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
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.
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.
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 StarlingMonster 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.
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