Choosing Your Weapon: The "Krakka" Guide to Western Port
From the early days of flicking for mullet off the Iron Pot Wharf in Napier to wrestling mid-winter Makos from a plastic tub, my life has been defined by one thing: the "buckle." That deep, heart-in-throat bend in the rod that tells you you’ve hooked something with a grudge.
Now that I’ve officially joined the Black MagicTackle Pro Team, I’m stoked to share how I tackle one of the trickiest playgrounds in the Southern Hemisphere—Western Port, Victoria. It’s a place of massive tides, "Double 50" Whiting, and Gummy Sharks that fight like freight trains. But before I even hook a trailer, I’m faced with the ultimate modern fisho’s dilemma: The Yak or the Ski?
The Morning Coin Flip
Walk into my shed and you’ll see them sitting side-by-side. It’s like picking between your two favourite kids. Choosing my "weapon" usually comes down to a quick squint at the swell map and a gut feeling about the target species.
If I’m hunting King George Whiting in the skin-tight shallows, the Kayak is king. It’s about the "stealth mission"—sneaking into those quiet corners without a motor spooking the school. But if the Snapper are holding on marks miles away? I’m jumping on the Jet Ski. I want to get there fast, drop the lead, and get that drag screaming before the sun is even over the horizon.
Stealth vs. The Need for Speed
There’s no denying it—the Yak gives you amassive tactical advantage on "Tingas." When you’re sitting at water level, you aren't just fishing; you’re part of the ecosystem. You’re not "thump-thump-thumping" over their heads with a hull.
That said, the Ski is my "Search and Destroy" machine. If the Whiting aren't playing ball, I can rip across the channels to find a sheltered patch off Phillip Island that’s inaccessible by paddle. It turns a "donut" day into a PB day purely through mobility.
Surviving the Western Port Rip
If you’ve fished the Port, you know the tide doesn’t just move—it charges. When the current is pumping through those deep channels, things can get sketchy in a Kayak. You’re fighting the water as much as the fish. On the JetSki, I feel a lot more"bullet proof." Being higher up gives me a better vantage point, and I’ve got the power to reposition instantly. Plus, when a big Gummy decides to go on a tear, being able to stand up and really "put the wood" to him from the Ski gives me the upper hand.
The Gear: Never Go Into Battle Unarmed
I don't care if I’m on a $20k Ski or asecond-hand Yak—if your terminal tackle fails, you’re just a tourist. My kit is always rigged for "Plan A" through "Plan Z."
- The Early Bird: Before first light, I’m dropping Lumo Snapper Snacks® and Whiting Snatchers®. That glow in the dark is a dinner bell in the murky depths of the Port.
- The Day Shift: Once the sun's up, I switch to the Banana Snapper Snacks. There’s something about that yellow/gold flash that Snapper just can’t resist.
The Secret Weapon: I always have a rod out with KLT®1/0 Tinga Stingas. They are absolute gear-changers for me.
The Gummy "Buckle": Yak vs. Ski
Fighting a Gummy Shark from a Kayak is pure adrenaline. It’s what I call "Circle Work." You’re at water level, the rod is flat, and the shark is literally towing you in circles around your anchor. It’s an intimate, gritty fight.
On the Ski, it’s a different game. You’ve got the stability to stand, plant your feet, and dictate terms. You can rip into them. It might be "easier" on the Ski, but the "tow"you get on the Yak? That’s the stuff you tell your grandkids about.
Offshore: Chasing Bluefin and Kings
The Ski has completely opened up my world for Bluefin Tuna and offshore Kingfish. I’m no longer restricted to those rare "glass-out" days on the Kayak. I can cover massive ground, troll a spread of skirts (not just hard bodies), and get home before the wind turns nasty. But I’ll be honest—there’s still nothing like the "hard grind" of catching a Tuna from a Yak. The reward for effort is just higher when you’ve earned every meter with your arms.
My #1 Tip for the Switch
If you’re a Yak fisho looking to jump on aSki for the first time, my advice is simple: Squeeze that trigger and hold on!
The transition is easy because the fishing "feel" is so similar, but the world suddenly gets a lot bigger. You’ll find new grounds you never dreamed of reaching. But a word ofwarning: Don’t sell the Yak. They are both lethal weapons inthe right hands.
Stay safe, look for the lucky Black Magic cap, and I’ll see you out there chasing the next Krakka Catch!
The "Krakka" Rigging Guide: Taming the Western Port Whiting
The "Krakka" Rigging Guide: Taming the Western Port Whiting
When the tide starts ripping through the Port, your rig needs to do two things: stay on the bottom and look natural. Here is how Brendon sets up his Black Magic Whiting Snatchers® for maximum "buckle."
- Step 1: The Sinker Strategy
In Western Port, "one size fits all" doesn't exist. Brendon recommends having a range of bomb-style sinkers ready to swap out as the tide changes:- Shallows (2-5m): Start with 1oz to 2oz to keep it stealthy.
- The Deep Channels: When the current is pumping, don't be afraid to jump up to 4oz or even 8oz. The goal is to hold the bottom without your lead tumbling across the weed beds.
- Step 2: The "Cocktail" Bait
Whiting can be finicky, so Brendon often uses a "cocktail" approach.- The Base: A small, neat piece of tenderised squid or a ZMan Finesse Worm.
- The Attractant: Add a small blob of fresh pipi to the hook point. The pipi provides the scent trail, while the squid acts as the "anchor" to keep the softer bait from being pecked off by small fry.
- Step 3: The "No-Strike" Rule
Because the Whiting Snatcher® uses KL recurve (circle) hooks, the fish actually does the hard work for you.- The Technique: When you feel that "rattle-rattle-thump," resist the urge to strike hard. Instead, simply slowly lift the rod tip. This rolls the hook into the corner of the mouth for a perfect set every time.
.jpg)
