GT Heaven (Giant Trevally) at Lucinda

Yet another town in beautiful Far North Queensland … LUCINDA. This time we met up with old friend and fishing guide Rob Laspina. Our target species was a fish which had eluded me on my last trip with River to Ree f…. GIANT TREVALLY – GT’s.

We travelled about 40 nautical miles to the outer reaches of the numerous islands off Lucinda, looking for rock structures near deep channel drop-offs where the GT’s lurk. The hour long trip from port only fuelled my impatience to take on these awesome fighting world-renowned sport fish.

We positioned the Surtees within a safe distance of our first rock face and Rob had the honours of casting the first popper within inches of the wash. Retrieving the popper in a fast thrusting motion on the surface imitates a fish in distress and the GT’s can’t resist.

His very first cast indicated the fish were there as the action behind the popper was fast and furious.
The second cast proved that there was no denying the GT’s were about and they were hungry! They wanted that popper and the first GT of the day smashed the surface and nailed it like lightning! Rob immediately knew that although it was a GT it was only small but we had the first one of the day landed weighing in at around 3kg. These fish can grow to 60-plus kg so this fish was only a baby in GT terms.

Then I got to have a go casting the popper while Rob positioned the boat and my first cast let everyone on board know who was the amateur and who was the pro. A bit of instruction and advice from our guide and it wasn’t long before I too could get the popper where it needed to be … the wash!

It took me around 3 or 4 goes and smash! I was finally hooked up to my first ever GT. Although I’d never caught one before and I knew it wasn’t a big fish, I was overwhelmed with excitement none the less. I landed my first GT of around 4kg and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I tried.

Although the fish on this spot were red hot, Rob suggested a move to another location where the tide was coming up to near GT perfect. Again Rob took the honours of the first cast while I drove and positioned the boat. The importance of one person fishing and one person driving is vital to GT fishing as once you hook up, the driver needs to power forward while the person fishing hangs on for dear life. This is imperative as the GT’s immediate instinct is to take their prized food (the popper) from the surface and straight back down to the reef. If you don’t drag the fish into deeper water, the GT will wrap you round the reef and bust you off within seconds.

This fish that Rob hooked was a real GT! The locals in this part of the world don’t rate anything under 20kg and this fish had all the traits of being worthy. It certainly proved it was as the first real GT of the day was landed and now I was itching to have another go.

My first cast again proved I needed to be better in both casting distance and technique. The distance from the wash must be at least 70 to 80mtrs. This is for two reason; the first is obviously safety, as no fish is worth risking your life for – and the second is so you don’t spook the fish. Although our Honda 4 stroke engine is quiet, any unnatural commotion could unnerve the fish and your hopes of enticing it to the surface with your lure will be futile.

My third cast and retrieving action looked to be the goods and immediately a massive splash occurred right behind my popper. Rob in no uncertain terms let me know that there was definitely a GT following it and to keep up the consistency of my retrieval speed and rhythm. At that point if your speed and rhythm changes the fish could lose interest and you’ve blown your chances of a hook up.

My heart was racing when suddenly … smash! It felt like I was hit by a steam train! I yelled “I’M ON!” and by watching Rob I knew I did now have to hang on for dear life to get this fish away from the reef. It was peeling the line off the reel and I knew I had to slow him down and fast. I cupped the reel to add more drag but immediately burnt my hand.

The boat finally stopped moving as we motored out to deeper water and I knew by the weight and sheer power that this was a decent fish.

I fought for over 20 minutes and to be perfectly honest at times I felt like giving up. My back felt like it was going to cave in and my arms were burning more than any gym workout I care to remember. Rob and my co host Robby were giving me heaps of encouragement and started helping out with a little bit of a shoulder massage. At this point in time I knew that although being hooked up to a fish of lifetime was awesome, getting a shoulder massage from my beautiful co host was priceless!

I finally saw colour and Rob stepped in to add some much needed help. My first glance at the fish just below the surface made me wonder if my tiredness was making me see things as its sheer size blew me away. Rob’s first response was “Mate! It’s a horse!” When that fish came in over the side of the boat I literally could not believe my eyes.

Rob estimated it was pushing 30-35kg (over 70pounds in the old scale) and believe me it looked like it! I couldn’t contain my excitement and screamed with joy. My first real GT and it was a cracker!
A few photos later we lowered the fish into the water and watched him safely swim away with the memory that will be forever etched into my mind – or at least until the next time I visit this area of GT heaven!

Honda lifts the cowl of its new BF250 outboard

Honda has revealed details of its all-new BF250 outboard engine, which is scheduled to be available in Australia from early 2012.

Entering the next power range, the BF250 combines a new 3.6L V6 EFI engine with the world’s first direct air induction system in an outboard – designed to reduce intake air temperature and increase air volume to the engine – to deliver outstanding overall performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

Beneath its distinct, angular and streamlined cowl, the BF250 incorporates exclusive Honda technologies including BLAST – advanced ignition timing control system that significantly improves hole-shot performance; ECOmo – sophisticated lean burn fuel control system, which contributes to the engine’s excellent fuel economy; and VTEC – variable valve timing technology originally developed for Formula One race cars to deliver incredible power.

The BF250 also features a new high-performance gear case, which enhances hydrodynamic efficiency. Combined with a new gear reduction ratio (2:1), the engine delivers even greater all-round performance, beyond just an increase in horsepower.

Shifting effort is further enhanced by the introduction of a new Shifting Load Reduction control system. Supporting boat users’ operating characteristics, the Engine Control Unit modifies the ignition timing resulting in reduced engine torque to lessen the shift load required for the engine to change gear.

A class-leading battery charging system also allows the BF250 to handle increasing consumer demand for additional onboard electrical power. At idle, a new Adjustable Idle Charge system automatically adjusts engine speed to raise the charging rate when an increased electrical load is detected. Under these conditions, the high-output 90amp alternator still puts out 40amps (60amps during normal running conditions).

Honda’s new BF250 is also NMEA2000 compliant, allowing engine-to-electronics data communication to deliver engine management and performance data to compatible marine electronics displays.

Combining the performance, environmental, reliability and durability characteristics for which Honda is renowned, the new BF250 is also backed by Honda’s five-year warranty.

Further information: Honda Australia, Customer Relations – 1300 559 846 or visit: www.honda.com.au

Incorporating unique attributes such as BLAST, ECOmo and VTEC, along with a five-year warranty, Honda’s technologically-advanced four-stroke outboard engines run quieter, offer greater fuel economy, burn cleaner and are just plain better for the environment… at the same time delivering superior power and unmatched reliability. Honda – four-strokes of genius.

U-Bute Traveller BBQ Half Price for a limited time!

Two burner with hot plate.
Ideal for home or camping use, the U-Bute features auto ignition on both burners, a blow moulded carry case, a hotplate, tongs and spatula. It’s light weight and the trivets are dishwasher safe. The U-Bute is a perfect portable barbeque. Fueled by U-Bute portable butane power cartridges, the U-Bute is energy efficient and the easiest portable barbeque to take with you anywhere you like.
From your balcony or boat, to worksites or camping trips, the U-Bute portable bbq is a must for the avid traveller who likes cooking on the go. Cook wherever you like as the U-Bute traveller takes up minimal space and is mess and fuss free!
You will see the U-Bute portable BBQ in use on the upcoming series of River to Reef.
Buy on-line and save. Visit www.u-bute.com.au to find out more.

Surtees takes Melbourne by Storm.

It seems that Alloy boats are all the rage now in Melbourne with newly appointed Surtees dealers M.Y Marine in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula going gang busters with Surtees out selling every other brand.

River to Reef host Theo Rozakis and brother Michael who jointly run the dealership say that Surtees has been a break out success.

We have sold every boat that we initially ordered and now have quite a few just arrived and more on order from the New Zealand factory. Theo says it seems people have switched from the favored fiberglass boat to plate alloy. I guess the reasons are many but the Surtees range is specifically built for fishing. When you place an order for a Surtees you get to pick exactly the layout and options that you personally want and unlike other brands, not what the factory thinks you should have and where you should have it.

An example is if you do or don’t want a live bait tank or if you want it on the left or right side it’s your choice. You may want a deck wash or really any combination you like from a plumbed in sink or toilet, a fridge, a lockable cabin right up to how many windscreen wipers you want, the list of layouts and options is almost endless and then there’s the colour, decal and engine range. This really is a custom built boat at mass production prices.

The Surtees water ballast system again gives you the choice to either lock 300+ks of water in the system via a flap that covers the rear opening which is great in a heavy sea, as this extra ballast softens the ride even further or you can leave the flap open so the water can flow in while at rest and flood out once you are out of the hole, or lock the water out all together. Again Surtees gives you the choice of how you want your boat to ride.

The best way to asses if a Surtees is the boat for you is to make an appointment to inspect a Surtees where we can spend some time showing you what separates a Surtees from all the other fishing boats on the market. Our recommendation no matter what boat brand your after is to look at all the options before spending your hard earned cash.

For more information visit the SURTEES SITE HERE.

Contact M.Y Marine Here

HOOKSAFE eliminate hook injuries

Hooksafes are an innovative new product specifically designed with safety and the fisherman in mind. Did you know there are over 100,000 fishhook injuries treated in Australian Hospitals every year with 80% of fishhook injuries occuring when fishing rods are in transit in the car or boat or when the rods are being carried.
Creation and production of Hooksafe has taken 14 years and is a Government endorsed and awarded community safety product.

Hooksafe Advantages
No more free-swinging hooks that are a danger to clothes, arms, eyes and passers-by! This clever, little container is cheap, easy to use and very, very effective. Store the hooks safely on the rod while in storage or transit AND on your boat. It’s that easy to use.
Fishing made safer every time you head out on the water.

Rock Fishing
Complete hook rigs ready to fish baited if you like, ready in your pocket. Great not have to carry a cumbersome tackle box, when crawling down rocks. When the Hooksafe is opened the rig stays in your control.

Cover the Lot
Hooksafe has set a high standard in hook covers. Hooksafe covers multiple hooks of most sizes, largish game hooks and even trebles & small lures.

Tying Device
Every angler will have a use for this cover. Place the barb of the hook inside allowing the shaft eye to pass out the apex. Close it and the cover becomes a safe and easy way to hold hooks when tying lines with cold wet hands. Just turn the cover. Great to teach kids how to tie a line safely.

Protect Rods
Plastic Hooksafe has a molded plastic hook that slides up into rod eye supports, when storing hooks on rods. This protects the rods from hook scratching and corrosion damage!!!

Smallest Tackle Box
Small soft plastics, silver wobblers and small trout lures, flys, fit inside the Hooksafe and wont have a melt down.

Small size hook and sinker hook set ups are totally covered and bass rigs easily accommodated. Larger game hook barbs can be protected by passing the shank out the apex after cutting off the lid line tab.

Keep Hooks on Rods
Hooksafe also has a design feature that keeps the cover from falling off the rod when splitting the rod into two pieces.

Every fisherman should have some Hooksafe’s.
Hooksafes are only available by mail order from Hooksafe direct.

Send $30 for 10 Hooksafe Covers
Add a bank cheque, money order or personal cheque payable to ‘Hooksafe”.
To: ‘Hooksafe’, PO Box 41, Narooma NSW 2546

Fishing With the Boys – As Told by Robby

I have been told on more than one occasion that I have the best job in the world. Travel, fishing, hours out on the water and plenty of fresh seafood! What’s not to love?!

Unsurprisingly, the bulk of my envious friends are men. So, I’m writing this article from a woman’s perspective; a woman who 5 years ago would not have pictured herself the envy of wader-wearing fish folk worldwide! A woman who now loves her new found fish-filled life as much as… well… fresh fish and flowing white wine; lots!

A couple of years ago, after graduating from my University Degree in Performing Arts, I began my career at full speed…carrying plates and pouring wine! Successfully fulfilling my stereotype, I became a waitress. It was during this period that I was fortunate enough to meet with and audition for the producer of ‘River to Reef’. I was successful in that audition and now much of my time is spent with Theo and the boys out on the road and water.

When we leave to film a season, our work begins long before the camera starts rolling! There are many different roles to play and jobs to do before we can hit the road. We tend to travel quite light and often the whole team will simply be Theo, our camera man/producer Phill and I. We are lucky to be sponsored by the Big 4 holiday parks who always look after us well, and I’m always guaranteed a comfy cabin to myself.

Our days begin early and much of our work relies on sheer luck! In earlier years we spent a great amount of time chasing fish up and down the coast being tipped off by fishos and anglers alike.

It was probably incredibly naïve of me, but I was never aware of the enormous sub-culture of fishing! I’m not talking about commercial fishing… I’m talking about the lucky (or crazy) men and women who spend days on end out on our waters waiting for and tracking down fish…It was these guys who would hear we were in town or spot our boat at the ramp and spring forth with tips and whispers of great schools of tuna or kings. I am often reminded of the character portrayed in Hemingway’s ‘The old man and the sea’. This passion and drive is reflected in the way these people live their lives; I’m lucky to be a witness.

Life on the road, like anything, has its ups and downs. Travelling with such a small crew has meant that we have become close like family. Often our producer Phill – a motorcycle enthusiast – will drive and our trips (hair-razing and knuckle clenching) will be underscored by a cacophony of 80’s hits! I seem to recall a fair chunk of Tasmania being devoted to the likes of George Michael – Thanks Theo!

Everywhere we go we meet local experts willing to show us the ropes in their town. We are carefully guided to fishing locations and introduced to the many town personalities. On one such occasion I was tricked into kissing a fish! I suppose it was a fitting initiation, so in my best Rex Hunt impersonation I puckered up and…the rest is history.
Although I am discovering a new love of the sport, Theo generally takes the lead with the fishing and I in turn lead the charge with all things lifestyle. We may not always agree on our music taste but one thing we are unanimous about is our love of food! You can’t get better than fresh, local and tasty grub!

Theo was raised in a family where food is always cooked from the heart and his passion is infectious! It’s a common occurrence to come back from a long day of filming and find Theo surrounded by ingredients, selflessly managing to find the energy to cook for us! Both on and off the camera, his mantra is always ‘waste not, want not’. We are blessed with an abundance of great natural produce, and Theo ensures that we use every last scrap! I fondly recall last year, fishing in St Helens, feasting on Abalone, Calamari, Crayfish, Oysters and Urchins in a single day! The likes of which you would struggle to find in a topnotch restaurant!

Being a Co-Presenter on ‘River to Reef’ has taught me so many new skills; the generous people I meet are always eager to pass on knowledge and I am a constant pupil in the fishing school. Be it baiting, fishing, driving the boat or cleaning the catch I am forever learning. I come home from weeks away smelling like fish guts and with a steady sway; I am very much still developing my sea legs and there are times when I fall right off them!
Sometimes I am asked if there are down sides to my job and most of the time my reply is a definite ‘no’. Although I do miss my family and friends while I am away, I’m surrounded by great people and I’m generally always working outdoors in our beautiful country which I love. There are times whilst out at sea I would have done anything for a toilet but many more times when I just feel so lucky to be working, learning and traveling (although a porta-potty is a must!)

Our trips are continuously punctuated with wonderful chance encounters, and it’s often these that stand out as my fondest memories. The local fishing heroes eager story, the hook up right as we were calling it a day, the generous hospitality, the pub meals and the welcome hot chocolates after 10 hours out on the water freezing!

Its all part of why I agree that my job is, most definitely, one of the best in the world.

Catch a great deal this Honda Season

Honda Marine dealers around Australia are offering great deals on Honda’s entire outboard engine range from 1 October to 31 December 2011.

From the compact BF2.3 right up to the class-leading BF225, boaters in the market for a new outboard are encouraged to hurry into their local Honda dealer to hook the best deals.

Honda Australia marine manager Chris Shultz said it would be a case of ‘the early bird catches the worm’ in regard to taking full advantage of Honda Season.

“With discounts spanning the entire range, adding to the hype in the build-up to peak boating season in most parts of the country, deals like this won’t last long,” Mr Schultz said.

“Discounts are also subject to stock availability, so getting in early to get the outboard you want at a great price is sound advice.

“Bottom line, Honda customers will get an outboard that’s value far exceeds the price paid for it – in regard to unequalled reliability, incredible fuel efficiency and exceptional performance.”

Visit www.honda.com.au to locate your nearest Honda Marine dealer.

Command Respect on the Ocean

Melbourne, Australia, August 10th 2011 – Icom Australia will soon be releasing the Marine Commander Navigation System! With more than 50 years experience in the communications industry, Icom is now diversifying its product range to include marine electronics. Having previously released the MXA-5000 AIS receiver and MA-500TR AIS transponder, Icom has truly outdone itself with the new Marine Commander.

River to Reef show producer Phil Harris said that Icom’s new Marine Commander worked perfectly on our River to Reef Surtees sport fisher when we used it for the very first time while recently filming in Queensland. The huge screen gives excellent detail with easy display configuration and intuitive user friendliness, which meant we didn’t have to stress about how to use a new system and could get on with getting to our destination and onto fish.

The same can be said about the GPS. The system runs C-Map with every detail you could wish for. The best feature we liked was that you can select any combination of screen layout at the turn of a knob. No hidden menus to deal with.

The Marine Commander will prove a very useful instrument regardless of your reason for being on the water. The main processor is the driving force behind the new system. It can integrate a compatible VHF radio, AIS transponder, radar and/or fish finder. It also has the capacity to display real time engine instrumentation via an NMEA 2000 interface (real time fuel consumption, engine speed, depth, temperature etc).

The unit also features four RCA video connectors to connect onboard cameras (e.g. engine room, underwater). Up to four 12.1 inch TFT displays can also be connected (two processors required), allowing a variety of information to be displayed at one time (each display is capable of operating in single or 2/3/4 split screen layout).

The display units also have ports for both USB drives and SD cards, allowing the Marine Commander to display chart information (C-MAP), and backup important data. When a compatible VHF radio and AIS unit have been attached, the marine commander system will allow DSC calls to be initiated through the main display unit.

No matter if you are looking for the edge in your next fishing trip, real-time vessel and object information, critical engine information or a combination of these in a simple, easy-to-use system, the Marine Commander will satisfy your needs. With release scheduled for September 2011, expect to see the system at an Icom dealer near you very soon!

When searching for serious communications, count on Icom. Icom is recognised world-wide as a reliable two-way radio brand name. Our radios can be found in over 80 countries around the world, and have a strong reputation for performance and reliability, as all Icom radios are manufactured in Japan to strict quality standards. You can find out more about the range of marine equipment by emailing our Marine Product Manager on marine@icom.net.au

River to Reef on 7 News Townsville

Thursday 14/7/2011 The River to Reef team was interviewed by 7 news Townsville with the story covering the shows visit to Queensland. Reporter Grace Tobin and camera man Mark met the RTR crew at the Townsville boat ramp and conducted interviews with series producer Phil Harris and presenters Theo Rozakis and Robby Nethercote.

RTR explained that we and all Australians are right behind the rebuild effort after cyclone Yasi and as a fishing, boating and lifestyle show we want to promote Queensland as a great tourist destination. Queensland has suffered a major downturn in tourism as many Australians think that Queensland has been wiped out. River to Reef aims to show that this is untrue and it’s business as usual. Queenslanders like all Australians are a hardy bunch that quickly dust themselves off and get back into it.

The River to Reef Queensland series airs on Foxtel Aurora channel this September at the conclusion of the New Zealand series.

SURTEES BOATS – A NEWCOMER TO MELBOURNE TAKES THE MARKET BY STORM!

Surtees Boats are the success story of the Melbourne Boat Show!

For the first time ever, the River to Reef boat was on display at the Melbourne Boat Show. Our brand new Surtees 6.7 Sport Fisher Boat was proudly displayed by M.Y. Marine alongside their other well-established brands.

Theo Rozakis enthused “We were over-whelmed by the interest in the Surtees range of boats with good sales being achieved at the show itself. Following a massive increase in enquiries we have now taken on an extra sales-person to continue providing our customers with premium sales and service advice.”

Theo continued: “Surtees Boats are known for their quality construction and reliability. Come in and talk to us at M.Y. Marine, Dromana to see for yourself just why we are so enthusiastic about the Surtees range of boats”. Visit M.Y Marine On-Line.

Out of Melbourne? Then see the Surtees website at www.surtees.co.nz to read all about the range, the features and why you should choose a Surtees for your next boat. And to find your local dealer.