macca02

Most likely this: I always run long leaders anywhere from 1- 5 to metres for all my outfits (from 3lb to 50lb), so i don't think thats an issue - as long as you're using a suitable knot for line size and trimming your tag ends close (especially the mono) then it shouldn't be an issue. I spin with 30lb braid & 20lb fluoro leader off the beach, i use a double uni and this casts through the guides fine without any clunking (though any leader over 20lb, i use an FG). I also run 50lb braid with 60lb leader and connect via an FG, Personally i'd give 20lb leader a go for that outfit, knots will be less bulky and it will be enough for any salmon/tailor + you can tie the quick and easy double uni.

Cheers for the advice. I'm starting to lean more towards the wetsuit pants idea now - I already take some neoprene booties with me to wear when I'm on the beach. I was looking at waders but there's a few things that I'm not entirely sure on for this scenario (safety if in the unlikely event I get bowled over), extra weight to carry in and comfortability as far as the boots go.

Hi all, Just after some ideas what everyone wears night time beach fishing to stay warm & dry. Where i fish is a bit of a walk in, so i generally just wear trackpants and a rain jacket, though always end up with sopping wet track pants from the waves. Tossing up between getting a pair of waders (which i can take down and put on when i'm fishing/take off for the walk back) or some wet suit pants. What does everyone use/find works for them?

I've had success using a paternoster rig & an unweighted plastic on the top hook when beach fishing. Star sinker on the bottom, half a pilchard on the next hook up, then another bait or surf popper or hook through a plastic further up. The beauty of this is, if your bait gets taken at some point before you realise/wind it in, you still have a chance for a fish on the lure/surf popper.

Also a fan of around high tide, that's where I've had most success. Just a heads up - Maitland bay (if you're talking about further around from putty beach) is a marine park/reserve, so fishing isn't allowed there.

I just got an Elite 9 Ti from the store in Dural - They're currently on sale for 1299 (Transducer + Navionics card). Played with it for the first time on Sunday for a couple of hours - very very happy with it! Huge difference compared to my older sounder (Garmin Echo 500c). I got the NMEA 2000 network starter kit + Gateway kit (so i can hook it up with the motorguide) and its awesome, the ability to scroll back through the sounder history and tell your boat to go there and anchor is going to be helpful.

Some of the salted Pillies you buy at the stores have been salted to the point of being leather, at this point there's almost no oil/juices left in the pilchard making them a pretty poor bait IMO. If you salt them yourself they're cheaper, better quality and you get to control the level of stiffness you want. I just get a block of pillies (although a bag where they're loose in is easier) and a bag of pool salt (about $6) sit them in a container in the fridge, let them defrost and then give them a nice sprinkle of salt. Leave in fridge for 24 hours and then drain the liquid (could be used for berley if you want). You can then repeat, or even using them after salting once for 24 hours is much better on the hook. I usually just salt and drain once or twice and find that's enough to keep them on the hook (and prevent them from ripping off during a big cast) yet still remain juices and the appeal to fish.

I don't have any experience with alloy trailers, but if i was to get a new trailer i'd 100% go for one, might cost a little bit more but for peace of mind in the long run it would be worth it. I bought a gal trailer new for my tinny about 5 years ago, its held up fine but does show some surface rust.

Squidgy Fish - Black & Gold 55-65mm for flathead - this is my goto/pretty much only plastic i use for them

+1 for Demon Blood 962h. Its by far my favourite spin stick for throwing metals and outcasts my other spin rods easily. IMO Perfect length for spinning aswell.

I've read/heard about an older technique using a "red & white feathered jig" which would be used for spinning for jew from headlands during flood events. Has anyone had any experience with this, and are these lures still available? I'm guessing most would spin with Plastics/Hard Bodies now, though this has got me interested and something that i'd like to give a crack! Cheers, Macca.

Looks like a good session! What brand/name is those stickbaits - I've never tried sinking stickbaits for bream/flathead, would love to give it a shot.

I have a 2007 25hp 2 stroke tohatsu, which I believe is the same motor. So probably should check the compression on mine aswell! That's a bit of a worry, I'm not too mechanically minded but is it just the gasket that needs doing or does it need to be rebuilt?

For livebaiting kings landbased - personally i think mono is much better due to its abrasion resistance, the advantages braid has over mono just aren't really needed in this type of fishing IMO. This type of fishing is generally the only time i use mono + overhead reel. Majority of my fishing is done with spin reels and braid. If i were casting lures i'd be using braid as that's where its advantages come in handy (casting, sensitivity).

Are you livebaiting? If so go mono over braid! Off the rocks i use 24kg mono main line, but run 10+metres of 80-100lb joined using an albright (for abrasion resistance) + when it comes to getting it up a high ledge you can pull it up with a bit more confidence!

As mentioned, overfilling the spool or line not being packed on tight enough is a common cause. That being said, some lines are ALOT worse than others for it. I've found the more smooth and subtle/limp the line - the greater chance for it to tangle around the guides or itself (e.g. why you never get wind knots in something stiff like fireline). I tried sunline super PE about 7 years ago and had nothing but troubles (though many use it and love it). I've had 3lb powerpro on for 3+ years and in that time not a single wind knot or guide wrap, so i can highly recommend that.

Hey mate what fish are you targeting, I'm guessing mainly flathead/bream? I'm a massive fan of the Squidgy Fish 65mm (black & gold) for flathead! They have a great paddle tail action. SP choices sound good, i'd maybe even grab some 1/6 & 1/4oz jigheads to target flatties (depth/current depending of course).

Sure thing! Its called "Tides NSW Free" you can download it through the google play store (android devices). Let me know what you think! (open for feedback/suggestions!) I initially made it for myself because a few places where i fish that there isn't any data coverage, so i wanted an app that didn't require an internet connection to view tide times!

BOM for weather. Seabreeze for wind/swell and an android app i made for the Tides! Seems to be a good combination for me!

I remember there was a PDF on the DPI website at one point, from memory it was around that 75cm that majority of kingfish (males & females) are sexually mature. Mulloway up until recently had a way too low Minimum length, NSW finally caught up with some of the other states an increased it so they actually have a chance to reproduce before being taken! But its pretty simple in my eyes, if you're taking fish before they have had a chance to reproduce once, then the fishery is only going to decline!

Agree with this. Also if you get an electric motor, you'd mount it up there. Can put a hatch on the bow to allow for easy access/storing equipment. I think the best option to make more room on a small boat is to put in a flat floor + casting deck. It really does make a huge difference in a small tinny.

Hi mate, my boat is an old 13ft aluminium tinny so i got the 55lb 12v version. I had a 55lb water snake previously and it flew! But yeh not too sure how heavy the dory is/what would be ideal. I got it from a place called blue bottle fishing, it was exactly 2k which was the cheapest i'd seen around.

I believe minn kotas new electric will be coming early next year, and looks to be playing catch-up with the current motorguide xi5 + improving in some aspects. I couldn't wait and just purchased a motorguide xi5! will get to take it out in a weeks time, so will post back with my impressions. I've heard nothing but good things about them, and everything i've read/heard points that its better than the current version MK (quieter, more responsive, gps alot better, jog feature, uses less battery etc.)

Proper footwear - I've found the best are the slip over ice-climber style cleats. Grip super well, don't wear down like the spikes, light, can scrunch up and put them in your bag & the best part is you just slip them on when you get to your destination (no need for two pairs of boots, or unnecessarily wearing down spikes). * General fishing tackle (swivels, hooks, trace, sinkers, floats) * Rod grips (gives you a hand free) + 2 piece rods are great. * A good hiking pack that can take a lot of gear. * Water & Food * A bucket + Rope (may not be needed, but if you're using livebait pools then you will + its always good to have) Also i like to take rope + a carabiner clip, to attach to my reels if i leave them in rock rod holders. (Incase a large wave come up and wash your gear in... never had it happen but its insurance). Also a tip, look to see what rocks have water on them/are wet, this will give you an indication of where the waves are breaking/getting to. If its not high tide yet, its going to get worse. Always look at the location for 20 mins to scope it out and make sure its safe. And put your gear back a long way if you don't want it getting washed in!

I know its tempting to go the Watersnake, as its way way cheaper....... but i'd advise against it. I have one and its alright (much better than not having an electric!), but the lack of electronic anchor is the killer for me. Have a look at the Motorguide Xi5, they're supposed to be the ducks nuts (electronic anchor better than Minn Kota, uses less battery, more responsive etc). I'm hoping to upgrade to one soon!