Hi All,

Before anyone runs for their favoute lynching pitchfork - I am aware that crabbing in the sound is illegal.

However, I live 5 mins from Woodman point, and the cut off is woodman point to carmac island.

The northside next to woodman point looks like a good crabbing spot - has anyone tried it ?

Also, if you get back to woodman point jetty and the fisheries check you out, would they believe that you caught them in a legal area, or would they seize your house & children for what they deem to be illegal crab ??

Finally did the trip up north, went with Bodie, Scanno, Langa, Den, Frank and Carl. Big trip with 3.5 tonnes of Whaler behind the vehicle but the 200 series did it with its eyes closed.

Below is a record of my experience of the trip......

Lots of tackle mods and upgrades leading up to the trip.....

Even more trailer mods prior to the trip.....

Finally there....

Not a bad digs.

Lots of refuelling....LOTS!!!! 2500 km in each car and over 1000 km in each boat!

Oh....and we did a bit of fishing as well. See Bodies trip report :)

 After hutchs report yesterday got me dreaming of fish

Decided too troll first then squid! That was a good decision

got out too 11m s setup 2 rods both with X-raps 5mins in

double hookup to 2 very respectable salmon ! Nice start !

Headed out deeper chasing a SBT ! First school spotted had

a nice little fish on ! Plan was too have squid try'd for a bit

water very dirty !! Pulled Pin ! Out at 9.30am in at 12.30am

good day with the other half !! Cheers fellas !! Pirate! 

 Heading up karratha way mid june was going to try for crabs with drop nets what tide would be better high or low or doesn't it mater any other tips greatly appreciated. 

 Well i know this has been covered many times however what i experienced yesterday was by far the worst i have experienced in all my years of fishing.

Fishing a spot. Boat does a lap around me & then fishes 60m-80m away. Maybe had spot already, not particularly concerned but a little put out so i moved away.

A while later he blasted past me 30-40m off & continued on. We then moved on & bugger me a bit later this guy came & sat 20m away from me right in my drift!!

Couldn't believe it. Mentioned that there was a whole lot of ocean to fish in to which the reply was, i have this spot also! Was not questioning whether he did or didnt have the spot but just the pure arrogance & disrespect for other people on the ocean.

We then moved again a long way off out of his sight. 

I know we dont own the ocean but if someone is on  a spot you may have surely you would move on rather than plonk right next to them in their drift?

Puts a bitter taste in your mouth when just trying to have a good day on the water.  

Anyway was a great day on the water & bagged out with the biggest being a 850mm dhu.

 GENERAL FISHING:

The weather for the next few days is going to be idyllic; not too hot not too cold, although early mornings will get down to single digit temperatures. With a lot of salmon, tailor, herring and skippy as well as a variety of other species biting at the moment, it is an opportune time to get out and catch some fish.

Over the past few weeks there have been some subtle changes that have a direct impact on our angling. Most people don’t seem to notice seasonal changes but we are now settling into a winter tidal sequence. The tidal pattern has changed over the past few weeks and we now are getting higher tides in the morning with lower tides of an evening.

With the Full Moon coming up in a couple of weeks , tidal movements will increase towards this time. High tides will be a little fuller, and low tides will be a little lower in this period. This will result in an increase in tidal flow and so `fishing the tides' will need to be followed a little closer and become a little more important.

As we also settle into a winter pattern, swells will pick up with frontal systems passing through, along with the occasional winter storm. As a result, weed will often choke the water along popular beaches and sand bars will develop and beaches disappear as these seas and swells rearrange our foreshore. This can make or mar a fishing trip. Sometimes both seas and weed can make locations un-fishable. Don't despair as there is some great fishing to be had from some of the structures and rock platforms along the coast and also in the river during these times. Remember that winter swells also bring snapper on the bite in a lot of metropolitan locations.

To be more successful, anglers will need to be aware of this tidal movement and fish the `top' and 'bottom' of the tide at slack water for better results. The best times to fish are generally around an hour either side of high and low water, and this will vary according to your location. It also gives us a `window of opportunity' and we can plan quick trips to favourite locations, chasing a specific species. It is around this time of the year that we can catch reasonable sized snapper from the beach, particularly if there has been some wind and swells activity. My records show that several good snapper have been taken from metropolitan beaches during this time in the last few years.

Anglers fishing the Swan and Canning Rivers also need to take note of tidal variations and there is a difference of up to 4 hours between Fremantle at the tidal recording station located just inside of the harbour at the western end of the wharf, and Barrack Street jetty. River anglers can target a variety of species, and can fish the rising tide, commencing in East Fremantle, and move with the tide as it progresses up river and then fish their way back down on the run out tide. What a way to fill in a day - great fishing in sight of the CBD with the chance of catching a good mixed bag of fish. Anglers fishing in the estuary at Mandurah and further south at Bunbury will need to check local tide times as they are vastly different to Perth and Fremantle tide times.

Keeping a weather eye open will also increase your chances of success. Plan a trip in advance and keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology web site for forecast details and check out sea and swell patterns.

There are still some good fish being taken in local waters and there are reports of a number of northern species being taken in local waters. I am aware of a red emperor and a Rankin cod being taken from waters out from Rottnest along with late season spanish mackerel and a variety of tuna.

Those who don’t mind diving into cooler waters or spending hours standing in a dinghy rigged with lights will be starting to get ready for the winter run of ‘leader prawns’ in the Swan River. These prawns are a lot larger than the usual run of Swan River prawns. The same limits apply for these, in that there is a limit of 9 litres per person per day. Also remember that if you are fishing from a powered boat you will need an RFBL (Recreational Fishing From a Boat licence). Keep an eye on the moon phases and run-out tides to improve your results.

If you have some fishing information, have caught a good fish and want to brag, or have an item that may be of interest to other anglers and wish to share it, you can send the details to abc720saturdaybreakfast@yahoo.com.au

WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING AT POPULAR FISHING LOCATIONS

If you are going to fish in open ocean waters or from the rocks, please - wear a life jacket.

MANDURAH:

As in the metropolitan area, garfish have been abundant in and around the Dawesville Cut. Size has been good and along with the garfish there are plenty of herring. An occasional salmon has also been taken from the ocean end of The Cut. They have not been huge but fish of 2.5 - 3.5 kg have been the norm. They have also been taken from the southern beaches of White Hills and Tim’s Thicket. Anglers fishing from these beaches have also reported taking a few tailor, herring and good sized whiting. The estuary is fishing well for smaller species with good catches of tailor, herring, garfish, skippy, and tarwhine being caught. Squid have also been caught from the Old Traffic Bridge. Crabs are still around but you will need to work a little harder as numbers are starting to dwindle and size is sometimes a concern. Dab netters are taking a few good sized prawns on the run out tides. The estuary has also been producing some good fishing for squid. There are still a few bream being taken in the Murray and Serpentine Rivers and anglers putting in the time are reaping the rewards with some big fish in the last week.

SECRET HARBOUR / PORT KENNEDY / WARNBRO / ROCKINGHAM / SAFETY BAY

In and around Rockingham, the jetties are producing plenty of herring, garfish and squid. A few tailor have been taken from the north side of the causeway by anglers trolling lures or mulies on lightly weighted lines. If anglers stop trolling and anchor up, there are some very good skippy that can be berleyed up. There have been good catches of herring and garfish from around Long Point, Penguin Island, Point Peron and Rockingham Beach. Whiting and squid are also being taken from these locations with an odd tailor of an evening. Anglers fishing the Sound out from Safety Bay have reported catching some good king George whiting.

COCKBURN SOUND:

The Sound has produced a wide variety of angling opportunities this week and produced some good fish. There are plenty of squid being caught all over the Sound. Where there are weed banks there are squid. Salmon, tuna and bonito have all been taken by many anglers fishing from boats and a lot of fish have been taken close to many of the popular fishing platforms in the Sound. There have been good catches of King George whiting reported from several locations and there are reports of mulloway from areas in the northern parts of the Sound. There are plenty of salmon schools hanging around and many anglers are having a ball, catching and releasing fish.

KWINANA / NAVAL BASE / WOODMAN POINT / COOGEE:

Woodman Point is a top spot for big garfish. The beaches are producing some reasonable tailor of an evening and an occasional mulloway. The beaches around this area have been consistently producing herring, garfish and whiting. Anglers fishing after dark are finding a few good tailor from various beach locations. There are still schools of salmon around and many anglers are enjoying using lighter tackle and lures for sportfishing action when the salmon are on the bite.

FREMANTLE / INNER HARBOUR / LOWER REACHES OF SWAN RIVER

A few salmon are showing up at odd times and the end of the North Mole is a better spot to try. There have also been plenty of herring, skippy and whiting being caught. There has been a lot of silver drummer (better known as buffalo bream) around the mole, feeding on weed, etc. If you want a real battle on light tackle try using a fresh crust of bread as bait then hang on. They fight really hard and slug it out. If you want to eat them, boil them up in a cast iron pot and when cooked, throw away the fish and eat the pot - it’s more appealing. A strong recommendation is to put them back to fight another day. Another tip is if you are going to eat them, have someone else scale and gut them. Being basically a weed eater their gut cavity smells foul. Anglers report some reasonable mulloway being taken after dark. The Harbour has been producing a variety of fish during the day. Anglers fishing from the wharves report catches of garfish, slimy mackerel, yellowtail, and skippy and mulloway are still being taken occasionally.

ROTTNEST ISLAND

Shore based anglers fishing Rottnest are taking consistent catches of small salmon, with most of the catch coming from the West End. They are taking both baits and lures. Yellowtail kingfish have also been taken by anglers fishing from the rocks around the West End. Some of these fish have been up around 6 kg.

PORT BEACH / LEIGHTON / COTTESLOE / SWANBOURNE:

This section of beach has been producing some good fishing for big herring, large garfish and whiting. Anglers using wogs for bait are doing a little better than anglers using prawn baits. It is recommended that anglers prepare their baits well in advance by shelling either coral or river prawns and cutting the flesh into pea sized pieces and soaking it in fish oil overnight. Drain the oil off and then tip the prawn flesh into an ice cream container and drizzle a mix of two parts pollard and one part bran into the mix while continually stirring. Continue to add the pollard bran mix until all the oil has been absorbed. Place the lid on the container and you have a bait and berley combination that garfish and whiting can’t refuse. Anglers fishing from Leighton Beach report that they have taken garfish, herring and yellow-finned whiting and for anglers with limited mobility it is not a bad spot to fish. The groyne at Cottesloe has been producing good whiting and herring during the day and tailor after dark. The Swanbourne Drain area has been producing good fishing with tailor of an evening and whiting, herring and garfish during the day.

CITY BEACH / FLOREAT / SCARBOROUGH / TRIGG ISLAND

The herring being caught from these beaches are good solid fish. Floreat and City Beach have been producing good catches of herring in the mornings. Anglers fishing the beaches south of Trigg and at Brighton Road have taken a few tailor with an occasional small salmon. Good sized garfish are being taken in good numbers right along this section of beach. There are plenty of salmon around and anglers who are patient are catching them from the beach. Sizes vary between 2 kg and 4.5kg. Remember that juvenile salmon are to be a minimum of 30 cm in length and there is a bag limit of 4 per angler per day. Don’t confuse them with herring.

NORTH BEACH JETTY / HILLARYS / OCEAN REEF / MINDARIE:

There have been some small salmon caught by herring anglers at Pinnaroo Point in the morning and again by anglers chasing tailor of an evening. There are plenty of herring and garfish along this section of the coast and anglers using wogs or maggots for bait are taking good bags of fish. A few herring and tailor are being taken from the marina walls after dark along with plenty of garfish, herring and an odd skippy. North Beach jetty has been producing herring and garfish for most anglers fishing this platform.

QUINNS ROCKS /YANCHEP / TWO ROCKS / MOORE RIVER

These locations have been producing some good catches of herring and big garfish. Most of the beaches are regularly producing good fish and there are small salmon and tailor being taken as well. Afternoon seems to be the preferred times for the bigger fish. Quinn’s Beach is producing some good tailor and herring. Mornings are the better time to fish. A few salmon have been taken and there are a lot of baitfish in the area so it should continue to produce consistent fishing. The rock walls of the marinas are producing well, with good catches of fish being taken regularly. The Lagoon at Yanchep is still holding a few yellowtail king fish and a little further north there are still some very big tailor being taken. Several good fish have been taken from the beaches between Two Rocks and Moore River in the last two weeks including samsonfish, a couple of mackerel, and several large sharks.

SWAN AND CANNING RIVERS:

The lower reaches of the river are prime spots to fish at the moment with the wharves and E Shed locations producing good fishing on the rising tide. The various platforms under the bridges and the upstream wharves in Fremantle are still producing some good skippy and tarwhine. The sand flats in the lower reaches of the river are still producing whiting on a rising tide but a quiet approach is required if you are to be successful. There are plenty of flathead and flounder also to be found on the flats a little further upstream as well. Mulloway are still being taken from various locations throughout the river right up to the Causeway. There have been several big fish hooked in the lower reaches for no result so it can be assumed that there are some larger mulloway still roaming around. Crabbers are still finding a few crabs and divers are also reporting taking a feed regularly. There are still a few bream upstream as far as Bassendean and Guildford and some good fish have been turning up around the Bull Creek and Canning Bridge areas. Better spots for bigger fish seem to be a little further downstream in areas around Claremont and Mosman Bay.

BOAT FISHING:

The offshore scene around Mandurah is looking good with a few jewfish coming in from the broken ground well offshore. Very large skippy have also been taken from these areas. The Five Fathom Bank and the James Service Reef areas have also been producing some good fish. Dinghy anglers are taking good bags of herring, salmon, skippy and whiting from inshore waters around the reefs and over the weed banks and sand. Squid are also being taken in numbers. Between Rottnest and Carnac Island, anglers have been taking some good King George whiting and those fishing around the Mewstones have reported tailor in excess of 1 kg on lures cast into the white water adjacent to the reefs.

Anglers, fishing close inshore in the northern suburbs, are reporting a number of small whaler sharks taking baits and catches. There are plenty of whiting along the back of the Three Mile Reef and on the grounds out from City Beach. There are also plenty of bigger skippy being taken in 20 m of water, with a few King George whiting from deeper waters. Occasionally anglers have found salmon on the bite out behind the Three Mile Reef on the whiting grounds out from Scarborough. Inshore there have been some good catches of herring, salmon, some skippy, the odd King George and snook from behind the reef areas. Out from Fremantle and down towards the Sound, big skippy to more than 1 kg are being caught. Big tailor have been reported from the offshore reef sections around Cottesloe and some of these fish are over 1.5 kg.

Action offshore has slowed in the last few days but grounds out from the north-west corner of Rottnest continue to produce good fish. Anglers report average to big Westralian Jewfish, pink snapper, break-sea cod, and big baldchin groper. Most of the fish have been taken in 45 – 60 m, or up to 110 m on the outside of Direction Bank.

Anglers still trolling lures are finding an odd mackerel around but numbers are down on previous weeks. There were a couple of fish around 12 – 15 kg reported from the north-west of Rottnest waters during last week. Anglers venturing out to the FAD’s are reporting a few dolphin fish. There have been mixed reports of fish in close around the Three Mile and surrounding reefs. Though mainly smaller dhufish can be found here, there has been the occasional whopping big pink snapper which has stretched the arms of unsuspecting anglers.

 whats the go with the charter boat hitting a reef in perth this afternoon? Thought skippers would know where the reefs

werehttp://www.perthnow.com.au/news/charter-boat-in-mullaloo-rescue-drama/news-story/7b9d162e712ea0e92691f39fe845223c

 How's everyone been going with Swan River crabs? I found it pretty good a couple of weeks after the flood but they seem to have dried up in the last couple of weeks. How have you found it?

Enjoy

 Thinking of stopping over at Rotto on sunday. Not sure what we going to do. Do I need a landing permi before I go or can I get one from the ranger when asked.

 Hey ive hired a boat for the day and heading out in cockburn sound. just wondering if anyone can help me with some spots and what i could catch.

Thanks.

Hey Guys

I have organised a fishing charter commencing 22nd May to 25th May for 10 or 11 people with Blue Juice Charters.
We currently have 9 people booked so throwing the remaining spot / spots out there if anyone is keen to come along.

Cost is $1260 for one person or if two wish to come along price is $1145 each.

Cost includes shuttle bus from Hillary's Marina on the 22nd up to Gero, accommodation on board for entire trip, food, soft drinks, tackle and bait. Just need to bring your own alcohol if you wish. Charter bus brings you back to Perth Thursday evening the 25th.

I have been on this charter 2 out of the last 3 years and had a blast catching our bag limits every time.

Cheers

Greg

 when the time comes to take tghe leg off and change the water pump is there a torque setting when putting the 5 nuts back on the leg?

Mercury 75hp 4 stroke

 Gday,

As soon as i turned on my Lowrance sounder and chartplotter last weekend an alarm went off saying high voltage 14v......My motor is a 60hp 4 stroke Yahama with about 60hrs on it. About 2014 model I think.

Any ideas?.....The alarms both went off after I hit the enter buttons and didnt come back on.......anything to worry about?

Cheers

 Fishing in 6 metres, same place as last week, good feed of skips a couple of herring and a 55 cm KG for neville. All fish given to people doing it hard

 Anyone had any luck with some salmon at mewstone lately?

Hi Everyone

After much negotiation, I finally have approval from the boss to upgrade the rig from a 5m Quinny to a 6.7m plate ali. Interested in everyone's thoughts on which way to go - currently leaning towards a Bar Crusher 670HT, but not 100% convinced.

 While my boat is out of order I have been doing a bit of work on it and am almost at the electrics. Currently has 1 battery mounted under one of the rear seats on the boat next to where the plastic fuel tanks go, battery is unboxed which I dont like so will be boxing that and thinking of even relocating it for more space for fuel. So couple of questions.... Was taking a small portable jump starter out with me just incase but now thinking of installing a 2nd battery.

Where is the normal place for batterys to be mounted on an 18ft half cabin? Possible / safe to put them in front hatches? Maybe 1 either side for even weight distribution? Probably a prick of a job wiring one up either side though.

Should I install a 2nd battery or just get a good battery and stick with 1 for less weight and less space taken up by batteries and keep taking out jumpstarter?

Any advice or info appreciated. Cheers.

So I'm a pro filleter and I've been thinking about making a little extra money on my day off by teaching people how to fillet. Just wanted to float the idea with the brains trust here to see if its worth setting up, get an idea if you guys think its worthwhile or a waste of time.

- class size max 5 people (probs more like 2 or 3 depending on the season/bookings etc), classes on Saturday mornings.
- I'd set you up with a box of fresh fish and a brand new knife and over, say, 2 hours teach you how to fillet (two styles), skin and debone fish. It would be a real hands-on, learn as you go class. All safety gear, aprons supplied too gotta stay clean and in one piece lol.
- You take home the knife and the fish you cut. Quantity of fish will obviously depend on how well you apply yourself! Species of fish will depend somewhat on seasonality and market availability, but I have a 'wish list' of species I know from experience to be best for starter filleters.
- You get me. I've been doing this for quite a few years now, so you'll have the full attention of a helpful pro for a couple of hours. We'll be able to go over technique, really get your hand in and with a bit of coaching to smooth out any bits you have problems with. I train new guys at work, teaching you lot will be pretty similar.
- Class will be suitable for rec fishos, foodies, home masterchefs etc. Beginners who haven't put knife to fish before, and intermediates who can muddle through but would like someone to hold their hand for a day to clean up their technique.
- Class held in a professional seafood environment. NOR location, close to public transport etc. (I won't say where just yet, have to clear it before I go ahead. Don't want to step on any toes till I have my ducks in a row)
- not too sure how much it will cost yet, would love to hear your opinions on what you'd consider reasonable/affordable. So far for cost of materials + a bit on top to make it worth my time I'm looking at around $100 per person. There's wiggle room though, so your input would be valuable in terms of wether you would like it cheaper or if you wouldn't mind paying a bit more in return for a more premium brand of knife or fish to practice on etc.

Opinions? If you think its rubbish, or if you know of someone out there doing this already let me know (prefer the honesty than wasting my time!). Otherwise let me know if you think its a goer, or if there's any features you would like included or changed.

[Admin- hope this is ok? I'm not advertising a business - I don't even HAVE a business yet- just gathering some opinions is all :) ]

Just a reminder to Fishwrecked members we ARE OPEN ANZAC DAY (today) until 5.00pm. 

We stock a large range of fishing tackle including rods, reels, braids, lures, tackle boxes, bait and much more ....

The last few days has been crazy busy with our 30% OFF SALE so if you're wanting to stock up and SAVE $$$ now's the time!

“Lest We Forget”

 I have 2006 f250 for towing my boat think of buying a new f350 or f450 for towing 

is there some one on here with a late model f truck that I may ask some questions thanks

 Well after weeks of swell it likes finally we get to have a bash. Taking the day off Friday and heading out wide. Little spot where son got smoked the other week is the target placcy's and baits. Hopefully something to report soon. Who else has plans to head out? 

very versatile can be trolled or cast,huge amount of fishos down that way today,even ran into the little blue boat,firstly the old broomstick popper,bloody lethal these things.the other very goog value for money is bigjohns banana jigs also lethal,you don't need to spend big bucks

 i have a Sustain 5000 that I need to have serviced. Would normally send to Shimin but wanting to use it at the end of the week. Can anyone recommend a local who can give it a quick once over.

 Hey guys just chasing any advice on deep dropping for rubys out of coral bay. What depths should i start looking? Should I look for big shows on the sounder or just small shows. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks brayden 

is there anybody is Dongara that wants a trip out fishing tomorrow. Leaving about 6am, back around midday. Picked up a couple of baldies this morning, hoping to do the same tomorrow. Share cost of bait and fuel.

Boats a 5.2m Genesis, and there's a bit of wind and swell, so don't bother if you get sea sick, I'm not coming in early. 

Message me if you're interested. 

Hi Guys,

After some advice on upgrading my boat. Have been thinking about the following 2 boats but not sure which way to go. Most fishing would be Busselton, but would get to Walpole, Coral Bay, Shark Bay. Just wondering which you would go for.

New Seajay Avenger Sports Side Console - 50/60hp 4 stroke approx $27k

Older ( 1997 era ) Westerberg runabout but get a new say 80/100hp 4 stroke

Josh 

Sorry guys, after numerous attempts, I can't seem to upload John Curtis reports.  I can view the whole thing when I preview the thread but it doesn't show up after saving it.  Weird shit.

Anyways, heres the link if you would like to read this weeks report:

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/perth/programs/saturdaybreakfast/fishing-report/8463730

 Any body know where to get 3 meters of 8mm galvanised chain at a good price?

I don't need a full sheet, anybody needing some and wants half a 2500mm x 1500mm x 12.5mm sheet. Think a full sheet is about $600. I'm NoR and think Hillarys boat shop sells it.