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contents

features 14
26 64
08 OFFSHORE BITE O'CLOCK
Heath Woodward

14 YORKES - SO MANY OPTIONS


Andrew McGovern

26 RAKING THEM IN

regulars
Shane Murton

40 KI - WICKED OUT WIDE


Gavin Mathews

40
54 GOOLWA BEACH PIPI PRIMER
Shane Murton
37 SUBSCRIPTIONS
Sign up to FSA Magazine

64 BRIGHTON INSHORE DIVERSITY


Alex Ciccozzi
46 NEW PRODUCTS
Latest & Greatest Fishing Toys

50 BRAG BOARD
Show Off Your Catch

59 COOK YOUR CATCH


Tasty Local Recipes

74 COMPETITION NEWS

08 54
SA Competition Scene

92 MARINE NEW PRODUCTS


The Latest Boating Products

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Features and area reports from right around South Australia Issue 55 / Oct/Nov 2017

49
how-to
REVIEW: HORSEFISH & HARD
WON TREASURES
Rob Murton
84 94
84 COORONG SOFT PLASTIC
MULLOWAY
Lucas Weaver

98
94 REVIEW: SQUIDGIES BIO TOUGH
Fishing SA Magazine

98 C & R BARREL BLUEFIN TUNA


Hugh Magarey

49
hot spots All the latest hot spots
& fishing news from
subscribe
right around SA! 37 SUBSCRIBE TO FISHING SA
Full details on how to subscribe

22
to SA's best fishing read!

24 38
22 FAR WEST COAST EP

34 70 78
Stephen W., Christian F.

34 UPPER / LOWER EP

72 82
Heath W., Robin S., Alan H.

60 RIVER COUNTRY
Lucas Weaver
88
62 FRESHWATER SCENE

90
Simon Cardone

70 YORKE PENINSULA
Alex Ciccozzi 82 FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Shane Murton

72 KANGAROO ISLAND
Matt Ingram 88 UPPER SOUTH EAST
Craig Richards

78 METRO NORTH / SOUTH


Nathan P., Mark M. 90 LOWER SOUTH EAST
Hugh Magarey

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editorial

Fishing SA Magazine
October / November 2017 / Issue 55

MANAGING EDITOR
Shane Murton
shane@fishingsa.com.au

greg irving
FISHING SA
PO Box 2470, Goolwa, SA, 5214
Phone: 0428 823 834

sa's mr fishing ADVERTISING


Fishing SA: 0428 823 834

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES
subs@fishingsa.com.au

"In many ways he pioneered fishing journalism in South Australia, SOCIAL MEDIA
fishingsamagazine
and contributed immensely to the promotion of the sport" DISTRIBUTION
Gordon & Gotch

S
taff at the magazine were just yarning about fishing as you do with AREA REPORTS
shocked with the recent and mates. Since then we'd kept in regular Adelaide Metro
sudden passing of prominent touch through his tackle shop work, and Nathan Peckham & Mark Mills
local angling figure Greg Irving more recently the magazine was helping Kangaroo Island
during August. out with information for Greg's regular Matt Ingram
Greg has been well-known newspaper column. Eyre Peninsula
in SA fishing circles for many decades Known for spinning a great fishing yarn Heath W., Christian F., Stephen W.,
through his writing and tackle shop work at the drop of a hat, Greg was one of a Alan Hall, Robin Sharp
at Brighton Tackle & Bait, and in many kind and he will be sadly missed by all who Yorke Peninsula
ways he pioneered fishing journalism knew him. Our thoughts and best wishes Alex Ciccozzi
in South Australia, and contributed are with Greg's family and friends. South East
immensely to the promotion of the sport Hugh Magarey, Craig Richards
on a local level. Probably even more Riverland
so than his prominence in the fishing Lucas Weaver
Shane Murton / Managing Editor
industry however, 'Greggy' will likely best Freshwater
be remembered for being a genuinely Simon Cardone
top bloke and one of the real nice guys in Fleurieu Peninsula
the industry. Shane Murton
On a personal note Greg gave me a
COVER SHOT
start in the fishing journalism caper and
Blue crabs are on the crawl already.
offered plenty of support for a budding
Check out the story on page 26 for
writer. He was the epitome of the perfect
where and how to rake up a feed.
editor, going above and beyond to help
out, affable, and someone you could really DISCLAIMER
respect and soon get to know outside of All content is copyright Fishing SA and
may not be duplicated without permission.
work. I remember in my second year of
Views expressed by contributors and
writing, some 15-16 years ago, Greg made advertisers are not necessarily those of
a point of meeting with me and going Fishing SA.
through the finer points of writing and
www.fishingsa.com.au

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S
ome anglers don’t view the associated challenges
of fishing as a good thing. In fact, that sentence
is probably a bit misleading because most minds
would jump straight to thinking of challenges as
being inclement weather, mechanical or equipment
failure or fish not biting. In this instance however
a challenge is determined by setting a new benchmark or
exploring a fishery which you have very little experience with
to broaden your knowledge as an angler. This can simply
mean targeting a species which you have caught regularly
with a different approach or in a different location. The kick
I get from pulling off little challenges such as this is often
quite intoxicating. In the last twelve months I have chosen
to do exactly that by exploring the deeper water reef species
off Port Lincoln a little differently.
Up until recently I had enjoyed fairly consistent results on
nannygai (Bight redfish) when drifting deep lumps during
offshore day trips. While finding these fish is no certainty,
somewhat contrary to popular belief, I had begun to feel as
though I now understood their pattern of movement and the
action was beginning to get a little repetitive and expected.
So a question that myself and a mate posed was what are
the behaviours of these fish at night time? Particularly if
we could anchor up and send down some berley? Now,
we weren’t jumping out of our skins to head out into the
Southern Ocean under the cover of darkness and drop
an anchor in the middle of nowhere, rather we challenged

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NIGHT REEFS FEATURE

BITE O'CLOCK!
Heath breaks away from the norm and reaps
the rewards for trying something different
on the Port Lincoln reefs
WORDS & IMAGES BY: HEATH WOODWARD

The author
with a pair of
keepers caught
during a hectic
night bite

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ourselves to find good nannygai close to
Super mild conditions and
home. This left just one body of water to knowing your area well are
explore which was Thorny Passage, under an essential when anchoring
hour's boat ride from Boston Bay. up for the night
So how have I gone with this night time
reef quest? Well you guessed it, I have had
the time of my life and am still bubbling at
the results of finding such an awesome
fishery so close to home, while still leaving
myself free to enjoy daytime activities before
heading out in the boat in the evening.

FISHING THE PASSAGE


Fishing in ‘The Passage’ is nothing new to
the locals of Port Lincoln, but very little
is known or talked about regarding night
time exploits, apart from the odd boat party
thrown in Memory Cove. I don’t think it takes
too much imagination to come up with an
explanation for this. The Passage, with its
reputation for strong current, jagged islands
and deep water is enough to keep the
majority of boaties onshore once the pill sets
over the horizon. However, with competent it is absolutely necessary otherwise. But in
knowledge in regards to navigation, this case it was exactly what was needed,
reliability of your equipment and enough because the most difficult element to fishing
daytime experience of the area this venture The Passage is getting a bait to the bottom
becomes far less intimidating. without it being carried off by the tide. This
At the beginning we agreed to prospect is also beneficial for using a berley bag as
this joint at night time on a few certain little tide movement allows for the bag to sit
provisos. Mainly it had to be a night which directly under the boat and keep the scent
was flat calm, for the obvious comfort factor within your bait range.
to give ourselves the best opportunity While it sounds perfect on paper, dodge
without adding additional reasoning to go tides usually shut down a fishery and
home early. It also had to be a dodge tide. something we were unsure of was how
I know dodge tides are looked at like an nannygai and other reef regulars would
annoying relative who you rarely talk to, you react, but that is the fun of learning - you just
know they exist but try to avoid them until don’t know!

Heath with
part of a bag
limit haul of
cracker night
time nannygai!

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Reward for effort!
A slob sized Bight
redfish caught on a
slow jig close to dark

With a lack of smaller fish


around after dark berley was
used to bring in the nannygai
and snapper

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"So how have I gone with Big samsons are on
the cards late in the
afternoon and into night.

this night time reef quest? The guys picked up this


cracker while waiting

Well you guessed it, I have


for nightfall

had the time of my life"

levels, we deployed the berley and baits. opposite from fishing daylight hours to night
Freshly caught squid were the baits of time around these reef systems in regards
choice to make life difficult for those darn to bycatch? This drove me to do a little
parrot fish, and with the sounder lighting up research and chat to a few guys who have
When the sounder with activity there was little delay before the been around the traps for a while. Also, my
lights up like this it first bite was felt and a hook sunk on a fish. good mate ‘Google’ lent its help as usual.
is hard to contain
the excitement! Immediate head shakes were felt, and as Well the answer astounded me to say the
we were expecting to have to sort through least. The possibility that we just managed
heaps of garbage fish to find something of to luck out and find a school of quality
FIRST NIGHT SESSION value, we couldn’t believe our eyes when the fish which outnumbered the undesired
Launching late in the afternoon into a glassy first fish to surface was a massive nannygai. reef fish was very wrong. The annoying
Boston Bay had my mate and I absolutely All of a sudden the excitement levels went bluethroat and other parrot fish that
pumped as any calm boating venture through the roof and we were feeling like parade around offshore reefs in a confident
does, let alone not knowing what could pioneers, in the middle of an awesome manner smashing baits and cutting traces
materialise into our ice box by the end of the fishing session in the dead of night. aren’t so brave after sun down. Feeling
night. Nannygai, snapper, gummy sharks and I chucked that big ‘goat’ on ice as my mate quite vulnerable to predation they go into
anything else could be a possibility. As we had just hooked-up solid on a fish of his lockdown at night by cocooning themselves
approached our desired spot there was just own, which meant my next bait couldn’t be in a thick mucus membrane secreted from
enough light available for a bit of exploring loaded quick enough. This eventuated into
with the sounder and to prospect what was one of the hottest bites you could think of
available. As usual, The Passage turned up as snapper (albeit most were under size)
plenty of bluethroat, rock cod and other junk and nannygai were jumping into the boat
fish on the sounder. This wasn’t too worrying without a single ‘junk fish’ being caught.
however as we were keen to find out what We simply couldn’t have been happier as
happens after dark anyway. we high fived our way to a bag limit of 20
Having dropped the anchor in a likely stomper nannygai in an hour.
looking spot we casually organised the boat, The trip home that night was filled
poured some coffee, ate some lamingtons with excitement and the craziness often
and chilled out until night fall. Once enough expressed by excited anglers, but it also
light had disappeared and our sugar and raised a few questions. One such question
caffeine levels were at optimum working pondered, was why there is such a polar

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battery, which when added to the element
fishing scene. And whether you’re looking
of darkness started to turn things fairly
for that big time hook-up, or simply just
hairy. Luckily I have a backup battery
keen to put a few quality table fish into the
onboard and the appropriate electronics
esky, offshore fishing has wide appeal!
to draw off it in an emergency. This was
In my opinion searching for fish offshore
a vital lesson in the necessity of having
can essentially be broken down into two
reliable equipment when embarking
categories. The first would be prospecting
on this kind of trip, as well as good
more superficial waters for surface or sub-
navigation equipment.
Right on dark and the surface activity, while the second would
Life is about learning lessons though
action is starting to be hunting down deep in the lower half of
heat up! and that mistake taught me to not only be
the water column. This article will primarily
mindful but to anchor on the edge of the
focus on the latter of the two, so let’s take

I
reef instead of on top. This clearly results
a look at what’s involved for those keen to
glands in their gill t makes
cavityperfect
prior tosense
sleeping.that in a much higher return rate of anchors,
improve their offshore success down deep.
This masks their the SA offscent
natural shoreagainst
fishing but it is also the prime spot for quality
predators but also scene should
causes themprovide
to shut the fish as they love the upwellings the reef
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTOURS
downperfecttheir own fishing
feedingscenario,
habits. edges create. Trust me, I have spent some
The ability to read and interpret a map
This given
lets the the combination
cream rise to the oftop, time sitting right on top of reefs with very
or chart is a fundamental skill that any
so to speak, largely untapped
by leaving theschools
desired of little action.
offshore angler should aim to learn. Charts
fish toand low
rule thelevels
roostofand boating traffic.
stuff their While
guts While this story is primarily aimed at
can either be hardcopy or electronic in
in theory
until the sunit’s rises
hard again.
to disagree with this, highlighting the movements of nannygai
nature, so it really comes down to what
reality
Not onlywould does suggest
this open however, it couldn’t
up a highly after dark, no reef trip would be complete
tools and information you have available.
be further from
productive fishery thewhere
truth!you don’t suffer without other fish joining in on the fun.
A good offshore chart should exhibit
theFinding
loss offiterminal
sh offshore tackleis by no means
through pesky a Leaving the ramp a little earlier in the day
a high level of detail, and in the case of
quick
critt and
ers, buteasy proposition,
it changes or anprospect
the whole easy has allowed for significant exploration
finding fish the most important element is
skill
of to fiadopt.
reef shing for As thewithbettanyer.form of fishing, of other neighbouring spots. Doing this
found within the contour lines displayed.
time
For onmethe nowwatergonewill are inevitably
the days ofassist having often ensures I go home with a fisherman’s
For those unfamiliar with the term ‘contour
with
to use honing
heavy in your
outfi skills
ts to dealinwith
order basket with catches of big blue morwong
lines’ it refers to the squiggles or lines on
to build
the weight theofconfi
driftdence
ing massiveand and snapper, and other species that can
a chart that join points of equal water
improveincatch
sinkers deep rates.
water. really fire up late in the day, at a time most
depth. This provides us with valuable
On a personal
Anchoring allows level
theit’s fishos would be contemplating heading
information in regards to bottom depths
admitt
downsizing edly taken
of tackle meand quiteto abefew
able years to
to have back to shore.
and gradients that can certainly be used to
improve
a heap ofmy funconfi
on lightdence lineout
andthere with of
a mixture I will finish off by sharing what is
our advantage.
plenty
lures. I more
have also still found
to learn, theandoilyI’m sure of
texture most undoubtedly my most successful attempt
In my eyes reading a chart correctly is
off
theshore
humble enthusiasts
pilchard towill berelate
dynamite to this.
bait at this caper from earlier in the year. Being
one of the major keys for offshore fishing
asThe offshore
it creates itsenvironment
own little berley is constantly
scent and super eagre the boat was in the water at
success. Generally speaking, wide or
changing
doesn’t getwith fish oftby
destroyed enunwanted
vacating areas fish on as lunchtime on this particular day with the
spread contour lines indicate a much less
quickly as they
immediate appeared,
deployment andcircumstance.
in this weather and plan to scour some wide lumps prior to
drastic change in the sea floor depth and
strong tidal infl
One lesson uence
I learnt also play
earlier theirwas
this year part our night session. Instead of drifting we
therefore indicate a very slight gradient.
in SA,
to and careful
be ultra are variables
whereto contend
I place with. It
the anchor deployed the anchor near a lump in broad
Conversely, contour lines bunched up
is the sense
though. of challenge and
Not demonstrating as the
much potential
care as daylight with a bag of berley to pull in
tightly can reflect a sharp drop or rise
Irewards
should have that drive
cost me a lot of fisho’s
dearly with thetowards
push anything around us. While we did grab a
in depth, often in the form of a ledge or
investing
of a button. countless
A lack of hoursvigilance andsaw dollars into
me drop couple of nans the main event had to be
underwater lump or pinnacle. Pinnacles
thispick
my rapidly
rightexpanding
into a hardcore SouthchunkAustralianof reef the 21kg samson fish we nailed on a whole
which I could see on the sounder as soon as squid, plus two 50cm whiting on the lighter
it landed. 45 minutes of trying to manoeuvre outfits. By lighter I mean these whiting
the boat on different angles to dislodge the still scoffed a 4-inch strip of squid on a 5/0
anchor was not the ideal situation to be in, hook. This was a very nice ‘entrée’ to have
particularly in the dark with a light drizzle before heading inside The Passage for a
starting to fall. I now have $800 worth of session of rampaging night time nannygai,
chain, SARCA anchor, stainless swivels and and just another reason to boast that this A good samson caught
rope sitting on the ocean floor. Trying to is one of the best fisheries I have fished. I'm even before the night
session kicked off!
retrieve the anchor also drained my main sure there's still plenty to learn yet as well!

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feature

YORKE PENINSULA
SO MANY OPTIONS! WORDS & IMAGES BY: ANDREW MCGOVERN

High vantage points will


help you identify gutters
and trenches. There is no
question that the coastline
around the Peninsula
is some of the most
spectacular in the country

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Gutters, trenches and holes are the
Wayne Williams with a beautiful
most obvious features to look for. Dark
slab of surf mulloway. This sort coloured water in comparison to the
of fish is what attracts anglers surrounding area, lack of breaking waves
from all over the state, and
even interstate
or surging swells, and minimal white water
are sound indicators of deep water. This
group of features should be the first areas
to concentrate your efforts. Another key
feature are sand bars, which can run parallel
or perpendicular to the beach, and can be
out wide or close to the shore break. Where
there is a sand bar there will be deep water
nearby and natural edges for fish to patrol.
Watch how the waves form and break over
and around the sand bars as this will reveal
where the deeper water is. Waves will break
over the sand bar and reform into swells as
they traverse the deeper sections.
Unfortunately, nature doesn’t always
cooperate with anglers, and there will be
times where there is very little in the way
of features for you to have confidence to
fish. This is where some understanding of
tides and currents combined with what I
call 'beach nous' will see the switched-on
fishers land a few fish and the 'weekend
warriors' go home with a doughnut. Waves
crisscrossing as they move towards land,
combinations of swells and waves, as well
as irregular patterns and size in the waves
are all indicators of pockets of less uniform
water. This surface action of the waves will
tell the story of what lies below as changing
wave patterns will mean narrow trenches,
undulations, and troughs on the bottom.

YORKES SURF OUTFITS


With this variety of species and diversity
of the beach and bay topology available,
visiting anglers will need a mix of outfits for
a successful excursion at Yorkes. Starting
at the top end is a heavy bait outfit capable
of casting large baits and substantially
weighted rigs. A 6000 to 8000 sized
threadline capable of holding 300 metres

Sometimes it can be
a long time between
bites, particularly if
Chappie and I pulled three nice mulloway to
you are waiting for a
13kg, all of which were returned to the water. tide change
Now you have identified a handful of
beaches to fish the next piece of the puzzle
is to pinpoint the features on those beaches.
Your target species will have a bearing on
the features you require to get those rods
bending and drags singing. Some of the flat,
sheltered beaches are perfect for mullet,
tommies, garfish, or the occasional sambo.
We often fish these beaches and bays to
stock up on baits for our mulloway sessions
by targeting the edge of weed beds or small
distinct holes. However, if you are chasing
bigger prey in the form of salmon, shark, and
mulloway then you need to find beaches
with some clearly defined features that will
not only attract the fish, but also hold them
close enough to find your bait.

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Shallow water squid are
great value, such as this
one caught on an Ecooda
Live Prawn

salmon. For those undertaking long hikes eastern side of the peninsula Kleins Point,
ensure you have a high quality pack where Port Giles and Edithburgh jetties, as well
the bulk of the weight sits on your hips. This as any of the small beaches will all hold
will assist in taking the weight, and when mulloway in the summer months
walking good distances on soft sand this will On the western side some nice school
save loading up your shoulders and lower sized mulloway (up to 14 kilograms) can be
back. caught at The Gap near Port Hughes/Cape
Elizabeth, and numerous mulloway are taken
SNAPSHOT OF OPTIONS from Wallaroo Jetty and surrounding areas.
The following is a brief guide to the base
of Yorkes and some options to consider, TROUBRIDGE POINT LIGHTHOUSE
however, there are many other locations Some excellent rock fishing can be had for
that will produce trophy mulloway. On the snook, salmon, snapper and garfish near
of 30lb mono matched to a fast tapered
3-4 metre rod, is perfect for this style of
fishing. With weed being an ever-present
issue along these lower Yorkes beaches I
was advised by a couple of good mates to
use mono rather than braid. This was sound
advice as removing huge clumps of weed
tangled like a macramé set through braid is
time consuming and almost impossible to
detangle at times. Although still challenging
mono is much more user friendly when weed
is present.
Next outfit would be a multi-purpose
setup that could cover both lure and bait
fishing for salmon, squid and mullet. A 2 to
2.4 metre rod matched with a 4000 size spin The author releasing
a 'pup'. Even small
reel and 14-20lb braid with cover both bases. mulloway are a
Finally an ultra-light spin outfit capable rewarding capture
of handling 6-8lb braid for chasing bait and a good sign you're
fishing in the right area!
fish such as tommies, gar, mullet or small

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"A hellish walk in was required and we scaled some
seriously gnarly, crumbling cliffs, as there was no
other access point down to the sand"
do not just start fishing, ask at one of the
local tackle shops or land owners to ensure
you are not trespassing. Plenty of big
mulloway are taken here every year as well
as bronze whalers and nice sized gummies.
Big fresh baits should be used to give
yourself the best chance, and ensure you
regularly check your baits as crabs and
Salmon will foraging 'pickers' will make quick work of
respond well
to a metal slug
a bait left for too long in the surf. Butlers
Beach is a private farm, which for a small
fee allows access to a wonderful stretch of
Troubridge Point. Be wary of changing this coast.
weather conditions as several of the rocky Salmon Beach is possibly the most
platforms can become dangerous very popular and well-known for its namesake,
quickly. Remember never fish the rocks but a warm summer's night spent here
alone and even wear a life jacket. with a fillet of salmon soaking in the suds
There are several small beaches along can bring a surprise in the form of a big
this section of coast all of which are worth mulloway. The rocky headlands in this
a fish. Located west of Troubridge Point is region will produce salmon, squid, snapper
Kemp’s Beach, which is a relatively shallow and silver drummer.
beach with no distinct gutters and is a
good example of the beaches in this area. It Sharks can be prolific at MARION BAY
fishes best on a rising tide during the largest night but occasionally Marion Bay is located towards the bottom
water movements each month. Salmon you will land the smaller portion of the peninsula, just outside Innes
models during the day
and school mulloway are prime targets at National Park. The main beach at Marion
these times. This beach is one of the best is a very productive mullet location where
beaches to fish on a hot summer's night whole pilchards for these schoolies up to there are numerous public pathways that
with a strong northerly wind blowing. The 9 kilograms. lead down to the sand. The far eastern
beach is sheltered from the strong winds end of the Marion Bay beach will produce
and will often glass out. Small to medium BUTLERS BEACH some good mulloway in summer and early
sized mulloway will patrol the shallows in This stretch of coastline, that runs east of autumn. The rocks near the southern
packs, searching for food that will often Marion Bay towards Port Minlacowie, has public car park will produce salmon, snook,
result in some epic sessions. Most reliable numerous productive beaches with some garfish and squid when they are running.
method is using relatively light sinkers and being on private property. If you are unsure The Marion Bay Jetty is a more comfortable

Superb coastline without


another soul in sight.
Sometimes we take what
we have on offer here in SA
for granted

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 18 19/09/2017 3:16:00 PM


FISHINGSA 55.indd 19 19/09/2017 3:16:01 PM
Adam Chapman
with a nice schoolie
taken from a newly
discovered beach on
our last visit

fishing platform if you are not keen on INNES NATIONAL PARK


rock fishing, and has ample lighting for The Innes NP has an array of great fishing
those who want to catch live or fresh bait spots and is known for salmon, mullet,
at night for a beach session the next day. tommies and garfish. For those chasing
mulloway, there are beaches near the
STENHOUSE BAY Ethel Wreck and Pondalowie that are
Stenhouse Bay is inside Innes National home to some quality fish. Many of the
Park where fees apply. Situated at the beaches within the park receive little
southern end of the peninsula there is a fishing with West Cape, which is a classic
jetty that runs several hundred metres surf beach, popular for the salmon it
out to sea. With access to deep water delivers. The sambos will often vacate as
and at times powerful currents, large the sun sets and the mulloway will move
prey such as whalers, gummy sharks, in and out of its many gutters unhindered.
rays and mulloway are on offer. Squid, Innes NP is also home to some surprising
salmon, small snapper and garfish are captures like large flathead and beach
also common captures around Stenhouse bream which are a real rarity in SA.
To land that trophy
Bay. The area also offers a few small mulloway you need to put
beaches that produce salmon and the BROWNS BEACH time in. With magnificent
odd mulloway, and the area is also famous Another high profile salmon beach sunsets like this time can
pass very quickly!
for its mullet fishing. that fishes consistently from the start

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 20 19/09/2017 3:16:04 PM


of autumn through winter. Mid-spring fishers around the country for its huge casting deep diving minnows for a schoolie
will see the numbers of salmon drop schools of migratory salmon. Some of or two. The beach typically has a deep
marginally, however, expect the quality to these fish can reach a staggering 6 and gutter at each end and one dead centre.
improve with some thumping 5-kilogram even 7-kilograms, with fish regularly These will be the main spots for those
plus fish caught every year. Late summer exceeding 4-kilograms. Trophy mulloway targeting mulloway.
normally signals the kick off of the mullet are also on the cards for those prepared The Yorke Peninsula is a fantastic place
run around Yorkes with good catches to put in the time with big, fresh slabs of to visit and provides a genuine chance at
common. With the mullet follow the cuttlefish or salmon. Beach features such beaching a trophy mulloway on the sand,
mulloway, so the thinking angler will carry as holes or deep gutters will often be a along with many other quality sideline
a number of outfits and have a big bait out long walk from the high vantage points species. With a raft of accommodation
for a chance at that big silver slab. and will require some time and effort to styles, and only being a leisurely few hour
Although a long walk, the far end of reach. During the warmer months ensure drive from Adelaide, it makes sense that
Browns Beach past the lagoon is the best you carry plenty of water if fishing through a trip to Yorkes should be pencilled in
spot for the mulloway. Between Browns the day. This is a classic surf beach and can on your surf fishing calendar in the very
Beach and Formby Bay there are several produce amazing results. near future!
beaches both large and small. Gym Beach Point Annie, Gleeson’s Landing, and The
is the most accessible by car (with a small Blue Hole can be found between Dust Hole
Night fishing will
walk on arrival) with mullet, salmon and and Berry Bay. These are good beaches and produce plenty
whiting to be caught here during the day, cracker mulloway can be caught from them of mulloway
and mulloway, shark, and rays to be caught all. This area receives a ridiculous amount on Yorkes
at night. Gyms is not a classic deep water of pressure with some unthinking 4WDers
surf beach, but some nice mulloway are churning up the access roads in, as well as
caught here each year. Walking north along the beaches themselves. Remember that
the coast from Gyms you can follow the most of these areas are within Crown Land
coast track known as 'Walk the Yorkes' and hence allow public access. However
which will help you gain access to rarely if the coastal damage continues there is a
fished beaches. Summer is the time for the serious chance these access points will be
larger mulloway from these beaches, and off limits and anglers will need to undertake
due to the long walks catch and release long hikes to access the beaches.
is the only real option. Beware of the cliff Berry Bay is one of the more reliable
access to some of these beaches as the beaches on Yorkes for school mulloway.
loose limestone cliffs are fragile, and keep Easy public access is via a set of treated
an eye out for the ever-present snakes in timber steps situated at the northern end
the warmer months. of the beach. At times mullet can be prolific
along the shallows, with salmon around
DALY HEAD / BERRY BAY high water. If there are narrow gutters or
Dust Hole Beach is known to sports troughs running parallel to the beach try
fishingsamagazine | 21

FISHINGSA 55.indd 21 19/09/2017 3:16:10 PM


hot spots

Far West Coast


By Stephen Wilkins

beach,. bay & offshore


W
ith a warmer feel to the
air already I would not be
surprised if by the time
this goes to print we are
experiencing some quite
hot days on the State's far
west coast. This is the time when I start
seriously thinking about beach fishing
above all else, as there is something that
just keeps drawing me back to our famous
west coast beaches time and time again!
The winter just passed has been
extremely quiet on the mulloway front for
myself, and I have heard similar stories
from others also, so hopefully this isn’t
an indication of things to come after last
summer’s blistering run of big fish. As
usual there's only one way to find out and
that is to head west! I'm sure it won't be
long before the first reports of big silver found it and respect the property that you dark with the lights on the jetty these days.
fish hitting the sand filter through. travel through to reach your location. The salmon fishing on the west coast
As per usual any of the beaches up this On another land-based front, the has been better this year than I’ve ever
way can produce at this time of year so it Fowlers Bay Jetty has been fishing experienced in my 15 or so years of
can be quite difficult to decide where to go extremely well over the last couple of seriously chasing them, with big schools
at times - spoilt I guess! If you are coming months with massive tommies, snook, all up and down the coast. I would be
to our side of the state, or even if you are a squid, trevally and even the odd mulloway surprised if they aren’t still around in
local, make sure to leave the beach as you making it worth a look, especially after decent numbers even through these
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FISHINGSA 55.indd 22 18/09/2017 12:36:27 PM


HOT SPOTS

West Coast of EP
By Christian Faulkner

hot fishing, beat the crowds! Tatusdaesto blaut od ea

"October and November is a prime time to take advantage of the summer style fishing volorio seque volesse.

on the west coast without the crowds of the school holidays and Christmas tourists"

O
ctober and November on the west to the jetty or Hospital Point. The snapper year for salmon. Although there aren’t
coast can produce almost totally generally follow the blue crabs into the bay, generally many monsters landed from
different weather. October seems to and often fishing mid water will be the go Mt Camel, there are always fish there.
be mainly warm weather with light to avoid crabs stealing baits while you’re Dusk and dawn will be the best times to
winds, while November is usually waiting for snapper to swim by. Plenty of hit them, but they can be caught all day.
nice and warm to hot, but the wind berley should be used as they don’t seem My option would be to grab a couple of
pattern of summer is normally well and truly to hang in any one part of the bay, they just stubbies and head down late afternoon.
set in, with afternoon sea breezes the norm. seem to cruise through the channels. As summer nears, the Walkers Rocks area
This aside, the fishing is typically great over King George whiting schools should starts to swell with tourists and holiday
this period! be well and truly established in the makers looking to relax and catch a feed.
Blue crabs start to show up in all the bays shallows all along the coast by the start Anywhere along the beach all the way up
as October nears its end, especially at of November, but I’m sure the annual to the reef can produce whiting, tommies,
Smoky Bay. They arrive in big numbers, but annoyance of trumpeters will also be snook and small salmon. Just pull up to any
sometimes early in the season they don’t around in plague proportions! gutter or white hole and you should have a
contain very much meat. As the water warms Anglers that manage to score the perfect fair chance of getting a feed. The Talia side
up they start feeding more aggressively and mix of weather, low swell and wind, and a of the reef is renowned for producing big
begin filling up with meat - this also means late night high tide should come across salmon and gummies after dark. While you
they are easier to catch. Boat anglers might solid sized mulloway. Fresh squid, salmon only catch the odd salmon up there after
find the opposite side of the bay will produce or tommie fillets are the ideal baits, but dark they are usually the extra large ones
more crabs early on at Smoky, and as the any fish fillets will put you in with a chance. which makes it worthwhile.
season goes on and water warms up the Back Beach, Hallys and Patties are all worth The jetty at Elliston should keep fishos
town side of the bay and the jetty will be the a try. entertained with big tommies and squid,
places to try. The town jetty produces big Those fishing the lumps out from Venus especially when the water is clear. Locks
tommies this time of year, especially on a Bay can expect hauls of snapper, especially Well and Sheringa are both almost as
late night high tide. You are almost certainly when the tide is slack. Drifting over the reliable for salmon in the summer time as
going to get a good feed of big tommies if you lumps when the tide is not ripping is they are in winter, so anglers can expect to
fish the 11-12pm high tides, especially on a the preferred option and plenty of other hook a few. Sheringa is a good option, and
warm balmy night. bycatch like nannygai, King George and big if the salmon aren’t running you can drive
At Streaky Bay anglers can expect snapper trevally can be expected. Inside the bay back to the first beach and pick up a feed
to start showing up in the channel of the itself trevally can be landed from the jetty, of whiting and tommies.
bay midway through October. Anywhere in and boat anglers should be able to manage October and November is a prime time to
the bay if you are in a channel you are half a feed of whiting, but sifting through the take advantage of the summer style fishing
a chance of hooking one if you're a boatie. undersized ones might be required. on the west coast without the crowds of the
Alternatively land-based anglers should head Mt Camel Beach is a reliable option all school holidays and Christmas tourists!
24 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 24 18/09/2017 12:36:35 PM


FISHINGSA 55.indd 25 18/09/2017 12:36:36 PM
raking
THEM IN! WORDS & IMAGES BY: SHANE MURTON
ADDITIONAL IMAGES BY: VIV WILSON

I
'm sure most non-fishos would associate 'raking'
with an activity far removed and much more menial
than fishing, usually in the form of a non-enjoyable
household chore. But if you're a fisho in SA you'll know
that you can have a whole lot of fun with a common-
looking rake when it comes to pinning our monster
blue swimmer crabs on the flats this warmer season.
Scratching around for blueys with a rake has a strong
following, and chasing them in this manner is a large part
of the crab culture of South Oz. The appeal is obvious. You
don't need a lot of gear, it's relaxing and typically a highly
productive way to target the flats dwelling crabs which take
up residence in our warm shallow waters. Raking crabs does
beat the hell out of raking leaves around your house that's
for sure, no comparison there! It's amazing how you can
get pumped for what is probably harder work than cleaning
up your backyard when there's a day near the water and a
seafood feast attached to the deal. The blues are
So how do you get into this raking caper and nail a few
of these explosive blue shelled land mines that invade our back! A popular
coastal flats?

ESSENTIAL GEAR
and easy way to
The simplicity of crab raking is much of the attraction. Crab get yourself a feed
rakes are widely available from most tackle stores around
the state that are within close proximity to a population of of these tasty
blueys. Essentially you just need a rake, a tub to put your
catch in and tow around with you, crab measurer and an treats is by raking
old pair of sneakers or wet suit boots and you're in the
the shallow flats
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FISHINGSA 55.indd 26 18/09/2017 12:36:45 PM


feature

This crab raking caper is a


bunch of fun. The lads geared
up and having a ball!

fishingsamagazine | 27

FISHINGSA 55.indd 27 18/09/2017 12:36:53 PM


game. When conditions aren't overly warm the bottom and spot the telltale blue
you may want waders as well to boost the There is a huge crab here, swimmer crab signs, and even see the crabs
can you see it?! Below:
comfort factor. However, you can turn into Rob Wilson and some nice themselves in less than perfect conditions.
a bucket of sweat in waders on a hot day keepers and a flathead There's also more chance of losing crabs in
when you're walking through mud carrying deeper water which can bugger off rapidly
a big haul of crabs back to your car. if you're not quick to scoop them up, or able
Catch care is a huge part of it as well, to easily engage in claw to rake combat
so an esky back on land with ice in it is a to keep their mind off doing the bolt!
prerequisite, as you don't want your crabs Sometimes you don't need water at all, and
to spoil before you get them home, and they it's common to rake blue crabs from areas
can easily die on a hot summer's day. that are bone dry, which always blows the
All the usual slip, slop, slap precautions mind but is cool to see!
are essential also given you'll likely be Crab raking is highly tide reliant and
outside during the hottest part of the day, knowing your area well is important if you
during the hottest months of the year. I like want to maximise your time with rake in
to carry a light backpack with camera, water hand, and not miss out on the chocolates.
and any other bits and pieces in it, but you A general time to start wading out onto the
can even forego this if you're after a quick, flats is in the last hour or so of the dropping
low-fuss session. tide, when the water has gone out far
enough to give access to some of the outer
AREA TRAITS & TIMES sand holes and broken grounds where the
In the lead up to Christmas we're entering crabs will drop back to. It's not unusual to
prime blue swimmer raking time, and as have active crabs swimming/crawling past
waters continue to heat up they'll be on the you at this time, as they're dropping back
march into the shallows. Blue swimmers to find a suitable place to bunker down for
seem to thrive in the super warm shallows the low tide. Sometimes you hardly even
of our gulfs and the larger bay systems on need to rake the bottom, just scoop up the
the west coast. Many of these locations mid-water crabs swimming past. Mostly you
feature wide and fertile flats areas that want to be in the prime place just before
provide endless habitat and food for crabs. dead low tide and then scratch around
Even with crabs out of the equation they're through the low and start to make tracks
typically lively, healthy intertidal zones. when it turns, or hopefully before if you've
Another notable characteristic of a found your quarry.
likely blue swimmer flats area for raking The drop back areas the crabs prefer
is there's typically an uneven bottom usually require a bit of a walk to find, as
type, punctuated with weed beds, holes they're not hard against the shoreline, and
or depressions, mud, sand patches and are mostly areas where roughly the water
razorfish. Such an area will be much retreats to on the low tide and just beyond
more productive over a more sterile and this. These places are always either just
featureless bottom type and provide plenty under water, or around the low water mark. It
of places for crabs to hide, and by the same makes sense, as any crabs stranded in a drier
token, feed. area than this for an extended period stand
Keep your eyes peeled when
A desired water depth of around a metre a chance of being baked by summer temps
wading the flats, some crabs will
or less on low tide is preferable. You don't be easy to spot. Below sequence: or eaten by birds. Last year we saw crabs
want it overly deep as it's harder to see A big bluey springs up after scrambling to find deeper water after being
being disturbed!

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 28 18/09/2017 12:37:00 PM


"Scratching around for blueys with a rake has a trapped on a flat during massive low tides,
and as the sun started beating down they all

strong following, and chasing them in this manner came out of hiding and attempted to reach
any water they could find on a filthy hot

is a large part of the crab culture of South Oz" day. With all this in mind, I'm sure you'll find
more than the odd crab doing something
it shouldn't and they can be found literally
anywhere when the season is in full swing.

RAKING TECHNIQUE
Crab raking is quite an intensive activity.
When I first started off I was more selective
where I chose to rake, preferring to see
some sort of likely crab sign or a really high
probability piece of seafloor first. But after
watching more seasoned rakers closely it
was obvious they really work the bottom
hard and thorough, and it soon became
apparent why, as blue crabs can be hiding
basically anywhere and don't always give
clues as to their location.
Once you find some crab bottom it's a
matter of scouring most of it. Clear patches
surrounded by weed, or the edge of weed
beds are a couple of noteworthy areas you
can confidently rake most of the bottom
Raking over prime bottom
with plenty of features even without an obvious hint there's a crab
and holding points for home. Finding crabs like this is actually a
the crabs
buzz, as you can be half in a daze with not

fishingsamagazine | 29

FISHINGSA 55.indd 29 18/09/2017 12:37:05 PM


how you wield your rake, but it also comes 'catch out' the odd crab that hasn't totally
A good haul
ready to be put down to being able to tune into the signs concealed itself. It could be the tip of a
on ice and then on the flats, and even spot the crabs. Quite nipper, or end of a leg that it hasn't covered
cooked up! a few crabs you get during these sessions over with sand that completely gives
will be spotted even before the rake has away its whereabouts. Not much makes a
been introduced. crabber's eyes light up more than spotting
On an otherwise drab, muddy or sandy a blue appendage, and with a poke of your
bottom you'd think an electric blue and rake you can soon have the bottom erupting
white crab that reaches sizable proportions with a large male bluey at full attention and
would stick out like a sore thumb, but for ready to rumble. The cat and mouse game
the most part they don't. on the flats after these wild things has to be
You need to be really sharp eyed and clued admired, and it's the ultimate game of hide
into the subtle and not so subtle crab signs. and seek!
Calm water offers the best window into the
watery world below, and allows you to pick SIDELINE FISHING
up the patches of darker disturbed sand As if catching blue crabs isn't enough,
that can denote a crab below. You can also there's quality sideline fishing to be had

much happening and all of a sudden you've


woken a blue beast from the sand that
rushes out at you with nippers going in all
directions and it's ready to go 12 rounds
with you. At this point the quicker you
can get it in your tub, and the less playing
around the better. With the crab secured There's some great
bycatch on the cards while
you can then measure it up and get on the
on crabbing trips. Pictured
hunt for your next! are a few Yorkes yellowfin
A large part of successful raking is not just

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 30 18/09/2017 12:37:08 PM


SA Crab Raking
Hot Spots
Augusta at low tide are
usually the most popular,
albeit the full length of 25km you
can still catch them on the western side
of Upper Spencer Gulf. Chinamen Creek is also
productive. The turn-off from Highway One heading
south from Port Augusta to Port Pirie is around 32km
south of Port Augusta. Once again at low tide obviously,
and you need good boots, rake and a container for the
crabs . Robin mentioned as for the rest of the location,
that access is being restricted and there are only so many
tracks you can drive to without coming across a sign or
fence saying 'No Entry'.

WHYALLA, UPPER EP

S
Prominent Whyalla angler Alan Hall said in front of the
outh Australia is laden with an overwhelming shacks at Cowleds Landing about 10km south of Whyalla
amount of prime crab raking areas, and in a is popular. Also Murninnie Beach about 30km south of
whirlwind look below our regular area report Whyalla. The shallows in Fitzgerald Bay can also provide
writers, and other prominent crabbers from right plenty of crabs for waders. Alan also mentioned there's no
around the state, have provided some general more crab raking at 8 Mile Creek as the area is now in the
locations to be checking out this warmer season. no take zone of the marine park.
So let's get in to it!
LOWER TO MID EP
METRO Regular writer Heath Woodward said Cowell has plenty
There's some great close handy crab raking for Adelaide of quality crab raking, with the flats of the southern
anglers to the north. Rod builder and long-term crabber peninsula in Franklin Harbour near the leases productive.
Rob Wilson suggests checking out Port Gawler, Middle He said 4WD is definitely advised as beach driving is
Beach, Thompson Beach, Webb Beach and Port Parham, required. If you are attacking it with a conventional vehicle
with Thompson and Parham particularly popular for then the gravel road running from Cowell to Port Gibbon
metro crabbers. gives access to parking points where you can venture into
the water by foot along the far south-western corner.
YORKE PENINSULA Heath also mentioned that good raking is on offer out the
Yorkes has so many crab raking options it's hard to narrow front of Limani Hotel in Port Lincoln as well.
it to a few. But FSA writer Alex Ciccozzi suggested the With so many options there's plenty of reasons to get
smaller towns of Tiddy Widdy and Port Clinton are a your gear together and rake a few blueys this season!
great starting point for a bit of family friendly crab raking
away from the larger crowds. Finding your own section of
secluded beach in these areas will certainly increase your
chance of success, so don’t be afraid to head for a long
stroll down the beach before commencing. Stansbury
foreshore south of the boat ramp is also a great little
pocket to search along, but being a larger town there’s
often a bit of traffic to contend with at times. Port Vincent
in front of the caravan park and the flats either side of the
town are also very productive.

PORT AUGUSTA, UPPER EP


Port Augusta tackle store owner Robin Sharp suggested
a few options in his area. With popular raking locations
being along the front of the shacks on the western side
of Spencer Gulf. The first lot of shacks south of Port

fishingsamagazine | 31

FISHINGSA 55.indd 31 18/09/2017 12:37:09 PM


A big crab that
hasn't been
woken up yet!

on many of the crab raking grounds dimension to the day.


around the state. These areas can also be Blue crabs are so cool by design, with
home to flathead, yellowfin whiting and medieval-like serrations lining their
a swag of other species which are more carapace and claws, and they have a highly
than targetable, and will add variety to antagonistic persona, showing no fear
your seafood meal. This fishing actually leaping at something as large as a fisho
complements the blue crab action well. As towering over them with a rake in hand.
the tide comes back in and it gets too deep Throw in their sweet tasting flesh, and the
to rake any more you can swap your rake prospect of a day out in the sun and sea
out for a flickstick combo and keep the fun air. Grabbing a rake and getting on the
going! bluey trail seems a pretty darn good way to
There is great yellowfin whiting action spend a day out!
north of Adelaide and on many of the Side note: Rob Wilson of South Oz Rods
country flats over these late spring and currently has a great long sleeved blue
summer months, and it's almost a crime to swimmer crab top available for purchase
ignore it! Having a backup plan isn't a bad for $65.00 each, with sizes up to 5XL. To
thing either in case the crabs are on the purchase one of these tops contact Rob
slow side. So be sure to take a couple of direct at his shop on (08) 8261 5455 or call
light rods, a cross-section of lures or basic in and see him at Shop 5, 73 Mullers Road,
bait terminals, and you can add another Hampstead Gardens.

A bucket of
crabs about to
be cooked up
- yummo!

32 | www.fishingsa.com.au

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 33 18/09/2017 12:49:46 PM
HOT SPOTS

Lower Eyre Peninsula


By Heath Woodward

springboarding into summer


S
pring has well and truly sprung and and evening tides were the keys to getting also be in full swing with a bit of tidal flow.
it hasn’t happened a day too soon. amongst it, with huge schools crunching Whiting shouldn’t be the only species to
While this winter has seen an epic down prawns, cockles, fresh strips of squid have a crack at out here as the weed beds
run of King George whiting in the and razorfish with little caution. around Reevesby Island produce some of
bays around Port Lincoln, the best That magical moment of the day when the largest calamari in the state. This is
I have seen actually, it is certainly the sun is producing its final light and the where you will need to break out the larger
nice to have some sun on the back and fish bite their heads off trying to cram in squid jags (3.5) to get down to the lower
slightly heavier fish in our sights. that last feed of the day is something all water column where they lay in wait. Some
I mentioned earlier in the year that this anglers who have experienced it cherish. of the charter guys further up the gulf
winter was shaping up as something We had plenty of that this year, and in even attach a squid jag to the swivel above
special for the shallow water scene with addition to the KG whiting, localblaut
Tatusdaesto boaties
od ea their whiting rigs for the whole ‘2 birds one
bag limits of whiting coming easily at the around Port Lincoln were volorio sequeto
treated volesse. stone’ thing, and it works.
beginning of the season. We were certainly something special with some unreal light The KG whiting will begin to move away
not let down as that run of whiting blasted shows on the drive back to the ramp after from the shallows inside Coffin Bay,
through the cool months with some of dark. An explosion of bioluminescent algae however Farm Beach and the Sand Hills
the easiest and reliable sessions I have lit up Proper Bay through winter as part will still turn it on, with hitting the water
experienced. Around the southern half of a rare but natural algae bloom. When early the secret. The chew tends to slow
of the bays at Port Lincoln the afternoon this particular algae is disturbed it glows down by mid-morning, so making a start at
an electric blue colour which results in a day break is not only refreshing for the soul
glowing blue wake and bow spray as the but it usually results in good hauls.
boat cuts through the water. Once again, With the water temperature on the rise it
an experience that is difficult to forget. will kick off the beginning of the summer
Now as we are well into spring these run of species inside Coffin Bay. Trevally
whiting will have changed habitat as they and salmon trout will push in around the
evacuate the shallow drops and head for islands, including Goat Island, Rabbit
deeper water. The usual locations near Island and The Brothers, but also the
Port Lincoln will be worth a visit including oyster racks and channel edges. Larger
behind Boston Island and the northern trevally will be found darting around the
end of Boston Bay along the tape weed. many reefs scattered along the coast near
Offshore, Thistle Island will be producing Gallipoli Beach. Out here you will also
the slobs it is famous for. The Sir Joseph have a huge chance of hooking gummy
Banks Group area east of Tumby Bay will sharks, snapper and other demersal fish –

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 34 18/09/2017 12:49:51 PM


remembering that the snapper ban comes into effect on November
1. The weed beds along the ledge near Seal Corner will hold good
numbers of garfish and a slow trickle of berley will have them
queuing up for a feed. Try find areas out of the main current flow,
close to the shore for gar here.
Of course closing out the food chain, it is no secret at this time
of the year that Coffin Bay has a run of huge kingfish. Coffin Bay
kingfish at the back end of the year are nothing new and have
been common knowledge for decades. However with the recently
implemented sanctuary zones locking out some prime real-estate
catching a mega fish has been made a little more challenging.
Remember do not be tempted in to casting a line in this area, as
the penalties can be quite severe. Download the relevant marine
park info to avoid confusion at: www.marineparks.sa.gov.au.
With the snapper ban coming in many fishos seeking a challenge
flock up to the west coast to target those monster mulloway that
are often seen gracing the front covers of magazines. While many
undertake this pilgrimage it might be worth considering something

"Lower EP beaches produce some


thumping salmon throughout the may hook off these close to home beaches.
Finally, the local jetties right around the EP will also start to see

warmer months" good action for squid, snook and other bread and butter fish. Early
morning and late evening are always prime! I will touch base with
you closer to Christmas where we should be getting into the nuts
and bolts of the offshore season and plenty more!
a little closer to civilisation if hitting the beaches is on your agenda
but you don’t want to go to the extent of prepping yourself for
remote camping for long periods of time. It is often overlooked that
Spring and summer surf
the lower EP beaches produce some thumping salmon throughout fishing can be great
the warmer months. With the tides somewhat lower compared to around lower EP, with low
winter and swell down to a manageable level it allows for less risky swell conditions typical
navigation of known beaches including Gunyah and Wisemans. The
low swell is always welcome amongst beach fishos for also bringing
schools of sambos in close to shore as well. Throw in sharks, and
the odd mulloway and snapper and you just never know what you

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 35 18/09/2017 12:49:55 PM


HOT SPOTS

Upper Eyre Peninsula


By Alan Hall

whyalla spring wrap


"The recent completion of the installation of solar lighting at the Point
Lowly Marina breakwall has been very welcomed by local fishers"

A
s we move towards summer we has always been a problem for me until water can get seriously rough at times. Use a
can expect fishing in the whole of now. I have never been a fan of pickling crab very heavy sinker attached to the main line,
upper Spencer Gulf to improve with meat as all I could taste was the vinegar. then about a 2m dropper with a baited hook.
the arrival of the spring whiting and An acquaintance suggested cryovacing Drop down until bottom is reached the wind
blue crabs. The movement of the and freezing the meat after cooking and up about 2m and then start your drift.
blue crab from the deeper water to picking. I have to say now it’s the only way to Marek’s Tyre Reef in front of Whyalla is
shallower waters brings them within reach go. Meat thaws out and tastes as fresh as if always a good spot for pan size snapper
of shore-based fishers and those in boats. it was caught the day before. Straight onto and the occasional larger fish. Once again
Most popular methods of catching crab sandwiches or it can be used in cooking a pre-dawn would be the best time, and if you
are by dropping crab nets from jetties and variety of meals. stay a little longer you should also get a feed
boats, or by wading through the shallows October will see King George whiting of KG whiting.
and raking. catches improve and there should be some For those that like to smoke fish, snook
For boaties best areas are out from the good size fish around at this time of the year. can be found in November over the weed
foreshore at Whyalla and in front of Mount Broken bottom at the Whyalla foreshore is beds on the Western Shoal, Fairway Bank
Young, virtually anywhere on the broken always a good area, as is in front of Mount and along the south side of Fitzgerald Bay.
bottom. Best baits for nets would be the Young. Sandy holes along the One Steel Cowell, especially around the entrance,
easily caught trumpeter/whiting frames and breakwall are reliable as well. Eastern Shoal holds some big schools of snook in
heads, and even snapper heads and frames. usually turns it on in October and along November. Trolling and casting soft plastics
If you want to get amongst some extra- Ward Spit, and south into the Port Pirie should get you a good feed.
large blue crab, waters around Port Augusta Checker Buoy grounds. The recent completion of the installation
hold some of the biggest blue crabs I Salmon can be taken by shore casters at of solar lighting at the Point Lowly Marina
have seen and they taste much better. I’m Becky Point just north of Whyalla and also breakwall has been very welcomed by local
thinking because of the higher salt content in front of the lighthouse at Point Lowly. fishers, as they now have a much safer
in the water at Port Augusta. Crabbing at the Recent catches have seen fish to 4kg being environment for night time fishing activities.
Port is a little different as you require heavily taken which is as good as any taken on the The installation of the lights was made
weighted nets to hold the bottom during the west coast! possible by a recreational fishing grant via
tidal movements and you need to get close Snapper fishing is much less predictable Department Environment Water and Natural
to a beacon as that is where crabs seem to nowadays, but early morning fishers (pre- Resources and coordinated by Anne Ryan
congregate rather than just anywhere. Best dawn) will be able to catch fish around the at Whyalla City Council and RecFish SA. It
areas for raking will be in front of the shacks 6kg mark in The Rip at Point Lowly in front was anticipated that light spill would attract
just south of Port Augusta on the western of the lighthouse. Usual method here is to fish to the marina at night time and already
side of the gulf, and for Whyalla in the back drift through the area. Start at say 200m out this has been the case with schools of
of Fitzgerald Bay and in front of the shacks at from shore, then 300m then 400m etc. until mullet and salmon visible under the lights.
Cowled’s Landing south of Whyalla. you find them. Water depth here is anything The lights brighten up when movement is
Keeping crab meat to eat at a later date up to 28m. Anchoring is not favoured as the detected as shown in the picture.

36 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 36 18/09/2017 12:49:58 PM


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fishingsamagazine | 37

FISHINGSA 55.indd 37 18/09/2017 12:50:08 PM


hot spots

Upper Eyre Peninsula


By Robin Sharp

warming upper gulf waters


H
.
ere at Port Augusta in October the
fishing changes dramatically and
gulf and generally cruising around the upper
Spencer Gulf this time of year. I suggest
about 8-25km south of the boat ramp. The
Seabird boat wreck regularly produces
quickly as the water temperature of trying around the Rail Bridge north of Port snapper, the odd mulloway and even a few
the upper Spencer Gulf increases Augusta and around navigation beacons yellowtail kingfish.
markedly. The water temperature and other structures, as the kingfish just Snook, salmon trout, tommies and
changes up to 6 degrees centigrade love to be near structure. Another spot I leatherjackets are the best of the rest, along
in a month! The weather also changes have noticed in recent years is in Chinamen with garfish above the weed beds using
significantly, sometimes four seasons Creek in some of the deeper gutters. quality gents for bait.
in one day. These changes bring about October is usually the last month of the
an influx of both fish and crabs as they year when you can catch a decent feed of November options
migrate northwards up Spencer Gulf. They King George whiting in Port Augusta before The early run of crabs continues through
are following, or being led by, the warmer the invasion of the trumpeter, which lasts October and into November and then
waters and of course this increased activity until about April. Best advice is to fish with they do go off for a while until around
presents an increased food source. The the slower outgoing tides around .8 metre Christmas. As mentioned earlier, fishing
squid and other species that prefer the to 1.2 metre. A three metre tidal flow just for King George whiting in Port Augusta in
cooler water temperatures gradually move brings out the trumpeters and blow fish and November becomes almost impossible but
into deeper waters and ultimately move makes for a pretty frustrating day. Dodge thankfully you can fill your time chasing
further south. The squid generally move tides are better for KG whiting over patchy snook, salmon trout, tommies and garfish.
out of the upper Spencer Gulf and do not weed bottom here at Port Augusta. Gar and snook are catchable fishing just
return until around April next year. The first Yellowfin, or silver whiting as they are below the surface and in the top half of
few weeks of October will see the last of known locally, are up and about this time the water column. The trumpeter rules the
the squid before they head south. Suggest of year and you can usually pick up a feed bottom, and of course if you get up on the
you try in about 3 metres of water over long of these in the shallows away from the banks in the shallows the trumpeters does
weed for best results further south of the marauding trumpeter. Usually in a metre or not like this area as much, especially in the
shacks. less of water. early morning tides. Late afternoon and
You are still able to land the odd yellowtail Snapper can also be caught south of trumpeter will travel up into very shallow
kingfish, with large schools sighted up the Port Augusta, with the best drops being warm water.
38 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 38 18/09/2017 12:50:12 PM


Yellowtail kingfish have been caught during this period and
it's worth trolling a live bait or quality lure in front of the power
station and try heading up the gulf around the Whyalla Rail
Bridge. In recent years the use of downriggers and side imaging
sounders has improved your chances of catching kingfish in a
big way.
Yellowfin or silver whiting can be caught during the warmer
months. Best areas are just off the mangroves on the intertidal
zone in about a metre or even less of water. Best baits are green
prawns, blood worms, cockle or squid with a bit of berley.
November is one of those in between months with snapper
fishing now banned throughout SA right through to mid-
December. The weather is also a major factor to consider with hot
spells broken up by usually strong winds. It’s either 35-45 degrees
with a chance of a few calm days or blowing from either the
south or north making it uncomfortable for fishing. Pick your days
though and it's still a good time to wet a line and try your luck!

The Water Fall area at Port


Paterson, an amazing natural
feature! Below: Port Augusta
crabs are some of the biggest
and best in SA!

"These changes bring about an


influx of both fish and crabs as they
migrate northwards up Spencer Gulf"

Don't write-off encountering


big kings over these
months, even in some quite
shallow water!

fishingsamagazine | 39

FISHINGSA 55.indd 39 18/09/2017 12:50:17 PM


KI is the spot with the lot
when it comes to offshore
species, with tuna,
samsons and KG whiting
all on offer

K
angaroo Island, the jewel in SA's tourism
crown, is a place some 200 thousand people
or more visit each year, all clambering
to see a kangaroo, a koala, or some truly
remarkable rocks. It's an island full of natural
wonders, both land and sea.
2017 marks my 10th full year living here, and boy
do I love this place! One aspect of KI's angling
scene that very few visitors get to experience is the
exceptional offshore fishing this place has to offer.
For 10 years I've been dabbling in all types of fishing
here, from land-based flatties, squid and whiting, to
kayak snapper, and even tuna. But the itch that is the
hardest to satisfy, the thing that draws me the most,
has been bobbing in the deep blue and dropping
baits and jigs into the unknown.
By any standards KI has amazing offshore
possibilities, with trophy fish in reach
of most trailer boats. We are also
very lucky here to have options
when it comes to weather, as it’s not hard to find
a reasonably sheltered place inshore, should the
weather not play ball.
The north coast of KI is the primary spot for most
trailer boats to venture out in search of snapper, XOS

40 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 40 18/09/2017 12:50:26 PM


feature

KANGAROO ISLAND
WICKED OUT
! WIDE!!
Kangaroo Island has plenty of offshore potential to
explore as local Gavin explains WORDS & IMAGES BY: GAVIN MATHEWS

fishingsamagazine | 41

FISHINGSA 55.indd 41 18/09/2017 12:50:32 PM


School sharks (pictured),
gummies and bronzies are
all possible on the reefs

on KI, but we do get a lot of fish in the 40-


60cm range.
Half an hour into this cracking session I
hooked what could only be described as
a submarine, moving away from us at a
steady but determined pace. The anchor
was left behind on a buoy and the chase
was on! At the one hour mark the reel I
was using seized. Line would spool out,
but I couldn’t for the life of me get a single
crank back on. We sat with the rod in the
holder, watching the spool diminish, as
this unknown beast kept moving away
from the boat. A quick brainstorm led to us
cutting the line and chasing the fish down
A big school shark
comes over
as the line was hastily tied onto another
the side! rod and reel. At the two hour mark I was
done, back aching from holding onto this
unknown giant. I passed the rod off and
whiting, tuna and a host of other species. that, we have always managed to bring began using the speed and direction of
Over the past few years I have been home a decent feed of fish to reward our the boat to plane the fish to the surface. In
spending every decent weather day out on efforts. A few trips stand out to me during
the north coast of KI searching for the next our time spent on the north coast.
GPS mark, trying new ways of catching In October 2015 we went in search of
fish and learning how to read a sounder. snapper at one of our older marks, given
Finding new ground to fish has been the to me by a good mate and fishing buddy,
main focus for me, and the success we Andrew Bennett. We sounded around
have been having fishing completely new the area and finally decided to anchor
areas offshore has been outstanding. on a likely looking patch of fish. The tide
The focus of fishing trips has been more was slow so a berley pot was deployed,
hunting than gathering, and this takes and within no time at all snapper started
the pressure off, and makes the day much coming in thick and fast. We don’t see a
more adventurous and enjoyable. In saying lot of trophy snapper in big numbers here

42 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 42 18/09/2017 12:50:35 PM


half an hour, we had colour and leader! The
GoPro was sunk into the water to capture "I hooked what could only be described as a
some footage, moments before a lunging
headshake broke the trace and a three submarine, moving away from us at a steady but
metre plus shark swam back to the depths.
A few high fives and laughs all round, and determined pace. The anchor was left behind on a
back to collect our buoy. Upon reaching
the buoy, we retied and proceeded to finish
off our bag limit of beautiful pink snapper.
buoy and the chase was on!"
We found another new area for us
offshore on the north coast during the
same month of that year. Each trip we Morwong are a push offshore on the north coast, however
visited this new area we lost big fish. reef regular on last summer for the first time I turned my
Soon the GPS mark earned the title of the island focus to the south coast of the island.
'Heartbreak City'. Every trip was the same, Living in Kingscote means a short drive
plenty of table fish to go around but always down a very good unsealed road to launch
an unknown giant or two would find the into the Southern Ocean. Tuna were in
reef and never be seen. During the April plague proportions last summer on the
dodge tide this year, we decided to go back south coast and with very little boat traffic
for round seven! We were all suspicious we had a ball over the warmer months,
these mysterious fish were samsons, but spending many days out chasing these
we also knew we were running the risk of amazing fish, a topic I'll look at in more
hooking into a big blue groper. With tackle depth down the track. Needless to say KI
upgraded we set off to try again. Not long The summer is growing a reputation for its crazy bluefin
bluefin run can
after anchoring and with my bait rod in the be insane off KI fishery over the last few years on both
holder as I jigged, the bait rod loaded up! sides of the island.
“Here comes the heartbreak” I cried! 37kg Fishing the south coast it was once again
stand-up tackle was no match for the fish back to the drawing board with no GPS
this time and soon we netted a respectable marks and no idea where we were going
12kg samson fish. Some big samsons to find fish. It took at least half a dozen
do come from the reefs on this side of decent offshore missions to finally nail
the island. some quality reef fish. Harlequin, morwong,
As the months roll on and summer begins nannygai, sharks, trevally and even some
to set in, I’m always chomping at the bit to decent blue groper and a stray kingfish
fishingsamagazine | 43

FISHINGSA 55.indd 43 18/09/2017 12:50:38 PM


Groper, kings and snapper
are all possible offshore
from KI. There's so much
lowly fished water
on offer!

found their way into the boat. Jigging with 60-100 gram micro jigs has
proven deadly on the south coast, with jigs accounting for most of
our catch, most trips. There really is so much to learn and discover
right around the island, it's mind boggling. While fish like snapper,
school and gummy sharks, XOS whiting and nannygai make up a bulk
of the catch, there's certainly bigger pelagics to be tapped into on a
regular basis.
I’m sitting on the couch at home writing this already planning
and dreaming of our next offshore adventure. The thought of so
much water to explore is keeping me awake at night! KI is a truly
amazing place, with incredible offshore fishing opportunities right on
our doorstep.

Coffin Bay & Farm Beach Boat Hire


W
ith the summer season fast radios, shade canopies and all the
approaching the thought required safety equipment. We also
of holidays, spending time have a range of kids' lifejackets. Check
at the beach and fishing out the full specifications at www.
are no longer daydreams, coffinbayfarmbeachboathire.com.au/
it’s time to make a plan! boats.
Getting the family away from the routine If you want the feeling of living at home
out in the fresh air, catching a fish, with all your modern comforts while on
making memories for a lifetime and holiday then we also have the perfect
having quality time together is really 'home away from home' available for
what the kids want and what the family rent. We offer great package deals when
needs. staying at our guest house 'Southern
If the idea of dragging your boat across Ocean Lookout' combined with boat
the state isn’t appealing, or your boat hire.
needs maintenance, or you simply The house is a modern two storey home
haven’t got one, then let Jay and Jane with spectacular 180 degree panoramic
from Coffin Bay & Farm Beach Boat views overlooking the waters of Dutton
Hire help you out! All you need is an Bay, Farm Beach and Coffin Bay National
Australian boat licence and a towbar on Park. Situated on 125 acres of natural
your vehicle. bushland you will feel the freedom of SA’s
Coffin Bay & Farm Beach Boat Hire is west coast living. The three bedroom
ideally situated to get you out on the house can accommodate 10-12 people,
prime waters off Farm Beach on the has a fully equipped kitchen and large
lower Eyre Peninsula, famous for King undercover BBQ area with a family size
George whiting, flathead, kingfish and Weber Q. A fish cleaning bench is also
gummy sharks. We are located just 6km provided so you can prepare the catch
from Farm Beach and 3km from the of the day! There's plenty of room to park
Mount Dutton Bay boat ramp. and turn boat trailers around next to the
We have two boats to choose from, house. Relax and unwind watching the
a 4.55m Polycraft Drifter or a 4.0m sunset over the water on the balcony
Quintrex Fishseeker. Both vessels after a day of fun, fishing and adventure.
can accommodate 4 adults and boast Visit www.southernoceanlookout.com.au
Yamaha outboards, tilt trailers, VHF for more details.
44 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 44 18/09/2017 12:53:49 PM


fishingsamagazine | 45

FISHINGSA 55.indd 45 18/09/2017 12:53:51 PM


new products
ZMan 3” compact baitfish punch well
above its weight on species Samaki Magnetic
Slim SwimZ landed, including big flathead,
mulloway, bass, mangrove
jack, barramundi and more.
Release Clip
Following on from the The buoyancy of the
popularity of the 2.5” Slim ElaZtech helps bring the 3”
SwimZ, and driven by angler Slim SwimZ to life in the water,
requests, Tackle Tactics has with a tail up, natural ‘feeding’
now released a 3” version of pose when at rest on the
this deadly little paddle tail bottom. The lively paddle tail
plastic. This realistic baitfish provides action on the drop
profile is constructed from and the retrieve, making it
10X Tough ElaZtech, allowing an excellent option for both Samaki delves deeper in the practical tooling
you to catch more fish per beginner and experienced and accessory market with the Magnetic
plastic and the super-soft and anglers. Release Clip.
flexible realistic feel of the Available initially in 12 of the The Magnetic Release Clip allows you to
ElaZtech, combined with the most popular colours, the 3” access any item you want with ease. The
unique under hooked paddle Slim SwimZ comes in a pack quick release system is made of an aviation
tail design, gives this plastic of 6, with a SRP of $10.95. aluminium magnet which is strong and
an incredible action in the For further information, durable. With a capacity of 3.5kgs it also
water. An action that sees this visit: www.z-man.com.au. features a high strength carabiner, these are
so handy you’ll want more than one by your
side. Ranging in three awesome colours black,
red and cobalt they are arriving to a store near
you in October 2017.
For further information, visit:
www.samaki.com.au.

Shimano Sustain FI
The Sustain series has long been a tried roller, negating the need for heavy bail This gives the reel a much smoother
and tested favourite amongst anglers hold support. gear transition, but also unrivalled
from around the world. This year marks To oppose unwanted saltwater pulling power to handle larger predatory
the rebirth of the Sustain with the new intrusion, X Protect technology provides species.
FI series that remains true to its outlast the Sustain FI with Shimano’s highest With four sizes available in the range
and outperform reputation. degree of waterproofing protection. featuring 8+1 Shielded A-RB bearings and
The much anticipated release of the Such technology leverages both a drag output that ranges from 9kg to 11kg
Sustain FI has challenged Shimano to water repellent treatment and labyrinth depending on the model. The Sustain
deliver a reel that exceeds expectations structure that blocks any internal FI is finished in a predominately black
and sets a new benchmark for saltwater saltwater entry into the reel's internals. cosmetic that provides a premium finish
performance. With the challenge now The cold forged Hagane Gear and to match its high performance pedigree.
set, Shimano has engineered a spinning X-Ship combine to provide a gearing For further information, visit: www.
reel that offers the perfect balance system that is smoother and stronger shimanofish.com.au.
between rigidity and sensitivity. than any other available in the market.
By leveraging the benefits of the
Aluminum Hagane Body, the Sustain FI
possesses the rigidity of a metal outer
shell that maximises impact resistance
whilst eliminating body flex under load.
To provide enhanced sensitivity, a
Magnumlite Rotor has been fitted to the
Sustain FI series and offers an effortless
low inertia rotation. This is a significant
improvement on the previous Sustain FG
model, as the bail trip lever has now been
moved to the opposite side of the line

46 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 46 18/09/2017 12:54:31 PM


All the latest fishing products from around the country

FG Wizz Who are


The FG knot is not the
easiest of braid/leader
joins unless you are an
to tie the FG knot with a
uniform and reliable result
every time. The FG Wizz has
The Offshore Addicts?
experienced FG knotter been tested and proven
from lots of practice. Other over a period of 18 months
options include the Albright, prior to launch in late July,
the Double Uni and the Slim and is becoming a valuable
Beauty, but they all double tool for the boat and
the leader in some way thus tackle bag.
making the join bulky. The With the FG Wizz you can
FG knot doesn't double use longer leaders without
the leader and that's why getting the join caught on
it is widely regarded as the line guides and you can cast We are a South Australian brand, born with the
slimmest and strongest. more accurately too. love of everything fishing in mind. With a full range
Enter the FG Wizz, a For a product demonstration of clothing created for serious fishos or the once
product developed in and sales, visit: a month line wetter. Our growing range includes
Australia by a keen Aussie www.fgwizz.com.au or check everything from tees to hoodies and hats, with some
fisho that makes it easy out their Facebook page. exciting product drops around the corner.
Each item is designed to suit offshore conditions
whilst maintaining an appealing look. Don't be afraid
to sport our Hooked Up Tee for a night out or to your
local pub. Look like a fisherman, feel like a fisherman,
be a fisherman in the new product range by The
Offshore Addicts.
If the shoe fits jump onboard, join the movement
and join the T.O.A team. Like us on Facebook and
Instagram to keep in touch. #theoffshoreaddicts

Fin-Nor Primal
The new Fin-Nor Primal lever drag
fishing reel sets a new standard for
lightweight and heavy-duty overhead
fishing reels. Designed specifically
for tackling big saltwater fish on
the latest braided lines, the Primal system for stopping power and 440yd/50lb braid. Both sizes are
weighs less than 400 grams and offers six double-shielded stainless steel available in a low gear ratio of 5.8:1 for
a modern ultra-light alternative to bearings for tackling the toughest cranking power or a high gear ratio of
traditional overhead designs. The Fin- fish in the sea. The anodised handle 7.3:1 for a quick haul.
Nor Primal will be a hit with anglers and oversize EVA grips let anglers Inshore and offshore anglers will
using modern jigging techniques and turn up the heat on powerful fish with finally get their hands on a powerful
those seeking a powerful overhead immense cranking potential and the braid-friendly overhead reel that is
reel that is comfortable to use all pawl-and-ratchet back-up clutch adds exceptionally light and easy to use and
day long. security and confidence for tackling perfect for targeting trophy pelagic
The Fin-Nor Primal features an serious fish. and reef fish. The Fin-Nor Primal
ultra-smooth MegaDrag carbon-fibre The Fin-Nor Primal Lever Drag Reel allows anglers to act on instinct.
drag system that achieves up to 30lbs is available in two sizes. The Primal Kingfish, samsonfish, mackerel, tuna
of maximum drag, a MegaShield PR10 narrow spool has a line capacity and coral trout beware!
multi-layer of corrosion protection, of 415yd/30lb braid, while the Primal For further information, visit: www.
a MegaLock instant anti-reverse PR12 wide spool has a capacity of finnorfishing.com.au.

fishingsamagazine | 47

FISHINGSA 55.indd 47 18/09/2017 12:54:35 PM


new products
Rapala R-Type pressure has to go somewhere,
and that’s why the R-Type spinning
reels handle has been beefed up,
gear failure.
All in all, the new Rapala R-Type
is as mean as it is black and green.
Rapala has long been known as a lengthened and strengthened to The hot cosmetics perfectly match
market leader in the manufacture cope with the pressure of winching the R-Type range of rods, which
of hard and soft lures all across in a massive mackerel. The drive consists of 10 models across both
the globe. Their range of XRAP gears housed within the super alloy spin and overhead which will debut
Magnums and Long Cast stickbaits body are forged and strengthened later in 2017.
now has made the Australian to their capacity, meaning no more For further information, visit:
Rapala team come up with R-Type, stripped teeth and lost fish due to www.rapala.com.au.
a family of high performance heavy-
duty rods and reels capable of
fishing their lures to the limit.
First off the rank is the R-Type
spinning reel. Available in three
sizes ranging from 5500 to 7500,
the R-Type spinning reels will
handle everything you can dish out.
Featuring a super tough rigid alloy
body and rotor, the R-Type is kitted
out with an anodised aluminium
spool housing a multi-disc carbon
drag capable of dishing out 18kg
of maximum pressure. All that

Mustad Fastach Rig


Link System
The Mustad Fastach Rig Link System is unlike
anything else on the market.
Designed to give the options back to the
angler, the system brings together the most
popular flasher hooks with a variety of
mainlines that can be interchanged to suit
your conditions.
Mustad has deliberately moved away from
dictating to the angler just what they will be
using and given the power back to those in
the field.
With multiple mainline options and dozens
of flasher hook options, this rigging system
has been developed around the exceptional
Mustad Fastach, a clip that, with the flick of
your wrist, allows ultra-quick changes of the
flasher hook.
All the popular flasher hooks have been
included in the range, with all knots hand tied
on quality Mustad monofilament.
Don't miss the revolution and never miss
out on any opportunity whether that's
collecting bait or chasing snapper, whiting,
reefies and more - the Mustad Fastach Rig
Link system has arrived.
For further information, visit: www.
wilsonfishing.com.

48 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 48 18/09/2017 12:54:40 PM


All the latest fishing products from around the country

Samaki Saltwater Barra Shirt


Samaki Saltwater Barra long sleeve shirt brings you
one of Australia’s most iconic fish species, her almighty
beauty is so prominent you’ll want to take a moment
to admire each and every scale as she launches from
the depths to attack the Samaki Vibelicious. With that
elusive island in the background, stunning weather,
copious amounts of bait and detailed rockery the
saltwater barra is every fisherman’s dream come true.
The lightweight fabric is perfect for all outdoor
elements, protecting you from the harsh sunrays with
our UV50+ resistant technology, the soft touch 100%
polyester material is comfortable on the body plus has
the added feature of being breathable, keeping you cool
and dry.
Samaki designs are brought to you by Australian
anglers who love to design Australian species. Saltwater
Barra shirts are available in adult, youth
and kids sizes from a size 2 through to a
5XL allowing the whole family to get in
on the action and out onto the water.
With a RRP $59.95 in adults and
RRP$49.95 in youth and kids.
For further information, visit:
www.samaki.com.au.

Horsefish & Hard Won


Treasures Review
REVIEWED BY: ROB MURTON

If you like fishing, fossicking, exploring and the bush, then If you love this wide brown land, and the adventures it holds, get
this book is worth a read. The author, Terry Hearl, was born in yourself a copy of the 248 page soft cover HorseFish and Hard
the Barossa Valley in South Australia, but has spent much of Won Treasures.
his time in the Northern Territory. Over thirty years Terry has Available at all Dymocks stores in Adelaide; Dillons
pursued his passions, fishing and gem hunting in the remote Bookstore, Norwood; The Ravens Parlour bookstore, Tanunda;
outback, before deciding to write a book on his adventures. The Bookstore, Darwin; Gawler Books, Willaston; Gawler
As the title suggests, there are some big fish caught, including Fishing and Outdoors; Sutherlands Hotel and Dark Peak Hotel,
a legendary cod by the name of Charlie. And winning a NT Eyre Peninsula. Postal orders are available from Facebook
fishing comp, by fair means or foul, is a good yarn. That’s what page Secretcreekcrystal.
this book is really, a good yarn. Featuring true Aussie characters,
with quite a few 'F bombs' thrown in for an authentic feel, Terry
takes you on his trips, digging for rare gems, in places few
people have been. The results, some of them photographed and
in the book, are spectacular. Treasure hunting attracts a variety
of weird and wonderful types, and some are introduced along
the way.
Living and working in the bush has its moments, and the
author describes his encounters with stroppy scrub bulls, giant
spiders, crocodiles and other beasties. Spending days on the
side of a road, waiting for spare parts to get going again is all
part of knocking about in the bush, and Terry tells it like it was.
I liked this book, not just because I enjoy knocking about
myself. I’m not a gem hunter, but the yarns about chasing these
treasures, and the country where you find them is interesting.
I’ve had a taste of what the fishing is like in the Territory, so I
know why the author keeps returning. And any true blue Aussie
will know what it’s like to have a beer or three with good mates.

fishingsamagazine | 49

FISHINGSA 55.indd 49 18/09/2017 12:54:42 PM


FEATURE

Looking down on a
cockler on Goolwa
Beach. Discoloured water
has featured at times
over the last few years
with so much freshwater
being released

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 55 18/09/2017 1:15:30 PM


literally walk straight down the timber steps

"As South Ozzies we're so lucky to have at the end of Beach Road, and wade into
the water and start digging around with

such an amazing cockle fishery as the your toes and you'll find them. They're that
widespread.

one on Goolwa Beach that's within day On a mild weekend as you look up Goolwa
Beach towards the Murray Mouth you'll

trip distance of Adelaide" spot innumerable cars parked with families


cockling and undertaking other beach related
activities, including fishing. The use of a 4WD
and driving up the beach will allow you to
find your own little hot pocket of cockles. The
basics of beach driving should be adhered to
here.
The main entrance to Goolwa Beach is at
the end of Beach Road, near Bombora Cafe
(a great spot for a feed and a cold beverage
after hitting the beach!). This entrance can
be slightly tricky for the uninitiated beach
driver, especially after a lot of traffic when
it gets churned up. I sat back on a busy day
last season and saw numerous close calls on
this track with 4X4s nearly having head-on
collisions with cars entering and exiting the
beach at the same time, and people getting
bogged. This said if you want to fish some of
the better gutters in between some cockling
then driving on the beach is best. Goolwa
Beach can be eroded early in the season
after severe weather and other factors can
make it tricky to drive on. Ask around what
Soft toes and sand conditions are like before coming down.
crabs don't mix!
Below: A limit of
There's so many easy access points if you
cockles and a great want to walk on the beach instead, both
day near the water - left and right of Beach Road, where you can
win, win!
be on the beach and digging around with a
reasonable chance of scoring well. Just look
for the dead end car parks, a cockle rules sign
and a track leading through dunes and you
can't go too far wrong.

cocKLe raKe or hand


Initial cockle sessions for us when I first
moved to Goolwa were based around doing
'the shuffle' and picking them up by hand.
I now view these efforts as the 'dark ages'
of cockle collecting as we soon twigged
onto the benefits of a dedicated rake, and
no longer do we wake up the day after a
session feeling as though we've been hit
you can be measuring 100's of cockles in a by a truck! Cockle rakes can be purchased
typical session. from tackle stores, and there are a couple of
With any unwanted or undersize cockles variations on the market, and they feature a
go to the effort to release them in deeper rectangle shaped head with a net attached,
water and don't just leave them to be baked that any pipis will roll back into when they've
in the sun and eaten by birds. You can been flushed from the sand. Using rakes is
encounter a lot of juveniles in some areas, not entirely a copout though, and on the
and sometimes it's better to keep moving to hard days you need to bend your back to
find bigger cockles rather than disturb beds rustle up a decent haul.
of these smaller models. This approach can You don't need a rake to bring home the
save you a lot of needless sorting and time shells though, and if you want to dig your feet
and effort as well. Moreover it goes without in and shuffle around creating a nice deep
saying that you should only take what you hole, you'll have plenty of cockles coming out
need and can store. quicker than you can grab them. The trade-off
is you'll miss out on a lot as they roll back out
driVe or WaLK? with a receding wave and there's much more
In its simplest form if you want to sample physical exertion required compared to using
what Goolwa cockling is all about you can a rake. For both techniques a bit of swell is

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 56 18/09/2017 1:15:33 PM


handy to get the wave action required to A two person bag limit all
move sand away and uncover the cockles. cleaned up and ready to be
bagged up. Sun, surf and
A lack of water movement can actually be some top bait - not a bad way
frustrating and slow you down. to spend a day down south

Finding Them
If you're not onto a decent patch of cockles
this caper can turn into sweaty work
quick. The fun and appeal can turn sour,
especially when the weather is less than
favourable. We've had days where we've
given up and left in disgust, and conversely
other times you just cream it and you're
back home in under an hour - a whole lot
like 'proper' fishing I guess!
During certain tides and sea conditions
the cockles will be closer to the surface and
easier to find. We've found this does vary
however. I like a rising tide as they seem
to come up to the top and in quite shallow
water, and there's usually plenty of wave
action to uncover them as well. During
slacker tides and in calmer conditions you
tend to have to walk further out in the water
and dig a bit deeper to get them, but it's
doable.
I like to find thick beds of cockles rather
than keep whipping a spot with only dribs

Be sure you come prepared to measure your


cockles to avoid being fined and for the sake of
the fishery. Below: A genuine thick bed of cockles
stacked up and exposed with a receeding wave

fishingsamagazine | 57

FISHINGSA 55.indd 57 18/09/2017 1:15:36 PM


Above: Let's hope closures don't
feature heavily this season! This
picture: Keep your eyes peeled for
cockles burying themselves after
large waves

and drabs and mixed sized models being few lots as well. This isn't entirely necessary
found. Sure you'll get a reasonable amount as cockles are sealed units and do store
doing this still, but it'll take hours. Spot well, it's just the next level of bait care you
checking areas and moving around can may decided to do. Put the date on each
unveil small areas absolutely loaded with bag so you know precisely how old it is for
nuggets. Further to this always keep eagle future use.
eyed and look for a 'V' shape in the water
as it retracts after a big wave. A few visible Beach Hazards of contact with a narky sandie is your five
cockles can be the tip of a pipi iceberg. Last While cockling at Goolwa is mostly a fun water logged pinkies it's always good for the
season we found a 100m stretch absolutely exercise, there's inherent dangers when odd leap in the air as you realised that hard
encrusted with cockles, and they were so 'chasing' pipis. Goolwa Beach itself is quite object you thought was the cockle from
tightly packed it was hurting our feet trying flat in nature and waves shoot up the sand hell, is in fact just the edge of quite a large
to shuffle toes amongst them. If you can on a rising tide or high swell conditions and angry crab! Certain stages of the tide
find this situation you'll usually 'bag out' meaning you need to be paying attention and calmer weather conditions are more
in an hour or less and it'll only take a few at all times. Likewise when driving on conducive to increased crab encounters,
scoops with your net - pretty sweet when it the beach. but it's usually a case of potluck when you
happens! Stingrays are prolific here. It's easy to dig your toes in and take your chances with
Subtle things we've found are to look for see why there's such a huge number of what is buried below!
patches of softer sand over harder more rays on Goolwa Beach given the almost Collecting cockles is harsh on your feet,
compacted sand. You wouldn't think it's an infinite protein source that cockles provide. and it's common to leave the beach with
issue for a mollusc that can freely move up Regularly when doing the 'shuffle' we'll spot plenty of cuts. Like any marine-related
and down through sand like it's thin air, but large black and eagle rays pushing in and cuts, be sure to treat them with an
it does seem to influence the numbers of eating the cockles we've missed. I'm sure antiseptic and keep an eye on them for
pipis you'll find. Working the harder more this is learned behaviour and they have infection.
compacted sand can turn into a gruelling plenty of practice at it. Do be mindful of not For all up-to-date rules and regulations
exercise as well. With softer sand you can treading on these rays that will come within surrounding Goolwa pipis be sure to check
get your 'shuffle' on much easier and get metres of your cockle rake some days and out the signage at Goolwa Beach or jump
some white gold rolling into your net much are hard to spot except for the odd wing tip onto www.pir.sa.gov.au for a full rundown.
quicker. Another tip is to get away from protruding out of the water. Hopefully there's a lack of closures this
people and do your own thing. During the On a smaller note soft 'water wrinkled' toes season that were due to the elevated
height of the season Goolwa Beach is like can be latched onto and sliced and diced by presence of E. coli bacteria, and it's
Rundle Mall, and by breaking away from the the local sand crabs. When your first point game on!
pack you do stand a better chance of hitting
paydirt.

Bag and Tag


So you've caught a bunch of cockles now
it's time to store them. On the beach they'll
survive fine in your bucket, just keep it
covered and filled with some seawater. Off
the beach cockles will survive for around
a couple of days if kept in your fridge or an
esky with ice, but it's recommended you
freeze them up as soon as you can if using
them for bait.
I like to portion them off into sensible
amounts and put them in ziplock bags, with
around 500g or 1kg in each bag. If I have time
however I do occasionally vacuum seal a

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 58 18/09/2017 1:15:40 PM


cook your catch

Steamed goolwa pipi


Add the pipis and cover the pan with a lid.
Allow them to steam until all the shells have
opened (approximately 5 mins), shuffling
the pan occasionally throughout.
Add the chopped parsley and toss
Here's a great way to put fresh Goolwa cockles (pipis) to through before serving with some crusty
continental bread to mop up all the
use this season WORDS & images by: ALEX CICCOZZI
wonderful juices. Enjoy!

I
’m a big fan of using freshly caught Add the tomatoes, garlic, anchovies and
seafood and locally sourced pipis cracked pepper, and continue to fry for a
provide the perfect option. The Goolwa further few minutes until the garlic starts
pipi is a highly popular SA recreational to colour.
target, and despite its common use as Next add the white wine and turn up to a
a bait source for certain fish species it medium-high heat. Let the wine reduce for
can also be used in a multitude of recipes. a few minutes.
One such recipe that’s truly hard to go past
in my opinion is steamed pipis. It’s probably
my favourite way to utilise this 'local' Ingredients
shellfish and it makes the perfect shared
entrée option, or for the less generous 1.5kg Goolwa pipi (fresh)
person you can choose to keep the whole 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
lot for yourself! Finished off with some 1 chilli, finely chopped
crusty bread and washed down with your ½ red onion, finely chopped
favourite glass of white or red, it certainly 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved and
makes this dish a tough one to beat! squeezed to remove excess juice
2 anchovy fillets, whole
Method ½ cup flat leaf parsley,
Put a generous amount of olive oil in a coarsely chopped
pan and bring to a medium heat. Place 1 cup white wine
the onion and chilli in the pan and fry Cracked pepper to season
for around 2 minutes, or until the onion Olive oil
becomes translucent.

fishingsamagazine | 59

FISHINGSA 55.indd 59 18/09/2017 1:15:44 PM


hot spots

River Country
By Lucas Weaver

the golden era


I
t's boom time folks, and the callop are 50cm plus callop, but there are heaps of but don't overlook a clear lure as these can
going absolutely nuts for the crews other sizes to keep lure throwers occupied produce on days when others are struggling.
getting out flicking lures and also for the while they wait for those big girls to latch Think about a shrimp and their transparent
guys fishing baits. on. For anyone contemplating making the bodies and how easy a callop can find
This is by far one of my favourite most of the run and throwing a few lures, them, let alone the vibes a swaying lure is
times to be on the river with cold, crisp look for shallow rock areas where the cliffs going to put out as it swims past. Another
mornings leading into warm balmy days have fallen in, or at the start of each cliff. In hot lure colour this time of year will be gold
that don’t end up being too hot and the fish my experience you will find large numbers seeing that there are plenty of small carp
are biting their heads off. Water temps will of spawners here, and not to mention fish still around and the natives will be chowing
be around 18-20 degrees, which is prime feeding on yabbies and shrimp. Now that down on them as the schools of these little
spawning temps, and with the spawn run the water temps are up these guys will be on pests swim past.
comes super aggressive fish pumped to hit the crawl, and like I said last edition, match I need to point out that now that we
anything thrown in front of them. the hatch and pick colours that will suit. are deep in the cod closure season if you
Again the chase is on to nail those trophy Black, purple, dark blue and green fit the bill, happen to hook one please be quick in
releasing it back to carry on its way. It will not
surprise me if there are quite a few reports
of 30-40cm cod being caught over the next
few months as more people get out to wet
a line. The fish would no doubt be the cod
that were released in early 2016 by RecFish
SA and the probability that they have now
spread out through the system with the high
water late last and early this year is fairly
high.
For punters looking for a starting point
again you cannot go past the major towns
on the river. Mannum, Blanchetown,
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FISHINGSA 55.indd 60 18/09/2017 1:15:48 PM


Waikerie, Loxton and Renmark will provide
a base to start from, then it is up to you to
expand from there. In this day and age of
technology it’s fairly easy to get on Google
Earth and pinpoint some likely structure or
access areas if you are bank fishing.
Shrimp are now fairly plentiful and these
are the number one bait if you’re looking for
a feed of callop, and setting the taps within
close range to some cover like reeds, newly
fallen gum trees, overgrown grass etc. is
going to boost the amount you catch. Use and the ones that do hardly get reported.
baits like bacon fat, dry dog food and so on, Mick has had a high success rate on
with something with a high fat content that recaptured fish but this one takes the
will continue to disperse over a period of a cake so far. After 1014 days one of Mick's
few hours best. Also look after the shrimp tagged fish was recaptured at Menindee

"Shrimp are now fairly plentiful and these are the number
one bait if you're looking for a feed of callop"
once you get them by doing regular water Lakes, meaning it swam through the black
changes and keeping the bucket out of water and against the 100 Meg a day
direct sunlight. current. That is a swim of around 1000km,
and again is another great recapture for
Tag and recapTure Mick - well done mate!
I’m going to share a tag and recapture of Without the floods this callop would not
a callop made by good mate Mick Wilson. have been able to swim up the Darling
Back in 2014 Mick tagged a callop on River as it was reduced to a string of
the 14th of September, along with a few billabongs at one point. It goes to prove
others that day, and like many fish that that fish migrate throughout the entire
are tagged you never really expect to hear system with the flood/drought cycle and
much back as some never get recaptured life in the river does prevail.

fishingsamagazine | 61

FISHINGSA 55.indd 61 18/09/2017 1:15:52 PM


hot spots

Freshwater Scene
By Simon Cardone

bonanza for natives & ferals


W
elcome to spring anglers! casting for big silver and golden perch. On the 1st May 2016 the Australian
Those of us who have When the water temperature hits Government announced $15 million
hit the rivers, creeks and 15c or more in the Murray River, or the in funding over two and a half years to
impoundments over winter impoundments where these fish have been develop the National Carp Control Plan to
have been reaping the rewards stocked, the perch awaken from their winter undertake further research, approvals, and
with some fantastic captures slumber and can be found in the shallows consultation to develop a comprehensive
of brown and rainbow trout, as well as some gorging themselves on invertebrates, and plan for a potential release of Cyprinid
thumping redfin. Fish have been falling to the males will be harassing females as the herpesvirus (carp herpesvirus) by the end
both lures and baits, so use light tackle to breeding cycle gets into full swing. Even of 2018. A National Coordinator will work
give yourself the best chance of success and though in impoundments perch recruitment with stakeholders from across governments,
always have a plan B. For the lure caster this is virtually non-existent, the fish still exhibit industry, community and environmental
means carrying a small selection of different the same behaviour as their wild brethren. groups, and research organisations to
lure/fly styles, and for the bait fisherman Small shallow diving crankbaits like understand the issues and bring together
trying bottom and floating presentations or the Tsunami Pro Super Bass, and small a comprehensive plan, underpinned by
more than one type of bait. spinnerbaits like the 3/8oz Lurestrike Darts research, risk assessment and a sound
Even though we had a dry start to winter, are my lures of choice for impoundment understanding of community views. The
some decent rain events in August have perch. Your target areas will be water less plan will focus on maximising the reduction
freshened up all of our rivers and streams than two metres deep and where there is a of carp populations while minimising
just in time for spring. Warming air and water variety of structure, e.g. reeds, weed beds, disruption to industries, communities and
temperatures mean more food sources yabby holes, rocks and timber. the environment should a carp herpesvirus
and of course fish breeding activity. In release go ahead.
other words, it's prime time to put a bend in carp herpes Virus Well we are now well into the back end
the rod! It would be fair to say that there has been of 2017 and detailed information on the
no bigger controversy affecting freshwater implementation and clean-up is still hard to
spring siLVer and goLd fishing and our fragile inland ecosystems come by, even though most of the 'general'
Now that the cod gear has been put in in recent times than the Australian information has been available on various
the rack for a few months my focus in the Government’s National Carp Control Plan. government websites for 18 months.
sweetwater, apart from the ever present The blurb direct from the CSIRO website Probably the best snapshot of what the plan
feral brigade (trout/redfin/carp), is lure as follows: is can be found at www.pestsmart.org.au/

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 62 18/09/2017 1:15:57 PM


Both natives and ferals
(like this redfin) will love
the extra water late
winter rains provided SA

"Some decent rain events in August have freshened


up all of our rivers and streams just in time for spring"
carp-herpes-faq. banks and fish the shallows in search of
On the surface it sounds terrific, but I the stocked silver and golden perch which
think plans to release it into a river system will now be of a good size. Carp will also be
such as the Lachlan in NSW has me a great target on bait in the warm weather,
worried with the lack of detail available to just remember to be generous with your
the stakeholders currently. Why not release use of berley.
it in an impoundment first? Whatever Back in June RecFish SA announced that
happened to the 'daughterless carp' plan they were hopeful that anglers will be able
that everyone was pinning their hopes on a to access almost the entire shoreline of
few years ago? Who is footing the clean- the Warren Reservoir by summer, and most
up bill? There are excitingly, will be able to use kayaks and
so many questions canoes for fishing on the reservoir. Land-
that still need to be based access to the Bundaleer Reservoir
answered. Watch was also mooted to be happening in
this space. time for summer. At the time of writing
I have had no further updates on these
reserVoir neWs developments, but this doesn’t mean it
Fishing reports won’t happen – I hope!
from the Warren Around the same time RecFish also asked
Reservoir during anglers for input into proposed bag limits
winter indicated the for reservoir fishing. Again, still no word on
fish had shut down when these will come into force or indeed
and were sulking what they will be, however I hope that
in deeper water, sanity prevails and Murray cod will remain
however now is the a catch and release target only. Happy
time to walk the fishing to you all this spring.

fishingsamagazine | 63

FISHINGSA 55.indd 63 18/09/2017 1:16:00 PM


N
estled along the metro coastline approximately 15km
from the Adelaide CBD lies one of Adelaide’s most
popular southern beaches, Brighton. This well-known
southern gem hardly needs an introduction with
people regularly flocking to the area for a variety of
reasons, particularly over the summer months.
Brighton’s main strip of Jetty Road is lined with a plethora of
popular cafés, shops and restaurants, while the beaches are
often filled with those looking to either relax and enjoy the
serenity it provides, or partake in the numerous water based
activities on offer.
Dolphins can be found frequenting the place on an almost daily
basis across summer and provide families with a sense of fun
and adventure, while the scenery is nothing short of stunning
with the backdrop of the Marino Rocks cliff face to the south.
It’s obviously not just the fishing that attracts people to the area
as you can see, but for those still keen to wet a line there’s some
fantastic prospects to get amongst in this neck of the woods.
I prefer to think of Brighton as a one stop shop where you can
essentially return home with a solid mixed bag of bread and
butter species on most occasions, irrespective of the size of
your boat. There’s often enough action found in close to shore
here to negate the need to own a fairly large trailer boat or head
out miles to sea in search of fish. So let’s take a bit more of an in-
depth look at the options found amongst the hustle and bustle of
this iconic southern metro location.

Launching Options
The Brighton area is easily accessible for all vessel types largely
thanks to the launching options available close by. Seacliff Beach
is the most obvious choice as it literally places you right on the
doorstep with a host of fishing options starting just a few metres

brighton
inshore diversity
Brighton is a classic example of a metro hot spot that will be well
worth checking out over the upcoming warmer months if you're after
a diverse range of inshore opportunities
WORDS & images by: ALEX CICCOZZI

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 64 18/09/2017 1:16:05 PM


feature

Brighton is littered with


quality squidding and
snooking grounds. Main: The
local jetty is a consistent fish
producer

fishingsamagazine | 65

FISHINGSA 55.indd 65 18/09/2017 1:16:11 PM


There's still some quite
respectable whiting in
the area to be caught!
These fish were picked
up on the drift

from shore.
The 'ramp' here is a highly popular beach "The late spring and summer months at Brighton
launch location for both kayak fishos and
the small to medium boating brigade. It are well-known by dedicated squid fishos as a great
is mostly a warm season option as during
winter the larger tides and runs of onshore
weather make the beach impossible to
time to be flicking jigs around"
access for launching purposes. Generally which always seem to blow more than due to weed build up, but will hopefully be
speaking it’s a fairly simple launch and predicted. The West Beach boat ramp was back in action for the prime fishing months
retrieve to execute, but the area does see a closed for much of winter and early spring from now on.
lot of traffic at times. In conjunction with a Further south and O’Sullivan Beach boat
lack of rainfall this can see the beach quickly ramp is another option to access the area,
churn up, so as with any beach launching but the driving required is much further at
location, consideration must be paid to the almost 12km and you’re passing over some
ever changing conditions. prime fishing real-estate along the way. I’ve
Boat trailers can be left up on the beach done this run a couple of times in my 4.1m
past the high tide mark but cars need to be tinny but only when I’ve been confident with
parked in the adjacent car park up on the the forecast. If offshore winds are predicted
road. There’s also no shortage of kids and for the day you can literally hug the Hallett
families visiting so do show extra care if Inshore Brighton is an ideal small Cove cliff face the whole way down for a nice
choosing this destination, and most of all boat location. There's still plenty of smooth run.
blueys this far south
please observe and respect the rules and
regulations as indicated on the signs as you WaRM WeatheR FUn
enter the beach. The late spring and summer months at
West Beach boat ramp is the next best Brighton are well-known by dedicated
place to launch a vessel if you’re unable to squid fishos as a great time to be flicking
access Seacliff Beach for whatever reasons. jigs around, with good numbers and sizes
From here it’s approximately a 7km run, rolling into the area on a daily basis. This
which is doable even in a smaller boat when headline act does experience heavy fishing
the weather is favourable. Be mindful of any pressure in the area though, especially on
pending weather change or afternoon sea weekends, with a number of commercial
breeze as it can quickly turn into a long and fishermen operating alongside a fair cohort
wet run home if you’re caught out, especially of recreational anglers. Despite the higher
with the unsuspecting metro northerlies traffic numbers the upside is that squid can
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FISHINGSA 55.indd 66 19/09/2017 3:18:39 PM


Expectations are
be found scattered all throughout the area. high for another big
Early or late season I prefer to focus my blue crab season
attention a little deeper, but as the inshore down south!
waters warm I start to target squid closer to
shore. I’ve caught them in as little as 1.5m
here in the middle of the day on a dodge tide,
so it just goes to show how spread out and
responsive they can be at times.
The bottom makeup throughout inshore
Brighton is riddled with weed beds and reefy
bottom that provides the ideal environment
for squid to either lay their eggs or hide and
ambush unsuspecting prey. They should
be targeted over these zones using jags
around 2.5-3.5 in size, with respect to water
depth and boat/yak speed if fishing on
the drift. Good size cuttlefish can also be
found roaming the same locations and over
the years I seem to encounter them more
often around spring time while the squid Trolling bibbed minnows just in gear (or or using the immediate area however.
are still picking up in numbers, but this can cruising along at walking pace in a kayak) Summer King George whiting on the other
obviously vary. is my preferred method. And don’t be too hand are found a little deeper and my best
Spring time also heralds the arrival of fussed on the bottom makeup that you’re results have come from around 9-10m of
snook over the inshore Brighton grounds, searching over either as the fish are often water. I stumbled across some productive
and often plenty of them. Many years ago fairly scattered. I’ve caught snook from well areas off Brighton a few years back while
we used to find some baseball bat sized north of the jetty all the way down to Hallett soaking a few crab nets in search of a feed of
fish hunting through here but in recent Cove, in anywhere between 4-7m deep blueys. The crab baits attracted KG's to the
times the sizes have been much smaller, which further highlights this. boat and I’ve since been back to the same
but nonetheless they're still prolific. Legal Gar and Australian herring can be found areas with regular whiting success.
fish are still more than achievable and the quite regularly over the inshore weed beds Speaking of crabs, there’s been some
ideal time to target these fiery characters in at this time of year. Pick a good location over fantastic blue swimmers around the area
the region is around dusk, with a half hour some weedy bottom in around 4-6m and in recent times, most notably the summer
window either side of sunset. This hour of you shouldn’t have too much of an issue of 2017 which was a cracker season for all
power tends to see the snook really fire attracting a few with a bit of surface berley involved. Crabs aren’t really known for their
up, and once located it’s not uncommon to set behind the boat or yak. Closer to shore strong numbers this far south with a lot of
knock a few over in quick succession. there’s the added bonus of targeting a few crews diverting their attention further north.
We’ve found them to be most active on yellowfin whiting that should be roaming A decent bag of blueys is definitely possible
warm balmy nights and it’s a great way the shallows. A great way to target them in the Brighton region however and provide
to cap off an after work squid session, is to anchor up and fish back towards the a fantastic option to top up the mixed bag
particularly during the daylight saving shoreline with fresh tube or blood worms. of other seafood goodies on offer. When
period. Please be mindful of any people swimming targeting the crabs at Brighton I’ve found the

Small boats
and squid -
the Brighton
special!

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 67 19/09/2017 3:18:42 PM


cruising the gutters and edges of the
sand bars. This can be a tricky proposition
however with many swimmers and beach
goers preferring this location alongside the
jetty. Instead I would suggest to look for a
more secluded stretch of beach in either
direction of the jetty to hunt down the
packs of yellowfin here. Mullet, flathead,
tommies, salmon trout and bream can also
be picked up by beach anglers, along with
school mulloway.
So whether you’re land-based or boat
Snook are never too hard to
based there’s certainly no shortage of
find over the warmer months fishing options throughout the coastal
either on the troll or cast, while region of Brighton. And despite the
squid (below) are also on the
same grounds

more northern grounds to hold better crab


bottom in comparison to further south
where there’s a lot more weed lining the
sea floor.
Like many metro locations, snapper of
mixed sizes do frequent these waters also.
While after dark sessions tend to dominate
in the shallows, some switched-on fishos
also have low light day hot spots that can
fire. This really is 'tight lipped' fishing as
a lot of work goes into finding consistent
little areas that produce.

Cool Season Options


With other species slowing with the arrival of
cooler weather, KG whiting quickly become
the focus of attention around Brighton over
the winter months. KG's of varying size are Hallett Cove cliff faces and beyond. Snook pressures associated with metropolitan
possible at Brighton, although I’ve found and even squid can also linger on into the fishing, with a bit of persistence and time on
most tend to be on the smaller end of the cooler months here, with clearer water the water there’s every chance you’ll return
legal spectrum, although pockets of larger conditions best to go looking for them. home from this location with a nice mixed
40cm plus fish are up for grabs over the cooler bag of fresh seafood delights. It’s for this
months. Land-Based Fishing very reason why inshore Brighton remains
The key to catching fish here at this time of It’s not just boaties or yakkers that have all one of my favourite areas to frequent along
year is to move around until you find some the luck at Brighton either. Brighton Jetty is the metro doorstep at any time of the year. If
action. Don’t be afraid to berley hard either, a fantastic land-based summer spot known you’re yet to experience what it has to offer I
as the annoying leatherjackets are often out to produce most of the same species that strongly suggest you get on down there and
in much less force until spring rolls in. Some I’ve already touched upon above. see what it’s all about!
great broken bottom can be found directly Squid really go well at times and are best
out from the jetty and up towards the Minda found off the last 1/3 of the jetty where the
ground off of North Brighton. It’s a fantastic weed beds predominate. Snook can also be
place to get acquainted with, and either drift found hunting this same section at night
fishing or sitting at anchor and berlying are time around the jetty lights and you’ll often
common tactics. see them jumping clear out the water as
You can literally fish in only a few metres of they chase bait fish around the shadows
water when the water is dirty directly following and pylons. Crabbers can also pick up a
an onshore blow, but it pays to know what the feed of blueys towards the end, or sand
inshore ground looks like on a calm day first to crabs along the middle section of the jetty.
know you’re over prime whiting bottom. When The jetty crabbing may not be as hot in
water clarity is good KG’s can still be picked comparison to Grange or Semaphore for
off within the numerous sand holes scattered example but it’s enough to keep both the
around the place in the shallows, but it’s keen fisho or kids and families entertained
often the 'yak fishos that have the most luck with the added bonus of a fresh feed. For
here with their stealthy approach being a something different try crabbing at night,
massive advantage. as it can really produce when day sessions
Schools of small salmon can also be found aren't.
roaming the coastline over the cooler months, Further back towards the start of the jetty
especially with the onset of autumn, but is more sandy in composition and a nice
they do tend to be encountered more place to soak a fresh tube or bloodworm
frequently further south in front of the in anticipation of a few yellowfin whiting

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 68 19/09/2017 3:18:44 PM


hot spots

Yorke Peninsula
By Alex Ciccozzi

pick your weather to score


I
t’s great to be typing up this column year but it’s also the perfect opportunity for bait under a float aim to stay mobile by
knowing we are finally off the back some welcomed bread and butter fishing, casting and retrieving as you walk up and
of yet another wet and wild South heralded by the arrival of a few quality table down the jetty. This is my preferred method
Australian winter. It honestly felt like species along with warmer weather and and by covering ground you’re bound
the weather was never going to break longer daylight hours. to improve your Yorkes success rate, as
such was the relentless nature of Squid will be a main target all over Yorkes opposed to sitting in one spot and playing
the cold fronts and low pressure systems as water clarity becomes consistently the waiting game.
that hampered the region and most of better and inshore waters warm. They This time of year will also see blue
the state for that matter. The foot and offer the perfect option for boat and shore swimmer crabs starting to headline the
western side of Yorkes copped the full anglers looking for a feed or aiming to fishing reports, with more southern towns
brunt with persistent north-westerly and stock up on bait. Bait gathering will be a like Port Vincent being the preferred early
south-westerly winds limiting windows of fairly popular practice as many anglers season option. If the warm weather sets
opportunity for boaties and land-based ready themselves for the upcoming in quickly expect the catch rates of these
anglers. Even the usual salmon haunts summer season, and more specifically the tasty crustaceans to climb exponentially
were difficult to fish with strong onshore snapper fishing to come. The jetties on the for boaties, jetty anglers and keen rakers
winds and large swell sets rolling through, eastern side of the peninsula should see alike. I have no doubts we should be in
washing out a lot of beaches and making more consistent squid action coming up, for yet another cracking bluey season on
access fairly difficult at times. but high up on the western side from Port Yorkes and there’s already some good early
The spring months in this neck of the Hughes through to Wallaroo will also be a signs around to suggest this.
woods are traditionally a windy time of prime hot spot. Check the wind forecast With inshore waters warming garfish and
and use it as a guide to find the ideal spot. yellowfin whiting should also move into the
With Yorkes being such a narrow stretch of bays and tidal flats respectively in greater
land that can be crossed relatively quickly, numbers and size. King George whiting
accessing areas with predicted offshore action on the other hand will gradually start
winds is the preferred option. Offshore to taper off. October is the last month of
winds are most comfortable to fish in but the year that I bother chasing KG’s within
should also be the pick of the bunch in close proximity to shore on Yorkes. Once
respect to water clarity, on the proviso November comes around I start to focus
there hasn’t been any strong onshore my efforts out a little deeper and on the
winds in the preceding days. more prominent summer grounds. For now
Rather than throwing out a squid jig or the stretch of coastline from Point Souttar

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 70 19/09/2017 3:18:49 PM


down to Corny Point, the southern pocket of the bay at Port
Hughes and in tight from Stansbury through to Port Vincent
will all be worth a shot. There are still reports of bag limit hauls
coming from these regions when crews have been able to get
out amongst the weather breaks.
For anglers looking to stretch the arms spring time is perfect
for a bit of shark action, with bronze whalers and school sharks
both noteworthy targets. The lower part of the peninsula
around the western beaches and headlands of the foot and
Innes National Park are prime sharking locations. If fishing from
the shore a bit of fresh bait and scent into the water should
be enough to entice one of these toothy critters to the area.
For those fishing by boat however the inshore reefs along the
same stretches of coastline can also hold good numbers. If you
can anchor safely and pump a berley trail then you should be
in with a good chance. If wire traces aren’t your thing and you
don’t want to risk losing any quality bycatch then the next best
option is to use large circle hooks. While not guaranteed to stop
bite-offs they can certainly reduce the chance of it occurring.

"Stay mobile by casting and retrieving


as you walk up and down the jetty"
We’ve managed to stop a few school sharks in the past using thick
gauge circles, but lady luck does admittedly play a large role here.
Snapper fishos will start to feel the pressure to perform as we
approach the annual state wide ban on midday November 1st.
October is therefore the last chance to get a snapper fix in until
at least mid-December. It’s hard to know exactly what the fishing
will be like with the gnarly winter we had, but those keen to tangle
with an early season red should take a look at the Stansbury
or Ardrossan Barge, or some of the lesser known drops off of
Black Point or Port Vincent if you can get your hands on them.
The deeper reefs offshore from Marion Bay will also continue to
provide snapper action until the annual ban comes into force, so
don’t necessarily limit yourself to the confines of gulf snapper
fishing. There’s some quality reds to be found out here and they
often school well and respond to artificial lures, particularly micro
jigs in the deeper water.
There’s stacks of fishing options on the peninsula at the
moment and this should only continue to improve as we
approach the latter part of the year. It’s scary to think that
before we know it Christmas will be here and the fishing focus
will change yet again. But for now enjoy the increasing daylight
hours and warmer weather while hopefully catching a few fish
for the table as a bonus.

fishingsamagazine | 71

FISHINGSA 55.indd 71 19/09/2017 3:18:51 PM


hot spots

Kangaroo Island
By Matt Ingram

the good life on KI


W
ith so much great weather immediately on large snapper. First cast my we stopped on another spot I hoped would
early in winter, significant squid head never made it to the bottom. hold a few big snapper, this was not to be,
numbers of boats were At least 15m off the bottom it had been but we did score a nice blue-spot flathead.
launching to take advantage engulfed and dragged all the way to the I have always used plenty of ice to care
of the unusually good bottom under heavy drag. More than any for my catch, but making my own ice by
conditions. One Saturday other year that I can remember we have freezing ten litre buckets has made it far
afternoon we counted 25 trailers at the been hooking snapper in mid water. In cheaper to carry even more to look after
Kingscote boat ramp. By comparison Emu this scenario their first run is faster and fish and bait. What has made the biggest
Bay ramp was quiet, but not the fishing. more powerful, it definitely adds to the difference at the dinner table is spiking and
In two trips we had no trouble catching excitement of catching them. It’s also got bleeding everything larger than a whiting.
our bag limit of whiting and snapper on me keeping an eye on the sounder in mid By bleeding snapper especially the flesh is
completely different grounds. water. Nowadays if it looks like a snapper, whiter and the bloodline far smaller.
On the first trip Brady, Rory, Lockey it probably is, no matter where it is in the Squid this season have been
and I travelled out nearly 40km and were water column. The highlight of the day for unbelievable! Everyone has been getting
me was bagging out and then still catching amongst them, Eastern Cove, Red Banks,
a few big snapper that we were able to Kingscote boat and shore, Fanny Rocks
successfully release. Holding an 8kg fish and Emu Bay. With smaller whiting bag
by the tail into the tide over the side of the limits squid are being targeted more. As far
boat while it revives was special. Seeing as I am concerned you can never have too
it swim away, head down tail up powering many squid.
away and the look on young Lockey's face Despite heaps of whiting out the
was priceless. Another great moment Straights, they have been small by normal
this year I’ll never forget. After that we standard. 34-40cm is normal, 40cm plus
mucked around for a while trying different fish are very common and 50cm are caught
areas before tapping into a quick bite and every few trips or so. This year 32-34cm
smashing the whiting in double quick time were very common and most people
on more proven grounds. On the way home reported throwing a few fish back. All the

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 72 19/09/2017 3:18:56 PM


normal winter grounds between North snapper in late August. Any time you can
The Kingscote Jetty will be a popular Cape and Penneshaw fished extremely have a hot bite, in less than ten metres,
land-based location over the warmer
months. Picture: FSA. Below: well, especially in Eastern Cove. Some on fish up to 70cm it’s a great day. You can
Morwong, snapper and whiting will all years one or a few areas under perform, only hope it's a sign of things to come this
be possible on the reefs with improving however not this year. Even shore-based summer. Regular snapper grounds have
weather offering more opportunities
the guys did well from the Kingscote Jetty been a bit hit and miss the last few years.
and the surrounding foreshore. George The snapper ban starts at midday on the
Lonzar AKA ‘Mister Fishing’ said he first of November and runs till midday on

"More than any other year that I can remember we


have been hooking snapper in mid water"
managed 100 whiting in one month. the 15th of December, so make sure you
It's noticeable already the days are get a fix during October.
feeling longer and warmer and a few fish Shore-based tommies, salmon, snook
have begun to move around. Already a few and squid will all be targetable from the
salmon have been caught in Shoal Bay Kingscote Jetty. Beaches like Snellings
and by October you will be able to catch and D’Estrees normally hold a few late
whiting, salmon, crabs, trevally, tommies, season schools of salmon, and rather than
snook, flathead all within one kilometre of a jumper and waders a shirt and shorts
the boat ramp. One thing I will be doing a will do.
few times this year is taking the crab pots It seems way too early to even think
out for a few sandies. They are great to eat, about tuna, but with the snapper ban in
fun to catch and the kids love it as well. effect, a few trips off the south coast in
The backs and guts also make dynamite November are on the cards and anything
snapper berley. is possible. Last year once the season was
With daylight savings now upon us, underway, photos and reports started
snapper are far easier to target on dusk. surfacing as far back as October. I am
Gavin Mathews took advantage of a certainly not going to miss out on a chance
weather window to catch a heap of good encounter because I was not prepared!

fishingsamagazine | 73

FISHINGSA 55.indd 73 19/09/2017 3:19:00 PM


competition news

ONKAPARINGA 'YAK BREAM


South Australian Bream Kayak Challenge, Onkaparinga, 2017
WORDS & images by: BEN HARRISON

A
dark horse swoops in and
takes out the 3rd round of the
South Australian Bream Kayak
Challenge in the Onkaparinga
River.
Toby Sawford snaps up the
well deserved win in what turned out to
be a record breaking round for the Bream
Challenge. 35 anglers took to the water
in what was the best field so far. Not only
biggest field so far, but also the most
amount of fish caught for a challenge to
date. 19 kayakers out of 35 caught bream, Taking out the Pro Lure Big Bream with
some 33 bream hit the measurers for a his 41cm cracker bream was Neal Palmer,
total of 1138.5cm. Two mulloway and a and splitting our Coopers Clear Wild
biggest bream of 41cm were caught. Species was Alex Bui/Clark Wilson both
Taking out first place was Toby Sawford catching a mulloway of the same size.
with 3 bream measuring 110.4cm. Slow Topping our day out with a BBQ, all anglers
rolling ZMan Grubs and Slim SwimZ had a fantastic day from all reports.
through schooled up fish seemed to be Big thanks to all our sponsors as well
the winning technique. 2nd place was donating products for us to throw into
Victorian Clark Wilson measuring 3 fish at the prize pool each round - Searing Tackle
107cm. Clark was also targeting schooled (Pontoon21, Damiki, Fish Arrow), Tackle
up fish, using Hurricane Vibz 37 in Nitro Tactics (TT Lures, ZMan), Binks Marine,
Axe. 3rd place went to reigning champ Tonic Eyewear, The Scene tackle store at
Terry Sciclunas
Andrew Videon with 3 fish for 100.9cm, Seaford, Sportfishing Scene, Boakes Auto and the biggest
again targeting schooled up fish and using and Marine, SA Bait and Tackle Supplies, tuna caught for
ZMan Grubs and Hurricane Sub Grubs Redtide Trailers, Zip Baits, Pro Lure, the comp

slow rolling them through the schools. Fishing SA Magazine, Coopers and Kay Jay

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 74 19/09/2017 3:19:03 PM


Creative.
The Challenge is going from strength to
strength with 4-5 rounds scheduled for
next year and the announcement of our SA
Angler of the Year points up for grabs for
fishing each round you'll want to be in it.
Winner of the SA AOY will have the chance
to win a kayak and also get their names
engraved on our new perpetual trophy,
immortalising their name in the South
Australian Bream Kayak Challenge for many
years to come.
Last but not least I'd like to thank all
the staff that helped with organising and
making the Challenge what it is today. Keep
an eye out for our dates for next year soon
to be released and check out our Facebook
page for all the latest updates.

KINGSTON SURF COMP TIME!


39th Annual Kingston Lions Surf Fishing Competition
WORDS & images by: lyle griffin

T
he Kingston SE Lions Club 39th Annual Surf Fishing
Contest will be held on the 20th and 21st of January 2018.
There's some 87km of fishing along the Coorong starting at
Kingston in the SE of South Australia meaning there's no
shortage of prime fishing locations!
This is a family fun day with Junior and Senior categories
and prizes up to $25,000. In the Mulloway category the first prize will
be a boat and up to 19 other prizes can be won. The other categories
are Shark (10 prizes can be won) and the Junior (10 prizes can be
won). We also have a rod tag prize of $500 (you need to be there for
the draw) and 4 mystery prizes.
Please come and enjoy a family fun weekend. If you need any
further information contact Lyle on 0427 672 344.

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 75 19/09/2017 3:19:06 PM


competition news

This picture: Dylan Grey and


the heaviest August fish. Below
Top: Matthew Gorne heaviest
July. Below Bottom: Phil
Garland heaviest for June

big salmon wins!


2017 Australian Salmon Fishing
Championship, Elliston WORDS & IMAGES BY: DyLAN gREy

A
very successful 23rd year of from Talia. Runner-up for June:
the Australian Salmon Fishing Amelie Lennox, 4.335kg from Locks
Championship has just been Well. Heaviest for August: Dylan
completed. Once again the Grey, 5.360kg pulled in from Talia.
competition was well received Runner-up for August: Chris Cooper,
by over 320 entrants with over 4.800kg, Talia.
500 plus salmon being weighed in over It wasn’t just the heaviest fish
the 3 month period. But there can be anglers were chasing while over on
only one overall winner. Catching the the west coast. Many fishermen and
heaviest salmon overall, and getting women weighed in many different size
his name on the board at the Elliston salmon just in case they were lucky
Hotel, was Matthew Gorne! This mad enough to pick up a $200 fortnightly
keen fisherman weighed in a 5.625kg mystery weight. All these results can
(gutted) salmon caught from Talia be found on our website www.elliston.
Beach and won himself $1000. Not com.au/salmon.
only that, Matthew weighed in the We would like to thank all our
second heaviest salmon in the month sponsors, and in particular our major
of July with a fish weighing in at sponsors Port Kenny Hotel and the
5.420kg to claim another $300. District Council of Elliston for the
With $1000 to be won every month donation of the prize money. Thank
throughout the competition for you to all the fishermen and women
the heaviest fish of the month, and who made their way to the west coast
$300 for the runner-up heaviest in our special 3 month period in the
salmon, the other major winners over hope of catching the big one. It is
the competition were heaviest for great to see you and we hope you
June: Phil Garland, 4.870kg caught enjoyed visiting Elliston!

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 76 19/09/2017 3:19:10 PM


competition news

SAFWAA RESULTS
SAFWAA Trophy Presentations 2016/17
Retiring Northern Fisheries
Officer Graham Whibley
receives the Vice President's
trophy in recognition of his
WORDS & IMAGES BY: SIMON CARDONE wonderful contribution to

T
the club

he South Australian Freshwater the trophy.


Anglers Association (SAFWAA) The Ladies Champion for the year is
held their annual trophy Charrie Richards with a 1.50kg catfish
presentation night in August to from a club dam. Charrie also caught a
celebrate the achievements of thumping silver perch during one of her
their members in the 2016/17 dam visits. The Junior Champion trophy
season. The majority of the awards are was awarded to both Vincent and Natalia
given for the heaviest fish of a particular Cardone, who caught some nice bags of
species, and these fish can be caught in catfish and redfin on bait and soft plastics Marijan Birdjan
both club and public waters. Meritorious during a couple of sessions fishing with prepares to release his
massive Murray cod
capture trophies do not require fish to be Dad! Wayne Goh had a belter season on
weighed, these are voted on by committee the club dams, with several Murray cod
members. captured on bait and lure, with the largest oldest and largest fishing clubs, now in
There were some cracking captures going 8.41kg and securing the Cod trophy. its 29th year. SAFWAA manages private
in the past 12 months, with some of the There are some thumping silver and fisheries across the Adelaide Hills on
highlights recognised with the following golden perch swimming in SAFWAA behalf of the land owners, with fishing
trophies. River Murray Venues trophy was waters and the trophy winning fish were access exclusive to club members. Lure,
taken out by Marijan Birdjan. Marijan is caught by Marijan Birdjan (3kg silver fly and bait fishing is welcome, with catch
also well in the running for the 2017/18 perch) and Matty Shaw (3.36kg golden and release mandatory for all species with
trophies with a 110cm Murray cod (see perch). the exception of redfin and carp. While the
picture) successfully caught and released Brown and rainbow trout can be an focus is on freshwater fishing, members
using a live yabby as bait. SAFWAA have elusive fish to catch at the best of times, do get to enjoy organised club events at
always fielded a team at Lake Bonney however Leigh Kuerschner caught a saltwater venues. More information can
AAA competition, and club member Sam fantastic 1.14kg brown trout to take out the be found at www.safwaa.org. Many thanks
Williams had a big weekend with a total Trout On Lure award. to club president Steve Incledon for his
bag of carp weighing 70.75kg earning him SAFWAA is one of South Australia’s assistance with this report.

fishingsamagazine | 77

FISHINGSA 55.indd 77 18/09/2017 1:27:14 PM


hot spots

Adelaide North
By Nathan Peckham

northern spring selection


W
ith spring officially here probably one of the best seasons last year carp. This freshwater fish is a great option,
it’s a great opportunity to that we have encountered for a number of as it’s not only an effective way of disposing
dust off your rods and reels, years. Good reports have come from the of this noxious pest, but the smelly nature
remove the cover from the Port Gawler area for those who enjoy raking of carp has crabs coming from everywhere.
boat and get yourself ready for crabs. Generally wading the shallow Other good baits are whiting frames, squid
for the approaching warmer sandy flats on a low tide will see best results heads and tommies. Be sure to have a crab
weather. In this column I will cover the in these areas. One piece of advice when measurer on hand and brush up on the
changes we can expect along our northern raking for crabs is to wear appropriate current regulations.
metropolitan fishing in the months to footwear. A good pair of wading boots is key We have seen an increase in squid activity
come, and a few tips and tricks I personally along our metro coastline lately. As weather
use to maximise my catch.
As water temperatures rise we will begin
"Blue swimmer crabs have patterns become more stable it will bring
better water clarity which is vital when
to see a gradual decline of the usual species
encountered during winter locally. The
been in good numbers targeting squid. Locally reports have come
from the shallow water depths out from
King George whiting is one fish that will not
completely vacate, however we will see a
already which is a promising North Haven and Semaphore, with boaties
choosing to drift the weed and rock beds
decline in the numbers of fish caught. Try
fishing grounds such as the Norma Wreck
sign for things to come" as their preferred method. Semaphore Reef
is a great starting place if you are looking
and Semaphore Reef for KG whiting, as to catch squid. Semaphore Reef offers all
to prevent injury if nipped by a hidden crab
some good fish can be found during spring the right ingredients that squid look for in a
or you step on a sharp razorfish.
and summer from these locations. home, namely a large weed bed with rocks
If wading the shallows isn’t really your
Garfish and blue swimmer crab numbers throughout where they can lay low and
forte I'm hearing good catches are coming
on the other hand will increase as we ambush their prey, and a safe environment
from the Semaphore area through to
head towards the end of the year, which is to breed. All are area traits to keep an eye
Outer Harbor for boat fishers. This will
pleasing. Blue swimmer crabs have been in out for.
only intensify as we progress further into
good numbers already which is a promising Garfish are one species I love to target this
the year and water temps rise. My bait of
sign for things to come, after what was time of year. There are a number of ways to
choice when crabbing would have to be
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FISHINGSA 55.indd 78 18/09/2017 1:27:24 PM


have caught have come from the shallows lures.
near these areas, and they're less crowded As touched on briefly in my last column
at times too which can be nice. there are some really good freshwater
The change in season sees bream return options available in Adelaide’s north that can
to the shallows of most estuaries and rivers be a valuable option if the winds are up and
creating great fishing opportunities for all the ocean is a no go. The Broughton River is
anglers shore or boat. Although you can a beautiful location with acres upon acres of
catch bream year round it’s not really until flowing fields surrounding this natural spring
spring that things heat up, pardon the pun. fed river. Home to a mixture of fish such as
Bream will move out from the depths and brown and rainbow trout, and the occasional
into shallower water taking up residence Murray cod, it’s an awesome place to fish.
around mangroves, pontoons, rock walls Permission is usually needed if you wish
and flats to begin their annual spawning to fish here as sections of the river are on
run. West Lakes, the Port River through to private property.
St Kilda and Port Gawler are all exceptional I hope this column has encouraged you
spots to target bream. to get out and enjoy some fine fishing that
My preferred method when targeting will be on offer within reach of the northern
these fish is to use lures. Having done quite metro angler - tight lines.
a bit of luring for bream in the past it’s a
catch garfish, with a popular technique for real accomplishment catching one on an Ellirah Wormald with
boaties dabbing at night with a fine meshed artificial bait. It really isn’t too difficult to her best squid from
around Black Pole
net and a spot light. This is an effective way trick them into eating a lure, it’s the selection
of getting large numbers if that’s what you of the correct lure at times that can be
are intending. However, I think it’s the visual tricky. When selecting a lure consider the
appeal and simplicity of bait fishing for them area you intend to fish but also the type
that makes it so appealing to me. Having a of food source available to the fish at the
good berley trail going and watching these time. Speak to your local tackle store and
fish turn up behind the boat in sometimes find out the latest in terms of lures, with
huge numbers is pretty cool to see. Garfish so many varieties available it can become
are generally an easy fish to catch making overwhelming but there are old faithfuls
it appealing to everyone no matter your that seem to consistently produce. Expect
experience level. plenty of bycatch when on the bream trail
Local jetties such as Grange, Largs and this spring with salmon, school mulloway
Semaphore are all popular locations to and a host of other fish likely. Some quite
catch garfish, but don’t discard fishing from respectable salmon have been patrolling
the beach to! Some of the biggest garfish I West Lakes in recent times snapping up

fishingsamagazine | 79

FISHINGSA 55.indd 79 18/09/2017 1:27:34 PM


hot spots

Adelaide South
By Mark Mills

time to gear up and fish!


S
ince the last issue of the magazine, restrict things a bit for big fish hunters, time of year their size is great. For snook
Port Noarlunga has been the talk but there will be plenty of other options if try a 90mm lure in a white colour, and clear
of the town to a degree. For a you're aiming to get a feed or just get some also goes well as does the usual pilchard
couple of days there was a whale braid ripped off. pattern. There is a fair chance of garfish
in the area and one day it even Clear water will be great for those around also.
entered the inside of the reef. wanting to chase the squid in close and King George whiting will start moving
The jetty had also been closed for repairs they should be readily available right along onto the summer grounds and may take
which caused some disruption but council the coastline. Daiwa Nude jags seem to some finding but rest assured it will be well
worked hard to keep the inconvenience be keeping their reputation for reliability worth investing time targeting them. Prior
to a minimum. The jetty held squid and intact. This is also an amazing time to to writing this the whiting were going well
smaller salmon at times, but never chase tommies for the table or bait freezer, around Hallett Cove and Marino.
provided thumping, big fish sessions. Boats with a constant berley trail important. It is now a prime time for land-based
scored nice King George whiting after Aniseed is a handy berley additive I've anglers to be heading out for a fish also.
the blows down south, however snapper found enhances results. A small bottle of The Onkaparinga River will start to fire
reports were slow. The Onkaparinga saw aniseed oil can be a great addition to the for all sorts of species, especially bream,
some nice bream entering ahead of their arsenal with just a drop or two needed to remembering the ban above South Rd
breeding season, while the odd flathead really boost the aroma. remains in place until the end of November.
continued to bite at the mouth end. Now If you haven’t tried lures for tommies then Mulloway should be a lot more active and
it is that time of year again to welcome the I would recommend giving it a go. They are can be caught anywhere within the river
warm weather in, and more fishing options! very aggressive and will hit anything, but and will take just about any bait when
Daylight savings adds a new dimension I have found the 3gm gold Halco Twisty to hungry. Anglers using live bait tend to pick
to the fishing, lengthening fishing hours be the gun lure for them. Keep a rod ready up bigger fish, again remembering that
and resulting in boats being dusted off. with a large lure attached also as your any live bait must be of legal size. For this
The snapper ban starting in November will berley trail will invite in snook, and this reason trumpeter makes great live bait and

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 80 18/09/2017 1:27:39 PM


are very hardy, and they will be swimming surface lures. This is an art and can be
around strong hours after being sent out. frustrating, but is high on the list of many
Another fish that is well worth targeting to achieve. The two best lures in my
prior to a mulloway trip is tommies. opinion for this are the Daiwa Silverwolf
Freshly caught tommies kept in a live well and the Bassday Sugapen and are very
are candy to the big fish. No size limits on popular but not cheap. Using these lures
tommies makes them a great choice if you around the mouth end of the Onk can
KG whiting will still be on offer down
are prepared to put in the time, which in also result in flathead, as they really start
south. Picture Tyson Hortop. Big turn creates success. hanging around now and can be targeted
snapper like these rippers will start to Yellowfin whiting will start to make an in the same shallow water as the whiting.
arrive before the ban kicks in

"Daylight savings adds a new dimension to the fishing,


lengthening fishing hours"
appearance within the river and should Another great lure that is dynamite and
(hopefully) pick up in numbers as the proven on flathead is the Daiwa Double
weather warms up. Guys using baits that Clutch in the 75mm size.
have success keep everything light and If you are not into fishing the river,
small, especially line. An unweighted southern beaches will always be a great
rig where possible is a great idea, but option with whiting, mullet and possibly
depending on tidal movement a light salmon trout. The usual structures such
running sinker is advised. A variety of as Port Noarlunga Jetty, O’Sullivan Beach
hooks can be used, such as longshank, boat ramp and Brighton Jetty will all be
short shank or even small circles. The options for the same sort of species as
Black Magic KL circle hooks are great, the beach. Throw tommies, garfish and
with another option the Daiichi 2171B squid into the mix and you have a bunch
which are small yet very strong. The of choices for some warm weather fun!
serious anglers who are into lures love Good luck, and keep an eye out for next
this time of year, when they get the issue for the 12th Onkastompa Fishing
opportunity of targeting these fish on Comp wrap-up.

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 81 18/09/2017 1:27:42 PM


hot spots

Fleurieu Peninsula
By Shane Murton

bye-bye winter, hello fish!


"Sure enough dropping back your gear rating will Big carp have
started to fire

usually see you hook a cracker sambo out of the blue" up. Young Parker
Dunn with a big
fish from Milang

L
et's be honest winter and early them into a frenzy. When you've got them
spring fishing can be a hard grind on the chew you can then use a range
in SA, and it's often challenging to of baits or lures to catch them. They can
experience consistent action and literally be caught from any public landing
weather. Thankfully both these key or public access point to the water at
elements should become somewhat Goolwa, Clayton Bay, Milang and beyond.
more predictable over the next two There's also plenty of small ponds dotted
months, and it's time to get serious if you're all over Fleurieu that have carp in them and
a Fleurieu fisho! the odd redfin if you're struggling in the
The first hint of spring had the carp main system.
spawning down south, with numerous Almost at the same time as carp news
aggregations of these fish spotted doing rolled through reports of bream sparked up,
their thing from the Lower Lakes right up to both from Victor Harbor and the Coorong. more schools pushing in. Writer Lucas
Strathalbyn. With all the freshwater around Equally this is spawning time for these Weaver has a ripper yarn in this edition on
it will no doubt be an epic spawning year for fish. The Coorong has largely been running page 84 about targeting mulloway on lures
carp, and late spring and summer catches dirty so far, on all but the bigger high tides, inside the Coorong. It'd be nice to hear of
will be up as a result. Pleasingly there has with a phenomenal amount of freshwater those 15-35kg monsters on fire outside of
been some nice callop caught this year being released. This freshwater is opening the mouth once again also!
down lower which is great to hear. up the mouth and deepening the channels How much freshwater will keep coming
Hitting the freshwater for rampaging which will be a positive for the mulloway through the barrages down here is a big
mud monsters is a pretty decent way to and bream season ahead, and it could be a X factor that will dictate the fishing in the
break up saltwater sessions. Active and blinder. Already there are mulloway being Coorong over the next couple of months.
constant berlying is the trick to making caught, but this will go up another gear as Dirty water fishing is a real challenge, and it
decent catches of these fish and whipping we start to get some warm weather and doesn't inspire confidence on mulloway or

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 82 18/09/2017 1:27:47 PM


Take a range of bright and natural coloured lures
to best suit the water conditions on the day

coorong
WORDS & IMAGES BY: LUCAS WEAVER

Coorong regular Lucas gives readers the


lowdown on how to pin a few mulloway
with soft plastics in this great waterway

days of chrome
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FISHINGSA 55.indd 84 18/09/2017 1:27:55 PM


feature

T
here’s something about mulloway in the Coorong. The addiction started There are many factors that can change
that makes every fisherman’s some 10 years ago when I first started the water in the Coorong, from freshwater
ears prick up when their name is spending decent amounts of time down flows from the barrages, to the ebb and
mentioned, and many a bloke will in this waterway getting to the know areas flow of the tide and the wind. Freshwater
strain themselves to get in on banter and plotting out bommies, channels and flows from the barrages are going to dirty
of a hot bite or extra tips. No matter sandbars. It was easy work to drift with the up the water and have fresh floating on
the size, these ghosts of the ocean raise the tide or the wind down a channel flicking as top of the salt, and the water is going to be
excitement levels of anyone, and this state is I went, marking stuff on the sounder and murky brown with a slight green mix. When
blessed to have one of the best fisheries in finding where bait and schools of mulloway these flows are not present it’s mostly the
the country for small soapies and schoolies, liked to hang out. Some of those trips wind and tide that will change the water.
to big monsters. There is no doubt about it, the petrol motor wasn’t even kicked over When there is no wind down the Coorong
SA is known for its mulloway fishery. and the amount of fish that were caught for days the water will get super clear,
Personally I get my mulloway fix down in within close proximity to each boat ramp so much so that you will see mulloway
the Coorong lagoons. I cop it from my mates was ridiculous. Sugars Beach, Mundoo swimming beneath the boat. Most of the
who give me heaps with lines like “They’re Channel, number 19 beacon and Marks time though the wind will be present and
only schoolies” or “head to the surf” or Point all got a working over, and I shook my that working against the tide will whip up
“catch a real fish” but catching and releasing head time and time again as crews drove a heap of bubbles and give you that typical
these smaller units on the right gear in the over and through schools of mulloway Coorong green, but with a lack of visibility
lagoons is a blast. A quick day trip is all I oblivious only to come back to the ramp to the human eye. Now this is where the
need for a fishing fix and I know I will nail a with an empty tank of fuel and empty colour selection of lures is vital, because
brute in the tinny one day down there and it handed. if you pick the wrong colour and are not
will mean a lot. willing to experiment you will be in for a
lUre coloUrs AnD PATTerns rather fishless day.
PlAsTic ADDicTion This is where you can either make or So let's break it down, and I will start at
Chucking plastics on light gear is where break your day, and for me lure selection the dirty/muddy water end of the scale and
it is at for me when hitting the schoolies is determined by water colour and clarity. to me this is a no brainer. Bright or fluoro
works best with soft plastics as it will stand
out in the murk, and the bigger the plastic
the better as it provides more of an object
to reflect light and a bigger target to attack.
Last year I managed a few nice mulloway
in water that could only be described as
atrocious, but sticking to bright and/or big
lure options it did the trick and got the fish.
When I say bright I mean white, fluoro yellow,
fluoro pink, fluoro green or combinations
of these. Nuclear Chicken comes to mind
as a prime colour example, and in terms of
patterns 5-7 inch jerk shads and 5-10 inch

Lucas with a prime example


of a fat school mulloway
from the Coorong on a
plastic. Below: Hooked-up
and loosing line!

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 85 18/09/2017 1:27:59 PM


A solid slab for the
author. Fish like this
will pull some string!

grub tails are safe bets.


Now getting back to water that has a little
"The biggest I have heard
more Coorong normality. With windblown
green water where visibility is poor due to
of caught in the lagoon
millions of tiny, minute air bubbles, the same
applies as above. Big and bright does the
proper was 55lb up at the
trick for me, but you can also add in blends
of brown, dark green, red and blue, plus
Snake Pit"
throw in a few more natural colours in to
area is a known mulloway producer and
your bag of tricks. On those super calm days
one you see a lot of people fishing. In
where the wind hasn’t blown for days you
my experience not a lot of these people
will be presented with crystal clear water,
catch fish however, but that is a story for
and it is here that all of the above is thrown
another day. Although I will say that if you
out the window and natural selections
fish around the tides and start thinking of
matching baitfish are needed. It’s these
where they might be waiting to ambush
days when you can see the fish so you know
prey then you will figure it out pretty
they can see you. In this situation try fishing
quickly.
with clears with gold or silver flecks, sardine
Heading south there are two main The Coorong is a
and pilchard patterns, and anything that spectacular place
areas most people fish, and the first one
resembles a natural baitfish. You may also to fish. Below:
is called the Snake Pit and the second Sounding out fish
have to come down in lure size too, say to
one is Tauwitchere Barrage. What makes and structure
around 3 inches to get the fish to commit, will lead to better
these areas so productive is the myriad of
but I generally don’t as I want to target the results with lures
bommies that attract crabs and baitfish
bigger specimens. A way around this clear
and make for good ambush points for a
water/touchy fish problem is to fish at night,
school of mulloway. It is not unusual to
then it's back to big is best when it comes to
have 40 boats on these areas on any given
soft lures.
day during summer, so you will need to
use your head otherwise you will cop a
Which Areas?
mouthful of abuse.
Where to fish, that is the question? First
Heading north from here is an area I like
you need to decide if you want to go north
to call 'The Mine Field', and I’m not going
or south of the mouth. Each area produces
to give the location away, but if you keep
great fishing for most of the summer, and
an eye on your sounder you will find it. The
has a good selection of areas to fish.
other area is below the Goolwa Barrage.
Okay, starting at the mouth itself, this

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 86 18/09/2017 1:28:02 PM


For some reason this part of the Coorong
doesn’t get fished as hard, but like I said
earlier a lot of people cruise past fish here.
Don’t be one of these people, do some
homework, talk at the ramps and watch
what others are doing. Depending on tides,
wind direction and barrage outflows I may
fish a certain area or just cruise around
looking for schools on the sounder.

Time of Day & Tactics


For me I’m a daylight man, with 99% of my
Low light sessions can
fishing done from dawn to dusk. Very rarely
be rewarding when using
have I done a night session, although they plastics in the Coorong, and
can be productive here. There's many other it's just a great time to be
enjoying this waterway
factors as mentioned to consider when
deciding when and where to fish.
Tide, wind direction and barrage outflows
are the three big indicators of where the the same area all summer. The schools of past them.
schools will be, with the fourth being mulloway will know to pass through here If you're determined to land a better class
angler concentration. If there’s a big tide in for an easy feed, and fishing these areas of mulloway here you will need to fish that
the morning, which there usually is during can be a sure thing for a plastic chucker. bit heavier and give up catching numbers,
summer, then I would be up on the flats but when that big one inhales your plastic
where the fish are chasing bait - this can Size of Fish and Tackle be prepared for a screaming run and then
sometimes mean fishing in 2 feet of water. Generally speaking outfits that are rated to chase the fish. I’ve had runs on 30lb gear
As the tides turns I hit the edges, then as 3-5kg matched with a size 2000 or 3000 and where a 100m run then a bust-off was the
it exposes the flats the main channel is loaded with 10lb braid will nail most Coorong norm, all in a matter of seconds. Due to the
where it’s at. Time of day in relation to this mulloway. But when there is a run of larger average depth of the Coorong being around
will depend on the water level. A big blow fish I will go up in tackle until I can stop them, 2m there is nowhere else to go for these big
can move a lot of water and can dictate although there have been times when I have fish. Alas my best has been around 25lb from
where you will fish, as a low pressure cell gone up to 30lb braid and 40lb leaders and here, with numerous larger fish finding refuge
and a southerly wind will push more water still been smoked. on the bommies. The biggest I have heard
into the Coorong, whereas a northerly can The general run of fish in to this system of caught in the lagoon proper was 55lb
push it out. Start thinking along these lines is from undersize to 70cm, but there are up at the Snake Pit, and it’s these chrome
when planning your attack. more than enough 75-110cm fish to keep me monsters that get my attention and keep
Now for fishing the 'angler concentration coming back. Sure the little ones are good the addiction alive. I know I can catch them
line' which refers to where the guys are all for the kids and those new to the area, but elsewhere but for me a 50 pounder from the
bunched together with berley trails going, they are super annoying after a while which lagoons is my dream fish and one day that
and groups have come and gone from is why I fish big plastics in the hope of getting dream will become a reality. Happy flicking!

Shiny, chrome
schoolies like this
are a buzz to catch
on plastics and
balanced tackle!

fishingsamagazine | 87

FISHINGSA 55.indd 87 18/09/2017 1:28:05 PM


hot spots

Upper South East


By Craig Richards

se spring sensation!
I
n my last column I speculated on One of the fish I love to target at this
whether the big barrel bluefin would time of year is the hard fighting and great
show up this year. Well, get excited eating school shark. I normally launch at
fishos, because at the time of writing Cape Jaffa and head into Wrights Bay when
this report the big fellas have turned conditions are right. I find that just about
up in huge numbers at Port Mac. One every one of these big toothies goes really
fisherman I know had ten hook-ups and hard unlike their gummy mates that vary
managed to land three fish which were well greatly in their fighting attitude. They are
over 100kg. More exciting still is that one also great on the tooth and you normally
boat left from Robe and scored a big barrel, only need one for a feed since most of the
and this is the exact same pattern from two fish in this area are around the 15 to 20
years ago. So dust off the big guns and get plus kilo mark. If keeping one for a feed, I
ready! always bleed and remove the fins as soon
While waiting for the tuna there are as possible. Unlike gummies these sharks
plenty of other spring options available. By have a mouth full of very sharp teeth, so
October the snapper should start moving some people like to use wire traces, but I
onto the inshore reefs from The Granites find this can greatly reduce your bite rate. trace line, with a single 6/0 hook. The best
all the way up to the Coorong beaches. By using circle hooks (normally 6/0) the baits are fresh squid heads or whole small
Their numbers are not as prolific as they sharks are nearly always caught in the squid, and if this is not available saury or
are during the period where the water gets corner of the mouth. This keeps the trace pilchards are fine. If using large fish baits
warmer, but they are normally a better away from their teeth, especially since we like saury or pillies I will normally add
quality fish. Also, the snapper are more are normally drifting, the fish hit the bait another hook to the rig to help the bait
timid at this time of the year and so they hard and take off so the line is kept tight. run straight.
won’t just smash the first bait presented. As I just mentioned, I nearly always drift Hopefully the great whiting fishing will
Keep your baits as fresh as possible and fish, with a steady stream of berley out the continue this season, and as the crayfish
use lighter leaders, with fluorocarbon back. The rig is normally about a metre season opens on the 1st of October there
always a great option. So, go and get a nice of 40-80lb fluorocarbon attached with will be plenty of people having a go when
red before the closure on 1st November. a 1-3-ounce barrel sinker sliding on the they put their pots in. In close the crays
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FISHINGSA 55.indd 88 18/09/2017 12:14:49 AM


can be a bit slow at the start of the season
but there is always someone getting a good
feed - so be prepared to shift areas a bit.
The best areas will still be out from Cape
Jaffa Marina anywhere from King Rock to
the old light house, but there are plenty of
boaties that launch from Kingston and do
alright, especially later in the season. One
of the great things about getting the pots
in early is that the whiting grounds are in
the same areas. So if you miss out on a cray
a nice feed of King George should see you
go home smiling.
For land-based anglers the mullet have
plenty of fish around 20 kilos landed. The
been running well in Maria Creek, and
school sharks must also go in close at
with plenty of freshwater still coming this
night because there are normally plenty
should continue for a while yet. I wander
caught by the boys with the long rods. If
over from my workplace at the Caltex every

"If you miss out on a cray a nice feed of King George


should see you go home smiling"
now and then to see who’s catching, and you are going to fish this beach make sure
there is one gun who does very well and you are well prepared because it can be
swears by brined pilchards. treacherous, with its very soft sand and big
Hopefully the mulloway will be back cut outs. Heading into November most of
in Wrights Bay this October. Last year the weed should have cleared up and the
was very quiet, and it could have been general surf fishing should be good from
something to do with the shocking Long Beach to Salt Creek. Until next time,
winter we had. The fishing up to last year may your fish pull hard, and your freezer
had been getting better and better with be full.

fishingsamagazine | 89

FISHINGSA 55.indd 89 18/09/2017 12:14:52 AM


hot spots

Lower South East


By Hugh Magarey

BARRELS TO FRESHWATER
T
he barrel bluefin are once again amongst them, with a few others having a of year down here. I have also heard of good
here! For the few lucky boats that crack also. It’s just a matter of the weather numbers of knifejaw coming from the same
have been able to find a break in coming good and I'm sure plenty of beasts area as bycatch, so it’s good to see plenty of
the weather - good enough to head will be hooked and some landed! those tasty fish about.
out offshore and run some big For those that have been able to get out, The Glenelg River has continued to fish
lures – they have managed to score once again the offshore fishing for bottom extremely well for a range of fish, although
some barrels. Let’s hope we see a late run species has continued to be hot. Most have mulloway have been the main target. The
on them like we did two seasons ago, it was been fishing at depths of 60 to 120 metres river has dirtied right up and with the late
one of the best periods for the barrels off for gummy and school sharks, with reports rain we have been getting it is flowing quite
our coastline ever. Extreme Marine Charters of boats getting their bag limit in no time at hard at the time of writing. This means
have been the main boat down here getting all, which is not too uncommon for this time the majority of the fish are schooled up in
the deeper parts of the river, usually down
the middle. That’s not a bad thing though,
because it makes them easy to target by
using your sounder. You can use vibes or
heavy weighted plastics, and get it right in
front of them. I have had some really good
days down there using small vibes, some
days getting 20 or so nice mulloway in no
time at all. I also had one of the best estuary
perch sessions of my life around the time of
writing this, with easy 40 fish being caught
and released in about an hour and a half. For
this time of year, because of the flow and
the colour of the water, it is uncommon to
get them on surface, but it’s also the time of
year that they school up to spawn, so when
you do find them they are usually in huge

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 90 18/09/2017 12:14:56 AM


numbers. catch these fish, and it makes for good
The freshwater scene has really taken off sport to. I think that the salmon will hang
down here in the SE over the past month and around for at least a few more months, so
will continue to fish well, with many of the make sure you get into the action while it
swamps and dams producing some lovely lasts.
big reddies. So with the weather being a bit Garfish have been a bit hard to come by
too nasty to get out offshore this is a perfect because of the rough weather we have
way to still bend a rod and chase some been having, but for those who have taken
fish, with small soft plastics and hard-body advantage of the strong north winds, and

"The freshwater scene has really taken off down here in


the SE over the past month and will continue to fish well"
minnows being the best options. I have also that have been going to our protected
heard of some cracker trout coming out of bays, they have still been managing a nice
the lakes just over the border. So it’s always feed when they put the time in. I have also
worth a trip into Vic if trout is what you’re heard that the gar caught have been huge
after. It's not much more driving when you in size lately which makes them perfect for
think about it. the frying pan. Mullet have been fishing
The salmon fishing has continued to go really well because of the seaweed build
well over the past few months, and with up we have been getting from all the big
the big swells we have been getting it’s no swells. The mullet have been hanging right
wonder why all the usual hot spots like in hard along the weed feeding on all the
the Beachport Salmon Hole and Red Rock bits and pieces that come out of the weed
Bay have been producing some excellent making for an easy light line option.
fish, with sambos up to 6lb plus being very Hopefully these tips and ideas will get you
common. Casting metal slugs on a light, out and about this spring, and catching
long rod, with a 3000 size reel and some light some of the excellent fish our coast has to
braid is the best and most effective way to offer! Until next time, tight lines.

Redfin (top left), sharks,


and barrel tuna (Dave
Standing image) have all
been on the cards for SE
fishos - take your pick!

fishingsamagazine | 91

FISHINGSA 55.indd 91 18/09/2017 12:14:59 AM


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need to keep in touch with the mothership. Other handy
uses include small watercraft such as tinnies, kayaks
and jet skis that may not have electrical systems fitted or
sufficient space for a conventional fixed-mount radio.
The GME GX625 boasts a class-leading 1200mAh Lithium
Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack, providing extended operating life
and great stamina for a small handheld radio. A convenient
240V drop-in style charger, wrist strap and belt clip are
supplied as part of the standard package to ensure

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 92 18/09/2017 12:15:01 AM


All the latest boating & marine products from around the country

design, it’s easy to change mounting configurations

Two LiveVü Modes between the two. By providing both LiveVü views, anglers
have the ability to tailor the PS22-TR to best fit how they

in latest Garmin fish, where the fish are, and/or how the fish are behaving.
Unlike traditional or scanning sonar, which provides

Panoptix Transducer only historical data of what’s been passed over, LiveVü
Forward shows images of fish swimming toward or away
Designed for trolling motor installation, the PS22-TR from the boat – allowing you to cast towards active fish
is the latest addition to the Garmin Panoptix product with more precision than ever before. And LiveVü Down
line, which now includes six transducers with varying shows moving sonar images below the boat – which is
installation options for freshwater, estuary, inshore and ideal for jigging and other forms of vertical fishing.
offshore applications. The Garmin Panoptix PS22-TR is compatible with
Incorporating LiveVü Forward and LiveVü Down all- the echoMAP CHIRP 75sv and 95sv, the GPSMAP
seeing sonar technology, the PS22-TR offers a narrow 752xs/952xs and 1022xsv/1222xsv series, and GPSMAP
20-degree beam angle for crisp, improved resolution and 8400 and 7400xsv series. Mounting hardware is
clear images of what’s all around and below the boat – in included to install the PS22-TR on the shaft or barrel of a
real time, while moving or stationary. trolling motor.
Paired with a compatible Garmin GPSMAP or The PS22-TR has a RRP of AU$1499. Further
echoMAP CHIRP head unit, Panoptix delivers a whole information, visit: buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/
new perspective to fishing, allowing anglers to watch the cOnTheWater-p1.html.
movement of fish and the reactions to their lures/baits
up to 30m away.
The PS22-TR is ideal for freshwater, estuary and inshore
anglers targeting bass, barra and bream in the snags,
and species such as jewfish, snapper and kingfish on
relatively shallow reefs. Anglers can see real-time sonar
imagery at video-like speed using the view of their choice
– forward or down – and thanks to its simple mount

All New, All Stainless


the famous Viper 1000 submersible commercial electric
motor, can reach drum speeds of up to 40 metres per
minute (power out fall rate), ensuring ground tackle

Steel Viper 'S' reaches the bottom and intended GPS marks quickly.
Each winch is supplied with a complete range of

Series Winch
installation accessories, including 5mm stainless steel
sandwich mounting plate and all necessary stainless
bolts and hardware. A quality rocker switch with two
switch face plates to suit a variety of dash layouts,
solenoid and heavy-duty circuit breaker are included
Introducing the new stainless steel VIPER ‘S’ series
for easy installation. All that needs to be added is the
drum anchor winch by Bell Marine. The range starts with
correct length of power cabling.
the compact MICRO which may be small in size but is
Choose from a range of models and winch kits which
one of the most powerful electric drum winches in its
include winch and installation accessories, rope,
class. Suitable for 4 to 8 metre vessels, the MICRO has
chain, anchor swivel and roller starting from $1545.
been specially designed to fit into restricted anchor well
For further information on the complete range please
spaces commonly found in bow riders, tinnies, walk-
contact your nearest Bargain Boat Bits member, or
arounds, bass boats and half-cabs.
visit: www.bargainboatbits.com.au
The all-new stainless steel marine gearbox with worm
drive features a solid 28mm stainless steel main shaft
supported by three bearings for exceptional durability
and performance. The Viper S winch series is covered
by a comprehensive 5-year warranty while the all new
stainless steel gearbox is rated to IP68 and covered by a
lifetime warranty against water ingress.
When it comes to speed the Viper MICRO, powered by

fishingsamagazine | 93

FISHINGSA 55.indd 93 18/09/2017 12:15:05 AM


review: Squidgies Bio Tough

TOUGHEN UP!
Fishing SA puts the newly released Squidgies Bio
Tough soft plastics to the test with immediate results
WORDS & IMAGES BY: FISHING SA MAGAZINE

F
SA Magazine was lucky to secure appeal have been retained. The colour
a pre-release sample of the all- range at this stage is based on popular
new Squidgies Bio Tough range natural and baitfish patterns, enough to
of plastics, and they arrived just cover all of SA's mainstream soft plastic
in time for a light tackle trip we targets no worries whatsoever.
had planned. Before getting into So how did they perform? As luck would
how a couple of initial sessions panned have it only a few cast in and using a
out however, let's take a closer look at the 100mm Bio Tough Fish in UV Pumpkin
lures themselves and what most of the Seed a whopper 75cm plus flathead
hype is about. swooped in and inhaled the lure - it was
The Squidgies Bio Tough range features a dream start! Over two days of flicking
Dura Stretch toughness technology, and the fish species were starting to add
which makes these plastics flexible and up, with a bunch of solid salmon up to
tough, and there's no real comparison around 6lb, silver trevally, tommies, a lone
between the Bio range and the previous big KG whiting, and even more croc-sized
Squidgies range in this regard - Bio flathead. We were impressed!
Tough's can be stretched out like a rubber A little handy design feature we like
band! Durability equates to more casts on the Bio Tough is the three suggested
and fish per lure, which is a win, win for guide holes for jighead hook placement
fishos. Amazingly for such a robust lure on the top of the lure, making it simpler
they're also 50% biodegradable! to rig up, and removing a lot of the
The range features some familiar names, guesswork for fishos. It's time to toughen
including Squidgie classics such as the up and give the new Squidgies Bio Tough
Wriggler, Fish and Flick Bait, however their range a try this upcoming warm season!
design has been slightly tweaked. Albeit For further information, visit: www.
the same key traits that give them their shimanofish.com.au or www.squidgies.
action in the water and subsequent fish com.au.

94 | www.fishingsa.com.au

FISHINGSA 55.indd 94 18/09/2017 12:15:10 AM


fishingsamagazine | 95

FISHINGSA 55.indd 95 18/09/2017 12:15:12 AM


PRESS RELEASE: Savage Blue Water

affordable offshore option


The Savage Blue Water will take you offshore without breaking the bank

S
avage has recently released a
budget friendly offshore fishing
machine perfect for tackling blue
water conditions.
The beauty of these boats is
that they come at a great price
point while you can still option up this
model to suit your specific needs.
These boats will get you offshore
quickly and safely with 5mm bottomsides,
3mm topsides and a 160 litre fuel tank
as standard.
The combination of the Ultra Lift Hull,
hydraulic steering and 200 horsepower
rating make this boat a breeze to drive
while giving you the confidence to tackle
those rough conditions.
The cavernous cabin has plenty of
storage as well as a cabin hatch for air
and light so you’ll be happy to spend a
night on the water.
If you’ve got more fishing gear than you

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FISHINGSA 55.indd 96 18/09/2017 12:15:19 AM


can poke a stick at you can find additional storage under the
box seats and two large side pockets.
Savage Account Manager Nick McCartney said while the
Blue Water covers all the essentials you have the choice to
option up this model to suit your fishing prowess.
‘The new optional live bait tank/cutting board combo
optimises functionality while saving space so you still have
plenty of fishing and storage room.
‘The optional underfloor kill tank is perfect for holding
that massive catch while the optional drum winch makes
anchoring a breeze.
‘If this isn’t enough you can even add an aluminium rocket
launcher to store your prized rod collection.
‘The lists of options goes on and on, you can even add
optional cabin cushions for a little more luxury on those
overnight trips,’ Nick said.
For pricing and more information contact Don Morton
Marine on (08) 8347 0011, 70 Humphries Terrace,
Kilkenny, 5009.

fishingsamagazine | 97

FISHINGSA 55.indd 97 18/09/2017 12:15:23 AM


OPINION : Barrel Tuna Release
When mullet are schooled
up they make for fast and
furious sessions. This
catch was kept for the
smoker and fresh bait

CHugh&discusses
R barrel bluefin
catch and release for our XOS bluefin
WORDS & IMAGES BY: HUGH MAGAREY ADDITIONAL IMAGE BY: DAVE STANDING

A
s many of you will know the barrel like this deserves. Some people don’t even should try letting any caught go. I’m sorry to
sized southern bluefin tuna have bleed their kept barrel just so when they the people that may think I’m a mad ‘greeny’
returned for what is now seemingly weigh it in the number looks higher. At least for writing this, but all I’m asking for is more
an annual event. I am lucky enough if you are going to kill one, bleed it and look people to be conscious of protecting this
to live right in the middle of all after it, to get the best eating quality out of precious fishery. Already there are many
the XOS tuna action. Living about it. They deserve at least that much. anglers jumping on the C & R bandwagon,
twenty minutes from Port MacDonnell, I see Barrel bluefin do release well if they are and hopefully this is a growing trend for the
the good and the bad of it when it comes to treated the right way and you don’t have to seasons to come. If it wasn't for these big
how fishos interact with these giant fish. tag them. The fish can be lip gaffed or held tuna swimming past our state each year, the
These big bluefin, many topping 100kg, on the trace for a quick picture if need be. game fishing scene in SA would definitely
are a fish that we are very lucky to have Bringing them onboard obviously should be never be the same!
on our doorstep, and are amazing for the avoided if possible if you intend to release
region, drawing people to the area from all them. Trust me, seeing one of these beasts
over Victoria and SA. But a facet of catching swim free after you have had it boatside is
barrels that some people choose to ignore one of the best feelings in the whole world.
is that you don’t have to always have them I understand some fish die and are not fit
hanging on a gantry to say or prove that you for release, so some do need to be kept,
have caught one. Barrel bluefin will not be and you should come prepared to store the
here for years to come if we don’t look after fish and care for them as mentioned if this
them and manage the fishery. I’m not saying does eventuate.
don’t keep a barrel or don’t fish for them, Myself and a group of others fish for barrel
because I have kept them myself, and they tuna at every chance we get and we have
are one of my favourite fish to target. All all kept fish because they were either our
that I’m saying is make sure you only keep first, or because they died, but now every
what you need. Just one of these fish has barrel we get we try and let go and we get
so much meat, and you could eat tuna each more satisfaction out of fishing this way,
day and give it to as many people that you and we're doing our part to help maintain
know and you would still be wondering what the fishery. It would be so good to see more
to do with the remainder of the flesh from a people adopting the catch and release
typical 100kg fish. mindset for barrels - no matter if they are
If you do choose to kill a barrel, or one 60kg or 180kg these fish are too good to be A big southern
blue held boatside
dies during/just after the fight, maybe think caught just once. for a quick picture
about going home and getting it on ice, and Next time you are chasing barrels think before release -
giving it the respect a beautiful eating fish about how many you need to keep, or if you satisfying stuff!

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