Travelling to Straddie (as it is known to the locals) was a unique experience. The island's waters are an aquatic playground that offers a broad range of fishing opportunities. It may not have the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast, however it is the perfect escape destination for those who like a bit of adventure or even if you just want to laze around and soak up the sunshine. On this week's show we were joined by fly fishing guru Scott Mathews who helped us chase a few of the bay's fast-moving pelagics on spin gear and sharp-eyed mack' tuna and longtails.

Located one hour from Brisbane, Stradbroke Island enjoys a sub tropical climate with unspoilt sandy beaches and has been listed as one of the world's most ecologically important wetlands with several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons.

You don't have to worry too much about how to travel once you are on the island as we had discovered. Not only is there an excellent bus and taxi system on the island, you can even take your own car or 4WD over to the island via a vehicle barge/ferry service. This is convenient if you want to reach some of the more secluded and top fishing spots on the island. Just a reminder - take caution before you go beach driving and always check the tides before your journey. You will need a permit for 4WDriving which is available from Stradbroke ferries when you book your ferry ticket.

We stayed at the 'Islander Resort' which at $190 per night was great value for money. Alternatively if you'd rather relax amongst nature and get back to basics, the island offers a range of scenic camping grounds including foreshore camping.

The Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is the social heart of the island and is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With spectacular views back towards the mainland and low cost buffet meals it's a great place to call in regularly. Point Lookout is more the tourist end of the island again with spectacular views. The Stone Fish Cafe is also highly recommended.

The Island boasts a diverse range of activities with many bays on the western side for swimming fishing and sun baking, whilst on the Eastern side (if you have a 4WD) offers lots of great fishing spots were you can catch flathead, whiting and tailor. Fresh blood worms and bait are readily available from the local tackle store. To find good fishing spots drive along the beach looking for gutters….

Modern Fishing Tip of the Week:

Reading a beach is something of an art. Deeper holes and gutters are revealed by darker, less broken water, but there are holes and holes. The best often lie at the intersections of long gutters running parallel to the shore, or carving out into deeper water. They can be easier to see at low tide, too. But don't forget those other visual indicators. A tight bunch of vehicles and anglers and a few bent rods are often the best signposts of all to surf fishing action!

RIGHT STUFF

Lanox

This special anti-corrosion lanolin based lubricant is designed for heavy industrial use and extreme climatic conditions. Lanox is made with high grade lubricating oil and lanolin base with specialized chemical compounds and is harmless to metal points and surfaces, plastics. This product is most commonly used in the marine, trailers, transport, farming and mining.

ARB Recovery Gear

Preparing yourself for the inevitable will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. ARB have a range of recovery gear essential for driving off road.

Snatch Strap

Woven and fabricated of the highest standard the snatch strap is designed to stretch under load for maximum performance. It is an effective method of extracting a bogged 4WD with help of second vehicle.

Air compressor

Tyres perform best when air pressure is adjusted for the terrain it is on. When travelling on beach, reducing tyre pressure (to around 16 PSI for large 4WD's) can improve traction and ensure safe sand driving With an ARB air compressor, tyres can be re inflated to highway pressure for drive home.

These compressors also some in handy for inflation of other items such as air mattresses, rafts and camping gear.

CONTACTS

Islander Holiday Resort
For information phone (07) 3409 8388
or visit www.northstradbrokeisland.com/theislander

Stradbroke Island Tourism
For information phone (07) 3409 9789