Lure Expo Set to be Bigger Than Ever

Exhibition Building, Ipwich Showgrounds – 81 Warwick Rd, Ipswich

July 18-19, 9am to 4pm

OVER the past few years the Australian Lure Fly & Outdoors Expo has grown from small beginnings in a country hall in Fernvale to be the largest tackle show in the country. In 2014, the lure expo had expanded so much that a move into a much larger venue was required and the Exhibition Building at the Ipswich Showgrounds was chosen.

Now in 2015, the increased demand for exhibitor space has seen the second floor of this site being occupied to accommodate. Lure makers from across Australia are set to make their annual pilgrimage to southeast Queensland, bringing their wares with them, be they small hand-crafted lures or larger mass-produced lures.

The expo’s foundations are well grounded, with the live lure making and fly tying demos always being a hit. Jamie Judd from Gobsmacked Lures will be showing visitors how to take a block of timber and turn it down to a lure on his wood lathe, while Patrick Jones from Southern Cross Lures will be demonstrating carving and sanding techniques.

Rounding out the lure making demos will be Byan Power from Power Lures, showing painting techniques with an airbrush. You can even learn how to make your own soft plastic lures at the U-Make-Em stand.

Fly tying is not forgotten, with Peter Cherrett from Waspy Flies and Gavin Dunne Custom Flies weaving their magic throughout the weekend. A range of speakers will feature on the Humminbird Fishing Stage (see table below) for every hour of the expo, covering topics from understanding imaging sonar to fishing Moreton Bay for snapper, learning bass and bream basics, inshore pelagic tactics and picking up info on fishing far north Queensland and the Daring Downs.

The expo has attracted the attention of international players, with the likes of Jackall and Atomic taking note and lining up to join the Aussies at the expo. Where once local lure makers may have looked like poorer second cousins to some of the overseas manufacturers, the Aussies are now up there with the best from around the world in design and finish.

The annual Lure of The Year Awards see some healthy competition among the Aussie lure makers and the goal posts have moved forward in leaps and bounds every year. Some of the latest work simply has to be seen to be believed.

As always, rare and collectable lures will be on show, with a team of enthusiasts on site to help identify those old lures you may have found in a box in the shed. Be sure to bring them along to see if they’re worth anything.

Maybe that old lure you paid $12 for 10 years ago is worth enough now to fill a new tackle box! The increased space at the 2015 expo has allowed for some associated products to be put on show. The lower floor will be a major boating hub, with boat, motor and trailer packages from Stones Corner Marine, Brisbane Yamaha and Karee Marine on show.

Some camping gear from RPM Products will also be on display, and for those wanting to get into archery or hunting, the team from Darryl Reeks Archery will be on site with advice and gear to get you sorted out. Let’s take a look at some of the expo exhibitors.

Kuttafurra Lures

Kuttafurra Lures is a household name among the new generation of Australian lure makers and owner Aaron is recognised as one of the most skilled lure carvers and painters in the game. Aaron won the Most Artistic Lure Award at last year’s show with an amazing crayfish imitation. He will be attending the show again this year and is looking forward to catching up with the other lure makers and all those who bought lures from him last year.

Stones Corner Marine

This year’s Lure Fly & Outdoor Expo will be the first for Stones Corner Marine. The team will be showcasing a range of Sea Jay boats from light car toppers to side consoles for sport fishing.

Models on display will include the new 448 Avenger Sports (ideal for the all-round fisher), the Creek Masta (specifically set up for the impoundment/estuary angler) and the Nomad (Sea Jay’s number-one car topper). So whether your passion is impoundment, saltwater or estuary fishing or you’re a travelling angler, Stones Corner Marine will have the boat for you. Stones Corner will also match your new boat with a Yamaha four-stroke or two-stroke outboard to suit.

Bassman Spinnerbaits

One of Australia’s best-known spinnerbait manufacturers, Bassman Spinnerbaits will be launching some new concepts in spinnerbaits and mumblers to add to its long-established range.

RPM Products

A major sponsor of the expo, RPM Products will be showcasing a range of LED camping lights, car driving bar lights and unique folding camping fire pits among other great products at the expo.

Darryl Reeks Archery

To satisfy those who are into hunting, Darryl Reeks Archery will have a range of hunting gear, competition archery equipment, beginner sets and 3D targets on display.

Electronics

Electronics are a new feature at the expo, and Humminbird and Garmin will have working units on display and for sale.

Reidy’s Big Ass B52 bags biggest barra at Barra Nationals

Many other big fish were hooked on the Big Ass and the tournament also saw the release of the new larger version known as the Big Ass 200 B52, which is 200mm in length.
The new model was handed out to competitors on the last day of the comp, with many reports of barra being taken on the lure. Krystal Withers, a guest of the Barra Nationals, landed a 111cm barra on the Big Ass in Cuss colour and well-known Darwin local Wayne ‘Buff’ Ross snared a 113cm model on a gold Big Ass B52.
Check out the range on the website and meet the Reidy’s team and see the lures at the Australian Lure Fly & Outdoors Expo. For more information visit www.reidyslures.com

Brisbane Yamaha showcases Hornet and Explorer Trophy

One of the best-selling boats from Quintrex is the Explorer range of V-nosed hulls, which are ideal for lake and estuary conditions. Upgraded to the Fighter Series this year, the Explorer range features the pickle fork nose as standard in 3.9m and above models. This hull now offers even greater stability at rest, a fuller bow and a finer entry to give you a better ride when under way.
Check out the F390 and F420 Explorer Trophy models at the Brisbane Yamaha stand. The Quintrex Hornet range is a standalone model line in the Australian boat market. Unique in design and with now-legendary status among Australian fishers, these boats were first used in the inaugural ABT series. The Hornet is still recognised as the ultimate hull for lure and fly anglers. A newly designed rod locker is part of the standard package in the F481 Hornet.
This is arguably the best rod storage system available on the market. Brisbane Yamaha will have an F481 Hornet Trophy on display at the show and it is fully kitted out with a Yamaha F80 four-stroke, Minn Kota iPilot Link and Humminbird 898c GPS/Side Imaging sounder.
As an exclusive Humminbird Pro dealer, Brisbane Yamaha offers the full range of Humminbird and Minn Kota products at its dealership on the Bruce Highway in Burpengary, just north of Brisbane.
Brisbane Yamaha offers expert knowledge of the product range along with the peace of mind of a three-year warranty on all electronics fitted in its workshop. Furthermore, all Yamaha four-stroke outboards sold and serviced by Brisbane Yamaha come with an exclusive six-year engine warranty – the best available in Australia.
And as anglers know, Yamaha-powered boats are quieter in the water, meaning you catch more fish.
Brisbane Yamaha dealer principal Aaron Goodchild said: “We are proud to be part of Australia’s largest lure event.” “It is an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase the best Aussie-designed lures.
“This year’s show looks set to be bigger than ever, so come and see us and take a look at our range on display.”
www.brisbaneyamaha.com.au

Last Cast Spinnerbaits focuses on quality

Ninja Lures ideal for fresh and saltwater needs

Based and tested predominantly in the Condamine River area, southeast Queensland bass impoundments and on beaches, Ninja Lures are not only for the professional angler but the weekend and family fisho alike.
No matter your destination, there is a Ninja or two ready to provide you with a memorable capture.
For more information and to shop online, visit www.australianlureshop.com.au/ninjalures

Jeff passionate about JH Lures designs

Using dense timber and belly weights achieves greater casting distance as well as reverse rise.
JH Lures offers more than 16 lure varieties for different fish species, ranging from 50mm lures to 150mm GT poppers. Most JH lures have flat sides to create flash and the eye sockets are recessed to incorporate 3D eyes and mother of pearl and paua shell eyes in collector lures. Jeff is looking forward to the Australian Lure Fly & Outdoors Expo where he will be selling his lures and unveiling some surprise designs. Jeff has definitely been lured by the lure.
www.facebook.com/JHLures

Wealth of knowledge goes into Hillie’s Lures

New release Mack Bait displayed by Lively Lures

Lively Lures will be selling its renowned range of Micro Mullets for only $10 a pop at the expo – that’s a saving from the already incredibly cheap online price and something all trollers will need to budget for – especially if flathead, bass, bream and trout are on your target list.
A brand-new 9” Mack Bait will be released at this year’s expo.
This versatile lure is designed to target mackerel, tuna, wahoo and most bluewater species.
The Lively Lures stand will be a must visit at the expo. If you can’t make it check out the website.

Karee Marine has you covered for fishing boats

This boat is designed for the angler who wants style and comfort.
It comes standard with a live well, sports dash and heaps more, is powered by a Mercury 60hp four-stroke motor and rides on a Dunbier trailer.
So to see these boats in the flesh and talk deals with the Karee Marine team, be sure to visit the stand at the show.
www.kareemarine.com.au

Modern Aussie lures by Jelly Fish

Having lived in Queensland since 1976, Jim has been fishing since he could walk.
Utilising his vast knowledge of local fish and their habits combined with intense and ongoing research of modern lure-making methods, he set about creating the perfect lures for all situations and set up Jelly Fish Lures in 2009, selling his creations at the Caboolture and Bribie markets.
Since then the business has grown substantially to include online sales across Australia and even the US.
So if you want top-quality, state of the art, Australian-made lures designed specifically for Australian fish, don’t settle for inferior, imported, machine-made lures; contact Jelly Fish Lures – the professionals in customised handmade soft plastic lures.
For more information, visit www.jellyfishlures.com