About Us
Meet Cameron Winsor: Founder of Dhubite Tackle
I’m Cameron Winsor, an Engineer by trade and now a Superintendent for a Pilbara mine. I live in Perth but work fly-in-fly-out, keeping my boat and car on site during the winter months to take full advantage of the stellar Pilbara weather. Fishing, exploration, and gear innovation are what drive me—and they’re the foundation of Dhubite Tackle.
A Thirst for Adventure: From Land to Sea
Adventure has always been part of my DNA. In the past, it was about pushing further and further into remote land locations, camping in places few had reached. I became so obsessed with Google Earth that you could show me a satellite screenshot of any beach in WA, and I could tell you exactly where it is and how to get there.
When I moved into boating, that thirst for adventure shifted from land exploration to the sea floor. It wasn’t just about catching fish—it was about discovering unreachable spots, exploring interesting bathymetry, and mapping the sea floor. Dropping a camera down to see what was below became as exciting as landing a big catch. I rarely head to my known fishing grounds; I get a buzz from going somewhere completely new to map out uncharted territory, the more remote the better.
The Obsession with Sounders and What Lies Beneath
My obsession with the sea floor is matched only by my fascination with sounders. From the moment I started using a basic 600W transducer on one of the first Simrad units released, I was determined to master the tool. I’ve spent years analyzing sounder images, pushing to understand what they reveal. Verifying them with underwater cameras became essential, matching screen signals to the reality below. Over time, I’ve refined my skills to not only identify what to drop on but also to interpret fish species and behavior from the sounder, making it an indispensable part of my fishing experience.
I’ve had people joke that I should swap out my TV for a sounder screen because I spend more time watching it than Netflix. They’re not wrong.
Current Sounder Set Up
I currently run a three-screen system paired with three transducers, all configured for precision and versatility. Here's how each component fits into my setup:
Screens
- Simrad NSS12 Evo 3: This is my main unit, where I run two split frequencies (Low and High, non-CHIRP) for real-time, detailed sounder images.
- Simrad NSS7 Evo 3: Primarily used for mapping and as a backup sounder, ensuring redundancy in case of any issues with the main unit.
- Simrad S2009: Dedicated to another frequency or for a slow-speed image. I use this screen’s long history view to mark fish I might encounter after long fights, ensuring I don’t miss anything valuable.
Transducers
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3kW R509 LH: Mounted on a custom drop-down system, this is my deep-water precision tool. The LH beam configuration provides the tightest cone, making it ideal for pinpointing fish in deep water, much like the precision you’d expect from a 1kW transducer in 30m. Originally a thru-hull model, I re-engineered it to function as a transom mount, ensuring it’s protected during beach landings or when crossing corrugated roads. The adjustable mount lets me lower it for clarity, raise it for better speed, or stow it vertically for corrugated roads and beaching your boat on islands.
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1kW TM275LHW: This is my wide-beam transducer, perfect for picking up bait balls or nuggets of structure just outside the cone of the 3kW. It’s ideal for scanning a broader area while maintaining excellent detail in shallower waters.
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3D Transducer: Used primarily for mapping 3D structure, this is an excellent tool for exploring new terrain and for use in rivers or shallow coastal areas where precise structural data is key.
Supporting Hardware
- S5100 Sonar Module: All transducers run through this module, which improves processed image quality and allows for the tightest cone usage in deeper waters.
- NEP-2 Ethernet Expansion Port: With so many devices, the NEP-2 keeps everything connected and functioning smoothly, ensuring no drop in performance.
Why Dhubite Tackle?
Dhubite Tackle was born from the simple idea that gear should work when you need it most. Fishing in remote and unforgiving conditions means you can’t afford failure. Every product we create has been overengineered to handle real-world abuse because when you’re 100km offshore or 8 hours from help, there’s no room for shortcuts.
Our gear is tested relentlessly, often with underwater cameras, to ensure it performs as intended. For example, our Vibe was designed to mimic prey fish coughed up by Dhufish, giving it a level of precision you can’t get from off-the-shelf lures. The tackle is built for all species, not just Dhufish, but the original focus came from my love of targeting them and understanding their behavior.
If you’re wondering how we can offer great quality at a low price, it’s simple—I’m lucky enough to have a full-time job outside of Dhubite, which means I’m not relying on huge profit margins to keep things running. Instead, I’ve kept prices low to pass those savings onto fellow fishermen, so you can access top-quality gear without breaking the bank.
We also try to keep the experience personal. We’re a small team of friends and family, and when you reach out, you’ll talk directly to one of us. We’re not here to rip anyone off—we genuinely want to help you out and make sure you’re happy with your gear.
Everything I make is gear I use myself. If it can’t cop a flogging, it doesn’t make the cut. At Dhubite, we just want to pay it forward with products that work as hard as you do.
The Boat: Built for Remote Adventures
My boat is a Genesis 610XL, and I’ve modified it to be capable of trips most people wouldn’t bother with. It’s a great example of how over-the-top I can get when it comes to my gear:
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Fuel Capacity: I’ve replaced the kill tank with extra fuel tanks, bringing my total capacity to over 600L—probably the most fuel you’ll find on a 6.1m boat in Australia. This lets me reach the most remote areas with ease.
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Monitoring Systems: I’ve added Simarine shunts for all solar panels, batteries, and devices, allowing me to monitor everything—how much solar is going in, how much power devices are drawing, and what the alternator is putting out.
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Beach Launch Trailer: Designed for tough, remote launches, my trailer features a boat catch with a customized larger eyelet, 4WD tyres for soft sand and extra clearance, a converted drive-on skids setup, and a 5th wheel drop-down to help snatch it out in high seas. This also doubles as a backup wheel bearing.
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Deep-Drop Ports and Scuppers: The boat is outfitted with custom waterproof deep-drop ports, built for durability and reliability during extreme use. It also features firehose layflat scuppers that act as a one-way valve, efficiently flushing water and fish scales off the deck while preventing backflow. When the boat stops, the hose naturally kinks, ensuring no water flows back onto the deck, keeping things clean and dry.
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Sound System: To complement the setup, the boat is equipped with high-end JL speakers, amps, and a subwoofer, delivering premium sound for every trip.
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Anchor Winch and Lighting: The boat is equipped with an electric anchor winch, soon to be upgraded with Dyneema jacketed anchor line and Kevlar chafe protection for maximum durability. For added convenience, waterproof 12V and USB ports are mounted near the rocket launchers, ensuring cameras and devices stay charged while remaining fully protected from the elements.
You might wonder why I don’t just go for a bigger boat, given the fuel capacity and all the tech on board. The reason is simple: a bigger boat would mean losing the ability to beach launch on the remote, soft South Coast beaches I rely on to access those truly hard-to-reach places. My setup is right on the edge of what’s possible with a V8 Cruiser, but that challenge is part of the appeal—and it’s what allows me to reach areas most larger boats simply can’t.
A Recent Adventure
A good example of the lengths I’ll go to is a trip to a remote South Coast granite island, a known hotspot for great whites. After days of studying satellite images and meticulous planning, we drove 8 hours to a remote beach launch, followed by 2 hours by boat to reach a shoreline with no sand, only rock. To secure the boat, we strategically set two bow anchors—a main and a backup—to prevent tangles or failure. From there, we used an inflatable paddleboard to ferry gear to shore in custom dry bags I designed specifically for carrying larger loads while staying watertight, all while we had a whale and calf sheltered in the bay....definitely did not make the paddle any less stressful!
Once ashore, we spent the day exploring the island, fishing off the rocks for harlequin and sight-casting blue groper. That night, I realized I’d forgotten my tent on the boat—and there was no way I was heading back out in the dark. When the rain came, I had to bunk in a cave for shelter, with seals barking at me all night.
Having been a keen surfer in the past, I’m always on the lookout for potential surf setups during trips, and this island didn’t disappoint—it had plenty worth scoping out.
Built for Fishermen and Adventurers
Dhubite Tackle isn’t about gimmicks or flashy marketing. It’s about reliable gear for real fishermen and adventurers. Everything we make is tested, trusted, and built to handle the kinds of conditions I put it through. Whether you’re targeting big Dhufish, exploring remote reefs, or just tinkering with your setup, Dhubite gear is made to last and designed with purpose.
Outback Appreciation
I genuinely believe we live in the best place in the world, and every time I find myself in a remote location, I’m reminded of how lucky we are. There’s something unmatched about watching the sunrise over an untouched landscape while steaming at 25 knots toward a new spot, surrounded by your best mates or girlfriend. Moments like these bring a sense of appreciation and perspective that I try to carry into every part of my life—a reminder to stay grounded, keep learning, and enjoy the journey.
If you see me around, don’t hesitate to say g’day. I’m always keen for a chat about fishing, gear, or your latest adventure.
– Cameron Winsor
Founder, Dhubite Tackle