joshGTV

Thanks mate. Yes you're right - and the fillets from the big one are about twice the size of the fillets from the smaller fish.

What's the best way to eat hairtail? Tried it once and was underwhelmed. Grilled on barbecue.

Hi all, it's been so long since I caught anything worth reporting, I was wondering if it would ever happen again. I decided last weekend to hit a wharf on Pittwater every morning this week to fish the early high tides. I wanted to target tailor with a pilchard under a float, and bream with soft plastics. Monday morning - no action. Tuesday morning - no action, but noticed blackfish swimming around the wharf. Returned Wednesday with a blackfish outfit, but equipment failure and a lack of planning for such sent me home empty handed. Then this morning the stars aligned - I caught five fish between 25 and 30cm (dropped one as I was trying to net it) in about 90 minutes. I was about to pack up and head home a very happy fisherman, then I thought 'why not use the last of the weed?', put out a final bait and a 38cm lunker appeared - after a good fight I had a new PB. Beer-battered fillets and chips for dinner tonight. Bugger the tailor and bream!

Also the stretch in mono is more forgiving when the surf is pulling at the fish you're trying to land.

I caught my biggest-ever tailor years ago when the entrance was wide open. 63cm. Good fun.

Upstream. About 2km drive from Turon Gates. The first bridge. Damned carp!

The water flow was great, running fast and strong. Some good deep holes and a lot of rapids.

Hell yes... I landed a bluefin off the rocks on an Alvey. Admittedly one of the Alveys that has a drag system though.

Hi, I went to Turon Gates yesterday for the first time, targeting trout with a small lure. Saw no evidence of fish there at all. Is anyone familiar with the upper Turon? Could it be that stocks haven't recovered post-drought? Or is it just the wrong time of year? Can anyone share any knowledge about that area?

And I now realise that Fishraider deosn't like us endorsing particular retailers!

Nasci 1000 is $129 at a shop at the moment. I bought one this morning.

Yep, what he said. I swapped out the trebles for singles on all of my metal slices, didn't affect my success rate and doesn't mangle the fish's mouth. I only use trebles when chasing fish destined for the table.

Hi Loryl, you might want to be a bit more specific about what part of Sydney you're in, you'll probably get more responses. Kings are generally difficult for newbies as they require pretty serious rods and tackle off the rocks, i.e. $$$.

The last time I did it was a few years ago, so memory a little vague. I froze it overnight then thawed and BBQ'd the next evening... I remember it went down a treat.

Yes boiling first is definitely effective. Also freezing tenderises octopus.

Thanks Dave

Hi all, I'm keen to get out on the kayak this weekend and catch some fish to eat, rather than catch and release. Is there any chance of catching bass downstream from the Lane Cove River weir at this time of year or is it too early for them to be in the salt? Any advice gratefully received.

Hi Jamo, what is fry?

I really enjoy smoked eel so one time I brought one home from the Hawkesbury and smoked cutlets on the Weber. It's pretty rich so my wife and I didn't eat much - put the rest in a plastic container and into the fridge. The next morning everything in the fridge tasted of smoked eel, even the butter. You can imagine how pleased my wife was about it!

I've always found Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels to be reliable, and better value than Shimano. You could probably also save money by buying second-hand on ebay or gumtree.

About 15 years ago I caught a bluefin off the rocks at Avoca. About 60cm. An unforgettable catch and provided a few good meals.

Almost a barra!

Hi Raiders, I'm trying to explore the rock platforms of Sydney's northern beaches. I'm keen to chase pelagics. Does anyone have recent experience of the rocks between Freshwater and Curl Curl? Any thoughts to share on productivity and techniques? Thanks in advance.

Thanks KB, that's very kind of you.

Hi KB can you be more specific about where the car park is please?