Even though we had a couple of days of overcast weather Friday turned out cryst
al clear and after meeting up with Rohan at the Soldiers Point boat ramp at 7am we set off for the Tea Gardens area to fish a small, but very productive rock bar. It wasn’t long before I pulled in a couple of bream of about 500 grams each on a Gulp 2 inch Banana Prawn Shrimp. Dave also managed to get a few bream and a couple of small flathead.
I was very impressed how Rohan used Minn Kota I pilot to keep the boat in the prime casting areas along this wall, so much so that it enable Dave and I to be able to land our surface poppers and soft plastics right of the breams nose that were feeding in about 15cm of water.
We then moved further upstream to a small island and worked the flats and a couple of submerged reefs, oyster bars and old disused oyster racks. The depth of water here
The wind came up a bit which put paid to fishing a couple of areas that Rohan wanted to take us, so we ended up a small reef near the boat ramp at Soldiers Point. The falling tide was creating an eddy on the deep side of the reef where the bream and flathead were laying in wait for anything that came over the edge. We picked up a few bream and 1 lone flathead that pulled the scale down to about 4.3 kilos and measured in at 80cm. Not bad on a 2-4 kilo Pflueger Trion rod, mounted with a Pflueger Medalist Reel, spooled with 3 pound Crystal Fireline
and a 4 pond vanish leader.
If you are ever up at Port Stephens and you haven’t got a boat with you or you have no idea where to take your boat to go fishing in the Port Stephens area give Rohan from Castaway Estuary Charters a call and book a trip out with him. After our morning with Rohan I sure you won’t be disappointed. Check out Rohan’s web site at www.castawayfishing.com.au or email him on castwayfishing@bigpond.com
Our morning’s effort produced 12 bream, 4 duskies to 80 cms and 1 just undersize snapper. We also had a pod of dolphins go past us.
I would also like to thank Paul and Steve from GOTONE Tackle Store at Port Stephens for putting me onto Rohan from Castaway Estuary Charters.
If you are interested in becoming a GOTONE member and receive thier weekly reports go to the link below;
FIRST FISHING CLASS FOR 2011.
WINDYBANKS BAIT AND TACKLE
WINDYBANKS BAIT AND TACKLE
My next fishing class will commence on Wednesday the 2nd of February. It will start at 6.30pm and will run for 3 consecutive Wednesday 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.
523 Pacific Hwy Mt Colah NSW 2079
Ph (02) 9477 1501 Contact Annette and John.
If you would like to know what’s the latest up on the PURE FISHING (Pflueger / Shakespeare) web site go to www.purefishing.com.au and have a look at the following:
Gary Browns 15 valuable Hints to improve your fishing. Part.
Daily Tails from the Snowy Mountain by Adam Royter. Part.
The Pirtek Challenge is on again on the 10th of April 2011
There are links to PFTV FOR “How to organize your tackle box”, “Basic Rigs to use “and “Berley basics”
The Pure Fishing Australia Web Site has plenty on offer for the keen angler and I would suggest that you go to www.purefishing.com.au and have a look at what the Pure Fishing Team has put together.
There are product reviews on the latest rods, reels, lines, soft plastics, hard bodied lures, squid jigs, terminal tackle, accessories and clothing they have in Shakespeare, Ugly Stik, Pflueger, Berkley, Gulp, Egi, Fireline, Abu Garcia and Nitro. The web site also features a product catalogue for 2010, but you should also be on the lookout for the new 2011 product catalogue (soon to be released).
If you go to the Berkley Proteam Blog (located at the bottom of the home page) you will find new product reports, reviews, reader’s stories and much more. Then you could try clicking on the “The Armchair Angler” you will see a new segment called the Panel. This segment is open to all anglers on the Pure Fishing pro team. The Panel gives all fisho’s an insight into techniques these experienced anglers use to catch more fish. A great read for both tournament and social fisho’s alike, there is sure to be a few nuggets of fishing info that will improve your winter bream fishing.
There are product reviews on the latest rods, reels, lines, soft plastics, hard bodied lures, squid jigs, terminal tackle, accessories and clothing they have in Shakespeare, Ugly Stik, Pflueger, Berkley, Gulp, Egi, Fireline, Abu Garcia and Nitro. The web site also features a product catalogue for 2010, but you should also be on the lookout for the new 2011 product catalogue (soon to be released).
If you go to the Berkley Proteam Blog (located at the bottom of the home page) you will find new product reports, reviews, reader’s stories and much more. Then you could try clicking on the “The Armchair Angler” you will see a new segment called the Panel. This segment is open to all anglers on the Pure Fishing pro team. The Panel gives all fisho’s an insight into techniques these experienced anglers use to catch more fish. A great read for both tournament and social fisho’s alike, there is sure to be a few nuggets of fishing info that will improve your winter bream fishing.
Some of the Pro Anglers are Andrew McGovern, Brad Hodges, Neil Schultz, Mark Mangold, Stephen Wilson, Me and many more.
You can also view video clips on Pure Fishing TV (PFTV) on how to rig up a whole pilchard onto a set of ganged hooks, strip baits, whole and peeled prawns, squid and worms. There are also plenty of other clips, for example, how to use blades, squid jigging and bream on soft plastics and surface poppers.
If you are interested in getting a newsletter to also keep you up to date on what’s happening on www.purefishing.com.au all you need to do is subscribe to their newsletter and they will keep you up to date.
You can also view video clips on Pure Fishing TV (PFTV) on how to rig up a whole pilchard onto a set of ganged hooks, strip baits, whole and peeled prawns, squid and worms. There are also plenty of other clips, for example, how to use blades, squid jigging and bream on soft plastics and surface poppers.
If you are interested in getting a newsletter to also keep you up to date on what’s happening on www.purefishing.com.au all you need to do is subscribe to their newsletter and they will keep you up to date.
Love fishing - (Monthly articles) http://www.lovefishing.com.au/
The Love Fishing web site has so much on offer for the recreational from the beginner to the advanced angler. So much so that it is so hard to mention all of what is available on the site you should go to www.lovefishing.com.au yourself and see what they have to offer.
Some of the things you will find are Most Popular Stories, Weather updates, Kids Corner, latest photos, AFTA Retailer, member login, just to name a few.
Some of the things you will find are Most Popular Stories, Weather updates, Kids Corner, latest photos, AFTA Retailer, member login, just to name a few.
I have now started putting together a monthly article for the Love Fishing Web site and for the next six months they will be as follows. So when you get a chance check them out:
July 2010
Techniques for Four fish species for the four seasons of the year. POSTED.
August 2010
Techniques on how to target dusky flathead with soft plastics. POSTED
September 2010
How, when and where to berley when bait fishing. POSTED
October 2010
Whiting techniques. POSTED
January 2011
Location guide to fishing the Parramatta River in Sydney POSTED
February 2011
How to fish pontoon, marinas and wharfs
Reports from
Carl Dubois from www.kayakfishingsydney.com which cover the following:
Bassin the Nepean
Popping for kingfish in Botany Bay
Cooks River mulloway
Danielle’s starts her fishing adventure
Techniques for Four fish species for the four seasons of the year. POSTED.
August 2010
Techniques on how to target dusky flathead with soft plastics. POSTED
September 2010
How, when and where to berley when bait fishing. POSTED
October 2010
Whiting techniques. POSTED
January 2011
Location guide to fishing the Parramatta River in Sydney POSTED
February 2011
How to fish pontoon, marinas and wharfs
Reports from

Bassin the Nepean
Popping for kingfish in Botany Bay
Cooks River mulloway
Danielle’s starts her fishing adventure
Reports from Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours www.fishingsydney.com.au weekly report for 22 Jan 2011.
2 NEW BOOKS THAT ARE AVAIABLE FROM TACKLE SHOPS AND AFN.
For a while now I have been working on two new books for AFN and in the last month they have now been released and they will be in your local tackle shop.
The first one is Fishing Guide to South of Sydney and to give you a bit of an insight as to what the book is about you should read on.
The first one is Fishing Guide to South of Sydney and to give you a bit of an insight as to what the book is about you should read on.
INTRODUCTION
For those of you that have never ventured to this beautiful part of the NSW coast it is something that you need to put in your bucket list of things to do. There are hundreds and hundreds of places that you can wet a line on the south coast and in this book I have put together a series of 31 maps and about 460 fishing spots to help you to explore the near south coast of NSW.
Places like Bass Point, just south of Shellharbour. This rock finger of land is a natural gathering ground for many different species that juts out into the passing currents. Some of which are, snapper, bream, drummer, tailor, Australian salmon, pike, silver trevally, kingfish, bonito and groper, just to name a few.
If rock fishing is not to your liking you may like to explore the Shoalhaven River from either the shore or out of a boat. This river is southern NSW largest and most significant river that rises between Braidwood and Araluen, flowing north and then east for over 400 kilometres, entering the sea near Greenwell Point.
Now when it comes to lakes you may like to visit the little township of Lake Conjola that is situated just north of Ulladulla right on the coast. The lake empties into the Tasman Sea and most of the times are crystal clear. The lower section of the lake has extensive sand flats which are great for large dusky flathead, whiting and bream. Largest Lake in the area almost permanently opened to the sea. However the sea entrance in dangerous and not navigable. 3 boat ramps around the lake for access for small and large boats.
There is nothing like feeling you get when standing on a beach as the suns rises over the horizon, while the lapping waves of the surf laps at your feet. One of my favourite places to do this is at Racecourse Beach at Bawley. There is plenty on offer here for the beach and rock angler. It is a place where you could base yourself and explore both north and south of here.
It has taken me a few years and plenty of blood, sweat and tears to put this fishing guide together and with its 31 maps and over 460 fishing spots I hope that this information will also help you to expand your fishing horizons to the areas that I have fished since I was 14 and are still fishing with my many fishing friends to this day.
It has taken me a few years and plenty of blood, sweat and tears to put this fishing guide together and with its 31 maps and over 460 fishing spots I hope that this information will also help you to expand your fishing horizons to the areas that I have fished since I was 14 and are still fishing with my many fishing friends to this day.
The second book that AFN have released in How to Catch Australia’s favourite Saltwater Fish written by me, with contributions from Geoff Wilson, Bill Classon, Nigel Webster, Leanne Payne, Andrew McGovern, Warren Keelan and Brenton Hodges.
In this book I cover History, Biology, Location, Tackle and various Techniques of the following fish species. Australian salmon, tailor, bream, flathead, kingfish, leatherjacket, luderick, drummer, mulloway, snapper, trevally and whiting.
Australian Fishing Network AFN (Publisher) – http://www.afn.com.au/
For over 20 years the AFN has been the publisher of the premier fishing magazines in Australia. In their continuing efforts to bring the best fishing magazines, books, maps, DVD’s and other exciting products to the anglers of Australia and around the world. The Australian Fishing Network has added to its range some exciting new products. With more magazines a year there is always something new to offer every angler. Take some time to browse the www.afn.com.au site and help them to plan your next fishing trip.
AFN have an online book shop where you can purchase one of my books, DVD’S AND map that I have produced for AFN over the years. Or you can send them an email to find out which tackle shop that sells their produces that is closest to you.
What has been happening over the past month.
On the 1st of March I will be giving a talk at the BCF store at Campbelltown, so if you are interested put this date in your diary and come along. There will be a few other gues
t speakers there on the night and I will let you know who they are as it gets closer to the night. I travelled down to BCF at Nowra to give a talk on Beach and Rock fishing on the south coast of NSW and they had just over 250 go through the store over the night.

Greg Reid from Bay and Basin Sportfishing Tours and Tuition was also there and gave a talk on lure and bait fishing in St Georges Basin and the surrounds. If you are thinking of going down that way have a look at Greg web site www.bayandbasinsportsfishing.com.au/ One of Greg Reids happy clients
Or go to his BLOG and catch up with what’s happening in his local area bayandbasinsportsfishing.blogspot.com/ and while you are there have a look at some of the great fish that has been caught by some of Greg’s clients, especially Graham Parker now has a PB red of 72cm to 4.5kg to brag about.
REPORT FROM GOT ONE AT PORT STEPHENS.
OUTSIDE
There is a shitty dirty strip of water pushing down from the north as a result of the Qld floods however there are still some fish about. Encouragingly Dollies have been taken in the fresh tide, 25ยบ in close in 70 – 80 fathoms and if you get out over the dirty strip there has been a bit of slack tide due east outwide of the shelf in 1000 fathoms where the Dollies are going berserk and all fish are in the 20-30kg range! Deeper below the Dollies there have been some nice BigEye averaging 60-70kg’s mixed with a bunch of 30-40kg YellowFin. Earlier this week pushing down in front of the dirty water one boat took a good Sailfish and had a session with some Wahoo. Another boat also fishing the slack water far wide of the Almark had a few shot’s on Blue Marlin and Wahoo. Inshore the water is still dirty green around 19° but there’s been action at the Gibber, 21 and north of Seal Rocks. Peter Bradbury of Rock Lobster fame fished north of Seal for a bunch of nice Snapper and a good Bag of Trag. Another local fisho did well around the Gibber in 60 metres for more Trag, Pearl Perch and Snapper, whilst the reports are similar at the 21 with a bonus few Kings and Jewies about. There are plenty of smaller Snapper around the reefs at Broughton and plenty of bait about.
ESTUARY
Middle Island again produced good numbers of school Jewies during the week. These fish are up to 70cm and best fished on the change of tide. The larger fish up to 10kg have moved up the river and the bridges at Karuah have had some daytime action. A couple of Sydney based boats managed a 10kg Jewie at the first bridge whilst another boat fishing the second bridge hooked a great fish but unfortunately blew it due to tackle failure. The Nelson Bay Breakwall has been full of smaller Kingies with some cranky bigger ones still about, fresh squid, poppers and small blue blades have been doing the damage. There are heaps of good Flathead around Soldiers Point, Pearson Park, and deeper west at Tilligerry, Tanilba Bay and Oyster Cove. Whiting still thick most places throughout the Estuary, Live Worms or Dyna Bait is doing the trick. Tanilba Bay is producing some better Blue Crabs not thick but large. Good sized Squid are amongst the weedbeds around Shoal Bay and there’s still some around the lights in Dalbora Marina at night.
Middle Island again produced good numbers of school Jewies during the week. These fish are up to 70cm and best fished on the change of tide. The larger fish up to 10kg have moved up the river and the bridges at Karuah have had some daytime action. A couple of Sydney based boats managed a 10kg Jewie at the first bridge whilst another boat fishing the second bridge hooked a great fish but unfortunately blew it due to tackle failure. The Nelson Bay Breakwall has been full of smaller Kingies with some cranky bigger ones still about, fresh squid, poppers and small blue blades have been doing the damage. There are heaps of good Flathead around Soldiers Point, Pearson Park, and deeper west at Tilligerry, Tanilba Bay and Oyster Cove. Whiting still thick most places throughout the Estuary, Live Worms or Dyna Bait is doing the trick. Tanilba Bay is producing some better Blue Crabs not thick but large. Good sized Squid are amongst the weedbeds around Shoal Bay and there’s still some around the lights in Dalbora Marina at night.
BEACH
Green Hills, Fingal Beach and the Spit are still the spots for Whiting, whilst in the Bay, Shoal Bay, Dutchies and across at Jimmies and down at Taylors Beach have still been firing. Further south with your 4WD try Samurai & Stockton they are both producing nice Flathead & Whiting. “Bat’s surf popper rig” has produced the goods again. 12k’s down Stockton, one very happy customer taking numerous Flathead on the bait, Tailor on the popper then Salmon on the bait and School Jew on the popper. Just another successful surf rig exported from Adelaide to giddup the NSW local beach fishing (grin).
Green Hills, Fingal Beach and the Spit are still the spots for Whiting, whilst in the Bay, Shoal Bay, Dutchies and across at Jimmies and down at Taylors Beach have still been firing. Further south with your 4WD try Samurai & Stockton they are both producing nice Flathead & Whiting. “Bat’s surf popper rig” has produced the goods again. 12k’s down Stockton, one very happy customer taking numerous Flathead on the bait, Tailor on the popper then Salmon on the bait and School Jew on the popper. Just another successful surf rig exported from Adelaide to giddup the NSW local beach fishing (grin).
ROCKS
Earlier the water has been green and cold with conditions that haven’t been too flash out the front. The keener rock hoppers are fishing more to the south as the nor’easters have been painful. Some large Drummer have been caught at Boaty, Fisho’s, Morna Point and Shark Bay at Fingal. A 1.5m south east swell is running and the water is clearing up for the weekend. There are still good Tailor, nasty Kings and a few Snapper off Sunny Corner.
Earlier the water has been green and cold with conditions that haven’t been too flash out the front. The keener rock hoppers are fishing more to the south as the nor’easters have been painful. Some large Drummer have been caught at Boaty, Fisho’s, Morna Point and Shark Bay at Fingal. A 1.5m south east swell is running and the water is clearing up for the weekend. There are still good Tailor, nasty Kings and a few Snapper off Sunny Corner.
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Tight Lines
Paul Lennon
Paul Lennon
Report from Paul Martin rocksmarine@tsn.cc
Things are slowly starting to clear up here with the river still sending down some debris in the way of small logs and weed. With the bigger tides happening over the week conditions should improve substantially. There have been some good reports of bottom fishing around the DOT and areas further out for quality Pearl Perch, Snapper and Jew Fish. There has been a few reef fish up off Grassy but unfortunately no sign of any Spotted Mackerel or Spanish out of the green water. Fish Rock has started to become active with a few Kings about with the odd Snapper and good numbers of Bonito and Mac Tuna. Water temp has dropped a little, let’s hope it returns quickly and be as good as it was before the fresh.
Things are slowly starting to clear up here with the river still sending down some debris in the way of small logs and weed. With the bigger tides happening over the week conditions should improve substantially. There have been some good reports of bottom fishing around the DOT and areas further out for quality Pearl Perch, Snapper and Jew Fish. There has been a few reef fish up off Grassy but unfortunately no sign of any Spotted Mackerel or Spanish out of the green water. Fish Rock has started to become active with a few Kings about with the odd Snapper and good numbers of Bonito and Mac Tuna. Water temp has dropped a little, let’s hope it returns quickly and be as good as it was before the fresh.
There has been plenty of action in the river. School Jew are in good numbers up river around Kinchela taking live worms (remember 45mm minimum) because there are a lot of fish undersize. Whiting are also on the bite out of the same area. Further down around Jerseyville Flathead, Whiting and small Jews are about. The Break wall is tough to fish with the fresh flow but there has been the odd Flathead and Bream from the Tavern down to the mouth. I have not had any reports of big Jew out of the river but the conditions are perfect for them so it’s just a matter of time.
The beaches are clearing up nicely with Smoky Beach fishing well for Whiting, Bream and Dart. Back beach and Main beach have Whiting but it’s hard to find a legal one. Rock hoppers are getting a few Tailor while the water temp is down a little. A few small Kings and Tuna are coming in off Hat Head.
They have a new Plastic Bait called Pin Tails, definitely worth a look.
Check your safety gear and take care on the bars.
Paul Martin
rocksmarine@tsn.cc
Check your safety gear and take care on the bars.
Paul Martin
rocksmarine@tsn.cc
I have been receiving reports from Andrew Hestelow, Stelco Pty Ltd at sales@stelco.com.au for quite some time now and I am sure that Andrew wouldn’t mind if you ask to be included in his mailing list for his very informative fishing reports. When you get a chance check out what can happen to your car if you forget about the tide coming in (what a mess), the best way to rig the Head Start device. For those not familiar with it, this is a plastic bib and weight assembly, which fits over the garfishes head and, when trolled or downrigged makes the bait swim with a tight wobble, exactly like a bibbed lure and don’t forget to go to Andrews latest report at http://www.downriggershop.com.au/
Over the years I have had an enormous amount of support from my sponsors. They have stuck by me and supported me in many different ways. So when you get a chance, go and visit their web sites and have a look at what they have on offer. It is not all about fishing and boating gear, it’s also about how to articles, suggested techniques to try out, competitions, what’s new, plus much more.
SPONSERS WEB PAGES
BLA (Hummingbird & Minn Kota) - http://www.bla.com.au/
On this web site you will find links to their catalogue, products and dealers. You could also go to the www.hummingbird.com.au web site and have a look at the Humming Bird788 C2X Combo GPS Fishing system that I am running on the side console of my boat and the Humming Bird Fishfinder 345C that I am using up the front of my boat in conjunction with the Minn Kota Auto Pilot Riptide 70lb Saltwater Bow Mount, complete with foot control.
Good Times Marine - http://www.goodtimesmarine.com.au/
Good Times Marine is a boat dealership specialising in new and used trailerable boats and are situated in the aquatic playground of the Sutherland Shire the dealership for Anglapro boats. There boats are powered by Suzuki Marine outboards and supplied on Dunbier trailers.
They are also an authorized Suzuki Marine dealer. Our outboard mechanics are experienced in servicing all brands of outboards and they offer valet servicing to our customers unable to deliver the boats to our premises.
They offer a range of marine electronics from small compact sounders to large dual frequency colour sounder / GPS combos. They also offer marine radios and stereos as well as a full selection of safety gear to keep your boat as up to date with the current safety requirements on the water. On display is a great range of on water toys like tubes and tow ropes and also other general boat and trailer chandlery. They also supply a full range or engine oils and lubricants to keep your boat running at its best.
(Anglapro boats) – http://www.anglapro.com.au/
They are also an authorized Suzuki Marine dealer. Our outboard mechanics are experienced in servicing all brands of outboards and they offer valet servicing to our customers unable to deliver the boats to our premises.
They offer a range of marine electronics from small compact sounders to large dual frequency colour sounder / GPS combos. They also offer marine radios and stereos as well as a full selection of safety gear to keep your boat as up to date with the current safety requirements on the water. On display is a great range of on water toys like tubes and tow ropes and also other general boat and trailer chandlery. They also supply a full range or engine oils and lubricants to keep your boat running at its best.
(Anglapro boats) – http://www.anglapro.com.au/
At Anglapro we started our design process by contemplating you! What seats would you prefer to sit in, how would you like your dash laid out, what fishabilty needs do you have? From there we got started on building a good hull. So in short we built the boats backwards starting from the driver seat and finishing with the hull. So the result is love at first sight with the layout, then you get in and head for the horizon and its all smiles because the boats just perform in all conditions!
We keep our hulls simple by design, no catchy names for the hull to make the boat sound tricky. We know a hull must achieve 4 main results.
1. Plane easily with minimal hole shot effort
2. Corner comfortably
3. Offer stability at rest
4. Be comfortable underway though choppy seas
We keep our hulls simple by design, no catchy names for the hull to make the boat sound tricky. We know a hull must achieve 4 main results.
1. Plane easily with minimal hole shot effort
2. Corner comfortably
3. Offer stability at rest
4. Be comfortable underway though choppy seas
Uglyfish eyewear (Sunglasses) – http://www.uglyfisheyewear.com/
Ugly Fish has a huge variety of specialised and general use glasses and related eyewear products. They have an extensive set of polarized sports sunglasses that is perfect for driving, fishing, boating and all other outdoor activities and spots where wrap around sports eyewear is the best choice in the sun. This range includes their collection of highly advanced bi focal polarized sunglasses, which by the way I cannot be without when out in the sun.
Ugly fish have just revamped their web site at www.uglyfisheyewear.com so when you get a chance have a look at what they have done. They are also one of my friends on FACEBOOK, so why don’t you become one of their friends so you too can keep up with what’s new.
Ugly fish have just revamped their web site at www.uglyfisheyewear.com so when you get a chance have a look at what they have done. They are also one of my friends on FACEBOOK, so why don’t you become one of their friends so you too can keep up with what’s new.
E J Todd (Luckycraft lures) http://www.ejtodd.com.au/
At E. J. Todd & Son Imports they work hard to bring quality fishing equipment to the Australian Sports trade one of which is the highly prized lures from Lucky Craft. If you go to the web site and click on the logo of Lucky Craft you will be amazed at the number of lures they have in their stable. Some of which are the Sammy 65, the Pointer 65, Humpback minnows, the Bevy Shad and the Bevy Minnow. All of which show their great colour range in each lure.
Professional Fishing Instructors & guides association – (Member)
HAS A NEW WEB SITE. So the next time you have a chance have a look.
HAS A NEW WEB SITE. So the next time you have a chance have a look.