Daiwa’s long running Heartland brand has now been redefined with the introduction of the Australian designed range that includes reels, rods and accessories. The Heartland brand continues its long running catch title of “Tradition Quality Technology” with this high quality range of tackle.

The new Heartland XA spinning reels are built on the famous solid one-piece aluminium frame and sideplate as used on legendary reels like TD Sol and Caldia Kix, it exhibits the same incredible strength and lightweight power that has made Daiwa reels the worlds best. Daiwa’s legendary innovations like Digigear II Digital Gear Design, AirBail, ABS spool, Waterproof drag, Twistbuster II and Silent Oscillation are all incorporated in Heartland XA to deliver one of the best reels for its value that Daiwa has produced.

Designed for the rigors of saltwater use, the Heartland XA spinning reels use 7 of Daiwa’s exclusive Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings (CRBB), these bearings are treated for corrosion resistance and are shielded to seal out sand, fine grit, salt crystals and other abrasives for longer life. The Heartland XA 153HSTA is the latest offering from Daiwa that incorporates the famous saltwater corrosion resistant parts as used in the now legendary Saltist HRF baitcaster reel. Every metal component of this reel is treated to take the rigors of saltwater use; on top of this all ten of HLXA’s bearings are CRBB (corrosion resistant ball bearings), so to provide ultimate reliability and smoothness.

Ruggedness isn’t everything; comfort and ease of use is just as important. The HLXA features Magforce Z for ultimate casting performance, swept handle design with soft touch paddles that provide perfect balance and an amazingly smooth and power 7 element wet drag system for incredible fish stopping power.

The Heartland XA rod series represents extreme quality and functionality yet not at extreme prices. The new series is built on a composite of HVF (high volume fibre) and IM7 high modulus carbon blank to produce a crisp, lightweight rod that is ideally suited to Australia’s lure anglers. With matched cosmetics to the range of reels, the Heartland series features Daiwa’s neo concept ergonomic reel seats, Airfoam grips and Fuji premium silicone carbide stainless steel new concept guides. To match the new rods and reels Daiwa release the HLXA Micro mesh cap and micromesh polo shirt, this UPF 20 sculptured 100% polyester polo utilizes the latest material called “DRI”. Designed to absorb body perspiration into the fabric and to move the moisture to the surface fabric where it is evaporated leaving you fresh and cool.

The extensive range of rods and reels in the Heartland XA series is sure to cover just about any light tackle fishing situation in Australia. For more specifications please visit www.daiwafishing.com.au

Daiwa’s famous Luvias spin reel series introduced in 2007 rapidly became one of the most popular tournament spinning reels. The Luvias reels are the most technically advanced, lightest and strongest reels ever manufactured, inevitably there is only one way to compliment them, introducing the latest release: Luvias spinning rods.

Built on an Australian designed Daiwa HVF (high volume fibre) blank, the new Luvias series are the ultimate sports
fishing rods. HVF carbon is constructed with ultra high amounts of carbon fibres laid longitudinally with minimal resin use, then rolled at extremely high temperatures and
pressure to produce an exceptionally light but incredibly strong blank. These blanks are incredibly fast and “tippy” but fold away under pressure in an even arch to displace
pressure through the whole blank for maximum fighting power.

Finished off with matching cosmetics and the finest components available these rods are the ideal choice for
the serious angler. Luvias rods feature Daiwa’s neo concept ergonomic ratcheted reel seats, Airfoam grips and Fuji’s premium silicone carbide titanium new concept guides.

Designed to match and balance the Luvias reels, the new Luvias rods are the perfect choice for the serious tournament angler. For more specifications please visit www.daiwafishing.com.au

There have been many imitations over the years, but none have ever matched the action and simplicity of Johnson’s Original Beetle Spin. After 48 years of fishing and millions of fish, we know what works! The bright, matching “safety-pin” spinner is easy to remove when you want a plain jig for deepwater presentations. These lures are a great alternative for lake dwelling trout, especially fish holding close to drowned timber structures. Deeper river trout will also find these lures very attractive.

www.purefishing.com.au

Deliberately overbuilt to give you the strength advantage. All X-cräftic alloy construction, HPCR® bearings, Carbon Matrix™ drag and stainless steel components. Functionally improved for smooth and consistent operation. Now with our exclusive SuperLine spool system.

FEATURES

• Super line and mono aluminium spools included
• X-Cräftic™ alloy body, body cover, rotor and bail arm for corrosion resistance
• 11 HPCR™ bearings (with instant anti-reverse) for corrosion resistance
• Sealed carbon matrix™ drag system for ultra smooth drag
• Dual bearing supported spool for long life
• Stainless steel main shaft and hardware for corrosion resistance
• Duragear™ gears for long life
  
• Everlast™bail system for durability

www.purefishing.com.au

The great attribute of these baits is the lifelike look and the softness of the bait due to the hollow construction. There are so many angling situations that these baits will
cover from freshwater trout in impoundments , big flathead in estuaries, bass fishing, cod, barramundi in both deep and shallow situations, all the tropical critters that eat softies and many more.

The extra soft body gives an amazing action even at slow speeds and increased hook ups when rigged weedless. Features holographic eyes and realistic finishes. Can be
rigged weedless and conventionally. A surface fishing specialist.

www.purefishing.com.au

I have to say right up front that I have a real soft spot for small fly rods. It is probably due to my stream fishing foundations, but I love small rods for small fish in small waterways. It seems I am not alone either, as this segment of fly fishing is growing faster than any other.

Ross Pullin at the Essential Fly Fisher in Launceston lent me the rod to have a play with, which as my growing collection of fly rods shows, often leads to the rod being
purchased!

The ZXL series replaces the SLT series, which was a firm favourite for those fly fishers that like a more progressive yet firm action to their rods. The SLT’s are a favourite of mine too! The 7’6” #3 ZXL is a great representation of how much technology has pushed fly rod designs. Many older casters would recall short, light rods as generally being quite soft in action, which while suiting small stream fishing extremely well, are often found wanting on windy days or when those tricky power roll casts and bow and arrow casts are called for. The ZXL takes the next big step for fly rods, delivering a smooth, clean and tidy action that still is true to light line, short fly rods for stream fishing.

This rod is quite ‘crisp’ in action. It certainly (in my book at least) is a progressive action, but has the reserve power for snapping out a 30 foot roll cast combined with the delicacy for short casts with tiny flies at very close range. It is a true 3 weight; I cast a 3 weight double taper on it and it performed flawlessly at all ranges that 3 weights should work at. Obviously you don’t buy a 3 weight to cast a long line, but from distances from the length of the leader up to 50 feet this rod will deliver all that competent casters could wish for.

The ZXL 3 weight is a 4 piece rod, and like all Sage rods it comes with a metal tube, excellent finish and a life time original owner guarantee. For more information on Sage rods visit www.sageflyfish.com

These hackles are perfect for the fly tyer who ties heaps of ‘normal’ sized dry flies. Each one of these hackles would tie thousands of flies in the size 14 to size 8 range, with the majority in the very useful size 12 range. Each hackle feather is extremely long, has the right amount of web to produce life like patterns with minimal spiky hackles.

Fantastic value at $75.00 and available in September from the Essential Fly Fisher in all the best colours.

Every fly tyer ties Woolly Buggers, they are the bread and butter wet fly for Tasmanian waters. It is always a task to try to find good quality Woolly Bugger hackles at a reasonable price, and now Whiting Farms have produced these very handy Bugger Packs. Each pack contains 2 pieces of hackle which will yield enough Woolly Buggers to keep you well stocked for many seasons.

Available in a massive range of all the best colours, these packs retail for $29.00 and represent terrific value for quality hackles.

A totally unique concept from Plano. Plano have combined the functionality of a tackle box with the flexibility of a soft-sider bag. This bag comes with 2 x 23600 stowaway utility boxes and a removable cooler bag. The lid has a front quick access panel for tackle and lures and also has two moulded cup holders. It is secured with a brass bailed latch. The soft side outer sections contain 4 zippered external access pockets. The removable cooler bag is ideal for food and drink or bait and when removed from the chill bag leaves heaps of space for other tackle and or stowaways. The soft side fabric is reinforced polyester fitted with quality zips.

www.jmgillies.com.au

I was thoroughly impressed with the pair of possum merino gloves I purchased from www.rawelementz.com late last year, so I took the plunge not long after and bought a pair of the new Possum Trekka Thermadry socks that they also stock. Never shy to put a product through a test (yes, even socks), I’ve worn them nearly every 3rd day since. Well I’ve come to the conclusion that it was a
bad move financially as now I need to replace the accumulation of 10 years of free socks to the Trekkas. They’re cushioned in all the right areas, the elasticated rib shank around the calf section stops them from falling down all the time, yet not tight enough to leave imprints of itself in my leg. The best thing I found though is not only do you not feel the cold, but you don’t overheat in them either when conditions change to the warmer side. They’re 50% polypropylene, 30% merino wool and 20% possum fur which combined have produced a very comfortable, warm product that leaches moisture away from your feet keeping them nice and dry. Because of this, they also seem cooler to wear in hot work environments than the old work horses. They’re not bulky, yet not thin enough to make them uncomfortable wearing waders, blunnies or hiking boots. They come in Small (3-5), Medium (6-10), Large (11-13) and in two colours, blue and black.

And if you think that Raw Elementz only does socks and gloves – think again. They also have some of the best beanies that are available – again with a mix of merino wool and possum fur. This product is perfect for the Tasmanian angler, as it keeps the cold at bay and allows your head to breathe – something cheap beanies don’t do. Available online at www.rawelementz.com.au.

Review by Leigh McKenzie

Yamashita glow body squid jigs are now available in sizes 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0

The full glow body works best in overcast, muddy or night conditions with a balanced drop and enticing slide action.

Sink rates:
2.0 6g: 6.5-7.0 sec. per metre
2.5 10g: 5.0-5.5 sec. per metre
3.0 15g: 3.0-3.5 sec. per metre
3.5 20g: 3.0-3.5 sec. per metre
4.0 24g: 2.7-3.2 sec. per metre

Available in 5 colours:
Pink, Orange, Pink Yellow, Olive and White.

Retail from $16

www.ejtodd.com.au

Spinning rods these days are far more complex and technologically advanced than even 10 years ago. The old construction material of fibreglass infused with some graphite has rapidly given way to high quality graphite construction. Tapers and actions are now finely tuned for specific applications – gone are the days of one solid glass rod that would do all your light line fishing!

The all new Nitro Vapor is a case in point. The Melbourne based Innovator Rods team have experimented with a variety of tapers to produce a series of rods that offers the keen light line sportsfishing enthusiast a rod for most applications. These new rods are available in 3 lengths from 6’ to 7’ and in a line class which suits the new generation of bream and trout spin fishers.

The fast action of these rods is tempered somewhat with a precise tip action which allows the caster to make quick and accurate casts with both hard body and soft plastic lures. The strong but section allows plenty of reserve power to pull hard fighting fish away from structure, and that wonderful tip cushions the line to help prevent those
horrible break offs.

The rods are extremely well built, with top quality guides, cork grips and a very stylish ‘skeleton’ grip, where the blank shows through behind the reel seat. The guides have been spaced and their design selected to prevent line wrapping around them, which can happen on windy
days and with very light braid.

While the avid tournament angler will relish these rods, the real benefit is to the everyday sportsfisher, as these
light, well built and high performance rods will add heaps of enjoyment and efficiency to your fishing.

Available at all good tackle stores around the state – for more information visit www.innovatorrods.com

• High grade dyneema
• Low stretch / high sensitivity
• Ultra thin diameters (the thinnest PE available!)
• High visibility orange
• Excellent durability, extremely resistant to degradation
• Very tight braiding
• Special smooth surface manufacturing method
• Made in Japan

120m spool
6lb PE:0.3
8lb PE:0.4
10lb PE:0.6

Retail from $65

www.ejtodd.com.au

The Bokun metal vibe is fitted with 3 tow points allowing the angler to find the most suitable action/retrieve on the day.

Productive when fished deep or shallow, with a fast or slow speed retrieve or hopped off the bottom. Long cast-ability and high fish attracting appeal.

Bokun 30　
Length: 30mm　　
Weight: 1/8oz
RRP: $14.50

www.ejtodd.com.au

Fitted with a “Knock Sensor” on the nose for sensitivity and durability, the Sonic Boom is a high spec metal vibration. The 4 tow point options allow for great versatility for fishing deeper water. Cast them like a search bait or jig them vertically. Fitted with a rear eye for attaching a flashing/vibrating blade.

www.ejtodd.com.au

Innovative soft storage systems for all your tackle needs. Designed by the Berkley Pro-Team to manage your terminal tackle, baits and lures effectively. Select from soft wallets, bags with boxes and thermal lined coolers.

• Zip seal envelopes that accept bait packets
• Carry handles designed to keep bags upright
• Tackle baxes with dividers for customisation
• Heavy-duty zips
• 600 denier nylon for strength

www.purefishing.com.au

Virtually weedless fishing. ideal for frogs, minnows and hollow bellies

6/0 - 4gms - 3 jigs per pk
$5.00 RRP

www.purefishing.com.au

Few reel manufacturers represent themselves in Australia - Viva is a notable exception. Viva is working hard to develop a strong identity in the Australian tackle industry. Viva is so confident that the Nereus II the best fishing reel in its class that Viva has rolled out a first in the Australian fishing tackle industry, a test drive programme.

Nereus II Test Drive:
The Viva team is so confident that the Nereus II is the best value, performance fishing reel in Australia that Viva has underwritten the entire Nereus II range with a satisfaction guarantee.

If you aren’t completely satisfied with your new Nereus II fishing reel, return it for a full refund within 10 days of purchase..*

The Nereus II features

• 9 precision anti-rust bearings
• 1 infinite anti-rust anti-reverse bearing
• 1 anti-rust roller bearing
• Anti-twist line roller
• S-stroke line lay
• Anodised bail arm
• Long cast machined alloy spool
• Machined gears
• Marine grade stainless steel main shaft
• 2 handles - conventional and double handed
• Soft touch rubber grips
• Anti-scratch ruberised finish on all high-wear external surfaces
• No-rust graphite body, rotor and cover

If you can find a better reel, at a better price, let us know and we will buy it!

* Offer valid only to the original purchaser, return of goods within 10 day from date of purchase, and presentation of original receipt.

** Offer valid @ participating outlets

Sherriff Agencies: 0418 561 370

Regular readers would recognise the name Graeme Bourke, as he contributes regularly to this magazine. This is Graeme’s second book following his self-published "Come Fly Fish with Me" which was released in 1993. That
book was received very well by the fly fishing community and continues to sell in specialist tackle stores and book shops.

"If Only The World Would Go Fishing" is a soft cover book of 108 pages, and is published by Regal Press in Launceston. It is refreshing in this day and age of overseas printing to see that this book is produced wholly in Tasmania. Which is very appropriate, as this book is distinctly Tasmanian. From the unique turn of phrase to the fishing technique related and the characters around which Graeme builds a picture of his fishing history, the reader is instantly immersed in a Tasmania
that many know and love. This isn’t a tome on overseas techniques or homage to anglers from far flung shores, rather a collection of character pictures of anglers who have featured prominently in Graeme’s fishing development. High in this is the history of the Devonport Fly Fishing Club and its very successful Bronte Fly Fishing School. This is now a part of the fly fishing fabric of Tasmania, and many current fly fishers had their foundation in this very valuable event.

This book tells the story of ordinary Tasmanian fly anglers who work hard at life in order to spend some precious hours beside lake and river. Graeme works chapters of his favourite locations and flies into chapters telling the story of some very interesting people who have achieved some important things, or are simply great examples of the roots of Tasmanian fly fishing.

Retailing for a very reasonable $24.95, this provides an important contribution to Tasmanian fly fishing literature and comes highly recommended to all Tasmanian anglers.

New from J.M. Gillies is the exciting range of “Ockta” lures that incorporate innovative Japanese design and technology.

The Ockta lure is effective in attracting reef and bottom dwellers as well as pelagic species, and as such will be a big hit on the Tasmanian East Coast this spring and summer. These lures have a unique action and can be fished with most retrieve styles. They can be straight jigged up and down, bounce jigged whilst drifting and cast and retrieved.

With 2 exceptionally sharp swinging forged hooks set up on Kevlar connectors, hook up rates are increased. Ockta lures are perfectly balanced as to allow the lure to pulsate the skirts giving the appearance of a swimming octopus.

These lures come in 4 great fish attracting colours with added glow in the dark features, holographic finish on lure head and glow live eyes.

9 sizes from 20 – 300 gm. Will cover all areas of saltwater fishing from bays to reef to deep sea applications.

Colours available – blue, firetiger, pink, red
Sizes available – 20gm, 40gm, 60gm, 80gm, 100gm, 120gm, 150gm, 200gm, 300gm
Retail from $8 - $20

www.jmgillies.com.au