Monthly Archives: April 2015

Beach Fishing Tips – Gear & Tackle – Surf Rigs & Lures

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Beach Fishing TipsThe Facts on Beaches in Australia

Beach Fishing Australian beaches is for many Aussie anglers the most rewarding form of the sport bar none. Why wouldn’t it be? With 36,000km of beautiful Aussie coastline, one could fish the beaches for several life times and still barely scratch the surface, always enjoying an abundance of our most famous sport and table species. A recent publication by Professor Andy Short provides some very interesting facts about Australian beaches that only confirms how blessed we are here down under. In many respects, it is beach fishing in Australia that remains the last bastion of angling exploration. According to Short “Most of the coast is unvisited…I think Australians would be surprised to learn that the typical Australian beach has no name and no access”. This sort of information augers well for the beach angler determined to experience untouched, pristine beach fishing environments. Short goes on to say that “Twenty five per cent of beaches are accessible by car along a sealed road, 14 per cent are accessible by four wheel drive and 55 per cent aren’t accessible at all.” One could argue that ‘access’ should be rated against desire to access. There might not be a road but, a want of roads never stopped the determination to access places yet untouched. Lawson, Blaxland and Wentworth crossed the mountains without a road. The results were historic.

Adventuring sprit aside the average beach angler can access 25% of our beaches in their humble day drive. That’s approximately 9000km of easily accessible beach. The beach angler also enjoys a dizzying array of beach fishing gear and tackle, and beach fishing tips to hit the sand with confidence. Regardless of budget restraints, experience or lack thereof, beach fishing is available to all, is incredibly rewarding and a famous discipline within the sport where you can enjoy access to awesome fish in some of the most picturesque environments Australia has to offer.

Before we look at basic beach tackle, rigs, lures and tips, it should be noted that beach fishing doesn’t necessarily mean surf fishing. There are hundreds of kilometres of Australian beaches that will never see a wave, even in heavy storms. Many Aussie beaches are protected bays or islands and reef. The surface of the water can be as flat and wave action free as a lake or millpond. This fact is important to note as it can alter the species you will find as well as the tactics and tackle employed to catch them. When fishing a flat beach you can fish very light indeed.

Beach Fishing GearBeach and Surf Fishing Gear and Tackle

The modern beach angler will see every fishing rig, combo and set up imaginable on the beach. From a 6ft rod sporting a small 1000 size spinning reel to a full game fishing rig set up to tackle the biggest of sharks the ocean has to offer. Of course, there is everything in between. Volumes could be written about fishing the beach and indeed have been. The key thing to remember is that much of your beach fishing kit will be determined by the location, conditions and the target species.

The most common species beach anglers target are the Tailor, Bream, Flathead, Whiting, Australian Salmon, Dart and Mulloway. Of course depending on where you are in Australia you can include fish such as Mackerel and Trevally. For the purpose of keeping this article concise, the surf fishing tips, surf fishing rigs, lures for the beach and common baits will represent a flexible, general purpose kit that gives you appropriate access to all of these species.

Surf Fishing RodSurf Fishing Rods

Look for rods starting at 10ft up to 12ft and even longer. The key feature of the surf fishing rod will be its casting ability. All the famous brands such as Shimano, Daiwa, Penn and Wilson have a fabulous selection to meet all budget restrictions. The tip here is to get as light as practicable. Holding such a big rod for hours on end can bring on fatigue. Full graphite or composite is best. Spinning rods designed specifically for the beach are the best place to start. Choosing the rating can often be personal preference and depends on whether you want more sport, casting distance, and the size of fish you target. Start at ratings around 3kg and up. This will also be heavily influenced by the reel you choose. It should be noted, if you feel like going old school and traditional and feel you would like to use an Alvey Reel, you must get a low mount surf rod to match. An Alvey is a side cast reel and requires a rod that is designed for the reel. The butt of such rods are very short.Surf Fishing Rods

Surf Fishing ReelsSurf Fishing Reel

With the exception of choosing an Alvey rig, you would usually start with choosing a rod then select a reel to balance. While overhead reels and side cast reels are fine, it is very hard to go past the modern spinning reel. The technology is fantastic and most of the major manufacturers have beach specific designs. Like the rod, the reel should have premium casting qualities, they should be very strong and durable. Sand and surf can wreck a spinning reel very quickly if it does not have the right inclusions. Sealed drag and bearings are nigh on essential, next to its casting attributes. Full graphite reels are excellent in fighting off corrosion and should also top your list.  Keep in mind, while there are beach fishing reels available at very cheap prices, a reel that has all the features you require plus durability, will cost a little more. The common beach fishing reel sizes will of course depend on your rod but as a guide will normally be from 5000 to 14000 size. These would be spooled with mono from 5kg to 10kg. Braid is fine also, and the choice of mono or braid comes down to personal preference.

Surf Fishing Reels

Surf Beach Fishing LuresSurf Fishing Lures

Here are a selection of lures that are tried, tested and very successful on our beaches. For the most part, casting requirements, wave conditions and the wind will determine the most appropriate lure for the day. While there a host of other lures one can use on the beach. These are the most common.

  • Metal slices are just about the best lure for the beach and definitely the most common. They are available in many sizes to match the bait fish your target is eating. Flexible retrieve options and incredible casting qualities make them invaluable.
  • Soft plastics are also very good on the beach. Use a jig head only as large as required for casting purposes. Add some fish attractant to the lure for even better results.
  • When the surf is a little flatter, with little or no wave action, try a popper for spectacular results.
  • Hard bodied minnows are also very good in the surf. Size will be determined by how far you need to cast and they only need be shallow divers.

Surf Fishing Lures

 

Beach RigsSurf Fishing Rigs

Here are a selection of beach fishing rigs that are very simple and very successful. These rigs will handle pretty well all fishable surfside conditions.

  • The classic. For Tailor, Mackerel and Aussie Salmon, run as much weight as required for casting, directly to a gang hook set in sizes 3/0 to 5/0 hooks. Use a snap swivel to connect your line to the hooks, this way you can change hooks quickly and mitigate against line twist. Add a West Aussie Pilchard or Garfish for bait.
  • Connect a lure to your snap swivel and start casting. Nothing is cleaner, simpler and more rewarding.
  • A sinker and swivel connected to a leader of around 50-100cm is a fantastic general purpose rig for all species. The hook size and style will depend on your target. If there are whiting, Flathead or Tailor about, use a long shank. Use only enough lead for casting to your strike zone.
  • A great rig for when the surf is pumping is the good old Paternoster. Sinker styles are variable here but often about holding the bottom to combat lateral sweep. Try a star shape sinker or a grappling style sinker. Single hooks or ganged hooks are great for this rig.

Surf Fishing Rigs

 

Surf Fishing Tips

  • Buying cheap, poor quality equipment to be used on the beach is a false economy. Purchase the best you can afford. Durability in the sand and surf counts.
  • Survey beaches from a high vantage point whenever possible. Check for variations in the water colour for an indication of gutters and holes. A good set of binoculars comes in handy for this. You can also use your high point and binoculars to spot feeding activity on the water.
  • When you feel a Whiting bite at your bait, walk slowly back up the beach to encourage the strike.
  • While a featureless beach while hold fish, always seek out structure. This is where the fish are feeding.
  • Be aware that fish will often feed right at your feet. Casting as far as you can every time will often take your bait or lure straight past the strike zone. Whiting are a classic for this, and often, a throw of just a few meters puts you in the zone.
  • While evening dawn and dusk are the standard times to fish, don’t be afraid to fish a gutter or hole at any time of the day but if you can correspond that with a rising tide around an hour or so before hand till an hour or so after the turn then you will be better prepared for a bite.
  • Just because you’re fishing a beach doesn’t mean you need heavy gear. Depending on weather your beach is calm, Try a 6ft rod with a spinning reel around 2500. Fish 3kg line with fresh flesh baits, like pippi or worms, or soft plastics. The Bream and Whiting love it. The bonus is, when you hook into an Australian Salmon, you’re set for the most wonderful fight you can imagine.

Fishing Tackle Shop  has all your beach fishing gear and tackle at awesome prices. What they don’t have is not worth buying. Stock up now and get out on one of our beaches to catch yourself a feed. Bag out on Bream or tackle a Tailor, just make sure you visit fishingtackleshop.com.au before you go.

Fish Attractant for bait fishing & Lure Scents

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Why Are Fish Attractants and Lure Scents All The Rage?

Below we are going to touch on a couple of subjects including best fish attractant when bait fishing such as the use of berley and we are also going to touch on Fishing lure scent and which ones to buy further down this article.

 

Best fish attractant when bait fishing

burleyMethods for attracting fish are as ancient as the practice of fishing itself. Many a concoction has been created and sworn by as the miracle solution for turning a sluggish fishing day into a bonanza. Unlikely substances like packaged dry dog food, cat food and chicken pellets mixed with a ‘secret’ ingredient are thrown into the water to attract the fish and / or excite them into feeding. Methods of distributing this fish attractant are as varied as the concoctions themselves and dependant on fishing style, location, conditions and target species. For example, green weed or cabbage mixed with sand will attract Luderick. Bread is often used to excite Drummer. Western Australian Pilchards are chopped up by the kilo block and fed into the current to attract just about anything, especially our big pelagic specie s.

The use of ‘Berley’ or fish attractant, is widely accepted as nigh on essential to bring the fish on the chew and keep them there. Commercial fish attractants have been available for decades. Manufactured from fish products, Tuna oil and berley pellets are a couple of the well-known standards.

Fishing Lure Scent  & Which ones are best?

Fish AttractantWith the rise and rise of lure fishing, anglers and manufacturers alike began to think differently about fish attractants, and imparting the perfect scent onto the lure soon became the new innovation pursuit. Science and technology has had an enormous impact on angling innovation. Rods and reels are just part of it. Recently, the technical boffins retired to their labs with a new challenge, to create the best fish attractant, the ultimate fishing bait scents and attach it to your lure. The feedback suggests, it works like magic. Let’s have a look at a couple.

Two of the top competing brands that have taken the market by storm are s factor fish attractant and Sax Scent. There are countless reports of anglers testing these products by casting lures with and without the fish attractant and collating results. The results certainly back up the claims of the manufacturers. Most of the anecdotal evidence and user research suggests that the fish attractant applied to your lure can be the difference between no fish and bagging out. There are many instances where two people will fish side by side, at the same target, with the same lure, technique and rigs. The difference is that the fisherman who uses the fish attractant catches more fish, the other, performs a little more poorly. The angler experiencing the purple patch also experiences far more aggressive attacks and importantly, the fish holds the lure in its mouth longer giving the angler more time to respond and strike.

When Squidgy plastics hit the market, we all remember taking them from the packet, feeling the slippery texture and smelling the aniseed. We also remember the fish smashing them. One complaint however was that the scent washes away quick. Thing is, it was meant to. The scent is meant to be dispersed, ever so gently, into the water. This is how it works. Of course, your lure would run out of scent and you would therefore lose a lure of optimal performance. Responding to this issue, the Squidgy manufactures made and enhanced a better scientifically developed S factor fishing scent available in tubes to be applied and re-applied to any lure. Of course, it sells like hotcakes.

Sax Scent works on exactly the same principle. The solution, which is available in a tube or jar, is applied directly to the lure. Interestingly, Sax Scent comes in different flavours, such as garlic, crab or prawn and others. Sax Scent also incorporates varying fleck colours that reflect light and can imitate the scales falling from a wounded fish.  Just like S Factor, the angler feedback have been very positive.

There is now a huge representation of lure anglers that are so impressed with the latest fish attractants that they won’t leave home without them. The results have been so good there are more brands hitting the shelves. You might also like to try Ultrabite or Big John’s Fishing Scent. You can safely assume though, the ingredients of these magic potions is a closely guarded secret. The thing that is clearly apparent to all, is just how well they work.

So who makes the best fish attractant? There is only one way to find out, that’s buy one of each and start testing. You can rest assured; there can’t be a better experiment.

Shop Here – For our best fishing attractant Scents 

Fish Attractant Scents

Buy Fishing Scents Here

Trout Fishing Australia – Lures, Tackle & Locations

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Brown Trout Fishing AustraliaTrout Fishing in Australia

 

We all acknowledge Australia is blessed with the most superlative salt water fishing the globe has to offer. From beach and ocean rocks to our blue water  paradise, our much treasured and protected aquatic wonderland is a haven for anglers of all disciplines. As if that wasn’t enough, much of South Eastern Australia and, perhaps to a lessor extent, the southern regions of Western Australia, provide excellent freshwater opportunities to keep the trout enthusiasts engaged in their favourite pastime for a life time and beyond. For the trout newbie, a whole new fishing lifestyle and passion is there to be embraced and explored.

From rural rivers and dams to the remotest high country streams, trout fishing in Australia will see you immersed in our countries postcard wilderness. Trout fishing in Australia embodies all we dream and imagine in the sport. It is you, pristine wilderness, the ethereal sounds of forest and stream, the scents of campfire and no one else for miles. It is you, your kit and your wits pitched against hard fighting, wily trout. They’re incredible sport, delicious on the camp grill and the thrill of the search can only be outdone by the strike and ensuing battle.

Our online Fishing Store sells the latest and best trout lures, rods and reels at unrivalled prices. The old hand can restock their trout kit and upgrade their equipment. The novice can select a custom, scratch built outfit and kit then hit the streams, rivers and dams, entering the sport with trusted, quality gear. Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Celta, and Hardy Zenith Fly are just a few of the brands offering outstanding trout fishing equipment. Read on for more information about Australian trout fishing locations, lures and equipment.

A Brief History

Our trout, Brown, Rainbow and Brook, are all introduced species. The 19th Century saw the introduction of these species much to the detriment of many of our fresh water natives. They have adapted well here, particularly the Brown Trout. Such introductions would be impossible in contemporary Australia. Those of us with the trout passion can credit our access to the sport on the dubious biological controls of the past. Despite the trout’s chequered history and the ecological implications of their introduction the trout enjoys nearly protected status. Trout fishing is strongly regulated and our dams and rivers are regularly stocked. The trout is here to stay, the species have adapted and endured, and the continuing Australian passion for the sport ensures we are well supplied with the latest in trout fishing equipment.

How to Catch Trout, Common Methods and Simple Tips

Depending on the location you choose there are a number of popular methods for catching trout. Your approach is likely to be based on your location or of course to your access to travel and purchased equipment. Whatever the case. It is very easy to get started. And there is a method that will suit you.

Fly Fishing: Probably the most recognisable method of trout fishing. Mostly done in streams and rivers where trout are found swimming shallow and attacking the surface. Special casting techniques are required and flies are an art unto themselves. Introduction to the method is often best under experienced guidance. The fly technique can take some time to master, requires patience and great finesse. There are quite a few places that offer lessons. Pflueger and Gillies have great entry level fly fishing rod and reel combos. For the experienced, Hardy Fly Rods and Reels provide the highest of quality.

Casting Lures: In lakes, dams and rivers, casting as you would do it in the salt water. Just add a lure to your balanced spinning rig and start casting lures. This is a very easy way to start the trout battle. Shimano and Daiwa have great light weight, specialised fresh water rods and reels. Be sure to have a selection of lures and lure colours. Different retrieves speeds and techniques can make a huge difference also and can change a sluggish session into thrill a minute. Check out some of the best trout lures listed further below.

Bait Fishing: A sinker and a swivel tied to a leader above a hook. So simple it is perfect. Ideal for lakes and dams, all you need do is add a garden worm to your hook. Look for fresh water reels from Shimano and Daiwa to enhance your trout fishing experience. A 2 to 4kg set up would be ideal.

Trolling: Trolling delivers great results on dams, lakes and in rivers. Check the lures below to see which ones you should purchase. Keep in mind that in certain areas the trout can be very deep, particularly when the sun is bright. A downrigger may become an essential piece of kit for the deeper lakes and dams.

Jigging: Rainbow trout respond well to jigging. Particularly when they are lurking in the depths. This is a great method when the sun is on the river and the fish have left the surface for some protection. Jig the deep holes and remember, jigging is not just for the boaties.

Baits for Trout: Bait fishing is an awesome way to hunt for trout. A fresh water spinning outfit from Daiwa, Shimano Silstar or Okuma provide options for creating an excellent trout fishing rig. Baits are very readily available and include; Garden worms, Wattle grubs, Mudeyes, Cockroaches, Crickets and grasshoppers work well too. Try Live baiting to entice the bigger fish.

Trout Lures

Best Trout Trolling Lures for Lakes and Rivers

  • Rapala Spotted Dog
  • Rapala Ultra-Light Minnow
  • Berkley Power Blade
  • Tassie Devils

Best Trout Lures for Streams

  • The Berkley 3B Fat Dog
  • The Berkley 3B Crank Scum Dog
  • The Rapala Original Floating Minnow
  • Rublex Celta Fishing Lure
  • Berkley Gulp 3 inch minnow
  • Berkley T-Tail Minnow

Best Trout Lures for Lakes and Dams

  • The RMG Scorpion 35
  • The Storm Gomoku stiletto
  • Berkley Powerblade
  • Rapala Original floater
  • Celta lures
  • The Rapala Xrap Series

  SHOP NOW – BUY TROUT LURES HERE

 

Trout Fishing Locations in Australia

There are so many awesome locations for trout fishing in Australia. The list below represents just a handful of the possibilities. You will find Brown Trout just about everywhere. Rainbow Trout are also widely dispersed but not quite as prolific as the Brown. Brook Trout are not as common as its cousins but you will find all of them are fabulous sport fish and all are truly delicious. It is very wise to check the fisheries guidelines for the location you choose to fish as regulations can vary. The list below barely scratches the surface. Google the areas mentioned to find greater detail.

Fishing for Trout in NSW & ACT

  • The New England Region
  • Central Southern Highlands
  • Snowy Mountains
  • Kosciuszko National Park
  • Barrington Tops
  • Gloucester Tops
  • Robertson
  • Goulburn

Fishing for Trout in the Snowy Mountains in NSW

  • Lake Jindabyne
  • Lake Eucumbene
  • Monaro River, lower and Upper
  • Perisher Creek
  • Bobundra Creek
  • Betts Creek
  • Diggers Creek
  • Thredbo River
  • Moonbah River
  • Snowy River
  • Eucumbene River
  • Murrumbidgee River
  • Swampy Plains River – Geehi
  • McLaughlin River


Trout Fishing Victoria

  • Lake Eildon
  • Lillydale Lake
  • Blue Rock Lake
  • Goulburn river
  • Lake Bellfield
  • Lake Wendouree
  • Lake Eppalock
  • High Country

Trout Fishing Tasmania

  • Derwent River
  • Craigbourne Dam
  • Huon River
  • Lake Meadowbank
  • Lake King William
  • Bronte, Bradys and Lake Echo
  • Great Lake
  • Arthurs Lake
  • North Esk and St Pats rivers
  • Lake Barrington

Trout Fishing Western Australia

  • Waroona Dam
  • Harvey Dam
  • Collie River
  • Blackwood River
  • Donnelly River
  • Warren River

Appropriate Trout Fishing Equipment

Trout fishing equipment need not cost you an arm and a leg. The famous brands like Shimano and Daiwa offer fantastic fresh water rods and reels ideal for trout fishing. A rod between 6 and 7 feet rated from 2 to 4kg with spinning reel from sizes 1000 to 3000 will be perfect. Grab a bag of Small Mustad hooks usually size 2 to 6 if you’re using bait, or check the lure selection above.

One of the best investments for standing in a creek or stream are a good pair of waders. Wilson have excellent fishing waders or you could check out the Kokoda Dawn Patrol Waders. Both are fantastic and will keep you dry and just a little warmer for those long spells standing in cold alpine waters.

For those interested in Fly fishing, try Pflueger and Gillies entry level fly fishing rod and reel combos. For the Fly expert and enthusiast, have a look at the Harvey Zenith range of Fly rods. Rumour has it that they are the best trout fishing rods on the market. Check Shimano and Daiwa for a fly reel to match.

Smoked trout are fantastic table fair. To add the culinary touch to your trout fishing expedition, you might like to take a look at the Jarvis Walker Stainless Steel Fish Smoker. You’ll also need smoker sawdust so check out the Tacspo range of smoker sawdust, there are a number of wonderful flavours from which to choose.

You can find all of these on our website by using the handy search tool at the top of our online fishing store. So, what are you waiting for? Buy Trout gear and get out and go fishing!

Penn Battle Reels

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The new series of Penn Battle II reels are one of the most affordable and value for quality reels that I have come across as a retailer of fishing gear in Australia.

One standout feature is that you actually get a full metal body reel for well under $200!

What makes a metal body so good? Well not only does it make the Penn Battle a super durable reel for the fisho that might put it under a little bit of punishment such as a rock fisherman, it also allows the gears to form a much better alignment resulting in smoother and more powerful operation.

Another standout feature of the Penn Battle is the rubber ring that sits around the spool. Penn Reels call it “Superline Spool” and right so as it means that unlike traditional methods if you are the type of fisho that loves a good capacity of braid then now there is no longer a need to use backing to lock the line onto the spool. How many of you have had problemsin the past where you have tied braid direct to the spool only to find out that it slips and you lose drag? Well Penn have solved that issue with the rubber ring on the Penn Battle Reels spool.

Penn Battle Reels come in several sizes to choose from as follows:

Penn Battle 2500 – is asmall sized fishing reel that is going to match well to a 6-7ft rod rated around 2-5kg so trout, bass, bream, whiting anglers are going to love this reel.
See more info about the Penn Battle 2500 Reel.

Penn Battle 3000 – Still a small reel this size is going to suit rods that are around 6ft to 7.5 foot in length – line rating around 3-7kg but what’s more interesting about this size isthat you could also use it on a light luderick rod up to around 10ft also.
See more info on the Penn Battle 3000 Reel.

Penn Battle 4000 – Now we’re getting to the midsized reel that will offer a fair bit of versatility in the fact that you could use this reel as heavy estuary fishing reel to chase tailor or perhaps a small jewfish, you could use it for chasing barramundi or mangrove jack up north, or you could use it as a light surf or offshore fishing reel.
See more information on the Penn Battle 4000 Reel.

Penn Battle 6000 – This is where we are starting to get into a large size reel. Where I would recommend one to use a Penn battle 6000 is on a boat offshore to chase snapper and other reef
fish or perhaps a kingfish, bonito, salmon or tailor on the surface. Same goes for beach and rock fishing – this reel would be the ideal size for chasing all your favourite surf and rock fish species.
See More information on the Penn Batle 6000 Reel.

Penn Battle 8000 – is the beast in the series. So where would you use such a reel? Offshore boat enthusiasts, surf and rock fishos will appreciate this model to be a decent size for holding a good line capacity from mid-heavy line class. Go ahead and use this size reel to target small tuna, kingfish, amberjack, dolphinfish, large reef fish and more.
See More information on the Penn Batle 8000 Reel.

These tough reels come with 5+1 ball bearings, aluminium bail wire, and quality aluminium spool and have advanced engineering resulting in a reel that offers impressive quality for money.

Penn Battle Reels - Shop Now