The new Shimano Terez 10-20lb is an excellent calm water snapper stick.

 A rod series specifically designed to fish braided line to the limit — that’s what Shimano have come up with in their new Terez range. But not just any braided line, Shimano’s Power Pro line.

Built on Shimano’s exclusive TC4 blanks, the Terez rods are remarkably light yet strong, and this is achieved by the inclusion of an extra cross-wave of graphite over the standard three ply weave.

Somewhat longer than your typical rods used for a given line class, Terez are designed with a slower taper to introduce a little more give into the braid system to prevent pulled hooks.

Aesthetically, pearly white blanks with silver under and over-bindings and black trims mean these rods really stand out from the crowd. The guides on the entire range are from Fuji’s K-Series — the famous-tangle-free range with hard-wearing Alconite inserts — which are a decided asset when fishing braid.

The skeletonised custom reel seats have been designed to keep the weight down, but are still incredibly strong and also match the look of the rods.

 he lineup covers fishing situations as diverse as estuary lure fishing to bluewater poppering and stickbait work.

Being braid rods, Shimano have also selected a series of overheads and threadlines with the necessary gear and drag power to match the Terez models perfectly.

Website: www.shimanofish.com.au
Blog: www.shimanoshack.com.au
 

Yum- A couple of giant yabbies for the pot.

 Last season’s high river levels marked the start of the best yabby run seen in more than a decade. And as the water begins to warm it looks like these tasty crustaceans are back on the menu as fishos relish in the fact that the hot bite was not just a one season affair. It seems the yabbies are starting to run in many locations and anglers are out in score hoping to catch a feed. Pooncarie on the Darling River has been a popular destination with few complaints about yabby size and number, with some anglers even confessing to have never seen so many. The Murray River and many of its backwater lagoons have also started to produce yabbies as the warmth of spring reawakens a living army of legs and claws. Having been out of the mud and feeding for more than a year the average size has increased with several we caught on our last outing some of the biggest yabbies we have ever seen. There are many methods used to catch yabbies from the humble baited line to a wide range of yabby traps. While the baited line method is great fun for the kids it can be a drawn out affair when looking to fill the pot. For those with a feed in mind, the baited yabby trap is the way to go and with numerous to choose from its worth looking at the latest in yabby catching ingenuity.

The Kulkyne Pyramid yabby trap is sold locally and is the latest must have yabby catching devise on the market. The traps are user friendly and deliver great results catching and holding good numbers of yabbies when they are on the chew. The nets themselves stack flat when in storage or on the way to the river and are easily assembled with a lift and lock assembly. As the name would suggest they have a pyramid shape with the funnels set high on the net, this allows for greater volume of yabbies to enter the net, at the same time making it harder for them to get out. And that’s a win win all round when you are after a feed of yabbies for the cooker. As yabby traps go they are in my opinion the best available choice for both strength and ease of use. Different regulations on net styles and funnel sizes vary from state to state and while the pyramid net with the 90mm ring size is legal in NSW it may not be in other locations. As the weather continues to warm it seems that yabbies will be on the minds and menus of many keen anglers in our local waters for at least another season. And while yabbying is a cheap affordable form of fishing that can be enjoyed by the whole family be sure and watch the biting end of these tasty crustaceans. 

A nice golden perch caught on a Bassman Micro Mumbler.

A few days of warm spring weather is all it takes to kick start a great run of fishing action as it has in most of our local waters. Golden perch are on the chew and while it’s only early day’s anglers are cashing in on the bounty with numerous reports of fish to 2kg and better. Golden’s will often congregate in larger numbers during the spawning run, making them a vulnerable if not easy target in some areas. Most anglers are opting to use lures with smaller models proving most successful. Blades have become a prime lure choice and their silent sleek appearance gives off the same instinctive patterns as many small natural bait fishes. Worked in a lift, drop technique either on the cast or vertically from a boat they are proving very effective.

 
Few if any artificial presentation has the ability to look as natural as a well presented plastic and the new Squidgie pro range are cutting edge when it comes to fluent lifelike movement. Twitched around the heads of snags or along the edges of weed beds these lures are rarely ignored for long with most predatory fish unable to resist their erratic action.  Other than the real thing, nothing looks more like a wounded minnow than a well presented soft plastic.
Small spinnerbaits are also fishing well as are Bassmans Micro Mumblers. Most small to medium sized hard- bodied lures are proving effective below the weirs and around the snags and weed beds where golden’s are most likely to congregate and hold in numbers. Bait anglers are also getting in on the action with some great captures taken on shrimp bobbed around the snags. Just like the weather the fishing has really warmed up over the past few weeks and we can expect the action to run right up to the start of cod season and beyond. So while the golden perch are running, why not  try your luck where a few hours early morning or into the evening could see a little gold put a bend in the rod.

Carp are back in big numbers along the Murray Darling Basin.

 Well I guess it’s no secret that carp numbers have flourished in the past season, with big flows delivering the perfect conditions for these introduced pests to breed. According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries the 2010-11 season has seen a huge increase of carp numbers that’s estimated to have increased by a staggering 4000% in the lower Darling River alone. Other breeding hot spots have been established and it seems countless juvenile fish have traversed into the Murray River and it looks as though we are back to square one where carp numbers are concerned. With high rivers expected over the next few months the carp problem will only escalate as conditions once again become favorable for them to breed.

Predation by native fish species has been highly impacted by the earlier Blackwater events that killed off significant stocks of large Murray cod. Under normal conditions larger Murray cod would feed freely  on juvenile carp numbers and this would no doubt help keep their numbers in check. With few water born predators remaining, it looks as though carp will become the new apex predator along many sections of the Murray Darling basin. An upheaval in angling terms has seen carp captures explode compared to that of native fishes. In seasons past our rivers had reached a point that native fish captures were almost ten to that of every carp landed. My how quickly things change. A day trip to Wemen on the Murray was to see no less than 60 carp landed compared to one single golden perch. The carp were so aggressive that your bait would no sooner hit the water and they would be on. It was interesting to note that there were also no shrimp to be caught in the bait net, their numbers also impacted on by a billion hungry mouths.  

One possible solution to the carp problem could come in the form of a biological silver bullet that is currently being tested at the high-security CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Results so far look promising with the Cyprinid Herpesvirus having an 80%+ knockdown of common carp in overseas trials without affecting native fish species. This all sounds very promising but the research will be carefully evaluated by government regulatory bodies before it can be considered for widespread
application in Australia. Meanwhile the problem is real and for the next few seasons at least our waters will be ruled by countless numbers of marauding carp. As anglers we can do our bit by removing as many of these pests from the river as possible and while I am not foolish enough to believe this is the answer, it is but one small positive step in a very big problem.

A giant Wels catfish.

Once common along much of the Murray Darling basin, the humble eel-tailed catfish has become a rarity in many areas. Stories of good numbers and size of these fish caught locally in times past are in stark contrast to the availability and regular captures of these fish now. Numerous threats have contributed to the decline in catfish numbers, not least the predation of these native fish by introduced species like redfin and carp. Other factors include changes to natural flow and cold water pollution below dams. In recent times anglers are starting to report more captures of eel-tailed catfish especialy in the still waters around willows on bait. It seems their numbers are increasing if ever so slowly and we might one day see them return to full strength in many sections of river.

Eel- tailed catfish have been known to reach weights of 6.8 kg and can grow in length to 90cm . In the world of catfishes this is relatively small as some species of catfish can reach lengths in excess of 3 meters and weigh in at 293kg. Our native eel-tailed catfish are protected along the Murray under a blanket closure on the taking of the species. If you are lucky enough to catch a catfish it should be returned to the water with care. Be aware catfish come well armed or should I say well finned with a pair of long saw-edged spines in both the dorsal and pectoral fins that can inflict a very painful wound. Catfish feed on a variety of items that include shrimp, yabbies small fish and worms. 

While our local catfish eat a variety of foods and come armed with a couple of spikes, spare a thought for anglers wetting a line in India where it’s reported that large catfish might be snacking on the odd human. Locals believe that in the sacred Hindu Great Kali River a type of catfish called the goonch has grown large enough to predate upon humans. These giant species of catfish apparently acquired their appetite for live prey after feeding on partially burnt corpses from funeral pyres. This might help explain their size and the change from noted scavenger to that of bold hunter. It seems those that bath and wade the shallows are now a part of the goonch’s menu and do so at their own peril.  There have reportedly been several victims in as many years all linked to this giant catfish.

Thankfully our catfish are a little less fearsome and more than happy to snack on bite sized morsels. Hopefully we will see a return in catfish numbers so this small native fish can once again become a regular and abundant resident in our rivers.

Dave Fregon with a 120cm Murray cod landed on a 120mm Koolabung Codzilla

Special fishing moments are those most cherished and the avid memory of an angler’s first giant cod can turn a new lure into a long lost friend with a single strike. And so it was for Dave Fregon having just released a 96 cm cod he sent what was fast becoming his favourite lure back into the depths. The 120mm Codzilla had scarcely travelled a few meters when it was engulfed by an unseen giant and the expression on Dave’s face went from a booming smile to one of utter confusion. Two fish in as many minutes and the second, a horse of a thing cracking the 120cm mark.

Another memorable capture that is etched in fishing’s finer moments was a Murray cod that was itself of codzilla like proportions. Tucked in less than 3 meters of water, it smashed a well weighted cast that landed near the buttress of an old river gum. The rhythmic cast and wind routine altered in an instance as the rod was torn down toward the water by a violent strike that stoped the lure dead in its tracks. A micro second of calm where angler and fish take stock preceded an explosion of fins and fury as the unseen giant went about carving the river to the beat of a paddle sized tail. The ensuing fight was nothing short of spectacular with giant boils of water rolling amongst the twisted limbs in a touch and go battle that lasted several nail biting minutes. To marvel at such a fish as it is led alongside the boat is to understand what it is to experience some of fishing moments.

 I have been privy to a lifetime of such encounters and these are just a few that have been bought to bear through the use of the Koolabung lure range. 
A smaller version of the Codzilla was called for as many anglers and waters demand different presentations that are not so large. Two running depths were decided on the first a deep runner that would run at around the 8 meter mark. This would be great on the troll in the deeper sections of river or numerous impoundments. It would also make a great crash diver on the cast. The second a shallow running model designed to work the fringes and current rich section of river was set to run at around 4 meters. First trip out on the Murray River and not two hours in the small lure was engulfed by a giant that lay in wait under a branch in the heavy current. In less than two meters of water, the take was a ripper as the water bulged like the effect of an underwater explosion. It was a great tussle as the fish used the current to its advantage but it was well hooked and within a few minutes was led to the boat before being photographed and released. Not a bad start to the day and great wraps for the lure when you consider the first ever fish caught on the 90mm Shallow diving Codzilla was over a meter in length. 
 

A ripper squid destined for the pan.

You would be hard pressed to walk the length of any coastal jetty and not find a mix of anglers both young and old wetting a line in the hopes of catching a squid. Their popularity amongst fishos is often signified by a string of bobbling floats held taught in eager hands. There is no need for flash expensive gear when catching squid; it is a sport of humble tackle and affordable means. I guess that’s a part of what makes squid fishing so popular, that and the fact they are easily accessible to anyone that might like to chance their luck.

As table fair goes fresh caught squid runs rings around the rubber band variety many of us are accustomed to chewing on. Crumbed and fried in oil they are hard to beat and reason enough to spend a few hours on the pier trying your hand.

Basic rods and reels are gear of choice as are simple hand lines of 10lb to 15lb. Squid are not known for long sizzling runs but they do put a bit of weight on the line especially when they get a bit of size about them. They are quick to find the pylons if you don’t have enough pressure on the line to keep control.  There are two main jigs used to target squid, the first is a prawn imitation that can be cast and wound just like a lure. This is worked in a lift drop retrieve so it swims up and down just a few feet above the bottom. The second is similar to a skewer which is threaded with a small baitfish like a pilchard or mullet. This rig can be fished under a float or allowed to drift and be worked in the current with a slow retrieve. Squid respond well to burley and a few mashed up pilchards hung over the side of the pier in a burly bag will entice the squid to come in search of the scent. Other fish too will follow the fine burly trail, these will often include whiting, trevally and flathead and each of these make a welcome catch as you wait the arrival of a squid or two.

Once you have hooked a squid, retrieve it in a slow steady fashion as they will often pull free of the jig. Remember before you lift them from the water, squid are renowned for squirting a long black ink trail with very good accuracy. Leave them in the water until they have jettisoned their ink and then bring them in. Be careful when removing them from the jig as squid have a parrot like beak that can give you a nasty nip. Spring and summer are great times to fish for squid and generally coincide with seaside family holidays. Squid fishing is great fun and once you’ve caught and cooked them yourself you will quickly understand that a feed of fresh squid runs rings around the rest.

A nice golden perch caught on worms fishing the backwaters of the Murray River.

With a good flush of water coming down the Murray that is tipped to get higher over the coming weeks anglers can expect some excellent fishing in the higher than normal flows. With the rising waters awash with silt, a change from lures to bait is a productive move as golden perch seek out all manner of morsel that have been caught in the flow. Freshly covered ground offers new range for grazing fish and worms are a favourite as they hunt the clay coloured waters in search of an easy meal. Tempting a few onto the line is to seek out those areas most likely to hold foraging fish and these are not hard to find if you know where to look. Under high water conditions most fish will hold and feed out of the main flow where they can either sit and wait or move freely, unrestricted by heavy current. Here much of what they eat is delivered on the edge of the current line falling to the bottom in the calmer backwaters. Golden perch freely patrol the calm and are quick to hone in on any fresh morsel delivered.
Backwater can be found in many locations but the pockets that hide behind giant fallen gums are as good as it gets. The tree itself acts to shield the flow and behind the stump, a small calm section of water provides the perfect location for golden perch to hide in wait. Remembering the fish will be close to the bank so it pays not to cast too far out. A small sinker running straight down the line to a number 2/0 hook is a simple but effective rig. When it comes to bait in times of high flow nothing works as well as scrub worms and a couple of these pinned on a hook are sure to tempt any hungry fish. Do not be in a hurry to strike and set the hook as golden perch will often pick at bait before they finally commit to eating it. Backwater can be found in other locations depending on the flow and the naturally changing course of the river. Mud flats are particularly productive, even more so if they are in company with a few snags. The main things to remember is fish the calm water and continue to shift spots until you find the fish. Even after you have caught one or two, move on to fresh ground as most fish will be tempted within minutes of your bait finding the bottom. Over the coming month as the spring flow peaks those anglers that know where to look will realise that the rising waters while laden with clay coloured silt are also awash with gold.   

Steve Cooper with a fat Rainbow trout. 

The revolving door of angling sits still for no one with the first Saturday in September marking the official opening of the trout season. And what a weekend it was, as most of the state was swept by a deluge of wind and rain that swelled many popular trout streams to capacity and over the banks. With all the water around most anglers chose to sit it out while a brave few hit the lakes in hopes they might load the rod with their first trout for the season. It was tough going as to be expected but the big wet is just a prelude to the excellent fishing that’s to come in its wake. Rising waters in many of our lakes and rivers will provide the perfect conditions in weeks to come as they spill out across the low lying land. The rising waters will provide rich new feeding areas where trout grow big and fat over the spring months as they dine on a plethora of edibles that failed to escape the rising waters. With barely enough water to cover their backs it’s common to see their tails sticking clear as they grub along, head down busily feeding. They will dine on almost anything from drowned beetles and moths to small yabbies and worms. A single large scrub worm pinned on a hook and fished with as little or no sinker weight is a favorite for a trout on the scavenge and will readily tempt a bite. As the weather continues to warm all manner of insects and small invertebrates explode to life in the shallows and the hungry trout seek out the chance to have their fill. Dragonfly larvae, commonly known as mud-eye are a choice meal for trout and make excellent bait when fished a foot or so under the water on a float. With numerous insect hatches taking place this new explosion of life provides the perfect conditions for fly anglers to strut their stuff. Fly fishing is an art in itself but one that enables the angler to present very small artificial insect imitations to their quarry. The trick here is to match the hatch and select a fly that closely resembles what the fish are feeding on. If predictions are right, in a few short weeks hoppers should start to hatch and any fly that resembles these will readily be eaten. As they take to the wing as locusts the trout will change to these and bait anglers can take advantage with an endless supply ready for the hook. First and last light or cloudy overcast days are best for trout, especially when they are feeding in the shallows.
Small bladed spinners or hard-bodied minnow pattern lures are also effective on trout as are blades and a variety of soft plastics. As table fare, trout are not too bad, especially when smoked. Different bag and size limits do apply to trout and be sure you have the correct fishing license. So why not test your hand with a spot of trout fishing and make the most of what looks to be a ripper season. 
 

A very nice redfin landed on a 70mm Koolabung Codzilla lure.

As fish go I am sure there a few that are as well known in angling circles as the humble redfin. Since their introduction into Australia from Europe in 1860 these hardy fish have laid claim to almost every lake, dam, river or stream throughout the southern half of Australia.  Their abundance and aggressive nature make them a common encounter and their fighting ability ensures their popularity as a sportfish. Other bonuses include their eating quality. With a firm, white flesh they are a delight on the table especially when garnished with a little lemon and salt. The best time to target redfin is during periods of low light with morning and evening the most productive. Redfin can be caught on a variety of baits that include shrimps, worms and small yabbies. At other times lures are by far the most productive method, with a range of soft plastics and blades top of the list.  Redfin are an aggressive predator that likes nothing more than to hunt down and catch moving or live bait. These fish seem to enjoy the chase and it’s not uncommon to see several in hot pursuit of your lure jostling for the right to claim the prize. A good range of lures for redfin would include smaller minnow styled hard-bodied divers from 70mm and down in size. These represent the majority of smaller baitfish that redfin are most likely to encounter and predate upon. Soft plastics too are extremely effective when fished on a weighted jig head and retrieved in a lift and drop motion. Both paddle and curl tailed styles spring to life when worked in the correct manner and it’s hard to tell the difference between them and the real thing. Redfin also find small imitation plastic yabbies hard to ignore and they are often very effective when bobbed vertically from a boat. Over the last couple of seasons blades have been the number one choice for redfin and a variety of other fish for that matter. Small in size they are a flat bait styled imitation with a weighted head. The koolabung range of blades have been very effective catching some excellent hauls of fish. These lures shimmy in a natural baitfish action as they are wound through the water. Very realistic and equally as effective at enticing redfin onto the line where other methods sometimes fail. Redfin are a schooling fish and once you find them, it’s not uncommon to catch several in the same spot. Weed beds are favourite haunts for these fish as are stands of vertical structure like old trees and log piles. Spring is a great time to target redfin but is seems they have started a little early this season with some good fish already caught over the past few weeks. If you have a favourite spot to catch redfin you could do far worse than dust off the spin gear and see if they are on the chew. No doubt these fish will become more active as we head into the warmth of spring.