Tackle Tactics » Pro Anglers » Jacob Iedema

Jacob Iedema

How did you get into fishing?

Dad used to take me fishing every now and then, however I was hooked when one day dad took me down to the local canal for the first time. I landed so many fish that I never thought I'd ever catch, and all in just a half hour session. Since then, I've made the effort to wake up early, put in the time and try new things myself. Family road trips meant that I've been able to chase new species of fish, in some of the most beautiful backdrops that Australia has to offer. However, it's definitely been a learning curve when it comes to figuring out this complicated sport for myself and I look forward to sharing what I have learnt with other anglers.

Eventually I moved to fishing lures and the only lures that I used at the start were ZMan 2.5" GrubZ. If it wasn't for the humble GrubZ, I wouldn't be enjoying the sport to the same extent as I am now.

What inspires you about fishing?

The excitement of the unknown, that leaves you wondering what the next cast will produce and what you’ll catch next. That is what inspires me to go fishing. It's also getting away from any stresses or the continuous routine of life and enjoying the outdoors. Catching fish is just a bonus but it can certainly get the adrenaline going.

Where in Australia do you live and what are your main target species?

I live just south of Brisbane and spend most of my time kayaking, fishing the bay's fish rich waters. I love the variety that the bay has to offer and I will target a myriad of species throughout a year. I love everything from the bread and butter species, right up to the high end sportfish. I consistently chase big bream, flathead, trevally, queenfish, javelin fish, tailor, mangrove jack, and the occasional giant herring, Australian bass and snapper. 

What are 3 of your favourite species and why?

Mangrove jack: Nothing beats the adrenaline of when a jack has your rod buckled and it is running under a pontoon or natural structure. When good technique or just a touch of pure luck is required to guide a jack out of its home. The first sighting, when your hearts in your mouth hoping that the leader holds up or the hook doesn't pull. Then the relief and pure excitement when the fish is led into the net. Nothing beats a jack. Whether it's the challenge or rarity, nothing beats landing one after countless lost lures and hours upon hours of fishing. Jacks are the ultimate challenge and the ultimate sportfish, and therefore they have to be my favourite species in South East Queensland.

Diamond trevally: Mesmerising colours and aesthetics, matched with a couple screaming runs. The diamond trevally is the ultimate prize of light tackle lure fishing in the estuaries around Moreton Bay. They are rare and are hard to convince to eat a lure. Diamond trevally are great sportfish and I can't wait to beat my current PB.

Barramundi: Far out, barramundi are a special fish. I’ve had the privilege of targeting this incredible species up in the tropics, and have caught them on surface lures, hardbodies and soft plastics. Everything from the hit to the jumps, and the incredible colours are special about the barramundi. The places where you catch them are even better.

What are a few of your most memorable captures?

Fishing around Brisbane and the mainland side of Moreton Bay can be challenging at times. However, I’ve had the privilege to target a plethora of species on road trips while camping in some of Australia’s most fish rich country.

The most memorable fish I have ever caught has to be a 25kg kingfish from a kayak in Moreton Bay. A two-hour fight, that covered 3km, while only equipped with 15lb braid and a 20lb leader. The lure that did it was a Fish Inc. 80mm Fly Half popper in Tidal Form colour, that now sits retired in the ‘trophy’ cabinet.

My second most memorable capture was in Far North Queensland, fishing a creek 100km from the ocean. An 84cm land-based barramundi on topwater. I still remember the leader snapping at my feet before I landed the beast, as well as the explosion as my Fly Half popper disappeared. It might not have been the biggest barra on earth but it’s still a memorable capture, caught in some amazing country on a family road trip.

Closer to home I managed to land a 72cm diamond trevally on 6lb gear and a ZMan 2.5” GrubZ. After a drawn out battle the colours and features of the fish were mind blowing. The diamond trevally is a special fish and one this size in three metres of water was just out of this world.

What are your go-to Tackle Tactics products and some tips for fishing them?

Okuma ITX Spin Reels:

The Okuma ITX has been an outstanding reel that has performed time and time again. The ease of use and mechanical smoothness of every component has made this one of my favourite light spin reels, and one that I recommend to any angler searching for a quality reel.

Okuma Cerros Spin Rods:

The Okuma Cerros range of spin rods has been a ‘go-to’ of mine for lure fishing. Covering every light tackle to medium heavy situation, these rods offer unmatched performance for the extremely affordable price point.

Platypus Pulse X8 Braid:

Platypus’ Pulse X8 Braid is what I spool up with 9 times out of 10. It has proven itself to be one of the best braids ever manufactured. For example, 15lb Pulse X8 held up to a 50lb kingfish for two hours! It really is the best there is and I’m never going back to using brands that aren’t Platypus.

ZMan Soft Plastics:

ZMan soft plastics are one of my many go-to products from Tackle Tactics. The entirety of the extensive range has exceptional performance when in the water, however my go-to lures are the ZMan 2.5" GrubZ, 2.5" and 3” Slim SwimZ, 3.75" StreakZ, and 3" MinnowZ.

When fishing soft plastics think about what fish you are targeting and how it is going to eat your lure. For example, a bream is mostly going to eat a lure on the drop and when hopping your lure off the bottom. So, in this case, a lightly rigged soft plastic, with a relatively small profile, will enable a bream to attack with the textbook 'tick' as it eats the lure. The hook up rate should be good, due to it being the correct size meal for a bream.

TT Jigheads:

There is no better match for a ZMan soft plastic than a TT Lures HeadlockZ jighead. These are simple, yet effective, strong, and durable jigheads, that keep the soft plastic sitting straight in the water.

For additional realistic colour or contrast, it's hard to go past the TT Lures DemonZ painted jigheads.

When selecting a jighead, utilise the best weight to suit the presentation that you're trying to create.

Platypus Stealth FC Fluorocarbon Leader:

I've been using the Platypus Stealth FC range of fluorocarbon leader for a while now and it has performed well above my expectations. It's thin, supple, and invisible in the water.

Fish light to get the bite; try and use the lightest leader possible in each fishing situation. This will enable a great lure presentation and an increase your hook ups.

What species are on your bucket list and why?

Murray cod: A true Australian icon is the Murray cod, and the locations where they are found are absolutely stunning. The Murray Cod is on my bucket list for sure and I can’t wait for the moment when I can tick this one off the list.

Longtail tuna: Longtail Tuna are one of Moreton Bay’s finest sportfish and this species has been on my bucket list for a while now. Just waiting for the opportunity to chase them with crossed fingers.

Mulloway: A big jewfish (mulloway) has to be included on my bucket list. I've caught soapies, but never a solid jewfish. I would love to get one from my local area, however a jewfish is a jewfish, and it doesn't matter where it's caught.

What is a piece of fishing advice that you've been given that still sticks with you?

Fish will often feel the presence of a lure through their lateral line before seeing it. Therefore, the vibrations of a lure are more important than colour. Different impulses will make fish react in different conditions and different species of fish fancy some vibrations but not others. It's important to select a lure based on the correct amount of vibration that a lure will give off, due to its action or lack of it. For example, a blade will give off more vibration than a StreakZ style soft plastic.

Three tips for someone new to fishing?

1. Get out there and give fishing a go. Enjoy getting away from everyday life and learn from your experiences on the water.
2. Fish light to get the bite. Fishing light lines and overall light gear will often improve catch rates and make the whole experience more enjoyable as well as improving casting distance and accuracy.
3. Our waterways are vulnerable to overfishing. If a feed is required, only keep what you need. Practice healthy catch and release fishing to ensure that there's fish for the next time you're on the water.

Fish on! Jacob Iedema