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.