looking at heading to quobba for a nice bit of land based game and thaught maybe we could make it a fishwrecked trip looking at heading up round august or if there is a crew then whenever is best suited for every 1.
if any 1 is keen or has any ideas let us know would make for a fun trip i would think.
brenz

Following up on the recent interesting posts on best and funniest fishing moments, I thought I would start a new one on scariest fishing experiences.

Mine, one again, relates to Hat Head on the northern NSW coast.
Anyone who has been to Hat Head will know that to get to the best land-based fishing spots is a fair hike. I don't know what it is like know, but in my younger days you could trudge out to some of these spots in off season time and you might have been the only person on the whole hedland.
Anyway, many years ago I was up visiting some friends who owned the Hat Head caravan park and decided to head out to a place called the Island. This was a fantastic spot for big tailor and yellow tailed kings, with the prime location called suicide rock (there seems to be quite a few places called suicide rock in NSW).
Anyway, I had been there for awhile and the tailor were running hot in front of the reef in front of suicide.
I was throwing Nilsmasters and having the best tailor session of my life.
Now suicide rock is obviously called suicide rock for a particular reason.
But this day the swell wasn't that big and I was fishing fairly high up the cliff.
All was going well until I noticed a freak wave coming. Unfortunately, being on a cliff face there was nowhere to go in a hurry so I just latched onto the cracks in the rocks as best I could and dug my feet in.
Well the wave hit and I was completely covered and then it started retreating. I could feel myself going, but I somehow managed to keep my fingers jammed into the crack and hold on with my feet hanging over the ledge, 20 metres above the reef.
Shaking like a leaf, I scambled out of there as fast as I could. I think I was only centimetres from being killed. And as no-one knew where I was, I may never have been found if I had survived the fall.
I learned a few big lessons that day. Don't go fishing in dangerous places alone, and no matter how confident you are in your sea skills, mother nature can always catch you out. And if you going fishing in an isolated place, let someone know.
All the best, Colin Hay

Adam, again, thanks for sending me the DoF Log Book and other literature.

Having (finally) had the chance to use it, I attempted to complete my log sheet (you may recall I have the 'Ocen Edition') and, even with a slight chop, it was nie on impossible to write legibly.

Would the DoF be interested in producing a 'Field Sheet' that could be used for field scratch notes? Of course, I could quickly knock one up using MS Word, but thought I'd post the suggestion. 

Seeing as we've got a lot of new members in lately it might be a good time for some new and old discussion.  Whats been your favourite fishing experience, was it a great day, a good fish, an experience with the mates that won't be forgotten?

I know its hard to sort through them all, but one that comes to your mind first?

Well a pretty wierd thing happend last night after dropping my mate Kristian off after fishing.

I will start the story off by saying that less than 2 weeks ago i re-spooled my penn850 up with new 25pound line
(this will be important later in the story)

I carry the fishing rods in my WRX and poking out the passenger window resting nicly on the mirror.

I pulled into kristians driveways and he exited the car. He then reached in through the window and pulled his rod out unknowing to us both that he had got tangled on his rod and my bail arm was over so as i reversed back i had no idea that i was still connected to Krisian somehow.

So as i was reversing i noticed a car about 500 meters away and progressed to pull out then went to drive of when all hell broke loose!!!!!! :shock:

As the car went past me in the opposite direction all i heard was PSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! REALLY LOUD NON STOP! I was thinking.. "what the hell is that noise???"
By the way, my WRX is really loud and i still heard it over the exaust!!

I look over at my fishing rod and notice line screaming off my rod at a very high rate of knots!!!!!

All i thought was "Oh no i have hooked Kristian!!!" So i pulled over but the line was still screamin off the reel! Things now were desperate!! It was getting down to the end of my line and there was no way i was putting my hand near line coming off the reel that fast! I thought ...
"oh no maybe its caught in the engine some how???" I then turned engine off and it was still screamin off the reel then finally it just stopped :shock:

I got out the car and noticed that the line was 300+ meters down the road :shock:

As i backed out the line must of been connected to Kristian somehow and the car drove through it! I was doing 60 heading east and the other car was heading west doung 60! Thats 120 klm per hour run!!!

I had a good chuckle about it until i noticed that the new killer line i payed $40+ for was now off the reel :lol: then noticed that it cut through 2 of my mouldings and burnt the paint on the piller :cry:

Oh well things could be worse... a motorbike could of come though and cut his throat open on the fishing line, the line could of spooled me to the knot and then i would of had a broken fishing rod :cry: or Kristian could of been badly hurt from a fishing hook ripping through him at 60+klm per hour.

Couple pics....

Windscreen mould

Piller burn

Piller & mould

spooled!

Now first up please no swiping at commercial fishos cos its a job just like anyone elses!
I kept this log from the 15th march opening day at the abrohlos to 25th may 2008, the day our pots came out of the water. The result are from fish which were caught in our pots and due to a ruling by fisheries were to be thrown back as it was illegal to keep fish on a crayboat regardless of how it was caught! Now the results are pretty concerning and affected me pretty damn greatly not only because of the wastage but because of the concern that we have for fish stocks and throwing away fish dead or alive because as a professional fisherman you may not keep fish on a commercial crayfishing boat. My skipper was gutted, he free dives for his fish and only kills 1 or 2 fish for a feed, throwing these fish back made us and mind you 2 friends who are fisheries officers working the abrohlos islands pretty pissed off and a no confidence from even them on the ruling. Anyhow the results for this time and keep in mind this is from one boat with a quota of 112 pots.

TOTAL DEAD OR DYING FISH THROWN BACK DUE TO BIOTRAUMA AND EXHAUSTION 68
SPECIES INCLUDE DHUIS,BALDIES(HEAPS),PINKIES,NW SNAPPER,SPANGLEDIES,CHINAMAN COD

TOTAL FISH SURVIVED WHEN THROWN BACK AND SEEN SWIM AWAY 10 MAJORITY WERE NW SNAPPER AND PINKIES

THE DEPTHS VARIED FROM 4FATHOM TO 60 FATHOM.

I know this will have varying comments but please remember this about the wastage of fish and not a commercial thing. Imagine this times all the other boats that would have abided by the rule, which is unknown to me. IT is pretty disturbing amount of fish due to a ruling. Your constructive comments are definately appreciated.
This result is going to be given to adam as requested for fisheries to ponder over whether the ruling was a just or knee jerk reaction from fishing industry groups. thanks tangles

Perhaps you guys could clear something up for me.

When I did my RST the fella said the dates on the flares were for professionals. ie. you cannot get into strife for out of date flares on a recreational vessel.

Is this true?

Thanks.

went down to the north mole in the afternoon and caught some herring gardys and some yellowtail and then notice about 6 or 7 salmon chucked out a live yellowtail but the salmon werent hungry did any one have a fish down freo way

just wonderin what ppl think of the international baitcaster 975.

I've noticed lately that the Fisheries Officers have been hitting up Minadie and Tworocks a heck of a lot lately and never have i seen such a presense during the week also. On speaking to them they've been giving fines to boaties for;

* Safety gear

* Undersize Dhufish

* Too many fish

* RST

Certainly good to see and they've been staying back late ie waiting for boaties that are coming in after dark.

He did also mention that some boats were comin in with their legal quoter of dhufish but the amount of ppl on board and the size of the fish and the frequency of such boats reiterates the need for the changes coming up in his opinion!

If your going up that way, make sure everything is spot on and cover yourself!

I decided to head down to the south wall of Hillarys this morning in the hope of finding some tailor.
I discovered a number of things.
1 Don't trust the Foxtel weather channel forecast (mainly fine with a few showers, gale force winds and a 3.5 metres swell). None of which was true.
2 The rain jacket presented to me by a client is not actually rainproof.
3 Fishermen are a hardy bunch.

I arrived at about 5.45 am hoping to get a bit of fishing behind Aqwa up and to and after the high tide at 7.08 am.
No sooner had I rigged up both my rods than it started to rain, and it continued to rain and in fact, never stopped raining.
However, with very little wind and a small swell it was comfortable fishing conditions.
Unfortunately, the fish either didn't like the weather or had gone somewhere else.
After three hours I woosed out. With only a few picking bites and my top half totally soaked (thank god my rain proof pants were that)the thoughts of a nice hot cup of coffee and some scrambled eggs on toast was just too inviting.
There were about six or seven other anglers fishing near me, and despite hardly getting a bite between them, and the rain getting even heavier, they were still hanging in there when I left. I admire their fortitude and dedication (and their better quality rain gear).
Oh well, there is always next time.
All the best, Colin Hay

Having a bit of trouble getting squid consistently from Oceanreef.

Moved around a lot today for very little.

Fished 3m to 12m. Big bommies to patchy weed to big areas full of weed.

Jigs we tried were mainly razor backs size 2-4 blue, green, orange and pink.

The other day we had 4 in 2 mins and all big, then after that nothing.

Any tips?

Just wondering if anyone else with a new Penn Torque 300 are having problems with them . So far I have had it sent away three times and after a days fishing yesterday it will definatly be the fourth time tomorow , I have encountered something to do with a cracked drag drive shaft or similular ( sent back ), then it wouldn't hold over 5 kilos of pressure ( sent back ) , then held the drag on when it was backed off( sent away to the Professionals ) got it back and was pleased as punch untill yesterday had a few good fish on board when now the reel sounds like it is going to rattle apart from the inside out . It would be good to know if these problems were common place or if I just have a lemon . The only thing I can say positive about it is the service from the Buisiness I have bought it of and the service received from another buisness that I have taken the reel to sort out the drag problem , cheers feral

And Penn states

 




The Penn International Torque 300 reel is a revolutionary new reel that will give the serious saltwater angler a fishing tool that is unmatched in strenght, power, and fishability! The features of the Penn Torque 300 reel include a forged and machined aluminum frame, spool, and sideplate, infinite anti-reverse roller bearing plus double dog system backup, precision machined stainless steel main gear (6.3:1), heat-treated stainless steel pinion gear, versa-drag, disengaging pinion (for superior free spool, oversized soft-grip handle, five stainless steel ball bearings, stainless steel reel stand, one-piece open top frame, and Penn's comfortable power handle. this reel is ideally suited for a wide variety of situations, including veritcal jigging or bait fishing for jacks and grouper, live bait casting for any saltwater fish including tuna, marlin, dorado, and sailfish, and light duty trolling. This reel has a fantastic freespool as well as a smooth and strong drag (up to 42 lbs.).

anyone is heading out and needs a deckie? i'm up for it...will chip in everything.got me own gear and bait too...lol am living NOR

Latly it seems everyone has been doing pretty well on Mr Dhu. I tend to skipper our boat which we havent had very long, and we havent got any desent spots so i was wondering if someone could give me some tips on finding new ground. like what to look for on the gps/sounder what depths is most productive, ect

Cheers Miles

Has there been a larger number of larger Jewfish captured the past few months in the metro than ever or is it my imagination?

It just people I speak appear to be pulling big fish out of local waters more than ever?

G'day,

I'm in busso for the weekend and Just wondering if I could sorce some tips regarding best position on the busso jetty, I plan on setting a heavy rod for bigger things and playing around with the lighter gear whilst I wait. No to sure what to expect...

Another queston is the jetty my best option or are there some beaches or even the marina that are a better option...

Thanks

Rob

well i have worked hard for the last couple of weeks and managed to get $1000 over 6weeks of work and my dad said hes gonna buy me a shimano tiagra 24kg game rod for my b-day as an ultimate trolling combo for marlin and spanyards. I was wondering if the Tiagra 50W is a good reel to match it with as i have been saving up for the last few weeks after doing some reaserch on the different reels and thought this would be the best one to match the rod with so can people tell me their thoughts on the reel and if anyone has one can they tell me about their performance.

Cheers Mike

going down there tommorrow arvo and whats better north or south mole and what bait would u guys and girls reccommened? thanks

hey guys,my bro in-law just got himself a place up at lancelin and was asking for some help fishing that area.he has a 4m tinny with sounder and gps but limited experience fishing and hoping to get into kg's and dhuies.so if anyone has some helpful hints and tips to point him in the right direction it would be much apppreciated.also are there any wrecks close in that can be accessed by a tinny that are worth fishing

thanks in advance

bibs

why are there so many ppl on but nooned talking r you lot all bored or just run out of things to say

I got bored yesterday arvo and decided to do a little project.

I snapped a Sic Stik Pro a couple of years ago and it has been lying around ever since, so i decided to give it a bit of a facelift (even though its useless anyway). So after some measuring, cutting, scraping and sanding of the cork, i came up with this.

Not to bad for an afternoons work hey.

Who's heading out this weekend? Whats the plans?

Bit of diving and a marlin bash up here, maybe a crab if the wind comes up... mmmmmmmm, the possibilities! 

well i said id eat my words if i was wrong about perth gts and thats what im doing . upon being some what inspired by the gold spot of rotto i did further research into how this can happen. i found that around 25 years ago there was infact a gt caught of the southern end of garden island that went an astonishing 52 kg! and there has been many caught since . on the rare ocasion that we get a real warm water flush that hits perth the trevally follow the boats from places such as onslow back to perth. other records also show that not to long ago 2 gts came out of the salmon holes down south ? go figure! also the biggest marlin recorded on the west coast went 1000 kg and washed up on a beach in esperence.
so nothing is impossible and i do apologise for me jumping to conclusions
brenz

Hey guys,

I'm planning to buy a new baitcaster to tee up with my Shimano Starlo Stix Tournament Pro 6-8kg (old baitcaster karked it). The old reel got me covered with how to cast and all the little knick nacks that comes with using a baitcaster.

Willing to spend $100 - 300. (Apprentice wage, stin-gy bastard).

Any recommendations and reports about reels are very welcome. All will be taken on board.

Cheers lads,

Darda

hi guys, i was just wondering if anyone knew what the record length/ weight is for a KG??

i managed to hook one at 3.5 kgs and 56cm long today. between myself and the other blokes there, none of us have ever seen or heard of one that big??

its probably just me dreaming its even close but hey.. you never know.... right

gday guys a couple customers have told me that there is a pik of a gold spot treva caught local some were on the site but bugered if i can find it can some 1 send the link ?
cheers brenz

Some shots of my brother and nephew fly fishing for Strippers and Tailor ( Bluefish ) at Martha's Vineyard

I haven't had a boat for many, many years and you guys know more about these things than I ever did.
A guy at work is going to sell a 12 foot fibreglass dinghy with a 20 hp motor for about $1000. It has front steering, a couple of front seats and a bench at the back and rod holders.
I have been thinking of buying a small boat (that is all I can afford at the moment) for putting around in the river and maybe heading to a reef just off Hillarys on flat days.
Do you think it sounds like good value?
Do you think this sort of boat would suit?
Would I be better off getting an aluminium dinghy?
How big a trailer do you think I would need?
Do you have any idea what a trailer like that would cost?

Sorry to ask so many questions. But I know very little about this area.
Many thanks Colin Hay

Anyone diving for prawns tonight??

Hopefully i wan't get lost tonight