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Recently I was lucky enough to be invited on a guided fishing tour at Tuross, NSW with none other than renowned guide Stuart Hindson. Stuart and his Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures have been guiding up and down the NSW South Coast for numerous years and specialise in monster Flathead, Mulloway, Bream, Snapper, Tailor, Whiting and Estuary Perch. Since Tuross had reopened to the sea I had been meaning to get down for ages, and being guided by Stuart here I was all set for a great day on the water.
Departing Canberra at 5am for a 7:30am hook-up was a little taxing on the body but the mind was keen and the drive easy enough. Good friend Tim Allard had been guided here before and filled us in on the experience. We met our guide at the boat ramp and climbed onboard his survey vessel with an air of expectancy. We were informed of the tide, moon phase and what we would target for the day.
Every species was still on the cards but we started by targeting Mulloway in 6 - 8m of water. Throwing large Squidgy Fish plastics on fast sinking heads the technique was similar to blading, except with a more pronounced hop. Bait was getting smashed by Tailor and there were quite a few massive bust-ups just out of casting reach. It was interesting getting information relayed second hand (I.e. : Direct from sounder to casting deck), we covered water far better and more efficiently with the boats length than I could from a kayak.
Unlucky not to hook a Jew we pushed on to target Flathead, downsizing plastics and jig head selection. The area we stopped at looked fishy enough, but to me it was one of those places you move quickly through and give no second thought of returning to ( Here is where guided knowledge really came in handy). Super schools of bait were present and in turn predatory fish holding underneath, the drift, drop off and tidal change all had an effect on how the following hours would unfold.
Plenty of Flathead were hooked and landed including a couple of sizable specimens. With the area being so full of bait plastics were upsized and the results increased. Almost on cue they came alive and devoured the larger profile, making for some exciting takes and hook sets. Setting the hook on a Flathead take is something I'm not used to doing, along with standing on the deck of a boat casting away. With the guide explaining the importance of striking firmly, along with retrieve, when indicated we flew the rod tips skyward with impressive results.
Tim was keen to target Bream in the shallows so Stuart took us to a great looking bank. Unfortunately conditions had somewhat glassed out and the wind had dropped to almost zilch, making the fish a little spooky. Covering the length of bank slowly the three of us worked similar lures right in the shallows and along the weed bed, landing some average specimens. Moving around to some islands Tim hooked a monster and landed a very nice Bream, photos ensued and our time on board drew to an end.
What I really enjoyed about the guided experience was the information freely dished out with a laid back approach, not too steely but with just enough exertion to improve results. Stuart is infamous for his pleasant demeanour and expert knowledge he looked to have enjoyed the day as much as we had. I couldn't possibly cover all the areas and techniques he employed to us at Tuross without writing a novel but I thoroughly recommend a day on the water with his service, experienced angler or not.
More information on Aussie Fish Estuary Adventures, click on the link below:
http://www.ausfishing.com.au/
