NSW S.COAST - YAK FISHING LAKES & ESTUARIES

Introduction:

The NSW South Coast is home to some of Australia’s most notable fisheries such as the Tuross, Moruya and Clyde river systems. Since the implementation of the Bateman’s Marine Park came into effect, several of the traditional, well worn fishing destinations are now strictly ‘off limits’. However for the more adventurous among us, numerous creek and lake offshoots branch away from these bothered waterways. Offering superb, stealthy Kayak angling opportunities while distancing themselves from the local populace, these tributaries are just begging to be explored!

From picturesque Durras in the north, down to the distant Wallaga Lake in the far south, scores of unique settings lie along and in-between. Many of these are major tourism drawcards and obtain a heavy angler presence year round, and for good reason too. Being less visited, the other river entities tend to run through and along various National Parks and shires, literally declaring themselves lonely recreational fishing sanctuaries. Some are still commercially fished, some are rarely beleaguered but most will agree the Marine Parks up and down the east coast of NSW are forcing the intrepid Yak Fisher folk to venture outside the box and start fishing the cardboard.


Species:

Discovering these unique waterways is only half the fun, fishing them from the concealment of a polyethylene craft is extremely rewarding. Admittedly, these areas can be a little hit and miss when water temperatures are at there coldest in winter. Come spring and the warmer months of summer, the heat creates a haven for breeding and feeding with Bream, Whiting and Flathead moving in to complete their lifecycle. Saltwater environments with brackish, fresh tidal reaches house Estuary Perch and Australian Bass, both subjected to closed spawning seasons (June 1st – August 31st). Exclusive habitat for these fish often overlap with Bass found higher in the system.

It’s a vicious circle of life in our Southern locales, a fish eat fish world where there are many ways of imitating a link in the food chain. Top dogs like Jewfish, Tailor and Dusky Flathead patrol the estuary beat, menacing bait fish along the weed beds and flats. Poddy Mullet are the bill of fare, silver service catering the everyday dietary needs of these estuarine genuses. New moon Prawns and Shrimp flick about under surgical attack from what chrome lies beneath, old mate Bream and poor mans Bonefish (Whiting). Fooling these gilled warriors is simple enough, try emulating the estuarine life itself.




Location:

Some areas have a tendency to hold denser populations of species than others; a good example of this is the renowned Bream of Lake Tabourie. A trivial drawn out waterway located a few kilometres just outside of Ulladulla, The inlet features many draining Creeks which tend to concentrate conventional food flows before emptying into deeper water. Bream love the channelling effect and often use the watercourse vicinity to gather energy before spawn schooling at the mouths entrance. While the Tabourie Bream seem to be predictable they still tend to wander throughout the elongated system.

Typical estuaries shape intricate organisms of shallow interconnecting channels and lakes, with Eurobodalla’s Tuross among one of the more expansive collections. With a varying depth of one to four metres, it truly is the iconic visual Kayak fishing location. From the habitual clear water surroundings of the lakes oyster leases to the rivers tidal reaches towards Coomerang, the waters arrangement basically screams surface lures. Since being deemed a recreational fishing haven in 2001, Kayak anglers heading to Tuross can expect to encounter greater numbers of both species of Bream, Dusky Flathead, Sand Whiting, Jew/Mulloway, Estuary Perch and Australian Bass.

Another near pristine estuary with exceptional water quality is Durras Lake, bordering the beautiful Murramarang National Park. From shallow channels to deeper basins, Durras is regarded by many as a multi-dimensional, branching lake. Salinity levels are higher than the average due to a small reef located just offshore, unfortunately preventing the lakes entrance from opening all year round. Commercial fishing has ceased in Durras Lake, some recreational fishing is also curtailed in certain sections. While all estuary fish species are present, Prawning is also very popular with tourists and locals during those warm summer nights (Before/after the new moon periods).


Techniques/Tackle:

Depending on your location, techniques and tackle can be adjusted for whatever the intended target species so keep a keen eye out for structure, snags, weed lined fringes and sandy lies. Anything and everything could become interested, especially once you start reaching the upper brackish reaches. Whether you choose to paddle a SIK (Sit in Kayak) or pedal a Hobie, the ability to glide into constructive positions will be ruined if you don’t pay attention to your surroundings and particularly depth. The benefits of Kayak fishing will slowly come in to play; silence is the skeleton key and will more often than not put you onto above average fish, all whilst remaining seemingly unobserved.

Normally fish have a fleeting sight benefit; given the average height one must sit or stand to breach over a conventional boats gunwale. Your core advantage is always finding yourself well and truly in the mix, sitting almost eye level and on par with your intentions (Donning special ninja abilities). Just how visible you and your Kayak will be when paddling the shallows is a highly debatable subject. While companies and manufacturers offer a wide range of finished colours for kayaks, including the dubious camouflage patterning, fish are only sensitive to certain colours of the visible spectrum (Depending on species). More often than not, it’s the shadow cast by the kayaks hull that will be enough to shut down an otherwise productive section.

Presenting bait/lures from a seated position in a Kayak has its pros and cons. In most cases, the seated position close to the waterline impedes peripheral vision. For some the game of blind, smelly bait is far too random, but worth playing all the same. Embracing current technology like GPS ( Global positioning system ) and electronic fish finding ability help bend the rules. Allowing for an accurate slow drift in your kayak is one way of changing your baits appeal. Changing your bait/lures appearance, with clever use of tackle selection, can prove to be the major difference on a slow days fishing.

Basically, fishing is species dependant and locality specific, certain approaches work best while others don’t work at all. As an example, using a running sinker all the way to the hook over reef or rocky structure will result in more lost rigs than lost fish. However, this rig is quite ideal for estuary work on sandy bottom dwellers like Flathead and Sole when in a Kayak. Employing a running sinker one metre above a light gauge bait hook ( A rubber stopper or small swivel will stem the lead flow ) will create a somewhat different donation that will appeal to our mid water species like Bream and Trevally.




Conclusion:

Tournament Bream anglers nation wide abscond fish from high powered casting platforms, throwing everything Japanese but a bottle of sake. You can take many of these same, cutting edge lures and begin applying them from a Kayak in a successful manner that is completely foreign in tourney circuits, without a retrieved lure in sight. I once caught the ire of a well known Merimbula Bream identity when asked why the hell was I trolling an Ecogear SX 40? (A known cast and retrieve minnow). I deftly explained “Because it works, what works from Yak defies all powerboat relevance!”

The Southern NSW lakes, estuaries and rivers provide an ideal playground for many Kayak anglers in search of the more popular fish species available on the South Coast. Many areas were deemed ‘unproductive’ by the greater fishing community long ago, leaving a few destinations relatively untouched. Thoughts like this were once generated by observing species like Mullet and Whiting only, roam the weedy flats. With drop offs few and far between, shallow lakes with closed margins present too many obstacles for the local tin brigade (Spooking huge Flathead as they prop bash to the safety of the ramp). Always be the polite Yak Fisher, just smile and wave goodbye!

NSW - BRAVING THE COLD OF WINTER 16/7/11

It is often hard to drag yourself out of bed before the dawn to go fishing in winter - but in many locations the winter action can be better than in the warmer months, and you will often have the place to yourself. And the reward of a fish you've battled the elements for is priceless.

I headed to a favorite winter spot recently to target snapper offshore. Seabreeze told me to expect about 2 metres of swell and a light breeze. It was spot on. The swell however was a bit unusual in the way it was forming curling waves close to shore, and the normally safe passage out to deeper water was a bit iffy. I managed to get out without incident, and fished for over an hour without a sniff from anything except an unlucky but welcome squid who was hooked on a plastic right on the tip of the candle. I cleaned him immediately, stowed the hood in the cooler and saved the tentacles – I haven’t used bait offshore for ages, but when times are tough it can make the difference.

A call to a friend in the know gave me hope for the coming tide change, and I’d barely stowed the phone in the dry bag when the rod I’d rigged with a squid tentacle on a jighead showed signs of life, and in came a small but legal snapper. Things were looking up when I dropped what felt like a better snapper the next cast. A local kayak fisherman John, who I’d seen launch a little after, paddled over and we exchanged theories on snapper this season – it has been a bit of strange one and the normally reliable plastics have not been producing with the same regularity as normal.

I repositioned myself about where I thought I'd picked up the last fish, threw out a plastic and set about rigging another squid tentacle on the other rod. I don’t think the plastic even hit the bottom, the reel started screaming and it felt like a monster. After 3 or 4 minutes I knew it must be getting close, but the colour I was seeing down below didn’t look quite right……Sure enough it was a fighting blue morwong. They would pull a snapper backwards in a tug of war. He went 48cm and was stowed in the cooler bag.

Over the next hour or so I managed a couple more barely legal snapper, and one good one on a 5” jerk shad which went 50cm on the nose. The journey back in through the ‘safe’ channel was seriously dodgy and I almost came unstuck a few times as the swells picked up the back of the yak and slewed it sideways almost onto the rocks. This was quite amusing to some of the young grommets standing nearby. To say it was a relief to stand on dry land is an understatement.

ICAST 2011 - BEST OF SHOW (REVOLUTION 11)

Oceanside, California – July 13, 2011 – Hobie Cat’s popular Mirage Revolution 13 and Quest 13 now have little brothers, the Mirage Revolution 11 and Quest 11. With the same angler-friendly design, these shorter, lighter models cut through the water like knives through butter. They will be sure favorites for small to mid-size anglers looking to stalk fish with compact, lightweight and maneuverable fishing kayaks.

The Mirage Revolution 11 is powered by Hobie’s patented MirageDrive® pedal system while the Quest 11 accommodates those who prefer to paddle. Fitting a niche that has long gone unanswered, they are first of their kind integrating the feel of longer touring kayaks with shorter more maneuverable river kayaks. They are proudly made in the U.S.A.

Both boats are fast and nimble, track straight and have a sharp turning radius. The cockpit areas include a large front hatch for storing plenty of gear as well as a center eight-inch round hatch. Two molded-in rod holders make trolling easy. Hobie’s Livewell can be added into the trunk areas and can accommodate additional rod storage and live bait fishing. These kayaks will be favorites among anglers looking to fish shallow, fast moving water. But it does not stop there…they are equally as proficient in calm water and ocean waves. There is no learning curve on either boat. They do not use gas and they go places that powerboats cannot like rocky shallows, up narrow creek channels and over prop-snagging vegetation.

A series of fishing-friendly accessories makes it possible for anglers to customize and fit their own preferences. Hobie’s Livewell has a high-flow, self-priming Attwood pump, a six volt sealed gel cell battery, adjustable drain and the capability of holding up to eight gallons of water. A Plug-In Hobie Trax “2” Cart with pneumatic wheels provides for easy rolling of heavy loads over rough terrain or soft sand. Turbo Fins can increase boat speed by over ten percent. New from Hobie….the first ever Horizontal Rod Holder Kit that lets anglers in any kayak, Hobie or otherwise, store rods along either or both sides of their vessel. These are only a sampling of what is available.

Both kayaks are offered in a variety of color choices including Caribbean Blue, Red Hibiscus, Golden Papaya, Ivory Dune, and Olive. They are constructed of seamless rotomolded polyethylene hulls and are designed with open-deck construction. Two-piece paddles with fiberglass shaft and deluxe, padded back-support seatbacks are included with both models. They are easily transportable in the back of a pickup truck or on a roof rack. And, of course, both boats meet the National Marine Manufacturers Association certification requirements for flotation.

HOBIE MIRAGE REVOLUTION 11 The defining feature on the Mirage Revolution 11 is Hobie’s patented MirageDrive. The self-centering padded pedals are connected to two underwater flippers, much like penguin wings; and are locked and unlocked from the kayak with the Click and Go system. Steering is controlled via oversized fingertip steering handle on the left side, making it easy to cast, hook, and land fish while maneuvering to that secret spot.
Length: 11’ 6”
Width: 29”
Hull Weight: 47 lbs.
MirageDrive Weight: 6.6 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Additional Standard Features: Oversized forward hatch. Two eight-inch Twist and Seal hatches. Two mesh-covered stowage pockets. On-deck receptacle with cap for optional accessories post or sail mast, dive flag, or nav-anchor light. Deluxe padded seatback with lumbar support. Two molded-in mid-boat carrying grips. Gear bucket. MSRP: USD $1749

HOBIE QUEST 11
Length: 11.1’
Width: 29”
Hull Weight: 47 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Additional Standard Features: “Easy Open” hinged hatch with access to large forward storage area. One eight-inch Twist and Seal hatch conveniently located in front of the seat. Aft room for second eight-inch optional hatch for additional storage. Adjustable foot braces for paddling leverage. Two mesh-covered stowage pockets. Two molded-in mid-boat carrying grips. Gear bucket. MSRP: USD $949

KAYAK FISHING MAGAZINE ISSUE #40 (ONLINE)

The latest edition of Kayak Fishing Magazine has just come online, packed with all the quality features and articles that make them the largest and most read kayak fishing website and publication anywhere. From featured articles, interviews, angler of the month, gear guides and a world wide tournament calender, Kayak Fishing Magazine has a lot to offer our fishing community and best of all its free!

(This issue has a great article on survival, 'Seven Hours Until Dark')

To view the latest edition of KFM, click on the links below:

Magazine - http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/home.html

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kayak-Fishing-Magazine/119502353056

WHICH KAYAK FOR ME? - THE AGE OLD QUESTION

As our hybrid sport progresses beyond the initial grasp of the subject so does the choice when picking a kayak to fish from. In the early infancies the kayak models adaptable to fishing were few and far between, these days however it can seem a little daunting for the uneducated. Therefore KFA have a few pointers we would like to educate readers on, it just makes plain sense to help clarify things further.

You may be an active individual that regularly pushes your body’s boundaries, or you may be someone looking to regain some fitness and recuperate old wounds. Whatever the reason, Kayak Fishing does not and will not discriminate against you. With 52 weekends a year it’s an activity that even the most dedicated fulltime workers can enjoy. Within the space of a few months not only will you notice some categorical health benefits but your rank of pure amateur status and knowledge on the subject will platform you with your peers… After all, this mighty amalgam sport is still growing.


Where you plan to fish (Key is percentage):

Being realistic with where you plan to fish most of the time will help your final decision be a wise one. Before approaching the thought of purchasing keep in mind what brought you the idea in the first place. Did you spy someone flicking the flats of your local estuary or departing next to the boat ramp at your favourite haunt? Is this where you want to fish or do you have much grander, offshore style plans in mind?

If you’re sticking to small creeks & flat water a smaller plastic kayak like a Perception ‘Minnow’ / Australis ‘Bass’ around the 3 metre mark might be the best choice. Its shorter length will allow you to turn easily in tight corners, like amongst mangroves. A smaller kayak will also weigh less, allowing you to portage (Carry) the kayak cross county to get to rarely fished destinations.

For example, if you have a creek that is broken in to pools or with trees across it the kayak can easily be lifted out and ported around the obstruction. The advantage of a plastic kayak in these situations is it will take the bumps and scratches without you giving a second thought; this is no place for a South African Fishing Ski!

That’s not to say the fibreglass Skis don’t have there recompense too, much of Australia’s surrounding coastline is subject to swell (With little or no shelter). While access to the sandy beach is easy enough for any kayak, surf launching comes into its own a Ski. The ability to stow long rods, fish finders and miscellaneous gear below deck before judging distance between sets puts you in a league of your own.

The wave hopping performance is only really comparable to the Rescue board features of our strongest beach icon, the famous Surf Lifesavers. Punching over waves rather than through, surfing waves in on return rather than avoiding them and skeg style tracking are just a few benefits that typify South African / Australian coastal conditions.




Key benefits of the right choice (Examples over wrong):

There are two types of Kayaks that are commonly used to fish from, the S.O.T (Sit on top) and the S.I.K (Sit in Kayak). Either are available in both Polyethylene (Plastic) or Fibreglass (Kevlar/Carbon too), all offering ample opportunities to get you fishing and on the water. Once again, depending on what body of H20 you wish to fish there are models, makes and finishes to suit almost everyone (Observe your waterways).

S.O.T Polyethylene Kayaks allow for exaggerated freedom of movement on the deck, providing the ability to move around and mount or dismount simply. Being of a draining deck design, any water taken onboard simply self bails through gravity fed scupper holes that exit below the waterline (A must for S.O.T models). They are often heavier and wider than a S.I.K, making use of storage features like tank wells above deck rather than below. The only real downside to a S.O.T is the users exposure to the elements, be it sun, rain or wind your uncovered lower body is often left to the weathers mercy.

S.I.K Polyethylene Kayaks provide shelter below deck, removing the sun off your legs and providing a cockpit rim to install watertight skirts. Sitting slightly below the waterline this style of Kayak fits in the more recreational category. The bigger, more open cockpits whilst providing ample storage room prohibit sideways movement below deck. A S.I.K designed for fishing will be slightly wider than a traditional Sea Kayak, adding stability at slower speeds while incorporating many of its design features (Screw lid storage, Bulkheads).

The only real downside to a S.I.K is its ability to recover from capsizes, water tight bulkheads will provide vessel flotation but a lack of scupper holes will mean your Kayak is much harder to recover from a swamped position (A manual bilge pump is a must).

Certain hull shapes, materials, seated positions and ultimately differing models all have a place in the scheme of things. Smaller sit in kayaks (SIK) suited to skinny water (Tidal creeks, freshwater rivers) have certain abilities that shine in areas that a large sit on top (SOT) fibreglass fishing ski (Purpose built for offshore angling) would struggle. It’s a vice versa scenario, the fibreglass ski excels in surf launches and totally eclipses anything the ‘Minnow’ style has to offer in the same situation (Be that safety, fishing ability or your inherent nous whilst using).




Usability / Portability (Roof racks, trailer options, storage):

One of the first and flawed mistakes many make when purchasing a kayak is including ‘Loved ones’ initial interest as a binding marriage. While I am sure there are plenty of exceptions to the rule (Including one made by yours truly) you can often find yourself without a full time dedicated fishing partner. Some tandem kayaks are made to be fished one up adequately but many have there drawbacks when venturing out solo. It’s worth noting tandem kayaks often weigh in excess of 30 kilograms and are elongated and difficult to transport and handle alone.

It’s at this stage that portability and hull weight issue really comes to the forefront of your decision, was it the right one? Most kayaks are transported on roof racks (either permanent or removable soft racks) or on purpose built trailers. Loading your chosen craft onto your cars roof is cumbersome at the best of times; if you can’t lift it up there comfortably it may start to gather dust in your garage (Unless you go the more expensive trailer option). Take into consideration your health, strength, ability when studying a kayaks advertised weight (Can you lift it alone easily?) and guess an average additional tackle load.

Another important consideration is kayak storage off the water. Depending on your states climate you may have the option of storing safely undercover (Avoiding harmful U.V rays), or be limited to a housed solution inside your garage (Avoiding climate altogether). Both choices have advantages, most Kayak manufacturers recommend storing your yak on its side (Usually the strongest point), standing on its stern vertically (Not an option for most) or on its deck facing down (Hull side up).

There are ways to cradle your kayak hull down; pulley sling systems that stow your kayak to your garage roof using cleats are quite popular (Allowing lowering onto your transport of choice and freeing valuable floor space). Brands like ‘Aquaracks’ offer side mountable padded choices on solid walls but rest assured, some of the best Kayak racks around are D.I.Y styled jobs tailored to ANY available space.




Kayaks attributes (Weight class, hull shape etc):

Don’t fully discount weight as being something best avoided though, some of the heavier kayaks on the market are also some of the most buoyant and feature packed. Most kayaks suited for fishing sit in a bare hull weight class range that varies from approximately 18kgs (Perception ‘Minnow’) to a whopping 39.9kgs (Hobie ‘Pro Angler’). User weight capacity is often reflected with the above; while the ‘Pro Angler’ may sound heavy initially, bear in mind it has massive payload of 272kg (More than enough to load to the hilt) compared to the 150kgs of the ‘Minnow’ and has built in features to help you get it on and off its travelling platform.

Your kayaks shape should help determine what limits you will have while using it. Some are long and sleek while others have platform ability, the former helping cut through choppier, wind swept waters quickly with the latter promoting a more deliberate and steady advance. Your tracking facility (Ability to move in a straight line) is based on active keel and various channelled shaping’s under your kayak (Unless a rudder is fitted).

Most ‘Minnow’ style kayaks lack an ample keel but in the standard quieter water where they excel it’s not as much of a need as larger kayaks in open water require. Some larger kayaks track very well but could do with a rudder when a change in the weather hits. Rudders improve situations that can sometimes be vexing, that’s not to say each to their own though, you may just end up getting a little frustrated and rue your preliminary choice. Luckily this matters least as most manufacturers offer them as an optional extra (If not built in a package), allowing your last frown to quickly turn upside down next trip.

One thing I have learnt over the years is when something does go awry Kayak Fishing, things can snowball quite quickly. A tangled lure, a change in swell, a drift under some low lying branches or some lost gear overboard. Add to this a feisty hooked fish and sudden wind gusts and trouble can start brewing. Luckily these are choice ridden situations that can be avoided with familiarity and repetitive exposure to similar situations; often the only worst case scenario you will encounter is that you fall in the water and get wet. What happens next depends on preparation, location, elements and above all any physical and mental strength remaining to complete a safe journey back to the departure point.


Advanced options (Mirage drive / Electric motor / D.I.Y):

Once understanding of the basic principals is achieved, your choices are then expanded ten fold. Welcome to the world of cutting edge technology were relaxation, manoeuvrability and specification come into play. While most kayaks are made to be propelled with upper body movement and a paddle stroke, companies like Hobie, Viking, Stealth Drive and Torqeedo offer compelling alternatives to the more traditional technique of paddling whilst fishing.

Much has been written about the Hobie Mirage Drive phenomenon, pedalling with your feet essentially provides a ‘Hands free fishing’ experience. The Mirage Drive is akin to the motion of a Penguin propelling forward, it offers a leg work out over shoulder (Handy if upper body injuries persist) and is extremely user friendly. Hobiecat has recently announced a partnership with Neah Power Systems Inc to develop green friendly fuel cells for use in the Hobiecat boat range, complementing their water world.

Only time will tell if this technology is applied into their expanding kayak array of hulls and accessories, an exciting prospect nether the less.

While most brands top models come pre kitted with fishing packages (Optional extra or not) they are not immune from the occasional modification. The D.I.Y option of Kayak Fishing is what gets many of us on the water in the first place. ‘Pimping your Kayak’ is an art form that deserves a whole article written on the subject, suffice to say no goal or idea is stupid until proven fruitless. Some great examples departing the often expensive OEM fields are the D.I.Y sounder mounts (Using pre existing points), Rocket Launcher PVC monstrosities (Using pre existing rear rod holders) and homemade sailing kits (Opening another growing dimension).




Taking the plunge (Get on the water):

Its worth approaching your local kayak dealers with an enquiry about a test paddle decision, many have demonstration days with an option to try many different kayaks. Depending on your areas demographic and available waterways this shouldn’t be an issue, especially when all dealers want to see a successful, correct purchase. Certain dealers offer services to purchase and install additional items of choice for a small fee (Eg: Rod holders) and generally offer free, experienced advice worth taking onboard.

Also, try meeting up with an organised group of individuals (Like AKFF members) in your local or surrounding area and suss out differing models and brands, whilst participating be sure to listen and ask for firsthand user feedback. While science and marketing can help push your foot through the door, I find information gathered straight ‘From the horse's mouth’ equally important, predominantly when coupled in good numbers. Versatility is important, but again try being realistic about what you're going to do from a kayak. If you're doing 30 estuary trips a year and only a small number of offshore sorties, buy something more estuary suitable.

In conclusion there's really no such thing as a bad fishing kayak; the fish species themselves don't really care whether you're in a $4000 beast or a $200 garage sale clunker. Past and present ancient civilizations like the arctic Inuit in their seal-skin kayaks and the Aborigines in their bark canoes have proven that budget isn’t important (Beyond reasonable doubt). A kayak suitable for fishing is all about your comfort on the water in your chosen craft, get the one that feels right on the water and the fish will look after themselves (And in turn, you in the long run).