Tackle Tactics » Pro Anglers » Justin Willmer

Justin Willmer

How did you get into fishing and what are your main target species / fishing styles / general locations?

I don't remember a time without fishing, boats and camping. That's what my family did, including my mum, dad and sisters, along with my grandparents, uncles and extended family. I still have some of the gear that I fished with when I was around five, along with plenty of photos and a lifetime of memories.

When it comes to fishing I am happy to chase any species, big or small, in any location and from any watercraft or land based. Fishing is about more than fishing, it's about adventure, mateship, connecting with nature, challenging yourself and defragging the brain from everything else that fills our head. If you told me there was no fish, I would probably just be happy out there getting some casting practice and enjoying the outdoors.

I am based north of Brisbane and fish the rivers, creeks and estuaries in this region, however I also like fishing the impoundments for bass and barramundi, the beaches for whiting and pelagic species and appreciate the opportunity to explore new waters and target new species while filming Tackle Tactics TV.

If I could only choose one type of fishing though, it would be casting soft plastics on light spin gear from the SUP or kayak, fishing the creeks, rivers and estuaries.

What are a few of your favourite species and why?

I am happy to catch any species, any size, anytime, however I will give you three.

Flathead - I love these guys due to their accessibility, they love of eating lures and the fact that anyone could catch a trophy fish, even right beside the boat ramp. I also love shallow water fishing and chasing flathead in a couple of feet of water on light gear is as good as anything.

Queenfish - Catching these guys off the beach on light spin gear is cool fun, especially when they eat the plastic or slug right at your feet and within seconds they are out at the back bank doing cartwheels and high speed runs. I would put trevally in with these guys also... they don't have the jumps, however the power is insane.

Barramundi - What an awesome fish... the way they feed, fight, jump and eat a stack of different lures including a ZMan FrogZ buzzed across the surface... BOOF!

What are some of your most memorable captures?

Man... I have fished for over 40 years... there are so many for myself and also even more so I enjoy being around others when they tick off a first or a PB. In there would be big flathead, metre plus barramundi, 55+cm bass, 60+cm saratoga, trophy snapper, GTs... and the best thing is that I still remember the people, the places and the feelings when these took place.

I absolutely love beach fishing Fraser Island with light spin gear and have been lucky enough to land metre plus queenfish, trevally, kingfish, tuna and more off the beach, along with some monster 90cm tailor.

I have also been lucky enough to squeeze in some international fishing with work and when on holidays and these trips have been memorable for so many reasons. Catching peacock bass with my wife, along with adventures chasing smallmouth and largemouth bass, redfish (an absolute favourite), snook and more recently a tarpon in Florida.

What is some of your go-to Tackle Tactics gear?

I would happily fish with anything in the catalogue and have probably fished with most of it ;)

I have used TT Lures jigheads for over 15 years and wouldn't tie on another. Quality hooks, innovative designs, a comprehensive range that covers everything and designed by anglers for anglers. Favourites include the HeadlockZ HD, HeadlockZ Finesse, Big EyeZ, DemonZ and SnakelockZ.

ZMan plastics are unsurpassed in terms of quality, the 10X Tough ElaZtech material makes rigging more versatile and you can rig over and over again in the same plastic. The buoyant 'tail up' or 'claws up' action is killer and the comprehensive range of models have everything covered. Favourites include the ZMan 2.5" Slim SwimZ and ZMan 3" MinnowZ. Scent up with Pro-Cure and you have the best chance you can get of catching fish.

My grandfather and father used Platypus fishing lines and I have used Platypus all my life, with current favourites including Platinum and Super 100 monofilament for bait fishing and Bionic Braid and Platinum Plus braid for lure fishing. Even better than the quality and reliability is that it is Australian made.

Since Tackle Tactics have been distributing Okuma I have changed all of my gear over and don't miss the previous gear at all. From the entry level ARIA reel and Covert X rods to the higher end gear, I have enjoyed fishing with all of it and I am always impressed with the value for money side of things and how much more you get for your dollar in terms of materials and features.

What species are on your bucket list?

Within Australia I would say Murray cod as they are such an iconic species and I have only had the opportunity to catch Eastern cod. I will add them to my box to tick off in 2020... you definitely need to plan and lock these things in so that they happen... fingers crossed. I would also like to catch a carp as I have never had the opportunity.

Internationally, top of my list would be a roosterfish because they are such an amazing looking fish. There are so many internationally though... bonefish, golden dorado, sheepshead, drum, pike... I would be happy to catch any species that I haven't caught before... hmmm and even the ones I have ;)

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

I was fishing with a couple of mates years ago and one of the friends that they had brought along on the trip said 'Do the miles, get the smiles' and I thought that is brilliant, that is what I do and that is what I will consciously ensure that I continue to do. I will be there first and leave last, throw more casts than anyone, walk further, use whatever watercraft is required, spend more time prepping gear and whatever it takes to get that bite. It only takes one bite to completely change a day, trip, year, lifetime... I want that bite J

What are three tips for someone that is new to fishing?

KISS - Keep It Simple Starting out... pick a technique, species, location and spend time researching it and being as best prepared as you can from the beginning. Begin with the end in mind.

I would dodge the cheapest of any fishing tackle item out there and start somewhere in the middle as I have seen many people, kids and adults, have a bad experience when fishing because of cheap and poorly designed or manufactured gear. You don't need to spend a million dollars, however you will have a better and more productive experience with better quality gear.

Draw on the massive pool of fishing knowledge that is out there, be it mates, magazines, tackle stores, Tackle Tactics website or the Internet. Sometimes it only takes one change to what you are doing to get you hooked up and then your confidence will grow and you will discover so much more.

Anything you would like to add?

I love fishing because of the people, the places, the mateship and the adventure. The fish themselves are such a small part of the equation at times, so don't get down on yourself if you're not catching, enjoy the adventure, mateship, environment, wildlife and the experience of being out there... breath. You'll find when you relax and just enjoy the adventure, the bite will come... and if it doesn't, the tough trips make the good trips even better.

See you on the water...