MARK Ratchford is calling it his ‘huge adventure’, which might be an understatement considering he’s just spent four months on a solo 16,500km circumnavigation of Australia in a 6.5m fishing boat. The well-known Melbourne fishing and charter specialist had to deal with huge seas, high wind, freezing weather, sleep deprivation and loneliness going around our enormous island continent. But he …

THE first major event of the 2017 Australian boat show season will be staged in March right in the heart of the nation’s recreational boating industry capital on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo sees the dates of the award-winning show move forward to March 17-19, 2017. This year the Expo will be operated …

THE National 4×4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo is returning to the Brisbane Showgrounds in 2017, scheduled for March 31-April 2, featuring thousands of fishing, boating, camping, 4×4 and outdoors products from the industry’s leading retailers. The show returns following successful events in both Brisbane and Melbourne in 2016. Already included in the exhibitor line-up are big names such …

They are out there. Once again we would like to thank our major sponsors Dream Kayaks, BCF Oxenford, JML Anglers Alliance, Weapons Custom Rods, Marquee Events and 2DEEP.We would also like to thank our other sponsors for their contributions – Burleigh Brewing Co, Mick Molnar Marine Art, Bush ‘n Beach Fishing magazine and Coomera Watersports Club. A big thanks to …

Stocked only with Operation World Record genetics, the path to grow the next world-record bass became clearer, as Jalisco combined the best elements of La Perla with an upgraded design and forage plan creating a new and improved big-bass factory. “Gary built and manages the lake, and we stocked it with our Operation World Record fish,” Forshage said. “Under the …

WITH the motor racing season slowing over the holiday period, Aussie racing legend Russell Ingall is looking forward to spending quality time in his newly renovated Riviera M400. Powered by a pair of Mercury Diesel TDI 370hp engines with Bravo 3 drives, and controlled via Mercury’s Joystick Piloting system, the boat has been a special project for Gold Coast local …

THE festive season is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, sustainably harvested and locally caught seafood. After another fantastic year for Commonwealth fisheries, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston is encouraging Australians to remember sustainable, local seafood when planning the Christmas menu this year. “The warmer weather is perfect for enjoying just one of the many seafood …

BIGFISH Gear Fish Headz are multifunctional headwear for your head, ears and neck that can be used for protection from the sun, wind and rain, all while keeping you cool. Bigfish Gear specifically wanted a garment that was light, cool and comfortable to wear with good UPF protection, hence Fish Headz are made from lightweight, stretchy polyester that makes them …

BIOSECURITY Queensland has completed destruction activities in all production ponds on all the white spot disease infected premises in the Logan River area. In accordance with the nationally agreed emergency animal disease response plan, all ponds on infected premises must be destocked. The priority is to protect the immediate environment and the broader industry from any potential source of infection …

THE smallest in the Yellowfin range, the Quintrex 5800 is capable of serious offshore fishing while offering practicality and a lower price point. The Yellowfin models are built strong for ultimate protection from the elements, with the 5800 featuring 5mm plate bottom sheets, 5mm transom material and 4mm side sheets. Don’t be fooled by the smaller model, as construction-wise the …