Head to the SIBS fishing masterclasses for expert tips and tricks
Whether you enjoy fishing on the open waters or further inland, SIBS has you covered.
The 54th
Learn how to fish like never before at the show’s fishing masterclasses on the Suzuki Suzumar Main Stage. All masterclasses are included with the cost of entry, and presentations will range from inland waterway fishing to more adventurous offshore competitions, with videos, photos and stories to match.
Discover a jam-packed program led by some of Australia’s foremost fishing experts. Whether you’re an expert angler or a novice to the scene, you’re sure to learn something at these educational fishing demonstrations and masterclasses.
Paul 'Burty' Burt
The daily fishing line-up is hosted by Channel 7’s fishing, boating and coastal weather expert, Paul Burt. ‘Burty’ has been fishing for as long as he can remember, and you might just recognise him from his various appearances on fishing and outdoor shows over the past 30 years, or perhaps from his own popular TV show Step Outside with Paul Burt on 7Mate. Burty’s demonstrations are always a great hit — as are the yarns that he spins along the way. This year he’s going to do a deep dive into ‘deep water dropping’ on the continental shelf. Learn the ins and outs of targeting bass groper, bar cod, flame snapper and much more using Shimano electric reels.
Paul’s keen to share his knowledge with all visitors to the show. “It’s great to be back this year, along with those who are arguably the greatest when it comes to sharing fishing experiences and their incredible skills. Our line-up of speakers is very gifted, both in their fishing prowess, and their ability to keep the audience enthralled. I know some visitors spend almost their entire day at the show at the fishing stage. This is going to be great!”
Peter ‘PJ’ Johnson
You might be familiar with the longest-running radio fishing show, Hi-Tide, which runs every weekend. PJ is a long-term member of this show and is also a former commercial snapper fisher and a very successful club angler with many titles and records to his name. PJ will hit the Suzuki Suzumar Main Stage at the show presenting his talk on ‘Snapper Secrets’.
Rhys Creed
Rhys Creed returns with his passion for landing the mighty Murray cod. A dedicated freshwater angler, Rhys has built his world around helping others to fish through his online platform, Social Fishing. This has taken him all around Australia, creating films, online content and also appearing on many different TV shows. Rhys has proven to be a popular speaker on stage over the past decades, and this year is sure to continue that trend. Hear Rhys share his secrets for ‘Catching Murray Cod’ during the show.
Tim Simpson
No expert fishing line-up would be complete without the inclusion of the legendary Tim Simpson. From catching huge mako sharks and swordfish from trailer boats to 500kg tuna and marlin, Tim has done it all. At last count, he’s amassed at least seven world records. Tim delights in sharing the skills he’s developed and will be in pride of place on the Suzuki Suzumar Main Stage showcasing his topic ‘Targeting Gamefish’.
Justin Duggan
Also on stage, Justin will be presenting tips on fishing closer to home. Owner and operator of Sydney Flyfishing Tours, Justin is also an accomplished professional fishing guide and knows the east coast like the back of his hand. Justin will be on the stage showcasing his topic on ‘Fishing Sydney Harbour’ — a must-see presentation for any local anglers who want to learn about the best (and sometimes secret) locations to land the finest catch on the harbour.
Leroy Horton
If you’re having trouble hooking Australian bass, then don’t miss seeing the ‘Voodoo Fisherman’ himself — Leroy Horton. Renowned for understanding the ‘hoodoo behind the gills,’ Leroy uncovers those elusive techniques used by the pros to end those tales of ‘the one that got away’. From sharing insights on rod types to setting reel drag and much more, Leroy will certainly deliver tricks to put the most pressure on the fish while putting the least strain on you and your tackle.
Greg Reid
Sit back and soak in Greg Reid’s expertise on the most effective and durable lures to use in Australia. Greg is also extremely knowledgeable about the latest techs and gadgets enjoyed by both recreational and professional anglers all around the world, and he’s sure to drop some tips. Greg’s presentation ‘Surface Fishing for Flatties’ outlines the methods for perfecting one of the most popular types of fishing in shallow waters around the country.
Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen
Boat Show Ambassador, Rugby League legend and presenter of his own show Escape – Fishing with ET, Sydney local ET now spends most of his time with a rod in the water. ET will be bringing all the action and excitement seen on his TV show to the Show, and it’s safe to say he’s got some stories to tell as he hits the Suzuki Suzumar Main Stage for a one-on-one chat with Paul Burt at 1:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. If you’re keen to meet ET, head over to the Escape Fishing with ET Hub on the Marina Foreshore every day of the show.
Dave ‘Mossy’ Moss
No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy the all-new Shimano Fishing Tank Show presented by Australian fishing expert, Dave ‘Mossy’ Moss. With his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for fishing, Mossy is a fan-favourite with his highly entertaining presentation featuring his best tips and tricks for catching that prize fish. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Plus, there’s more than $1000 worth of great prizes being given away after every fishing tank show, thanks to Shimano, Lowrance and Gamakatsu — so don’t miss out!
Underwater Australasia
The Shimano Supertank is also hosting Underwater Australasia and its QYSEA FiFish V-EVO underwater drone demonstration. Watch as this incredible machine capable of diving down to 100 metres motors through the tank, showcasing its diversity and skill to all.
Garmin
If you’re keen to learn more about successfully seeking Murray cod, bream and even marlin using electronics, the Garmin presentation is a great one to see. This presentation will showcase Garmin’s latest products and how to correctly use technology to locate that next prized catch. Watch on to find out more about the Garmin Force Kraken, the most powerful trolling motor the recreational fishing market has yet seen. Coupled with Garmin’s most precise anchor lock technology, Kraken is designed for longer shaft lengths and pivot-style mounts for easy installation on boats where boat space is limited.
“We are excited to build on the success of our Force trolling motor and bring new mounting options and features to even more anglers in both the saltwater and inland markets. From power and durability to integration and innovation, Kraken has everything anglers want or need from their trolling motor and more,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s VP of global consumer sales.
Suzuki Marine
The hint might have been noticed already, but the Suzuki Suzumar Main Stage wouldn’t be complete without Suzuki Marine showcasing their Clean Ocean Project. Learn about the Suzuki outboard engines that actually help clean the ocean while powering around, which is done by capturing microplastics in specially designed filters. This is just one of Suzuki Marine’s exciting projects that will be presented at SIBS, so don’t miss out.
The perfect boats for fishing
Fishing is a major part of the Aussie outdoor lifestyle, whether it’s enjoying a solo day on the water or surrounded by family and friends. “The Sydney International Boat Show brings together leading dealers and manufacturers from across Australia and beyond, ready to present the latest in fishing, boating and marine technology,” said Andrew Fielding, president of the Boating Industry Association (BIA). “This is the show where all your questions about spending more time on the water and catching bigger and better fish can be answered.”
While many will enjoy spending the day learning more about fishing techniques and gears, others will be seeking out the most advanced and cost-effective fishing vessels available.
And SIBS will not be slacking in this department.
Here are just a few great fishing-focused boats that will be on display:
- SIBS regulars TR Marine will be debuting the new Australian-built R760 Offshore Hardtop
- Short Marine will be displaying the impressive Viking 46 Billfish
- Hunts Marine presents the latest Cruise Craft Explorer 695 Hardtop
- Insinc Marine features the Baysport 605 Offshore
- Blakes Marine stand will have the Stacer 449 Crossfire on display
If keeping your craft stable while fishing is proving to be a challenge, head over to Seakeeper Ride’s stand.
Another popular option is fishing from a kayak, pedalboard or paddleboard. The extensive range from SIBS favourite Hobie is particularly suited to seeking out those private spots in rivers or estuaries that large crafts can’t get to.
And don’t miss seeing the Department of Primary Industries, which can be found at the Boating Safety Zone presented by Transport for NSW, the show’s Partner in Safety. At this zone, you can learn about the regulations governing fishing across NSW, as well as the ways you can help with keeping our waterways safe and sustainable.
The Sydney International Boat Show takes place from 3 to 6 August at the International Convention Centre Sydney and on the adjacent marina on Cockle Bay.
The show is open from 10am to 7pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am–5pm on Sunday.
Tickets are available for purchase online only — there won’t be a box office at the show itself. For more information visit the SIBS website.
The Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) and Mulpha Events, and proudly supported by Partner in Safety, Transport for NSW, along with official event partners National Storage and Walcon Marine.
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