CLINCHING THE DEAL

Shimano’s exciting new Sephia Clinch Flash Boost and Rattle series of squid jigs have been creating quite a lot of talk around the traps, and even more so given we’re entering the prime squidding months of the year in many areas around the country.

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - SEPTEMBER

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo’s lifetime of fishing experience.

SPICING UP SURF SALMON

Catching salmon with sand between your toes has long been about drowning a pilchard, or thumping a metal slice into the suds. Surf fishing it’s fair to say, has been stuck in the dark ages when it comes to embracing a more sportfishing orientated mindset and newer tackle trends. 

REDFIN ON LURES: HOW TO

Over the cooler months there’s one species that tends to spring to mind for light tackle freshwater fishos looking for generally productive sessions and a fearless fish to throw a range of small lures at, namely redfin, AKA reddies.

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - AUGUST

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo's lifetime of fishing experience.

FINDING FLATHEAD

Flathead are a true blue Aussie favourite target that will ruthlessly smash a range of modern lure types. Adding to their infectious, broad appeal amongst flickstick fishos is the fact they can be caught in quite a diverse range of areas.

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - JULY

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo's lifetime of fishing exerience.

HOW TO: SWIMBAITING

Gear, techniques and tactics. In this article, Dean Thomson covers all things on getting started with swimbaiting.

NEW VANFORD 2020

The Vanford is the ultimate finesse fishing reel with a super-fast start-up. Featuring MGL Rotor, Micromodule II, Hagane Gear, X-Protect and Silent Drive.

NEW SARAGOSA 2020

The Saragosa SW has built an incredible reputation and the newly released 2020 model takes it to the next level. Packed with upgrades to deliver great cranking power and unmatched durability, no other reel compares at this price point.

REEL AND ROD GUIDE

A guide on how to choose the right fishing outfit for the style of fishing you want to do!

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - JUNE

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo’s lifetime of fishing experience.

ROD RATINGS

A rod's line weight is typically listed on the blank either in kilograms (e.g. 3-5kg), pounds (e.g. 10-20lb) or as a PE rating (e.g. PE 2-4). This is useful for matching a rod to its intended purpose.

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - MAY

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo’s lifetime of fishing experience.

NEW SPEEDMASTER LD 2020

The new SpeedMaster LD II is a multi-purpose lever drag reel that has gear strength comparable to the trusted Talica series.

BRENIOUS RISEWALK - TOP FUN

Light tackle and small surface lures can provide you with some of the more memorable sportfishing moments you’ll ever experience.

NEW SALTIE 2020

Built with iconic species like barra in mind, there is six models in the range that includes two spin and four baitcast models with varying actions to suit a range of lure fishing styles.

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - MARCH

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo’s lifetime of fishing experience.

TOP 5 SNAPPER ALTERNATIVES

With snapper off the cards in South Oz for the next few years as part of a radical new management strategy to help return the species to their former glory, their absence has left some anglers scratching their heads wondering what to target.

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - FEBRUARY

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo’s lifetime of fishing experience.

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDER - JANUARY

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo’s lifetime of fishing experience.

NEW ZODIAS 2020

In 2020, the Zodias JDM series has undergone a significant upgrade and now features Shimano’s exclusive Carbon Monocoque butt for the ultimate in sensitivity and finesse. 

SUPER SATURDAY

Make sure you head into one of the participating dealers listed to check out the awesome offers.

NEW STELLA SWC 2020

The Stella SW represents the pinnacle of innovation for Shimano reel technology and fish-fighting performance. 

NEW TWIN POWER FD

In 2020, the newly released Twin Power FD is equipped with a metal rotor that integrates Shimano’s Coresolid philosophy of quality and solidness.

TIGER BAKU BAKU BASICS

The Shimano Tiger Baku Baku jigs are an all-new release to burst onto the Aussie reef lure scene of late, and catches of snapper and many other species are already rolling in around the country.

SQUIDGY BIO TOUGH FLATHEAD FUNDAMENTALS

Flathead are serial offenders when it comes to eating soft plastics; they just can’t help themselves!

FISHING SURFACE FEEDING FISH SCHOOLS

When birds, baitfish and pelagics collide it’s an amazing sight and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more exhilarating lure fishing scenario. 

CHARTER FISHING ESSENTIALS

Here's a ‘top five’ look at some of the factors that can add to the enjoyment of your much anticipated day or more on the water on charter, and help you avoid the common associated pitfalls.

TACKLE STORAGE 101

Introducing various tackle storage systems is the way to prolong the life of your gear, and increase its ease of use, which most serious anglers would agree is a necessity almost as important as the tackle itself!

WINTER OPTIONS IN SA

Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean we should pack away the tackle until the warmer weather returns. 

TARGETING SCHOOL SHARKS

School sharks, or Tope as they are globally known, are a fun species of shark distributed throughout Australia’s cooler waters. 

NEW STRADIC FL

The latest evolution in the Stradic range brings anglers into the next generation of fishing. This evolution brings with it improved casting, smoother reeling and increased durability, The Stradic outperforms all of its predecessors.

ENTRY LEVEL ESTUARY LURING

The often tranquil and semi-protected waters of our estuaries are home to a high profile spread of lure eating targets.

FISH PREPARATION AND CATCH CARE

Being able to consume a feed of fish you've caught yourself is one of the simple pleasures of being a fisho. 

SIMPLE SURF FISHING

Everyone loves a laidback day at the beach, be it working on your tan, swimming, or in the case of fishos, trying to get a rod bent on the many fish that inhabit the surf zone. 

STARLO'S AUSTRALIAN FISHING CALENDAR - APRIL

This detailed, region-by-region breakdown of the very best seasonal fishing opportunities available right around Australia is based on Starlo’s lifetime of fishing experience.

PLAYING FISH

Hooking a fish is without question one of the most thrilling moments in angling. 

NEW SHIMANO GRAPPLER

The new JDM Grappler represents the next evolution of this highly popular offshore jigging and casting series. 

SQUIDGY BIO TOUGH BREAM BASICS

Soft plastics like Squidgies are well documented bream catchers right around the country, with many attributes that make them the perfect hard bite lure option capable of being fished in all manner of likely scenarios for these fish. 

ESTUARY HOT SPOTS

Estuaries are remarkably diverse areas to fish. Depending on your location and the techniques being used, an estuary session could see you hooking into anything.

WADING THE SHALLOWS

Although it happens at times, as a rule fish can’t always be caught at your feet when you're land-based, and sometimes you need to go one step further to access them. 

SURF SALMON SPINNING

Hunting down thumping green-back salmon with lures in the surf is darn addictive fun that doesn't require a whole lot of gear or time on your side.

10 FACTORS TO MICRO JIG SUCCESS

Using small jigs under 100g has well and truly established itself as a gun method for fishing the reefs in this country.

CURADO DC REVIEW

The new Shimano Curado DC 150 was hailed as the reel that would bring the Digital Control system to the masses. 

STELLA FJ REVIEW

For a company with a history as rich as Shimano, a new model of its flagship reel is a big deal and it causes quite a stir among enthusiasts of high-end gear. 

MULLOWAY IN THE SURF

Mulloway, or jewies, are a pretty special fish. I don’t know of any other species which holds the same appeal down south as a big, chromed mulloway from the surf. 

SETTING UP A LIGHT SOFT PLASTICS OUTFIT

Initial forays into the world of using soft plastics for smaller targets needn't be overcomplicated, full of fancy gear, jargon and smoke and mirrors.

READING A SURF BEACH

There's no angling experience quite comparable to fishing on a high energy surf beach. 

SNAPPER ON BAIT HOW TO

Despite the meteoric rise of lure use for snapper, bait remains a go-to tactic for a lot of people whether after a show stopping monster red, or a feed of tasty pan-size fish. 

SAND AND YELLOWFIN WHITING HOW TO

Sand and yellowfin whiting are common warm season targets and both share similar looks and traits. 

BLUEFIN TUNA TROLLING 101

With the annual summer run of southern bluefin kicking into gear down south, it's again time to dust off the tuna tackle and brace for some serious braid peelin' chaos!

BOTTOM BASHING REEF FISHING BASICS

You have to admire offshore reef systems for the sheer variety of fish they provide, and the resultant unpredictability of what you may hook next. 

STARTER GUIDE TO FISHING JETTIES

For what may look like an easily accessed and nondescript location, it's quite amazing what can actually be caught from the wooden or metal structure of your local jetty or wharf. 

IMPROVING YOUR SURF CASTING

There's few more hair pulling frustrations when beach fishing than spotting a school of fish or a nice deep gutter and not being able to reach it, often meaning missed chance and below par action. 

SOFT PLASTIC SNAPPER ESSENTIALS

If you want to nail a genuine hump-headed trophy snapper on a lure, or even catch numbers of smaller to medium pinkies, then soft plastics are a safe bet and a dependable go-to option.

TOP 5 MURRAY COD TIPS

Murray cod are truly amazing and every angler deserves to target these incredible native fish. 

FISHING SAFETY TIPS

With summer fast approaching, this is a great opportunity for a timely reminder about some basic, common sense steps and simple precautions or procedures that will not only enhance your personal comfort and safety on or beside the water, but could actually save a life. 

GETTING KIDS STARTED IN FISHING

Fishing is a fantastic family pastime that gets everybody, but kids especially, outside into the real world and away from those dreaded electronic devices. 

HOW TO CATCH KING GEORGE WHITING

King George whiting, or KG for short, are a royal delight for anglers in the southern half of the country, and are Australia's largest whiting species and a highly prized table fish. 

10 FACTORS TO BREAM ON LURES SUCCESS

Catching bream on lures is some of the most accessible and addictive sportfishing in the country. 

HOW TO CATCH FLATHEAD ON SOFT PLASTICS

Flathead are an endearing species and a highly popular lure target right around the country. 

HOW TO CATCH SOUTHERN CALAMARI

You have to admire the humble squid (AKA southern calamari) for what they offer anglers of all ages and skill levels.

HOW TO JIG KINGFISH

Kingfish are one of the more high thrills, high octane sportfish in the country, and it seems fitting that the leading method to catch them offshore is to raise a serious sweat and use jigs.

BIO TOUGH SOFT PLASTICS

The rise of soft plastics in the marketplace many moons ago revolutionised the way we targeted many of popular recreational species.    

TAGGING SWORDFISH

Tag and release has become the most important element to our offshore fishing and has been for a long time now.

HOW TO CATCH FLATHEAD

Flathead would be one of our most popular table species and provide great sport as well. Flathead are endemic to Australia with a number of different flathead species being found around the country.

HOW TO CATCH SNAPPER

Some hints and tips to bag the ever popular Snapper from the staff at Shimano and from our very own Pro Anglers.

HOW TO RIG SOFT PLASTICS

We often take for granted the importance of putting your soft plastic tails and hooks together properly, so I’ll provide you with some hints and tips for getting the job done right.

HOW TO CATCH KINGFISH

There are many ways in targeting Kingfish from using a wide variety of baits to lures. Although debatable, 
Kingfish can be one of the hardest fish to land, as it is commonly known to make a run to the rocks or anything sharp to bust you off as soon as you hookup. 

GOING THE DISTANCE

It’s not always necessary to be able to lob 150 grams 70, 80 or even 100 metres….but it’s kind of nice to know you can!  In this article I’m going to have a look at a few products that will help you reach more distance when casting.

CATCHING SQUID

Squid fishing has had a radical re-birth in recent years, with improvements in tackle and techniques revolutionising the way we target the humble squid. 

CRAB TIME IN SA

The onset of warmer weather here in SA heralds the beginning of the blue swimmer crab season throughout our shallow coastal waters. 

BRAID AND SOFT PLASTICS

Fishing soft plastic lures successfully depends a lot on tackle and technique. As Brett Mensforth explains, choosing the right gear and fishing it effectively isn’t at all difficult – nor is it as expensive as you might think.

RIGGING FOR MEGA COD

The initial greeting as a large Murray cod engulfs your lure can best be described as sudden, violent and often very destructive. Cod are a strong, powerful fish capable of delivering a strike factor that has few equals.

WHITING ON POPPERS

Like a lot of Aussies who enjoy wading the flats with ultra-light tackle in pursuit of yellowfin, I decided to try the surface popper thing. 

GUMMY SHARKS - A GREAT ALL ROUNDER

There's a few species of sharks that roam southern waters which are highly sought-after both for the lively scrap they provide on rod and reel, but also the sublime eating they offer.

LIVEBAITING FOR KINGFISH

In southern waters I doubt there’s a tougher species of fish on offer than yellowtail kingfish. If you’re after speed, stamina and sheer muscle, then kingfish tick all these boxes, and more. 

HOW TO CATCH YELLOWBELLY

Lake Windamere located near Mudgee in central-western NSW is widely considered a great place to catch some whopping Golden perch (aka yellowbelly or ‘yellas’) up to 65cm which are caught on a regular basis! 

LAND BASED FISHING IN HERVEY BAY

The fabulous fishing found in Hervey Bay has a lot to do with its geographic location, offering a truly unique variety of both warm & cool water species side by side. 

TROLLING FOR TUNA

Southern Australia has been privy to one of the best runs of southern bluefin tuna (both school sized fish and barrels) seen in a long time.

FISHING FOR BEGINNERS

One of the most surprising things I have noticed during a number of recent speaking seminars when I have asked people in the crowd “what are you fishing for” – the answer is most often “whatever gets on the end “!

SURF SALMON

There are few things more enjoyable than pinging a well designed metal lure way out into the surf, cranking the reel handle a few times and having the rod load up to the weight of a big, angry salmon.

LAND BASED GAME FISHING

Land based game fishing is undoubtedly one of sport fishing’s ultimate challenges! Tackling huge fish from rock ledges has become hugely popular over the last few decades with some truly phenomenal captures being made from the sand stone ledges around Jervis Bay.

GETTING STARTED WITH STICKBAITS

Stick baits are now readily available from micro sizes suitable for bream & whiting all the way up to XOS sizes for GT’s , tuna & even billfish! 

STELLA FJ

The new Shimano Stella FJ has the smoothest, most efficient drive train Shimano has ever engineered with unprecedented durability.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

A change in seasons for Mackay brings about different target species and styles

BROOME SHORE BASED

2237kms. That’s how far it is from Perth to Broome; Two very big days in the car, hundreds of dollars in fuel, roadhouse pies, cramps and that same bloody CD over and over and over. Bugger that, lets fly!

BUSHY LURE & SHIMANO BIOMASTER REVIEW

Having met Kaj ‘Bushy’ Busch several years ago and having fished with him myself a few times now, it’s obvious the guy is about as smart as it gets when it comes to tackle design. 

CATCHING COLDWATER COD

While I am not a big fan of the cold it does provide some excellent cod fishing opportunities if you know where to look. 

CATCHING YELLOWTAIL KINGFISH

Kingfish have a nail bighting reputation for tearing off and around every obstacle within very long distances of their initial hook up spots, and with light line it’s always a task and a half trying to put any pressure on them. 

CHANGE OF SEASONS

For those located in Southeast Queensland we are inevitably coming into our cooler months. 

CHASING NQ MANGROVE JACKS

North Queensland is renowned for its awesome Barramundi fishing, but with the seas on closure just around the corner it’s time to focus on some other species.

TIPS, TACKLE & TECHNIQUES FOR CHASING QUEENFISH

It’s that time of year again on the East Coast when the large highs dominate weather patterns and bring long runs of south-easterly trade winds along the Central Queensland Coast.

CHASING SALMON

From the deserted white sandy beaches of Yeagerup to the heart pumping, shoulder to shoulder action of the salmon holes, Western Australia’s southern coast line has it all.

COBIA CONUNDRUM

Cobia (rachycentron canadus) or “black kingfish” as they are often referred to, are an enigmatic species generally found in our tropical northern waters but has been recorded as far south as Jervis Bay in NSW. 

COFFIN BAY BLUEWATER

Coffin Bay on the lower Eyre Peninsula here in South Oz has long been a popular destination for bluewater fisho’s.

DEEPWATER SNAPPER IN SA

South Australia is well known for its snapper fishing, and for good reason. Our Gulf waters offer some pretty good fishing for reds at certain times of the year.

EXMOUTH BILLFISH

As we motored out of the Exmouth marina, the Gulf water to the east began to glow with the first hint of daybreak. 

BAY FISHING SESSIONS WITH THE FAMILY

Sometimes it’s good to take a step back and enjoy the simplicities of fishing. 

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND WINTER FISHING

The good fishing never stops up here in Far North Queensland, even with dropping water temps and trade winds the fish still have to eat and they have done exactly that this winter so far.

FIJI FISHING ESCAPE

With conditions cold and miserable in my home state of SA it didn't take long to start fantasizing of somewhere warmer that was swarming with large tropical speed freaks just waiting to crunch a lure.

FISHING LAKE LENTHALLS

We have had our share of challenging years on Lake Lenthalls, which is the main water supply for Hervey Bay in Queensland and was once regarded as one of the state’s premier bass & barramundi fisheries.

FISHING NINGALOO FLATS

I reckon shallow water flats fishing would be up there with the most visually appealing forms of fishing you can do.

FISHING SHALLOW REEFS

Fishing around shallow inshore reef systems would have to be one of my favourite forms of fishing.

FISHING THE ABROLHOS ISLANDS

The Abrolhos Islands are located approximately 35 miles west of the coast of Geraldton Western Australia, there are 3 main islands Wallabi Easter and Pelsart but for this article I'll be discussing fishing the southern group of Islands otherwise known as Pelsart Island group. 

FLATS FRENZY

You'd really have to strain your brain to think up a fishing scenario more exciting than fishing the tropical flats. 

FISHING THE SWAINS REEF

The Swains reef is made up of the southern reefs of the Great Barrier Reef from Hixon Cay to the Ribbon reefs, a very untapped sport-fishing destination. 

FISHING UP NORTH IN DECEMBER

I’ve recently finished up Guiding for the year so it’s time for something a little different. 

FISHING WITH BURLEY

Fishing with burley is a great way to achieve success, burley can bring in all sorts of fish from far and wide and the lucky dip of what can swim right up to you is quite special. 

FISHING WRECKS

Wrecks are an ideal place to fish in winter when the weather isn’t at its best. 

FLATHEAD ON PRAWN PLASTICS

Prawns and shrimps are a common food source for many inshore fish species, including one of our lure fishing favourites, the flathead. 

LUREIN' FLATTIES

In this article I'll run through a few of the basics that have helped to improve my flatty catch rate over the years from tides, hot spots, lures, retrieve techniques and gear of choice!

GETTING KIDS INTO FISHING

It’s seems to be getting harder for kids to get involved and maintain enthusiasm for fishing nowadays than ever before. 

GO THE MIGHTY BLUES

So I should have my mouth washed out with soap for speaking the words “Go the mighty blues”, but the fishing arena is the only place where I will ever say it, as I am a Queenslander to the core!

GREAT LAKE, TASMANIA

The Great Lake in Tasmania’s central highlands has always been a favorite Trout haunt of mine and it’s also one of a handful that is open all year round.

GT FISHING BASICS

If fast-paced adrenalin hit is what you are after when you hit the water then look no further than the fish with a very self-explanatory name, the Giant Trevally. 

HARD BODIED LURED SNAPPER

Catching snapper on soft plastics has come along in great leaps and bounds over the past couple of years.

CATCHING MARLIN IN HERVEY BAY

We have been experiencing a phenomenal run of juvenile black marlin here in Hervey Bay over the last month and it looks set to run into the New Year with record numbers of fish being raised, teased, hooked & landed! 

HERVEY BAY'S JUVENILLE BLACK MARLINS

Hervey bays famous run of juvinile black marlin is hopefully approaching and many of us keen fishos will be making the trek across the bay to hopefully snag one of these beautiful fish in the gin clear shallows. 

HOW TO CATCH JUNGLE PERCH

Jungle Perch are one of the most challenging but rewarding fish in FNQ. 

HOW TO LURE YELLOWTAIL KINGS

Chasing big kings on the surface has been a major focus of my fishing career. 

IMPOUNDMENT BARRA BASHING

There is undoubtedly no denying nor mistaking the fact that Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) are one of the iconic poster-fish of Northern Australia. Tens, if not hundreds of thousands of anglers travel to the far north each year to try their hand at capturing these fish.

IN SEARCH OF JUNGLE PERCH

The humble Jungle Perch (JP for short) has been right at the top of my bucket list for the last few years.

JUVENILLE BILLFISH OFF CAIRNS

The juvenile Black Marlin season off Cairns has well and truly started. With some half decent weather recently we headed out on a couple of different occasions, into the general location where the bait balls were holding and fish were being caught regularly. 

KANGAROO ISLAND FISHING

Kangaroo Island sits some 15km off the Fleurieu Peninsula in SA and is a low-fuss getaway in many regards.

LAKE CRESCENT TROUT FISHING

Growing up in Tassie for me meant countless weekends away camping and Trout fishing every chance we got and I guess not much has really changed over the years except for the obvious improvements in gear and techniques. 

AUSTRALIAN BASS IN LAKE GREGORY

When it comes to the impoundment scene, I must say that I am absolutely addicted to catching barramundi in my local barramundi dams, being Kinchant, Teemburra and Peter Faust Dam, just to the north of Mackay.

LANDING SA'S BIGHT REDFISH

It's hard not to love fishing the southern reefs given the variety of species you'll encounter and the fact that so many of the fish taste great and will eagerly snap-up a range of modern lure types and baits. 

LARGEMOUTH BASS COMPETITION

Well, I’m back in Dallas recovering from what was, by far, one of the harshest, most brutal fishing tournaments I’ve ever experienced at the Bassmaster Central Open on Lake Amistad.

LIVEABOARD FISHING OUT OF PORT LINCOLN

Liveaboard fishing trips are great. They allow you to fish as much, or as little, as you choose. 

LURE SELECTION AND UPGRADING YOUR TERMINALS

Over the warmer months South Australia starts to see an increase in bigger fish activity. 

CATCHING SPANISH MACKERAL

With their aggressive attitude, fighting qualities and superb eating, its little wonder Spanish mackerel are such a popular sportfish here in Australia. 

MARLIN MADNESS

The mayhem and pandemonium produced when the illuminated shines and fluorescent colours of a marlin expose themselves through the water’s surface is anything short of breathtaking. 

MELVILLE ISLAND FISHING

Most people in fishing circles have heard of Melville Island, and of the amazing fishing it offers. 

OFFSHORE JIGGING

Well we all have our comfort zones when it comes to fishing. Whether it is a chosen destination that continually produces 

OFFSHORE XOS WHITING

Like so many fish species, King George whiting spend much of the earlier part of their lives inside bays and in inshore areas before venturing offshore as they mature. 

OUTSMARTING THE WIND

The stretch of coastline I call home is from Shark Bay to Jurien Bay in W.A. and I would have to say without a doubt that this is definitely one of the windiest coastlines in Australia. 

OVERSIZED REDS

Just about all southern fisho’s aspire to landing a big snapper. 

DEEP WATER BOTTOM BASHING

Sometimes it’s great to get back to basics with a good old fashioned bottom bash whether it’s inshore for a nice feed of Flathead or further out in the deep chasing some bigger fish like Striped Trumpeter or Gummy/School Shark.

SHIMANO SPORTS CAMERA

It is amazing how far technology has evolved in a relatively short period of time.

FISHING MACKAY IN WINTER

The cooler weather has certainly bit early this year in Mackay. 

FRASER ISLAND: ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

One of the main decision making factors for our move to Hervey Bay originally was the fabulous fishing variety the region has to offer. 

FRESHWATER FISHING ADVENTURES

I have said many times before that Mackay is blessed with such a vast and diverse array of fishingoptions, however a clear personal favourite is beginning to emerge with me.

FRESHWATER HAVEN

Well all I can say is WOW! Yesterdays kayak fishing session in an isolated waterhole west of Mackay, was truly one of the most memorable sessions I have ever had.

GEARING UP FOR INSHORE GOLDEN SNAPPER

Fingermark also known as Golden Snapper are right up high on my list of favourite fish to target and catch.

FISHING CAIRNS WITH GREAT NORTHERN BREWERY

Great Northern Brewery recently hosted two sponsored anglers from Shimano to their beach house in Cairns, Far North Queensland with the task of filming an advert for their Great Northern Larger. 

GT FISHING TIPS

It is quite possible for any old joe to grab a popping rod, drive up the queensland coast, pick an island group and cast non stop for 3 days until you’ve worked enough country to eventually land a popper in front of a gt. 

HOW TO FIND FISH

It is safe to say that fish finding technology is getting better and better all of the time.

JIGS TO CATCH BIG REDS

When octo-style jigs first hit the tackle scene, throwing them at packs of ravenous reef dwelling snapper seemed like a logical way to get these bug shaped offerings eaten. 

WILL WE SEE ANOTHER BILLFISH BONANZA?

You would have to have been without internet access and a Facebook account if you didn’t heard about the phenomenal black marlin run we experienced right down the East Coast over the last two years.

MONSTER FISH IN CANADA

Like many fishos I'm always restless and looking for new experiences and bigger fish.

NET OR GAFF, THAT IS THE QUESTION?

I will be the first to admit that there are times where the gaff is the only option. 

SMALL BOAT ADVENTURES

My time on the Central Queensland coast has almost come to an end. 

PUSHING THE FISHING BOUNDARIES

As many people would know, I am a massive advocate for “going light to get the bite”. 

QLD BARRA SEASON COMING TO A CLOSE, SO WHAT TO CHASE NOW?

Throughout the Queensland east coast, a closed season applies to barramundi from midday 1 November to midday 1 February. 

QUEEN SNAPPER: HOW TO CATCH QUEEN SNAPPER

We all have a soft spot for a particular species, be it for their fighting quality, table fare or just their looks. 

REEL PROTECTION

I love fishing Bling. There’s nothing like a brand new freshly spooled reel.

GOODBYE AUTUMN, HELLO WINTER

Our season is changing down here in South Oz at the moment. We had a sporadic summer, with hot weather fluctuating between wind and storm fronts.

SA BLUEFIN TUNA ACTION

The southern bluefin tuna bandwagon seems to just keep rolling on! 

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN OFFSHORE ISLANDS

SA is well regarded for its inshore table-fish, with a lot of accessible and productive waters suiting the small-boat brigade. 

SA'S SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA SEASON

While a lot of our fish species receive negative publicity for falling stocks and increasing fishing pressure, it’s encouraging to see a species buck the trend and bounce back after being in a slump. 

SALMON SPINNING - SIMPLE PLEASURES

As the strong cold fronts associated with winter lash the southern beaches, scouring out deep gutters and holes in the process, one particular fish comes on the angling radar and provides endless fun for surf anglers - the Aussie salmon.

TOGA TACTICS

There is little doubt that Saratoga (Toga) would have to be one of the most majestic, graceful and simply awesome looking freshwater fish of all. 

SOOTY'S IN THE FNQ

Sooty’s, short for Sooty Grunter are a small freshwater fish found in FNQ from about Mackay in QLD all the way up towards the tip of Cape York. 

TIME TO GO SOFT

Cool season saltwater fishing down south for me isn't about heavy tackle and big fish, it's about downsizing my gear and getting stuck into the unique mix of fish which peak over this unlikely period of the year.

HOW TO TIE A SLIM BEAUTY KNOT

According to my research, the Slim Beauty was developed originally as a fly fishing knot, specifically for connecting bulky fly line to either nylon or fluorocarbon leader material. 

HOW TO TIE A DOUBLE UNI KNOT

We’re regularly asked technical questions by our readers and Facebook friends, and one of the most common queries is how best to join braided line to monofilament leader. 

SEPHIA EGIXILE BB SQUID JIGS

I do a lot of squidding in the shallow bays around my home town of Port Lincoln here in South Australia. Squid make a fantastic bait for a wide range of species, but they’re also very tasty on the table themselves. 

KINGS OF THE SOUTH

There’s a lot to like about yellowtail kingfish. They look great, fight till the death and have the potential to grow to XOS sizes. But they’re not an easy fish to crack, which also adds to their appeal. 

PREPARING FOR SA'S OFFSHORE SEASON

It’s that time of year again when our offshore islands and reef systems here in SA see an annual influx of visiting pelagic species. 

SOUTH OZ SALMON

We’re pretty fortunate here in SA to have Aussie salmon available on our surf beaches year-round. Our Aussie salmon, although not a high-end table fish, are a great sportfish and especially when caught from the surf.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FISHING

We’re fast approaching the peak summer holiday period which will see a multitude of people in and on the water right around our country.

JIGGING NZ'S RANFURLY BANKS

There's nothing like the built-up anticipation before a big trip.

SA'S PORT HUGHES SNAPPER CENTRAL

South Oz is blessed with many easy country escapes, where with a minimum of fuss and fuel, you can distance yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city and be in a laidback location and in the running for quality fish. 

HOW TO TIE A KNOT

The right fishing knot can make all the differenct between landing or dropping your catch. Knowing what knot to use and when to use it is a skill that a lot of master fisherman have and it is skill that all aspiring fisherman should try and learn.

BOTTOM BOUNCING

Although it’s not at the cutting-edge of sport fishing, bottom bouncing is still a productive way of securing some fresh fish for the table. 

CAMPING AND FISHING

Camping and fishing often go hand-in-hand. A lot of our better fishing locations are off the beaten track and, given the distance and effort required to reach many of these locations, camping for a few nights makes a lot of sense.

KINGS IN THE TRAIL

We had a pretty cool session the other day out wide of the Eyre Peninsula here in South Australia.

FISHING WITH THE SOCORRO

Shimano’s range of Socorro SW threadline reels offers a quality saltwater spinning reel without a hefty price tag.

THE WINTER THAT WAS

Now that winter has drawn to a close, it’s interesting to look back over the winter that we had here in SA for 2017. 

WALKING AND CASTING

Lately I’ve been doing a fair bit of walking along local beaches, casting soft plastics around the shallows. 

SA'S TUNA RUN 2017

Each year here on the Eyre Peninsula we have a seasonal migration of southern bluefin which provides a real boon for trailer boat anglers.