check out the Stessco Bowrider 520. Above: The bowrider was right at home in the Noosa River on the test day. means that it’s affordable for plenty of families. It also means that you probably won’t have to upgrade the family car to tow it. S e c o n d l y, the configuration is pretty easily interchangeable between ‘fishing mode’ and ‘fun mode’. Drop in a few cushions up the front and add the removable ski pole and

RPM................... km/h.................... km/L 1000 ...................... 6.5 ....................... 3.4 2000.................... 10.7 ....................... 2.3 3000.....................27.9 ....................... 3.4 3500 .................... 35.6 ....................... 3.4 4000.................... 42.2 ....................... 3.3 5000.................... 54.8 ....................... 2.7 6000.....................67.2 ....................... 1.7 * fitted with SDS alloy 13 1/4 x 16” propeller MARCH 2019

easily interchangeable,” Biel continued. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Tweaked a great seller to make it just that little bit better. For more information on the 520 Bowrider, or any of the complete Stessco range, visit their website on www. stessco.com.au, make sure

SPECIFICATIONS

PERFORMANCE

s.morgan@fishingmonthly.com.au

Stessco’s Adrian Biel reckons that when your hull is a good thing, you don’t change it. And that’s exactly what Stessco has done with their 520 Bowrider hull. They’ve kept the popular shape and improved the layout. But let’s backtrack a few steps before we dig into the details. Where does the Bowrider sit in the Stessco range and why would you buy one? Well, it’s definitely a more comfortable boat for the less hardcore anglers in the family. Especially compared to something like the Gulf Runner. And sometimes, the fishing alone isn’t the reason you buy a boat. Yes, I know. It’s a strange concept, but shade, comfort and the ability to use a boat for a variety of activities ticks a lot of boxes with modern outdoor families and this Stessco fits right into the hitting zone. Firstly, it weighs in around the high $30K mark (and at around 1,000kg on the weighbridge), which

formula from the Brisbane based company. There aren’t many drawbacks of this rig, however the fact that most of your underfloor storage will still let water dribble through in the rain is a problem for local manufacturers. “Look, from the gunwales down, there’s

Steve Morgan

CON

AN THE

FMG

you’re ready to go tubing. If you’re really clever, you’ll even have an electric motor on a bracket that takes a few seconds to pop off and on, which will really turn this into a fishing machine. Thirdly, this boat is cheap to run. A boat over 5m in length with this level of fitout and that delivers well over 3km/L at cruising speeds really is giving you great value for money. The 110L tank fitted in this boat will get you over 300km of range at cruising speeds. The best we saw was at 3,5004,000 RPM where it nearly reached 3.5km/L. And finally, it’ll definitely turn heads at the ramp. The smooth plate aluminium sides look great with Stessco’s standard

colours, or alternatively take a vinyl wrap if you really want to make a statement. Other improvements like the new, smoother windscreen just add to an already winning

nothing much we wanted to change in this boat,” said Adrian on the 2018 Media Day at Noosa, “so it’s just the small things that we’ve made better.” “Things like the removable ski-pole and bait board, these needed to be

you Like their Facebook page (Stessco Boats) for social media updates and definitely scan the QR Code hereby to watch the video review of this rig on your smartphone. It’s also available direct on the Fishing Monthly YouTube channel.

Everything is economical in the rig – from the mid-to-high $30K purchase price (depending on options) to the best fuel economy of 3.3km/L at 4,000rpm.

Driven at the best economy, the 110L fuel tank will give over 300km of theoretical range.

Back in the cockpit you can sit in the shade and swivel the seats around to watch a skiier or talk with your passengers on the bench seat. The ski-pole is removable.

Obviously, there’s a mountain of storage space under the front seats, although it’s not totally waterproof.

Drop some batteries in here if you choose to add an electric motor to the front of the rig.

Stessco’s Bowriders are a fun and good-looking rigs that really hit the spot with family boaters.

Here’s what the front deck looks like with the foam cushions on top of the infill.

You can remove the centre cushion and the deck section to allow for comfortable seating forward.

You can shut the split windscreen and the bulkhead door to keep the breeze and spray out.

The rear bench sits starboard while the transom door allows easy loading and is on the port transom side.

The helm is simple and can hold smaller electronics flush-mounted.

Here’s how you transform the bow into its various forms. First remove the cushions and stow under the decks. Next remove the floor infill. It provides everything from lounging to fishing in a bit of a swell. MARCH 2019

Victorian Tide Times

2019 2019 Local Time

POINT LONSDALE – VICTORIA POINT – 144° VICTORIA LAT 38°LONSDALE 18’ S LONG 37’ E

JANUARY Time Time m JANUARY 0113 0801 TU 1359 2109 TU

1 1 2 0205 0853 2

Time 0.54 0113 1.48 0801 0.35 1359 1.37 2109 0.65 0205 1.41 0853 0.36 1455 1.38 2215 0.75 0304 1.35 0948 0.36 1557 1.41 2318 0.81 0414 1.30 1046 0.35 1700

18’ S of High LONG 144° 37’ E TimesLAT and38° Heights and Low Waters Times and Heights of High and Low Waters MARCH FEBRUARY MARCH FEBRUARY m Time Time m Time m Time m

Time m Time m 0032 0.58 0230 0.73 0032 0.58 0230 0.73 0712 1.43 0907 1.32 09070.36 1.32 13050712 0.411.43 FR 1515 15151.35 0.36 1956 1.310.41 2245 WE 1305 FR 1956 1.31 2245 1.35 0116 0.67 0330 0.80 03301.26 0.80 07520116 1.380.67 1004 10040.39 1.26 13460752 0.391.38 SA 1617 16171.35 0.39 TH 1346 SA 2058 1.310.39 2345 2058 1.31 2345 1.35 0207 0.75 0444 0.84 04441.22 0.84 08400207 1.330.75 1106 11060.40 1.22 14350840 0.361.33 SU 1724 FR 1435 SU 1724 0.40 2205 1.340.36 2205 1.34 0307 0.83 0045 1.38 00450.82 1.38 09360307 1.290.83 0559 05591.21 0.82 15330936 0.331.29 MO 1208 12080.38 1.21 SA 1533 MO 2317 1.390.33 1825 1825 0.38 2317 1.39 0420 0.86 0138 1.43 01380.76 1.43 10420420 1.280.86 0704 07041.24 0.76 16441042 0.291.28 TU 1305 13050.36 1.24 SU 1644 0.29 TU 1918 1918 0.36 0026 1.47 0222 1.47 0026 1.47 0222 1.47 0538 0.84 0757 0.69 0538 0.84 0757 0.69 11561156 1.301.30 WE 1356 1.28 1356 1.28 MO WE 1757 0.24 2005 1757 0.24 20050.34 0.34

16 16

0.54 1.48 WE 0.35 1.37

Time 0140 0140 0802 0802 SA 1400 1400 SA2128 2128 0233 0233 0859 0859 SU 1457 1457 SU2241 2241 0341 0341 1008 1008 MO 1608 1608 MO2356 2356 0501 0501 1132 1132 TU 1730 TU 1730

16 16

m 0.72 0.72 1.34 1.34 0.30 0.30 1.36 1.36 0.79 0.79 1.30 1.30 0.30 0.30 1.36 1.36 0.83 0.83 1.27 1.27 0.31 0.31 1.41 1.41 0.81 0.81 1.29 1.29 0.30 0.30

17 17

18 18

19 19

1.45 0018 20 5 0018 0529 0.82 1.45 5 0529 0.82 20

0101 1.48 0101 0.72 1.48 20 200621 0621 0.72 WE 1251 1.36

6 6

WE 1455 WE 2215

3 0304 0948 3

TH 1557 TH 2318

4 0414 1046 4

FR 1700 FR

1.28 SA 1145 1145 SA 0.33 1800 1800 0115 1.50 0115 0635 0.79 0635 1.29 SU 1240 SU 1240 1852 0.30 1852

0.65 1.41 TH 0.36 1.38

0.75 1.35 FR 0.36 1.41 0.81 1.30 SA 0.35

SU 1.28 0.33

21 21

1.50 0.79 MO 1.29 0.30

1251 WE1848 1848 0159 0159 0730 0730 1358 TH 1358 TH1953 1953

21 21

1.36 0.26 0.26 1.56 1.56 0.59 0.59 1.45 1.45 0.24 0.24

1.55 1.55 01280128 1.551.55 0300 0203 03001.51 1.5122 0250 0250 1.62 1.62 7 0203 22 22 0730 0.73 0.73 06480648 0.760.76 7 7 0841 7 0730 08410.62 0.62 220828 0828 0.45 0.45 1330 1.30 1307 1.36 1441 1.32 1458 1.55 MO TU TH FR 1.30 MO 1330 1939 0.28 0.28 1939 0246 0246 1.58 1.58 0816 0816 0.68 0.68 TU 1415 WE 1415 TU 1.33 1.33 2022 2022 0.27 0.27

8 8

1.36 1441 1.32 FR 1458 TU 1307 TH 1903 0.180.18 2046 2048 1903 20460.33 0.33 2048 02230223 1.631.63 0331 1.54 0337 0331 1.54 0337 07480748 0.660.66 0920 0921 09200.55 0.55 0921 1409 1.431.43 FR FR 1522 15221.37 1.37 SA 1553 WE 1409 SA1553 20032003 0.150.15 2123 2139 21230.34 0.34 2139

23 23

1.55 0.24 0.24 1.66 1.66 0.33 0.33 1.61 1.61 0.26 0.26

1.60 1.60 03140314 1.691.69 0401 0420 0323 04011.56 1.56 0420 1.67 1.67 9 0323 24 24 0859 0.63 0.63 08440844 0.540.54 9 9 0956 1010 9 24 0859 09560.49 0.4924 1010 0.23 0.23 WE 1458 1.35 TH 1505 1.50 SA 1601 1.40 SU 1646 1.64 WE 1458 1.35 TH 1505 1.50 2102 2102 0.28 0.28 20582058 0.150.15

SA 1601 1.40 2157 21570.37 0.37

SU 1646 1.64 2225 2225 0.31 0.31

Time 0113 0113 0741 1345 FR 0741 2105 FR 1345 2105 0158 0158 0829 1431 SA 0829 SA 1431 2201 2201 0250 0250 0924 1528 SU 0924 SU 1528 2301 2301 0359 0359 1030 1639 MO 1030 MO 1639

m 0.63 0.63 1.38 1.38 0.32 0.32 1.37 1.37 0.71 0.71 1.29 1.29 0.39 0.39 1.32 1.32 0.78 0.78 1.22 1.22 0.46 0.46 1.29 1.29 0.82 0.82 1.18 1.18 0.50 0.50

Local Time APRIL APRIL Time Time m

m Time m Time m 0036 0.65 0215 0.77 0036 0.65 02150846 0.77 1.22 0652 1.39 0652 08461439 1.22 0.54 12481.39 0.28 SA MO 0.54 1.29 19580.28 1.44 MO 14392210 SA 1248 TU 1958 1.44 2210 1.29 0118 0.71 0316 0.81 0118 03160955 0.81 1.18 07380.71 1.35 0738 0955 1.18 0.61 13331.35 0.30 SU TU 1543 0.61 1.28 SU 1333 WE 20590.30 1.39 TU 15432310 2059 1.39 2310 1.28 0209 0.76 0438 0.80 0209 04381110 0.80 1.18 08370.76 1.30 0837 11101705 1.18 0.64 14301.30 0.35 MO WE MO 1430 22100.35 1.37 WE 1705 0.64 TH 2210 1.37 0315 0.78 0008 1.30 0315 00080601 1.30 0.74 09530.78 1.28 0953 0601 0.74 1.23 15431.28 0.40 TU TH 1220 1.23 0.64 TU 1543 FR 23250.40 1.38 TH 12201822 2325 1.38 1822 0.64 0437 0.74 0058 1.34 0437 00580659 1.34 0.65 11230.74 1.31 1123 06591318 0.65 1.32 17101.31 0.42 WE FR 1.32 0.62 WE 1710 0.42 SA FR 13181919 1919 0.62 0031 1.44 0140 1.39 0031 1.44 0140 1.39 0600 0.64 0742 0.56 0600 0.64 0742 0.56 12431.40 1.40 1407 1.42 TH SA 1243 1407 1.42 SU TH 1833 0.41 SA 1833 0.41 20022002 0.60 0.60 01301.51 1.51 0130 02170217 1.44 1.44 07110.50 0.50 0711 07180718 0.47 0.47 13501.52 1.52 1349 FR SU 1350 1349 1.52 1.52 FR 1940 0.40 SU MO 1940 1940 0.40 1940 0.58 0.58

16 16

Time

0055 16 16 0730 TU 1313 2043

m 0055 0.73 0730 1.33 1313 0.46 2043 1.41 0200 0.72 0852 1.32 1425 0.55 2153 1.41 0322 0.67 1021 1.38 1552 0.60 2258 1.44 0443 0.56 1136 1.49 1715 0.60 2356 1.49 0548 0.43 1241 1.61 1822 0.59

17 17

0200 17 17 0852

18 18

0322 18 18 1021

19 19

0443 19 19 1136

0003 1.30 0003 5 0520 1.30 0.82 20 5 0520 0.82 20 TU 1138 1.17

0548 20 20 1241

21 21

0048 0048 1.54 21 21 0643 0643 0.32

0146 1.38 1.38 22 7 0146 0733 0.67 0.6722 7 0733 TH 1339 1.27

0136 1.57 22 22 0731 0731 0.24 MO 1430

22 33 44

TU 1138 1753 1753 0100 0100 0636 0636 1243 WE 1243 WE 1855 1855

1.17 0.50 0.50 1.33 1.33 0.76 0.76 1.21 1.21 0.48 0.48

1.27 TH 1339 1945 0.45 0.45 1945

WE 1425 2153

TH 1552 2258

FR 1715 2356

SA 1822

SU 1339 1915

1430 2002

02211.57 1.57 0225 1.43 1.43 01530153 1.48 1.48 0219 8 0225 230221 8 0752 08080.36 0.36 8 0752 0817 0.58 0.5823 23 23 8 0816 0817 0808 0.39 0.39 TU MO 1429 1.60 FR 1426 1.35 SA 1450 1.63

FR 1426 1.35 SA 1450 1.63 MO 1429 1.60 TU 1516 20340.39 0.39 2028 0.44 0.44 2028 2034 20152015 0.58 0.58 2045

1339 1.72 1915 0.58

m 0.73 1.33 0.46 1.41 0.72 1.32 0.55 1.41 0.67 1.38 0.60 1.44 0.56 1.49 0.60 1.49 0.43 1.61 0.59 1.54 0.32 1.72 0.58

0136 1.57 0.24 1.79 1.79 2002 0.58 0.58 0219 1.58 1.58 0816 0.21 0.21 1516 1.80 1.80 2045 0.58 0.58

0259 1.48 1.48 03081.61 1.61 02290229 1.51 1.51 0300 0300 1.57 24 240308 9 0826 9 0259 0855 0.50 0.5024 08590.25 0.25 9 0826 24 9 0859 0.34 0.34 0900 0900 0.22 0855 SA 1508 1.42 SU 1545 1.71 TU 1507 1.65 WE 1559

1.57 0.22 1.77 1545 1.71 1507 1.65 1559 1.77 1508 1.42 SU TU WE SA 2104 0.44 0.44 21230.41 0.41 2123 20512051 0.58 0.58 2125 2125 0.60 0.60 2104

1.61 1.61 04000400 1.711.71 0431 0501 0330 1.51 1.51 03511.63 1.63 1.54 0356 04311.56 1.56 0501 1.65 1.65 03040304 1.51 1.51 0338 0338 10 0356 25 25 250351 25 10 0330 0937 0.58 0.58 09360936 0.430.4310 1029 1057 0929 0.43 0.4325 09450.18 0.181010 25 10 10 25 0941 0941 0.26 0937 10290.44 0.4425 1057 0.18 0.18 10 0945 09000900 0.30 0.30 0929 1639 1537 1.36 1600 1.54 1639 1.42 1738 1.63 1546 1.48 1634 1.73 1545 1.67 TH

FR FR 1600 1.54 SUSU 1639 1.42 MO TH 1537 1.36 MO 1738 1.63 2139 2139 0.30 0.30 21492149 0.180.18 2230 2309 22300.40 0.40 2309 0.38 0.38

1.54 0.26 1634 1.73 1545 1.67 TH 1639 TH 1.71 1.71 SU 1546 1.48 MO MO WE WE SU 2139 0.45 0.45 22070.44 0.44 0.62 0.62 2207 21272127 0.59 0.59 2204 2204 2139

1.60 1.60 04450445 1.711.71 04311.61 1.61 0401 1.53 1.53 05021.55 1.55 03390339 1.50 1.50 0416 0416 1.49 0540 1.61 1.61 11 0427 26 26 11 0401 260431 26 26 11 0427 110502 260540 1015 0.54 0.54 10271027 0.340.3411 1100 10300.16 0.161111 1000 0.37 0.3726 1140 1015 11000.39 0.3926 1030 09340934 0.28 0.28 1019 1019 0.32 1000 1140 0.17 0.17 11 1717 1616 1.37 1652 1.55 1717 1.43 1721 1.71 1623 1.67 1624 1.53 1829 1.58 FR

SA SA 1652 1.55 MOMO 1717 1.43 TU FR 1616 1.37 TU 1829 1.58 2214 2214 0.33 0.33 22382238 0.240.24 2303 2350 23030.45 0.45 2350 0.46 0.46

1.49 0.32 1721 1.71 1.67 FR 1717 FR 1.64 1.64 TH MO 1624 1.53 TUTU TH 1623 MO 22480.48 0.48 2212 0.47 0.47 2248 22032203 0.61 0.61 2243 2243 0.65 0.65 2212

05331.53 1.53 0510 04150415 1.48 1.48 0455 0455 0433 0619 1.54 1.54 1.43 1.59 1.59 05270527 1.681.68 05101.57 1.57 0433 1.53 1.53 12 0458 27 120533 270619 27 27 12 0458 27 12 27 1050 11310.36 0.3627 1112 10101010 0.28 0.28 1032 1222 0.19 0.19 12 1058 1058 0.39 1050 0.51 0.51 11151115 0.280.2812 1131 11120.18 0.181212 1032 0.33 0.3327 1222 1654 1.36 1747 1.54 1757 1.43 1806 1.66 1704 1.63 1701 1.55 1920 1.51 1756 1.56

1.54 1757 1.43 WE SA 1.36 SU 1747 SU WE1920 1.51 SA 1654 TU TU 23380.50 0.50 2246 2246 0.38 0.38 23252325 0.330.33 2338

1.43 0.39 TU SA SA 1756 1.56 WE 1806 1.66 FR FR 1704 1.63 TU 1701 1.55 WE 2328 22412241 0.64 0.64 2321 2321 2246 0.69 0.69 23280.53 0.53 2246 0.50 0.50

0506 0031 0.54 0.54 1.37 06061.49 1.49 0547 04520452 1.45 1.45 0535 0535 1.56 1.56 06070607 0506 1.51 1.51 1.631.63 05471.51 1.51 13 0529 280031 28 130606 28 28 13 0529 13 28 28 1124 1103 0659 1.47 1.47 13 1134 1134 0.46 12030.33 0.3328 1151 10471047 0.29 0.29 1124 0.48 0.48 1103 0.30 0.3028 0659 12021202 0.240.2413 1203 11510.23 0.231313 1733 1.35 1739 1.55 1303 0.25 1837 1.48 1845 1.50 1840 1.42 1850 1.58 1748 1.58

1.50 SU 1.35 MO 1845 MO SU 1733 2319 2319 0.44 0.44

1840 1.42 WEWE

00150.57 0.57 1.53 1.53 00100010 0.430.43 14 0600 29 140015 1157 06411.44 1.44 14 0600 29 1157 0.46 0.46 06480648 1.561.5614 0641 MO 1815 1.33 TU 1248 0.24 TH 1236 0.31

MO 1815 1.33 TU 1248 0.24 TH 1236 0.31 19291.40 1.40 2354 2354 0.50 0.50 19451945 1.451.45 1929 0635 1.48

0054 0.53

0055 0.64

1.48 0054 0.53 0.64 15 1230 30 150055 07181.39 1.39 15 0635 30 1230 0.43 0.43 07300730 1.481.4815 0718 TU 1902 1.32 WE 1333 0.27 FR 1315 0.30 TU 1902 1.32

WE 1333 0.27 FR 1315 0.30 20241.37 1.37 20452045 1.401.40 2024 01400140 0.640.64 08160816 1.401.40 1421 TH 1421 0.310.31 TH 2144 2144 1.371.37

31 31

TH1303 0.25 TH 2012 1.44 1.44 2012

WE SU WE 1739 1.55 THTH 1850 1.58 SA SA 1748 1.58 2322 23202320 0.68 0.68 2322 0.54 0.54

1.37 0.46 SU 1837 1.48

0.73 0539 0007 05340534 1.41 1.41 0001 0001 0539 1.48 1.48 00070.58 0.58 14 29 29 0620 0620 1.30 1136 0627 11291129 0.33 0.33 14 29 1136 0.28 0.2829 06271.44 1.441414 TH 1820 1.53 FR 1230 0.30 SU 1837 1.51 MO 1214 0.55

TH 1820 1.53 2359 2359 0.59 0.59

FR 1230 0.30 1934 19341.49 1.49

0.73 1.30 SU 1837 1.51 MO 1214 0.55 1922 1922 1.41 1.41

0614 0046 00030003 0.71 0.71 0045 0045 0.76 0614 1.44 1.44 00460.64 0.64 30 30 15 1210 0707 06250625 1.36 1.36 0715 0715 1.24 15 30 1210 0.27 0.2730 07071.36 1.361515 FR 1905 1.49 SA 1309 0.38 MO 1215 0.39 TU 1257 0.63

FR 1905 1.49

SA 1309 0.38 2021 20211.41 1.41 0128 01280.71 0.71 0752 07521.29 1.29 1350 0.46 SU 1350 0.46 SU 2113 21131.34 1.34

0.76 1.24 TU 1257 0.63 MO 1215 0.39 19351935 1.45 1.45 2012 2012 1.36 1.36

31 31

 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia2018, 2018,Bureau Bureau of of Meteorology Meteorology  Copyright Commonwealth of Australia Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide are in local standard time (UTC +10:00)orordaylight daylight savings savings time when in effect TimesTimes are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) time(UTC (UTC+11:00) +11:00) when in effect Moon Phase Symbols New Moon First Quarter Full Moon LastLast Quarter New Moon First Quarter Quarter Moon Phase Symbols Full Moon 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. 90

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