Theo with GT

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.

Rob, Robby & Theo with a GT

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.

Robby with her GT

We all know that on-line sales are the arch enemy of the big retailers and this now includes fishing supplies.

check out the extensive range available form Rig Master. you won’t be disapointed.
click to logo to go to the site.

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.

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

Alloy boats.
Protect your investment with Tefgel. Electrolysis is a alloy boat “killer” chances are very high that if you have stainless steel rod holders, transducer mounts, through transom engine mount bolts or any other metal that is attached to your alloy boat without insulation you are on the way to destroying your boat. Electrolysis is an electrical phenomenon that is caused by two different metals in contact with each other. If you have a look at your outboard motor you will see that it has sacrificial anodes, it’s these anodes that are eaten away over time due to electrolysis. Without them the motor itself is under attack and will begin showing signs of erosion, often internally. Your boat does not have sacrificial anodes therefore you must insulate the hull itself from any metal that is not of the same molecular structure.
Tefgel is an insulator that protects these different metals from each other and it’s not just for rod holders and such.

Electrical Connections
Stop corrosion on electrical connections with Tefgel. We all know how corrosive salt water and salt air is. Electrical connections including battery terminals that are open to the air soon become corroded which causes bad electrical connections. There is nothing worse than setting up for a day on the water and half your electrical system does not work because of corroded connections. Cover it with Tefgel and eliminate the hassle for good.

To find out more about Tefgel watch this video</a>, ask your local marine dealer or check out some testimonials on Tefgel’s site here.

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

Super Mini Booster

The super mini booster is the smallest, most powerful jumpstart pack in its class! It’s the smallest most lightweight booster with 14AH high capacity. The Super Mini Booster delivers instant cold crank power when you need it and has a fast rechargeable long life battery. The Super Mini Booster is easy to handle, lightweight and extremely compact, making it easy storage for you car, camper van, boat or jet ski.

Product Features Include:
· The super Mini Booster will start your car instantly! The powerful instantaneous 800-Ampere power can easily start up to 6.5 litre (12 volts) engines.
· It only takes one Super Mini Booster to start your car without any assistance from another car. You will not be limited by cable lengths anywhere you go.
· When the Super Mini Booster is running low on battery a red LED light will come on in the control panel, reminding you to recharge your Super Mini Booster from your car or boat’s power accessory outlet or AC/DC power outlet.
· When the Super Mini Booster is fully charged the green LED light on the control panel will come on, that’s how you know that it is ready for use.
· There is no memory effect for this rechargeable Super Mini Booster so you can’t over charge or under charge it.
· The Super Mini Booster has two super bright LED lights, which will help you to see under the bonnet to connect the Booster to the battery and start the car in the dark. This feature can also be used as a standard torch.
· Pushing the LED torch button twice will cause the super bright LED lights to flash, which is great for emergency rescue situations.
· The power outlet connection of the Super Mini Booster can provide 12V/80W power and can be used to power accessories such as your spotlight, air compressor, DVD player, radio, electric fan, electric cooler boxes and it can even charge your mobile phone!

Specifications and Accessories include:
Size: 20.4cm (length) x 16.2cm (width) x 14.5cm (height)
Weight: 4.6kg
Lights: Two LED Lights
Output: 12V (DC) / 80W
Amps: 800 Ampere
Charging power: AC 100-240 V adaptor; CE / UL / PSE Certified
Rechargeable Battery: Acid Battery DC 12V 14aH
Vehicle Range: 12V, up to 6.5 litres

This amazing product also comes with a 12 month replacement warranty.

click on the logo to visit the Super Mini Booster site.

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.