Thursday, February 20, 2014

What do do when the wind picks up?

There is nothing worse then spending a couple of weeks planing a trip out on the boat only to have the wind come up and blow all your dreams of a great catch away.

Unfortunately this happens far to often, but we've come up with a way to take your mind off the disappointment when landside. Paintballing!



With over 30 paintballing sites Australia wide, the leader in this fun packed warfare simulation sport is The Ministry of Paintball. Check out how much fun you can have at their website.

And even better, we've got 8 amazing VIP entry passes (valued at $45 each) to give away to a lucky FishMax reader. Simply email paintball@fishmax.com.au and tell us why you and 7 mates should get these tickets. Hurry, entries close Midnight March 6, 2014.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Honda's new BF80 and BF100 ready to go


New Honda Outboards Ready for Business
Honda has unveiled its much-anticipated BF80 and BF100 outboard engines, further reinforcing the brand as a leader in the four-stroke market.
The release coincides with Honda Marine’s 50-year anniversary, which is being celebrated throughout 2014.
The new 80 and 100hp outboards incorporate Honda’s world-renowned technologies. With lightweight and compact designs, these new engines provide optimum levels of performance whilst ensuring excellent fuel economy.
The sleek, streamline design fits and compliments any customer choice of boat, maximising their boating experience.
The BF80 / BF100's 1.5L, SOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine is inspired by the same engine that powers one of Honda's best-selling motor vehicles, the 'Jazz'. A range of Honda-exclusive technologies combine to deliver exceptional power, superior environmental performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

Both new models incorporate BLAST™ – Honda’s advanced ignition timing control system, which significantly improves hole-shot performance; ECOmo™ – a sophisticated fuel control system that contributes to the engines’ excellent fuel economy; and VTEC (BF100), which provides more top end power while maintaining optimum fuel economy.

An optional Trolling Control function allows precise control of engine speed, with adjustments in 50rpm increments from 650rpm to 1000rpm, which is ideal for various styles of fishing and slow speed manoeuvres.

Honda's new BF80 and BF100 are also NMEA2000 compliant, allowing engine-to-electronics data communication to deliver engine management and performance data to compatible marine electronics displays.

The new engines can also be networked with Honda's VeeThree multi-function digital gauges. Designed to provide a comprehensive range of information to users, the gauges also feature Honda's unique Eco light, which indicates when ECOmo™ mode is in operation (for best fuel efficiency during cruising).
Ever since the introduction of the first four-stroke outboard in 1964, the GB30, Honda has pioneered the development of four-stroke in line with founder Soichiro Honda’s philosophy that “products that are used on the water should not pollute the water”. 50 years later, Honda is still a pioneer in the four-stroke industry, incorporating cutting-edge technology in its engines.
The BF80 and BF100 are available now through Honda Australia’s network of Authorised Marine Dealers. To locate your nearest dealer, visit http://dl.hondampe.com.au or call (03) 9270 1111. For more information on Honda Marine please visit http://marine.honda.com.au.
Ends

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Bar Crusher’s big rigs now lighter to tow



Australian plate aluminium boat manufacturer Bar Crusher continues to lead the charge in trailer boat innovation with the introduction of a new series of custom-designed alloy trailers.

Available as an option with the 615, 670, 680, 730 and 780 hull series, the premium-quality alloy trailers shed up to 150kg off the average tow weight on the larger models.

Bar Crusher director Peter Cleland said the alloy trailer option again lifted the bar to a new level, by offering a range of lightweight, high-quality trailers under Bar Crusher’s range of high-performance sportfishing boats.

“All Bar Crusher boats are factory-packaged on custom-designed trailers to deliver the ultimate boating experience on the water, at the ramp and on the highway,” Mr Cleland said.

“For people who consider tow weight a limiting factor in their purchasing decision, Bar Crusher’s new alloy trailer series provides a workable solution to owning the boat they really want.

“Just like Bar Crusher’s range of galvanized steel trailers, the new alloy trailer design ensures the boat self-levels and self-aligns, so the boat can be driven on and hit the winch post first time, every time… even my young kids can do it!”

Specifically engineered for each boat to ensure maximum support and stability, Bar Crusher’s alloy trailers are more heavily constructed than most other alloy trailers on the market. With heavy duty 190mm beam rails, the trailers feature torsion bar axles, stainless steel callipers and vented rotors. The full keel roller system incorporates sleeves in the polyurethane rollers for less rolling friction at the ramp, while a premium winch ensures the boat is held securely while on the road. Alloy wheels, heavy duty swing-up jockey wheel, and fully-sealed and waterproof LED lights are standard on every trailer.

The new alloy trailers also incorporate Bar Crusher's Bar Catch™ launch/retrieve system, to ensure a hassle-free experience at the ramp.


Bar Crusher Boats – (03) 9792 2999 or visit: barcrusher.com.au
Bar Crusher leads the industry in design excellence and quality to produce the most advanced plate aluminium boats on the market. Incorporating exclusive innovations such as Quickflow™ – water ballast technology; Rigideck™ – engineered sub-floor system; and Waveslicer™ – smooth non-pounding hull design, Australian-made Bar Crusher boats are renowned for their superior performance.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Fishing the Long Paddock

“The solution to any problem –work, love, money, whatever –is to go fishing, and the worse the
problem, the longer the trip should be.” so said American writer and fisherman John Gierach.  The
Long Paddock can certainly provide some solutions  - if not for all your worries then at least to
finding some of the best fresh water fishing in Australia. 

It is fitting that December 1 marks both the opening of the Murray Cod season and the beginning of
summer. For many visitors on The Long Paddock the two go hand in hand. Long summer days spent
trying to catch the elusive Murray Cod  across the Darling, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Edward and
Murray Rivers.  It seems they are the perfect bait for anglers from across Australia to try their luck in
the iconic brown waters of NSW. 

For many fisherman (and women) the annual fishing competitions in the region provide a great
excuse to get away from it all with the promise of coming home with some great prizes. The
Deniliquin XXXX Fishing Classic is recognised as one of the best and biggest in NSW. The two day
event (15 – 16 February ) is held on the Edward River and this year promises to be better then ever
with three boats on offer as prizes and an extra 20km of river to fish. 

The Mathoura Fishing Classic is also one for the diary. With over $40 000 in prizes this family friendly 
event, now in its 15th
 year is a great way to get the kids hooked.  From Friday 28 February to Sunday
2 March the little township on the Murray River uses the funds raised to restock the river each year. 

Like many country towns, the annual Hay Fishing Competition, this year held on 22-23 March also
serves as a fundraiser for the local AFL & Netball club.   The competition is all about fun and a chance
to fish some of the prettiest parts of the Murrumbidgee River.  

Each of the towns swell in population as anglers from all over NSW, Victoria and even Queensland
try and land the big one, with most hoping to hook a Murray Cod.  

For those who like to fish away from the crowd, the Billabong Creek at Wanganella, the longest
creek in Australia,  is just perfect for a weekend away. The Wanganella Creek Camp has great
facilities for camping or the caravan and access to some of the best fishing along the route.   The
Darling River at Wilcannia also provides some brag worthy fishing experiences.

Fishing is a way of life on The Long Paddock and all of the towns and villages are set up to meet your
fishing needs from bait to license. Although you might struggle to get the directions to the best
fishing spot from the locals, they will happily listen to your stories once the day is done.  


About the Long Paddock- Cobb Highway Touring Route
 
The Long Paddock – Cobb Highway Touring Route follows The Cobb Highway (named for the famous
coach company) from Echuca Moama on the Victorian border, through to Wilcannia leading to the
iconic outback towns of Bourke, Broken Hill and White Cliffs.

The Long Paddock includes 47 road side information panels, located at various sites of significance
along the route. These tell the stories and history of the region in words and images and are a great
way to get to know the area.

Five great rivers, major museums, National Parks, Red Gum forests, wetlands and waterways, the
flattest, natural open plains on Earth and one of the world’s oldest geological landmarks – welcome
to The Long Paddock.

www.thelongpaddock.com.au