Friday, December 28, 2012

Trolling Lures for Flathead - How To



If you're looking for some tips on how to catch flathead by trolling lures in estuaries then checkout this great little video from Jarvis Walker.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Merry Christmas and Safe Fishing from FishMax

The team at FishMax wish all our readers and supporters a safe and happy Christmas.  We hope you and your family have an enjoyable break, that seas are calm, bait is fresh and the fishing is easy.

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 17, 2012

BIG4 Holiday Park Winner

Congratulations to K. Sielaff of Brisbane who won our Big 4 Giveaway

 BIG4 Holiday Parks are a terrific retreat for the fishing family. with stylish accommodation and facilities that provide guests with the comforts of home they make the ideal base for the fishing holiday.  From leafy powered and ensuite caravan and camping sites for outdoor adventurers, to spacious cabins with all the modern conveniences, there’s accommodation to suit every individual, team or club. Facilities on offer at BIG4 ensure the whole family is kept entertained, with resort style pools, tennis courts, mini golf, giant jumping pillows, fully equipped camp kitchens and BBQs, games rooms, wireless Internet and kiosks found in most BIG4 parks.

For more information, visit Big4.com.au 

STACER’S 539 EASYRIDER STANDS OUT WITH A SLEEK NEW SILHOUETTE

Stacer Easyrider 539 is  a Standout
The new 539 Easyrider is turning heads everywhere with its sleek new appearance and the introduction of the new low profile sports deck.Introduced on all Baymaster, Easy Rider and Sportster models, the new low profile sports deck allows for a reduced size windscreen and lower side sheets creating a modern, sportier look.
To accompany the low profile sports deck new passenger and driver side dashes have been fitted to allow more space for larger electronics to be added.
The second noticeable difference to the new 539 Easyrider is the introduction of the new transom design. The new transom features sloped sides and keeps cables hidden inside the transom creating an obstruction free boarding platform.
With the help of the new transom the 539 Easyrider has a lower centre of gravity resulting in more stability at rest and while underway.
The new transom also allows faster access to the bilge pump and easier access to engine fit meaning dual batteries are easier to access and install.
The 539 comes standard with fusion stereo, speakers and bimini and envelope to make your day out on the water just that bit more enjoyable.

The 539 Easy Rider is available in a Stacer ‘Ready 2 Go’ package including boat motor and trailer to get you out onto the water faster. Like all the models in the Stacer range the 539 Easy Rider is covered by a 3 year warranty. For more information on the 539 Easyrider and the entire Stacer range www.stacer.com.au.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Get Wide with Lowrance

Lowrance has announced the newest addition to its Elite family of fishfinder/chartplotter products, the Elite-7 Hybrid Dual Imaging (HDI) series. Available as a fishfinder/chartplotter combo model — as well as a standalone fishfinder or chartplotter — the Elite-7 features a 7-inch, widescreen colour LED-backlit display that is 70-percent larger than comparably priced 5-inch products. 
Built-in to the new Lowrance HDI Skimmer transducer design, Broadband Sounder technology is ideal for marking fish arches and tracking lure action, while Downscan Imaging provides easy-to-understand, picture-like views of structure and bottom detail. With the exclusive Lowrance Downscan overlay feature, boaters can layer the Downscan Imaging view over the Broadband Sounder recording for a stunning display that separates and clearly exposes fish targets from surrounding structure. In addition, the overlay transparency is easily and fully adjustable.
To maximize fishing time on the water, signature Lowrance Advanced Signal Processing (ASP) reduces the need to manually adjust settings to see fish, structure and bottom detail more clearly; and TrackBack allows anglers to scroll back in recorded sonar history to review structure or fish targets. When used on an Elite-7 model with chartplotter capabilities, you can also TrackBack and pinpoint locations with a waypoint — eliminating the need to circle back and retrace the path.
All Elite-7 models feature a new multi-window display that allows users to choose up to three panels in split-screen mode to view chart, sonar and DownScan Imaging -- all on one screen simultaneously. In addition, Elite-7’s easier-to-use menu system provides quick access to all features using one-thumb operation, and NMEA 2000® connectivity, which allows waypoint sharing among networked displays and communication with an externally networked GPS.
The new Lowrance Elite-7 series is comprised of Elite-7x fishfinder-only, Elite 7m chartplotter-only and Elite-7 combination models. Each model offers a range of bundled packages that includes 83/200 kHz or 50/200 kHz transducer options, as well as Navionics cartography.
Protected by the Lowrance Advantage Service program, the Elite-7 Series can be purchased from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors from late February 2013. Prices start from $899 for the Elite-7x stand-alone 83/200kHz fishfinder model. For more information on the Lowrance the Elite-7 Series, the entire Lowrance line of marine electronics, or to locate an authorized Lowrance dealer, please visit www.lowrance.com.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Christmas Goodies for the Good Kids

Is it to early for their first spin reel?
In the third of our annual Christmas guides, FishMax brings you the a range of cool, unusual or just plain fashionable gift ideas for your kids.


And if you need some ideas to get you started, here are some hot tips to keep in mind when Christmas shopping for a child:
Ask: "What Does the Child Want for Christmas?"
It sounds like a given, but only about half of Christmas shoppers actually ask the recipients what type of gift they'd like for Christmas! When Christmas shopping for kids, ask the child or parent for three or four gift ideas and get specific information on colours, sizes, models, etc. Also find out if the child already has a similar item of the same type so you know what not to buy the child for Christmas. 
What Other Things Does the Child Enjoy?
In cases where the child has not requested a specific gift for Christmas, find out what types of toys and activities the child favours and use this information to purchase a Christmas gift of the same genre. Shopping is made much easier when the Christmas shopper has specific items in mind.  This is a great way to get gift ideas for children, and it makes for easier and faster Christmas shopping since the shopper will have a specific item in mind.
Get the wrong gift and someone won't be happy!
Is the Gift Age Appropriate?
One of the biggest mistakes that holiday shoppers make is to purchase gifts for children that are not age appropriate. So when Christmas shopping for a child, don't rely on memory or what you "think" the child may enjoy. Instead, ask a few parents of children who are close in age to the child whom you're shopping for.
Will the Gift Be Annoying to the Parent?
Avoid purchasing gifts for children that may be annoying to the parent. Avoid toy instruments, and other loud toys, unless the item has been specifically requested by the parent. Christmas shoppers should also avoid purchasing items like  toy guns or other violent toys that parents may find objectionable unless the toy was specifically requested.
Christmas shopping for children can be a bit tricky, but the key is to plan ahead and don't play guessing games. If you don't know what type of item you're shopping for, or if you're unsure whether a toy is age-appropriate, just ask the child's parent or do a bit of research. Follow these hints and Christmas shopping for a unique and fun child's Christmas gift will be a breeze!
To see our 2012 Kids Christmas Gift Guide, Click Here

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Get It Right This Christmas

The Wrong Gift Can Impact Your Fishing Days
Nothing can be more certain to blow some great January fishing plans out of the water than messing up the missus' Christmas gift.

Unfortunately many of us are far better at picking soft plastics and the right amount of lead than we are at picking gifts for the fairer sex.

Luckly each year your mates here at FishMax step in to give you some suggestions that should keep you out of hot water and this year is no different, so for some inspiration on what you should get the lady in your life, take a look at our gift guide here.

Monday, December 3, 2012

BIG4 HOLIDAY PARKS – CLOSE TO ALL THE FISHING ACTION

Big 4 Brings You Close to the Fishing Action
Fishing is a passion that, for some, means travelling around the country to the hottest angling spots in Australia. While taking that long awaited fishing trip is always a great experience, finding accommodation to fit the boat and trailer or a whole team of eager anglers, can be a challenge.

Located in over 180 locations, BIG4 Holiday Parks offer the perfect solution with properties close to many of Australia’s most sought after fishing spots. From the deep sea fishing off the coast of the Bay of Fires in Tasmania, to the year-round fishing on the banks of the Murray River, BIG4 has a park nearby that will get you close to where the fish are biting.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks recognise that rest and relaxation are an important part of any fishing adventure and have set the standard by offering stylish accommodation and facilities that provide guests with the comforts of home. From leafy powered and ensuite caravan and camping sites for outdoor adventurers, to spacious cabins with all the modern conveniences, there’s accommodation to suit every individual, team or club. Facilities on offer at BIG4 ensure the whole family is kept entertained, with resort style pools, tennis courts, mini golf, giant jumping pillows, fully equipped camp kitchens and BBQs, games rooms, wireless Internet and kiosks found in most BIG4 parks.

So whether you’re planning to drop a line in pristine rivers, fish for your dinner off the rocks or take the boat out for a deep sea fishing expedition, BIG4 offers the perfect accommodation for your next adventure. To get you on your way, BIG4 is offering one lucky ready the chance to win a two night cabin stay for two adults and up to two children at any BIG4 Holiday Park across Australia (up to the value of $400). For your chance to win, simply send an email to giveaway@fishmax.com.au  and tell us in 25 words or less, why you need a BIG4 fishing holiday. Entries close midnight PST 14 December, 2012.

For more information on BIG4 Holiday Parks around Australia and to book your next fishing trip, visit BIG4.com.au – now available as a fully bookable mobile site.

Terms and Conditions: The BIG4 Holiday Parks Cabin Prize Terms & Conditions are: Two free nights in a self contained cabin at any BIG4 Holiday Park around Australia; Cabin accommodation for two adults and up to two children, including all linen; Subject to availability; Not available during Christmas, School Holidays, Long Weekends or Peak Seasons; Prize valid until 30 November 2013; Prize is not transferable or to be exchanged as cash; Not to be used with any other discounts or special offers; and Advanced booking is required for this prize redemption

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Best 4WD Hire for Christmas 2012 in Australia?

Is Sargent the best 4WD Hire in Australia?
If you're going to hit the great Australian outdoors this Christmas and you're looking to hire a four wheel drive, then look no further than Sargent 4WD Hire.

You may know that Sargent is the leading company for Australian 4WD vehicle hire for mines and industry, but did you also know that this during the 2012 Christmas holidays in Australia, the public can hire a Landcruiser from Sargent's from as little as $79 a day*?

FishMax recently had the opportunity to take a Landcruiser 76 Series Wagon from Sargents for the week-end and we have to say this is by far the best 4WD hire experience we've ever had.

Not only were the team at Sargent helpful and knowledgeable and got us through both the initial hire and the return process quickly and with no fuss, but  the vehicle was also perfect for the job. Although the vehicle has few "mod cons", it was the ideal fisherman's hire - heaps of room, tow bar, bull bar and CB radio and the tough after-market oilskin seat covers fitted by Sargent meant we didn't need to be precious about jumping in to the vehicle while wearing our dirty fishing gear!

The vehicles are also obviously well looked after- when we collected ours it was spotless and mechanically A1. No fears that some other clown had trashed it on the last hire and we would be left stranded somewhere with a problem (and if there is a problem, there's a 24 hour rescue number you can call).

Pick up and return is quick and the cars are tough as boots!
While we haven't actually tried every Australian 4WD hire company, after the great experience with Sargent's we'd have to say it's got to be one of the best Australian 4WD companies out there. And at just $79 a day* for 4WD hire this Christmas, you'd be made not to give them a call.

For more details visit www.sargent.com.au or call them on 1800 077 353.


* terms and conditions apply - contact Sargent's on  1800 077 353 for details. 




Monday, November 26, 2012

Fifty Shades of Grey - A Fisherman's Fairytale

Four guys have been going to the same fishing trip for many years.

Two days before the group is to leave, Ron's wife puts her foot down and
tells him he isn't going.

Ron's mates are very upset that he can't go, but what can they do.

Two days later the three mates get to the camping site only to find Ron
sitting there with a tent set up, firewood gathered, and dinner cooking
on the fire.

"Ron, how long you been here?  How did you talk your missus into
letting you go ?"

"Well, I've been here since last night. After dinner at home yesterday
evening, I was sitting in my chair and my wife came up behind me and put
her hands over my eyes and said, 'Guess who ?'"

I pulled her hands off, and she was wearing sexy brand new lingerie.

She said she had been reading 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and she had a
devilish look in her eyes!!!

She took my hand and led me to our bedroom. The room had candles and
rose petals all over
.
On the bed she had handcuffs, and ropes !

She told me to tie her up and cuff her to the bed, so I did.

And then she said, "Do whatever you want."

So . . . . here I am !

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Innovative design sets this sleeping bag apart

A Sleeping Bag that you can wear all day?
Innovative design isn't something that you'd usually associate with sleeping bags, but when we saw the Selk'bag we knew that we were looking at something really different.


Developed in 2006 by Chilean designer Rodrigo Alonso, the Selk'bag is a wearable sleeping bag system, basically a sleeping bag you can walk around in! One of the main features of the Selk'bag is that you are able to sleep freely, ie. not getting twisted and tangled in your sleeping bag!

Designed with plenty of ventilation, reinforced feet and a hood the Selk bag comes in three different models, five different sizes and heaps of colours to choose from!

We have to admit that when we took the Selk' bag on a field test recently, it got it's fair share of sideways looks and even an unflattering comment or two from our fellow fishos and camp mates, but after a couple of very comfortable nights sleep, we found this initially strange looking sleeping bag hard to fault. It's comfortable to sleep in and while we don't recommend it as an all day outfit, it's easy to move around in if you need to. We can't really see anyone sitting in the Selk Bag all day fishing tho'.

These are however very well made bags and perfect for the fisherman who likes to camp out in winter. Even the Selk Bag Lite which we field tested is very well insulated - make sure you get the right weight for your intended weather. 

For more details of the Selk' Bag, to buy online or to find  authorised Australian Selk Bag stockists, visit the official website


Thursday, November 15, 2012

It's Nearly Time! Big Man Count Down

Right now, he's getting in some last minute fishing, but in just 6 weeks the big man in the red suit will be visiting, and regardless of whether you've been naughty or nice, every fisho wants some good stuff under the tree.


It is a well known fact however,  that if you want to avoid the usual socks, jocks, shirts and occasional novelty fishing item that you don't really want, you need to give some clear guidance to your spouse and kids, and so this year, we've once again, pulled together our favourite Christmas gift ideas for blokes (some fishing related, some not), and you can check them all out here >> Christmas Gift Guide for Blokes.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Innovative Boat Ownership Idea


The team at Boab have just launched an creative boat ownership option called "Boab Boat Crew". The program offers
people the opportunity to buy a share in a fully-equipped, Honda-powered Boab boat, which is managed by the company’s national franchise network.


Along with a designated amount of annual boat usage, Boab Boat Crew members are also promised an exclusive crew member pack containing branded merchandise, tackle and other gear, Boab Platinum Card membership, which offers huge discounts off Boab’s entire hire fleet anywhere in Australia; complimentary Team Honda Marine membership; and access to member-only rates on products and services offered through selected Boab suppliers.

According to Boab director Paul Gelfius the program starts from less than
$40 a week and for that, members can own a share in a premium-quality trailer boat with ‘owner usage’ rights and enjoy the many other exclusive benefits offered by program. Boab is currently offering o
wnership opportunities on the 6.00m Centre Cab (Honda BF150) and 5.70m Sports Rider (Honda BF135) vessels around Australia.


According to Boab, the two most popular boats in Boab’s fleet are sold in 1/12th shares under a 12 unit trust.

For more information and a copy of the Boab Boat Crew information memorandum, visit boabboatcrew.com.au

Monday, November 5, 2012

Huge Black Marlin Caught in FNQ



Monster marlin
Weighing more than half a tonne the large female black marline was caught and tagged by first-time marlin angler Kiwi tourist Douglas Perry, aboard the Moana III and skippered by Dan McCarthy. 

Monster marlin

Landed after a 15 minute fight, the 1200 lb monster black marlin, was taken off Opal Ridge, about 48 nautical miles north of Cairns.

Monster marlin

The official record for a marlin caught stands at 1560 pounds.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Record NZ Brown Trout

NZ Man Catches Record Brown Trout

New Zealand man Evan Johnson, of Timaru, NZ, was fishing the Upper Waitaki hydro canals when he landed a 39.7-pound female brown trout setting the New Zealand record.

NZ Officials believe this large NZ trout it could be the biggest female brown trout caught in the world.

According to the Timaru Herald, Johnson caught the fish using a Tasmanian Devil lure and the fish was so big that it broke his fishing net when he tried to land it.


Friday, October 26, 2012

Tasty and Easy Lemon Fish Recipe


We're always looking for easy great tasting fish recipes, and here is another great Aussie fish recipe from Annette Sym's "Symply Too Good To Be True" series. Annette's been kind enough to let us reproduce some of these great Australian fish recipes - she's even given us copies of her latest cookbook to give away, so read on to find out how you could win one of these great books.


Ingredients

1 tablespoon (15g) Flora Light® margarine
¼ teaspoon crushed garlic (in jar)
1 tablespoon plain flour
½ cup skim milk
½ teaspoon chicken stock powder
1 tablespoon white wine
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh coriander chopped
pepper to taste
4 x 125g fish fillets
cooking spray

SERVES: 4


Method

In a non-stick saucepan melt margarine with garlic, add flour and combine. Slowly add in milk, using a whisk to avoid lumps, until boiling. Add stock powder, wine, lemon juice, coriander, pepper to taste. 

Cook fish fillets in a non-stick frypan that has been generously coated with cooking spray, turning once. Pour sauce over fillets and serve.

Variations: You can replace the fish fillets with 400g of green prawns




Annette’s cookbooks SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE 1-6 are sold in all good newsagencies. Visit Annette’s website www.symplytoogood.com.au for more tips and recipes and to check out her new SYMPLY SLIM & HEALTHY MENTORING PROGRAM. You can also join Annette’s page at Symply Too Good FACEBOOK

For your chance to win one of these great cookbooks simply email reader@fishmax.com.au before 31 October 2012 with the subject line "Anette Sym Cookbook" to go in the draw (5 to be won).

Monday, October 22, 2012

Black Marlin Jumps on Deck

The media is buzzing with reports about a Cairns Black Marlin jumping on the deck of the sports fishing boat Little Audrey just last week.

For those of you who haven't yet seen the amazing video of a 600 lb (250kg) Black Marlin launching itself on to the deck of the Little Audrey, you can see it right here:



According to the Cairns Post, the amazing black marlin video was shot when seven friends on a six-day catch-and-release fishing trip off Cooktown hooked the huge fish.

Little Audrey skipper Daniel Carlson said the crew was lucky to walk away unharmed when the marlin's spear-like snout came straight at them. "We were out there heavy tackle fishing up the Reef when this 600-pound marlin latched on and was fighting for about five minutes and started backing down," he said.

"But then it's done the big U-bolt, spun around and jumped into the boat and just missed a few people.
"It was thrashing about for a few seconds but jumped back out and swam away."

The incredible marlin jumping on to boat video was taken by onboard cameras and shows the action from several angles.


For more information, visit www.littleaudrey.com.au


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Testing the Ripple Fisher Blue Current

Guest contributor,  Clayton Nichols tests the Blue Current 74.
The Blue Current 74 proved to be a very strong light gear rod, able to stretch to its max and handle any fish thrown at it if fished right. the solid tip allowed small lures to be cast a mile, and surface lures worked extremely well. The rest of the rod loaded up parabolicly creating a clean bend throughout the entire blank as if the 2 peice join't doesnt even exist.

The 74 Blue current itself is 99 percent carbon making it a crisp graphite rod. The small split grip ultra hard EVA handles let any bite, hit, take or tapping on pieces of structure can be felt through the entire rod. Fishing with the rod is not only pleasurable but practicle for all day fishing.

The 99 percent carbon blank, limited split grip sectioning and small real seat make the rod very light, the EVA grip marks for a comfortable area to hold onto with the same sensitivity as cork without the wear and tear on your hands. perfectly matched with the light Stradic ci4, 6 pound sunlight super PE and fished with the Sebile mini series lures this combo is a fish hunting machine.

The 74 picking up one of many tarpon in the few hour session


the blue current capturing yet anther flathead


perfectly camo'd up againt the mangroves this flatty was still
pulled out from the smooth and reiable power in the rod


tarpon slamming the perfectly worked plastics



stoked on the effort from this flathead darting from snag
to snag then into the fast current.


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Barra Burger Hits the Spot!


We're always looking for easy great tasting fish recipes, and here is another great Aussie fish recipe from Annette Sym's "Symply Too Good To Be True" series. Annette's been kind enough to let us reproduce some of these great Australian fish recipes  from book 6 - she's even given us copies of her cookbook to give away, so read on to find out how you could win one of these great books.


BARRAMUNDI
1 teaspoon crushed ginger (in jar)
1 teaspoon crushed garlic (in jar)
4 x 125g boneless barramundi fillets
cooking spray

DRESSING
⅓ cup 97% fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Pad Thai paste
½ teaspoon red curry paste
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

BURGER
4 x 50g multigrain bread rolls
4 cups mixed salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber etc)
80g sliced avocado (optional)

SERVES: 4

To cook fish: Rub ginger and garlic over top side of fish fillets. Spray over top of fillets with cooking spray then place coated side down into a non-stick frypan that has been generously coated with cooking spray. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Spray fish with cooking spray before turning to cook other side for a further 3-4 minutes. If fish fillets are thick they may require further time to cook. To know when fish is cooked through, check if the inside of the fish is white. If you see pink, this means the fish is not cooked through.

To make dressing: In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, Pad Thai Paste, red curry paste and lemon juice.

To assemble burger: Cut bread rolls in half and place under griller until toasted and browned. Place salad on base of buns then top with fish. Pour a quarter of dressing over the top of each piece of fish. Divide avocado into 4 servings and place on each piece of fish then place remaining bread lid on top.

Variation:
Omit avocado to lower fat count by 4.5g. Replace fish with 4 x 100g slices firm tofu or 4 x 100g of skinless chicken breast.

Not suitable to be frozen.

Annette’s cookbooks SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE 1-6 are sold in all good newsagencies. Visit Annette’s website www.symplytoogood.com.au for more tips and recipes and to check out her new SYMPLY SLIM & HEALTHY MENTORING PROGRAM. You can also join Annette’s page at Symply Too Good FACEBOOK

For your chance to win one of these great cookbooks simply email reader@fishmax.com.au before 31 October 2012 with the subject line "Anette Sym Cookbook" to go in the draw (5 to be won).

Friday, October 12, 2012

Rapala X-Rap Countdown


Regular guest contributor Rhett Thorne from Mad Keen Yak Angling  looks at the X-Rap Countdown!


This pikey bream fell for the rainbow trout colour XRCD
Over my last few yak fishing trips, in the local estuary systems, I have had an increasing success with slow sinking hardbody lures. These lures, namely the Rapala Countdowns, Mini Fat Raps and the Rapala Ultra Light lures excel when targeting a variety of species with a more finesse approach. While floating lures are the most conventional technique for fishing the structure, sinking lures bring a new dimension to the game of snag bashing.


The Rapala X-Rap Countdown is a new addition to the Rapala range, being introduced for the end of 2012. By incorporating a negative buoyancy into the aesthetic finish of the Rapala X-Rap, this new little lure swims with a seductive body roll, but then on the pause, falls with an attractive flutter to entice hungry fish into a bite. With the added weight the Rapala XRCD casts like a bullet making it an accurate casting lure, even in windy conditions.

The day after the Rapala X-Rap Countdown hit the shelves I was testing these lures out from the kayak. In about 3 minutes after launching the kayak I had already hooked up on a nice yellowfin bream by just trolling and twitching the lure over the flats. With a quick change of tactics I began casting the lure deep into the mangrove overhanging banks now I was further away from the boat ramp. Once the lure lands in the snags, it pays to take it slow and give it a few sharp twitches then give it a pause, so that the lure flutters down to the bottom and imitates an injured fish.

Bream arn't the only predators in these waters. This mangrove jack smashed the lure as soon as it hit the water.
After only one day of testing out this lure I had landed 2 yellowfin bream, 2 black/pikey bream, 2 mangrove jacks and even a couple little moses perch. This little lure has really impressed me and I can’t wait to see what fish it will pull out of the snags next time.
A solid yellowfin bream tagged and ready for release.
Words and Pics: Rhett Thorne - reproduced with permission. Read more from Rhett's at Mad Keen Yak Angling.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Celebrity Fishing Interview Al McGlashan


In our latest celebrity interview, professional angler & fishing journalist/photographer, Al McGlashan and host of Big Fish, Small Boats takes some time to talk fishing with us.


Al McGlashan loves catching Big Fish from Small Boats!

FM: What’s your earliest fishing memory?
AM: Fishing in Port Phillip Bay with a ridiculously heavy handline and catching a flathead. The moment the line came alive in my hand is something I will never forget  and I have been hooked ever since!

FM: Where is your favourite fishing spot?
AM: No single spot but I love the NSW coastline you can catch just about anything from marlin to monster bluefin, hoodlum sized kings to knobby headed snapper and its all within a few hours of Sydney!

FM: Your best fishing story?
AM: Man I have a few of those. Jumping in to film a marlin only to have a huge mako shark crash the party and eat my subject all on camera or catching the biggest  bluefin tuna on 24kg tackle after a marathon 7 hour battle. This season I jumped in and swam with 70-90kg bluefin which you will see on the new series which is nothing short of insane.

FM: Favourite fish recipe (either describe the dish or give the recipe if you prefer)?
AM: With Rach my better half writing cookbooks I get a lot of choice but fresh beer battered flathead tails or gummy shark is awesome or fresh grilled kingfish or sashimi tuna are all up there

FM: What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
AM: I was there to photograph the largest marlin (a 1280 pound black marlin) ever landed in a tournament worldwide out of Cairns. Seeing that massive fish come out of the water is something I will never forget. However catching the big bluefin in Victoria was probably the most memorable all seven hours of it!

FM: Where is the most exotic place you’ve been fishing?
AM: There are heaps New Britain, Midway Atoll, Christmas Island (both), Africa and I am going to Samoa in a few weeks which is pretty exciting.

FM: You’re obviously excited about “Big Fish, Small Boats” – other than safety gear, what’s your “must have” item when out on your boat? 
AM:You must have confidence in your vessel and most importantly know yours and your boats limits. A small boat can go miles to sea with a good skipper but  but someone with no experience should stay tied to the wharf!

Watch and understand the weather and always be in contact so someone knows exactly what you are doing and where you are going.





Big Fish, Small Boats is scheduled to air on ONE at 6pm each Sunday, beginning THIS SUNDAY 16 September. For more, refer to your local television guides or visit: bfsb.com.au

Monday, October 8, 2012

Most fishos know that the NT Times is a terrific source of entertaining news stories (particularly croc stories!) but here is one that recently caught our eye.

According to the NT Timesten Indonesian fishermen were recently arrested for "blast fishing" in Australian waters near the Tiwi Islands and another ten were caught using the same dangerous method off the coast of Broome, WA.

According to the report illegal foreign fishing activity in Australian waters has  reportedly dropped from 367 vessels and 2961 people in 2005-06 to just 12 vessels and 68 fishers in 2011-2012 but its still a problem. The boat in question was caught near Evans Shoal - north of the Tiwi Islands and contained explosive detonators and 200kg of fish, mainly red snapper while the boat captured off the coast of WA contained more than 320kg of dried and fresh fish, sea cucumbers, shark flesh and fins, and sea snails.
Fishing with explosives might seem funny, but unfortunately, it is serious business causing untold environmental damage and of course, it's down right dangerous!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Caption Contest - October

Got a great caption for this funny fishing photo? Send it in for your chance to win a pack containing a FishMax t-shirt valued at $29.95!


Simply post your funny caption in the comments section of this article to go in the running to  a  FishMax T-Shirt worth $29.95.

Terms and Conditions
  • Entries close on 31 October 2012. Winner will be contacted by us in Nov 2012 and will be announced here on FishMax.com.au.
  • You may enter as many times as you want.
  • The winner will receive a FishMax T-Shirt worth $29.95.
  • Only entries posted in the comments section below 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. 
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Monday, September 24, 2012

Delicious Pepper Fish Recipe

We're always looking for easy fish recipes, and recently came across Annette Sym's "Symply Too Good To Be True" series. Annette's been kind enough to let us reproduce some of these great Australian fish recipe's and here's the first - a simple Pepper Fish Recipe from book 6

Get that Salt and Pepper Calamari Taste with Fish!



Ingredients

1 egg white
¼ cup skim milk
¾ cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons crushed garlic (in jar)
2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves finely chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
4 x 150g firm fish fillets (boned)
cooking spray

Method
On a dinner plate beat egg white and milk together. In a medium size mixing bowl place all other ingredients except fish and cooking spray. Mix together well (you may find using your fingers will help). Place crumbs onto another dinner plate then dip fish in egg mix and then coat with breadcrumbs.

Coat a large non-stick pan generously with cooking spray. Before placing fish into pan generously spray top of each piece of fish with cooking spray. Place sprayed side down into heated pan. Cook 3 minutes. Spray top of fish with cooking spray then turn fish carefully to avoid breaking and cook for 3 minutes. To know when fish is cooked through, check if the inside of the fish is white. If you see pink, this means the fish is not cooked through yet.

Not suitable to be frozen.

SERVES: 4

Nutritional Information
PER SERVE


FAT
TOTAL
7.5g

SATURATED
2.3g
FIBRE

1.6g
PROTEIN

36.9g
CARBS

12.4g
SUGAR

1.9g
SODIUM

321mg
KILOJOULES

1116 (cals 266)
GI RATING

Medium














Note from Annette
I know how popular salt and pepper calamari is so I thought I could imitate that slightly with this fish recipe. I couldn’t use salt as it would make the sodium count too high and who needs it anyway as the flavours come from the pepper. My low-fat chips in book 1 complement this recipe beautifully.

Dietitian’s Tip
Once more Annette has developed a great tasting low-fat alternative to a traditionally high-fat meal. Crumbed fish is always a favourite with the whole family and this one is healthy!

Annette’s cookbooks SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE 1-6 are sold in all good newsagencies. Visit Annette’s website www.symplytoogood.com.au for more tips and recipes and to check out her new SYMPLY SLIM & HEALTHY MENTORING PROGRAM. You can also join Annette’s page at Symply Too Good FACEBOOK.