Redefine The Game Dec 2016 - Feb 2017 | Page 6

Too many imported products need to be tweaked and adjusted to suit Aussie fish and we at Wilson Fishing believe that is simply not good enough and buyers should always be able to simply clip a lure on, tie on a swivel or grab a rod and it’s right to go. With this in mind the focus of this trip to Dhipirri was to test and photograph our new 2016 release product and also develop new products in conjunction with our overseas partners. Attending the trip we had representatives from ATC, Zerek, Surecatch World, Mustad and selected Wilson Fishing staff. Rods and reels used were both spinning and baitcast outfits in both barra and bluewater situations with the aim of testing current and prototype product to their limits. The rods were all from the Venom stable with the baitcaster rods a combination of Crank Bait PE 2-4 6’3” and also the 5’9” 4kg, 6kg and 8kg cork handle model baitcasting rods that are a favourite in the NT. The spin rods used were all the Venom Sportfishing rods. They varied from 7ft 1- and 2-piece spin rods to the 6’5” Crank Bait Spins that are a top seller for vertically fishing over reefs and rubble. The reels were a combination of the new low and high gear ATC Valour spinning reels and the popular Vittatus baitcaster, as well as some developmental baitcasters that were being assessed. The Valours were mostly used on the blue water excursions to really put their design and drags to the test on fast fish that love to find any weaknesses in tackle. The baitcasting tackle was mainly used on the barra excursions. We used Zerek lures including the Fish Traps in 95 and 110mm, the new 69 and 89mm Tango Shads in suspending and floating, the new Barra X in 100 and 120mm and the Flat Shad in 3”, 4.5” and 5”. All lures were fitted with the Mustad Ultra point hooks with the Mustad Saltisim hooks being a standout and coming standard on many Zerek lures designed in Australia for our fishing locations and species. 6 Darwin Dhipirri Lodge NORTHERN TERRITORY