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Hi Raiders, With work backing off a bit, I have finally started to fish again. Normally I would join my brother for trout fishing down in Victoria every time I visit, but I am sure there are places out of Sydney 2-3 hours away. I know the rivers are now closed, but I am sure there is dams or lakes around. I don't want any secret spots, just general locations and I really don't mind the travel, and my wife wants to join as she loves being outdoors. Any tips on locations would be greatly appreciated.

Anytime, I know the feeling elferoz, it tends to ruin my fishing plans if its closed as the only other option of that type would be Hill 60 and I am not a big fan due to the crowd.

Just wanted to save anyone the trip to the northern breakwall this weekend. There is vessel currently docked on the inner side and as a result the gates are closed to the public. I was out on my friend's boat when I noticed this, and when I returned to the boat ramp I asked around (i planned to fish there in the morning) and was told it always closes to the public when a vessel is docked. I know some travel down from Sydney (myself included) so I thought I would share the news and save people the drive.

Sounds like a great weekend. And wow to that bream, haven't seen many that size myself. Congrats

I agree with Paikea, from the photo is appears to be a Bullseye Perch or also known as a Spotted Bigeye.

Nice catch there... Better than coming home empty ended. Impressive squid by the way!

You can use a split swivel, but I find they tangle a lot too. I use a normal swivel and tie the sinker and double Snell on the same end of the swivel. You can even tie the double Snell on the mainline end of the swivel, doesn't really make much of a difference I find. But the triple split swivels spins too much in the surf and starts tangling.

Agree with Crossfire63, braid on the beach is definitely a pain and worst of all gets into all types of knots when tangling with weed. As for a beginner setup, I first got into Beach fishing by targeting salmon. Mainline down to a swivel, then from the swivel a short leader with a star sinker attached and another leader about 60-100cm down to a set of gang hooks baited with pilchard. Gang hooks will keep the pilchard on better while casting, but as you get the hang of it, try changing to a 2 hook Snell setup. I found this to increase my catch rate. Have caught many fish with that setup; Salmon, Tailor, Rays and even travelley and bream. With the star sinker rather than a running sinker you will get average distance and hold the ground better. After that your distance will increase with more practice, it's all about know when to let go rather than attempting to pelt it harder and harder. The only tip I can give is until you can cast further, just focus on the deep gutters closest to the shoreline. Good luck.

Odd catch on weed.... Never heard of a Tarwhine or a Bream taking weed before.

That's a beast of a Flatty....great stuff!

Thanks for the tips, Definitely worth a drive up there for a look. I feel bad for what seems to be hijacking of thomasywy post... Sorry, I hope someone has the answer to your post [emoji4]

I have always been curious if they can be chased land based. I believe someone mentioned they could, but I have no idea where. Do you mind sharing any common spots in Cowan Creek (not after any secret spots).

A really decent all round catch of fish, well done!!

Thanks Tulz, never fished that beach from that end. Always at the other end where the Port Kembla rockwalls area, behind the treatment plant. Well done anyway, I agree with 4myson, need to just get out there more these days.

Sounds like an eventful session, great job. Which Beach was this at?

I was never able to get myself to use circle hooks, but last time I was up in QLD my brother was using them so I tried. Long story short, hooked a 65cm flathead off the pier at Hervey Bay and managed to pull up the flathead by grabbing a hold of the line (2 or more meter drop at low tide). I was certain I would lose it, but the circle hook had it perfectly hooked in the corner of the jaw. Will definitely start using circle hooks more [emoji4]

Blacksaddle goatfish and apparently very tasty according to Internet.

Looks like a goat fish, not sure which type and I believe it is edible and hear that it's tasty.

Thanks guys, this isn't in Sydney, currently visit brother in QLD and caught this one from Seventeen Seventy.

I was fairly certain they were both diamondfish but on closer inspection they look a little different. Any ideas?

Thanks for the lead. Just did a quick search and looks like a yellowfin tripod fish. http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/890

That's what threw me off, the overall shape of the fish was confusing.

Just caught this leather jacket at 1770, any ideas of what type it is? And is it edible?

Thanks for the location Iceman, we are staying in Agnes Water. I hear the spot they fish from if the wind is good is called "the catwalk" and it's up around the headland at 1770. But they said it doesn't always fire up and plenty of fish lost to sharks and resident gropers. More than likely will try your spot and will surely post / report back any success. [emoji6] Slept on it and definitely seems to be my rod of choice. I think it's just a more versatile rod that will see plenty of use back home around the various rock platforms. Will head out to a store shortly. Thanks for the advice.

Thank you for the suggestions. I went around to a tackle world today and the T-Curve revolution seemed like it would go ok with the Stella I have but the guides on it were very basic and I was even told somewhat cheap (not fuji). Iceman it will be land based. Only thing out of a boat will be some estuary fishing I am told.