Twinfisher 4.9

If you are looking for offshore water temps showing current lines, yes there are but are subscription only. Not exactly real time but within less than 12 hours.

Also, the Patonga creek itself is not bad for fishing, head upstream as far as you can and take it from there. Oyster leases, sand flats, deep drop-offs into the channel. You can get some descent fish out of there and is very pretty scenery......you could be anywhere! Pssss keep it quite though, as I love the place!

At low tide it is over 1.5m deep (but narrow) whilst sticking with the markers on starboard side. It is when you get past the channel and no markers you need to keep a lookout. The sandflat out the front changes constantly but worst case, hop over the side because it is shallow and push the boat out.....and just pretend that you do this all the time!

Tried cold smoking once.......never again. That was 10 hours of life I will never get back plus the agro from the neighbours of smoke wafting into their houses. Yes the shoe box size work well for small fillets as yowie said.

You can launch at the ramp in the camp ground, negotiating out of the creek a low tide can be a problem though. The ramp on the north side is ok but not in a southerly which you may be facing this weekend. As a backup plan, the caravan park ramp is ok, you just need to follow the channel and a few small breaking waves on the way out.

Good for you. I have experienced the same thing - they only have rights to their moring and not all the water around it! But on the other side, with more people throwing blades and lead jigs close to their vessel, I would be be a bit nervous of my gel coat as well! Politeness and consideration usually works, but not always.

I started fishing the rocks at the age of 15 (many years ago) and was also a member of a fishing club so had the benefit of heaps of advice. Generally rock fishing is very safe.....if you don't' know the location very well, do not fish alone. ALWAYS keep your eyes on the ocean and know where to go in case of a big wave (I have yet to see a rogue wave - larger swells come in a sequence and you should see that happening). I was crazy when young, and a number of times when confronted by a very large wave, jumped into a large rock pool - it works, but not recommended! At the end of the day, it is all about common sense - but that takes some experience. Always respect the sea....it always wins, so a personal floatation device makes a lot of sense. Just be aware, not afraid!

Totally water-tight wheel bearings for boat trailers - when warm from towing and backing into cool water, do not contract and suck in salt water. Surely this is doable...please?

It can be tough in the Harbour, but a few pointers. The Spit for squid is good at night (with the lights) but no so good during the day. Heading east from the Spit, past the Marinas, on the right hand side (you will see a crane on a building site) is good for yakkas - motor around until you see them on the sounder. But need to burley. The Island, just past the kelp beds at Balmoral holds both yakkas and squid. This time of the year, a bit tough but doable. Was just outside the heads recently and there were huge schools of slimies, big enough to take 20gm raiders. That is always a great option for the kingies.

I bought my first Alvey when I was 15, I'm now 58.....and I still have it and it works like the day I bought it. Once you get used to the sidecast, you are home and hosed. Not that trendy these days I know, but they will never let you down.

I would also vote for the Pflueger Trion - punches well beyond its weight and for the price, unbeatable.

I think with yakkas, burley is the key to get them fired up and for that either mashed pillies or the old faithful, grated potato (though it does make them a bit crook, but an Aspro dissolvable in the bait tank will fix that ). Strange but true!

Now that is dedication for a mate.......no wonder you are "reeltired".......I would be too!

Hi Tom, There is an Australian designed downrigger that I have had for years and it works for me. If you were to google downrigger and shop you may find it.

Hi Tom, I think a 50W is an overkill for kings and it may work against you in battling the outfit as well as the fish. You don't need a lot of line for kings but you need plenty of drag (which you will have) but also need to respond quickly (which may be a challenge on that outfit). For kings I would go with braid and with a lengthy fluro leader attached to a double on the braid. Have caught many on good baitcasters and threadlines.

I had been having some problems with my Honda 90 after being laid up over winter. On the flushers, was not getting any water coming through the tell-tale despite cleaning out with compressed air, water and various diameter wires. The temp warning was coming on after a few minutes. Honda Marine said it was a water pump problem and get it to a dealer. I took it up to Roger and he said, "I'm sure the water pump is ok, I will bet you that if you just put it in the water it will work fine." Mooney ramp was only 15 minutes away so up I went, backed it in, leaving it on the trailer and fired her up - the tell-tale stream was strong and ran it for 15 minutes with no temp warnings and no dramas. Cost to fix - zero. Thank you Huey - you cannot beat nearly 50 years of experience.

Hi Mcgoo, it is indeed a "magic art". Not easy to explain, better to show but you need to "load up" the rod by holding the line near the hook and then using a sweeping motion release the line and at the same time feathering the spool so you dont get an over-run. Suggest you practice in the back yard (without the float, just a could of ounces of weight. You usually dont need to cast very far - 3 to 5 m is usually enough. Practice makes perfect! Good luck.

Isn't that just so typical. I will follow up, but the last time I checked it was Duncan Gay.......but maybe has off-loaded it due to workload no doubt!

I agree, we should get the local business on the cause. I have contacted a friend of mine who is pretty well connected in some political circles to see of any connection with the Shooters and Fishers. Yes you are right, what about them representing the recreational fishermen for a change! I'll keep you posted. Steve

Moderators, I know this is now getting into politics, but I would like to start up an on-line petition regarding pro-fishing in Pittwater, Broken Bay and the upper Hawkesbury and with the support of the Raiders, we possible may make the start of a change. Would appreciate your feedback and how it could be handled......or not? I am very passionate about this and from the replies, so are some others. Cheers, Steve

It is so sad that a great fishery has been reduced to this. The pro trawlers are still operating side by side and taking all before them. There have been petitions to the State Government and the great hope prior to the election, MP Duncan Gay, has been totally non-existent on the issue. I have signed petitions and sent countless emails to Mr Gay and the State Government and don't even elicit a reply. It is an absolute disgrace what has been and continues to be done.

My thoughts, fill it with braid.....if it is a fish of a life-time you dont't want to be thinking "I'm now at the back fill which is only x kg" . For the investment, always go with the best when it comes to line is my opinion. You don't get 2 chances at that best fish.

is that true, only allowed 4 rods (rigged)......I would have at least 6 anytime I go out! How dare they restrict the number of rods I take for recreational fishing? So can I take any number but as long as no more than 4 are rigged? What is happening to this country.....and particularly this state, Mr O'Farrell?

Given the lengths we go to in order to conceal our fishing line - fine braid and flurocarbon - I cannot understand the concept that you would want one that stands out so much that it glows -even above water? With respect, I think it defeats the purpose. Steve

I must admit I haven't heard of that and sounds good in theory. But given that we generally fish of beaches that have waves breaking I wonder if you can maintain enough tension on the line to allow the bait to slide down against the incoming surge. There will always be a bow or sag in your line so not sure it would get your bait where you want it. But, hey.......always worth a try. If you can find the device, please let us know how you go. Cheers, Steve