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YOUR FISHING LICENCE FEES AT WORK IN LAKE WENDOUREE
by Bradley 29th Dec 2010

Freshwater anglers at Lake Wendouree have plenty to celebrate now the lake is full, trout stocking has resumed and two fishing platforms built with licence revenue can now be used.
The City of Ballarat built the northern Durham Point fishing platform many years ago, followed by another one at St Patrick’s Point, completed in 2006 when the lake was dry.
Both fishing platforms were built using $78,386 from the Recreational Fishing Grants Program, which reinvests money from the sale of fishing licences into projects that improve angling opportunities.
Built over dense bank side vegetation, the St Patrick’s Point fishing platform ensures land-based anglers have access to the deeper sections of the lake and enjoy clear casting to open water.
These platforms contribute to a broader rejuvenation program in the Lake Wendouree precinct.
With both platforms providing access for all, the City of Ballarat is improving visitor facilities for the lake, focusing on path, bridge and beach access points.
Revenue received from the sale of recreational fishing licences has also been used to stock Lake Wendouree once again.
Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, said the high lake level and improved water conditions allowed the release of 90,000 rainbow trout fry in November.
“We are looking forward to restoring Lake Wendouree to its former glory as one of Victoria’s most popular and productive trout fisheries,” Mr Hurst said
Since its inception in 2001, the Recreational Fishing Grants Program has funded over 345 projects, worth more than $13.5 million.
For more information about how angling licence fees are being spent to improve fishing opportunities visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/feesatwork or ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.


Restocking hooks anglers more rainbow & brown trout
by Bradley 22nd Dec 2010

More than 187,000 trout have been stocked into formerly drought-affected lakes and reservoirs across Victoria, thanks in part to $231,000 from fishing licence revenue. Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree received the majority of 90,000 rainbow trout fry stocked in November while another 75,000 brown trout fry will be released into waterways around the state this month. Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, and responsible for fisheries,said a large number of small trout had been sourced at short notice from the Department of Primary Industries’ own hatchery at Snobs Creek and other private trout hatcheries in northeast Victoria. “We have been fortunate to find so many trout available, given few growers had anticipated such a wet season after many years of lower than average rainfall,” Mr Walsh said. “To have so many lakes fill with water in one year, and to stock them so quickly, exceeded most freshwater anglers’ expectations.” Mr Walsh said anglers could look forward to improved fishing over the next few years with an increase in funding under the Coalition Government. “The Baillieu-Ryan Government has committed to returning all the revenue raised from the sale of recreational fishing licences to the industry for infrastructure works, stocking and education programs,” Mr Walsh said. “In addition, we will increase funding to the industry by $4 million over the next four years.” Other stockings into recovering waters include: . 4,000 into Greenhill Lake, near Ararat, and 2,000 into Lake Beaufort . 15,000 into Cairn Curran Reservoir near Maldon . 3,000 into Teddington (Top) Reservoir and 1,500 in Teddington (Bottom) Reservoir . 10,000 into Hepburn Lagoon and 7,000 into Newlyn Reservoir . 2,000 into Deep Lake at Derrinallum . 4,000 into Barkers Creek Reservoir, Harcourt, in addition to 1,000 stocked in June . 10,000 into Rocklands Reservoir, Balmoral, in addition to 5,000 stocked in July . 10,000 into Tullaroop Reservoir, Carisbrook …/2 . 10,000 into Tooliorook Lake, Lismore . 5,000 into Bostock Reservoir at Ballan . 5,000 into Lake Bolac . 4,000 into Batyo Catyo Lake at Rich Avon . 5,000 into Lake Burrumbeet, near Ballarat Fisheries Victoria executive director Anthony Hurst said while the trout stocking season was drawing to a close, preparations were underway for the beginning of native fish stocking season. “Several recovering lakes will receive Murray cod and golden perch this summer, so it’s an exciting time now the rain has finally come,” Mr Hurst said. For more about fish stocking visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing


Sooties of Eungella
by Bradley 19th Dec 2010

We all have a species or style of fishing that rings our bell. For me it’s sooty grunter and fishing crankbaits in timber, and it’s was during a shoot for an up and coming The Fishing DVD issue 23 episode that I got to indulge both. Fishing Eungella Dam near Mackay Shannon Watson and I got to experience impoundment sooty fishing about as good as it gets.

The process was straight forward, throw 2 ½” shallow and deep crankbaits to standing and laydown timber, slow roll it back and wait for the fish to nail the rattling intruder.

While the lure and retrieve was nothing new our choice of tackle, namely the rod, reel and line had somewhat of a new twist on it. Using a combination of spin and baitcaster gear, it was the Steez and Tournament Master-Z guided ranges that did most of the work. The low modulus Steez Tornado was perfect for the treble armed lures we were using while the Tournament Master Z-G Flats Master was matched up with the new 201 Cerates and Steez spinning reels. These outfits were dynamite at muscling XOS sooties away from their snags.

Baitcaster outfits followed a similar trend with the Steez Blitz and Tournament Master Z-G Topwater Tapdancer used when we were looking for a bit more grunt. These were matched up with the Steez 103 and new Zillion 100H-DA Type R baitcasters.

All the reels were also spooled up with Daiwa’s latest super fine braid, the Tournament Hyper PE and this was the first time it was used on film and it lived up to all expectations, delivering super smooth casting and A1 pulling power.

Simon Goldsmith ABT

Look out for this story in the upcoming Fishing DVD, for more information go to – www.thefishingdvd.com.au


Fishing World’s, Sami Omari and the Saltiga 2010
by Bradley 19th Dec 2010

I don’t think I’ve worked an outfit as hard as I did this latest premium offering from the Daiwa stable. Battling the local kingfish populations saw plenty of decent kings caught off Sydney using the outfit however a recent jigging trip to New Zealand really saw the new 2010 Saltiga 4500 and Hiramasa 60SF rod solidly put to the test. With an abundance of large fish readily available, the outfit was pushed to the hilt on a number of occasions with a hand intermittently clamped onto the spool in an attempt to stop any marauding kingfish which ate a jig only a few metres from the bottom.

The new Saltiga is a smooth operator – the drive mechanism has an effortless feel to it which is smoother than its predecessor while the aesthetics and styling are attractively sharp. One of the new features is the Zaion rotor utilising a carbon composite material as opposed to the metal rotor found on previous models. Before anyone jumps to conclusions I can report that the rotor flex on the new Saltiga is insignificant and from the testing on those brutish kings it can easily withstand a fully locked drag plus a hand jamming the spool in an attempt to stop bruising big kings from finding the reef. The drag on the new Saltiga was smooth at all settings, yielding line with seemingly little start up inertia when fished lightly or screwed right down towards maximum drag.

The reel has been exposed to the elements in the months I have had it with some heavy seas seeing it bombarded with salt water to the point where it was practically submerged  however the mag seal and all round weather sealing sees this reel fully waterproof and functioning as freely as the day I laid hands on it.

Complimenting the new 2010 Saltiga 4500 is the Saltiga Hiramasa 60SF which again looks and feels different to its predecessor. Titanium framed silicon K guides feature on the rod whilst the electric blue highlights coupled with striking butt configuration give this rod a significant boost in the styling department. More importantly however this rod is a classy performer, exhibiting a parabolic action with a more pronounced application of power when under load. The tactile feeling of the exposed blank section draws attention to the 3D carbon design concept introduced in the new Saltiga; whilst the rod is thin, light and parabolic it retains integrity under load, maintaining a comfortable fighting arc and considerable lifting power even when under extreme loads which were encountered on a number of occasions.

This outfit is the flagship offering from the Daiwa stable, a premium product offering superior performance at a premium price point. I threw caution to the wind and gave the outfit an honest test on some hideously angry kingfish while allowing the reel to be bombarded by the prevailing seas. The outfit not only passed with flying colours but excelled as a light but lethal jigging outfit when loaded with PE5 line and fished with 200 gram jigs – it was comfortable to jig with all day and comfortable when pushed to its limits, which is as you would expect from a product carrying the Saltiga name.

Sami Omari


Murray Cod Return To Charlegrark
by Bradley 14th Dec 2010

Murray cod have made a welcome return to West Wimmera’s Lake Charlegrark after an 11 year
absence thanks to some foresight and careful planning more than a decade ago.

The commercial harvest of other fish species from a nearby lake, salvaged as the region’s
wetlands dried out in 1999, have funded the Murray cods’ return tickets.

This week, 300 Murray cod were released in Lake Charlegrark, a popular recreational lake at
Minimay near the Victorian/South Australian border.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Anthony Hurst said the stocking was carried out by
Fisheries Officers from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in conjunction with members of
the Wimmera Angling Association.

“Before the big dry, lakes in this area were popular fishing spots including nearby Lake
Booroopki, an iconic Murray cod recreational fishery.

“When Lake Booroopki began drying out in the late 1990s, local anglers agreed to let the lake be
harvested by a commercial fisherman who relocated any Murray cod and sold other fin-fish.

“Funds from this sale were placed in a trust fund, which is now being used to stock nearby Lake
Charlegrark.

“Thanks to the forward thinking of the local angling community we have, after all these dry years,
finally been able to bring the icon species back to the region.

“The Murray cod that have been stocked are yearlings weighing 150-200 grams each and
measuring 15-20 cm.

“They are expected to reach breeding maturity within three to four years and the legal minimum
length size of 60 cm within four to six years, depending on lake conditions.

“Murray cod are an important species in this region and their return will enhance both the social
and economic fabric of the community,” Mr Hurst said.


Bass Fishing at Lake Glenbawn
by Bradley 14th Dec 2010

As a parent, I think it’s natural that we secretly hope that our children will share our passions.  I think it is also one of the greatest privileges to watch them as they succeed in their endeavours.

So as a keen fisherman, you can imagine how proud I was to fish a Bass Tournament with my 10 year old Daughter, Anja, and to watch her land her first Australian Bass.  The following are her own words as she recounts our weekend on the water together.

Last weekend my family and I drove to Lake Glenbawn.  There was a Bass fishing tournament taking place and I went to fish with my Dad, Greg Seeto and his friend Josh Carpenter.  I’ve fished in a tournament with Dad before, but I was very excited because this was my first Bass tournament and I am always asking Dad when I can fish another comp with him.

We entered the tournament as Team Daiwa. Each morning we got up at 5.00am to be on the water for the start at 6am.  We fished for 8 hours on Saturday and for 5 hours on Sunday.  Brad from Daiwa lent me a D-Shock and a Royalcast rod and reel for the weekend and I caught my first ever Bass on Saturday.

Josh kept telling me to cast as close to the edge as possible and wind my lure past the trees and weed in the water. I caught my fish on a spinnerbait in clear water, using the D-Shock rod and reel.  Dad was so excited.

Listening at the weigh in, a lot of the people caught their Bass on spinnerbaits.  I was so proud of myself because this was the first Bass I have ever caught and it was the second biggest out of the three we caught on the first day.  I didn’t catch any fish on Sunday, but I still caught more than Dad.  Luckily Josh caught two for us.  So our total for the weekend was 5 out of a possible 8, not bad considering Dad and I don’t go Bass fishing very often.

I had a great but very tiring weekend.  It was cool to try the 2 new rods and reels as well.  The D-shock is like my other fishing rods that Dad taught me to use, but the Royalcast was easier to cast. I love to fish with Dad and can’t wait till we do another tournament together.

If you’re looking for a fishing combo for the kids, the D-shock and the Royalcast are great inexpensive options, depending on the level of experience of the children.

D-shock is a spin outfit with many features found in Daiwa’s high end reels, including ABS, Twistbuster and Digigear.  The Royalcast reel on the other hand is a Spincast reel, perfect for kids.  Available in a matched rod and reel combo it will assist with line management, reducing tangles and allowing for easy casting.

Greg Seeto

www.lureandfly.com


New Spellbinder Series just landed!
by Bradley 13th Dec 2010

The new Spellbinder rod series has just landed and will be in stores later this week.

Ultra fast, ultra light, ultra powerful… that’s the easiest way to describe the all new Spellbinder series. Designed on Daiwa’s latest new concept blank designs which introduces a blank that is amazingly light and fast at a price that has never before been seen in Australia.

Built with the finest components like Fuji K guides, Daiwa reel seats and ultra tough EVA grips available the Spellbinder series is the ideal choice for the serious angler.


Vic Fishing Licenses Funding New Projects
by Bradley 13th Dec 2010

Revenue from the sale of recreational fishing licences continues to fund projects that
improve angling opportunities throughout Victoria, with a further 14 grants provided
through the Small Grants Program.

Half of the projects involve promoting recreational fishing to children through active
participation while others focus on research and minor infrastructure development.

Since its launch in March 2010, the Small Grants Program has funded 45 projects worth
more than $141,000. The program is open year round for small grants up to $5,000.

Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, said the 14 projects ranged from
junior clinics in regional centres to education products aimed at increasing awareness of
revised regulations.

The 14 projects are:

•
$5,000 to assess fish populations in the Anglesea River after recent fish deaths
•
$4,960 to conduct a ‘Junior Fishing Day’ event at Corinella Jetty
•
$4,560 to evaluate pipi stocks in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
•
$2,500 to co-fund 2,000 pipi buckets to promote the reduced bag limit at Cape
Liptrap Coastal Park
•
$4,500 to conduct a ‘Learn to Fish’ convention at Lakes Entrance
•
$3,950 to conduct a ‘Mates Day on the Bay’ fishing event
•
$3,664 to conduct six ‘fishing for diversity’ events at Barwon Heads
•
$3,400 to conduct a ‘Family Fishing Day’ at the 2011 St Kilda Festival
•
$2,965 to replace parts of the fishing platform at Deep Lake Recreation Reserve
•
$1,900 to conduct a ‘Student Fishing Day’ at the Curdies River
•
$1,975 to conduct a ‘Junior Fishing Clinic’ at Lake Boga
•
$1,530 to conduct a ‘Junior Angler Workshop’ at Kyabram
•
$1,215 to co-fund a pilot program to install fishing line disposal bins at 21
locations around Port Phillip Bay and
•
$1,425 to conduct a Family Surf Fishing tuition day at Venus Bay.
“These projects are terrific examples of ‘your fishing licence fees at work’ to improve
recreational angling opportunities and I encourage any organisation to consider applying
for a grant,” Mr Hurst said.

Since its inception in 2001, the Recreational Fishing Grants Program has funded over
345 projects worth more than $13.5 million. For more information or to apply for a Small
Grant, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/feesatwork


This Week on Hooked with Dave Butfield
by Bradley 12th Dec 2010

On this weeks show Dave’s back in Victoria fishing Port Phillip Bay for snapper. He hooks up with Matt  from Real-Time Fishing charters. Dave has a unbelievable day fishing with snapper after snapper coming over the side. Also Dave shows you all the techniques in catching this magnificent fish on bait and soft plastics. Dave also shows you just how well the Daiwa tournament Masters Z interline rods work on snapper.

Hooked with Dave Butfield can be seen on the Aurora TV network. For more information go to www.hookedtv.com.au


New Horizons for Bass in Victoria
by Bradley 9th Dec 2010

Freshwater anglers are set to benefit in years to come thanks to an expanding Australian bass
stocking program that released over 100,000 fingerlings into seven Gippsland waters, including
three rivers for the first time.

Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, said recent advances in the genetic
knowledge of Victorian bass stocks confirmed Gippsland bass are essentially one stock rather
than several, as previously thought.

“This means broodstock bass from many Gippsland catchments within their natural range can
now be used when breeding fingerlings, which has increased broodstock collection opportunities
and consequently, fingerling production,” Mr Hurst said.

“Australian bass are a highly regarded sportfish and these stockings cement the Department’s
commitment to developing new fisheries for this species.

“Stocked bass fisheries in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland have proved
very successful so we are keen to ensure that Victorian anglers get the opportunity to enjoy bass
fishing.

“Lake Glenmaggie, near Heyfield, received 22,000 bass while Blue Rock Reservoir, near Moe,
received 15,000.

“These two lakes were stocked last summer with 30,000 and 22,000 bass respectively so we will
have consecutive year-classes in the water, which is ideal.

“The Macalister River below Lake Glenmaggie was stocked with 4,000 bass while Lake
Narracan received 20,000.

“New to the list of waters to receive Australian bass fingerlings are the Mitchell, Avon and
Thomson rivers, which contain low density populations of wild bass, some of which have been
used to breed the fingerlings being stocked.

“The Mitchell River received 15,000 bass, the Avon 15,000 and the Thomson 11,000 at Cowarr
Weir.

“These bass fingerlings are about 1 gram and 3cm long when released and are expected to take
several years to reach the legal minimum length of 27cm.”

The expanded bass stocking program has benefited from extensive broodstock collection by
researchers from the Arthur Rylah Institute (DSE) and is well supported by VRFish, Native Fish
Australia and local Gippsland anglers.

For more information about fish stocking visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing


Daiwa Bream Australian Open
by Bradley 7th Dec 2010

The Daiwa BREAM Australian Open has been renovated to provide an opportunity usually reserved for anglers fishing the final day of a BREAM Super Series or BREAM Grand Final event. This year, it’s an individual event. You versus fish on one of Australia’s greatest tournament arenas.
Featuring a 100% cash payback, fantastic prizes from Daiwa and the ability to earn BREAM Rankings points at the same rate as in the Grand Final, we’re sure that the best of the best breamers will be keen to test themselves. Man versus fish!

For more information go to – www.bream.com.au


Kids fishing day with Al McGlashan
by Bradley 7th Dec 2010

Al McGlashan ran one of the most successful kids fishing days recently, hosted by the Sydney Game Fishing Club with kids combo’s supplied by Daiwa. Here’s the letter of appreciation from the SGFC President, Steve Warne.

Hi Al

I would like to show my appreciation in conveying many a good wish that was expressed from Eighty excited juniors and there accompanying parents who attended the recent Sydney Game Fishing Club Junior Fishing Clinic Day.

Sydney Game Fishing Club through means of support and goodwill from sponsors with special mention to Diawa in providing Twenty Five Rod & Reel combo’s that were subsequently handed out along with individual junior bags helped demonstrate the involvement and commitment that is necessary in providing the guidance and nurturing of upcoming youth in the form of Juniors who we consider to be the very foundation and future to all concerned.

Many thank you letters and emails showing appreciation where sent into the club by both the juniors and parents with many good stories recounted particularly in light of the fact that for the greater majority of these juniors attending it was their first experience in catching and releasing a fish.

The Junior Fishing clinic was a resounding success for SGFC particularly in regards  to the encouragement and participation shown in family involvement to fishing in general , and resulted in many accolades and well wishes from various institutions and Government authorities with post  discussions held between SGFC members agreeing in it being the best received community event that has ever been held in Sydney Game Fishing Club’s Proud long History and to that aim on behalf of SGFC  I also would like to convey my appreciation and well wishes to both yourself and Brad Sissins of Diawa in respect to both your contribution in the day’s events.

Steve Warne

SGFC President

For more information on Al go too – www.almcglashan.com.au

For more information on Sydney Game Fishing Club go too – www.sgfc.com.au


New Certate Hi Gear released today!
by Bradley 6th Dec 2010

Daiwa is proud to release its brand new high speed versions of the most advanced spinning reel ever developed…the Certate Hi Gear Custom. for more information check it out in the reel section.


This Week on Hooked with Dave Butfield
by Bradley 6th Dec 2010

On this weeks show Dave heads to Victoria to a beautiful location called Sandy point. He catches up with Ryan from anything fishing charters and heads out to chase the famous VIC Whiting. Also on the show Dave shows you how to catch nippers on the sand flats using a yummy pump. It is a fantastic show with lots actions tips and techniques, that’s next time on hooked with Dave Butfield

Hooked with Dave Butfield can be seen on the Aurora TV network. For more information go to www.hookedtv.com.au


Saltiga LD large models just arrived!
by Bradley 3rd Dec 2010

The 35, 40 and 50 size model have just arrived and will be shipped to stores early next week.

Over the past decade Saltiga reels have built an enviable reputation as the strongest reels ever developed, reels that set a standard that can only be surpassed by developing new technology and introducing new models. In 2010 Daiwa introduces their finest ever developed lever drags, the Saltiga LD series.

With the durability and performance expected from a Saltiga the new LD series is built upon a precisely machined aluminium fame and sideplate for unmatched strength. This super strong frame supports a massive stainless steel helical cut gear system that produces optimum power and ultra smooth winding power. Match this with Daiwa’s finest ever lever drag system – UTD (ultimate tournament drag) and you have incredible fish stopping power and when the going gets tough the one touch gear shift allows you to change gears fluently for low down power or ultra fast hyper speed cranking.

Built to handle the toughest fish that swim the new Saltiga LD series is the ultimate in compact lever drags.