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  • Products

    Shop by Category

    • Boating

      Boating

      • Life Jackets (PFD)

        Life Jackets (PFD)

        • Watersports Life Jackets
        • Boating Life Jackets
        • Fishing Life Jackets
        • Dog Life Jackets
        • Kids Life Jackets
        • PFD Accessories
        Shop All Life Jackets (PFD)
      • Boats and Motors

        Boats and Motors

        • Inflatable Boats
        • Petrol Motors
        • Electric Motors
        • Fuel Tanks and Fittings
        • Steering and Accessories
        • Motor Accessories
        Shop All Boats and Motors
      • Maintenance

        Maintenance

        • Marine Oil
        • Marine Grease
        • Marine Additives
        • Wash and Polish
        • Lubricants
        • Tape
        • Adhesives and Fillers
        Shop All Maintenance
      • Electrical and Plumbing

        Electrical and Plumbing

        • Pumps and Plumbing
        • Marine Lighting
        • Marine Electrical
        • Marine Switch Panels
        • Marine Batteries
        • Bait Tank and Aerators
        Shop All Electrical and Plumbing
      • Boat Fit-Out

        Boat Fit-Out

        • Bait Boards
        • Rod Holders
        • Hatches and Vents
        • Seats and Pedestals
        • Biminis and Launchers
        • Boat Covers
        • Rigging
        • Boat Letters
        • Fasteners
        • Marine Carpet
        • Accessories
        Shop All Boat Fit-Out
      • Anchors and Docking

        Anchors and Docking

        • Anchors and Accessories
        • Docking
        • Floats and Fenders
        Shop All Anchors and Docking
      • Marine Safety

        Marine Safety

        • Flares
        • Epirb
        • PLB
        • Fire Extinguishers
        • Signalling Devices
        • Buckets and Bailers
        • Oars and Paddles
        • Compass
        • Safety Accessories
        Shop All Marine Safety
      • Electronics

        Electronics

        • Fishfinders
        • Combos
        • Transducers
        • Communications
        • Handheld GPS
        • Marine Audio
        Shop All Electronics
      • Trailer

        Trailer

        • Winches
        • Jockey Wheels
        • Lights and Plugs
        • Rollers
        • Parts and Accessories
        • Tie-Downs
        Shop All Trailer
      • First Aid and Sun Safety
      • Popular Brands

        Popular Brands

        • BLA
        • Garmin
        • Lowrance
        • Marlin
        • Minn Kota
        • Watersnake
        Shop All Popular Brands
      Shop All Boating
      • Boating Sale
      • Online Exclusives
      • Boating Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    • Camping

      Camping

      • Tents and Swags

        Tents and Swags

        • Family Tents
        • Touring Tents
        • Dome Tents
        • Canvas Tents
        • Hiking Tents
        • Instant and Fast Pitching Tents
        • Pop Up Tents
        • Swags and Cots
        • Shower and Ensuite Tents
        • Tarps
        • Poles, Pegs, Guy Ropes
        Shop All Tents and Swags
      • Gazebos and Shade

        Gazebos and Shade

        • Gazebos and Shade Covers
        • Beach Shade
        • Shelter Accessories and Parts
        Shop All Gazebos and Shade
      • Camp Furniture

        Camp Furniture

        • Camping Chairs
        • Camp Loungers
        • Camp Stools
        • Beach / Event Chairs
        • Camp Tables
        • Carts and Wagons
        • Kitchen / Stove Stands
        • Wardrobe and Cupboards
        • Kids Camping Chairs
        Shop All Camp Furniture
      • Bedding

        Bedding

        • Sleeping Bags
        • Hammocks
        • Self Inflatable
        • Air Beds
        • Foam Bedding
        • Camping Stretchers
        • Repair Kits and Accessories
        • Air Pumps
        Shop All Bedding
      • Fridges and Coolers

        Fridges and Coolers

        • Fridge Freezers
        • Iceboxes and Soft Coolers
        • Fridge and Cooler Accessories
        • Fridge Covers and Slides
        • Ice Bricks and Packs
        Shop All Fridges and Coolers
      • Cooking

        Cooking

        • Cookware
        • Cooking Utensils
        • Pots, Pans, and Billies
        • Food and Snacks
        • Cast Iron Camp Ovens
        Shop All Cooking
      • BBQs and Gas Appliances

        BBQs and Gas Appliances

        • BBQs and Smokers
        • Portable Stoves
        • Gas Bottles
        • Gas Hoses and Fittings
        • Lantern Glasses and Mantles
        • Butane and Portable Fuels
        • Gas Stove Accessories
        • BBQ Tools and Accessories
        Shop All BBQs and Gas Appliances
      • Heating and Cooling

        Heating and Cooling

        • Fire Pits and Heaters
        • Fire Starters and Kindling
        • Camping Fans and Coolers
        Shop All Heating and Cooling
      • Hiking Gear and Packs

        Hiking Gear and Packs

        • Daypacks
        • Duffle Bags
        • Hiking and Travel Packs
        • Dry Bags
        • Hydration Packs
        • Hiking Accessories
        • Hiking Boots and Socks
        • Hiking Poles
        • Hiking Clothing
        • Hiking Food and Stoves
        • Hiking Sleeping
        Shop All Hiking Gear and Packs
      • Safety and Protection

        Safety and Protection

        • First Aid and Sun Safety
        • Water Filter and Additives
        • Insect Protection
        Shop All Safety and Protection
      • Toilet and Shower

        Toilet and Shower

        • Portable Toilets and Chemicals
        • Camping Showers
        • Water Heaters and Pumps
        • Wash Accessories
        Shop All Toilet and Shower
      • Camping Storage

        Camping Storage

        • Plastic Storage
        • Water Storage
        • Storage Accessories
        • Canvas Storage Bags
        Shop All Camping Storage
      • Tableware

        Tableware

        • Kitchenware
        • Melamine
        • Drinkware
        • Food Storage
        • Party / Picnic
        Shop All Tableware
      • Power and Batteries

        Power and Batteries

        • Generators
        • Power Inverters
        • Solar Power
        • Batteries
        • Power Accessories
        Shop All Power and Batteries
      • Lighting and Appliances

        Lighting and Appliances

        • Torches
        • Camping Lanterns
        • Spot and Worklights
        • Headlamps
        • Appliances
        • Electrical Parts and Accessories
        Shop All Lighting and Appliances
      • Camping Hardware

        Camping Hardware

        • Knives and Multitools
        • Binoculars
        • Metal Detectors
        Shop All Camping Hardware
      • Gadgets, Games and Gear

        Gadgets, Games and Gear

        • Games and Gifts
        • Books and Magazines
        Shop All Gadgets, Games and Gear
      • Popular Brands

        Popular Brands

        • Coleman
        • Companion
        • Dometic
        • Engel
        • Sea to Summit
        • Wanderer
        • Weber
        • XTM
        • Zempire
        Shop All Popular Brands
      Shop All Camping
      • Camping Sale
      • Camping Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    • Fishing

      Fishing

      • Fishing Rods

        Fishing Rods

        • Spinning Rods
        • Baitcaster Rods
        • Overhead Rods
        • Telescopic Rods
        • Surf Rods
        • Rod Building
        • Rod Accessories
        Shop All Fishing Rods
      • Fishing Reels

        Fishing Reels

        • Spinning Reels
        • Baitcaster Reels
        • Overhead Reels
        • Alvey Reels
        • Hand Reels
        • Reel Accessories
        Shop All Fishing Reels
      • Rod and Reel Combos

        Rod and Reel Combos

        • Spinning Combos
        • Baitcaster Combos
        • Overhead Combos
        • Alvey Combos
        • Surf Combos
        • Fly Combos
        • Kids Combos
        Shop All Rod and Reel Combos
      • Fishing Line

        Fishing Line

        • Mono Line
        • Braid Line
        • Fly Line
        • Wire Line and Trace
        • Leader Lines
        Shop All Fishing Line
      • Nets, Gaffs and Pumps

        Nets, Gaffs and Pumps

        • Nets and Traps
        • Gaffs and Tagpoles
        • Bait Pumps
        • Landing Nets
        • Cast Nets
        • Accessories
        Shop All Nets, Gaffs and Pumps
      • Fishing Storage

        Fishing Storage

        • Tackle Boxes
        • Bags and Wallets
        • Rod Storage
        Shop All Fishing Storage
      • Fishing Tackle

        Fishing Tackle

        • Sinkers and Moulds
        • Floats
        • Lights and Bells
        • Rigs
        • Hooks
        • Swivels and Snaps
        • Terminal Tackle Accessories
        • Tackle Kits
        • Bait, Burley and Accessories
        Shop All Fishing Tackle
      • Fishing Tools

        Fishing Tools

        • Fishing Pliers and Scissors
        • Fishing Knives and Sharpeners
        • Lip Grips and Scales
        • Fishing Tools and Accessories
        • Fishing Waders and Apparel
        • Fish Smoking
        Shop All Fishing Tools
      • Fishing Lures

        Fishing Lures

        • Hard Body Lures
        • Stickbaits and Popper Lures
        • Estuary Topwater Lures
        • Soft Plastic Lures
        • Jig Heads
        • Squid Jigs
        • Vibe Lures
        • Metal Jigs and Casting Lures
        • Gamefish Lures
        • Freshwater Lures
        • Swimbait Lures
        • Blade Lures
        • Flies
        • Surface Lures
        • Lure Accessories
        Shop All Fishing Lures
      • Spear Fishing Gear

        Spear Fishing Gear

        • Spear Guns
        • Mask, Snorkel and Fins
        • Spear Fishing Wetsuits
        • Spear Fishing Accessories
        Shop All Spear Fishing Gear
      • Media

        Media

        • Maps / Charts / Guides
        • Magazines
        • Books
        Shop All Media
      • Giftware
      • Fishing Tech
      • Popular Brands

        Popular Brands

        • Berkley
        • Daiwa
        • Mustad
        • Neptune
        • Nomad
        • Pryml
        • Rogue
        • Savage Gear
        • Shimano
        • SureCatch
        Shop All Popular Brands
      • Shop By Species

        Shop By Species

        • Barra Lures and Reels
        • Bass Lures and Reels
        • Bream Lures and Reels
        • Crabbing and Prawning
        • Flathead Lures and Reels
        • Giant Trevally Lures and Reels
        • Kingfish Lures and Reels
        • Mackerel Lures and Reels
        • Mangrove Jack Lures and Reels
        • Marlin Lures and Reels
        • Murray Cod Lures and Reels
        • Redfin Lures and Reels
        • Salmon Lures and Reels
        • Snapper Lures and Reels
        • Tailor Lures and Reels
        • Trout Lures and Reels
        • Tuna Lures and Reels
        • Whiting Lures and Reels
        • Yellowbelly Lures and Reels
        Shop All Shop By Species
      Shop All Fishing
      • Fishing Sale
      • Online Exclusives
      • Fishing Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    • Watersports

      Watersports

      • Kayaks

        Kayaks

        • Recreational Kayaks
        • Fishing Kayaks
        • Kids Kayaks
        • Kayak Accessories
        Shop All Kayaks
      • Life Jackets (PFD)

        Life Jackets (PFD)

        • Watersports Life Jackets
        • Boating Life Jackets
        • Fishing Life Jackets
        • Dog Life Jackets
        • Kids Life Jackets
        • PFD Accessories
        Shop All Life Jackets (PFD)
      • Stand Up Paddle Boards
      • Bodyboards and Kneeboards
      • Tow Tubes
      • Snorkelling
      • Wetsuits
      • Beach and Pool
      • Games and Sports
      • Accessories
      • Popular Brands

        Popular Brands

        • Glide
        • Hobie
        • Intex
        • Mirage
        • Pryml
        • Tahwalhi
        • Verao
        Shop All Popular Brands
      Shop All Watersports
      • Watersports Sale
      • Watersports Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    • 4WD and Caravan

      4WD and Caravan

      • Caravan

        Caravan

        • Awnings, Screens and Matting
        • Caravan Covers
        • Towing
        • Levelling
        • Plumbing
        • Maintenance
        • Gas
        • Power and Batteries
        • Appliances
        • Kitchen
        • Bedding
        • Bathroom and Laundry
        • Accessories
        Shop All Caravan
      • 4WD

        4WD

        • Communications
        • Recovery Gear
        • Spotlights and Light Bars
        • Battery Boxes and Accessories
        • Air Compressors
        • Tyre Maintenance
        • Fuel Containers
        • 4WD Awnings
        • Roof Racks
        • Tools
        • 4WD Drawers
        Shop All 4WD
      • Navigation and Communication

        Navigation and Communication

        • UHF Communication
        • Navigation
        Shop All Navigation and Communication
      • Maps and Books
      • Popular Brands

        Popular Brands

        • AFN
        • Camec
        • Hema
        • Wanderer
        • XTM 4x4 Accessories
        Shop All Popular Brands
      Shop All 4WD and Caravan
      • 4WD & Caravan Sale
      • 4WD & Caravan Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    • Clothing and Footwear

      Clothing and Footwear

      • Mens Clothing

        Mens Clothing

        • Fishing Shirts and Polos
        • Shirts and Tops
        • Pants and Shorts
        • Thermals
        • Jackets and Fleece
        • Rainwear
        • Headwear
        • Ski Wear
        • Underwear
        Shop All Mens Clothing
      • Mens Footwear

        Mens Footwear

        • Sandals and Thongs
        • Casual Shoes
        • Water Shoes
        • Ski Boots
        • Hiking Shoes
        • Socks
        • Accessories
        Shop All Mens Footwear
      • Womens Clothing

        Womens Clothing

        • Fishing Shirts and Polos
        • Shirts and Tops
        • Pants and Shorts
        • Thermals
        • Jackets and Fleece
        • Rainwear
        • Headwear
        • Ski Wear
        Shop All Womens Clothing
      • Womens Footwear

        Womens Footwear

        • Sandals and Thongs
        • Casual Shoes
        • Water Shoes
        • Ski Boots
        • Hiking Shoes
        • Socks
        Shop All Womens Footwear
      • Kids Clothing

        Kids Clothing

        • Fishing Shirts and Polos
        • Shirts and Tops
        • Pants and Shorts
        • Thermals
        • Jackets and Fleece
        • Rainwear
        • Headwear
        • Ski Wear
        Shop All Kids Clothing
      • Kids Footwear

        Kids Footwear

        • Sandals and Thongs
        • Water Shoes
        Shop All Kids Footwear
      • Sunglasses

        Sunglasses

        • Sunnies
        • Sunglasses Strap
        Shop All Sunglasses
      • Accessories

        Accessories

        • Gloves
        • Hats
        • Scarves
        • Socks
        Shop All Accessories
      • Popular Brands

        Popular Brands

        • BCF
        • Columbia
        • Liive Vision
        • macpac
        • Outrak
        • Quiksilver
        • Savage Gear
        • Tide Apparel
        • Tradie
        • Under Armour
        Shop All Popular Brands
      Shop All Clothing and Footwear
      • Clothing & Footwear Sale
      • Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    Winter Wander-Land Catalogue out now
  • Boating

    Boating

    • Life Jackets (PFD)

      Life Jackets (PFD)

      • Watersports Life Jackets
      • Boating Life Jackets
      • Fishing Life Jackets
      • Dog Life Jackets
      • Kids Life Jackets
      • PFD Accessories
    • Boats and Motors

      Boats and Motors

      • Inflatable Boats
      • Petrol Motors
      • Electric Motors
      • Fuel Tanks and Fittings
      • Steering and Accessories
      • Motor Accessories
    • Maintenance

      Maintenance

      • Marine Oil
      • Marine Grease
      • Marine Additives
      • Wash and Polish
      • Lubricants
      • Tape
      • Adhesives and Fillers
    • Electrical and Plumbing

      Electrical and Plumbing

      • Pumps and Plumbing
      • Marine Lighting
      • Marine Electrical
      • Marine Switch Panels
      • Marine Batteries
      • Bait Tank and Aerators
    • Boat Fit-Out

      Boat Fit-Out

      • Bait Boards
      • Rod Holders
      • Hatches and Vents
      • Seats and Pedestals
      • Biminis and Launchers
      • Boat Covers
      • Rigging
      • Boat Letters
      • Fasteners
      • Marine Carpet
      • Accessories
    • Anchors and Docking

      Anchors and Docking

      • Anchors and Accessories
      • Docking
      • Floats and Fenders
    • Marine Safety

      Marine Safety

      • Flares
      • Epirb
      • PLB
      • Fire Extinguishers
      • Signalling Devices
      • Buckets and Bailers
      • Oars and Paddles
      • Compass
      • Safety Accessories
    • Electronics

      Electronics

      • Fishfinders
      • Combos
      • Transducers
      • Communications
      • Handheld GPS
      • Marine Audio
    • Trailer

      Trailer

      • Winches
      • Jockey Wheels
      • Lights and Plugs
      • Rollers
      • Parts and Accessories
      • Tie-Downs
    • First Aid and Sun Safety
    • Popular Brands

      Popular Brands

      • BLA
      • Garmin
      • Lowrance
      • Marlin
      • Minn Kota
      • Watersnake
      • Boating Sale
      • Online Exclusives
      • Boating Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    • Life Jackets (PFD)
      • Watersports Life Jackets
      • Boating Life Jackets
      • Fishing Life Jackets
      • Dog Life Jackets
      • Kids Life Jackets
      • PFD Accessories
    • Boats and Motors
      • Inflatable Boats
      • Petrol Motors
      • Electric Motors
      • Fuel Tanks and Fittings
      • Steering and Accessories
      • Motor Accessories
    • Maintenance
      • Marine Oil
      • Marine Grease
      • Marine Additives
      • Wash and Polish
      • Lubricants
      • Tape
      • Adhesives and Fillers
    • Electrical and Plumbing
      • Pumps and Plumbing
      • Marine Lighting
      • Marine Electrical
      • Marine Switch Panels
      • Marine Batteries
      • Bait Tank and Aerators
    • Boat Fit-Out
      • Bait Boards
      • Rod Holders
      • Hatches and Vents
      • Seats and Pedestals
      • Biminis and Launchers
      • Boat Covers
      • Rigging
      • Boat Letters
      • Fasteners
      • Marine Carpet
      • Accessories
    • Anchors and Docking
      • Anchors and Accessories
      • Docking
      • Floats and Fenders
    • Marine Safety
      • Flares
      • Epirb
      • PLB
      • Fire Extinguishers
      • Signalling Devices
      • Buckets and Bailers
      • Oars and Paddles
      • Compass
      • Safety Accessories
    • Electronics
      • Fishfinders
      • Combos
      • Transducers
      • Communications
      • Handheld GPS
      • Marine Audio
    • Trailer
      • Winches
      • Jockey Wheels
      • Lights and Plugs
      • Rollers
      • Parts and Accessories
      • Tie-Downs
    • First Aid and Sun Safety
    • Popular Brands
      • BLA
      • Garmin
      • Lowrance
      • Marlin
      • Minn Kota
      • Watersnake
    • Boating Sale
    • Online Exclusives
    • Boating Clearance
    • New Arrivals
  • Camping

    Camping

    • Tents and Swags

      Tents and Swags

      • Family Tents
      • Touring Tents
      • Dome Tents
      • Canvas Tents
      • Hiking Tents
      • Instant and Fast Pitching Tents
      • Pop Up Tents
      • Swags and Cots
      • Shower and Ensuite Tents
      • Tarps
      • Poles, Pegs, Guy Ropes
    • Gazebos and Shade

      Gazebos and Shade

      • Gazebos and Shade Covers
      • Beach Shade
      • Shelter Accessories and Parts
    • Camp Furniture

      Camp Furniture

      • Camping Chairs
      • Camp Loungers
      • Camp Stools
      • Beach / Event Chairs
      • Camp Tables
      • Carts and Wagons
      • Kitchen / Stove Stands
      • Wardrobe and Cupboards
      • Kids Camping Chairs
    • Bedding

      Bedding

      • Sleeping Bags
      • Hammocks
      • Self Inflatable
      • Air Beds
      • Foam Bedding
      • Camping Stretchers
      • Repair Kits and Accessories
      • Air Pumps
    • Fridges and Coolers

      Fridges and Coolers

      • Fridge Freezers
      • Iceboxes and Soft Coolers
      • Fridge and Cooler Accessories
      • Fridge Covers and Slides
      • Ice Bricks and Packs
    • Cooking

      Cooking

      • Cookware
      • Cooking Utensils
      • Pots, Pans, and Billies
      • Food and Snacks
      • Cast Iron Camp Ovens
    • BBQs and Gas Appliances

      BBQs and Gas Appliances

      • BBQs and Smokers
      • Portable Stoves
      • Gas Bottles
      • Gas Hoses and Fittings
      • Lantern Glasses and Mantles
      • Butane and Portable Fuels
      • Gas Stove Accessories
      • BBQ Tools and Accessories
    • Heating and Cooling

      Heating and Cooling

      • Fire Pits and Heaters
      • Fire Starters and Kindling
      • Camping Fans and Coolers
    • Hiking Gear and Packs

      Hiking Gear and Packs

      • Daypacks
      • Duffle Bags
      • Hiking and Travel Packs
      • Dry Bags
      • Hydration Packs
      • Hiking Accessories
      • Hiking Boots and Socks
      • Hiking Poles
      • Hiking Clothing
      • Hiking Food and Stoves
      • Hiking Sleeping
    • Safety and Protection

      Safety and Protection

      • First Aid and Sun Safety
      • Water Filter and Additives
      • Insect Protection
    • Toilet and Shower

      Toilet and Shower

      • Portable Toilets and Chemicals
      • Camping Showers
      • Water Heaters and Pumps
      • Wash Accessories
    • Camping Storage

      Camping Storage

      • Plastic Storage
      • Water Storage
      • Storage Accessories
      • Canvas Storage Bags
    • Tableware

      Tableware

      • Kitchenware
      • Melamine
      • Drinkware
      • Food Storage
      • Party / Picnic
    • Power and Batteries

      Power and Batteries

      • Generators
      • Power Inverters
      • Solar Power
      • Batteries
      • Power Accessories
    • Lighting and Appliances

      Lighting and Appliances

      • Torches
      • Camping Lanterns
      • Spot and Worklights
      • Headlamps
      • Appliances
      • Electrical Parts and Accessories
    • Camping Hardware

      Camping Hardware

      • Knives and Multitools
      • Binoculars
      • Metal Detectors
    • Gadgets, Games and Gear

      Gadgets, Games and Gear

      • Games and Gifts
      • Books and Magazines
    • Popular Brands

      Popular Brands

      • Coleman
      • Companion
      • Dometic
      • Engel
      • Sea to Summit
      • Wanderer
      • Weber
      • XTM
      • Zempire
      • Camping Sale
      • Camping Clearance
      • New Arrivals
    • Tents and Swags
      • Family Tents
      • Touring Tents
      • Dome Tents
      • Canvas Tents
      • Hiking Tents
      • Instant and Fast Pitching Tents
      • Pop Up Tents
      • Swags and Cots
      • Shower and Ensuite Tents
      • Tarps
      • Poles, Pegs, Guy Ropes
    • Gazebos and Shade
      • Gazebos and Shade Covers
      • Beach Shade
      • Shelter Accessories and Parts
    • Camp Furniture
      • Camping Chairs
      • Camp Loungers
      • Camp Stools
      • Beach / Event Chairs
      • Camp Tables
      • Carts and Wagons
      • Kitchen / Stove Stands
      • Wardrobe and Cupboards
      • Kids Camping Chairs
    • Bedding
      • Sleeping Bags
      • Hammocks
      • Self Inflatable
      • Air Beds
      • Foam Bedding
      • Camping Stretchers
      • Repair Kits and Accessories
      • Air Pumps
    • Fridges and Coolers
      • Fridge Freezers
      • Iceboxes and Soft Coolers
      • Fridge and Cooler Accessories
      • Fridge Covers and Slides
      • Ice Bricks and Packs
    • Cooking
      • Cookware
      • Cooking Utensils
      • Pots, Pans, and Billies
      • Food and Snacks
      • Cast Iron Camp Ovens
    • BBQs and Gas Appliances
      • BBQs and Smokers
      • Portable Stoves
      • Gas Bottles
      • Gas Hoses and Fittings
      • Lantern Glasses and Mantles
      • Butane and Portable Fuels
      • Gas Stove Accessories
      • BBQ Tools and Accessories
    • Heating and Cooling
      • Fire Pits and Heaters
      • Fire Starters and Kindling
      • Camping Fans and Coolers
    • Hiking Gear and Packs
      • Daypacks
      • Duffle Bags
      • Hiking and Travel Packs
      • Dry Bags
      • Hydration Packs
      • Hiking Accessories
      • Hiking Boots and Socks
      • Hiking Poles
      • Hiking Clothing
      • Hiking Food and Stoves
      • Hiking Sleeping
    • Safety and Protection
      • First Aid and Sun Safety
      • Water Filter and Additives
      • Insect Protection
    • Toilet and Shower
      • Portable Toilets and Chemicals
      • Camping Showers
      • Water Heaters and Pumps
      • Wash Accessories
    • Camping Storage
      • Plastic Storage
      • Water Storage
      • Storage Accessories
      • Canvas Storage Bags
    • Tableware
      • Kitchenware
      • Melamine
      • Drinkware
      • Food Storage
      • Party / Picnic
    • Power and Batteries
      • Generators
      • Power Inverters
      • Solar Power
      • Batteries
      • Power Accessories
    • Lighting and Appliances
      • Torches
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Be a BCFing Expert Fishing Buyers Guide Fishing the flats with soft plastics
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Buyers Guide

Fishing the flats with soft plastics

Chasing big fish in the shallow waters of estuaries with soft plastics, is not only fun, but highly effective. Nige Webster shares his top tips for targeting bread and butter species in the shallows.

20 May 2021

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Author: Nige Webster

As the water warms around the country, many species of fish cease winter habits and return to the happy hunting grounds of the estuary flats. The shallow waters of most of our estuaries play host to a variety of abundant food supply for predatory fish.

Targeting fish with a variety of lure and bait types is a popular pastime for spring and summer estuary anglers.

A popular lure choice for many fishing the shallows is that of soft plastics. I have fished for bread and butter species such as whiting and bream with soft plastics for a long time, and have more recently gone to the next level to explore the effectiveness of these lures for bigger and more brutal shallow water estuary speedsters.

Regardless of your target species, whether big or small, it’s safe to say soft plastics are a deadly weapon across the board.

Some popular locations around my area of the Sunshine Coast to target large fish in the shallows include the waters around Fraser Island. Hervey Bay and the Urangan area to the west of Fraser Island are near to some extensive zones of shallow water. These waters are host to a variety of species during the spring and summer months including our popular bread and butter species such as flathead, bream and whiting. However, they have the added attraction of hosting larger species such as golden, diamond and giant trevally that cruise the warmer water shallows in search of prey.

A little strategy and a well-presented soft plastic are often all that is required to put yourself in the box seat for some adrenalin filled fishing. The visual aspects of this style of fishing make it extremely captivating, regardless of whether you choose to chase our bread and butter favourites or some larger fare.

Shallow water patterns

Most estuary flats play home to worm, yabby, baitfish and prawn supplies. These food sources congregate in the shallows because predators have to take some risks entering these waters to prey on them. The risks are obviously worth the reward because under certain conditions and at specific times many predators frequent the shallows looking for food.

The low light periods and rough weather makes it easier for fish to feed in the shallow water with less chance of being eaten themselves. These periods also make it harder for anglers to spot these fish and target them on the flats. This means we have to watch for those sunlit days with lower wind to make spotting fish that little bit easier. As always, a pair of good polaroid sunglasses aids in this exercise.

Periods when fish are often actively feeding on the flats also tend to coincide with specific tide times. A building tide will often have fish, like members of the trevally family, trying to push up into the shallows to find their food.

Tidal periods ranging from the quarter of the run in and through to the top of the tide are great times to cruise the flats looking for feeding fish. The deeper water gives fish more confidence to push right up into previously shallow areas to find food. Fish will feed on the flats during the first quarter of the run out tide, but as water drains from the flats, they tend to start pushing into deeper water.

Different moon phases may produce more actively feeding fish. The week around each of the new and full moon often produce times where the fish are a little more active.

Finding fish

Finding flats fish is often the hardest aspect to catching them.

The tendency for bigger species to alter patterns when feeding over the flats from day to day can make for testing times. Just because you found fish in a location one day, doesn’t mean you will find them there the next!

There are a few strategies you can adopt to make finding fish on the flats a little easier. A good tactic is to plan to be mobile until you have found groups of travelling and feeding fish.

Once you have found them, try not to lose them! Good places to begin searching for fish on the flats include various types of shallow water structural features. Look to start inspecting likely looking patchy weedbeds, darker patches of sand, yabby beds and any areas that display bottom colour change as these areas can highlight places where fish might cruise and feed. Fish will often enter the flats through specific areas such as slightly deeper channels.

Keep your eyes peeled for these types of travel lanes as they etch their way from deeper water up onto the flats.

Always be on the lookout for big, cruising bottom dwellers like the various ray species that frequent the flats. These guys are often tailed by various flats’ predators like members of the trevally clan. Placing a well-positioned soft plastic near these rays can often result in an unexpected hook up from following fish.

Further signs of fish include areas of nervous bait and prawn activity. Watch for obvious signs such as tailing fish and faster moving shadows traversing the shallows.

Buyer’s guide

When it comes to targeting larger species on the flats using soft plastics, light equipment is the order of the day.

The beauty when targeting larger predators in the shallows is there is often limited structure for them to break lines on. This is handy because long, subtle casts are often required when it comes to fooling these larger fish. Longer casts are more easily made when using lighter rods and line classes to distribute small soft plastic offerings. Add to this the pleasure and reduced fatigue from using lightly weighted rods and reels and it makes the whole process very enjoyable.

A good 7ft rod in 4 to 8kg weighting, married with a 3000 to 4000 size spinning reel is perfect for fishing the flats.

A good braided line of 10 to 14lb breaking strain will assist you dramatically in your flats pursuits.

Aim to complement braided lines with 3 to 4 m of 12lb fluorocarbon leader (longer than my usual 2m leader) and your outfit is ready to cause damage. When fishing the flats in sunny conditions I opt for slightly longer leaders than usual.

There is a huge range of soft plastics on the market these days that will all produce big fish on the flats. Although the minnow style plastics will work, I prefer to use creature style lures that are equipped with leg-like appendages. For this reason, the shrimp/prawn and yabby or crab imitations make great soft plastics to have in the box.

Successful lures include models like the Berkley Gulp 3-inch craw and shrimp lures, and others including Z-Man shrimp and Savage 3D Shrimps. Naturally-coloured soft plastics have provided more consistent results over several seasons of fishing the flats.

The process of selecting a jighead to accompany the soft plastic is not difficult. Choose a hook size that matches the size of your chosen soft plastic and then choose a jighead weight that will enable you to cast the required distance. Good options include 1/8 to 1/6oz jigheads in No 2 hook sizes.

How to approach the flats

How to approach the flats

One small twitch off the bottom about a metre away form your target is often all it will take to have it charge the lure.

The approach to targeting big flats fish needs to be strategic. Certain tactics may improve your success rate dramatically. Use the position of the sun to guide the direction in which you choose to travel across flats. Choosing a direction that assists you to see easily into the water can be the trick to spotting those harder to see fish at times.

If you are fishing on days when the light is poor and fish are harder to spot, a handy tactic can be to wait and ambush fish. Set up a position near some of the travelling lanes that fish are likely to use when entering the flats. By quietly waiting and watching in such a position, you can set yourself up to cast at unsuspecting fish as they enter your area to feed.

An effective catalyst for improving success on the flats is the ability to move quietly across these shallow areas. Long drifts with the wind, the use of an electric motor or poling yourself across the flats are good strategies. Many flats fish are even cautious of electric motor noise these days, so keep the use of the electric to a minimum where possible.

Catching fish on the flats

Catching fish on the flats

Use the sun to advantage and to establish boat direction to move across flats so visibility is optimal

  1. Having spotted the fish, establish direction that they are travelling.
  2. Cast the lure a good 10 metre ahead of the fish and let it sink to the bottom.
  3. Wait patiently until the fish are within a metre of the flat plastic before subtly hopping it 1ft off the bottom.

A good strategy when getting the chance to cast a soft plastic on the flats is to choose a lure that looks like available food types. Three and four inch soft plastics stand a good chance of matching available food supply size. If there are prawns about, then aim to start with prawn imitation soft plastics, alternatively start with yabby imitations.

Having spotted a cruising fish or patch of fish, make sure you can be in a position to make one good cast ahead of them. You don’t always get many opportunities to cast at cruising fish so wait until the moment is right and then make most of it!

A good, accurate cast is the order of the day. Make sure you initially determine the direction the fish are moving and then cast a good 5m ahead of them. Try to feather your cast as much as possible so the lure does not land too heavily. Having landed a cast ahead of fish that has not spooked the group, let the plastic simply sit motionless on the bottom.

When fish get within a metre of the plastic give the lure a single subtle hop up off the bottom that moves the lure no more than a foot. Then watch the body language of the fish. If you have surprised the fish by leading them to believe they have just startled an unsuspecting piece of food, they will charge the lure.

The position of the fish in the water will often give away whether they have eaten a plastic. Fish like golden and diamond trevally will often stick their faces into the sand with tails held up high and the body of a fish will visibly quiver. If you haven’t felt a tap through the line at this stage, this is still the time to lift the rod. In 90 per cent of the cases you will come up solid with a fish!

If you feel that satisfying tap through the line, lift the rod and hold on. The initial run of solid flats fish like trevally is powerful, fast and long! The key to fighting these fish is to be patient. Chase fish if you start to run low on line. Catching these shallow water predators is an absolute rush, so when you find fish having a good bite, take advantage!

Flats fun

Targeting big, shallow water fish like the ones available at Hervey Bay is in my opinion one of the most exciting forms of spin fishing you can try.

The visual aspect is second to none when combined with the adrenalin rush when fish charge across flats and takes lots of line under a screaming drag. The intriguing and sometimes challenging manner that is sometimes required to catch these fish, all adds to the satisfaction when you fool one of these speedsters.

Regardless of whether you plan to head north and chase the flats fish around Fraser, the visual tactics of using plastics in the estuary shallows is as effective on the bigger species as it is on our bread and butter fish.

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