Boating & Fishing Articles

Barramundi

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Occupies the warmer waters in the tropical regions of Australia. A versatile fish living in both salt and freshwater. Species in estuarine waters generally has a silvery bronze colour whilst landlocked barra reveal darker tones.

Beach Fishing

ExplorOz Team — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:57:00 GMT

Put on your wet weather overalls, berley up the water and cast a 70 plus metre line to get past the breakers - this is the typical lifestyle of the dedicated beach angler. With around 7000 beaches to choose from, Australia offers plenty of opportunities to target coastal fish such as tailor, salmon and mulloway. This article discusses how to read the beach, where and when to fish, and provides some tips on beach tackle.

Black Bream

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Found in southern waters from the lower coast of WA to southern NSW. Generally an estuarine species where it feeds on marine worms and shellfish. Colour ranges from dull gold to silvery olive brown.

Blue Swimmer Crab

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

These crabs often have a blue body and stick like legs and claws. Found in all states of Australia, especially popular in SA, NSW and QLD

Blue Threadfin Salmon

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Found predominantly in northern coastal waters from WA to Queensland. Prefers warmer estuarine waters and tends to keep rather close to the coast line - around bays, estuaries, beaches and rivers.

Boat Registration & Licensing

ExplorOz Team — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:11:00 GMT

When it comes to your trailer boat or for any boat that is engine powered - it does need to be registered. Also, if you wish to take the boat out into Australian waters then you will probably need to have a recreational boat drivers license. This article provides some quick links to the relevent websites regarding boat registration and licensing.

Coral Trout

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

One of the most highly sought after reef fish in the northern tropics of Australia. Exhibits strikingly beautiful body colour ranging from greenish brown and pinkish grey in the shallower reefs to brick red and bright rich red in the deeper waters.

Fish Species

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:26:00 GMT

Want to find out about fish, then the ExplorOz fish species database is the best place to start. Interactive and updatable information about many of Australia's fish.

Fishing Spots in NSW & ACT

ExplorOz Team — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:28:00 GMT

Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in New South Wales (including ACT) and provides some helpful tips.

Fishing Spots in NT

ExplorOz Team — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:03:00 GMT

Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in the Northern Territory and provides some helpful tips.

Fishing Spots in QLD

ExplorOz Team — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:40:00 GMT

Fishing Spots in SA

ExplorOz Team — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:48:00 GMT

Fishing Spots in TAS

ExplorOz Team — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:15:00 GMT

Fishing Spots in VIC

ExplorOz Team — Wed, 25 May 2011 07:49:00 GMT

Fishing Spots in WA

ExplorOz Team — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:01:00 GMT

Garfish

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

This is a surface feeding fish with a slender, bony complexion. Commonly targeted for both food and bait, they can be found in bays, estuaries and coastal waters. They are attracted to shallow flats with grassy sea beds.

Inland Fishing

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:27:00 GMT

Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent with 70% receiving between 100 and 350mm of rainfall annually. So with such little rainfall, you may wonder whether Australia has a good freshwater fishery. This article explores Australia's inland fishing possibilities and includes a general overview of what to catch, where and how.

John Dory

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Dwells in the southern coastal waters of Australia from southern QLD to WA. They are an unusual looking fish and reveal a thumb-like spot on either side of its body. Usually habitat the bottom of deep offshore waters close to reef or rocky environments.

Mangrove Jack

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Features a dark reddish colour. Normally found throughout the tropical north amongst mangrove estuaries, salt water creeks and even mangrove beach areas.

Mullet

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Yellow-eye mullet congregate in schools in the southern waters of Australia. Prefers areas with sand or mud bottoms in water depths up to 20m.

Mulloway

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Prefers the deeper waters and usually found in major southern surf beaches, offshore reefs, estuarine rivers and lake systems. Features a lateral line of silver or bronze scales with colours ranging from shades of green to blues and purples.

NSW Fishing Rules

ExplorOz Team — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:41:00 GMT

Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in New South Wales.

NT Fishing Rules

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:27:00 GMT

Offshore Fishing

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:13:00 GMT

Ever wondered why some offshore boat anglers catch more quality fish than others? The main key to success lies with knowledge, experience, and of course - plenty of practice!! Like anything, developing good knowledge and habits earlier on - makes better practice. This article will give you a brief heads up on offshore fishing techniques - including rigs, technology and much more.

Parrot fish (Wrasse)

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Parrot fish have tusk-like front teeth fused together with a similar look to a beak and hence the name 'Parrot' fish. They are bottom dwellers, preferring the cover of rock or coral. Feeds on coral, crabs, crayfish and molluscs.

Pearl Perch

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Found from northern New South Wales to mid Queensland. Frequents offshore deep waters from 20 - 60m, usually over reef, gravel or rubble seabeds. A very fine table fish.

QLD Fishing Rules

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:40:00 GMT

Red Emperor

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Highly targeted species that occupies the northern waters of Australia and preferring the deeper waters near heavy reef structures. It usually inhabits the reef edge near the current influence.

Rock Blackfish

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Found along the east coast of Australia from Noosa Heads in Queensland to eastern Victoria and dwell in rockpools, estuaries and rocky reefs. Rock blackfish are usually a dark brown colour as juveniles and uniformly black as adults.

Roof Toppers

Mike W, Norm C, Jenny and Ray — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:50:00 GMT

This article looks at the features of the ‘roof topper’ and provides a guide to selecting, fitting out and carrying a roof top boat on your travels.

SA Fishing Rules

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:27:00 GMT

Samson Fish

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Common in WA, it is found over reefs and waters up to 50m deep. Fairly stout fish uniformly coloured in bronze to grey-green across the back. Revered for its excellent sport and table qualities.

Sand Flathead

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

This fish species is normally found in abundant numbers and feeds on vast sandy areas in bays and inlets. Sand Flathead are found in southern VIC (including TAS), coastal QLD and southern WA.

Silver Trevally

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Most common species of trevally. Widely distributed, from southern Queensland right around the southern states to as far north as North West Cape in WA. Found around reefs and open headlands.

Small-Toothed Flounder

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

This peculiar species Lie solely on the seabed on one side of their body. Have both eyes on the other side. Flounders are flatfish which can be found in bays and estuaries.

Snook

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Has a very slender narrow body with silvery sides, large mouth and long canine teeth. Inhabits the cooler southern waters of Australia. Favours shallow waters up to 20 metres near reefs and seagrass beds.

Spanish Mackeral

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

The largest of the mackerel family. This species is streamlined, fast swimming and free-roaming oceanic schooling fish. Common to the northern and central waters of Australia. Frequents offshore reefs and drop-offs.

Tailor

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Predominantly an ocean fish found in the southern states of Australia. Predatory fish with a mid-sized elongated body, large mouth lined with small but very sharp teeth. Are often caught from surf beaches,

Talang Queenfish

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Common to the tropical north, Queenfish are members of the trevally family and school and attack just as much as their blunt-shaped cousins. These streamlined and fast species are known for their aerial feats out of water once hooked.

TAS Fishing Rules

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:27:00 GMT

Trailer Boats

ExplorOz Team — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:18:00 GMT

Boating is a popular recreational activity that the whole family can get into. Trailer boats are fun, versatile, range in size and type, and furthermore can be towed. This article touches on the various types of trailer boats and discusses some other considerations such as towing.

VIC Fishing Rules

ExplorOz Team — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:27:00 GMT

WA Dhufish

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Found as north as Shark Bay down to southern WA. This fish is one of the most commercially valuable and recreationally sought after finfish in Western Australia. Easy to recognise with their bright silvery to grey robust body, large head and mouth with a black or grey band running down past the eye.

WA Fishing Rules

ExplorOz Team — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:02:00 GMT

Wahoo

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Found in the tropical regions of Australia and as far south as Sydney. Slender and streamlined fish loosely related to the mackerel family. However unlike the mackerels, wahoo is a solitary species, with groups of five or more fish rarely found in the one location.