Twinfisher 4.9

I fished the rocks at Avoca & Terrigal through the heyday of the '70's. We all used 6:1 Seascape reels but would never wind flat out for bonito. Yes, striped or mack tuna but bonnies you don't need high speed. They can swim very quickly but they don't need that to attract them. Yes, let it sink and wind in short bursts.

re the Bimini twist breaking above the twists, I had the same thing happening during testing. It may be the way you finish off your twist. Braid cuts itself so easily if at 90 degrees to itself under pressure. I experimented with different techniques and seem to have fixed that one.

Don't we all love kingies! For what it's worth, I regularly catch kings to 8kg in less than 3 m of water over a dreadful bottom. Whilst not the same as jigging, I have found the only way to extract that fish is gently. Not fighting but simply "leading" the fish to the boat. Once close to the boat in deeper water they go crazy and the fight begins but you can lead them with gentle pressure without firing them up. My largest King of 17kgs was caught off High Rock at Avoca, the bait was taken around 10 m from the rocks - it could have been over in about 10 seconds but using the light pressure technique it took about 20 minutes and at no stage did it try to reef me. A fluke perhaps, but I still feel that the light pressure does work, the harder you pull, the harder they do.....and often they will win that contest. I generally fish with a Stella 20000 but only ever tighten that drag when they are near the boat

Winter offshore, during late summer / autumn inshore into bays like middle harbour. Some amazing kings are caught in the harbour and Pittwater in Autumn. For the next month you have the best chance in bays and harbours.

Hi Dave, I started using Alveys 45 something years ago and I still love them. In those days there were not a lot of alternatives - some basic overheads or pretty average threadlines suitable for beach fishing. Today, while I still use my Alvey, my preference is for a threadline - for balance, ease of use and retrieve rate and you can stick it in a length of PVC tube - not going to happen with an Alvey. As for line, braid is the only way to go in my opinion - casting distance which I honestly think I get 20% further with braid (though not always an issue) and the "feel" - in the surf it can hard to feel bites and braid gives you much more contact with your bait. Hope this helps to confuse you further :-)

Hi Job, have a look at downrigger shop etc

Hi George, Welcome. I was fortunate to fish Avoca and Terrigal during the peak period of the 70's. We only had metal lures in those days and mostly home made. They worked and I'm sure they still will but you now have other alternatives, as suggested, so give them a try. We would generally let the lure sink, but depending upon where you were the sinking time would vary. For example, off Mugs at Avoca a wait of 5 seconds would be the maximum. Off Flat Rock, 10 seconds is fine. Retrieve quickly for a 5 seconds and then stop for a couple of seconds and repeat until the lure is in site. At Terrigal, the depth is less and a 5 second wait is the maximum. One of the best spin fishermen at Avoca was the late Bill Doe and one of his secrets that he showed me was not to just cast as far out as you can, rather cover an arc (if you dont have others around you) - cast along the rock face and retrieve and then cast 20m wider out until you have completed 180 degrees. Then move along and repeat. Persistence is the key.....it will pay off. Cheers, Steve

A small bobby cork, small sinker 60cm above the hook, heaps of bread burley and bread for bait, or crabs or prawns. Regular small doses of bread and adjust the depth of your bobby cork and keep it in the wash or near structure ......it works!

As t seems ok to mention brands: downrigger.com.au Can vouch for them

Just to check, is this the Bayview Park Ramp at Bayview i.e. Pittwater or elsewhere?

I also have the same motor. I'm sure it is fitted......just check that the bracket "claws" are locked in place over the bar. Or please post a detailed pic.

Hi Dave, I bought my first boat 38 years ago and with my most recent purchase I had an electric winch fitted for the first time........second best investment I ever made. A number on the market so just have a look around. Short answer: YES. Cheers, Steve

I agree, will take this offline. Though I would beg to differ regarding the analogy with seat belts.

I was referring to your position as a Moderator. Yes of course you are entitled to your opinion, as am I, but do I try to belittle you? No, so please refrain doing the same is all I was referring to. Kind regards, Steve

With all due respect mrsswordfiherman, I believe your response was not in keeping with my thoughts and was a tad derogatory to be honest. Of course I want to keep people safe but life itself is a risk everyday and we each, as individuals, should and need to minimise those risks - on the water and off. That's a benefit of your position, I guess, but I believe I should be able to give my opinion without that type of comment.......just saying. Any resemblance between myself and Jonny Weissmuller is........well, none when I now think about it :-) Kind Regards, Steve

I guess the most important question......what is your budget? There are endless options from $250 up to $2000 or more - and I wouldn't advocate the lower price end. You do get what you pay for. How much are you likely to use it? Remember most likely it will take a fair bit of time on the water before it starts to work.......it is not a short term commitment.

What ever happened to common sense, freedom of choice and personal responsibility .......all are disappearing it would seem. I do not want or require Minister Gay telling what I can and cannot do or wear. Enough is enough.......please leave us alone.

Reel maintenance is a bit like sex......after a while you get to know where the bits go. Keep trying, it is rewarding - same with reel servicing!

Agree with the above, a small sinker running on the braid above a swivel should not be an issue. I also prefer to have the sinker away from the hook and bait - just think it allows the bait to float and drift a bit more naturally. Off the rocks in a wash a different issue, small sinker right against the hook.

Better to see some pics, also from the inside of the boat at the transom.

Hi Vince, I have had a 7000 series Garmin for 3 years now and find it excellent. The first GPS (hand held) I bought some 20 years ago from Garmin was great (though it cost me $1200). As with all things electronic, you get what you pay for. I would suggest you get the best you can stretch the budget for - it will repay you in success and even if using mainly in the harbour, you will find GPS invaluable. Cheers, Steve

I must apologise to Koalaboi. I checked with the Kincumber Treatment Plant and in fact, yes, the outlet at Winney Bay is for treated effluent. Sorry mate.

Hi HookedOn, Don't want to dampen your enthusiasm for SP's but I don't think the Peak is the place for them. You are fishing in 40m plus depths with often a strong current running. Jigs of 150gm to 250gm are more the go. Not sure you can get a jig head in weights that would get you anywhere near the fish. Also a 3-6kg outfit would be seriously under-gunned out there. Have been smoked on 15kgs many times. Cheers, Steve

At times East Reef can be a great spot, but like most places can vary dramatically. It is a large reef, and down to 10m, I find look around slowly checking out the sounder and then set up a strong burley trail.......and be patient......for a while.....if no results, then move around. The pros do fish it, with lines but not trawlers so far as I have seen. Yes it is one of the best spots for Sergeant Bakers I know of!

Hi Koalabi, Not it isn't actually a sewer outlet, yes there is a stormwater drain-water pipe but can assure you it isn't sewerage. Please don't spread doubtful rumours that have no basis in fact. Steve