Weekly report 24/02/08

My next class will start on Wednesday the 26th of March at 7.00pm and run for 3 consecutive Wednesday nights. The cost will be $80.00 per person. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit at

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

If you can’t make that class I will be running another class starting on the Thursday the 10th of April at 6.30pm. 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

Ron Osman from Estuary Fishing and Tours http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ reports the fishing has been great over the last week at Flint and Steel with jewfish to 90cm and dusky flathead to 85cm coming on board. The best time to fish has been the last of the run-out tide, with fresh squid and slimy mackerel as bait. If you are after kingfish you could try West Head and the Pittwater. They have been taking live slimy mackerel and yellowtail. The biggest that we have caught over the last week has been a 5 kilo, 85cm model.

Ron also suggests that you put the witches hats down for blue swimmer and mud crabs. There has also been a few small schools of frigate mackerel at Iron Ladders and West Head, but they have been a bit hard to get. Try using very small metal lures or soft plastics.

Ron Osman holding his

85cm dusky flathead.

Ron's 85cm kingfish.

If you are after more information about Ron’s estuary fishing and tours you can either have a look at his web site http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ or email him at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that of the beaches, there have been good numbers of bream with both the quantity and quality excellent for this time of year. No doubt the constant flow of dirty water exiting our estuary systems has assisted in this regard. Whiting remain reasonable although perhaps not as consistent as they been in recent weeks. Tailor unfortunately remain elusive, although there are encouraging reports from the beaches south of Port. Perhaps when the seas settle and the water clarity improves we will begin to see a significant improvement. No sensational reports on mulloway although the odd fish has been taken from North Haven and Lake Cathie recently, which provides far more encouragement than we have seen for some time

Off the rocks, reasonable numbers of bream have been taken, with both Point Plommer and Lighthouse fishing well, particularly at night. The current full moon phase however will likely see the better results revert to morning sessions. Pick of the baits have been either mullet or tailor strips. Tailor have been reasonable with Point Plommer and surrounds achieving the better results, although Lighthouse locally should not be overlooked. A few encouraging reports have also come in from Point Perpendicular and Lewis’ Rock regarding blackfish together with the odd drummer hell bent on making a mockery of standard blackfish gear. No real news on the land based game scene although the arrival of better numbers of sea garfish is a good indication that improved action is not to far away.

In the estuary, bream numbers throughout the lower reaches have been excellent as is often the case when the river is significantly off colour. Flathead numbers to have been solid, however the consistent story coming in is in regards to the number of juvenile fish in the Hastings. Whilst somewhat annoying, this in reality is a great sign and testament to the current health of the river. Elsewhere in the estuary, a few blackfish continue to be extracted from the coal wall and surrounds, although results are patchy at best and below what is expected for this time of year. For light line enthusiasts, garfish numbers are excellent around Pelican Island.

On the crustacean front, it will be interesting see how the Lake Cathie prawns go this dark. Last month saw a significant improvement in numbers, although the quality was largely questionable. Hopefully this dark will see the average size up a little. On the crab front, a few solid muddies remain active in the Hastings despite the continued presence of dirty water. If we don’t get any significant rainfall over the coming week, I would expect numbers to be excellent once the current full moon phase begins to wane.

On the outside front, bottom bouncers continue to score mixed bags of reef species, with snapper to around 6 kilos, kingfish to around 8 kilos and some solid Sampson fish taken from off Plommer. Those venturing out to the FAD, report plenty of mahi mahi remain present, although the ratio of juveniles to adults remains poor. No real signs of spanish mackerel as yet, although the period following Februaries full moon is often when a few of these prized fish begin to show up. In the meantime, Barries Bay is beginning to produce a few better cobia which will certainly keep those who seek a bit of light sport fishing well and truly occupied.

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.

Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours (http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/.) reports that he hasn’t fished for just on two weeks due to weather and the colour of the water. This is the first real flush that Botany Bay has had in many years, now that all is starting to clear up the fishing should be at its best the rain seems to fire all up. Let’s hope we have a little surface action over the next month or so. Bream should be good this weekend and Kingies will be worth targeting on the run up tide.
All the fresh should improve the spinning for dusky flathead with soft plastics, the rain moves them around in search of food. So the next three month should be great fishing as long as we can have the weather with us.

Scott has the following dates avaible if you would like to do a trip with him.

EASTER FOUR DAY WEEKEND 21th, 22nd, 23rd,24th

BOOK EARLY FREE WEEKENDS IN MARCH MORNING TRIPS 2nd AND 22nd.

Afternnons trips 1pm to 7pm there are still a few free.

SINGLES DAY IN MARCH SATURDAY 29th & SUNDAY 30th he has spots still open if you are finding hard to put a group together just join the other keen anglers on the day.

WEEKDAYS OPEN IN FEBRUARY 27th 28th 29thFISHING SCHOOL.

He has two spots still open in the March class and spot free in April class this is a night plus a full days fishing. Scott will turn your fishing around so you will bring home some fish after every outting.

No report from Peter Le Blang from Harbour & Estuary Fishing Charters, but he has updated his website http://www.estuaryfishing.com.au/ all you need to do is click on the prices button to view the many available charters and different styles of fishing available or call 0410 633 351 or 9999 2574.

Darren from Bermagui Ocean Hut Fishing Tackle, Dive and Charter Fishing Service
mailto:%20(%20enquiries@bermifishinghut.com.au reports that there have been a number of great catches over the past week or two.

Reef
As mentioned things have been tough around most Reef complexes with the southern reefs producing best. Nice Snapper are coming from Goalen Head along with the odd Kingfish, and the Morwong being taken further out to sea. Sand Flathead are in good numbers out from most beaches and Tiger Flathead are abundant in the deeper water.

Game
Out wide the anglers chasing Marlin have discovered the water has rolled over to a horrible green colour. This featured for most of the week although changed on Sunday allowing anglers to find a couple of fish. Bait schools are in good numbers with plenty of Mackerel concentrating around the Twelve Mile Reef.

Estuary
As the rivers and lakes clear following the rain fish are coming back on the chew with a fair bit of intensity. Bermagui River is producing some excellent Blackfish on both weed and nippers and there are plenty of Bream to be taken over the flats. Mixed in with them has been some nice Whiting, Mullet and some exceptional Flathead.

Freshwater
Following the rains Brogo Dam is spilling over at a reasonable rate. Fishing below the dam would not be recommended at present until water flow eases. Fishing in the dam is still consistent with more fish now being encountered throughout the day as well as of an evening and mornings. Most forms of fishing are producing. The catchments in the mountains are remaining steady at the moment, if not slowly increasing. This is providing some excellent Fly Fishing in the shallows over the freshly covered ground. Trolling is also consistent in most dams, while Bait Fishing from the bank, using mudeye and worms, will account for plenty of fish.

Rock and Beach
Activity on the beaches has increased in the form of some very large Bream and Whiting being taken in the newly formed gutters. On the higher tides Salmon are also a regular visitor and there has been the odd small Jewfish also encountered. Best baits are worms, pippies, and nippers for the Bream and Whiting with fish baits best for the Salmon.

If you are planing a trip down Darren’s way check out his web site at http://bermifishinghut.com.au/aboutus.htm You could also give Darren and the boys a ring on (02) 6493 4688 to find out what is coming up in the next week or so.

Book Review 1 and 2

Fishing and Camping Murrumbidgee River (Gundagai to Narrandera) and Fishing and Camping Murrumbidgee River (Narrandera to Belranald) by Jamin Forbes and Martin Asmus

RRP $19.99 each

These books have detailed maps of the Gundagai, Wantabadgery, Oura, Wagga Wagga, Currawarna, Galore, Narrandera, Yanco, Darlington Point, Yarrada, Benermban, Cattathool, Uardy, Hay, Maude and Balranald regions.

Now even though I have fished in many different places throughout Australia, there are a lot that I have never fished, let alone heard off. So I approached the review of both of these books as if I was a beginner to fishing and that I was going to have a holiday down in the region.

Near the front of these books there is a “How to use Guide” which gives you a 1 to 5 star rating on the following items; Access Roads, Boat Ramps, Camping, Swimming, Shore Based Fishing, Toilets, Shade, Bins, Barbecues, Firewood, Tables and seats.

So as an example you could go the Bird Cage Rest Area 13 3 km west of the Gum Creek Bridge and find that the Access Roads (4 star), Boat Ramps (3 star), Camping ( star), Swimming (2 star), Shore Based Fishing (5 star), Toilets (5 star), Shade (4 star), Bins (5 star), Barbecues (none), Firewood (2 star), Tables (5 star), and seats (5 star). This information will make it so much easier if you have never been to the place before.

So if you have ever thought, I would like to have a go on a fishing holiday in one of these regions or you are just a local I could see how handy these books would be to have.

So once again AFN have brought out a great couple of books that would definitely be worth having in your library. Try your local tackle shop or call up Joy at AFN on (03) 9761 4044.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that once again our river bar lived up to its reputation with big pressure waves creating havoc with the boaties. If you can get out the ocean conditions are OK with some good fish about. Kings have been good value around Fish Rock with plenty over legal. Grassy and Scotts fished well for snapper in the dirty water between 20 and 30 metres with the odd Pearl Perch. One or two small Blacks have been spotted but at the moment their not interested in taking baits. Fair numbers of Cobia are being caught out in front with the average around 10 kilo. Live bait was easier to get last week with plenty off the jail reef and the buoys. The water temp has dropped again so the Dolphin fish are scarce around the FAD. There were only a couple of Spotties up north but lets hope the best is yet to come.

Rock Hoppers are getting a few Tailor and the odd Bream off the ledges while local Phil Saul hooked 3 Trevally around the 2 kilo plus mark and some Tailor on metal spinners. The Beaches have been a little slow with a few Whiting and Dart around off Smoky. Bream were on the bite towards the river mouth on the run in tide but there is no escaping the dirty water and clumps of weed coming down. Flathead are in reasonable numbers nailing the coloured plastic baits as well as livies. If you don’t mind fishing in the mud Smithtown around the bridge has been productive.

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

Weekly report 10/02/08

My next class will start on Wednesday the 26th of March at 7.00pm and run for 3 consecutive Wednesday nights. The cost will be $80.00 per person. To book in and pay you will need to either ring the shop or pay them a visit at

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

If you can’t make that class I will be running another class starting on the Thursday the 10th of April at 6.30pm. 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

Ron Osman from Estuary Fishing and Tours http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ reports that he has been flat out over Christmas holidays and is only just starting to get a few days off. Ron has come across a report of the catch statistics of the professional fisherman from the Hawkesbury and Pittwater region off the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) through freedom of information.

Ron has never said a bad word against the pros because he didn’t know how much they caught but now he knows and it shocks him to think this is still going on week in week out and surely it can’t go on for to many more years before the Hawkesbury is totally out of fish. Anyway to the numbers and this includes Mesh netters which account for most of the fish and also Trappers, Trawlers and Beach Haulers with the Beach Haulers catching the majority of the mullet.

This if for the 2006 – 07 financial year, 24,200kg of bream (and at an average of 1/2kg per bream that’s 50,000 Bream being taken out in one year and that’s not including the small ones they feed to the pelicans or the dead ones they throw back.

Whiting is 15,000kg, Mulloway (Jewfish) is 5,200kg, Flathead 1,400kg, Trevally 4,700kg and the big one Mullet which is 230,000kg (no I didn’t write too many zeros on the Mullet that’s the number), then there is Blue Swimmers 1400kg and Mud crabs 1,250kg to my surprise there were only 260kg of Kingfish and there was also 700kg of Flounder.

Ron has only listed the bread and butter fish that he mostly fish for, but if you want the full list he will happily send them to you if you email him. The number of pros in the river has increased since they have been kicked out of Sydney Harbour by a lot, you can tell by the amount of traps around now and they come from the Hawkesbury, Pittwater and Brisbane Water and there are a lot more coming from Sydney and putting there boats in by trailer at Mooney in the Hawkesbury or Bayview in Pittwater and mostly work of a night time so they don’t get abused by fishos who are just trying to catch a feed.

Apparently Sydney Harbour hasn’t fished this good for 20 years since they got rid of them and Ron wishes they would find dioxins in the Hawkesbury so they would ban them from there too. When the fishing license first got brought in the government bought out a few trawlers licenses from the Hawkesbury River and the next day the trawler owners went and bought a license from the old bloke down the road who hadn’t used his license for years and made a very nice profit, about $50,000 so Ron is led to believe. If the government did there homework first they would have bought out the licenses not being used first for a lot less money, anyway that’s my rant for this month now to the fishing report.

Anyway now to the report, finally some surface action in Broken Bay with schools of tailor and smaller schools of Frigate Mackerel and bonito smashing baitfish. You just have to move around and find them and wait for them to pop up. Some days they are at the box and sometimes at Flint and Steel or right up in Pittwater near Scotland Island and other days been in front of Lion Island.

7 gram Gillies baitfish lures are the best he has come across, they are small but still weigh enough to get a good cast on them with 9lb line. Flatties are a very reliable feed this time of year with the sand banks in front of Lobster Beach being the best place to get some and we have caught them up to 80cm there all on soft plastics but if it’s a terrible day weather wise so is the Flathead fishing usually drifting in front of Patonga with bait will catch a good feed of Flatties too if you are down the Hawkesbury. Use Whitebait for bait because there is plenty of baitfish around at the moment. Bream and Whiting have been great one week and quiet the next and I don’t know why we are using the same baits and fishing the same spots with Hardies Bay one of the most consistent but the Little Beach on the eastern side of Patonga has been producing some Whiting to 42cm on Pink Nippers and Tube Worms with a few Bream and Flatties chucked in.

Blue Swimmers are still around with most days getting 6 to 10 in our traps and if you’re lucky you may get a muddy down the Hawkesbury, but he hasn’t targeted them in Brisbane Waters for a long time. Jewies are still a bit quiet but we usually catch a few when we target them but they are only about 2-3kg and taking fresh Squid or Slimy Mackerel fillets and the best spot has been down Mooney Creek or the road bridge at Mooney. We had a good 2 weeks on the Jew at the Rip Bridge in Brisbane Waters where they were there every day at the top of the tide for about an hour. We got them every day we were there on fresh squid but they were only 40-60cm but everyone was still happy and once the word was out there were lots of boats there for the tide turn.

Kingies are still very disappointing down in Pittwater and Broken Bay. We have caught them but not in numbers and mostly throw backs, bait hasn’t been a problem with plenty of Squid and Slimy Mackerel around West Head but the Kings have been quiet even around all the wrecks down in Pittwater which Ron finding more of every time Ron is down there but it still isn’t helping. Maybe next week they will turn up because they are outside on the 40m reefs and we have had our best ones come from West Head, Barrenjoey or the Box so it might just be a late season for them. The Frigate Mackerel are at Terrigal Haven too, but be prepared to fish shoulder to shoulder with everyone else and watch out for the Divers.

If you are after more information about Ron’s estuary fishing and tours you can either have a look at his web site http://www.estuaryfishingtours.com.au/ or email him at ron@estuaryfishingtours.com.au

Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours (http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/.) reports that it has been a little damp over the week or two, but the fishing all week was rather good. Early in the week Kingies were in good numbers around Cape Banks and they provided great action for Matt and Tina. This was there first shot at Kingies, Matt works in the fishing game at Explore Outdoors in Dubbo. Matt and Tina are both keen fresh water fisho`s so if you are in there area drop in and Matt will point you in the right direction for Cod and Goldern Perch in the area. Charlie caught this pair of bream while fishing with Scotty at the Sticks.

Bream are a standout at this time of the year Scott has found good numbers around the sticks and all the way back to Towra point just anchor any were between these to spots and fish with Nippers, Blood Worms or Peeled Prawns. If you anchor and all is slow just move about 100metres and try again, Both tides working well.

Try anchoring at the Drums for kingfish, trevally, dusky flathead and bream. Run-out tide seems to produce the better fish.The Oil wharf is fishing well for bream and trevally. Burley and fish the run out tide.

Matt from the Explore Outdoors shop at Dubbo caught this 76cm kingfish while flicking soft plastics around the Botany Bay marker bouys.

There was no report from Peter Le Blang from Harbour & Estuary Fishing Charters, but he has updated his website http://www.estuaryfishing.com.au/ all you need to do is click on the prices button to view the many available charters and different styles of fishing available or call 0410 633 351 or 9999 2574.

This dolphin fish was caught by one of Peter's clients while fishing off Broken Bay.

Darren from Bermagui Ocean Hut Fishing Tackle, Dive and Charter Fishing Service
mailto:%20(%20enquiries@bermifishinghut.com.au reports that there have been a number of great catches over the past week or two.

Reef
Although not great the fishing has been consistent with the highlight being the amount of Flathead around out from the beaches. These are mostly Sand Flathead, although the wider you go the more Tigers you will find. For other Reef Fish like Snapper. Morwong and Kingfish, Goalen Head is still the prime spot, producing in various depths of water.

Game
Over the past week there has been several marlin caught, although they hadn’t been in any great numbers. That was until Sunday when two of the local boats tagged 7 fish between them with a few visitors also catching a fish or two. There is still plenty of bait out there, in the form of both Striped Tuna and Slimy Mackerel to attract the large predators.

Estuary
The rivers and lakes have been consistent all along the coast with most Estuary species willing to feed. However as I put this together we are coping large rain falls which in turn may have an effect on the future fishing within the Estuaries. Providing we don’t get floods and just a good drop of rain we should see even better fishing in the near future.

Freshwater
A little cooler temps seem to have the Bass back on the chew in Brogo Dam. Fish are being taken more of an evening and early morning, although recently more fish are being encountered thru the daylight hours. Evenings are the prime time where the insect life is at its’ prime thus firing the fish to feed closer to the surface.

Rock and Beach
Camel Rock beach over the last week has seen some very nice Bream been taken on Beach Worm plus a few smaller Whiting and Mullet. Most of the Beaches and Rocky Headlands are showing signs of plenty of Salmon for those who wish to either toss a lure or bait. Tailor are still persistent around the entrance to Bermagui Harbour.

If you are planing a trip down Darren’s way check out his web site at http://bermifishinghut.com.au/aboutus.htm You could also give Darren and the boys a ring on (02) 6493 4688 to find out what is coming up in the next week or so.

VIDEO REVIEW 1 – Pure Fishing / Berkley with Adam (Mad Dog) Royter

RRP $19.99

If you have always wanted to get into fishing with Soft Plastics, then this DVD by Pure Fishing is a great one to have in your library. Adam Royter delivers the information that you need to make your soft plastic fishing more enjoyable, while at the same time helping you catch more fish.

I have watched this DVD a number of times and I keep on learning more things out of it. Adam takes you through how to tie different knots to join your line to the reel, end to end, leader and jig head on.

You will also learn how to cast, retrieve and fish for trout, bass, bream, flathead and mulloway. While at the same time being advised at what type and colour soft plastic to use.

While you are looking at Pure Fishings "Berkley Soft Plastics" you should also have a look at the Berkley Blue Water - The Gulp Experience.

So if you have ever thought, “I would like to have a go at fishing with Soft Plastics” This DVD will get you started. So once again AFN have brought out a great couple of books that would definitely be worth having in your library. Try your local tackle shop or call up Joy at AFN on (03) 9761 4044.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that the conditions last week were less than ordinary mainly due to our angry bar crossing. Boats got out at the end of last week to a green ocean with the water temp about 21 degrees. Cobia were in limited numbers with the best around the 20 kilo mark. Small Blacks were hard to find but there was some success from guys down rigging in about 30 meters. All looks promising with plenty of bait around and strong southerly currents bringing warmer water down. There were no spotties last week off Grassy to report but the odd nice Snapper came out of that area.

That dirty water just keeps coming down from the mountains with a couple of weeks still before we get some clear water. At the end of the Break Wall good Bream up to a kilo are coming in along with some big Flathead. One of our visitors picked up an 8 kilo Cobia around Jew Bite on dead bait while there were a few smaller Cobia around the Jerseyville Bridge. Whiting are on the bite around the shallow flats in the same area. Fisho’s playing with lures are smashing the Bream in the dirty water around any sort of structure, some are small but good fun if you’re waiting for the seas to calm down outside.

Whiting are on Smoky Beach, not in big numbers but they are quality fish. The odd Bream are coming out of Back beach on an incoming tide with a few Whiting as well. You need to pick your day but there are Tailor and Bream off the rocks and a walk down to the Lighthouse should be worth while.

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

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that the in the estuaries the fishing has been quite consistent, primarily from the lower reaches. Flathead remain in excellent numbers with the coal wall and Limeburners producing the better results. Limeburners and Big Bay were also holding some solid bream, with night time sessions producing the more consistent results. Whiting have been a little quiet which is not unusual when there is a bit of colour in the water, however high tide sessions around the Back Channel and Pelican Island have been quite productive. If whiting are your preferred target, a trip to Lake Cathie with either worm or yabbies during the day, or better still, live prawns at night, will however be your best option. No news yet as far as mulloway from the break walls is concerned, however if the river really dirties up, I expect lure tossers will be out in force hoping for a more significant showing than the last few mild freshes have produced.

On the crustacean front, Lake Cathie has produced a more significant run of prawns this dark than we have seen for some time, although the general quality remains variable. I expect the next two or three darks will see the average quality improve significantly. On the crab scene, blue swimmers have been a little hit and miss as is usual when the river is off colour, however to date the fresh has not worried the muddies, with plenty of good crabs active right throughout the system.

Off the beaches, once again the swell has picked up and will make conditions awkward in the short term. Before the swell picked up, some reasonable formations were beginning to develop on both Lighthouse and North Beach, with bream and whiting the common targets. Best results have been achieved during the evening session with live worms as bait, although make sure you have plenty as the rays are particularly ravenous at this time of year. Still no real signs of tailor on the beaches as yet, although reports from further south indicate we may see improved numbers within the not too distant future.

Off the rocks, reasonable numbers of bream have been taken, with both Point Plommer and Lighthouse fishing quite well, particularly during evening sessions. Pick of the baits have been either mullet or tailor strips. Tailor numbers are quite reasonable, with Point Plommer and surrounds continuing to produce the better results locally. Also on the chew have been a few solid blackfish, with Point Perpendicular and miners locally giving up a few bronzies. On the land based game scene, no news yet as far as long tails are concerned, however a few small cobia have been reported from around Hat Head. This weekend sees a bit of a southerly predicted, so it will be interesting to see if this brings some much anticipated warm currents back onto the coastline.

On the outside front, results continue to be a little mixed, with plenty of warm water now here although it has yet to gain that real cobalt colour game fishers like to see. Bottom bashers have been achieving reasonable results with snapper to around 5 kilos and plenty of pearl perch on offer. Kingfish numbers have slowed a little however there are still plenty of rats around for those inclined to chase them.

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.