Learn about life beneath water at Gold Coast International Marine Expo

by Gold Coast Marine Expo on 21 Jul 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo 2014 - Every angler has been there: your tackle box is full, anticipation is high. The tide change approaches and you sense your prey … hungry and hunting.

You cast your lure with precision and you begin your retrieval with those spasmodic twitches you’ve perfected in your sleep. You cast again … retrieve … cast … retrieve.

What happens next? Well, it depends heavily on your location, skill, expertise and, of course, your choice of lure.

Fortunately, anglers of all abilities will have the chance to hone their knowledge of all things fishing during the Yamaha Super Tank demonstrations at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo from October 17-19.

The show-stopping mobile fish tank – at 15m long x 3m deep it’s the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – provides a fish-eye view of life beneath the water.

Seasoned angler Michael Cooke and fulltime fishing guide Brett Thomson spend 10 months of each year travelling with their giant transparent perspex tank sharing the latest tips, techniques and tackle with captivated audiences keen to increase their strike rates.

Catering for everyone from the novice through to the experienced angler, there are casting demonstrations, the latest lures as well as tips on off-road safety, eye safety, boat safety, footwear, knife sharpening and, of course, fruitful fishing destinations.

'The one thing I always recommend is to go out with a guide at each different fishing destination,' says Michael Cooke, a seasoned angler with experience in catching all types of fish. 'With a guide, you can get a 30-year apprenticeship in one trip. However, there does come a time when you have to get out and do it yourself so that’s where we try to help.'

Brett Thomson – a two-time BASS angler of the year – says the 14,000 litre tank holds up to 20 barramundi, sourced from and returned to fish farms.

'We train them to bite lures,' jokes Michael.

The Super Tank is just one of a range of live demonstrations at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo from October 17-19, which last year drew more than 21,000 visitors.

Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne said Expo showcases 'all things aquatic' – bringing together everything from superyachts to fishing equipment and jet skis … and everything else in between.

'It’s a massive array of marine equipment, accessories and boats … and gives the enthusiasts the best chance to get afloat before the summer and Christmas seasons,' she said.

'The Super Tank will be part of the action packed program of events featuring a huge range of live attractions and demonstrations every 15 minutes.

'Other demonstrations include cooking, marine maintenance, high-diving, personal watercraft accessories as well as all types of innovative technology and other handy gadgets that help make life more enjoyable on the water.

'We also have a number of products making their world premiere at the Expo so it’s not just going to be a lot of fun, it will be very educational too.'

A not-for-profit event run by the marine industry for the marine industry, Expo also raises much-needed funds for worthy charities, to date providing over $50,000 to the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Paradise Kids, Sailability Gold Coast and the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service.

The 2014 Expo will again offer free on-site parking and there will be a nominal entry fee of $8 per adult, $5 for seniors while children under the age of 15 years will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo, visit the new website or contact Emma Milne on 0447 758 884.