SYDNEY REPORTS

FISHING CLASSES FOR 2009.

WATTO’S TACKLE SHOP

The next Fishing class will start on Wednesday the 22nd of July and will run on 3 conconsective Wednesday 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 atEmail: wattosfishing@gmail.com

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

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

The next Fishing class will start on Thursday the 13th of August 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.

X Windybanks Fishing Class student Lance Jansen with a 58cm drummer.

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

LATEST REPORTS.

Well, it has taken about 5 years, but I have finally won my first ABT BREAM Competition as a non-boater at the Pflueger sponsored Lake Macquarie event. The event was held over 3 days. The non boaters fished the first two days with different boaters on each day. On the third day only the top ten boaters fished.

I would like to thank Wayne Reed (day 1 boater) and Shayne Gillett (day 2 boater) for having me on board each day. As you will see in the results Wayne was champion boater for the weekend and Shayne came in at 14th, just missing out on the prize money.

Wayne Reed with one of his 15 bag fish as Champion Boater.

I would also like to thanks the Phil Coles and John Bell from Pure Fishing / Pflueger for standing by me through the bad and good times in my bream competition. I have been using Pflueger gear now for over 16 years and I wouldn’t change.

Day 1

Saw Wayne and I start fishing at the entrance to the power station on the southern end of Lake Macquarie. It was here I caught a 1.1 kilo bream. We then moved to Chain Valley Bay and Summerland Point areas and deep water jigged with 1/6 oz Berkley Mango Ripple and Midnight Tiger Big Eye Blades and 2 inch Baby Shrimp in Peppered Prawn, Banana Prawn and Mango Ripple Glow on 1/6 oz & 1/8 oz, size No 2 Nitro Jig Heads.

It was extremely hard to fish in the wind and keep any feel on the line, so I after casting I kept my rod tip low to the water and to my side. Once the blade or soft plastic had hit the bottom I only moved my rod tip about 30 to 50 cm and let the lure sit on the bottom for about 4 to 5 seconds. Then repeated this back to the boat. Most of the bites came when I slowly lifted the rod tip to roll the blade or soft plastic over the bottom. I caught 15 legal bream and up graded 5 times.

used outfits 1 and 2 for day 1

Day 2.

Shayne Gillett and I started fishing in the deeper water in Bonnells Bay with no luck then moved to shallow water and edges in Bonnells Bay. Caught 2 x 24.5cm bream and a couple of flathead while using Lucky Craft 38 mm Cra-Pea, 40 mm suspending Bevey Minnows. When I mean shallow, it was shallow. No more than 30cm deep.

We then tried deep water fishing near Mannering Park, Wyee Bay and Frying Pan Point. I managed to pick up my only legal bream for the day.

I also caught 3 under legal size for the competition and one 83 cm flathead on a Big Eye Blade while using the Pflueger Supreme PFLS-SP 701UL, mounted with a Pflueger Supreme 8030MG, spooled with Berkley 3lb Crystal and a 6LB Berkley Trilene.

I used outfits 1, 2 and 3 for day 2

GEAR USED

Outfit No 1.

ROD: Pflueger Supreme PFLS-SP 701UL
REEL: Pflueger Supreme 8030MG
LINE: Berkley 3lb Crystal
LEADER: 6LB Berkley Trilene
LURES: 1/6 oz Berkley Big Eye Blades in Mango Ripple and Midnight Tiger
And
¼ oz TT Switch Blades

Outfit No 2.

ROD: Pflueger Trion PTSPAB 1 LFT
REEL: Pflueger Supreme 8030MG
LINE: Berkley 3lb Crystal
LEADER: 6LB Berkley Trilene
LURES: 1/6 oz & 1/8 oz, size No 2 Nitro Jig Heads
And
2 inch Baby Shrimp in Peppered Prawn, Banana Prawn and Mango Ripple Glow

Outfit No 3.

ROD: Pflueger President PFLP-SP 701UL
REEL: Pflueger Supreme 8030MG
LINE: 4 lb Berkley Trilene straight through3lb
LURES: Lucky Craft 38 mm Cra-Pea, 40 mm suspending Bevey Minnows

A stated earlier in this report I have been competiting in these BREAM competitions as a non boater, boater and in teams events for around 5 years and along the way I have learnt so much.

If you have ever thought I having ago in one I these comps I would suggest that you do so.

FOR ALL THE RESULTS FOR THE LAKE MACQUARIE SUPER SERIES GO TO http://www.bream.com.au/

LOCAL REPORTS

Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/ reports Great weather but the wind and swell stop us again from heading off shore as it pounded the coast, Trevally Alley again provided lots of action with Tailor and Trevally, Lots of smaller fish in the mix and quite a few bite offs from the Tailor.

Trolling produced a few Tailor as well in Yarra Bay. The water was quite dirty on the run out tide from all the dredging in the bay; the run-in tide may be a better tide to fish.
Alley proved the hot spot most of the week with Tailor and Trevally and the odd Salmon, Wednesday we headed out on the first of out midweek singles day that now run each
Spinning with Squidges this week boated a few nice Flathead and one good flounder in Yarra Bay all caught on Lobbies. Trolling only produced small Tailor to 25cms.

Saturday started very slow as if the tap was turned off but once the tide pushed in all came good.
Fished the Drums and the Oil wharf but only found large Yellow Tail at both spots.
Sunday afternoon was the hi light of the weekend with great fishing around the bay and top weather and we finished the day with two Jewies from under the bridge, one of around 2kgs and one smaller fish that went, we hooked a third fish but lost it on the pylons, great way to end the week.

WHATS COMING UP

*This Wednesday Singles day, I have four spots open Botany Bay trip.

*Wednesday the 15th Singles day, Snapper trip.

*Saturday the 18th open Botany Bay or Deep sea trips.

*Sunday the 19th Singles day deep sea trip, four spots open.

*Next fishing School August the 10th, Day on the water 16th.

All booking and details call Scotty 0418 169 439.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that after a long and frustrating wait Blackfish are finally on the bite along the Break Wall. They are coming out of water that is slowly clearing, some around the kilo mark. If you are reading this from out of the area you will need to bring your own weed because there is nothing here. The north and south wall has been producing some nice Bream but the undersize fish are reappearing again. Small School Jew are being caught from the bar up river to Jerseyville taking live Worms. Flathead have been on for the land based fisho’s producing good fish from in front of the Tavern down to the Boat Shed and cleaning table.

Beach fishing has been good along Smoky Beach with Tailor making a return with a few Salmon. There has been plenty of Bream coming in with Dart in good numbers and the odd Whiting in the surf. Gap Beach is fishing well for Bream, a few Salmon and the odd Tailor. Little Bay is worth a fish as well with some nice Bream being taken. Tailor are back on the menu for the rock hoppers bagging a few off the headlands from the Gaol down to Hat Head. Bream and Drummer are in fair numbers as well.

Outside was a little more promising last week with good Snapper caught off Scott’s Head from a holiday crew fishing around 35 meters on the bottom using 7 inch Gulp plastics. The Charter boys are fishing the same area for Snapper and Pearl Perch, all saying if you fish out any further out you are in acres of Leather Jackets. A few boats ventured out to Fish Rock with very little success. The water has cleared up well with live bait about in various locations.

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that off the rocks, drummer numbers are beginning to hit their straps with good numbers of fish taken from most ledges. Call them what you like, eastern rock blackfish or drummer, but the appropriately titled pigs are one species that perhaps more than any other, is eagerly awaited by many rock hoppers along the NSW coastline. You only need to experience a good session on some knuckle busting pigs to understand what all the fuss is about. Locally, Lighthouse, Rockies and Shelley’s are beginning to give up increasing numbers, as too are Plommer, Hat Head and Point Perpendicular, whilst most other recognised ledges are also providing fish when conditions suit. With the pigs favourite morsel, abalone gut currently prohibited from being used, cunjevoi, large prawns, cabbage and even bread are all yielding results. Elsewhere off the stones, good bream remain on offer albeit patchy at times, with Lighthouse and Diamond Head producing some nice fish. Tailor numbers too have begun to improve, in line with the improvement in water clarity and the subsequent increase in baitfish levels. Blackfish of course remain in good numbers for those willing to float a bit of cabbage around the washes.

Off the beaches, there are a few nice fish about however erosion and access problems remains the biggest hurdle. Locally, Lighthouse has been holding a few bream particularly from the northern end, whilst closer to Lake Cathie; the deeper gutters have produced a better showing of tailor than we have seen for some time. North Beach has also been producing some solid bream, although the better results have been achieved on the morning tides. On the mulloway front, not a lot of activity from the larger fish, however the juvenile models are still being encountered in pretty well all locations. Salmon unsurprisingly, are increasing in numbers daily.
In the estuary, blackfish numbers continue to improve however remain somewhat inconsistent. The south wall as often is the case, is fishing as well as anywhere. Flathead numbers are down a little as expected with the water now cooling considerably; however solid numbers of bream now in the lower reaches. As far as bream bait is concerned, pretty well anything will catch fish in varying numbers, however gut baits or yabbies fished with minimal lead will prove a deadly combination. Those throwing the larger plastics are still encountering plenty of juvenile mulloway, which is terrific to see.

Offshore, wire is now essential if you plan to go wider than about 40 meters, with the jacket population beginning to make their presence really felt. If you can get past them, some nice snapper, pearl perch and the odd kingfish have been on offer off Plommer, whilst closer in off Lighthouse and Lake Cathie; the better reds continue to respond well to plastics of all types.

Steve Williamson from Jindabyne reports that last week was cold and windy on the lake with a couple of very damp days as well. The wind swung to the south finally but it was very cold on the water. A few brave anglers went out and most had success using either bait or lures. I thought it was a little too cold to be swinging a fly rod and stripping wet fly line but this week ahead looks a lot better with a high pressure system and stable weather. Full moon this week will make fishing a little easier for those that don’t mind a little late evening fishing. Not a lot of changes in the fishing conditions which is very normal for winter so forgive me if the report looks like a repeat of last weeks.

Lake Level
Water level is now about 46% and has risen slightly with the rain and snow we had last week.
The boat ramp is still OK but will need fixing up shortly as it’s getting a little chopped up in the area they recently placed the gravel.

Lake Water Temperature
The surface of Lake Jindabyne is now dropping and sits at 6 degrees C

Best methods to catch a trout.

Best method – Bait fishing and spinning around the lakes edges. Best lake lure – Minnow lures like 7 to 9cm Rapalla with soft plastics now starting to catch some fish also. Best lake area – Creel Bay and South are near the dam wall. Best fly method lake – Some great catches at the moment on my Snowy Mountains Goldfish Fly. Best River – Rivers and streams now closed until October

Winter Boat Trolling.
The best way at the moment is to start off with a couple of surface lines and run the lures through the shallows. First light use Rapallas and then as the sun rises you can switch to Tasmanian Devil Lures. After about an hour try moving to slightly deeper water and it’s worth a try to put out 2 to 3 colours of leadcore (20 to 30 metres) early and go even deeper later. Early try closer in over the weed beds and it’s also worth still trying a minnow lure like a Rapalla or Stumpjumper for the bigger brown trout.

The Tasmanian Devil number Y Freddo has been good and Tasmanian Devil Holographic has been the best lure to use on the lake early and down deep. As predicted anglers reported good results using pink or pink and purple Tasmanian Devils.

Some of the better trolling areas this week will be Hatchery Bay down to Lion Island or troll a line from Cub Island to the Dam Wall and it will be worth a look at Waste Point. During the week when there are less boats about its worth looking at Creel Bay at Waste Point.
Winter Lake Spinning

Spinning improved last week with more fish cruising around the lake edges. Bays like Creel to Waste Point and the township end of the lake all fishing well.

Soft plastic lures are continuing to be worthwhile over the weedbeds. 2 inch minnow Gulp Baits and some of the natural colours Squidges are well worth a try using them just over the weed beds. Very light tackle with light jig heads and making certain you work the plastics in a jigging motion will get the best results. Floating minnows also in a start stop retrieve and also over the weedbeds is also producing both rainbows and brown trout.

Lake Bait Fishing. (Primarily most rivers and streams in the Snowy Mountains Region are fly and lure only, We recommend that you first check with the Department of Primary Industries (NSW Fishing rules) as to which rivers in the area you can legally bait fish in. IF IN DOUBT DON’T BAITFISH IN RIVERS!)

Bait fishing has improved again and is now the pick of the fishing methods. Powerbait and worms off the bottom or under a float are still the best baits.

The best tip at the moment is to use light line and make certain you grease it to stop it sinking into the week. Use a proper line floatant like muslin. For those interested we have been lucky enough to have a limited stock of the old favourite Lemon Lime and Orange Twist. Be quick before it all goes again it took 6 months to get stock last time. The Gulp Chunky Cheese has been a big seller over the last week also. Best bait fishing areas are Creel Bay, Hatchery Bay and Curiosity Rocks.

Lake Fly Fishing
Best fishing has been early and late in the day with evening possibly being a little more comfortable than early mornings. Any of the streamer patterns such as Mrs Simpson and Williamson’s Gold Fish will do and fish the fly slow and deep in deep water, using a sinking leader if you can. As it gets darker in the evening you can move to shallow weedy bays and fish a fly higher in the water and mach slower with the retrieve.

Olive green nymphs and shrimp patterns are also worth a try and you will need to get these down deeper as well.
The South Arm, Creel Bay and Hayshed Bay are all great.

GUIDING
Boat tours are now available given enough notice. The boat will be in and out of the water over coming weeks as the strong weather changes arrive. I need at least a days notice at the moment for tours so as I can also arrange staff for the shop.
Beginner fly fishing lessons available right through out winter.
Pop into my shop where we have a full range of fishing tackle hire as low as $15 a day per rod.
Advice is available on the best setups to suit the current conditions.

You will find my shop located next to the Shell Service Station at the Discovery Holiday Park, Kosciuszko Road Jindabyne.

\If you want to know more about the latest in fishing conditions just give me a call on 02 64 561551 during business hours or check out my web site at http://www.swtroutfishing.com.au/
For more information on the local fishing conditions call into my shop at Snowline Centre, Kosciuszko Road next to the Shell Service Station..
For visitors to the Snowy’s we have a full range of fishing tackle for hire at my shop and fishing tours are now available.

For more information on the latest fishing conditions, please call into –
STEVE WILLIAMSON’S TACKLE SHOP
Shop 1 Snowline Centre, Kosciuszko Road Jindabyne 2627
Fishing Charters – Bait and Tackle Supplies- Marine Supplies
P.M.B. 5 Jindabyne NSW 2627 E-mail mailto:sales@swtroutfishing.com.au
Shop – (02) 64 561551 Fax – (02) 64 562991

Matt Turpeinen from East Jindabyne with an Atlantic salmon caught on powerbait in June 2009

Steve Williamson's new Trout Information Centre at Quality Resort Horizons. This is where we now hold all of our courses and is situated beside the main entrance.

Shawn and Samantha Lawrence hand over the Steve Williamson's Trout Challenge trophy to Cameron and Kerry Webley winners of the team category of the Discovery Think You Can Fish Series 2009

SYDNEY REPORTS

FISHING CLASSES FOR 2009.

WATTO’S TACKLE SHOP

The next Fishing class will start on Wednesday the 22nd of July and will run on 3 conconsective Wednesday 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@gmail.com

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

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

The next Fishing class will start on Thursday the 23rd of July 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.

DVD REVIEWS.

Strikezone – Yellowtail Kingfish by Alistar McGlashan
Length: Just over 2 hours long

If you have always been longing to catch a kingfish this DVD will help you to be well on your way to getting that fish of a life time. Alistar McGlashan takes you through how to target kingfish while using soft plastics, surface poppers, jigs, live baiting and much more. His use of the underwater camera will give you a great insight on to how the kingfish behave when they have located a live bait that is been trolled behind your boat.

There are also special features on Tackle talk, fillet a fish, the new Strike Zone boat, VideoRay, kingfish facts with Julian Pepperell and a few bloopers. The kingfish actions takes place in Sydney and Middle Harbours and out at Long Reef.

Fishing for Whiting with Lee Rayner
Length: 72 minutes

Even though that this DVD is about chasing King George Whiting it is one of the best that I have review that is about targeting whiting in general. The information that Lee Rayner gives you throughout the DVD will give you a great and through insight in to targeting whiting.

There are segments on have to anchor your boat, what rigs and baits to use, what types of rods and reels to use, how to rig your baits, techniques on berleying and hooking your your fish. There is even a small segment on how to fillet your catch at the end of the day.

Snapper Fishing Tactics with Lee Rayner
Length: 2 hours 15 minutes

Lee Rayner runs through all the techniques required to catch snapper in our bays and estuaries. Along the way he catches snapper on bait and you will learn step by step on how to set up your rigs, what are the best baits as well as where and when to fish for snapper.

He also demonstrates how to anchor your boat, how to read your sounder and suggested ways to fit out your boat. Lee is joined by Adam Royter and they both take you through the ins and outs of how to use soft plastics to catch snapper.

Carl Dubois reports that with all the bream comps out of the way (except for one coming up in 2 weeks), it was time to give the bream a rest and chase after a much more elusive quarry. Carl has been wanting to nail a few jewfish the last few years and haven't really had much success but that's because he don't really target them specifically very often.Well, it was time to change all that and this week, with a little help from Andrew and Stewart, they hit the usual spots in the Georges River, which are well known to most anglers - Captain Cook Bridge, Tom Ugly’s Bridge, Como Bridge as well as a couple of the deeper holes off headlands, such as just outside of Oatley Bay. Funny fish these Jewfish, one day you'll catch them at one spot and the next day there's not a scale to be raised.


They would always manage some by catch of flathead, but they weren't what we were after so whenever anyone landed one you'd hear, "Aargghh, it's a bloody flattie!" This was quickly followed by chuckles and smart R's comments from the two who hadn't landed it.The lures we used varied and at times they all seemed to work. I'd had most hits using a Squidgy Slick Rig 110mm Black and Gold Fish but when Carl ran out of these and switched to the Evil Minnow colour (light purple and silver) it didn't seem to make any difference. Andrew and Stewart were getting their fish on a prawn imitation SP that was rigged on a TT Revhead. The tackle Carl is using is a Daiwa Advantage 2500 on a matching Daiwa rod. The TD Sensor braid is only 8lb, tipped with 20lb fluoro leader but the fish aren't that big at the moment, so the heavier gear can wait a little longer.


The technique he used was one he read in an article in Modern fishing a while back (think Phil Bennet was the author. If so, thanks Phil!) on catching jewfish on lures. I was casting up current and giving the lure a sharp lift and would then let the current carry it back towards me. The secret (well, Phil’s secret) to this was keeping contact with the lure as it fell back to the seabed. Carl reckons that 90% of the hits came on the drop and you had to have that tension on your line to be able to feel the bites and react quickly with a strike.On one of the sessions Carl lost a real thumper of a fish that done me over on some piece of submerged structure. He had just flicked my bail arm over after letting the lure sink to the bottom when I felt an almighty whack. Instinctively Carl set the hooks and this thing took off like a train.


Carl plans to concentrate on these magnificent fish over the next few months and I know that Port Hacking has some beauties within its system too, so it'll be just a matter of getting out and giving it a go.


Great read as usual Carl. Keep those reports coming

Billy Durgutovski and his mate Duncan targeted groper on the far south coast. The main bait that they used was red crabs, but you could also try using those green and brown crabs that you see crawling over the rocks, even though they are not as good as the red ones. The gear they used was 15kg torture line and 25kg platypus mono on an old 15kg Penn and Shimano rods. Both were mounted with Alvey’s.

Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/ reports that Botany Bay has been fishing great over the past couple of weeks reports that even though there has been a little rain on Sunday with sunny breaks on Monday but no wind well only 10knots or so from the west but top weather for fishing the Bay. Sunday saw us catching Trevally early at Trevally Alley but no Bream this week. Trolling also produced the goods with solid Tailor in Yarra Bay and still a few Kingies around, young angler Nathan landed his first Kingie of 68cms on Sunday trolling. Later that day spinning for Flathead just wide from Sans Souci we boated four nice fish all on Squidges.

Monday started much the same as Sunday but all seem to stop it was like the tap had been turned off, worked hard the rest of the day for only the odd fish but still a rather good day on the water.

Scotty reports that last Saturday morning was the coolest start so far this year but tucked in behind the wall at Trevally Alley was the spot to be, Trevally are now about the Bay in good numbers and the Bream have to move off still the odd one mix in with the Trevally, Sunday proved much the same.
Trolling turned up nothing on Saturday but Sunday we scored a few solid Tailor.
There are still the odd Kingie hanging around we picked one up on Sunday and I saw two others landed, the one we caught was 68cms.
So it might be cool starts but the fishing is at its best and should continue.

WHATS COMING UP

*Thursday the 18th spots open.
*Singles Trip Sunday the 21st.

*Mid Week Singles Trip 24th spots open.

*Singles Trip Sunday 28th 1pm to 7pm.

*4th and 5th of July open.

*July Fishing School only two spots open be quick.

For a booking call Scotty Lyons on 0418 168 439.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that a week of cold westerly winds kept the ocean down and the blue water fisho’s out on the water. The fishing has definitely picked up a notch both outside and estuary. Cobia are on the bite with a good number hooked just off the Gaol and a couple from around Fish Rock. Most of these fish caught are around the 12 kilo mark jumping all over live slimies if you lucky enough to find them. It looks like the Snapper are hungry again with some nice fish coming in. There were plenty of units around 2 or 3 kilo and the odd cracker about like young Gary Lackenby picking up an 8 kilo monster on a hand line. Fish Rock strong currents made it tough to fish but there were a few Kings about. Leather Jackets are everywhere so make sure you rig for them.

The river is fishing the best it has for months with Bream all over the place taking just about anything you throw at them. School Jew fish are coming in with most around 60cm in a number of locations along the Break Wall as well as upriver from Jerseyville to Kinchella. Blackfish are being caught but not in big numbers yet. If you are visiting the Rocks to fish for these fish bring your own weed, there’s none here at the moment. Look for Flathead in the shallows sunning themselves in the cooler water.

The beaches were a mixed bag last week with Smoky producing some nice Bream amongst the Dart while there were a few small Jew off the Hat Head end of the beach taking live worms. Gap Beach is fishing well for Bream and Flathead. Rock hoppers are doing well with good Drummer, Bream the odd Tailor and Salmon. Under the Light house has been the hot spot for Tailor.

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au reports that in the estuaries, blackfish numbers are slowly beginning to pick up with the south wall producing a few nice fish early in the week. The best of the season however is still some time off. Bream numbers remain reasonable although the big moon made them a little shy during the evening tides. Look for a significant improvement over the next week or so, particularly from the break walls and Limeburners. If we get a break from any significant rainfall, look for a similar improvement further upstream in latter part of this moon phase. Best baits will be either yabbies, mullet strips or gut baits of pretty well any description. On the flattie front, there are still plenty of lizards active in the lower reaches. Best results have been achieved on soft plastics, with both around Pelican Island and the Dennis Bridge producing consistent results.

On the beaches, bream numbers continue to solid with both Lighthouse and North beach firing well. Best baits have been either mullet strips, pipis or beach worms. Tailor numbers remain better around Laurieton and the beaches further south, although some improvement locally is beginning to be seen. Expect this trend to continue as the water clarity slowly improves. School mulloway numbers were also solid around the full moon, with most stretches of sand holding plenty of juvenile models. If you are keen to tangle with a better class of fish however, best bet is to leave the worms behind in preference to throwing larger slab baits. With a few tailor beginning to show up, you need look no further for the premier bait for the better class of fish. We have also begun to receive a few reports of salmon, indicating the annual winter inundation is not far off. Whilst most rate their culinary qualities as somewhere between poor and dreadful, there is no doubting their sport fishing qualities. Pound for pound, you will not find better from the sand.

Off the rocks, bream numbers remain solid and should further improve once the current full moon begins to wane. Most ledges around Plommer and Big Hill have been producing fish, as has Lighthouse and Miners locally. As with the beaches, the better tailor at present are south of Port, but will pick up over the coming weeks. The big improver however has been drummer, with last weekend seeing some top pigs taken from many parts of the Mid North Coast. In the absence of abalone gut, cunjevoi and prawns have both yielded good results, as have both cabbage and bread fished under a float or bobby corks. With plenty of locations well washed out by the heavy seas endured this year, a terrific drummer season is likely in the months ahead.

On the offshore scene, the seas last weekend were excellent with plenty of vessels venturing out for both morning and evening sessions. Close in, some solid snapper were on offer, with the reefs close off Plommer producing well. Wider out, pearl perch have been quite common, whilst those dropping livies or jigs have encountered the odd king to around 8 kilos. Plenty of jackets now out there though, so be prepared to sacrifice a bit of tackle if you plan on heading wider than about 60 meters.

Josh Lambert from Tackle World in Goulburn fns@tpg.com.au reports that Pejar dam has heated up again and is firing on all fronts. There have been some great fish caught using Celta spinners and powerbait.

LocationsWyangla DamWyangla has been a great area to fish for me for many years.It offers plenty of options with different fish-holding structures to explore and when the dam levels are high the fishing area is massive.In recent times Wyangla has struggled with water levels due to the drought and irrigation needs downriver.In saying that, like everything it's what you make of it that makes the difference between catching fish and just drowning worms. If you're planning a trip to Wyangla here's a few tips to keep in mind.

Always try to launch your boat from a designated ramp. You can get yourself in some trouble launching from a bank as the ground can look hard but can be very soft just under the surface and if I'd had a dollar for every person I've seen bogged down I'd be a rich man by now!
Do your research on the current water levels - this will determine where you can fish. Wyangla has been a little patchy as of late due to a lack of water movement but if you're fishing around the steep banks bobbing a few yabbies, you will pick up a few nice Golden perch.

Trolling deep diving lures like Predatek & Oar-gee in 80 to 100mm sizes will get you into cod country and at this time of year you will generally get the big guys moving around. Always remember, if you're fishing for cod and you're not getting snagged, you're not in the right area.
When fishing from the banks, yabbies or scrub worms will be your best bet. Unfortunately you will always catch a few carp. They're just a fact of life but please do not return them to the water but instead send them up the bank with humane head trauma.

FISHING CLASSES FOR 2009.

WATTO’S TACKLE SHOP

The next Fishing class will start on Wednesday the 22nd of July and will run on 3 conconsective Wednesday 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@gmail.com

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

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

The next Fishing class will start on Thursday the 23rd of July 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.

I was out on the Port Hacking last Saturday yellowfin bream with soft plastics. I managed to get 5 bream and 1 silver trevally. There were not a lot of other anglers out on the water, but the couple we did come across had really great bags of luderick. Some were around the 800 gram mark. There are also plenty of leatherjackets in the Port Hacking, but the squid have gone a little bit quite. The channels are holding plenty of silver trevally. Osborne Shoals and the Merries Reef have also being producing silver trevally as well.

Sydney Harbour has been producing a few very good catches of yellowfin bream and silver trevally over the past week and will continue to do so over the next week or so. Try fishing the Sow and Pigs on the run-out tide, Bradley’s Head and the yellow marker on the north side of the entrance to Sydney Harbour on the run-in tide. Peeled prawns, pillies that have been cut in half and pink nippers. You could also try using small strips of skinned yellowtail and fresh squid.
The baths at Balmoral are worth a shot for the odd John Dory and squid that has been hanging about.

If you are in a boat you should try drifting between the moored boats at Balmoral and in Watson Bay. Middle Head is producing luderick off the shore and tailor and John Dory in the deeper water. There is also plenty of yellowtail to be berleyed up over there as well. The rocks off Coogee, Bondi, Little Beach and the Kurnell Peninsular are all worth a shot for drummer, luderick, bream and silver trevally on the rising tide. Remember to fish as light as possible.
John Freeman of Bondi fished the boat ramp at Boat Harbour at Gerringong for 7 drummer, 1 luderick and 6 bream. All were caught on peeled prawns. Josh Batts fished the back of the bay at Little Bay near Maroubra for 5 bream on chicken and mullet gut.

Other places that you could try for bream, dusky flathead and luderick off the shore during bad weather like we have just had are the inside section of the Point at Kurnell, the section that is adjacent to Silver Beach, Hungry Point in the Port Hacking, Lady Jane Beach in Sydney Harbour and Little Manly Cove. All of these places seem to produce fish during and after a southerly blow.

Botany Bay and the Port Hacking are very dirty at the moment and will be for the next few days. For the best results you will need to coincide you’re fishing time to near the top of the tide. This will tend to give you cleaner water. I would suggest that you try using baits like stripped tuna, slimy mackerel, mullet, chicken and mullet gut and chicken done in parmesan cheese. The Georges River should fire over the next week or so for yellowfin bream and dusky flathead and the odd mulloway or two. Try fishing the deeper parts of the river towards the bottom of the tide and the shallow section when the tide is nearing its peak.

A few weekends ago I fished the area of Bawley Point with a number of the members of the Windybanks Fishing Club in their rock and beach competition. The weather and the water condition were very kind to us over the whole of the weekend. Friday afternoon had us finishing at a seculded spot in the national park for luderick. Owen caught 9, Alan caught 7, I caught 3 and so did Aaron. We were using small bobby corks and cabbage for bait.

Saturday morning saw the three of us on the rocks just north of Racecourse Beach fishing a couple of deep gutters. I managed 3 drummer to 950 grams kilos clean, 5 yellowfin bream to 580 grams and a couple of silver trevally. Alan and Aaron managed to get a number of drummer, leatherjackets, silver trevally and luderick. Even though we were fishing with 000 ball sinkers right down onto the bait and 1/0 Mustad Bait keeper hook, we managed to still get snagged a lot.

Last year at the same place we managed to get 7 drummer to 1.050 kilos clean, 3 bream to 600 grams and 3 silver trevally to 400 grams. Not bad for a couple of hours fishing. We were using squid and peeled prawns from the tackle shop at Windybanks.

The rest of the members fished the beach in the front of Racecourse beach for silver trevally, bream, Australian salmon, tailor, sand flathead wirrah’s and plenty of sharks. All in all it was a great week end. If you would like to go down there and try it out for yourself we stayed at the Racecourse Beach Tourist Park at Bawley Point. Their contact number is (02) 4457 1078 and their web site is http://www.racecoursebeach.com.au/ all of us stayed in the beach side cabins and the view and accommodation of where we fished over the weekend was great.

I ventured out on the Parramatta River early in the week and managed to get a few dusky flathead to 51cm, bream to 27cm and 1 whiting to 29cm. Places that I fished were Five Dock Bay, Hen and Chicken Bay and just down stream of the Gladesville bridge.

Carl fished out of his kayak for 6 yellowfin bream. They ranged from 25 to 35cm, 1 luderick to 36cm and 1 sand whiting to 29cm. All were caught on Berkley Sand Worms and he was fishing over the sand flats near the Como Bridge in the Georges River. Johnny (jewfish) and his mates fished in the southern region of the Royal National Park and caught drummer, leatherjackets, Australian salmon to 74cm, long tom, flounder and a few sand flathead. They were caught on peeled prawns, pilchards, squid and they used plenty of berley.

If you are after a feed of Silver trevally you could try the Sow and Pigs, Bradley’s Head, the Wedding Cake and the island at the entrance to Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour. You could also drop a line at the drums and the oil wharf in Botany Bay and further south in the Port Hacking you could try the drop off at Lilly Pilly and at Deer Park. All of the above places will also produce legal snapper and yellowfin bream.

The Lake at Illawarra has busted out to sea and you could try the breakwall for bream, tailor, Australian salmon, silver trevally and the odd mulloway and shark. Whole pilchards and garfish are the go. You could also try using blood, tube and beach worms.

Paul Martin from Rock Marine Bait and Tackle (rocksmarine@tsn.cc) reports that
Dare he say they have a break in the weather, a reasonable long weekend that produced some quality fish and fair sea conditions. Even though the water colour is like mushroom soup in close and pea soup out wide there are fish in it. Snapper and Pearlies are about off Grassy, Scotts and further up in about 30 meters, there not bagging out but getting a feed. Local Bruce Rowsell fished out wide for some good Bar Cod through the week. Get your wire out and stock up with sinkers the Leather Jackets are here and between 30 and 60 meters its plague proportions. Fish Rock has an inconsistent current but when there is movement the Kings are on the bite. Live bait has been hard to get after the big seas but there are a few Mac Tuna about for fresh bait.

One positive out of last week has been the Bream are in good numbers and 1 kilo fish are common along the Break Wall. The Cut through is producing good Bream as is the Oyster Racks at Clybucca while the cleaning table at the boat ramp has been a hot spot. The Jew fisherman have had a field day off the Wall with a couple coming in around 25 kilo and plenty of schoolies to give you a thrill. Blackfish are still a no show along the wall at this stage out of the dirty water. There have been a few off the causeway, and Hat Head has a few in their creek. Flathead are in fair numbers in the Back Creek on the rising tide. White Bait has been the most consistent productive bait.

Smoky Beach has been fishing well for Bream with again some around the kilo mark. There are plenty of Dart about with a few Whiting still on the bite. Gap Beach has Bream and Whiting taking live worms. Rock Hoppers are cleaning up on the Bream and Trevally with Drummer in good numbers from ledges from the Gaol to Lighthouse.

On special this week: Original CROCS all stocks of the “Beach Models” at 30% off down to $34.95 while stocks last.

Paul Martin
rocksmarine@tsn.cc

Jason and Virginia Isaac from Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle jasned@ozemail.com.au Off the beaches at present, things are beginning to look up although there is still substantial erosion evident on most stretches of sand, particularly the more exposed beaches. Needless to say, extreme care should be taken if you intend driving the beaches as there is little no sand left in many places towards the top of the tide. Those who have wetting a line have been enjoying some vastly improved bream action, most notably from the top half of Lighthouse. Mixed in with the bream is the odd whiting, along with a continual stream of juvenile mulloway. For those seeking a larger model mulloway, the tides and moon this weekend are excellent. On the tailor front, the dirty water locally has seen only the odd fish here or there, although south of Laurieton is faring much better, with some top greenbacks on offer, such as the 4.5 kilo model Mark O’Neill extracted from Dunbogan beach last weekend, just pipping his nephew for current leader for tailor of the year. Interestingly, both fish and few other solid greenbacks have fallen to bonito strips rather than the conventional pillies or garfish.

Of the rocks, there has been some excellent fishing on offer however the water clarity is having a significant bearing on which species is on offer from any particular headland. To the north of Port, bream have been excellent with good numbers of well condition fish on offer. Around town, bream have been solid as too have blackfish, whilst the odd pig is beginning to show up. South of Port, tailor are significantly better, as are drummer numbers. Once the clarity improves locally and to the north, these two species should fire right up, particularly if the water cools a tad more.
In the estuaries, the water is slowly beginning to clear and should improve further with the larger tides around the moon, assuming of course we don’t get any more significant rainfall. Best results at present have been on bream, with the break walls and Limeburners beginning to give up some nice fish. The upcoming full moon may see this slow a little, but the following dark could arguably see the best action of the year. By all reports blackfish numbers are well up, but the lack of clarity has seen the action quite sporadic. This is bound to change when the water begins to clear. For flattie chasers, there are still plenty of active fish to be had, with the coal wall, Limeburners and around the Dennis bridge all producing fish. Those targeting the Dennis Bridge area and deeper areas with lures are still encountering plenty of juvenile mulloway, together with the odd better fish.

Offshore anglers will be keen to see the forecast finally predicts a few consecutive days of calm seas. Hopefully they will last the long weekend at least. Those who have been out report the current has been on and off, with nil one day and over 3 knots the next. Best reports have been from the closer reefs, with solid numbers of snapper on offer, together with a few pearlies and other mixed reef species. Those keen of chasing reds on plastics will no doubt relish the calmer seas and improving clarity on the closer reefs.

18/04/09

LOCAL REPORTS.

If you are after a feed of bream, silver trevally, flounder and the odd dusky flathead the bay is the place to be at the moment. Over the past few months I have been fishing the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater, Sydney and Middle Harbours, the Parramatta, Iron Cove and Lane Cove River, Botany Bay and the Port Hacking and by far Botany Bay has been the best of the bunch.

Try fishing the run-out tides at the oil wharf, Watts Reef and Bare Island. While the tide is coming in I would try the end of the third runway, the middle of the bay the drums and Towra Point. All these places have been producing yellowfin bream, whiting, silver trevally, dusky flathead and the odd kingfish.

I was out with George and Anthony I a day on the bay and we managed to get amongst the yellowfin bream and silver trevally. The key to their success is that they now use berley, peel their prawns and use lone leaders when there is a fair bit of run in the water.


Anthony (0n the right) caught this 73cm kingfish while chasing bream and silver trevally in the bay. It took Anthony 20 mintues to land the fish. He was use a Diawa Heartland rod and 6 pound line. The kingfish took a peeled prawn. A great job was done by Anthony and he listened to every thing I told him to do while I was driving the boat, even though he was a little bit tired at the end.

George (on the left) caught this 2.8 kilo silver trevally while fishing off the end of the third runway in Botany Bay.


The Port Hacking is still producing the odd large kingfish, dusky flathead and whiting, but you should start to get amongst a few leatherjackets, luderick and silver trevally.

At the moment the lower Sydney Harbour is being plagued by small chinaman leatherjackets, so much so that the last time I was out there I was putting down a yellowtail for a live bait it was getting eaten by hordes of very small yellowtail. What a way to go being eaten alive bit by bit.

FISHING CLASSES FOR 2009.

WINDYBANKS BAIT AND TACKLE

Fishing class No 4 will start on Thursday the 30th of April 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.

Now if you can’t make this class 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.

or

WATTO’S TACKLE SHOP

The class will run on 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.


WATTO'S gemfish he caught while fishing off Kiama

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/

DVD REVIEWS.

The Fishing DVD NUMBER 8.

There are five major segments to this video, and there is something for everyone.

Steve Starling takes you on the journey on how to target and catch whiting, bream and dusky flathead on poppers in the estuary. He is fishing with Captian Kev Gleed. The fishing is from both the boat and the shore. Great segment.

If you are into fly fishing, Peter Morse takes you onto the flats at Weipa.

Now if that is not to you liking you may like to go rock fishing with poppers for tailor. Darren Borg takes you through how to fish for tailor and trevally off the rocks for tailor and trevally. Some great action.
Steve Starling also chases trout with soft plastics and there is also some great footage while fishing with Shannon Watson for Kingfish in Sydney Harbour.

There are also special feature trailer on Finding fish and Baitcaster tips.

The Fishing DVD NUMBER 9.

If chasing saltwater barramundi and threadfin salmon are on your list to do you may want to look at the segment on the Mary River, just 4 hours drive north of Brisbane.

As you may know I have been competiting in a number of bream tournaments over the past few years and no matter who you are, when it comes to fishing you can always learn a bit more. Darren Borg and Nigel Webster will let you into some of their techniques on how to catch those bream in the Clarence River.

In this DVD you can also learn how to chase reef fish in Townsville and trout in Tasmania. You can also see how local legend Shane Mensforth and Steve Staring tackle King George whiting in South Australia. Some of the whiting have to be seen to believe the size of them.

BEVERLY HILLS BAIT AND TACKLE are closing Down.

Andrew is selling of everything. Even the furniture

So go and pay Andrew a visit at

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

As you can see it is only a short report this time, so to brighten up the report I have included a number of photos that I have taken and that has been sent into me for the site. Maybe when you get a chance you too can send me a photo of what you have caught and a brief description of what you used and where you caught it.

WEB REPORT 6/03/09

How time flies. The last 2 months has gone by in a blur. I have had plenty to do over the past two months (social fishing, fishing in 7 bream competitions, TAFE work, fishing tuition on the water, Fishing classes at tackle shops, writing a new book on the south coast of NSW, the list keeps going. So, Yes I have been slack in putting up the first report for 2009, but I am back.

FISHING CLASSES FOR 2009.

WINDYBANKS BAIT AND TACKLE

Fishing class No 4 will start on Thursday the 30th of April 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.

Now if you can’t make this class 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.

or

WATTO’S TACKLE SHOP

The class will run on 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/

REPORTS

BEVERLY HILLS BAIT AND TACKLE are closing Down.

Andrew is selling of everything. Even the furniture

So go and pay Andrew a visit at

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

Scotty Lyons from Southern Sydney Fishing Tours (http://www.fishingsydney.com.au/.) reports that great weather again and top fishing, Bream are just about all over the bay, I have caught them at Trevally Alley, The Drums, wide from the runways most fish are a smaller run but this is the norm for spawn run fish at this time of the year, There has been better size Bream in the main channel from the Captain Cook Bridge to Towra Point.

Wide from Towra the drifting grounds for Flathead is fishing quite well but make shore you spend a little time working you Squidges as I found fish one day but not the next so move around for best results.

Big Trevally are about in the bay, I found a few at the Drums both days just on first light along with Kingies taken on live baits.

WHATS COMING UP

*One spot this Tuesday open for a Botany Bay trip.

*Saturday the 7th open.

*One spot for Deep sea trip on the 14th.

*Saturday 21st afternoon trip open.

*Mid week singles day 25th March book now to get on.

*Weipa I have one spot for April and two for September.

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.

Fergo’s Tackle World at Taren Point

238 Taren Point Road Taren Point,

NSW 2229(02) 9524 4450

And

Fergo’s Tackle World at Wollongong

135 Princes HighwayFairy Meadow,

NSW 2019(02) 4225 723

Reports that the Hacking has been fishing well for bream with several recent tournaments producing good results, Ecogear SX Blades and Squidgy Pro lobsters being the standout lures
The Shoalhaven river has showed some good Houdini flathead (there one minute - gone the next!) on Squidgy fish in black and gold and the old reliable poddy mullet. Several family groups have shown good results on the humble prawn with anglers alternating between plastics.
Port Harbour has produced school jew to 10 kg on slam baits while kingfish around the Five islands continue to eat anything thrown at them.

Whilst being mostly undersize since they are young and impressionable, flathead are still a staple diet for most northern suburbs fishos drifting inshore reefs, while the beach fishos are putting in a lot of hours for the odd Jewfish.

Whiting have been a steady catch with the odd bream thrown in for variety.
The action offshore has been red hot with one of the best black marlin bites seen in a long while occurring in 25 fathoms off bandit reef. Most fish taken or released were over the 100kg mark with one sea monster being fought for over 6 hours before winning its freedom.
Striped marlin to 120kg have been taken on the shelf and blue marlin to 180kg have also been captured.

Ron Osman from Estuary Fishing and Tours reports that he is sorry for the late report but I have been flat out over the Xmas holidays and are only just starting to get a few days off. Before the report I have the catch statistics of the professional fisherman from the Hawkesbury and Pittwater region off the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) through freedom of information. I have never said a bad word against the pros because I didn’t know how much they caught but now I know it shocks me 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.

I have only listed the bread and butter fish that I mostly fish for but if you want the full list I will happily send them to you if you email me and I have the last 5 years results if you want them. I hope the trawlers will still talk to me because it’s not them that take the most fish, out of a full days trawling they are lucky if they catch 10 fish they only trawl for Squid and Prawns and if they didn’t I would have big trouble getting the fresh bait used for my charters.

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 I wish 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 I am 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.

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 I have 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 your lucky a muddy down the Hawkesbury but I haven’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 I am finding more of every time I am 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 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 in the estuary, bream numbers remain excellent although they are beginning to spread further upstream as you would expect with a degree of clarity now returning to the system. Best results have been during evening sessions with either gut baits, mullet strips or yabbies achieving the better results. Blackfish numbers are reasonable, although the better results continue to come from the shallower weed beds on yabbies, rather than the traditional weed floating locations. Flathead are everywhere although you will find plenty of throwbacks among the better fish. Whitebait and lures have proven equally effective. Whiting are beginning to come back on the chew throughout the lower part of the Hastings, with some good fish again on offer. However if whiting are you favourite species, a trip to Lake Cathie would be well worth the effort, with terrific numbers of fish actively feeding throughout the system following the lakes recent opening. Best results have been from below the bridge on live worms, however live prawns, yabbies or small soldier crabs will all prove productive, particularly during evening sessions.

Off the beaches, bream numbers remain above average although will most likely quieten down over the next few weeks before picking up again late autumn as their annual run commences. Whiting remain reasonable, particularly from around Lake Cathie, with worms the bait of choice. Good news on the mulloway front, with quite a few fish in the under 10 kilo bracket being on offer over the past couple of weeks. North Beach, Lake Cathie and Dunbogan have all produced fish, predominately on live worms. Just ensure you have plenty on hand though for an evening session, as the sting rays are everywhere and the appetites nothing short of ravenous. Tailor numbers on the other hand have been a little quiet over the past week, however expect their numbers to begin to rise noticeably in the lead up to the coming full moon.

Off the rocks, some good tailor are being taken from the ledges around both Plommer and Diamond head, along with a few bream and blackfish. No real news however for those keen on chasing pelagics, however conditions are getting close to optimum for both long tails, cobia and possibly Spanish. The water is warm, baitfish are in good supply, and all we need is for currents to move a tad closer and the land based game enthusiasts should get their annual adrenaline rush.

Outside reports have been reasonable without being spectacular. Bottom bashers have been scoring some nice pearl perch and a few solid kingfish off Plommer, whilst closer in a few reds to around 5 kilos have been taken on both plastics and baits. If you are simply chasing a feed, flathead have been excellent straight out in around the 46 meter mark. On the pelagic front, a few marlin and dolphin fish have been encountered, with slow trolled livies achieving the better results.

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
things are slowly starting to clean up outside with some strong hot currents heading south. We had dirty green water out as far as the FAD so the fishing was not spectacular. There was a marked improvement late last week with some nice Dolphin Fish around the FAD while Pearl Perch were in about 80 meters off Grassy Head with the odd Snapper coming in. It did not matter where you were out there Sharks were close by steeling your bait. Kayakers are in town at the moment fishing the Gaol Grounds with a couple of guys catching Cobia with the best going 26 kilos. Yellow Fin are on the bite again with the odd one over 10 kilo. Fish Rock had some good Snapper earlier in the week close in while the Kings are just on legal apart from a few big ones. Live Bait has been reasonably easy to find off the Gaol with good numbers of Bonito around as well. Spanish and Spotties were on the bite off Coffs so they should return with the warm currents.

Right now all the beaches are firing with the best catches of Whiting all summer happening on Smoky Beach with some good Bream and monster Dart as well taking Worms and Pipis. Gap Beach has Whiting, Bream and the odd Flathead and Tailor while Main Beach is fishing well around the Boulders and Horseshoe Bay rocks.

Rock Hoppers are catching kilo plus Trevally off the Gaol along with some big Bream like Bob Nips 1.13kg cleaned beauty. Some nice Tailor have been about off the rocks jumping on metal spinners and Pilchards.
Ron suggests that you should leave the river alone for a week to clear especially around Belmore mainly due to the council opening the flood gates in an already dirty waterway. Fishing the river mouth has been productive for some nice Bream and any number of Shovel nose Sharks.

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

WEB REPORT 25/12/08

FISHING CLASSES FOR 2009.

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

WATTO’S TACKLE SHOP

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

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

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

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

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

WINDYBANKS BAIT AND TACKLE

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

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

BEVERLY HILLS BAIT AND TACKLE

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

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

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

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

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

REPORT

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

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

Beach Club Resort at Hamilton Island.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DVD REVIEW.

The Fishing DVD No 7

Marlin on the Flats with Scott Amon and Jarod Boshammer

Derwent River Bream with Shannon Watson and Leroy Tirant

Going Soft on Whyalla Snapper with Steve Starling

Monster Trout in Tasmania with Peter Morse

Loddon River Natives with Roger Miles and Brad Sissins

Finniss River Barra with Justin Jones and Peta Walter

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

MORE REPORTS

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

WHATS COMING UP

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

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

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

*Singles day 31st and 1st spot open.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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