WEB REPORT 25/12/08

FISHING CLASSES FOR 2009.

I would like to thank all of the anglers out there who have attended my fishing courses. It has been great giving you some of my years of experience of fishing on the water and hopefully it has improved your fishing.

WATTO’S TACKLE SHOP

Fishing class No 1 will start on the 22/01/09 at Watto’s Tackle shop. This will be the first of the 3 conconsective Thursday nights. The class will start at 7.00pm and finish at 10.00pm.

For further information you will need to ring or pay them a visit at the shop.
The cost will be $80.00 per person.

For further information and to book in and pay you can contact Sean at
Email: wattosfishing@bigpond.com

Address: shop 1 & 2 LOT 9 KURRAJOMG AVE ST MARYS NORTH
Phone: 0416 203 507
Contact Shaun and Claudia

And while you are at it you could go to their web site and see what special they have on at the moment http://www.wattosfishing.com.au/

WINDYBANKS BAIT AND TACKLE

Fishing class No 2 will start on Thursday the 12th of February 2009. It starts at 6.30pm and will run for 3 consecutive Thursday nights. The cost of $95.00 includes a fish barbeque and the class. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit.

Windybanks Bait and Tackle
523 Pacific Hwy Mt Colah NSW 2079
Ph (02) 9477 1501
Contact Annette and John.

BEVERLY HILLS BAIT AND TACKLE

Fishing class No 3 will start on the 5/03/09 at BEVERLY HILLS BAIT AND TACKLE. It starts at 7pm and finish at 10.00pm and will run for 3 consecutive Thursday nights. The cost of $80.00 per person. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or Andrew a visit.

Beverly Hills Bait and Tackle
410 Stoney Creek Road
Kingsgrove
Ph (02) 9554 3580
Mobile 0439 029 160
Contact Andrew

Now if you can’t make any of these you may like to contact either Mike or April from

Absolutely Hooked
174 Merrylands Road
Merrylands
Ph (02) 9897 3474

And put your name down for their next Fishing Class in 2009.

REPORT

Well, this is my last report for 2008 and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and that includes you TREVOR MARTIN. I would also like to thank all of you for sending in the emails in response to my last report and in the New Year I will be putting together more reports.

I have been out fishing in Botany Bay, Cooks River, Port Hacking, Georges River, Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River, the Hawkesbury River and Hamilton Island, yes Hamilton Island.

Beach Club Resort at Hamilton Island.

Before I get into the local reports of Sydney I would like to let you know about the 7 great days we spent at the Beach Club Resort on Catseye Beach at Hamilton Island. Leanne and I were there to celebrate our 30th Wedding anniversary and Leanne’s birthday. It was the first time that we had been there and I know that it will not be the last.

As far as we are concern, the Beach Club has it all with its absolute beachfront location, 5 star accommodations that are set in landscaped gardens. All of the rooms face directly onto Catseye Beach, each with their own private courtyard or balcony. There is also private infinity – edge pool, exclusive lounge and bar, a 5 star restaurant, A La Carte poolside dining, 24 hour VIP chauffer buggy service, 24 hour room service, VIP return from the resort to the airport and no kids under 18 are allowed. Also available is complimentary use of a gym, spa, sauna, catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment.

We have been to a number of 5 star resorts before, but the Beach Club has been by far the best that we have ever stayed at. Nothing was too hard for the staff and management at the resort. You just had to ask and they were only to willing to help out.

Both Leanne and I would like to thanks all the staff and management at the resort for making our week a time that we will keep on remembering for ever. It was things like the Champagne and chocolates that just appeared in our room our anniversary while we were at breakfast, the positioning of our table at poolside for our anniversary dinner and who could forget that special desert. Leanne’s surprise birthday present that again appeared in our room after just coming back from another great breakfast.

While we were there we also went to number of other restaurants and cafes, went on a barbeque lunch time cruise to White Haven Beach, cocktails at One Tree Hill Lookout to watch the sun set and yes I did go for a short fish.

Hey it may not be for everyone but, if anyone is looking for a holiday where the staff are always so friendly and caring, the atmosphere is excellent and the service is the best we have ever experienced, then the Beach Club at Hamilton Island is the place to go.

If you are after any more information about the Beach Club resort go to

http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=160

Now enough about our week away and down to business on what has been going on in Sydney.

Botany Bay has been fishing quite good of late with plenty of kingfish about. I was out last week and got into 14 kingfish, but only managed to land 4 of them. Oh well that is what happens when you are using 4 kilo gear. While I was out there I did notice a few other anglers chasing kingfish, but they were not getting the numbers I was. This was due to the fact that I was using those Gulp 5 inch shads on a 1/8th oz, 5/o and 7/0 TT jig head. Many of the other anglers were, to my way of thinking for this time of the year in the bay were using lures that were way to big. If you are not getting the takes you should try downsizing your lures. I have also been using Lucky Craft 65mm Sammy’s for the kingfish.

There have been plenty of yellowfin bream, dusky flathead and silver trevally been caught at the oil wharf, Monoilex Point, Bare Island, Watts Reef, the third runway and the middle of the bay. Remember to fish as light as the conditions will allow and don’t forget to use a long leader in that fast running current.

Port Hacking has been turning it on for whiting, leatherjackets and there are still a few luderick been caught by those anglers who have been fishing over the weed beds. John from Fergo’s Tackle at Taren Point showed me a picture of a 10 kilo kingfish he caught on live bait in the Port Hacking just recently.

Osborne Shoals and Shark Island in Bate Bay have been producing a number of good catches of snapper, silver trevally, kingfish and the odd Australian Salmon and tailor.

DVD REVIEW.

The Fishing DVD No 7

Marlin on the Flats with Scott Amon and Jarod Boshammer

Derwent River Bream with Shannon Watson and Leroy Tirant

Going Soft on Whyalla Snapper with Steve Starling

Monster Trout in Tasmania with Peter Morse

Loddon River Natives with Roger Miles and Brad Sissins

Finniss River Barra with Justin Jones and Peta Walter

For more information on each of the segments, just enlarge the back cover of the DVD.

MORE REPORTS

Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours (http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/.) reports that it has been a great week of top weather and great fishing. Botany Bay turned it on and off shore proved rather good Also, Jumbo Trevally are in the Bay and I have found lots a good fish at Sutherland Point and wide from Trevally Alley in the main channel, Kings have slowed a little but there is still lots of smaller Kings, (watch the size 65cms is legal). Bream are good from Towra right across to the Third Runway and up to the sticks just anchor and fish the run in or run out tides. Off shore a mixed bag of Salmon, Trevally and good Bream are in Bate Bay this is top fishing.

WHATS COMING UP

*Boxing day is open for a day in Botany Bay or off shore.

*27th and 28th I have the Afternoons open from 1pm to 9pm.

*January I still have days open for both weekends and weekdays

*Singles day 31st and 1st spot open.

Give Scotty a call on 0418 169 439. For more information and some great photos you should go to Scotty’s web site at http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/ and have a look.

Ron Osman from Estuary Fishing and Tours reports that just after my last report he had one of his regular customers; Emin, Alex and one of their friends on board. It was a top day. They filled the esky with flathead and a couple of kingies and still had a couple of hours to go. Ron mentioned that there had been a few big jewies caught lately (the week before during the Hawkesbury Classic) so how about we give it a go. Everyone agreed so they sat at Juno Point. There were a few hours of the run in tide left and we put out my usual baits; a half squid, a whole squid, a live whatever (this time a yakka) and a big butter flied bait (this time a pike).

They were only there 10min when the butterflied pike rod starts screaming line off and Alex is straight on to it. At first Ron was thinking big ray. Then it stops running and Alex cranks the handle of the reel a couple of times and then it gives a few big head shakes and takes another big run and Ron said “definite jew and it’s a big one”. After another few shorter runs and heaps more head shakes with Alex running around the boat and me getting everything out of the way we had him under the boat. The water was very dirty and we couldn’t see it until it was about 1 meter under the water and then we see a big silver flash and he is off again for his last run before being back at the boat again. The fish was gaffed and pulled straight into the boat and onto the floor. There was yelling, hooting and backslapping all around.

Ron’s scales only went up to 20kg and it pulled them down easy. Alex stopped at a bait shop on the way home and it went 47lb (21.3kg) cleaned. The guy said probably 54lb (24.5kg) with guts and scales. Alex has the head in his freezer and is going to get it taxidermed. The huge cutlets he got of it will feed his family for ages.

They sat there for another hour for no more hits then called it a day picking up a few blue swimmers in the crab traps on the way home. Great fish, great day, great company! They have caught jewies since but somehow they just don’t compare.

Anyway in other fishy news there are heaps of rat kings in Pittwater at the moment and I mean heaps. We are still catching a few over 80cm but some days we just can’t escape the small ones. The smaller rats are schooling on the surface some mornings and even up until 10am. So we get the bream rods out with stick baits and have a bit of fun with them. The best spots for kings have been the Clareville and Scotland Island wrecks, Longnose Point and the Palm Beach drop off.

Squid have been an easy catch most days with 4 to 10 an hour. Some have been huge others tiny. Best spot by far is West Head followed by Palm Beach Wharf and Currawong Beach. Flatties have slowed down a bit because the water temp was up to 22° a few weeks ago when we were getting heaps of them and then it dropped down to 19° over night and is now only 20.5°. It is amazing what a couple of degrees do to fish. We are still catching up to five keepers an hour most days and everyone loves flattie fillets. The best spot for flatties have been Little Pittwater in the Hawkesbury and Lobster Beach in Brisbane Waters. We even got a 40cm Bream while flicking plastics for flatties at Little Pittwater.

The flattie heads work well as bait for the crab traps. Crabs (Blue Swimmers) have been really funny lately with one day getting twelve the next day two, then the next day ten. This time last year we were getting twenty plus everyday in our witches’ hats. Remember no witches hats allowed in Brisbane Waters, only the Hawkesbury and Pittwater. There have been a few schools of tailor in Pittwater and Broken Bay. The schools are either all big ones or all small ones. So you just have to be lucky to come across a school of bigger fish.

Ron’s first couple of weeks of January are nearly full but he still has plenty of days available after that so if you’re keen to come out give him a call or send Ron an email.
Lastly my family and I would like to wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.

If you are after more fishing reports Ron has joined a fishing forum called http://www.smellsfishy.com.au/ and he will post the odd report on there along with all the other members on the site. So if you’re a fisho or just like to read about fishing you can join up and put up a post if you go fishing.

To find out what type of fishing has been happening in the Hawkesbury, Pittwater and Brisbane Waters area you could have a look at the reports that have been put up on http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ web site or you could email him at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that in the estuaries, whiting have been fantastic with terrific fish to well over 500gr on offer from all local systems. Numerous types of surface lures have been effective, as well as live worms, yabbies and prawns. By all reports, the best of the action in Hastings however, is still to come. Also on the chew at present are good numbers of flathead, with the stretch between the Dennis Bridge and Rawdon Island producing exceptionally well. Also worth a look is the lower part of the Maria, or anywhere around Pelican Island.

On the beaches, whiting numbers are on the improve, with Lighthouse in particular fishing well on the run up tide. In with the whiting are reasonable numbers of bream, with the humble pipi accounting for the better catches. Good new too on the tailor front, with a better showing over the past week than we have seen for some time. Whilst most fish are just in the chopper class, the odd big greenback has also been encountered, primarily after dark. On the jew front, whilst no great results to speak of, we have heard a few rumours regarding a few schoolies beginning to show up after a long absence. Time will tell whether this is a trend or an isolated bonus.

Off the rocks, good tailor have shown up with Lighthouse and Blueface locally producing some worthwhile catches, whilst further north, some bumper greenbacks to over 3 kilos have been about. A few drummer have been extracted both locally and from Diamond Head which is not unexpected, especially given the cool currents currently hugging the coastline.

Offshore reports have been encouraging as far as bottom bouncing is concerned, with some excellent snapper to over five kilos, along with plenty of pearl perch, kingfish and other mixed reef species. The other good news is the water temperature is now beginning to warm considerably, with reports of 23 degree plus waters out wide. Whilst not alive with pelagics as yet, a few dolphin fish have begun to reappear after their winter sabbatical, some solid striped tuna and cobia have been boated, and a few small black marlin have been encountered not too far north or wide. Once these warm water move closer to the coast, look for a significant improvement on the game fishing front.

When you are next up in Port Macquarie call into the shop and have a look at their great selection of tackle and bait they have on offer. You could also ask Jason and Virginia for their daily report on what’s happening on the fishing front. Call them on (02) 6583 8318.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that he would like to thank all who emailed their protests to a lock out of fishing grounds off South West Rocks. These will be forwarded this week to the Minister. There will be a meeting chaired by Eco Fish representatives on Wednesday the 7th January 2009 at the Country Club here at the Rocks commencing at 5.30pm till 7pm approx. The Eco Fish Group have battled these extreme greens on a number of occasions on behalf of the rec fisher, so if your in the area please attend to find out how you can have your say.

Dirty green water may have slowed the early pelagics but from all reports from up north, there on their way. Dolphin Fish have been around the FAD in good numbers most are just on size. Fish Rock again has small Kings but reports of better Kings around Green Island. There have been a few Jackets around the kilo mark out there which I would think unusual for this time of year. Reports of a few Snapper of Grassy and Scotts with better results further North. One fisho had a couple of Cobia around his boat off the goal but could not temp them to take a bait.

Land based river fisherman have battled over the last week where those drifting the Break Walls and shallow sand flats have done well with Flathead, Whiting and the odd small Jew into the night. The river Boat ramp has produced some big Estuary Cod but remember these are protected and must be released. Live bait is the go.
The Beaches are still not firing apart from the odd Whiting, Dart and Bream. There were a few Flathead pulled out of Back Beach through the week. Rock Hoppers have been getting a few Tailor, Trevally and the odd Silver and Black Drummer from the goal to the lighthouse.

Fish Rock fished well for Kings, with knife jigs proving a successful method to entice the bigger Kings. There are still heaps of rats around with the odd small Snapper as well. Green Island has good Bream around it with Tailor and Bonito about. The FAD is loaded with Dolphin Fish but they are mainly under size. Around the 60 Fathom mark Morwong are in good numbers with the odd good King Fish. The Charter boat Sea Scout caught a Marlin in front of the Lighthouse in the 24 degree Blue Water that we have here at the moment. Snapper are few and far between off the northern reefs. Bar Cod and Blue eye are being caught out wide in fair numbers. Live bait is everywhere on the bait grounds.

Rock Hoppers are getting a few Tailor off the ledges but Josh Londero from Maitland hooked a classic 4.3kg Green Back under the Lighthouse. There have been a few Bream and Trevally about to keep you interested. Beach fishing has been ok on Smoky with good numbers of Whiting, Bream and Dart on live worms. Gap Beach has Whiting and a few Tailor on the northern end. Back and Main Bream have Whiting and a few Bream off the Boulders. Flathead are the target species in the river with some nice fish coming in.

Don’t forget the Seabreeze Hotel huge Fishing Comp on the 3rd and 4th of January with some great prizes, entry forms available in our store.
Another date to remember is the 7th January with fisho’s meeting to protest against the proposed Marine Park at South West Rocks at the Country Club from 5.30 pm to 7.pm.

For daily reports call Paul on (02) 6566 6726.

WEB REPORT 29/11/08

Normally I don’t let to me things get under my skin, but of one of the many emails that I received last week did get under my skin a little bit, so I had decided to let you know of my response.

Trevor Martin [don’t know where he is from or who he is, but you know (Trevor Martin) who you are] sent me this email at 7.30pm on the 26/11/08. Now just to let you know I haven’t changed it in any form or text.

It goes like this;

I fail to understand why you have a weekly report that is 4 weeks old. It would appear that you are taking significant advantage of your reputation (that is rapidly deminishing due to the capatilistic approach but i guess it is due to your age rather than your passion and retirement looming) and as such are now treating the people that made you with total disregard.
Congradulations on your past exploits but remeber this, at the end of the day you are remembered for what is more recent than what was in the distant past and at the moment you do not make much in the way of being informative on what is your backyard for fishing!!!!!!!!!

Regards

Trevor Martin

So, just to enlighten and correct you (Trevor Martin that is) on a few facts, I have listed the following and by the way I have put them in point form so that it is simple to understand. Especially for someone like you.

1. The report is actually 26 days old, not 4 weeks (28 days) as you stated in your email. Although some people may say that 4 weeks is a month. Which as most of us know can be either 28 days, 29 days in a leap year, 30 or 31 days depending on the particular month of the year.

2. I have actually had the weekly report drop down on my web page changed to REPORTS on the 12/11/08. So it would occur to me that after you had checked (26/11/08) to see if I had put up my latest report you may not have noticed the change to the front page of my web site or maybe you just you can’t read.

3. I don’t know how you came up with the fact that I was a capitalist (capatilistic approach), as I don’t get paid to put together my reports, that I own my web site, that I do these reports in my own time, on my own computer, send them by email, print some of them on my own paper and use my own ink. Now I could keep going on, but I won’t. Oh, one more thing, I pay for it myself.

4. Also, as other readers of this report would realise, is that you have trouble with your spelling or you are not very computer literate and you don’t know how to use SPELL CHECK on your computer. So for your (Trevor Martin) information the spelling mistakes are as follows; (deminishing = diminishing), (capatilistic = capitalistic), (Congradulations = congratulations) and (remeber = remember).

5. Thank you (Trevor Martin) for your Congradulations, congratullations, congradullations, bloody hell I forgot to use SPELL CHECK congratulations on my past exploits. I am very proud of myself for being able to author two fishing books, 8 fishing maps and 1 DVD; even though when I first started I too couldn’t spell all that good. But after buying a dictionary and learning a new word each day I have got to where I am now. If you (Trevor Martin) are having trouble with your spelling (which is a plain as the email you sent me) I would suggest that you too buy a dictionary and start learning how to spell. I would suggest that you start with words like at, it, be, is, to, me, am and an. That would at least fill in your next week. Then once you have mastered these words you could may try learning words like nob and head.

6. I didn’t know that I have a reputation (bad, good or ugly.)

7. Now, some people may think that being over 50 years old is over the hill, but I don’t and for your information I am not intending to retire for a long time. Actually I am having too much fun.

8. The only 2 people that made me were my mum and dad, and no it wasn’t the milkman.

9. I don’t know where you think my fishing backyard is, but I do know that I will fish anywhere am allowed to in Australia and overseas. Ninety eight percent of this time spent fishing I will manage to catch something of value. So the question of would ask of you, “Does that make the world my backyard?” Boy, if it does that would be a bloody lot of grass I would have to mow.

10. I am not going to go anywhere near the grammar errors that have been made, as I still get confused at times and have to ask my wife and kids.

For those of you that do read my reports and send me emails with questions, reports of your own and photos of your recent captures. Please keep them coming and I will respond to all of them, even though it may take a little while. I will also endeavour to get my reports out more frequently during the summer months.

Anyway, enough of responding to the first email that I have ever received like this,
But, it has been fun. Maybe Trevor Martin (who ever he thinks he is) will get to read
this report when he once again checks up on me to see whether I have done my report.

Now I can’t remember whether it is supposed to be an hourly, weekly, monthly, daily
or yearly report.

Oh, what the heck. It’s a REPORT

There has been a number of updates on my home page to make it easier for you to be able to find the reports, book reviews, DVD and Video reviews and new products.

For all his hard work I would like to thank Adam Ford for what he has been able to achieve. The updates took him about 12 hours, and believe me I am sure that Adam would have preferred to be out on the water chasing a few fish rather than sitting in front of a computer.

They are as follows;

Reports – When ever I can get to them

Book reviews – Now 19

DVD and Video reviews – Now 15

New products - Now 6

In the New Year there will be a copy of more changes and additions, so keep a look out for them.

Carl from http://www.kyakafishingsydney.com.au/ reports on the following;

Squidgie Bream Challenge –Round 1

25-30 knot winds with gusts up to 40 knots. Sensational breamin' weather...NOT! These conditions completely stuffed any ideas that Gary and I had of venturing up to the Cooks River. Instead we stuck it out in the Georges which was a battle enough in the wind.

Things started off slowly until we hit some weedbeds that we figured would fish ok with the falling tide. Gary eventually rigged up with a Gulp 2" Banana Prawn and bang!, was on straight away. A few minutes later, he added number two to the well. After about 3 hours I finally get a hit and it's a small flattie. Not long after that I get another take and this one is much better..but it's still a flattie. Very nice size at 65 cms but useless in a bream comp.

As the day wore on, we slowly added bream until we had our 5 bag and even added a couple of upgrades. When I say we, I actually mean that Gary hooked them, I netted them and then put them into the well. I couldn't catch a bream for love nor money. Talk about being a spectator! And with 10 minutes to go I finally hook up to another decent fish but this time it's a whiting that stretches out to 44 cms. Sheesh...

Our (i.e. Gary's) bag ended up weighing 2.16 kgs which saw us nab 16th place out 41 boats, so not too bad considering the conditions. And to top it all off, two out of the top five boats caught their bream in the Cooks! Aaaarrgghhh.... Sorry Gary, next time I'll do better, I promise. : )

Botany Bay Kingie Madness

I'd heard that there were a few kingies around in Botany Bay so I ventured out for a midweek early morning session. Perfect conditions saw me flicking out an East Coast Popper bang on 5:30 am. Six or seven cranks of the handle and 'BOOF-O', I'm on! At first I thought it was a tailor but a strong run had me thinking that maybe it's a king. I had to go fairly easy with the 6lb braid and eventually I netted a feisty king that was about 60 cms. And first cast too, how sweet is that?

Just in case there were a few more bigger guys about, I upped the tackle to my 15lb outfit and threw out a 6" Mojo SP. Another surface smash knocks the lure flying and I can hardly control myself to fire off the next cast. I let it sink for a few seconds, then get two winds away when I'm on solid. Ooh, this feels like a good 'un. The line zings through the guides and I'm being towed back to the beach. Lot's of surging runs and I keep sideways pressure on him to tire him out. When I eventually see him through the slightly murky water I think, "Yowser, this could be close to a meter!". I make sure he's totally knackered before I tail grab him and haul him into the yak. Woo Hoo! He's a new PB for sure but on closer inspection, I don't think he'll go a meter. In fact, he came in at 89 cms and 5.82 kgs, so I wasn't too far off my estimate.

As I'm re-rigging, a school of kings busts up in front of me, so I throw on an olive green Sluggo this time, seeing if the colour change will make a difference. Another instant hook up, so no, it doesn't make a difference! This one goes about 55 cms and the next one I land is probably about 70 cms. I've already kept the big one which is enough for me, so anything I catch now goes back to grow bigger and wiser.

I change lures again, this time to a Squidgie Slick Rig and it's nailed as well. I continue changing lures and it doesn't matter what I use, they are getting hit. Another angler in a hornet (Brad) had turned up and had landed a few on poppers but they'd stopped hitting them and all he had were 3" plastics which he wasn't having any luck on. I gave him a couple of the Mojo's and he was back into them straight away.

At about 7:45 am they switched off which was my cue to go home. What a session! I'd say I landed about 12 kings between 50-65 cms and 5 between 65-89 cms. Plus I was reefed three times as well by some bigger guys, so I may have to take out some heavier tackle next time. Next time?

FISHING CLASSES.

I would like to thank all of the anglers out there who have attended my fishing courses. It has been great giving you some of my years of experience of fishing on the water and hopefully improving your fishing.

My next fishing class will start on the 22/01/09 at Watto’s Tackle shop. This will be the first of the 3 conconsective Thursday nights. The class will start at 7.00pm and finish at 10.00pm.

For further information you will need to ring or pay them a visit at the shop.
The cost will be $80.00 per person.

For further information and to book in and pay you can contact Sean at
Email: wattosfishing@bigpond.com

Phone: 0416 203 507

Address: shop 1 & 2 LOT 9 KURRAJOMG AVE ST MARYS NORTH

And while you are at it you could go to their web site and see what special they have on at the moment http://www.wattosfishing.com.au/

If you can’t make that one my next fishing class will start on Thursday the 12th of February 2009. It starts at 6.30pm and will run for 3 consecutive Thursday nights. The cost of $95.00 includes a fish barbeque and the class. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit.

Windybanks Bait and Tackle
523 Pacific Hwy Mt Colah NSW 2079
Ph (02) 9477 1501
Annette and John

Now if you can’t make either of them you may like to contact either Mike or April from

Absolutely Hooked
174 Merrylands Road
Merrylands
Ph (02) 9897 3474

MORE REPORTS

I would like to welcome onboard Scott Thorington from Haven Sports Fishing Charters http://kingfishjigging.com/ who fishes out of his Custom built in 1995, the Freedom was designed with one thing in mind - chasing marlin!
Scott Haven Sport Fishing Charters was established in 1987 and is owned and skippered by Scotty, who has fished throughout the Pacific including locations such as Hawaii, New Guinea, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
In Australia, he has logged thousands of sea hours as skipper or crewman on commercial and sport fishing boats from Eden in the south to Lizard Island in the north. During one of Scotty's charters you may encounter one of his regular ride along guests. These may include tackle industry reps, TV hosts, tackle shop proprietors & designers, game fishing crew & captains from Australia and around the world, all who are only to willing to share their tips techniques & experiences with Scotty.
The boat has a fast cruise speed and is dry and stable on the troll and at anchor. She has a clean, bubble-free wake that makes her perfect for lure or 'bait and switch' fishing for bill fish. A bow thruster adds to her nimble manoeuvrability.
The Electronics onboard include GPS, Depth Sounder (fishfinder) 27meg & VHF radios. A Next G mobile phone is also carried ensuring phone communications at the continental shelf.
For up to date reports on what is happening offshore on the central coast go to Scotty’s blog at http://havencharters.blogspot.com/

Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours (http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/.) reports that Well what a weekend, Saturday started well and we found a few Trevally just off the Third Runway but at 9.20am the change hit and within 5minutes we had one metre waves crashing all around the boat, little fun getting the anchor up.
Headed towards Brighton for shelter and the plan was to work plastics for Flathead and target Bream and Whiting on bait but the change put a stop to that, a total shut down in all active.

Sunday was called off due to the weather.

WHAT COMING UP
*Fish afternoons 4pm to 7pm out of Cronulla weekdays.

*Fish afternoons 1pm to 7pm all weekend.
*Christmas gift vouchers now available.
*Two spots now open for Weipa in April.

Give Scotty a call on 0418 169 439. For more information and some great photos you should go to Scotty’s web site at http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/ and have a look.

Ron Osman from Estuary Fishing and Tours reports that fishing the Kingies are back in Pittwater, with some days seeing us catch over 10 Kingfish up to 76cm. Squid have been so easy to catch with the best day 12 squid and 10 yakka’s caught at West Head in 45min. The squid have only been small, but the Kingies seem to love them. Best spot for the Kings has been Longnose Point and the wrecks near Clairville. They got busted off by a monster just yesterday and got lots of small ones. Ron didn’t get to see the big one but by the amount of line he took he reckons it would have been near the meter mark.

The best day on the water was 2 weeks ago with 10 Kingfish caught but only 6 keepers with the biggest 76cm, cappuccino from Captain Cappuccino in the middle of Pittwater and fish and chips for lunch from Patonga. Then down to chase Jewies, no Jewfish but we caught a 1.4m hairtail at Wobby during the day.

They have also been getting a few Jewies on soft plastics down the Hawkesbury while flicking for Flatties. Flathead have been to 50cm and the Jewies to 60cm with a couple of bigger ones caught on fresh squid while at anchor at Wobby. The biggest Jew was 82cm (4.5kg). Real big tides at the moment and it took me 3 goes to get the anchor to stick at Wobby because we had the wind blowing with the tide. In the end I went in a bit shallower than I usually fish just to hold anchor.

A couple of weekends ago the river was very busy on the water with the Hawkesbury Classic on (over 600 competitors). There was over 20 boats at Flint and Steel at 6.15am and 20 at Juno the rest of the day but there was still plenty of fish around for everyone. Talking to a fisheries officer down there he said big Jewies came in from Gunya and Juno and smaller ones from Wobby and the bridges. Ron wanted to fish Juno, but with 20 boats already there we went to Wobby instead.

Schools of Salmon have all but disappeared with only Box Head having schools but not everyday. There is Tailor mixed in with them too.

Bream and Trevally are still around Lion Island and West Head but the best spot has been Little Box. A bit of burly and peeled prawns floated down the trail is the best bet. We have caught Bream to 36cm and Trevally to 38cm at all these places. We even got a few at West Head on the live bait lines.

Flatties are everywhere at the moment with Little Pittwater and Juno shallows the best in the Hawkesbury and Gosford end of Paddys Channel in Brisbane Waters. Flathead to 45cm are the norm but every now and then you get a bigger one or even a few Jewies.

So if your keen to come out with Ron the days lately have consisted of catching Yakkas and Squid then chasing Kingies for a few hours then flicking plastics for Flatties and Jew or fishing a burley trail for Bream and Trevally or even a bait fish for Jewies down the Hawkesbury.

If you are after more fishing reports Ron has joined a fishing forum called http://www.smellsfishy.com.au/ and he will post the odd report on there along with all the other members on the site. So if you’re a fisho or just like to read about fishing you can join up and put up a post if you go fishing.

To find out what type of fishing has been happening in the Hawkesbury, Pittwater and Brisbane Waters area you could have a look at the reports that have been put up on http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ web site or you could email him at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that

4/11/08
Flathead numbers remain excellent throughout the Hastings and will further improve as the waters warm. Best results have been achieved around Limeburners and the Dennis Bridge; however the break walls have also begun to produce a few solid fish. On the flattie front, no doubt the annual breeder removal program will start up in earnest shortly, with pillies, bobby corks and outdated egos daily fixtures along on the wall. With all the evidence supporting the critical importance of conserving these large, female and poor eating models, why NSW Fisheries have not implemented a flathead lot size is difficult to comprehend.

Elsewhere in the estuaries, whiting are improving daily, with most locations downstream from the Dennis Bridge now holding fish. Blackfish anglers have also enjoyed somewhat of resurgence, with the south wall and Limeburners fishing quite well for this time of year. Bream are reasonable, with the better results continuing to come from areas upstream, most notably around Rawdon Island.

On the crustacean front, Lake Cathie has continued to produce exceptional quantities of prawns, despite it now being very late in the moon. With next dark likely to produce similar results, let’s hope common sense and bit of courtesy prevails, as the participation level is bound to be far higher than normal. It will also pay to be mindful of bag limits and all prawning regulations, as no doubt NSW Fisheries will be monitoring compliance issues closely given the high levels of activity anticipated.

On the beaches, results remain below average as they have been all year. However on the positive side, whiting numbers have increased considerably, with North Beach in particular beginning to yield some nice fish. Whilst no doubt the warmer waters have prompted the whiting to become more active, it comes as no surprise that their arrival coincides with the departure of the bulk of the salmon schools. I can’t imagine why this would be the case!

Off the rocks, a few tailor are on offer although by and large catches are spasmodic. Bream numbers have been reasonable after dark, whilst floating a bit of cabbage will still produce a few blackfish and the odd pig encounter. Most rock hoppers though are beginning to turn to their attention to the upcoming summer, and LBG season.

On the offshore scene, quality snapper remain active in close, with Kane Howard scoring a terrific 9.45 kilo model close in off Nobby’s on, you guessed it, a soft plastic. Wider out, the current has been screaming down from the north, however a feature of many catches has been good numbers of Sampson Fish to around 4 kilos. Shouldn’t be too long before the currents bring some warmer water close in and the summer pelagic season really takes of in earnest.

11/1108
On the beaches, things are beginning to look up after what has been somewhat of a disappointing period. Both North beach and Lighthouse have both been producing some nice whiting and a few better than average late season bream. Live worms have been achieving the better results. Tailor numbers however remain disappointing, as do mulloway, although this current full moon phase could possibly see an improvement in this respect. Salmon numbers however have exploded once again after going a little quiet over recent weeks. No doubt the large bait schools hugging the coast at present sees them in no hurry to head back south. As such, you might as well enjoy the sport fishing factor whilst it lasts.

In the estuary, flathead are again the best bet with both numbers and quality improving each week as the waters slowly warm. Along with the flatties, some nice bream have been snared around Blackman’s Point and up Limeburners, whilst increasing numbers of whiting have been taken from around the Back Channel, Blackman’s Point and Big Bay. Best baits for the whiting and either live worms or yabbies, although they are becoming more and more inclined to chase surface poppers as we creep closer to summer. Blackfish remain patchy although the odd good fish is on offer for those willing to put in the time.

Outside reports have been encouraging with good numbers of snapper back on the bite following the large swells of a week or so ago. Plenty of fish to around four kilos, and the odd larger specimen, have been captured with areas close in off Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and Plommer proving best. Along with snapper, pearl perch and flathead numbers are still good, with some excellent outside flatties to around 2 kilos being taken in improving numbers. Surface action is still slow however hopefully we should have a new FAD deployed at some point over the next week, weather permitting. GPS co-ordinates should remain pretty well unchanged.

Off the rocks, things have been a little quiet; however those chasing blackfish on cabbage still report some nice bronzies and the odd pig still inhabiting the washes around Port. Bream numbers have been reasonable, primarily after dark, and should remain so after the current full moon begins to wane. No real reports of tailor as yet, however it shouldn’t be too long before we get an improvement, at least in quantity if not quality.

On the crustacean front, the Hastings is beginning to produce some top mud crabs, with all locations now worth prospecting. Meanwhile, with another prawning dark just about to begin, I expect Lake Cathie to a hive of activity for the next couple of weeks at least. If last months results are any indication, everybody should be able to manage good feed or two. Just be mindful however of bag limits, licensing and net registration requirements, as failure to do so could lead to a very unpleasant piece of paper being kindly supplied courtesy of NSW Fisheries

19/11/08
In the estuaries, flathead continue to be the best bet with the Hastings and tributaries producing a few bags of quality fish. Best catches have come from around the Dennis Bridge whilst Settlement Point and Blackman’s Point are both worth a throw. You will however, have to return plenty of smaller models each session. A few blackfish have been encountered however results have been patchy at best, whilst whiting continue to improve in both quantity and quality. If you’re seeking a feed of good whiting, both the Maria and Limeburners are worth considering for those with access to a boat, whilst shore based anglers could do a lot worse than to head for either the back channel or Blackman’s Point. As usual, live worms and yabbies will achieve the better results from a bait perspective; however the whiting are becoming more responsive to surface lures pretty well each day as the estuary waters slowly warm. On the prawning front, whilst still very early in the dark, some terrific numbers have been reported albeit a little hit and miss as yet. As expected, the participation rate has been as high as I can ever recall, and will get even higher should we get some warmer weather. As such, expect plenty of company irrespective of where you go.

On the beaches, results remain subdued however should improve considerably following the recent full moon. Lighthouse has been producing a few whiting however there are plenty of throwbacks among the better fish. A few reasonable bream remain on offer, particularly during early morning sessions. Best results have been from North beach and from around Crescent Head. Salmon continue to prove a pest or bonus on most beaches, depending upon your perspective. On the mulloway front results remain poor overall, however Mark Mooney found a use for salmon during a recent trip to Crowdy Beach, turning a fresh slab into a terrific 28.6 kilo fish.

Off the rocks, little to reports in the way of tailor as yet, however early morning and late afternoon high tides are well worth a throw for bream. A few nice blackfish have also been on offer around Shelley’s and Miners, however a bit of rough water is a must. The next few weeks may also be well worth a throw for a late season drummer, as recent seasons have seen good catches taken nearly up to Christmas. Many keen pig chasers don’t mind this time of year at all, as the fish are often still around in numbers, particularly if you can find the better water, yet the numbers of guys chasing them drops considerably.

Offshore action has been great when conditions allow, with some terrific snapper taken over the past week. Those enjoying the increasingly popular art of chasing reds on lures also reported terrific results on fish to around 6 kilos, as well as a few unstoppables. Plenty of other mixed reef species are also on offer, most notably Sampson fish to around 4 or 5 kilos. No real news on the pelagic scene, however we can confirm a new NSW Fisheries FAD has been deployed in its usual location of : 31 °24.567’ S, 153 °04.725’ E. Let’s hope the warm currents push down and fire up the Mahi Mahi for the summer season ahead.

25/11/08
In the estuaries, flathead and whiting continue to be the best bet with the Hastings and tributaries producing some good bags of quality fish. Best catches of flatties have come from around the Dennis Bridge, whilst the Back Channel, Limeburners and Blackman’s Point are all worth a throw for whiting. Both species are becoming more and more responsive to lures as the estuary waters warm and their level of feeding activity increases. Bream however have been a little quiet; however the upper reaches have seen a reasonable degree of action for lure enthusiasts. Around the break walls, a few blackfish have been encountered however results have been patchy as is often the case at this time of year.

On the beaches, conditions have been challenging however there are a few fish around if you can get past the salmon. Lighthouse has been producing some nice whiting particularly from the northern end, although there are plenty of throwbacks among the better fish. Those fishing the shallow spits around high tide with either worms or pipis have also been scoring the odd reasonable bream. Mulloway remain poor as they have been all season, whilst tailor remain a distant memory for most.

Off the rocks, little to reports in the way of tailor as yet, however the recent early
morning and late afternoon high tides have yielded a few nice bream. A few solid blackfish have also been on offer around Shelley’s and Miners, however a bit of rough water is a must. The next few weeks may also be well worth a throw for a late season drummer, as divers report there are plenty of fish still inhabiting our shoreline.

On the prawning front, whilst results are down a little from the phenomenal hauls seen last moon, the current dark has once again proven most productive with pretty well all parts of Lake Cathie producing good catches on most occasions. This spread of action is the most pleasing part, as with the number of participants higher than I have ever seen, congestion was becoming an issue at a few of the more popular or well known locations. I expect good results should continue to be attained for the next week or so, although you may find the action better the wrong side of midnight as we progress through this lunar cycle.

Offshore action has been limited as you would expect with 25 knots of wind over the weekend. Whilst the seas were somewhat flat, the wind chop saw conditions best described as uncomfortable. Those who did venture out reported only moderate results on snapper from the closer reefs, and a few nice Sampson fish from a tad wider. Still no real signs of consistent warm water as yet, however the next couple of weeks should see a significant improvement on the temperature front, something the game fishing fraternity is no doubt eagerly awaiting.

When you are next up in Port Macquarie call into the shop and have a look at their great selection of tackle and bait they have on offer. You could also ask Jason and Virginia for their daily report on what’s happening on the fishing front. Call them on (02) 6583 8318.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that
Over the past 4 weeks

4/11/08
What a difference a week can make, Last week Bait were jumping into the boat, this week there on the sounders but not interested the bait jigs. The water is a magnificent blue with a fairly strong current running south, perfect conditions but fish are hard to find. Most of the action last week was around Fish Rock where Rat Kings are there in their hundreds the larger numbers are just under size but take some light gear down there and have some fun and throw some of those plastic baits you have hidden in the boat, they will jump all over them. There were a few Snapper caught off the reefs around Grassy and Scotts. We are starting to get reports from the fisho’s that small Yellow Fin are moving around with a few Mac Tuna and Bonito on the surface. The wide grounds have been hard to fish with some big seas but it should start getting productive with 23 degree plus great looking blue water.

Smoky Beach fished well for Whiting with some thumpers coming in out of the white water. Reasonable Bream are coming out of the deeper holes and gutters with best results towards Hat Head. Grassy Head Beach with its access at the caravan park is also fishing well for Whiting and Bream. Back beach has had a few nice Flathead and the odd Whiting.

There are still a few Flathead in the river surprisingly, after the Taree pro netters have been doing their thing in our river. Bream are coming in off the Break Wall on the change of the tide. There have been good Whiting starting to show up on the sand flats with live worms and nippers working well.

Finally, Stimulate SLAM soft plastics with the ultra bite pheromone are available in Australia and in stock now.

21/11/08
With the ocean conditions being less than fair the reports from outside were sketchy. A few boats headed south down to Fish Rock that still is being plagued by Rat King fish and a current that’s roaring south. There are a few Tuna on the surface. Water colour and temperature are perfect so expect some good fish over the next few weeks. The northern reefs are not producing much at the moment with Some Snapper, Trag and the odd Pearl Perch coming in. The Charter boats picked up some jelly bean Yellow Fin through the week arriving on Que. There were no reports coming from out wide.

We have weighed some thumper Whiting over the last week coming out of the river with the hot spot being from the boat ramps up to the Tavern, feeding on live worms and nippers. Local fisho James caught some nice Bream at the end of the Break Wall using Herring pieces. Flathead have been coming in around Jerseyville and Whiting have been in good numbers up toward Kinchela and Smithtown. Bass fishermen are doing well from Greenhill’s and up river, with some nice fish smashing surface lures and shallow divers.

Smoky Beach has some good Whiting but there are a lot of throw backs amongst them. There is still the odd Salmon coming through which will test you on your Whiting gear. The odd bream has been on the beach but it’s tough to get a keeper. Gap Beach is producing Whiting and a few sand Flathead. Whiting are on Back Beach on a run in tide with plenty of undersize Whiting around Trial Bay. Rock Hoppers have been amongst some Drummer, Bream and Trevally.

27/11/08
We can’t get a break with the weather at the moment so the reports from outside are patchy. Reports from around 60 meters off Scotts, they are still catching Trag and a few small Snapper with the odd Pearl Perch. The current eased off a little last week with a few fisho’s venturing out to around 100 meters in uncomfortable conditions for a few reasonable Bar Cod. Fish Rock has small Kings attacking baits with some bigger units out wider off the rock. I did have reports of a couple of Cobia caught in close as well as small Blacks free jumping off the Gaol earlier in the week. The bait schools are plentiful around the bait grounds.

River fisho’s scored well with some nice Flathead, with the sand flats through the Cut, fishing the shallows with plastic baits working a treat. Good Whiting have been about out of the same location. Finding a legal Bream in the river is tough with tons of small ones taking the bait. Up river around Smithtown and Kinchela seems to housing better Bream with some nice Whiting and the odd School Jew. Two weeks ago I said the Taree Pros were netting our river, this is not true, I do apologise it is in fact the Coffs Harbour pros netting the Flathead but after a call to Fisheries sadly it’s all legal and nothing can be done.

Smoky Beach is fishing well for Whiting but they are a smaller fish compared to some crackers in the river. There are a few Bream about but were tough to catch in a strong side ways sweep. Gap Beach was quiet with only the odd Whiting around. Once again Main Beach has been full of small Whiting taking live worms.

For daily reports call Paul on (02) 6566 6726.

Now it has just taken me 3 hours to piece together this report and I have enjoyed every second of it, so hopefully you too will get something out of it as well. Keep those photos and reports coming in.

Weekly report 1/11/08

LOCAL REPORT

Jake Whitlock went out on Cowan Creek for a fish with his dad and he managed to catch 3 jew on soft plastics. They were all caught on 2" Gulp banana prawn. Now Jake is 11 and he managed to cast and retrieve soft plastics to hook, play and catch these fish by himself. All up Jake and his dad caught 4 jew, 2 flatties and a tailor.

I was sent an email from Rowdy of a picture of his girlfriend Sue Burns with a 78cn dusky flathead. It was caught using a Berkley 3 inch watermelon grub on 4 kg line in 1.5 metres of water near Towra Point. The fish was released in great conditions after a few happy snaps.

If you are after a few striped tuna and bonito there have been a number of anglers getting amongst a few while trolling in kayak’s in close to the washes off Coalcliff, Bulli, Stanwell Park, Bellambi Point, Wollongong Harbour, Port Kembla, Hill 60 and Bass Point. Now these anglers have been trolling Rapalla CD 7’s and 9’sand also skipping a few saltwater 7 inch Gulp Jerkshads (Pearl White, Blue Pepper Neon Glow and Anchovy. They have also been jigging the ¼ oz Switchblades.

There also been a number of schools of Australian salmon and tailor off the coast from the entrance to the Port Hacking to Box Head at the entrance to the Hawkesbury River. The best way to get amongst these fish is to think small when you are selecting a metal lure or soft plastics. I have been flicking around 3 inch Gulp minnows in the sardine colour on a 1/0 and 2/0, 1/16th to ¼ jigheads.

Botany Bay has started to pick up on the silver trevally and yellowfin bream scene, but it has been a fairly bit slow over the past few weeks. Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing tours also reports that is has been a bit hard in the bay over the past few week, but has started to pick up. Scott was out last Saturday and fished Trevally Alley, Yarra Bay, the Sticks, The Oil Warf and the Patches off Towra for silver trevally, bream, tailor and dusky flathead.

The trevally taken on bait and the tailor were all caught trolling deep lures in Yarra Bay. Scott did mention that the trevally are in small numbers along the wall at Trevally Alley and along the Oil Wharf. The Drums in the middle seemed little off this weekend, but loads of good size yellowtail for live bait if you are heading off shore.

The bream are now starting to show and I pick up a few at the Sticks on Nippers, first for this season but from now on they will improve. Spinning with soft plastics is proving worth while with a few nice flathead wide from Towra and across the middle of the Bay.

Kingies are also starting to show and the odd one has been landed around the head lands and north from the Bay on Squid and Live baits. Luderick are still on the bite in the rivers but good green weed is needed.

DEEP SEA

Nathan headed out on Sunday and fished wide form Yellow Rock for a top bag of trevally then headed out to the Peak to look for Kingies but the Leatherjacket gave all a hard time but they caught a few and a mixed bag of the bottom and lost a Kingie.
Trolling back towards the Bay they found Stripe Tuna working and scored a few losing one at the boat. So all in all pretty good day off shore.

FISHING CLASSES.

My next fishing class will run for 3 consecutive Thursday nights. It will be starting on Thursday the 13th of November. The cost of $95.00 includes a fish barbeque and the class. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit.

Windybanks Bait and Tackle
523 Pacific Hwy Mt Colah NSW 2079
Ph (02) 9477 1501
Annette and John

If you can’t make that class I will be running another class at Watto’s Tackle shop. The first of the 3 conconsective Wednesday nights will start on November the 19th. The class will start at 7.00pm and finish at 10.00pm.

For further information you will need to ring or pay them a visit at the shop.
The cost will be $80.00 per person.

For further information and to book in and pay you can contact Sean at
Email: wattosfishing@bigpond.com

Phone: 0416 203 507

Address: shop 1 & 2 LOT 9 KURRAJOMG AVE ST MARYS NORTH

And while you are at it you could go to their web site and see what special they have on at the moment http://www.wattosfishing.com.au/

NEW PRODUCTS

Fishing Hand Wipes

Since the last tackle show at the Gold Coast I have been testing out a new product that came onto the market. Now, as you realize many things that are out there in the fishing world attract the angler, but doesn’t help that angler catch more fish or make their fishing any easier.

Well Fishing Hand Wipes do work. Fishing Hand Wipe does not need any fresh water to work. There is no need for soap. They remove the grime from your hands and kills the stink. They also remove unwanted smells (eg sun cream) from your hands before you touch your bait or lures. It contains fish attractant and tea tree oil.

During my fishing classes and demonstrations I handle a lot of fresh bait. I show other anglers how to put worms, pilchards, prawns, squid, stripped tuna and much more. It is during this time that my hands get very grimy and smelly, so much so that after a week I some times have a couple of my fingers peel.

Since using Fishing Hand Wipes this has not happened. I have also been using it while I have been fishing and it has not affected me in catch fish. I have even wiped some of the bait, soft plastics and lures I have been using and it hasn’t affected the catch rate at all and as it is stated on the packet it is great for getting the sun cream off your hands. So when you are next in your local tackle shop as to have a look at it.

Lucky Craft Lures

There are so many different hard bodied lures on the market now days and for the novice angler to pick one that will give you consistency when you go fishing it can be very frustrating and costly. For a couple of years now I have been using a number of hard bodied lures from Lucky Craft and if you refer to the picture you can see which ones and you can also have a look at the colours I have been using, so my next report will have an extensive report on what I have been catching on them.

TACKLE SHOP AND FISHING CHARTERS REPORTS FROM AROUND THE STATE.

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that in the estuary, flathead remain the star attraction with some quality fish now on offer from most parts. The better catches have been acquired from areas upstream, with the Maria and around Rawdon Island fishing quite well. Lures and baits have been equally effective. Also on the improve are whiting numbers, particularly from around Big Bay and the back channel. Live worms and yabbies have been achieving the better results; however don’t forget how receptive these fish are to lures, most notably surface poppers and to a lesser extent, the blade types which have been extremely popular on many species since this lure concept was re-invented over the last year or two. A few bream are also on offer around Rawdon Island during the day and around the break walls at night, although by and large the results have been somewhat below expectations. Many of those competing in the upcoming Bream classic are somewhat glad the prefish ban is now in place, as their recent investigations have produced more frustrations than secrets.

Off the beaches, salmon dominate the scene, as has been the case at this time of the season for several years now. It would seem this species is the only one whose activity does not diminish when the cold currents of this time of year hug the coastline. If nothing else, they certainly provide great sport. Apart from the salmon, a few bream have been of offer from North Beach and Lighthouse, whilst Lighthouse and around Lake Cathie has begun to produce a few better whiting. Mulloway activity remains most disappointing, and the tailor front the same. Hopefully when the cool currents pass this activity will improve somewhat.

Off the rocks, still a few drummer on offer however the action has begun to slow significantly. Tailor on the other hand have improved a little with some reasonable fish to over a kilo on offer from most headlands, with Lighthouse locally being the pick of locations. A few bream are also on offer, and should be even better once the current full moon phase begins to wane. Blackfish numbers remain reasonable, whilst the odd groper is still on offer, with Diamond Head and Point Perpendicular the pick of locations.

Outside reports understandably have been somewhat quiet, although most bottom bashers have been managing a reasonable feed. The wider reefs off Plommer have been yielding a few reasonable snapper, pearl perch and kingfish although the odd patch of small leather jackets remain active to ensure hooks and sinkers are replaced at regular intervals. For those simply seeking a feed, the flathead numbers and quality around the 55 to 60 meter mark straight off the Port bar are apparently as good as anyone can recall. Good news too for Mahi Mahi fans, with the NSW Fisheries FAD back in place for the upcoming season. GPS co-ordinates are 31.24.567 / 153.04.725, which is pretty well where is has been for the last couple of years.

In the estuary, the action this weekend will centre on the Port Macquarie Bream Classic, with the event running on both Saturday and Sunday. Lets hope the bream are a little more cooperative than they have been in recent weeks, and good luck to all those competing. Over the past week, flatties are improving slowly but surely with a few nice lizards taken from around the coal wall and Pelican Island. Plastics and whitebait have been achieving the better results. Whiting too are one the improve, with Limeburners, the Back Channel and around Blackman’s Point all producing fish, including the odd bumper specimen. On the blackfish front, still a few nice fish around the walls and Limeburners, although no two consecutive days seem to produce similar results.

Off the beaches, results remain a little on the quiet side. This time of the season is not renowned for spectacular sessions from the sand; however there have been a few positive signs of late. Firstly, the water temperature has begun to rise a little, and the clarity has improved from that dull brown colour of recent weeks. Hopefully this should lead to improved activity from both bream and whiting. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the presence of baitfish close in, predominately small frogmouth pilchards. This should lead to an improvement on the tailor front that is of course if they are significant enough in either size or quantity to compete with the salmon schools still inhabiting our stretch of coastline.

On the rocks, drummer reports are now a little slow although areas around Diamond Head and Forster have been fishing quite well considering the time of year. Groper and blackfish however remain viable targets depending upon sea conditions and tide phases. On the tailor front, a few reasonable fish have been snared at first light however the bite has not been either long or consistent. Locally, Lighthouse again has proven the pick of locations, whilst Plommer and surrounds has also produced a few nice fish.

Outside reports have picked up a little, or at least they had before the southerly kicked in. Snapper numbers remain excellent in close; with Bob Dennington scoring a top red of 8.25 kilos close in off Port, together with a couple more just a tad smaller. Whilst two these fish were taken on plastics, the larger fell to a live slimies proving it is still possible to catch snapper on traditional bait sources. Wider out, a few nice kings to around 8 kilos have been taken from off Plommer, whilst the flattie grounds straight out are fishing as well as they ever have. On the pelagic front, a few isolated marlin whispers have begun to filter in from areas throughout the Mid North Coast, with more than a few game fisho’s predicting a very good and early season ahead.

When you are next up in Port Macquarie call into the shop and have a look at their great selection of tackle and bait they have on offer. You could also ask Jason and Virginia for their daily report on what’s happening on the fishing front. Call them on (02) 6583 8318.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that they have a flat ocean, good weather, keen fisherman; the only thing missing is the fish. All blue water fisho’s are struggling to find a feed in a week with not many highlights. Last weekend Fish Rock was boiling with life on the surface but the fish were not interested in taking baits apart from Dennis Morton’s 23 kilo unit and a only a few that made the boat. Mac tuna are making a return around the rock to the gaol. Snapper have been slow off Grassy and Scotts Head apart from the odd one on Plastics but they seem reluctant to take a bait. There were a few Pearlies caught wider out in the cleaner water. There is a block of warm water coming down the coast and with a bit of luck might kick start the summer season.

There were some nice Flathead weighed in through the week out of the river caught on the drift along the Break Wall. There were also some panners out of Spencers Creek and Stuarts Point. Only a handful of legal Bream were caught last week with fresh bait like worms and nippers working well early in the day. There are a few Whiting about but the numbers will improve over the next month.

Not much joy for the beach fisherman with fairly calm conditions and a jelly in the surf that has made fishing tough. Salmon, a few Tuna and the odd Bream were about for rock hoppers.

Unsettled conditions through the week meant some patchy results on the water. Fish Rock fished well for some nice King Fish along with Snapper up to 4 kilos. There were Mac Tuna and Bonito about around the same location if you’re after fresh bait. The northern reef fisho’s found a few Snapper off Grassy but there’s a lot of ocean between them. The odd Pearly and Dolphin Fish were bagged out wider. Michael Frith fished out of his kayak off the Gaol Grounds for a 3.6 kilo Snapper on Nuclear Chicken 7“Gulp plastic in very calm conditions on the day.
The river has been producing some monster Flathead. Local fisho Max landed an incredible 1.2 meter 20 pound lizard out of the Back Creek on whole Pilchards and released this mother back to the water to make more babies. There were a few Jewfish caught along the break Wall on plastic baits during first light. There are plenty of Bream about, getting the keeper is the problem. Quality Whiting are being caught around the rescue boats up from the Boat Shed on live Worms and Nippers.

Michael Kaoutaraui from Sydney fished Little Smoky for Jew with whole Squid and hooked a classic 2 kilo Bream that swallowed the lot. Smoky Beach is fishing well for nice Whiting along the beach with the odd Bream with a few Flathead out of northern corner of the beach. Gap Beach has Whiting and Bream coming in. Rock hoppers have had not much to smile about with the odd Bream and Tuna being caught.

With only 7 weeks till Christmas come in and have a wander around our fully stocked store for gift ideas with Lay Buy for your convenience.

For daily reports and special call Paul on (02) 6566 6726.

Steve Williamson from Jindabyne runs a fishing guiding outfit in the snowies and if you are interested in finding out more about where and when to fish in the Snowies you can email Steve at swtrout@airlan.com.au or just pay a visit to his web site at www.swtroutfishing.com.au

For up to date reports from Scott Thorington from Haven Sports Fishing Charters http://kingfishjigging.com/ who carries out fishing charters on the Central coast you can go to Scotty’s blog at http://havencharters.blogspot.com/ there are some great photos of kingfish that have been caught over the past few weeks onboard the haven charters boat.

Tackle World Goulburn www.tackleworld.com.au/store_pages/goulburn.html is about looking after anyone who would like to experience the enjoyment of Fishing & Shooting. We cater for all levels, from the humble first time worm drowner & can plinker to the big game angler and trophy hunter. Regardless of your taste they have the products and more importantly the advice you need to succeed in your chosen endeavours. If they can achieve this and you leave with the sense of fulfilment our job is done. Goulburn is located in a country area so we pride ourselves on personal service and friendship in a comfortable environment for everyone who enters the store therefore we have a motto by which we live. "There are no strangers here only friends they haven't met".

In the next few weeks they will also have a fishing report up for you to find out what is going on in their neck of the woods.

To view the latest Tackle Word Goulburn Fishing report you can subscribe by going to the following link http://www.noblemailer.noblecrm.com.au/download/forms/s/2894045/23812/146455/28286.html

Or by sending them an email at fns@tpg.com.au

Tackle Word Goulburn316 Auburn Street, Goulburn, NSW 2580Phone: 02 4822 1929 Fax 02 4822 1929
Ron Osman from http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ reports that until the last few weeks there has not being a lot to report about. Before now it was very quiet. We even had a couple of those no fish days but not anymore. The fishing has picked up a lot.

For more information on what is going on up Ron’s way you can either go to his web
Site at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au or just give him a call on mobile 0407 66197

Weekly report 18/09/08

FISHING CLASSES.

My next fishing class will run for 3 consecutive Thursday nights. It will be starting on Thursday the 13th of November. The cost of $95.00 includes a fish barbeque and the class. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit.

Windybanks Bait and Tackle
523 Pacific Hwy Mt Colah NSW 2079
Ph (02) 9477 1501
Annette and John

If you can’t make that class I will be running another class at Watto’s Tackle shop. The first of the 3 conconsective Wednesday nights will start on November the 19th. The class will start at 7.00pm and finish at 10.00pm.

For further information you will need to ring or pay them a visit at the shop.
The cost will be $80.00 per person.

For further information and to book in and pay you can contact Sean at
Email: wattosfishing@bigpond.com

Phone: 0416 203 507

Address: shop 1 & 2 LOT 9 KURRAJOMG AVE ST MARYS NORTH

And while you are at it you could go to their web site and see what special they have on at the moment http://www.wattosfishing.com.au/

NEW PRODUCTS

Okay, you may or may not know that I use a number of different types of hard bodied lures and soft plastics when targeting dusky flathead, yellowfin bream, Australian bass, estuary perch, whiting, tailor, Australian salmon, flounder, kingfish and bonito. Some of which are as follows:

Gulps, Berkley Power Baits, Bass Assassins, Atomics and Squidgies in the soft plastics, and Lucky Craft, Yamashita, TT Switch blades, Eco-Gear Vibes, Mann’s and Stiffy hard bodies. Just to name a few.

Over the past number of months that I have been putting together these reports I have brought to you a number of book, video and DVD reviews. Some of which have been given to me and some of which I had had to buy. For those of you that have read my reports you would have found that not all of them have been favourable.

Like many other anglers I also have Squidgies 1, 2, 3 and 4 and I too thought that 1 and 2 were great, but 3 and 4 did let the series down in not only the quality of the footage, but in the information (repeat of some of 1 and 2) that was given to the public.

But it is with great pleasure that I now bring you my review on the
Starlo and Bushy’s Squidgy Secrets – The S Factor. Part 5 from Dunphy Sports and Dog Fish Productions.

This 2 set DVD has a running time of 3 hours and 43 minutes and with a recommended retail price of just $24.99. For a DOUBLE DVD that’s great value for money, as long as there is plenty of information to go with a great production. No matter what level of fishing skill you have when it comes to fishing, this DVD is a must for your collection.

This is a very in-depth guide to ultimate fishing success with Squidgy soft plastic and Stiffy hard body lures. What has grabbed my attention is the way that all of the presenters and the film crew have given you so much information on how to fish both soft plastics, hard bodied lures and vibes.

To help you out a bit I have expanded, just a little on each of the chapters.

DISC ONE

1. Introduction
Steve Starling will introduce you to the DVD and some of the things you can expect to see. He also suggests that you watch the DVD in its entirety and then go back and watch each chapter over and over again. I am a big believer of views all fishing DVD’s in this way. You will always pick up on something extra each time you view it.

2. Species Diversity with Squidgies
Steve Starling and fishing guide chase dusky flathead, bream, silver trevally, flounder and luderick in a southern estuary. They fish both the flats and some deeper water showing and explaining the different techniques that you need to try out.

3. Child’s Play
Steve just playing around with a few small silver trevally and bream while waiting for a coffee.

4. Tidal Flats with Squidgies & Stiffies
Brett Wilson and Mark Dunphy use soft plastics and Stiffy’s over the flats to great effect. The camera work allows you to be able to see how they work the rods; while at the same time allows you to see how the lure is performing on the way back to the boat. Brett also tries out a new Stiffy lure.

5. Snapper on Squidgies
Terry Dunphy, Scott and Coen Amon chase a few kingfish and snapper up Coffs Harbour way while drifting over a few shallow reef and washes.

6. Snapper Happy Hour
This would have to be one of the greatest snapper sessions I have ever seen. Brenden Wing, Warren Carter and Charlie Micaleff pulled in 23 snapper in one session. They were all over 5 kilos. The last 3 caught weighted in at just over 25 kilos and all were caught on soft plastics.

7. Sand Banks with Squidgies
A small, but very informative chapter on how to fish for dusky flathead on the out going tide near the entrance to a river on the NSW south coast.

8. The Squidgy Range
The title says it all.

9. Flathead with Squidgies
The explanation of how, were and when to use the Squidgy soft plastics.

10. The Science of S-Factor
Ben Biggles explains why and how he came up with the S Factor.

11. Botany Bay with Squidgies & Stiffies
Brett Wilson and Mark Dunphy are out chasing dusky flathead and yellowfin bream in Botany Bay.

12. Oyster Lease Bream with Squidgies
How to fish the oyster racks.

13. Botany Bay Oyster Leases
How to fish the oyster racks.

14. Lizards in the Upper Estuary
Chasing dusky flathead again, but with a couple of new tricks to learn.

DISC TWO

15. Whiting on Stiffy Poppers
Brett takes Vicky Winter out to chase whiting with surface poppers. The surface action will blow your mind.

16. Sand Banks with Stiffy Poppers
You don’t have to use those Stiffy poppers from a boat to get results. They do just as well from the shore. Check out how the whiting take a lure off the surface.

17. Blue Water Livies
Terry Dunphy explains how to fish with the Squidgy Blue Water range.

18. Flathead on Pro Range Squidgies
More dusky flathead action.

19. Brett’s Tackle Talk
Brett takes you through the suggested type of tackle you could use when using soft plastics and hard bodied lures.

20. Top End Barramundi
Chasing Barramundi in the northern parts of Australia. Something that I have never done before, but maybe one day I will.

21. The Boof Frog
I reckon the Boof Frog could work just as well on kingfish on the surface.

22. Fingermark on the Reef
Deep water fishing with soft plastics.

23. Barra up the Creek
More Barra fishing, but in the creek. Plenty of close quarter stuff.

24. Bushy’s Factory
Where it all started.

25. The Stiffy Range
Some great lures here, and from my experience they do work.

26. Field Testing Prototype ‘Vibes’
Bushy puts in an endless amount of hours to perfect his lures. He stated that there was over 800 hours of work in one of his tackle boxes of the new Stiffy Vibe.

Well there you have it, my review on one of the best and most informative DVD’s on the market.
FOR SALE

I have the following cameras for sale;

Cannon EOS 300 Camera (Not digital)
Cannon Lens 22-55mm Wide angle
Cannon Lens 35-80mm Standard
Cannon Lens 75-300mm Zoom
Nissin 32AF Flash unit
Marumi 58mm C-PL Filter

Cannon Powershot A520 Digital
512 mb Memory card
2 sets of re-chargeable batteries

Water Proof Housing for the A520 Depth to 40 metres

Yellow Pelican waterproof case

$500.00 for the lot or nearest offer (send me an email)

MORE REPORTS

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that in the estuary, flathead continue to improve daily with good numbers of fish now on offer from most locations. This trend should continue over the coming weeks as the water warms, with the food and the flatties becoming even more active. Some reasonable whiting are now beginning to show up at several locations downstream of the Dennis Bridge. Live worms and yabbies will be the best bet on the bait front, whilst poppers or vibes will no doubt prove successful if lure casting is your go. Bream remain somewhat quiet although the north wall produced a few nice fish during evening sessions. Best results in the daylight hours have been achieved with both soft plastic and hard bodied lures, both worked deep and on the surface.

Look for the surface lures to really pick up as summer draws nearer. As you would expect at this time of year, blackfish numbers have begun to slow a little, however some good fish to around a kilo remain on offer for those willing to put in the time. On the crustacean front, Lake Cathie has shown signs that that this year could be excellent for those seeking a feed of prawns. Alternately, word has it some top muddies are about, so now is definitely the time to begin dusting off the traps or witches hats.

On the beaches, some nice bream to over a kilo have been taken although not in big numbers, together with a few early season whiting. Tailor remain elusive and the best we can now hope for is for the Christmas run to show up early. Plenty of salmon still about providing top sport fishing for our beach fishos, although it is interesting to see a lot of juvenile fish around this year. We don’t see many small fish this far north, however a few schools lately have contained fish barely over the 30cm mark. On the mulloway front, whilst the year remains poor overall, there have been enough encounters here and there to indicate chasing them may once again be a viable option. Dunbogan and Crescent Head are locations that spring to mind for some reason.

Off the rocks, tailor remain quiet although a few fish have been snared upon daylight on both pillies and lures. Drummer reports have begun to drop off as is usual at this time of year, however a few anglers continue to manage a fish or two each outing. With the water still quite cool and plenty of fish still to spawn, the season however is far from over despite some of the more favoured ledges beginning to sand up more than we would like. Blackfish numbers remain quite solid as they have been all year, whilst evening and dawn sessions are still yielding some quality bream. Also off the rocks, some good sized groper remain active, with Point Perpendicular and Diamond Head providing some nice fish when conditions allow access to the deeper ledges.

On the offshore scene, snapper numbers remain excellent with plenty of fish to around 7 kilos on offer. Those taking on the soft plastic challenge have really been reaping some good rewards, with quality fish being taken in most depths from about 15 to 35 meters. With the superb range of plastics available in the market today, and anglers finally waking up to the fact many good reddies are taken well off the bottom, this trend has really begun to take off. Also offshore, a few solid kingfish have been on offer from the wider reefs, however the leatherjackets have again made their presence felt, with terminal tackle loss a common complaint over the weekend.

When you are next up in Port Macquarie call into the shop and have a look at their great selection of tackle and bait they have on offer. You could also ask Jason and Virginia for their daily report on what’s happening on the fishing front. Call them on (02) 6583 8318.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that
there are plenty of holiday makers in town and apart for the windy conditions over the last week most have wet a line and caught fish.

Early last week before the wind there were good fish reported outside. Fish Rock fished well for Kings, mostly small but plenty of reports of bust off’s so there’s bruisers down there. Rocks In Line is fishing well for small reds up to 2 kilo. The reefs off Grassy and Scotts have been slow with the odd Snapper with most of the action out past 30 meters for Pearl Perch. One of our charter boats went 60 fathoms for some nice Bar Cod in the deeper water. I have been advised the bait buoys will be away until a stronger chain system is engineered, the structure on the bottom is still there so is the bait.

The rock Hoppers fishing under the Lighthouse have done well with some nice Drummer, a few Tailor and the report of some small Kings off the rocks. Smoky Beach has some good Whiting coming out with Bream and Dart in the gutters. There are still a few Tailor and Salmon on the beaches early mornings. Gap Beach has Bream and Whiting while Back beach has Flathead and Whiting.

The River is fishing well for Flathead taking Mullet, whole Pilchards and plastic baits. Whiting are about, live worms and nippers will do the trick. Bream are all over the place but legal ones are hard to find. Fish the darker hours for better results. The sand flies are brutal so remember the Bushman’s.

They also have booted Waders on special at half price at $34.95, come in and have a look before they go.

For daily reports and special call Paul on (02) 6566 6726.

Steve Williamson from Jindabyne sent me a news letter about The Discovery Holiday Parks Family Fishing Challenge 2008/9 NSW Series which will be held at the following places.

SERIES 1 – Discovery Holiday Parks – “Think You Can Fish”?
Competition 1 was held in May at Discovery Holiday Parks – Port Stephens.
Competition 2 was held in September at Discovery Holiday Parks Pambula Beach
Competition 3 to be held at Gerroa in October 2008
Competition 4 to be held in Eden in November
Final in series 1 to be held in Jindabyne in February 2009

INDIVIDIAL RESULTS – After competition 2
Points are made up by adding the total length of all fish weighed in over session 1 and 2 of each competition.
This gives the possibility of the total length of 14 fish weighed in at each individual competition (8 at Jindabyne when held in 2009)

Individual Championship
1) Shawn Laurence – 2533 points
2) Kerry Webley – 2368 (Leading the ladies division also)
3) Matt McCann – 1207 points
4) Cameron Webley – 793 points
5) Robert Webley – 687 points
6) Tony Quinnell – 440 points
7) Andy Freeburn – 430 points
8) Garry Pevitt – 315 points
9) Neville Betts – 270 points

Team Category. Results after competition 2.
Teams are made up of 2 people.
A family, business or club can have as many 2 person teams as they wish.
Team Points are made up by adding the total length of the biggest fish of each species weighed in under the team category of each competition.
This gives the possibility of the total length of 7 fish weighed in at each individual competition (4 at Jindabyne when held in 2009)

Team Championship
1) Steve Williamson’s Team 3 – 2040 points Captain – Kerry Webley
2) Team 1 Snowline – 1771 points Captain – Shawn Laurence
3) Team 4 Snowline – 1767 points Captain – Matt McCann
4) Steve Williamson’s Team 2– 807 points Captain – Robert Webley
5) Steve Williamson’s Team 1– 563 points Captain - Jason Williamson
6) Team 2 Snowline – 560 points Captain – Reg Speechley
7) Team 3 Snowline – 560 points Captain – Tony Quinelle
8) Team 5 Snowline – 560 points Captain – Neville Betts
9) Team 1 Koala Shores – 315 Points Captain – Garry Pevitt

NEXT COMPETITIONS

Shadrack Beachfront Resort – Two Fold Bay, Eden
7th, 8th and 9th November 2008

Snowline Holiday Park – Lake Jindabyne
20th, 21st and 22nd February 2009

If you are interested in finding out more about this great competition you can email Steve at swtrout@airlan.com.au or just pay a visit to his web site at www.swtroutfishing.com.au

I would like to welcome onboard Scott Thorington from Haven Sports Fishing Charters http://kingfishjigging.com/ who fishes out of his Custom built in 1995, the Freedom was designed with one thing in mind - chasing marlin!

For up to date reports on what is happening offshore on the central coast go to Scotty’s blog at http://havencharters.blogspot.com/ there are some great photos of kingfish that have been caught over the past few weeks onboard the haven charters boat

Tackle World Goulburn www.tackleworld.com.au/store_pages/goulburn.html is about looking after anyone who would like to experience the enjoyment of Fishing & Shooting. We cater for all levels, from the humble first time worm drowner & can plinker to the big game angler and trophy hunter. Regardless of your taste they have the products and more importantly the advice you need to succeed in your chosen endeavours. If they can achieve this and you leave with the sense of fulfilment our job is done. Goulburn is located in a country area so we pride ourselves on personal service and friendship in a comfortable environment for everyone who enters the store therefore we have a motto by which we live. "There are no strangers here only friends they haven't met".

In the next few weeks they will also have a fishing report up for you to find out what is going on in their neck of the woods.

To view the latest Tackle Word Goulburn Fishing report you can subscribe by going to the following link http://www.noblemailer.noblecrm.com.au/download/forms/s/2894045/23812/146455/28286.html
Or by sending them an email at fns@tpg.com.au

Tackle Word Goulburn316 Auburn Street, Goulburn, NSW 2580Phone: 02 4822 1929 Fax 02 4822 1929

Ron Osman from http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ reports that until the last few weeks there has not being a lot to report about. Before now it was very quiet. We even had a couple of those no fish days but not anymore. The fishing has picked up a lot.

For more information on what is going on up Ron’s way you can either go to his web
Site at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au or just give him a call on mobile 0407 66197