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FISHING with Rob Paxevanos (Volume 1, Double DVD Premier Collector’s Edition)
The host of Fishing Australia, Rob Paxevanos, is synonymous with fishing in Australia. Rob is a note worthy fishing journalist who has earned every cent of his notoriety with dedicated fishing knowledge shared with one and all in print, television and more recently DVD’s. Freshly, Rob released a new DVD aimed at keeping people informed on the basics of fishing principles and venturing beyond.
The DVD is a two box set with disc one covering ‘Getting Started’ while disc 2 moves on to ‘Beach, Barra and Billfish’. It’s a genuinely progressive journey with plenty of information sure to educate new and old fishing hands alike. The quote on the back of the DVD sums up the action, some sound sentencing which amps the viewing mood quite nicely.
Disc 1 (Getting Started):
The DVD starts with Rob and his family fishing and exploring some jetty structure on one of many ‘Planks’ available to all on the NSW South Coast. At first it all seems like nothing new, family fishing for bread and butter species. Well the family part was right (With obvious undertones) that can be applied to you and yours, also most of the species caught are as described (Jetty Basics). What makes this segment a little different is the time taken to explain the benefits of looking and searching for fish using berley. Knowing when and where to probe for a catch seems simple after watching Rob’s approach. Using the well known brand Stimulate (With Ultrabite) he coaxes varying species into the cameras view, all whilst putting his two daughters onto above average estuary species like Silver Trevally and Bream.
The family aspect really shines through, which I assume was the sections desired effect. The simple fact of the matter is jetties like these are scattered throughout Australia and are one of the easiest ways of getting you and your family to easily enjoy fishing. Be it a pier, manmade platform, or artificial rock wall the information will be relevant to any area.
Well known Fishing Guide, Captain Kevin Gleed makes a guest appearance along with a dozen or so Flathead and other significant characters. This second section concentrates on fishing for Flathead with soft plastics, plus the rod tips constructive lure selection techniques. Learning to distinguish the traits associated with successful plastic fishing can be a hurdle to most novice anglers. From handling Flathead (Non slip Flathead grip) to learning when to strike, eliminating slack line and rod lifting, the trio (Consisting of Kevin, Rob’s daughter Caitlin and Rob himself) land fish after fish using practiced and publicised methods. Jig head size is explained by Rob (Benefits of weight vs depth) and fishing guide Kevin carefully explains lift, wind and bellying line out. Fishing structure located throughout this segment they encounter Estuary Perch in the snags plus big bruising Bream and Tailor in and around the Oyster leases.
The advantage of line selection (Braid and fluorocarbon) and a demonstration of knots will help the average bear, such as the use of the albright knot over employing others. It’s a good allusion point for any future trips and for some will be worth the price of the DVD alone. Many of us when stating out upgrading to line such as braid had little or no reference material other than books or magazines. The ‘Show and learn’ approach could pay dividends for those looking to try new methods.
The ‘Offshore basics’ chapter everything from catching live bait (Slimy Mackerel and Yellowtail) to choosing an appropriate fishing rod outfit and line/rig selection. It’s an interesting start to the piece with Rob purposely being outgunned on a combo that was no match for the Kingfish they were targeting. After explaining how to top shot the outfit with a much heavier braid the line eventually parts ways (Due to the presence of a hungry seal). I don’t recommend upping line size on a rod rated much lower unless you have relative experience, but persistence pays off and the Fishing Australia medium boat combo comes up trumps (In Rob’s experienced hands). There is lots to see and take in including live baiting for Kingfish (Testament of tackle selection), drifting for Flathead and Snapper (Holding bottom) plus quick and dependable rigs (Basic bottom fishing).
While Rob is on a charter boat its worth mentioning that the rigs and line class can easily be applied in as little as eight metres of water (Maybe even less). The featured rig is as interesting as it is easily adaptable, charter boat skippers know what works and what works well (Along with searching the bottom for gravel and sandy bottoms for specific species). If this section appeals to you the most and you are unfamiliar with fishing offshore I highly recommend utilizing the services of a charter boat. If anything the DVD encourages viewers to band together (The cheapest option) and explore that possibility (Intrinsic or not) in a group you will be pleasantly surprised at the general costing analysis.
Now here is where it gets interesting, after years and years of reading about Rob’s attempts to tackle with Jewfish from a kayak and seeing a few positive results on Fishing Australia, we are treated with contempt. From someone not proclaiming to be a ‘Jewie expert’ we get to witness some quality results. Given the locations are accessible to all it’s worth noting how Rob has nutted out the outcomes in this segment. The beauty of the Hobie Outiftter (For DVD production) is the camera operator can film from the front (Facing backwards) and the angler can comment. Light tackle, perfect weather and unusual rigging choice makes listening worthwhile (Especially when number three is caught).
I own a Hobie Outfitter and find it perfect for South Coast sorties with mates or family members. Jewfish have always eluded me (Mainly due to not actually attempting to fish for them) but after viewing this DVD many times I can tell you it won’t be long (School holidays over soon) till I don some plastics and try to get the missus onto a Jewfish of a lifetime. If the size of the fish doesn’t get you the abundance of piscatorial surroundings surely will. The Eurobodalla South Coast is an easy drive from Canberra and Sydney and the quality fishing (And species) on hand is second to none.
Disc 2 (Barra, Beach and Billfish):
As the title of the second DVD suggests, Rob starts out by visiting Lake Monduran in Queensland and begins to prompt local knowledge from top guide Rob Wood. Lake Monduran is a sticky, snaggy environment that could be more than just problematic to a visiting angler without seeking advice beforehand. The principals offered on the DVD may seem trivial at first but the techniques offered have been refined over years and can be applied to any freshwater impoundment where big Barramundi lurk. The past two years have seen the rise of large plastics on Barra, listening to why (Match the hatch, weedless system, shallower presentation, better hook set) beckons the question why even use a hard bodied lure in a place like Monduran?
The information I took away from the DVD (As a Barra virgin) is anything is possible, particularly if you do your homework. Waiting for the water to heat up, concentrating on windblown areas and researching what bait fish inhabit (Including XOS Bony Bream, Snub Nosed Gar) the area are just some of the tips on offer. The Barramundi is regarded as Australia’s premier sport fish and handling one incorrectly will cause damage to yourself and the fish. They get big, really big so pay attention to the end of the segment, especially if you attempt to target them off anything but a boat.
Being a kayak angler first and foremost I obviously enjoy related chapters more than others. With Rob, Mal Gray, Rob and Tom Wood all fishing from Hobie kayaks while mother shipping off a house boat at once again, Lake Monduran. Rob and Mal land some big fish but this DVD is owned by 10 year old Tom Wood with a 120cm giant caught in the timber at night. With so many factors against him it was a pleasure to watch the young gun come out on top. The area just seems to be built for kayak fishing, no crocs, scattered fishing pressure (With big results in a pristine environment).
Chapter three incorporates saltwater Barramundi this time with a patented trolling technique from an angler referred to as ‘Chicka’. It’s essentially a short line out with numerous whips and dips, all whilst holding your rod. Using neap tides and tiller steer motors to great effect, Rob and Chicka land some feisty Barra (Hooked from behind and below the boat) trolling noisy, hard bodied lures. The techniques success (Apart from angler nous) is put down to buoyant lures and the noise they emit. The water can be deep and dirty and most types of fish have trouble seeing an offering, but little or no trouble feeling and sensing vibrations put out by lures like Storm Thundercranks / Rapala Xraps.
Most of us won’t get a chance to try this technique but it could be adaptable to other styles of fishing (Even for Trout and Natives like Murray Cod). If however you do live in the NT or northern waters of Queensland this could be the segment you have been looking for. Chicka seems to have a high success rate but it has probably cost him a few lures over the years. I can only imagine the lures attached to some of the submerged branches he passes over on a daily basis. Saltwater Crocodiles would put many people off even using a pole style lure retriever to reap lost baits, but as they say unless you’re swimming them in the snags your chances of scoring a dreamtime fish diminish indefinitely.
Everyone can learn a little beach fishing skill from a fisherman like Jack Dart (Everyone except probably my father). Jack and Rob cover tips beneficial to sand anglers in our southern waters, covering our bread and butter species. Talking about times and structure really gets the mind working overtime. Salmon and Tailor prefer to patrol around dawn and dusk and a rising tide, it gives them more water on the beach and more area to cover. Jack gives some handy hints on catching and making beach worms last fresh for longer periods.They also show what areas of the beach hold what species, cover basic rigs and basic gear maintenance.
As mentioned above, everyone can use this segment to refine their approach to beach fishing. Fishing a productive beach with family and friends really can’t be beat; it’s rewarding and relaxing all the same. Our humble Australian Salmon is an underrated sportfish and also worthy of a greater table fare review. Cooked fresh on a BBQ in steaks or chunks (Try allspice or even smashed up salt and vinegar chips) it’s quite appetising, accompany this with some smoky Tailor fillets and you have a saltwater meal fit for a king. Jack Dart guides up and down the Eurobodalla coast, check his services and testimonials out at http://www.boats.com.au.
A season or two ago on Fishing Australia, Rob attempted to tag a Marlin from his kayak (Accompanied by a mothership). He found himself seriously under gunned so has returned with greater gear and support. These escapades from a kayak probably proved to be some of Rob’s most popular stunts (And I do say stunt, don’t try this at home kids). It’s an epic battle with both kayak and gear being pushed to the limit. The Marlin is successfully tagged and the regions tagging program is explained from a basic to a scientific level. It all amounts to curbing abuse, offering recreation anglers a chance to shed some positive light on the species migration routes. It also helps curb unsustainable and professional fishing practices that deplete fish stocks and ruins numerous tourism economies.
I won’t add additional comment on the practice of fishing for Marlin from a kayak, basically because I believe there is an inherent safety risk unless you know what you’re doing. Sure, Rob has a support boat (Aka mothership) that is more than equipped to handle any situation thrown up at a kayak angler, it’s just this won’t be the norm for most of us and attempting to replicate this feat is just sheer lunacy. A member of the Hobie State Fishing Team hooked and landed a 100kg+ Marlin at South West Rock, an effort that took him over 6 hours. He knew what to expect and had gathered enough information and knowhow to keep him out of trouble, much like the obviously skilled Rob.
The last section of disc two involves a feel good story and a nice size Mulloway. Rob and a mate set off to catch a Jewfish using bait, well his mate does as Rob offers advice and dons the camera. Showing that Jewies don’t discriminate on Outfitter colour selection (Just how many of these kayaks do you own Rob!?) they berley up across current and plan on bringing the fish straight to Electrician Garry’s offering. Fishing relatively light in just over eight metres of water, Garry hooks up to a nice fish while Rob coaches and films the action. The result leaves that happy feeling in your gut but also the want to one up Garry. After all, it’s the Eurobodalla coast again, on a kayak again, helping a novice angler again and landing the 112th Jewfish for the DVD (Dont you just want to slap Garry!).
Kayak Fishing Adventures member Craig ‘450’ Coughlan has many of the same areas sussed (Different locations, don’t worry Rob), using his larger powered boat to find holding locations and returning in the kayak when the time and the tide is right. Again I really need to get myself involved in this Jewie caper but till then I will just watch volume one of this DVD series over and over again. What better way to get motivated, numerous Jewfish using copious techniques all from the same kayak (That I and many of you own).
Review Conclusion:
I was pleasantly surprised with this DVD; I think I was a little sceptical at first though. You have to really read a book cover to cover before you can pass judgement, so I took this away on our two week holiday and watched segments when I could. Everyone knows Rob, from his TV show to his appearances in public and various media commitments. Love them or hate them, it takes a certain knack to become an identifiable fishing journalist (And I don’t just mean by sight either). The DVD may initially feel like additional footage (That didn’t make the cut of his TV show) but even then that wouldn’t be a bad thing now would it?
The DVD in parts is infomercial at its best and worst, however the products being exposed to viewers are premium enough to keep ears pricking up and the ‘Tut tut’ finger firmly clenched. Archiving angling information is a favourite pastime of mine; good fishing info should be kept and reviewed often (Usually the horrible weather weekends). Why not start collecting fishing DVD’s and start a library; this would be a perfect initial purchase. The fact this DVDs is available at all good tackle stores around Australia (Including BCF stores) at a decent price is a real bonus.
If you are having trouble locating the DVD, Kayak Fishing Adventures readers can even email Rob direct at dvdvsales@work.netspeed.com.au to help track one down.
