P34 - FISH & BOAT, February 2019 Fishing Sightcasting Saratoga By Nathan Johnston The scientific name of the south- Clambering along the highern Saratoga is SchleropagesLei- bank of the waterhole pro- chardti and its natural homeland the vided a perfect vantage point Fitzroy Basin in Central Queens- to scan the green-tinged depths for land. The species can be found signs of our targets steadily conduct- throughout the system, with ing their subsurface patrols. opportunities to access the Polaroids were put to good effect fish less than two hours as we peered into the water looking west of Rockhampton. for any shape, smudge or clue that Inland townships in- might indicate that our piscatorial cluding Theodore, quarry was within casting distance Emerald, Blackwater and between the tangle of trees andMiddlemount provide ba- sic snags that lined the waters’ edge. services and are in much closer prox- Fishing buddy, Kev McCosker was imity to Mackenzie, Isaacs, Connors walking a bit higher and spotted and Dawson systems. something first. The height advan- Saratoga are a quality sportfish tage had provided a better perspec- that grow around the metre mark, tive than at waters edge. In a sign but more often landed in the 60- that offers insight to his unselfish 70cm range. They can be sight cast- character, Kev guided me into po- ed which provides a visual spectacle sition for the cast. Once in posi- for anglers and demonstrate a readi- tion and with a bit of guidance, the ness to take artificials. meandering bundle of scales and Toga also have an uncanny ability fins came into view and the 65mm to throw lures due to their aerobatic surface walk the dog pattern lure displays and bony mouths that chal- was drilled out and to the side of the lenge the sharpest of hook points. fish’s track. While the northern toga are dis- The lure was retrieved and paused tributed across the WA and NT and Kev McCosker with a topwater caught southern saratoga. until positioned less than a metre in the Gulf Country of Queensland, Good quality polaroids are invaluable for this style of fishing. front of the toga’s nose where it sud- their southern cousins are unique to denly became aware of the morselQueensland, so one must visit the laid out before it. Sunshine State to tick a wild one off The fish changed its pace and ad- the bucket list. It is due to these at- Clubs and members affiliated with Landholders use guns for pestthe pink spotted scoundrels landed vanced towards the lure with fervour tributes that Queensland Sportfish- Queensland Sportfishers have a few control and can’t account for you and sent back sporting matching and it was now evident it had been ers have incorporated the iconic spe- extra benefits to help push the bal- and your safety if they are unaware pink fish tags. deceived. The fish pushed slightly cies into the logo. ance of being granted access in our of your presence. Weeds are often One fish from the earlier recon- under the presentation and then Kev, Ryan and I hooked more than favour. The first being comprehen- sprayed in the river verges during naissance mission was recaptured, opened its mouth below and around 20 fish and landed 8 on our recon- sive insurance for members pro-the dry season and an indication the lure before heading to the sur- naissance mission. The strike to viding peace of mind for the land- you may be wander- Toga also have an uncannythat the toga face, creating an inescapable trap hookup rate is frustratingly low for holder. Getting involved in tagging ing unknowingly ability to throw lures due toin these wa- around the lure with its underhung these fish and the only saving grace and data collection also provides through a recently their aerobatic displays and terways are mouth. The strike was timed to per- is that they are generally highly ag- interest for the landholder and dem- sprayed paddock. bony mouths that challenge theperhaps not as fection as the fish broke through the gressive, so there are usually plenty onstrates an interest in catch and re- Ifnegotiating ac- pest of hook po abundant as we surface to close its mouth and seal of opportunities. lease approaches. cessto private prop- shar ints. would like to the deal and by good fortune, the The reconnais- The strike was timed to One of the valueserty appears too dif- think. Thank- hooks drove home into the bonysance mission also perfection asthe fish broke of Queenslandficult or access is not granted, don’tfully they are aggressive and don’t mouth.Startled, the fish headed skywards confirmedlagoon was go-thethrough thesurface to close itsSportfishers is In-tegrity, and theredespair, as there are plenty of goodoptions for those willing to explore.appear to have long memories! Ifished with Kev again on this club with vigour and this was followed by ingto be perfect mouthandseal the deal and byis an expectationNational parks, state forests andtrip and one afternoon we were several good aerobatic runs before fora Keppel Bay goodfortune, thehooks drovethat members areforest reserves are one option iftreated to the spectacle of two toga having the lip grips applied by Kev’s Sportfishing Club home into the bony mouth. generally not ya- you want to hunt from the stream- engaged in some form of territorial son, Ryan. The prehistoric predator camping trip with hoos and demon- bank. Road crossings and campingaggression or courtship behaviour. was lifted from the water wriggling access to private property negotiated. strate a bit more respect. reserves may also provide access to As we drew closer to the fish, that and writhing. Negotiating access to lagoons These conservative values of re- waterways for those with small ves- seemed ambivalent to our presence, These fish are capable of bending through properties can prove near on spect and integrity are appreciated sels or kayaks. a pink tag caught the eye. back on themselves all the way to impossible without being able to line by those on the land. The many weirs and dams, particu- These were bigger fish and it was their tail, a feat usually reserved for up a few ducks. Knowing the land- Entering private landholdings larly on the Dawson and Mackenzie apparent that the tag was not hin- eels and makes it near on impossible holder is a good start. This is paired without permission is not a goodRiver systems are also great places todering these fish going about their to get a half decent photo with them. with demonstrating a willingness to idea. No one likes the idea of some- stalk and land toga for trailer boats. activities. After a few happy snaps, the fish was respect the property rules - after all one walking through our own house Thankfully our preliminary fish Back at the campfire later that returned with a pink tag that would these guys are running grazing or yard unannounced and these prop-was not a flash in the pan and theevening a dozen of us discussed the provide proof of its recapture some cropping enterprises and your pres- erties are no different. It may also be saratoga did not disappoint at the behaviour of the tagged toga. eight weeks later. ence is an inconvenience. unsafe. subsequent club trip, with dozens of Continued next page The land-water interface is mesmerising! Being immersed in the beauty Kev McCosker taking one last look at his catch before of the natural surroundings is a welcome distraction while fishing. being released to resume its day-to-day business.