Just getting a more wide opinion for these two reels compared with eachother.

The Okuma Eclipz bait run style fishing reel is a heavy duty saltwater bait feeder reel with stainless steel gears, a sealed drag, and 5 ball bearings including one as the roller bearing. Gear ratio is 4.5:1 and this model being the Okuma Eclipz 90 bait runner has a line capacity of 450 metres of 10kg line or 370 metres of 12kg Fishing Line. RRP $175

The Shimano 6500 Bait runner fishing reel has 4 anti rust ball bearings, a gear ratio of 4.2:1 and a line capacity of 270 yards of 20lb line, 230 yards of 25lb line or 185 yards of 30lb fishing line. RRP $259

I own 2 Okuma Epix EB20 Baitrunners and 1 EB40 for bream and general purpose, wanting to purchase another Baitrunner for some serious livebaiting for a trip through the pilbara, gnaraloo, steep point, quobba ect. I kinder leaning towards the Okuma Eclipze after owning 3 atm and havnt had a drama with them and rate the reels highly...

What does everyone else think?? All comments welcome.

Cheers.

Deano

Can any body advise me on how much it costs for a good s/hand Reef Master winch

Gday people. 

Heading off tomorrow bright and early for a roadtrip to Tasmania.  I am taking the laptop and digital camera with me and will endeavor to put up photos and post from major centres.  We are camping on the road for the majority of the time.

Vehicle: 1987 BJ74 Toyota Landcruiser Mid Wheel Base 3.4lt Turbo Diesel. Fuel Economy around town over the last 6 tanks is 610km+ per 70ltr tank or 8.71 km per litre. Diesel estimates for 9000km round trip at 1.30$ per litre = 14.75 tanks = $1342.62 in diesel.

Equip: Car Log book, Trip(Fishing) Log book, Bushman Car fridge, dome tent, air mattress, ground canvas tarp, sleeping bags, folding chairs, camp table, gas stove and bottle, gas lantern, shovel, axe, waeco 12v car kettle, camp food, clothes, doormat for tent, 12 string Maton Guitar. New Kenwood Car Stereo with 6" 4 ways in the rear and 5 1/4"  with component tweeters in the front. 2x 6' 4kg outfits for fishing on the road, bucket, small tackle box and knives.

Our plan is Perth to somewhere past Balladonia and camp, then onto Ceduna to camp.  In Ceduna fish from the town jetty that night/next morning.  On the road to Victoria harbour for a day or two (Fish somewhere) muck around in Mclaren Vale then onto Adelaide and then Melbourne where we are staying with family.

In Melbourne going to visit the Maton Guitar Factory for a guided tour, seeing Wicked the Musical and sightseeing, then flying to Launceston while My girlfriends mum and Aunty take the cars across Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania.  11 days cruising all over Tasmania (Sure to find some fishing in there somewhere!) then we take the cars back on the Ferry and then repeat the trip back.

Have I forgotten anything important?

Speak to you from the road:D

I know the soft Richters have a pretty strong following here, but I'd be interested to know of any other lures/colours that people run for marlin/sails etc with success (particularly exmouth I guess). 

I used to buy squid tubes from the supermarket and then sliced them up in strips for bait.  Any leftover bait from the fishing trip will be put in the home freezer to be used again for the next fishing trip.   Is this a good practice?  Is there any difference from buying squid from a supermarket (fit for human consumption) as to buying squid bait (not for human consumption) from a fishing tackle shop?  My fishing success is nothing to brag about.

The State Government will canvas support for more boat pens at Geraldton and Exmouth to meet demand for moorings from recreational boaters in these regional areas.

Officially opening 67 new pens at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said expressions of interest would soon be called for 50 new pens at the Batavia Coast Marina and 44 pens at Exmouth Boat Harbour.

Mr O'Brien said both proposed construction projects would rely on boaters prepaying mooring pen licence fees - a similar funding arrangement for the new state-of-the-art pens at Fremantle.

The Minister said the success of the $3 million Fremantle project, which saw the highly sought-after pens allocated by public ballot, had cleared the way for duplicate projects in the regions.

“Growth in the recreational boating sector in recent years has increased demand for mooring facilities throughout the State and there are long waiting lists for pens at the Batavia Coast Marina and Exmouth Boat Harbour," he said.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney welcomed the State Government’s decision to examine the issue and said that the Geraldton boating community would welcome the enhanced infrastructure.

“These new initiatives come only two weeks after the State Government announced that an additional $390,000 will be invested in Geraldton to improve traffic flow and parking at Batavia Marina,” Mr Blayney said.

"I am proud to be a part of a Government that is continually seeking to improve boating facilities for the region.”

Mr O’Brien said during the past 10 years the number of larger registered vessels measuring more than 7.5m in length has increased from 4,000 in 1998 to 7,200 in 2008 - an increase of 3,200 vessels or more than 40 per cent.

Department of Transport projections show that with sustained high growth in the sector by 2025 the number of these vessels could double.

"The Department of Transport will advertise next month for expressions of interest in the new pens at Geraldton and Exmouth and people will be asked to make a financial commitment and clarify the size of pen required," the Minister said.

“The department will assess the level of commitment from potential penholders and establish the scale of each project.

“Tenders will be called for the design and construction of the pens based on the information received."

People wanting further information about the project can contact the department on 9216 8876.

Research project aims to help in long-term protection of coastal fishery

The State Government has given a $660,000 research boost, through the Natural Resource Management policy, into coastal finfish species.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said rising concern about the status of species such as herring, tailor and whiting had prompted moves to assess the current situation more fully.

“Fish species such as herring, tailor and whiting are the life-blood of recreational fishing,” Mr Moore said.

“Knowing more about the status of these fish stocks fish will help the Department of Fisheries make better management decisions.

“Ensuring the sustainable management of these near shore species will help give ongoing support to the people who use these fisheries for recreational and business purposes.”

The Minister said the social, economic and environmental benefits of these near shore fisheries played a big role in Western Australia’s important tourism industry.

He said the research project would form the basis of developing an integrated, long-term, monitoring program for key species along the west and south coasts.

“It is important to understand that recent changes to regulations governing fishing for demersal species such as pink snapper and dhufish may result in an increased fishing effort for near shore species such as herring and whiting,” Mr Moore said.

“Under this new project, researchers will work with key recreational and commercial bodies (including Rechfishwest and the WA Fishing Industry Council) and universities to collect data and set up sampling programs for near shore species.
“They will study the factors influencing indicator species like herring, tailor and whiting and investigate how such factors impact on stock levels.

“It is important that any fishing effort shift resulting from the current need to reduce the take of offshore species will not exacerbate the decline in near shore species.”

The Minister did not rule out imposing further restrictions on the fishery should the research project confirm anecdotal evidence that coastal fish stocks were under increased pressure.

The State Government has announced significant new rules to protect Western Australia’s most popular recreational fisheries, including new licences and further restrictions.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said more restrictions on popular demersal (bottom dwelling) scalefish and some nearshore species as well as changes to the recreational licence system were needed to ensure the sustainability of WA’s fish stocks.

Mr Moore said there was wide recognition in Government and the community that significant parts of WA’s fisheries were at risk of collapse and needed greater protection.

He said revenue raised from the new licensing system would be quarantined in a recreational fishing trust and only spent on matters related to recreational fishing.

“The Government will not reduce its current level of funding for recreational fishing to offset the rise in funding from the new fishing licenses,” the Minister said.

“We want greater protection for our fish stocks. This new management regime is crucial to ensure WA maintains a high quality and sustainable recreational fishery.

“Scientific evidence overwhelmingly indicates that our fisheries are at risk unless immediate action is taken. The commercial sector has already addressed this issue and now it is time for the recreational fishing sector to do its part.”

Mr Moore said that in the past decade, population growth and the greater use of equipment such as global positioning systems and echo sounders had made a huge impact on fish stocks.

He said experts agreed that the Department of Fisheries had to provide more rigorous compliance, greater research and better management measures to help maintain the sustainability of the fisheries.

Independent management and science reviews of West Coast demersal scalefish had led to the State Government’s latest decision.

“The independent reviews that I commissioned on becoming Minister for Fisheries have confirmed departmental advice that stocks of popular demersal species, such as dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper, are over-fished,” he said.

“The experts agree that a demersal scalefish catch reduction of at least 50 per cent is required by the recreational fishing sector.

“Management changes to take effect from mid-October this year see the introduction of two new recreational licences.

“From mid-October, people fishing from a boat anywhere in the State (including those fishing from charter boats) will need a $30 licence and people targeting demersal scalefish will need an additional, specific, demersal licence.

“Therefore, anyone fishing for demersal scalefish from a boat in the West Coast bioregion will need both a boat fishing licence and a demersal licence.

“This new West Coast demersal licence will cost $20 for one day, $60 for a fortnight or $150 annually to fish for any of the listed species.

“The current 50 per cent discount on all licences for pensioners and children under 16 will continue to apply.”

The Minister said that a two-month ban on recreational fishing for species on the West Coast bioregion demersal scalefish list would also apply from October 15 to December 15 each year.

“Information obtained from licence holders will help the Department of Fisheries improve its capacity to monitor and manage the fisheries,” he said.

“However, to make it clear, the licences only apply to individuals fishing from boats. People fishing from beaches or jetties and shore-based crab fishers will not need a licence except where existing licences already apply.”

The recreational boat fishing licence will apply State-wide for any form of fishing where a boat is used, including:

line fishing (handline, rod, squid jigging)
catching crabs
spearfishing
octopus trapping
dip netting for prawns
any wading, diving or angling to catch fish, crabs or shellfish are taken where a boat is used to access the fishing location.

The new West Coast demersal licence will apply in the West Coast bioregion which extends from Black Point, east of Augusta, to the Zuytdorp Cliffs north of Kalbarri.

Mr Moore said new precautionary measures were also needed to address the way changes to demersal scalefish arrangements would be likely to shift the recreational fishing focus onto nearshore fish species like herring and tailor.

“The new mixed bag limit for lower risk category three fish in the West Coast bioregion will drop from 40 per angler to 30 and for medium risk category two fish from 16 to 12,” he said.

“Increased research is vital in monitoring the sustainability of all species. Revenue raised by the new licences will help fund this research and support more compliance, enforcement and education programs.

“The State Government will continue to apply a fee to each of the following existing licences: rock lobster, abalone, marron, freshwater angling and recreational netting - but the fee will rise to a standard $45 for each type of fishing.

“This will provide consistency in fees between different recreational fishing activities following the removal of the existing ‘umbrella’ licence and provide for improved data collection for the purposes of additional research and management.”

Further detailed information is available at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au

http://www.clipaday.com/videos/redneck-fishing

Have a look at these idiot catching catfish, LMAO

Neels

HEY GUYS GREAT SITE...

AM IN THE PROCESS OF FINALLY BUYING A DECENT SURF COMBO 11-12 FOOT ROD ..WITH A DECENT REEL WAS THINKING UGLY STICK SHIMANO COMBO BUT WOULD LOVE SOME FEEDBACK FROM PEOPLE IN THE KNOW ..LOOKING AT SPENDING UP TO $500 ISH GIVE OR TAKE $100.....ANY HELP WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED ..CHEERS ...

Has anyone had any experience with the range of lures that contain EChips.
According to the marketing the rapid shaking of the EChip in the head of the lure loads the water around the lure with electric pulses that fish cannot ignore, resulting in more strikes.

I have been catching a few to many brown spotted and western king wrasse lately.  Has anyone had much luck using these as baits. I am thinking about scaling and filleting them and going deep sea bottom bouncing. Has anyone had any luck using these baits?

Environment Minister Donna Faragher will today announce the final stage in the creation of Western Australia’s first marine park in the south coast.

The Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is the 13th marine conservation area in the State but the first to be created since 2004.

Situated about 450km south of Perth, the marine park encompasses the 100-hectare Walpole Inlet, the 1,300-hectare Nornalup Inlet and the tidal reaches of the Frankland, Deep and Walpole rivers.

Mrs Faragher said the quiet nature, abundant wildlife and scenic quality of the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park provided a wealth of opportunities for nature appreciation.

“Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is a spectacularly scenic area, largely surrounded by the Walpole-Nornalup National Park where tall forest meets the sea,” she said.

“A major attraction of the inlet system for visitors is the perception of remoteness that can be experienced, particularly in parts of the Nornalup Inlet and the Frankland and Deep rivers.

“Tour boats operating from the town of Walpole allow visitors to experience the marine park’s stunning scenery and get up close to wildlife.

“The permanent opening to the sea, the mixing of fresh and salt water and the dynamic sandy deltas of the marine park create a distinctive habitat for more than 40 fish species, including larger fish such as sharks, which are uncommon in other inlets.”

Seagrasses, algae, a diverse range of shellfish and other animals also live on the marine park’s floor, including some prawn species, the blue swimmer crab and mud burrowing crab.

A wide range of waterbirds also use the marine park. Pelicans, gulls and terns are abundant, and shearwaters, gannets and albatrosses are regularly seen. Ospreys and white-bellied sea eagles can be seen flying over the inlet waters in their hunt for fish. Migratory and Australian shorebirds use the tidal delta flats to probe for worms and small shells and crabs that make their home underground.

“The entire Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is zoned for recreation which allows for recreational fishing to occur in all areas,” the Minister said.

“This zoning will allow uses of the marine park to be managed in an equitable, integrated and sustainable manner by the departments of Environment and Conservation and Fisheries and present opportunities for the local community and visitors to contribute to the management of this important addition to the State’s marine parks and reserves system.”

Mrs Faragher also recognised the unique natural environment of the south coast region between Manjimup and Denmark with the release of a management plan for the Walpole Wilderness area.

“The establishment of the marine park and development of management plans for the marine and terrestrial areas recognise the important ecological and recreational values this region has within the local community,” she said.

These look awesome!

http://www.duel.co.jp/english/products/lineup/y_squid/aurie_q_ace/index.html

If you have them, or can get them, please let me know how much they retail for, as I would like the GEP & GEBD colours in the 2.5 size.

Cheers.

Hey all jiggers

Looking at the shimano tcurve jigg spinn 2peice  rod 8-17kg to pair up with the  twinpower 6000 running 30lb braid.

Any one got this set up or can sugest something diff and less expenz.

The tcurve has a bit of flex and recon i could us for casting poppers

Aquagenes

I have just been thinking about helping the flats guy out going to Denham. I wouldn't go anywhere up here near Karratha without a Tango Dancer by Cultiva. It out fishes every other surface lure by miles with GTs, Queenies, Jacks and the rest of the brigade lining them up.

I am originally from Mandurah (Parkridge) and wondered what they would be like in the Cut etc on Tailor.

Has anybody tried this lure on tailor down south.

Cheers

Neels

Has anyone been down to any of the local beaches over the last 24 hours. I am wondering what beaches have been weeded up and what beaches are looking okay? Any help would be greatly appreciated,

All the best, Colin Hay

Well its the end of yet another Crayseason but geez November comes around quickly again!

Basically 4 more months & its back on again. Nows certainly the time to SAVE $$$ and be ready for November. That will also give you time to soak the pots in the rain and @ Oceanside Tackle and Marine we have a few left and running them out!

They are;

* Locally made by an ex-crayfisherman

* Jarrah frame for strength & Pine slatz for better craycatches

* Trapdoor for easy release of crays/ockys/wobbys etc

* Briddle rope attached

Normally $140  

* Runout Special * Less 20% OFF so $112 (Limited numbers)

* Special price available until stocks all sold out!

This is how to fish. LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us8BO_EIrGY

Cheers

Neels

I will be in town this weekend for the first time in about 4 weeks and what is even better is that I should have time to go fishing.  Not sure what is about at the moment but I havea few options:

1 - Go down south and chase some trout in the rivers.  I know over east in the mountains the trout really get on the chew after some rain but I am not sure about WA.  I would assume most river systems would silt up and make fishing crap. What are the dams like after the big rains - places like Harvey or Stirling??

2 - Stay in Perth and go fishing in the sound or the mole for some squid or even a decent reddie - along with everyone else in perth :-)  or fish in the river for some bream or the like.

3 - Go up or down the coast looking for fish - what is running at the moment and whereabouts.

Your comments/help on any of these would be appreciated.  I dont get many weekends to myself in Perth and want to make the most of it.

Gus

Just an idea about the karratha fishwreck crew ALL getting together for a few beers so that we all can put names to faces.

I have met some and would enjoy to meet the rest.

Dont be shy as I REALY enjoy a beer

hello every one going up to shark bay in a few days and looking for some info on the flats fishing up there i will be shore based so im looking at a place where i can do some wading while flicking lures i was looking at chaseing flathead and yellowfin whiting mostly but i wouldnt mind getting into some yellowfin bream and tailor or even pink snapper.

also what lures would you use up there fishing the flats in mind (soft plastics hardbodys).

cheers Ethan

hey guys

i am doing a school project on aquaculture and i have chosen the topic on finding out how and where theys fish get farmed 

i am trying to work out how they are farmed  and what are the effects on the enviroment 

if anybody has any good sites would be gr8

cheers 

dane

G'day All,

With the weather finally settling down this weekend ive got to get out for a fish!!

If anyone has a spare spot it would be much appreciated.Im Happy to pay for fuel.

either way its cheaper than a charter..

Cheers,

Chris

Responsibility for an area of great heritage significance was handed to its traditional owners today at a ceremony at an ancient Aboriginal site in Albany.

The fish traps at Oyster Harbour have been managed by the National Trust since 1966 when they were under threat from development. They are part of a much larger area where local Noongar people have been gathering for at least 7,500 years. In 1791, Captain George Vancouver noted them on an exploration expedition.

The fish traps consist of eight weirs that extend along the north end of Oyster Harbour. They are made from thousands of stones in which branches are positioned vertically, then horizontally to trap fish when the tide recedes. The fish are then speared.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames said that by handing the ownership and management of the site to the Albany Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation, the State was preserving a piece of Australia’s cultural heritage for all.

“Working with the Department of Indigenous Affairs, the City of Albany, South Coast Natural Resource Management, Green Corps and the National Trust, the Albany Heritage Reference Group will be developing a community management plan for the fish traps,” Dr Hames said.

Heritage Minister John Castrilli said the site held special significance because it was the first heritage place vested in the National Trust of Australia (WA).

“It gives me great pleasure to join with the Minister for Indigenous Affairs as we pass the responsibility for the Oyster Harbour Fish Traps and reserve to the Albany Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation and the traditional owners of Menang country,” Mr Castrilli said.

“This most valuable and unique site has been passed to the traditional owners to enable its conservation and interpretation as a cultural heritage educational resource for the local community.”

Dr Rosalind Lawe Davies, vice president of the National Trust, said her board was extremely pleased that this most valuable and unique Aboriginal site had been passed to the traditional custodians.

“This move will enable conservation and interpretation of the site as a cultural heritage educational resource for the local community,” Dr Lawe Davies said.

Seems like an interesting concept. Anybody targeted tings on poppers before? If so, would love to hear what poppers work, what don't or preferred size poppers (40, 50mm?), preferred leader size, water depth and retrieve styles.

Any help appreciated.

Sunday and Monday? I flew up Friday and while Saturday was a bit crappy, Sunday and yesterday looked brilliant - and a lot of boats on the road. As is normal, i never saw water other than from the plane - that makes Exmouth, Broome, Kununurra and Karratha in the last few months and managed a quick fish only once in Kununurra. I hope the Karratha guys did well.

My mate has a brocken leg and i so he cant go beach fishing in the holidays... so i was wondering if anybody knows what is the best metro jetty to go to.... one which you could catch some reasonable fish... please tell me the jetty and what sort of fish you could catch..

Thanks

need some help. started making some popper's at school this morning and want to finish them in tomorrows lession and paint them on friday just wondering if anybody has any suggestions as how to attach trebbels. I was thinking of either drilling a hole through each sepparatly that ran from the mouth to the tail but not sure how i would attach one under the belly? or cutting the lure in half and chisle out a path for the wire tracer putting it in then glu the lure back together? just wondering how people make there lure's? all comment's appreciated
Thank's in advance

Theres no doubt "deepwater" bottom fishing or jigging is gaining in popularity especially with Kaseys awesome WAFM article just being released.

Sometimes it can be physically demanding out there but the rewards are well worth it. One way to reduce that effort is to look at your fishing gear indepth. One thing that is often overlooked is rods, technology has taken us forward and rods now are being purpose built & more advanced!

Honsu & myself have looked hard at whats New and available on todays market. Through Honsu's wealth of knowledge, he has fine tuned it to a few rods.

One standout rod that i've just bought for myself and we are now stocking is the HR "Top Gun Deep" jig rods. These rods are 5ft in length which gives the angler far more leverage. The rod is rated to PE8 (80lb) and 500gm+ jigs. They have quality components like Fuji SiC guides and tip, Fuji reel seat with locking nut and heavy duty Fuji Gimbal etc.

These are the "BIG GUN" rods for deepwater jigging/fishing but been parabolic action it does all the hard work for you, NOT the other way round.

Normally $499, FW Special $449 (Available in Overhead & Spin)

* Limited Numbers *