February comment from Ben Collins, Editor Bush 'n Beach Fishing magazine 

WITH the weather pattern being very erratic of late, I’ve been unsure whether to put on the zinc or grab my wet and cold weather gear. And I’m not kidding in relation to the cold weather gear, as some nights and even days recently have been a little on the cool side in my area for this time of year.

This uncertainty has made it a bit tough on the fishing front, but there have still been some cracking days in between.

 

So it is vital you are ready to hit the water and wet a line at a minute’s notice.

One of my New Year resolutions is (well it is every year) to get out on the water more often, so I find it’s important to make the most of any opportunities.

 

In the lead up to printing I’ve been continually watching a few websites for the weekend forecast and it just keeps changing.

I’ve also been looking out the window and coming up with similar results. But I’ve worked out a few different plans of attack to ensure I do get out on the water.

 

If the wind drops off, I’ll be out in Moreton Bay setting a few crab pots early, and then going in search of some spotty mackerel.

The good news is that I’ve heard a few reports that the spotties have started to turn up in Moreton Bay.

 

However if these southerlies keep blowing, I’m going to head to the Gold Coast into more sheltered waterways.

And while the initial plan of putting a few pots out will still be the same, instead of spotties I’ll be after bream or trevally on surface lures. Both of these are great fun on light gear and especially top water.

 

Sure it’s are not like catching 30 or 40kg GTs but there is no more exciting form of fishing than top water. The action and hits you get, even from small fish, has the blood flowing as they peel off line. It is also great fun for the younger fraternity, as an introduction to lure fishing. Trolling lures around is also easy for kids, but this sort of top-water action leaves trolling for dead.

 

So have your plans in place and hopefully you can also get out on the water more often. There is always a viable option for wetting a line. So why not explore new waterways or try new techniques so you can improve your fishing and have more fun – I know I do.

 

The world economic climate has definitely had an affect on the Australia economy, but in saying that I think we are in a pretty good position to move forward. In fact, now is probably the perfect time to buy a new boat, rod or even a reel if you are in the market for one, as prices have never been better.

 

Thinking back, this time last year was when the rain started for what was the worst flooding in Brisbane for years, and well before I was born. And then the north was hit by a cyclone. Despite all this doom and gloom, we really have come a long way in 12 months which is testament to the Aussie spirit.

 

Plenty of hard work has been done by a lot of people this year, so I hope everyone gets a bit of a break over the holiday period.

 

This also highlights the fact that you need to pencil or even pen in more fishing or camping getaways for 2012 to escape the rat-race and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

 

I find that if I put something in my diary I stick to it, so now is the time to get the pen out and start planning your year ahead.

This way you will get out on the water more and in my case out from behind the desk more often.

 

I would like to thank our great team of writers who continue to put top, current articles together for us each month. Many thanks also to our advertisers who we are looking forward to catching up with again in the New Year. And of course a big thankyou to all our loyal readers.

 

As we move forward we are continually trying to give you more information and our advertisers more exposures. Hence we are adding to our Facebook page, website and fisho forum, so if you have a recent capture jump online and let us know. Alternatively you can check out what is biting and where.

 

On the fisho forum, we now have a number of weekly reports from different areas to keep you up to date on what's biting and where. This is something we will continue to grow, so you will have a wealth of information at your fingertips.

 

Just a reminder, the office will be closed from December 23, 2011 to January 2, 2011, however there will be an answering machine that will be checked periodically over this period.

 

Take care on the water and remember to be a little patient at the boat ramps. It may even help to offer a hand to anyone who needs it.

Ben Collins