Monday, May 30, 2011

Fishing Quote of the Week



"Fishing is a... discipline in the equality of men
- for all men are equal before fish."
                                                Herbert Hoover


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Sometimes Man is Not the Alpha Fisherman


Huge NQ Croc eats turtle (pic: Bob Roberts)
 One of the great things about fishing is the amazing things you get to see. Most of us have stories of seeing fish and sharks feeding close by, but how about a monster Salt Water Croc?

North Queenslanders Bob and Timothy Roberts, saw just that when they stopped for lunch on the Jardine River recent. A massive Cape York Salt Water Crocodile  estimated to be between 4.5m and 5m long also tucked in to his lunch - a tasty snack of sea turtle.

“The croc had the turtle from the rear flippers and was throwing it around, getting as much meat as it could,” Mr Roberts told reporters.
Experts say that its not uncommon for crocs to take a turtle, allthough the shell can be a challenge.

For more photos, click here.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

3 Minutes of Intense Tuna Fishing

Tom from the USA sent us this great clip of 3 minutes of intense tuna fishing off Panama on 31 March 2011. Every fisherman will love the sound of the screaming reels and be envious of the multiple hookups.





Thousands of tuna, porpoises, and birds all feeding on a huge school of blue runners just a few miles north of the Hannibal Bank in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama. This area is on our "must fish before we die" list for sure.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Celebrity Fishing Interview - Steve Johnson talks fishing and family

Exclusive FishMax Interview

Some sons shy away from following dad in to the family career, but Steve Johnson is not one of them. Now  one of V8 Supercars' most experienced drivers and steering car #17, made famous by his father, Dick Johnson, Steve continues to be one of the the most consistent drivers in Australian Motor Sport.

But a love of motor sport is not the only think Steve got from his dad. Both are keen fishermen and family mean. Steve recently answered some questions for us on what fishing means to him.

FM: What’s your earliest fishing memory?

SJ: With my Mum, Dad and sister Kelly, sitting on the back of our first boat in the Gold Coast broadwater - after we’d hit a sandbank!

FM: Catch and release or take home to eat?

SJ: Depends on the fish and the reason I go fishing. I sometimes go for the fun of it, so I catch and release. Other times I catch and release mostly, but keep a few to cook up at home. I'm really fussy on what I keep and only make sure I keep just what I want to eat.

FM: Where is your favourite fishing spot?

SJ: Barra fishing up in Darwin is awesome fun. Also scoping for good bream in creeks, under bridges, against pylons or old jetties is great fun also.
 
FM: Your best fishing story?

SJ: Sitting on the back of our boat which was backed into the beach. We were peeling prawns and throwing the shells into the water. Dad was knee deep in the water doing the same. I saw a huge bream swimming past Dad and yelled "Look at that huge Bream, Dad" Dad then reached down into the water and caught the Bream with his hands and calmly said "That's real fishing, son" He then proceeded to tell me how to catch a fish by hand for the next half an hour. I then saw something sticking out it's mouth. It had got a prawn head stuck in it's throat and couldn't swim properly. It tasted good that night though. And Dad thought it was his super fast reflexes!! Ha ha!

FM: Favourite fish recipe?

SJ: I love fish pretty basic, just grilled with some fresh lemon juice over it. Also a favourite of mine is my wife's crispy Skin Salmon that she cooks. Mmmmm yum. My mouth is starting to water.

FM: What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

SJ: Not sure of the biggest but I did catch and release a flathead which was just over 6kgs and just under 1m long - 98cm.  Also caught a Barramundi which was just under 1m long and weighed 17kgs on a trip I did just before the Darwin V8 Supercar round in 2009.

 FM: How often do you go fishing?

SJ: Not often enough. I have a small tinny and have been wanting to take my son Jett out for a while now but things pop up for racing then the next thing I know we are busy for the next month. The goal is to start getting out to do some fishing and crabbing at least once a month throughout our racing season and then weekly over the Christmas and New Year period. I've also been lucky enough to do the celebrity AFC with Matt Hayden, Andy Bichel and a few others, which was great fun. Thanks to my mentor "Scott Towner" and the Berkley guys, we managed to bring home the 1st placed trophy in 2009!

FM: Where is the most exotic place you’ve been fishing?

SJ: Exotic? Not sure about that but I've stayed at Fitzroy Reef a number of times and done some fishing in and around there. It was great fun all-round.

FM: Do you have a fishing tip you’re willing to share?

SJ: Mmmmmmm make sure your mate is not standing behind you when your about to cast!!!!

Words: Stevo Perry Pics: Dick Johnson Racing

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Fishing Quote of the Week



"Calling fishing a hobby is like
calling brain surgery a job."
                                         Paul Schullery                                           


Thursday, May 19, 2011

Exotic Species Management - Only in America

Australia is not the only country which struggles with the effects of introduced fish species on native fish stocks. Our cousins in the USA also have similar problems, including Asian Carp introduced in to ponds and then spread through flooding.

Well one group of "Good Ol' Boys" have found a way to make protecting the environment more fun than its ever been before! These guys hate Carp so much they put on costumes and water skis, grab a samuri sword and get out there and try to do some good the old fashion American way!





Please note, what these guys are doing is clearly stupid, no doubt unsafe and probably illegal. Don't do it yourself. Don't even think about it!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

How to Catch Big Flathead on Plastics

There aren't too many fishermen who don't enjoy catching a big flathead but that is something that is far easier said then done. You need not just the right spot and the right gear to catch big flathead on plastic lures, you need persistence, covering water with wind or tide assisted drifts and observing the environment around you, keeping an eye out for nervous baitfish and observing your sounder for changes in water depth.

In this Youtube video, fishing journalist Warren Keelan takes you through some great technique for catching dusky flathead on plastics.






With these fishing tips, you will definitely improve your chances of catching dusky flathead. For more great tips visit http://www.warrenkeelan.com/ .

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Celebrity Interview - Casey Stoner talks fishing

Exlcusive FishMax Interview

Born and raised in Southport Queensland, its hardly surprising that 2008 Young Australian of the Year and Repsol Honda MotoGP Team shining light Casey Stoner loves to fish. One of his earliest memories is catching a 2kg rainbow trout on his 4th birthday. While Stoner has stated that he would prefer to shun the limelight and would prefer to let his riding style do the talking, he was happy to talk to FishMax exlusively about his other passion - fishing.

Stoner has been fishing since he was a boy

FM: Catch and release or take home to eat?
CS: Depends on the fish. For me 98% of the time I catch and release, I just enjoy being out there and try to take care of the fish as best I can, but sometimes when it’s the right time to go home and have a fresh meal – there’s nothing like it.

FM: Where is your favourite fishing spot?
CS: I’m not sure I have one! There are two many types of fish too many forms of fishing that I enjoy. There are lots of regular places I return to, but it depends on my mood.

FM: Your best fishing story?
CS: A story is hard… But I went up to Darwin last year with good friends of mine Jason Wilhelm, Chaz Davies and Carl Jocumsen to fish with some guys up there which was an awesome trip with some good mates and we had an awesome few days.

FM: Favourite fish recipe (either describe the dish or give the recipe if you prefer)?
CS: The best way I like to cook a fish is very simple – in some breadcrumbs with some herbs and fresh lemon.

FM: What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
CS: That’s probably my 103cm Mondurin Barra…

FM: How often do you go fishing?
CS: As often as possible! In Switzerland I have a nice stream running past the house so I try and go after some nice little trout there. Basically every opportunity I get, I try and fish.

FM: Where is the most exotic place you’ve been fishing?
CS: Apart from lots of places in Australia, probably in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

FM: Do you have a fishing tip you’re willing to share?
CS: Practice casting! This is a must…. It makes all the difference.

Words: Stevo Perry Pics: Team Honda and Casey's personal albums

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Fishing Quote of the Week



"Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is water,
and one-fourth is land.  It is quite clear that
the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount
of time fishing as taking care of the lawn."
                                         Chuck Clark                                           


Sunday, May 8, 2011

Winga & YouFishTV - Season 3 now out

If you've been watching series 4 of YouFishTV (C31) then you're already a fan of Winga (Brendan Wing) and his no frills cut down style of fishing television.  If you're not (or you live somewhere that doesn't get the show on TV), it's certainly worth taking a look at the latest YouFishTV DVD release - a double DVD containing all of season 3 (episodes 27 to 39) of YouFishTV.

On this two-disc DVD Winga and his mates visit some of the most breathtaking destinations downunder and meet dozens of interesting fisherfolk from all walks of life. You will also experience the emotions born of triumph, and despair, during the many adventures contained within. These are the moments that continue to define YouFishTV.

Season 3 action includes: the world’s biggest ever Southern Bluefin Tuna taken on a threadline reel, the official SA snapper opening day, the latest monster squid techniques plus giant gummy sharks, crazy kingfish on plastics, and the world’s biggest GT’s on poppers. The YouFishTV team even spend a day fishing with MotoGP champ Casey Stoner. [editors note: read our exclusive fishing interview with Casey Stoner next week]. There’s also plenty of bread’n’butter fishing for species like silver trevally, KG whiting and even yakkas with the kids.

Season 3 of YouFishTV is available from the website for $39.95.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Celebrity Fishing Interview - Matt Watson is Extreme

Exclusive FishMax Interview

To date all our celebrity fishermen and women have been Aussies, but today we're looking "across the ditch" and talking to hot NZ Extreme Fisherman Matt Watson.

Watson, presenter of "The Ultimate Fishing Show"  hit the headlines a couple of years ago with an amazing video footage showing what appears to be a dive from a helicopter on to a wild marlin!

Matt was kind enough to take a few moments out of his busy schedule (including  recently appearing at the Brisbane Tinnie & Tackle Show) to answer a few questions for us.

Matt Watson Fishing in Tahiti
FM: What’s your earliest fishing memory?
MW: Would have to be as a young fella, maybe four years old, fishing off the wharf with my Grandad in Weymouth, South Auckland. We’d fish for Kahawai (sea Trout) off the wharf, drag a net for mullet and head out for a snapper fish in the boat. At 8 years old I was the skipper of my first boat, a dingy I found washed up on the rocks. We patched it up and I became a bit of a character around town… you see I was always on my way to or from the ocean and pushing your boat the whole way catches a few eyes.

FM: Catch and release or take home to eat?
MW: Always take a feed but I’m very realistic about what a feed is. Two or three Snapper is enough for me, and the rest go back. I never take the bigger breeding fish and if you measuring a fish to see if it’s legal on my boat you get chucked over board… unless you can say without a shadow of a doubt that the fish is legal then it goes back as well. From the 1100 odd billfish I’ve landed only nine have ever made it into the fish-bin and I preach ‘fish for tomorrow’ on the show.

FM: Where is your favourite fishing spot?
MW: That would have to be the Far North of New Zealand. For consistently strong fighting fish, especially Snapper and Kingfish, the Far North has to be the place. In game season we get a great run of billfish, Blue, Striped and the odd Black Marlin, with Broadbill Swordfish and the deep sea bottom dwellers coming into range in winter, so it’s got it all.

FM: Your best fishing story?
MW:  One people often ask me about is my first 20lb Snapper… you see in NZ the 20lb snapper is a benchmark for any self respecting fisherman and the line I always got from my old man was ‘you’re not a man till you’ve caught a 20lb’r’, so I was on a quest to get my first. I went to the Coromandle Peninsula, about two hours SE of Auckland, and I spent a week getting up early, doing big burley sessions, checking my knots, catching fresh bait and so on. I did everything that should have ensured I got my 20lbr. Well it never happened and with New Years that night I had a big, very big, blow out. About 5.00am the next morning I was dragged from my very foggy sleep by a bloke it turns out I’d met the night before, and had promised to take fishing. It was all news to me but after a bit of protesting and mucking about I get myself up, launched the boat and we were into it. We spied a work up of bait fish and it’s at that point that I realised neither of us had brought a tackle box, or bait, and we only had the rods that were left on board from the previous day… so my morning wasn’t getting off to a good start. I fashioned a lure out of a rag I had on board and managed to catch a Kahawai but it’s fair to say I was over things and proceed to throw the anchor over the side, citing this was my secret spot. I put a fresh slab of bait on the hook and chucked it overboard and from there I found the floor with the intention of sleeping it off. My eyelids were just closing when the ratchet on the reel started clicking off… feeling the way I did I wasn’t in the mood to do anything except put the reel in gear and wait to see if it was anything decent. So that’s all I did. I never opened my eyes, I just reached up and threw the reel into gear, then I tried to go back to sleep. The fish had other ideas though as what ever was on the end of my line was pulling a serious amount of it… enough to clear the fog in the head and get me on my feet. In relatively short order I had the fish to the surface where I got to get my first look at it… the first words out of my mouth were ‘it’s a 30lb’r’ and I asked my new mate to grab the gaff. About then is when things took a big turn. I asked my new mate, with what must have been a very fixed gaze, ‘you know how to use a gaff aye mate’? To which he replied ‘yeah mate, no worries’. He took a swing at the fish and only managed to piss it off, and which point it turned tail and powered to the bottom where I could feel it in the kelp trying to rub me off. I shot a look at my mate, a look that words can’t quite explain, but he got the point. After that I couldn’t budge the fish and I could see my first 20lb plus fish, and the chance to gain my manhood from the old man evaporating in front of me. I’d read a few articles of guys letting their drags go at this point in the hope of the fish swimming itself free, so that’s what I did, before settling down to try and grab some more sleep.  That didn't last long though as the weight coming off the fish had an immediate effect and the reel started to scream off again. Getting it up off the bottom was again relatively easy and again we had another gaff shot quickly. I looked, my new mate looked back, and with a nod knew that he had to make this one count. He swung the gaff and again, to me horror, he only managed to flank the fish and it tore off again. I couldn’t go through that again so I locked up and hoped the line would hold. Luck was on my side and I got it back within striking distance again. New mate swings again and amazingly manages to lift the fish from the water, only for it to come off the gaff, land on the gunwhale, spit the hook and luckily for me, and new mate, it landed inside the boat. With the stress of the battle subsiding there were handshakes and back slaps and it’s at about that point I noticed the gaff. The reason that new mate couldn’t gaff the fish is that the protective clear tubing was still on the point and all he’d been doing as slapping the fish with each swing.

Ultimate Fishing in Alaska
Well we got it in and it weighed 32lb’s, so not only had I got my first 20lbr, I’d also got my first 30lbr as well. I didn’t really rub that into the old man… I don't think a set of coffee mugs with me and my fish screen printed on the front was over doing it do you? I’ve since caught a bigger Snapper, going about 35lbs, and it was a great feeling seeing that big fish swim away after the fight.

FM: Favourite fish recipe?
MW: I don't mean to sit on the fence, trust me it’s not my style, but I like Fish in so many ways I couldn’t single one out. Whether it’s a fresh Yellowfin heart or Tataki Kingfish or good old-fashioned Fogdog Beer Batter and Chips I love it all.

FM: What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
MW: That would be my 256kg, 563lb Bluefin Tuna caught off Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The best part is I did it with a handline, it damn near wrecked me but it was an awesome fish and battle.[Ed: See video below] I don't think I’ve ever worked so hard for a meal but it was worth every tendon-breaking minute. I was part of a capture for an estimated 1300lb Black Marlin in the Lizard Island tournament a few years back but it got sharked and you know how it goes… ‘if you don't weigh it don’t say it’.








FM: Where is the most exotic place you’ve been fishing?
MW: Probably Oman… we got invited there for the Sinbad Classic Tournament and it was like nothing I’ve ever done before. The country was beautiful, the people friendly and hospitable and the fishing was good. We were fishing for Queenies amongst massive oil tankers and in the same session had the police turn up with their machine guns to tell us to piss off! You’re not allowed to be so close to the tankers and they take it very seriously. The Tuna didn’t fire but they get some very nice Yellowfin there, which I’d been gagging to get into. I did catch a few Camels though.

FM: Do you have a fishing tip you’re willing to share?
MW: I share them all except my spots. As far as I’m concerned the main reason I do what I do it to help people catch more fish. I also like to educate about what to do with those extra fish, i.e. let the majority go back to fight another day. Watch any episode of the show and you’ll hear me saying ‘there’s no secrets on The Fishing Show’… if we find a lure or a knot or a line that works really well we tell people so that can get into the action as well.


Words: Stevo Perry Pics: Matt Watson/The Ultimate Fishing Show

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Pocket rocket Pursuit – introducing the all-new C200

US-based Pursuit Boats has a well deserved reputation for quality offshore fishing boats with a model range spanning 23' to 37'. In Australia these US fishing boats are only available  from Graaf Marine.

A new entrant in  trailerable sportfisher market, the Persuit C200 is the first model in a new inshore series.

Measuring 6.45m LOA with a 2.51m beam, with a centre console rig  the C200 from Persuit is packed with fishing-related features and designed with a strong focus on affordable quality and makes a good  entry-level boat.
With plenty of room to fish including a forward raised casting deck forward, non-skid all-weather deck, full bow railing and well-placed handrails you'll be able to fight even the biggest fish with easy.

The centre console helm area offers considerable space to mount a large-screen GPS/sonar/radar display and other control panels and switches, along with the pod-mounted throttle control. The inside of the console itself is large enough to house a portable marine toilet and offers additional storage for all manner of gear.
The skipper and companion bench-seat will ensure a comfortable run to the fishing grounds, while stainless steel rod holders, under-gunwale rod storage racks, 70L livewell and insulated fish boxes are all standard inclusions.

Options including an aluminium T-top with rocket launcher, trim tabs and marine stereo allow owners to customise their C200 direct from the factory.

Rated to carry a 150hp four-stroke outboard, the Pursuit C200 will top out at around 65km/h and cruise comfortably around 40km/h.

Building functional inshore and offshore fishing boats for 60 years, Pursuit is renowned the world over for its superior construction, fit and finish, durability and uncompromising quality. Pursuit currently builds four ranges: Offshore (23'-37'), Centre Console (20'-31'), Dual Console (26') and Sport (28'-31').

Further information: Graaf Marine – 1300 147 223 or visit: http://www.graafmarine.com.au/

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Fishing Quote of the Week



"Fishing is much more than fish.  It is the
great occasion when we may return to the
fine simplicity of our forefathers."
                                         Herbert Hoover                                           


Funny Fishing Photo Caption Contest May 2011

Got a great caption for this funny fishing photo? Send it in for your chance to win a pack containing New Release Fishing DVDs and a FishMax t-shirt valued at $79.95!


(click image to enlarge)



Simply post your funny caption in the comments section of this article or on the FishMax facebook page, to go in the running to win fishing DVDs and a  FishMax T-Shirt worth $79.95.

Terms and Conditions
  • Entries close on May 31, 2011. Winner will be contacted by us in early June 2011 and will be announced here on FishMax.com.au.
  • You may enter as many times as you want.
  • The winner will receive fishing DVDs and a  FishMax T-Shirt worth $79.95.
  • Only entries posted in the comments section below or on the fishmax.com.au facebook page will be eligible.
  • Entries valid for Australian residents only.
  • The prize is not transferable and not redeemable for cash.
  • A valid email must be left in order for us to contact you if you win. If the winner cannot be contacted, we will award the prize to the runner-up.
  • The best entry will be selected by the FishMax.com.au staff. The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to. 
Make sure that when you leave your comment below, you use a google ID or other form of ID as shown in the dropdown box, or if you don't have one of those, choose "anonymous" and enter your name and email address in the comments section, so we can contact you if you win (don't worry,  we'll remove you're email address before the comment is published, so no-one else will be able to see it).

Funny Photo Caption Contest Winner

Congratulations to the winner of our April Funny Fishing Photo Caption Contest, Krisoula N.


(click photo to see larger)


 To see all the entries, click here. If you've got a funny fishing photo which you think needs a good caption, please send it in.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Planning a Trip to South Australia to Fish?

SA has some excellent piers to fish
If you’re heading to South Australia to drop a line in, you’ll be sure to have a great time!

From pristine beaches to the mighty Murray River, South Australia is an angler’s paradise. Adelaide's beaches offer some of the best fishing in South Australia, with whiting, snapper and garfish among the most common catches. Throw a line in at Aldinga for tommy ruffs or snapper then head north to Brighton for blue swimmer crabs. Fish off the jetty at Glenelg, Henley or Semaphore beaches and haul in squid, whiting, snapper and garfish.

In the Clare Valley, there’s excellent trout fishing at Broughton River near Spalding

.
Port Augusta has some fantastic land-based fishing locations and is also a great place to find cheap hotel deal
for your trip. Around the train bridge there are good spots for silver whiting and mullet or try the main wharf for kingfish and mulloway.

Outstanding beach fishing in South Australia
In Port Pirie, you can dangle a line from the main wharf right in the centre of town. This region has plentiful yellowfin whiting, salmon trout, bream, snook and garfish.  Nearby, the Port Germein jetty is a good location for yellowfin, King George whiting and snapper..

For some fantastic fishing action from boat, shore or jetty head to the Yorke Peninsula. Try for snapper at Port Broughton and huge King George whiting off Port Victoria. In months when the water is warmer, blue swimmer crabs abound in this region. There are salmon fishing grounds from Corny Point to Marion Bay, and be sure to give surf fishing for salmon a go at Brown's Beach. Garfish, tommy ruffs, squid and snook are also common catches along this coastline.

There are several excellent fishing charter operators on Yorke Peninsula for deep sea fishing adventures. Be sure to grab a copy of the free
Yorke Peninsula Fishing Guide which covers more than 700 kilometres of coastline from Port Gawler to Port Broughton.