Sunday, November 28, 2010

What do women really want (for Christmas)?

Don't make a wrong call!
Ok, it's that time of the year again, when you are going to have to get out there and get your wife/girlfriend something good to leave under the tree. And it better be good or you won't be doing much fishing in January!

Well your mates at FishMax, with a little help from the girls in the office, have put together some ideas that will help get you out of trouble. Take a look at at our Christmas Gift Guide for Chicks Part 1 & Part 2.

Good luck, and remember - your summer fishing might depend on it!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Win A Video Dive Mask Valued at $199


Thanks to Liquid Image, whether you love to snorkel, scuba dive, swim, or even go spear fishing, you can now record all the action with these awesome video camera goggles.

You can then edit or post the footage to show the world the amazing sea life you get to experience!  Let your friends and family know what it feels like to get up close and personal with a stingray or school of reef fish.

To operate the Liquid Image goggles simply turn on the camera, choose the mode then press the shutter button.  LED lights inside the googgle indicate the mode to the user.  Record your antics then upload to your computer using the USB cable provided.  It’s too much fun!

There are three types of goggles in the Underwater Range.  The Explorer Series 302 is great for snorkeling, swimming and playing in the pool.  It can go to a depth of 5 metres and shoots video at 20 frames per second at VGA quality.  It can shoot stills up to 5 megapixels and comes in a bright yellow colour making you visible in the water.

The next level underwater mask is the VideoMask 310.  This little beauty shoots DVD quality footage at 30 frames per second. It can be used at a depth of 20 metres and also records sound.  It’s great for snorkeling, and shallow and recreational dives.  It looks very sleek in black and red.

For serious scuba diving, spear fishing, and deep diving, the Scuba Series HD320 is the go!  It shoots HD quality at 30 frames per second up to 40 metres.  This mask also records sound and has a ‘straight to TV’ playback option.  This is the blue mask in the range.

Both the VideoMask 310 and the Scuba Serise HD 320 have attachments for optional lights and all three masks can record onto a Micro SD card. These underwater goggles run on AAA batteries and can record over two hours of video before the batteries will need to be changed. 

To find out where you can get your hands on these amazing underwater goggle masks go to http://www.activeoutthere.com.au/ for stockists details.  The Explorer Series sell for $199, the VideoMask 310 costs $299 and the Scuba Series HD will set you back $399.

FishMax has a pair of the fantastic Liquid Image Explorer Series 302 Video Dive Mask to give away, valued at $199! For your chance to win this great pair of video goggles, click here!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

An Interview with Matt Hayden

Exclusive FishMax Interview

He might have caught an Order of Australia earlier this year, but Matthew Hayden still comes across as the down to earth Brisbane boy he really is and although he has officially retired from representative cricket, he is still very active in the game, playing again this year for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and working with Cricket Australia in raising the profile of indigenous cricket. Earlier this year he captained the Indigenous All-stars XI against the ACA Masters XI as part of the Imparja Cup held in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

Recently, this powerful and aggressive left-hander, described by Ricky Ponting and others as the greatest ever opener for Australia, took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few of our questions.

Matthew told us that his earliest fishing memories are going after Whiting with his dad when he was a very young boy, and ever since, he has really enjoyed fishing for a good feed. Of course, he’s accutely senstive about the sestainability of our natural resources, and like all good amatuer fishermen, never takes home more than he needs.

Matthew of course is famous for his cooking, having released 2 cookbooks and even reportedly taking time out on international tours to cook up a meal for his team mates.

“My Prawn Salad recipe is definitely one of my seafood favourites” Matthew told us. “I hope your readers like it too”. (Next week on Fishmax: Matt's Udon Prawn Salad Recipe).

And while Matt’s happy to talk about things like his favourite fishing spot on NZ’s Tongariro River upper region (chasing Wild Rainbow Trout)  one of the things he is little more reticent about is his much publicized at the time, brush with the might of the ocean off North Stradebroke Island. In 2000, the boat Matt was skippering flipped and sank trying to cross the North Stradie Bar. Matt, Fellow cricketer Andrew Simmons and another friend, took an hour to swim to shore, battling currents, crashing waves. “Needless to say, we lived to tell the story” says Matt. He learned his lesson though, and is now a staunch advocate of PFDs, encouraging the skipper to put one on and lead by example.

Matt is definitely one to stand by  his mates. He was more than happy to give his good friends Dan Trotter and Dan Burgess a plug - when asked how often he gets out fishing, he responded “ Not often enough,  so I follow my favourite fishing mates  ‘The 2 Dans’ for the scoop on what’s happening where – and just dream a little.”

And finally, Matthew’s response to your question about the most memorable fish he’s ever caught, really says a lot about the nature man and what’s important to him. “I’ve caught many over the years but none more memorable than the one that ‘hooked’ my son Thomas for life after catching our first fish together off the rocks on Stradbroke Is. Bream... God love em!”

Words: Stevo Perry Pics: Matthew Hayden’s Personal Albums

Next week on FishMax: Matt's Udon Prawn Salad Recipe.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Fishing Quote of the Week



"Somebody just back of you while you are fishing is
as bad as someone looking over your shoulder
while you write a letter to your girl."
                                          Ernest Hemingway                                                     


Saturday, November 20, 2010

Rough weather boating

We’ve probably all at one time or another been caught out boating in conditions that we rather not be in. I remember one old cruising buddy of mine said to me once, “Snap, when the weather’s great, there is no other place on earth where I rather be, but when the weather turns crap, I can think of at least a thousand”.


Well spare a thought for these guys from Safehaven Marine based in Cork, on the south-east coast of Ireland. Manufacturers of pilot and other work boats they wait until they get a nice force 10 or 11 storm to head out to sea trial their new boats. The great thing for us is that they film it, so we can experience it also, without the need for the brown undies.


These machines are awesome and a credit to the men and women of Safehaven Marine. I know if I’m ever caught out in waters like these, I’d feel a lot better in a Safehaven Interceptor. Check out their website and more great videos at http://www.safehavenmarine.com/.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Bream - Part 2 Best Way to Catch Bream

In Part 1 of our 4 Part Series on Bream, you read about The Best Places to Find Bream in Australia. In This Part 2, you'll read about the best way to catch Bream in Australian estuaries, bays and harbours.

Bait Fishing for Bream in Estuaries, Bays and Harbours

Bream are predatory and in their usual habitate they will eat small crabs, prawns and other crustaceans, assorted bait fish and shellfish such as oysters. Bream will however also scavenger and will rarely pass up an easy feed.

 If you’re looking to take Bream in Australian estuaries, bays and harbours, many Aussie fishers recommend using a light, sensitive tackle. The best bait  by far for Bream is live or fresh baits.

I find the best bait for Bream is yabbies and peeled prawns, but you can also successfully catch Bream with marine worms, fish flesh, mullet gut and pilchard.. Have a range of baits to try as Bream can be fussy. If one type of bait is not working for you, don’t hesitate to try something else.

Burley trails regularly attract good sized Bream.  Try fish flesh, bread and chicken pellets for a good Bream burley but don't over burley. Your aim is to excite the Bream enough to come looking and strike, not to feed them.

Best Rigs for Catching Bream in Estuaries, Bays and Harbours

To catch Bream, bait movement is important, so use round running sinkers - I prefer No.0 ball to No.3 ball. The best rig for Bream in my view is one with  the sinker directly above the hook, with a small No.10 free turning swivel about 1 metre above the sinker.

Having the sinker on hook gives you direct contact with your ball whether fishing into or against the tide. Its also easier to remove if your hook becomes snagged.


Don't be afraid to cast close in to tackle eating snags if you are in search of really big bream, snags are where they live.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Christmas Gift Guide - What Do Blokes Really Want?

Righto, we all know that every Australian bloke is going to get at least 1 shirt this Christmas and we also know that pretty soon the missus is going to take you aside and say one or more of the following:

§                “What do you want the kids/my parents/me to get you for Christmas this year?”
§                 “Have you got something for your dad/brother/ mate Davo yet?” and
§                 “What on earth can I get my dad/sister’s husband/work colleague?”

Grady White Express 360 - The perfect Chrissie gift!
Now we all know that what you really want Santa to bring this year is a new Grady-White Express 360 fully fueled up, with the bait tank and the beer fridge stocked and the outfit crewed by a couple of bonzer sheilas who know how to fillet a flathead, have an instinctive sense of where to hook up the big sportsfish and also look great in a bikini, but in real life, if  you want something other than shirts, socks and jocks under the Christmas tree this year, you better start thinking.

Of course, like all good mates, FishMax is hear to help! This year we’ve put together a handy list of Christmas gift suggestions either for yourself or the other blokes you have responsibilities to.  So if you're looking to spend $50 or less on a christmas gift for a guy, here are some great gift ideas for men under $50. If you want to spend a bit more (or want someone to spend a bit more on you), take a look at these suggestions for mens gifts from $50 and up.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Jimmy Barnes on the Best Fishing Spots in the World!

Exclusive FishMax Interview.
  
The one and only Mr Jimmy Barnes recently took time out from his always  busy schedule (he is currently travelling Australia on his “Rage and Ruin” Tour and Cold Chisel performed at Shellharbour Workers Club in September and Delliquin Ute Muster in October) to answer some questions exclusively for FishMax. It's clear that, like us,  the working class man himself loves  that great pursuit that makes all men equal - fishing!

He might have been born in Scotland with the name James Dixon Swan but we know him as Barnsey and he is definitely one of Australia’s favourite sons (for those of you who care about these sorts of things, Barnes took his step dad’s name after his mother remarried) and it is clear that Australia is where his heart lies.

When asked about his earliest fishing memory, Jimmy reminisces  “When I was about 9 or ten years-old I used to catch a train from Elizabeth in Adelaide to Semaphore Beach by myself and spend the day fishing off the jetty . I didn't catch a lot but I loved the whole idea of it.  Spending time alone - me against the world .”

Despite travelling the world, Jimmy’s favourite fishing spot is still in the country he loves. “My favourite fishing spot would have to be Weipa, up north.” Jimmy says. “So much variety and so many fish , it is just amazing. There is an element of danger involved too, with all the crocs and sharks.” But he’s also willing to give due credit to other countries’ great fishing. “I love fishing in Thailand,” he tells us. “You can catch a fish and while you go for the next one the Thai boatmen clean and cook them on the spot . Doesn't get any fresher than that.”

“So which is the best?” I want to know. Jimmy’s answer is clear “I have been fishing in Thailand , The Maldives , Scotland but I think the most exiting and exotic is right here in Australia . God's country . We really don't have to go anywhere else, do we ?”

He's not afraid of looking to other parts of the world when it comes to how to eat his catch. “I'm a pretty good Thai cook” he says, “ so I’m very fond of just frying the fish in very hot oil and eating it with Nam Pla (fish sauce) and hot chilli and rice . His other choice is “baking [the fish] in foil with soy sauce, ginger and shallots”. Jimmy tells us that “Nothing tastes better than a fish you've just caught."

And the final word from the man who has belted out the songs that many (myself included) consider define a generation? “I don't get to go fishing enough , does anybody get to go fishing enough ?". If that was a song, I'd download it from iTunes!

As for Cold Chisel, If you missed them at Shellharbour or the Deniliquin Ute Muster earlier this year, Jimmy has confirmed that the band is working on new material for the first time since the late ‘90s and are looking at a tour in 2011.

In the mean time, you can catch Jimmy Barnes live in various places in Australia as he takes his  Rage and Ruin” tour on the road. For more information, visit www.jimmybarnes.com

Words: Stevo Perry Pics: ColdChisel.com, Wikipedia

Next Week: Matt Hayden talks fishing

Friday, November 12, 2010

World Class Sea Fishing Locations

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next fishing trip - have a read through what we think are some of the top sea fishing destinations in the world.
Caribbean Sea Fishing
If you’re looking for an excuse to head to the beautiful Caribbean islands, then this could be it. The Caribbean is home to some of the best sea fishing the world can offer.
The warm, clear waters of the Caribbean ocean attract hundreds of species of game fish and is the ideal sea fishing destination for all members of the family – regardless of age or skill.
Expect to catch fish such as albacore, marlin, barracuda, sailfish and mackerel.
Look for cheap holiday packages to the Caribbean that include charter fishing trips. Some of the cheapest holiday packages depart from Puerto Rico and Aruba, however Antigua is generally regarded as the best island for sea fishing.
Spain Sea Fishing
Spain is a fisherman’s paradise with over 2,000km of coastline to explore. The best places to head are the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
Fishing is a popular recreational activity in Spain and there are endless ports and marinas to set off from across the country. Sea fishing charters depart regularly and can be found at very affordable prices.
Spain is a good sea fishing destination all year round, but between July and September you can experience swordfish fishing at its best.
You can find cheap flights to Spain from most major cities around the world.
Mauritius Sea Fishing
If you’re after marlin, then Mauritius is your best bet. Situated off the eastern coast of Africa, the year-round warm climate makes it the ideal breeding ground for marlin and many other sought-after species such as tuna, blue marlin and bonito. The best time for sea fishing in Mauritius is between October and April.
Sea fishing charters departing from Mauritius are very affordable and generally much cheaper than in other destinations. Some of the best departure destinations in Mauritius are Le Morne, Trou Aux Biches and Trou d’Eau Douce.
Panama Sea Fishing
One country that generally doesn’t pop into people’s heads when they think of sea fishing destinations is Panama. This hidden gem is one of the world’s best kept fishing secrets and many of the world’s largest catches have been made from the waters around Panama.
Expect to catch billfish, black marlin, sailfish, yellow fin tuna, red snapper and more during your fishing trip.
The best months to visit Panama are between July and September – however fishing is generally good
ll year round.
Alaska
If you want to experience the best sea fishing in the world – Alaska without a doubt takes the title. Not only does Alaska offer some of the most spectacular scenery for your fishing trip, but you will find some of the largest and freshest fish in the world.
Best known for its scale-breaking King salmon and halibut, Alaskan waters also regularly produce species such as black cod, trout, bass and pike.
You should head to Alaska during the warmer months as much of the waters surrounding the state are frozen during the winter.
Flights can be expensive so look out for cheap holiday packages to Alaska.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

What's the Best Moon Phase to go fishing?

A lot of people know that moon phases effect fishing, but do you know which moon phase is the best for catching fish?

In fact, why do moon phases effect fishing? There are lots of theories, and perhaps no one knows for sure, but most believe it has to do with the fact that fish seem to be more active feeders on the bigger tides, which of course, are effected by the moon.

We have caught good and bad bags on all different phases of the moon however experience seems to show that the best fishing is on the new and the  full moon. Obviously we all want to improve our fishing experience so using the moon phases is one way to increase your chances of hooking up more and bigger fish. Investing about 6 bucks dollars in an Anglers Almanac will help you track the moon phases - Stevo has been using one for years and swears that it will increase your chances of catching fish.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Gillies Pro Fish Grip

If you're serious about catch and release for big fish, a pair of fish grips are a must. JM Gillies claims that the unique design of the Gillies Pro Fish Grip allows ease of use and the safe handling and quick release of fish so we took the opportunity to take a look at this product.

The first feature you notice in the Gillies Pro Fish Grip is the inbuilt stainless steel spring balance scale. This makes it easy to weigh your catch and you can also use it to set drag tension on your fishing reel, which can be important in game and sport fishing. Fine tuning the scale to zero is very easy with the adjustable screw cap.

The Pro Fish Grip also features an offset handle with a soft EVA grip for better handling capabilities.

The lip grip is easily operated by pulling and releasing the trigger. The movable jaw contains a one way cam and when engaged will not let the fish slip.

The Gillies Pro Fish Grip is lightweight and manufactured from saltwater grade materials and is available in five different colours. Retailing at about $139 this is by no means the cheapest set of fish grippers on the market, but we'd certainly be happy to find one under our tree this Christmas. If you're buying it for yourself and have the cash, you might want to  also consider spending a little more and take a look at the Shimano Fish Grips retailing at about $169 or the Boga Fish Grips which retail for almost $200 and are regarded by many as best of breed.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Fishing Quote of the Week



"All the romance of trout fishing exists in the mind
of the angler and is in no way shared by the fish."
                                          Harold F Blaisdell                                           


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Top 5 Fishing Destinations in Western Australia


Western Australia is renowned for its world-class fishing destinations, but where are the best fishing hotspots across the state? It’s hard to pick just a few, but we’ve listed our top five below.

Where: Rottnest Island
Catch:
Jewfish, King George whiting, snapper, squid
Best time to visit: All year
Rottnest Island is just a 30 minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or short flight), and it has some of the best fishing that WA has to offer.
With over 360 different species of fish in the waters surrounding the island you’ll be spoilt for choice! You can fish off of any of the jetties or charter fishing trips run regularly throughout the year.
Although you can take rods on the ferry over to Rotto, you can pick up any extra fishing supplies from Malibu Dive or the Geordie General Store once you get to the island.

Where: Kalbarri
Catch: Tailor, mulloway, silver bream, mackerel
Best time to visit:
March - September
Kalbarri is a popular coastal town approximately 592km north of Perth and offers fantastic land and offshore fishing opportunities in the river mouth, reefs, offshore or at the beach.
Some of the best fishing spots in and around Kalbarri include: Wittecarra Creek, Blue Holes, Red Bluff Beach and Chinaman’s Rock.
Kalbarri is approximately a six hour drive from Perth or you can find cheap flights into Kalbarri airport. 

Where: Shark Bay
Catch:  Pink snapper, Spanish mackerel, tuna, coral trout
Best time to visit:
March - September
Shark Bay is one of Australia’s most beautiful World Heritage Sites as well as being a premier WA fishing destination.
Almost all fish species you can find in various destinations across WA can be found in areas surrounding Shark Bay. Steep Point, False Entrance and South Passage are famous for their cliff fishing – however you need to be prepared with specialist equipment to be able to fish off the steep cliffs.
For less demanding fishing head to Francois Peron National Park – shore based fishing is very popular here.
Shark Bay Airport has regular flights to and from Perth.

Where: Perth
Catch:  Bream, cobbler, flounder, herring, pink snapper
Best time to visit: All year
You’ll be amazed at what you can catch in and around the city itself. Particularly during the warmer months many fish species head into the Swan River and you can fish either from a boat or on shore. The best areas for river fishing in Perth are between the river mouth at Fremantle up to Mosman Bay.
Land-based ocean fishing is also popular. Try heading to North Mole, South Mole, Cockburn Sounds and the harbours around Fremantle for the most variety.
Regular fishing charters depart from both Fremantle and Perth and start from as little as $75.
There are regular cheap flights into Perth airport from all major cities in Australia.

Where: Exmouth
Catch: Coral trout, squid, blue marlin, red emperor
Best time to visit:
April - August
Just off the coast of Exmouth is the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef. Some of the world’s most sought after fish species are regularly reeled in around the reef, including Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Spanish Mackerel and Mahi Mahi.
While beach fishing is popular in Exmouth, fishing charters are the best way to ensure a good catch. Both half and full day fishing charters regular depart from Exmouth.
The closest airport is Learmonth and you can often find cheap flights if you book in advance.
 Don't Agree with our choices? Well why not post a comment with your favourite WA spots?

Pics: Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

New Rapala Jigging Rap Now Available

We've just got our hands on one of the new Rapala Jigging Raps and it's looking good.

Designed by Pro Fishermen in Japan to increase captures throughout winter, the Rapala Jigging Rap is now available in Australia and is ideal for jigging deep or suspended fish.

The Jigging Rap, moves in a figure eight pattern, and placing it  right in the middle of deep game fish encourages an aggravated bite.

The difference with this lure is the  unique hook setting, which is said to ensure that no matter the angle of the strike, you will hook up.

The Rapala Jigging Rap comes in 3cm, 5cm and 7cm in length; and in ten colours found only in Japan and Australia.

Features:
  • Minnow Profile
  • Balanced Design
  • Zinc Weighted
  • Glow Colors
  • Single Reversed Hooks
  • Center Treble & Eyelet
Species:
Bass, Perch, Cod, Trout, Flathead, Bream, Tailor, Salmon, Mulloway
Technique:
Jigging
Running Depth:
Variable
Environment:
Freshwater & Estuary

Visit www. rapala.com.au for stockists.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Photo Caption Contest Winner

Wow, the reply to our photo caption contest sure generated some fantastic responses. It was hard to choose the winner, but in the end we felt this one stood out:



Congratulations to Mr Ian T. of Richlands who won the great Sunsafe Prize Pack. To read the other great suggestions (some of them are hilarious), click here.