Hi All, I have returned to work after an epic 5 weeks on holidays.. anyway during a fishing trip last week about 5km just North of Rotto I got to see my first great white.  We were fishing in 40mtrs of water and not having a lot of luck when my fishing buddy pulled in a small baldie.  Whilst we were getting it in I look over the starboard side and this great white just appeared out of the depths, cruising alongside of the boat and eyeballing me in the boat as some sort of out of reach appetizer.   It disapeared straight back into the depths just as quickly and wasn't sighted again.  It's been on my bucket list to see one in the wild whilst out fishing and whilst a short encounter it was awesome to see.  I'd estimate it to be 2.5-3 mtrs, so no monster, but as it was a 40Deg day a quick dip off the back of the boat was ruled out fairly quickly. 

We didn't bother dropping down in that spot again and moved on.  Not a lot of luck that trip in anycase. 

Just wanted to share.  We see Bronzies almost every cray run, this was no bronzie ! 

As we took my mates boat I was hoping it would have a bit of a chew on the motor as I have seen them do in the media... but it just buggered off.

My first sighting in 10 years of WA fishing.  Do you guys see them often ? 

 Rec fish sent out another crab servay the other day.  Without getting to carried away here some of the questions really had me thinking.. such as the ban on scooping in non daylight hours!!

 This guy was killing it this morning near the Mount Henry bridge, licenced apparently 

 
Enjoy 

For various reasons, (including modifying my dash to fit a larger chartplotter) I haven't hit the water since August and made it out for a few trips in the inlet at Denmark to test out the newly installed HDS9.

Bloody awesome fun pulling in pinkies in 3m but just couldn't land a flattie despite hitting 3 honey holes!

 Planning a trip to Exmouth, was going to take my Veritas 4 travel 3-6kg with a TD-Black 2500 running 12lb tasline and 16lb fluro leader to flick 4-6" plastics and some stick baits but from what I'm reading im going to have to go alot heavier.

I'll mainly be fishing from the beaches and marina.

Would a veritas 5 travel 6-10kg and the TD Black 2500 spooled with 20lb be sufficient or will I be looking at getting a 4k real to match?

I was hoping to get away using the 3-6kg veritas mainly targeting jacks and spangled but if a big trev comes past...

 2 days in a row for quick bagouts

Enjoy

Happy Fishmas from Puerto Vallarta

My pleasure to bring you the January 2025 fishing report straight from the stunning waters of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. If you’re looking for world-class fishing and a winter getaway that feels like paradise, you’ve come to the right place. Perfect weather, incredible beaches and some of the friendliest people on the planet. What else do ya need? Of course some biting fish. Let me tell you where they will be this January.  Should be a fantastic month for both inshore and offshore.

The holiday season here has been a real delight (pun intended). Our waters are full of fish with, producing impressive catches of mahi-mahi, sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and snappers. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, we’ve got the know-how to help you hook your dream fish.  The fishing will be hot offshore and inshore action for shorter fishing adventures. So if you can't decide give me call toll free 800 4306048 for more info about fishing in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

January: A Fishing Haven
Winter in Puerto Vallarta is simply magical. Mornings greet us with cool breezes, starting around 65°F, while the afternoons warm up to a comfortable 78°F. The Pacific Ocean follows suit, staying between 65°F and 78°F—ideal conditions for both fish and anglers. Locals may call it “cold water,” but trust me, it’s just right for action-packed fishing adventures.  We call it cold water but in reality it never gets to cold here to jump in the water while fishing or snoreking here in our beautiful bay.  The water will be refreshing when you jump in but only for a minute.

While our friends that fish up north winterize their boats and hunker down, we’re just hitting our stride. The cooler waters of January bring some changes to the fishing scene. Big blue and black marlin have started migrating to warmer offshore waters, but fear not—their striped marlin cousins are here to fill the gap. Meanwhile, sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi are still lighting up the offshore action.

Closer to shore, amberjack, roosterfish, and snapper are providing plenty of thrills. Roosterfish, in particular, are a crowd favorite this time of year. Pro tip: Using a live Spanish mackerel as bait can be a game-changer when targeting these beauties. bait always works great in the winter season. Need more info just click here to find out availability. 
Bait Balls and Offshore Excitement
January also brings massive schools of sardines into the bay and offshore areas. These bait balls are a magnet for game fish, creating nonstop action for anglers lucky enough to find them. Watching predators like dorado and marlin attack a bait ball is an experience you’ll never forget—and it’s one that often leaves your arms sore from all the reeling!

When trolling offshore, we often rely on live baits like “Google eye” to attract striped marlin, dorado, and sailfish. The excitement of spotting a fin slicing through the water or a marlin breaching the surface is hard to match. Timing is key, and tide changes can turn a quiet day into a frenzy of activity. Keep an eye on the short rigger when trolling for those big marlin. They can be sneaky on the short line.
Best prices in Puerto Vallarta fishing adventures.

Inshore Opportunities
For those looking to stay closer to shore, inshore fishing is no less rewarding. With techniques like trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing, you can target species such as yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, California bonitas, and snapper. Our 6-hour bay trips are perfect for this type of adventure, while those craving even more action can opt for an 8-hour trip or multi-day offshore expeditions.

Whale Watching Bonus
As if the fishing weren’t enough, winter also brings humpback whales to Puerto Vallarta. Imagine fighting a massive fish while a 40-foot whale breaches nearby—it’s the kind of magic you can only experience here.

So, what are you waiting for? Come visit the friendliest port city in the world, where the fish are biting, the sun is shining, and every day feels like a holiday.
Merry Fishmas and Happy New Year!
https://www.travelvallarta.com

Captain Pete and Crew

 G'day all. Out of idle curiosity I'm just wondering whether anyone has used herring for bait up north with any success. Thanks, John.

 
Enjoy 

 Hi Anybody know of any outboard wreckers in WA. I have been on google and only found one place that is is still running. 

My 2004 yammy 150 four stroke has got a leaking fuel pressure regulator and good old yamaha australia have none in australia. If no second hand will get from the states. Needed a couple of bolts last year and had the same thing. About ten years ago needed bits for gearbox and the same thing.

 Anyone using or can recommend a good app to use while offroad. Looked at a few. Hard to know which is genuinely good. Cheers

 
Enjoy 

Hey all.

Just came across the Starlink Mini and am thinking about pulling the trigger.

 For the last 3 summers ive been trying to catch a metro spanish mack but no luck. I have been  trolling deep divers with a teaser at sun up and sun down in March,April, May in 20 - 25m north and south out of mindarie, two rocks and even west end caught tuna, sambos, yellow-tail kingfish and bonito but no mackies - have even seen mackies jump out of water in front of boat while trolling and still no hookups!!!  Gonna try trolling garfish for the first time this season. Pretty sure im doing everything right as this is what i do up north and catch plenty of spaniards -  anybody got any other tips  cheers

 Hi all,

Hoping someone can assist with an issue i have on with my anchor winch. I've had it for 12 years and it has never failed me. Until now. Problem-Motor works fine but the drum wont engage and spin under load. Light load its ok. I have half stripped it and found no issues so far.  I'm thinking that the worm drive on the motor shaft that drives the gearbox crown gear has stripped a retaining pin and it now slips. Has anyone had this issue or stripped a stress free anchor winch before. Stess Free dont open until the 13th Jan. Cheers in advance. Bunsen8

 Hit the beach round 4.30pm was a bit of weed

but me and my mate persisted. Whacked a few 

early with my mate getting a nice 50cm model. 
then they just switched. Got our bag before 

sundown . Freezer healthy for some late nights

with the heavy gear .. cheers pirate . 

 Hey there Fellow Fishos - love how this group is still running and you are all so supportive 

I know a heap of you guys have helped me out over the years thanks

Anyone interested the below links show you the starting point then the middle…The strip down started mid Jan 2024.
http://fishwrecked.com/forum/79-guardian-refurb
http://fishwrecked.com/forum/79-guardian-refurb-pt-2

So this is it, she is back on the water although there’s a bit of punch list in it still needs carpet, seats, access platform with ladder, bait board and some rod holders on the hard top would be nice also. I will fab these up next.
Last post finished with the floor all glassed in with 3 layers, next was to build the transom. Idea was a box with storage doors using the old engine well. The old seats were ok but wanted this higher to make putting on dive bottles easier plus better seating IMO…could take some cushion for those with a soft ass.
First I boxed it, had to fill a few gaps but no issues affecting the strength, the top piece slide in onto of the 50mm transom so was supported there, sides I glued and screwed some additional supports, bottom of engine well was boxed out also, all of this getting glued, screwed and glassed…actually every bit of this back section was pretty well glassed internal and external 2 – 3 layers, fair to say it’s a bit over the top being 18mm thick as a starting point. Additional 12mm thick pieces for the floor so when I screw in the battery boxes I’m not going through the floor. This getting flow-coated before the back board got jammed in and glassed also.

The cabin was pretty basic, like for like although I had to start again with the marine ply…not sure why but none of the old stuff would fit lol. The main front sections were 6 / 8mm previously and had all cracked away at the floor due to the movement of the cab and hardtop, so went 12mm with additional glass work to lock it all in.
I few extra gussets to the inside where it had cracked before from walking the outside for anchor recovery etc, same again glued then glassed in…absolute prick working overhead but it had to be done.

First more grinding and prep as the coating was next…given my time again more room would be needed and a spray finish, I reverted to a roller by hand which was hard work getting a good finish. Maybe due to my skill level at painting…yes it’s a trade for a reason…I opted for flowcoat mainly due to the fact I could get a larger quantity cheaper than paint, the only info I could find on float coat was it needs to be put on liberally in one coat. Otherwise, it needs to be cut back before a second coat. So, the floor for example down hand all good…this is easy looks great, trying to sort the sides and roof was a hassle, needs multiple coats as you can see what’s underneath. So extra work and more sanding…recon I did most of the internal and top half external 3 times…fk I was over it…tried different rollers etc…got half decent but not something you would buy from the shop…bit more a commercial / charter boat finish, but so be it, it’s a thick coat and its strong shit…can be cut back and polished if need be.

Next was gunnel rubber and fitting out the rails etc, left the gunnel rubber in the sun for a few hours…screwed it of and the starting point and got me old boy to pull and put a little stretch in it while I filled with marine sealant, bashed it on and applied tap…few spots not quit straight but again will blame the limited room…all in all was pretty happy with it. I got the fittings priced to be replated…$950… no thanks, I hit these with the wire wheel, coated with a can of clear from bunnings…not sure how long they will keep but its as good as it gets for now, the external gunnel pieces I went to nylon, cheap and UV stable, again will see how long they last. Re-use the internal timber…some not the best, quick sand and resin coat, they will do the job plus keep a bit of character.

Trailer…now I stripped this 3 odd years ago, hard the main frame HDG but the small components I dipped in pool acid and pained with cold zinc, so these were going to get HDG plus new springs and winch. I grinded and buffed all the smaller components before a photo and transport to Hartways in Canning Vale…fkn pain in the ass, took twice as long as stated and price went over what was quoted, absolute useless to deal with as well….fk I hate that!
Axels I hit with the grinder, then buff and rust buster a few times, came up pretty clean so a few coats applied, these at 40mm I’m not to worried about, actually had to cut and weld a stub end…bit of a process given the thickness but managed some pre heat and Low Hide electrodes so should be all good.
Cut the old rollers off also, went and bought some skids and what a difference sliding on and off…this with the new winch its easier than ever, love it!!

The windows…first I tried to find replacement seals to re-use the old aluminium frames but this was proving a little difficult, so closest was Sealed Marine in Bibra lake…at first I was little hesitant but by the end John was great…helped me with the DIY which Ill say was hard, not for everyone as he stated…he said most try then come back and we have to start from scratch and do it for them…but as much as a hassle as it was his product was great and so glad I went the way he suggested, this took a few visits, setting it all up…on the boat on my own, drill and add little screws, get all the angles and lengths the same, drop it off…pick it back up with the clears, fit all the seals then mount it on the boat, seal, rivet and bolts, was very trying I must say…but all going well no more leaks!

Pretty well copied the front structural supports like for like, but this time in 316, welded what I could as the price of bolts was adding up, rear bars I doubled up to a bit more what you see now days, so much more solid, most everything installed with OS washes and nylocs, keen to see how this goes but it feels a shit load stronger than original…and that lasted close to 40 years..hard top I had a few repairs, fill the old holes and add some flowcoat.

Wiring took some research, went dual batteries…jack frost last post coming in handy. Went 10 gauge wire, battery isolation switch with earth bar..nothing over the top but a shit load better than the mess it was, new switch panel is auto reset, all new lighting is LED…everything was soldered and heat shrink and tinned wire, this include the C / USB charging port the daughter requested..shit iPhone cant hold charge for a day….useless!!
Was pretty stoked everything worked straight up…no fires..YES winning, this deserves a beer…I’m fkn close now!!

So that was it…The Merc started straight up which was good, having pressure and temp issues now even after installing a new impeller kit, so that’s next get that sorted then get to work on the punch list items.
Generally pretty happy with it, tows a heap better, launching and retrieving so much easier, more fuel capacity for deeper trips, that transom should help getting the dive bottles on easier...ride wise yet to see, put a bit more weight into her for sure so keen to see how it handles in the chop and generally how it all holds up. Lost count of hours...cost over 8K...under 10.
Quick shout out to forum member Paul D again, pressed up me mud guards and supplied me bar work materials, bloke is a dead set legend, anyone needing any stainless sheeting works look up Perth Stainless service in Bibra lake, Paul's the man!

 
Enjoy 

 Thought I would start the new year with a trip out chasing Dhu and baldies.  Launched boat and newly refurbished Furuno 585 blew a fuse with no spare at 4am at the ramp.  Headed off anyway figuring I could fish sounder "blind" just heading to some of my marks on the Garmin GPS, as we passed the GI Carnac channel zoomed the GPS out to select a destination......only to find it had totally wiped ALL of my marks acquired painstakingly over 10 to 15 years.  Hmmm, 2025 conspiring against me. With me was a rank newbie......"we" caught fish, well he did, I didn't have a bite all day.

Can I start this year again please

 A whole crayfish caught yesterday morning,  the number of crays eaten is starting to add up, could be some gout coming. 

Removed

Here's a quick vid of these sharks

youtu.be/BFdm81Y85VM

 
Enjoy 

Does anyone know if the crabs have started running in Swan - heard rumour they are?? 

 All

As per subject, due to unforseen circumstances, seeking a deckie from Augusta/Hamelin Bay between about 28th Dec & 3rd Jan. Have a (rebuilt) penguin huntress which you will find to be a capable boat.

Message me if interested, cheers, Lastcast.

Hey folks, just did up a little video of how I go about mounting fish jaws - this one is a 70cm jack that's been sitting in the freezer for months...

            https://youtu.be/XzorIDE4K54?si=Blvkze4o3AdWj_RX

cheers,

Steve

 
Enjoy