Ken A

I am a huge fan of Dizzy but remember who he is batting against

If you are being charged more than $17 for an SX-40 or 48 you are getting a raw deal.

My Penn Internationals 30-50 & my Certate 2000

There is a section up the top of the page called Site News & Information. It contains things like the site rules & information on posting pictures. It is rarely viewed at all but this thread on how to post pictures is there Posting Pictures

I meant retreive it against the current. Works for me

Some nasty looking greenbacks there Clutch

Ecogear SX-40's & 48's are probably the most effective HB around for bream. I had most success by using a pause. Just one turn of the handle then a couple seconds pause then continue. I mainly fished them against the current also which allows for very slow retreives. Here's a 40+cm fish taken on the SX-40 in colour 306

I wish

I'd be interested to see it myself Bob.

Take a look at this article in the Sydney Morning Herald. Here's a quote from it Here is a link to the full article Fish Stocks

With most of its flow diverted through the Snowy Mountains Scheme for a period of nearly 40 years, the Snowy River’s native fish populations have been greatly changed. The native fish normally found in pools such as river blackfish and some migratory fish such as Australian bass have all but disappeared from the main stem of the river, particularly in the NSW reaches up to Jindabyne Dam. As an integral part of works being undertaken by the NSW Government to rehabilitate the Snowy River in parallel with environmental flows from Jindabyne Dam, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries is developing a strategy for native fish recovery in the Snowy River below Jindabyne Dam, in NSW and Victoria. Senior conservation manager with NSW DPI, Allan Lugg, said the strategy outlined a number of actions that could be carried out to improve fish populations, including surveys to locate fish, improvement of fish habitat, improvement of fish passage through barriers, and ways of boosting ailing fish populations. He said that while all of the species thought to be originally present in the Snowy River have been recorded in various parts of the river catchment, the numbers of native fish have declined and the distribution of populations contracted. Several fish are identified as important indicators for the recovery of the Snowy River. Mr Lugg said one of these was the river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), a medium-sized fish, with a smooth mottled skin that is claimed as an important cultural fish for Aboriginal people. 'Blackfish became a local dietary mainstay for Snowy River pioneers, with old-timers recalling the ease with which they could catch a string of blackfish for the family supper. 'Blackfish are known to be largely sedentary, living their lives in a single water hole, and breeding in hollow logs or similar protected cavities,' he said. Mr Lugg said these days blackfish were thought to only inhabit the very upper reaches of the Delegate River catchment. 'Factors contributing are likely to include changes to in-stream habitat; with less river flow and clean water, deeper pools filled-in by sand and mud, increased water temperatures, a lack of hollow logs to breed in, and possibly a disproportionate increase in populations of predatory fish such as eels,' he said. Mr Lugg said the draft Snowy River fish recovery strategy identified an opportunity to reinforce and extend blackfish populations from tributaries back into the main Snowy River, at the same time as water quality improves with increased Snowy environmental flows, and river habitat is rehabilitated with willow control, livestock management, and in-stream re-vegetation. He said the aim was to increase river blackfish populations by either adding artificial spawning tubes to increase breeding rates in streams where blackfish currently exist, and then translocating young fish to other suitable areas of habitat, or by breeding blackfish in hatcheries for release. 'Large scale captive breeding of river blackfish has never been achieved before so the Snowy program has a unique opportunity to develop the technology and re-introduce young blackfish to suitable places in the Snowy River. 'The starting point for blackfish recovery is to better understand the current distribution and density of river blackfish populations throughout the Snowy River catchment, that is, the Snowy River and its main tributaries in NSW below Jindabyne Dam,' he said. During the summer months, a NSW DPI Fisheries team has been working with the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, and local fishing clubs to survey the extent of river blackfish in the Snowy tributaries. 'At the same time, some fish will be moved from large wild populations to NSW DPI Narrandera Fisheries Centre to hopefully breed and produce young fish for re-introduction to the Snowy,' Mr Lugg said. This work, funded by NSW Premier’s Department’s Snowy River Recovery project, is extending the range of survey into some small mountain rivers that have not before been surveyed by modern methods. To do this, Mr Lugg said some innovative techniques have had to be developed, such as the use of a National Parks and Wildlife Service helicopter to winch fish survey teams and their survey equipment into remote and otherwise inaccessible streams. The teams of two carry backpack electro-fishing gear that is used to gently stun and catch fish and record their details, before they are released back into their pool. Using these methods, the survey team have confirmed that river blackfish have retreated to the Delegate River catchment, although other native species such as Tupong were caught and measured in Snowy tributary rivers within Kosciuszko National Park. Meanwhile the NSW DPI blackfish breeding team at Narrandera have been preparing for the arrival of some special new residents. The survey team will locate suitable brood blackfish from the Snowy River and transport them to the new facilities, where the fish managers will work to encourage the fish to breed. 'If we can breed the fish in good numbers it will be a breakthrough in native fish conservation, and be a quicker and more efficient way of re-stocking the Snowy River than through translocating wild fish,' Mr Lugg said. Media contact: Sarah Chester on 02 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669. Photos available.

The age-old Aboriginal stone fish traps on Arrawara Headland are to be brought back into use by the local Indigenous community. Traditional trapping will begin at Easter, coinciding with tidal and moon phases. 'The Garby Elders and the local Yarrawarra Aboriginal people have a strong association with Arrawarra Headland,' said Solitary Islands Marine Park acting manager Nicola Jonhstone. 'The use of marine plants and animals from this site for food, medicines and ceremony encourages good health, while also ensuring traditional practices are passed on to the younger generation. 'The original Marine Reserve zoning scheme in 1991 prohibited the taking or harming of any plants or animals from this area. 'Those provisions were altered in 2002 and a new zoning scheme now provides for traditional use and research at this site.' Ms Johnstone said a conservation plan had now been developed. 'The methods of collection in this special purpose zone are limited to traditional methods only, namely, the use of the fish trap, hand collection, traditional hand spear and line fishing,' Ms Johnstone said. Only the elders listed in the plan are permitted to use the fish traps or collect shellfish. 'We hope that the reintroduction of traditional use of natural resources at Arrawarra Headland is well received by the local community,' Ms Johnstone said. Advisory signs will be erected in the vicinity of the fish traps highlighting the cultural significance and traditional use of the area. Local residents have also received information regarding the intended use. Ms Johnstone said that the usual bag and size limits in the Fisheries Management Act 1994, that apply to fishing, still apply to the fish caught in the traps. 'Only species listed in the conservation plan are to be targeted,' Ms Johnstone said. Ms Johnstone said the traps had been altered over the years by non-Aboriginal people and by natural forces, and some remediation may be necessary. This would be done under the guidance of the local Aboriginal elders and performed to best archaeological practice following an environmental impact assessment. Media contact: Howard Spencer on 02 6656 8800 or 0428 696672. News editors: Representatives of the Aboriginal community and the Solitary Islands Marine Park will be available for interview about 1.30pm on Thursday, 13 April, at the Arrawarra picnic area at the end of Arrawarra Road, Arrawarra. The formal announcement of the plan will begin at noon.

Fishers along the coast can win a reward, learn something interesting and help increase the survival rates of caught-and-released fish, if they’re lucky enough to land a tagged yellowfin bream, trevally or mulloway. The program is part of a NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Recreational Fishing Trusts initiative to learn more about where hooked-and-released fish end up, and how they fare compared to other fish. Somewhere between six and eight thousand tagged yellowfin bream, silver trevally and mulloway will be used in the research project. Many of the fish were caught by around 70 anglers in 35 boats who took part in the organised fishing events in Botany Bay over the last two weekends. These fish, along with those already collected by researchers, were measured and weighed, then tagged and released. These fish could end up anywhere along the east coast, so it will be a great help to our knowledge base if they are caught and the information is passed on to NSW DPI. If fishers catch one of the tagged fish, we need to know the date, location of capture, the fisher’s name, address and telephone number and the tag details. Dr Paul Butcher, a DPI scientist with the Fisheries Conservation Technology Unit, said any recreational or commercial fishers who report their catches of tagged fish will be rewarded with a $10 gift voucher for each tagged fish, and will also be given details on where and when their fish was first released and how much it subsequently grew. The fish are easy to identify. They each have a yellow plastic tag with the words 'NSW DPI Coffs Hrb', a fish code number, and a telephone number 02 6648 3910. This research is part of a three-year project, funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust and NSW DPI, aimed at developing handling techniques and best practices to ensure survival rates of fish which are caught and then released. Funds raised from the recreational fishing licence are placed into saltwater and freshwater Recreational Fishing Trusts, and can only be spent on projects to improve recreational fishing. 'This project is another great example of licence fees at work to improve recreational fishing in NSW,' Dr Butcher said. Those lucky enough to land a tagged fish should freeze the special catch with tag and then contact Dr Butcher as soon as possible on 02 6648 3910 or 0438 950 838 or paul.butcher@dpi.nsw.gov.au or any NSW DPI Fisheries office.

Is that how you got the idea for this post ?

If you need info on posting pics it can be found in the "Site News & Info" section which is HERE. There is info on how to post pics - maximum pic size etc etc

Commercial fishermen and the broader community in NSW are being encouraged to comment on a draft strategy for the future of the Ocean trap and Line Fishery. The Draft Fishery Management Strategy and an associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the fishery will help ensure that it is environmentally sustainable and can continue to support hundreds of jobs along the coast. This draft management strategy is a major step forward for the Ocean Trap and Line Fishery, which operates from Tweed Heads to Eden and from the coastline seaward to approximately 80 nautical miles offshore. This draft strategy contains a range of proposals aimed at developing a more secure, profitable and sustainable industry. Minister Macdonald said the draft strategy and EIS had been carefully prepared following extensive consultation with fishers, industry representatives and other stakeholder groups. It’s now up to the community to have its say about the proposed changes and the issues arising from the EIS. As part of the consultation process, all NSW Ocean Trap and Line fishers have been sent a copy of the draft management strategy and an overview of the full EIS for their comment. Anyone with an interest in this particular fishery is encouraged to read the draft strategy and the associated environmental assessment. Some of the key actions proposed by the strategy include: * The design and implementation of an observer program, to document the degree of interactions with non-retained and threatened species. * The development of effort targets to be achieved over a ten-year period. * The implementation of fish escape panels in fish traps to minimise by-catch and the retention of small fish. * The implementation of the exclusive use of circle hooks for all unattended line fishing methods to reduce the chances of gut hooking non-retained fish. * The continuation of a catch monitoring program to support an assessment of the status of the stocks of the main species taken in the fishery. * The implementation of a minimum size limit for wobbegong sharks (initially at 130 cm), and an adjustment of the size limit based on research results. * The development and implementation of a recovery program for selected species determined as overfished, such as gemfish and snapper. * The implementation of changes to reduce the impact of the fishery on grey nurse sharks, including prohibiting the use of wire traces on bottom setlines and working with Ocean Trap and Line fishers to develop appropriate arrangements to close key grey nurse shark areas to commercial fishing. The EIS will be on public display during normal office hours from 23 March to 21 April 2006 at all previous coastal NSW Fisheries offices (now part of the NSW Department of Primary Industries), on the DPI website (www.dpi.nsw.gov.au) and at the following locations: * The head office and regional offices of the Department of Planning * The NSW Government Information Service in Sydney * The Sydney office of the Total Environment Centre (NSW) Pty Ltd * Principal Council offices of local government areas in which the activity is proposed to take place (Councils/Shires in coastal areas and most Sydney metropolitan Councils). Complimentary printed copies of the overview paper and printed or CD copies of the full EIS (at $25 per copy incl. GST) can be obtained by phoning 1300 550 474 during office hours. How to lodge a written submission: Write to: Ocean Trap and Line Fishery Environmental Impact Statement Submission NSW Department of Primary Industries PO Box 21 Cronulla NSW 2230 Fax to (02) 9527 8576 (marked “Attention: Ocean Trap and Line Fishery EIS”) Email to: otl.eis@dpi.nsw.gov.au If people wish their submission to remain confidential, the submission should be so marked. The closing date for submissions is 21 April 2006.

Here is the March Winner of Fish of the Month. This great Flathead taken by Keenist.

Maybe you could share some of your expertise with us lesser fisherman Jewman70.

1st place goes to baldjamie for this 170cm/55kg fish taken on a 400g jig The 2nd mark to beat for Samson fish is this 138cm model taken by Bear

Here is the April Catch of the Month A great Jewfish taken by Wayneo

Those fish are in guys. It's open until midnight.

There will be a poll set up for voting on Saturday (1st) that will be open for voting for 1 week. All entries will have a number placed under the picture so you choose your fish of the month & go to the poll & select that number. I have removed all posts in this thread except for actual entries to make it easier & quicker to view for voters. This thread will close at midnight tonight so if there are any last minute entries get them in before then.

A manager has been appointed to the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park. Max Haste has over 20 years experience in natural resource management, including eleven years management experience in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, four years in charge of Fraser Island and, most recently, District Manager for CALM in Broome, WA with major involvement in the management of Rowley Shoals Marine Park. With the assistance of the Marine Park Advisory Committee, Max will be responsible for the day to day planning and management of the Park. The 21 members of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park Advisory Committee are currently using the preliminary working map to develop the draft zoning plan for the park. Once in agreement they will advise government and the Marine Parks Authority. Once a draft has been finalised the public will be given three months to comment. During this time marine park staff will arrange meetings with interested groups to discuss the draft plan. This is another example of the open and transparent nature of the government process in relation to the creation of the marine park. To date, there has been widespread community consultation with more than 50 meetings held with various groups, including commercial and recreational fishers, Aboriginal groups, focus groups, game fishing clubs, local council, tourism operators, other stakeholders and community information sessions. In addition more than 2000 public surveys are being examined by the advisory committee in developing the draft zoning plan. The Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park will protect some of the state’s most important estuarine systems, while allowing for fishing and other recreational and commercial activities. The 97,200 ha multi-use Marine Park will protect important areas of marine habitat and provide a significant tourism and economic boost for the Port Stephens area. For more information on marine parks in NSW go to www.mpa.nsw.gov.au Media Contact: Kelly Stevens 8289 3949 or 0438 247 571

The new mark to beat for Samson Fish on bait is 27kg (60lb) and an estimated 150cm, taken by stinger in Albany, WA. Report here The new 2nd place mark to beat for Samsonfish is 93cm, taken by Browndog1 livebaiting off the Tweed. The 3rd mark to beat to beat for Samson fish is 80cm taken by Tony Soprano on a squid strip. 4th place is a 60cm Samson fish taken by kingy kid on live squid.

The mark to beat for Dhufish is 75cm taken by Tony Soprano on pilchard