Twinfisher 4.9

yes I understand that to be correct - 1m higher that your red/green but clearly visible from 360 degrees. So having rods in your rocket launcher at night actually contravenes this rule as it could block the view from certain angles. I would like to think that common sense would prevail, but sadly no!

Hi Jennings, yes a very good question as it requires you be be out at night in the coldest time of the year and in locations where it is even colder. But it's the challenge and they are so completely different to most other fish you catch. They don't fight particularly well. So I guess it is just "special"! But they are also pretty good eating. We are a strange bunch us fishermen aren't we!

yes, Pittwater is heavily targeted by the pro netters so if you go after they have been through, it is very tough. We have been trying for some time to buy back the licences for Broken Bay and Pittwater but no luck as yet. This is a real shame as it was, and can be again, a great fishery. We had hoped that the change of Government in NSW may have assisted, but they have been of little assistance to date. Duncan Gay is the minister responsible, so please drop him an email, we all need to help with this and replicate the success in other parts of NSW where the licences have been bought back.

Wow, many amazing catches and not sure I can compare, but my most memorable catch was off the rocks at South Avoca many years ago - a 34lb Kingfish on 15 lb line on an old Seascape - and those who can remember the Seascapes and their delicate pinion gears and somewhat variable star-drags, well that was an achievement, for me anyway!

A five hook ganged hook rig, (even if one is hanging loose) would suggest keeping clear of wire. They will almost always attack the tail first and then the head. With the 5 hook rig. you will get them on the first attack and the bite offs are no longer an issue.

I use 200lb braid on my downrigger and find it very good - no hum from the wire.

Well done Hughsnews, we never know if we may be the next to be rescued. Thank you and well done agin mate.

I may be wrong but if you are at anchor , you do not need navigations lights and taken from NSW Maritime Handbook: If you anchor at night, show an all-round white light where it can best be seen.

I would think that wet hands would be preferable over a wet rag. The rag will tend to rub off more of their protective slime coating leaving them more vulnerable. A wet rag over the eyes will settle larger fish, as will turning them on their backs, but still think that wet hands are best.

Hi Jamsey, re bait question: did this not give you a clue "on pilchards using a two hook rig"

Oh, I read they were banning "electric eels" - was in favour of that, they hurt!. Seriously, I cannot believe they would attempt to introduce this, Having fished the bottom at Browns a few times, winding up 400m is just too hard. At the end of the day, how many anglers are going to outlay the money and what will their catches be in comparison with commercial fishermen. I don't think it will happen and being off the older generation, if I need some power assistance, then I should have it!

Do not feel bad, we have all had days like that (and likely will again), it is never just one thing that goes wrong, but a whole series of them. But isn't it great that people come to help you out, restores your faith in human nature and good to hear the good news stories. Well done and thanks for sharing it.

If you start near the Mantra Resort and work your way east, you can cover a lot of ground, depending upon the tide and the swell, you can wade out onto the big sand spit. There have been some very large flathead taken around here.

Hi tasksta, agree with Narrabeen Lakes, Pittwater has some spots, but it you would like a little further drive north, Ettalong is great for shore based SP's. Some wonderful sand flats and wading opportunities.

Hi DownToFish, I would refer you to the SA website "where A tyre module reef designed by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). Each module consists of 28 used car tyres" So if the government endorses the use of recycling car tyres, I don't see it as an issue? And as far is NSW is concerned, according to their website, here is what they have done to date: Botany Bay Lake Conjola Lake Macquarie – Galgabba Point Merimbula Lake St Georges Basin Oh and plus the new one of South Head, Sydney Harbour. In short, very little! I'm sorry, but I think there comes a time when fishing groups (such as Fishraider's) are entitled to undertake their own underwater FADS (reefs). I'm not suggesting using old 44 gallon drums and possible high pollutants. Would appreciate others thoughts. Steve

I would be inclined to agree, that with a metal boat - plate or tinnie, the vibrations from the radio would transmit through the water. Sound vibrations travel very well through water. Not as much of an issue with fibreglass but will still transmit sound waves. Unless you are in 50m or more of water I would leave the stereo off. Also keep try to the noise down on the boat with anchors, dropping sinkers etc especially in shallow water.

Yes it sure does scare them, so please keep playing it and very loud in volume!

How about we start to build an artificial reef with such things as tyres......I know potential pollution issues and such like, but they actually make a great habitat for for fish. Perhaps, we decide on a location, we share the GPS co-ords.....but shhhhh, don't tell the authorities, they don't like us doing things on our own!

I think that we all have days like that, nothing you can identify really. Light line does help, but that's why it's called fishing. Next time, the situation will be reversed!

Hi Hawkesbass, 6lb mainline and 10lb leader ..........for pigs, is generally going to end as you experienced. You may need to up-size to 15lb main and a 20lb leader. Especially at night, you can get away with a heavier rig.

I agree, if the back of the head was chewed out, it was squid. When that happens, leave the yellowtail out there close to the boat and throw out a squid jig and try to catch the devil, much better bait for the kings than the yakka.

Hey, was impressed on how "All fish was released prior to the photo." How do you do that? Sorry only joking

I have to agree renegade40d, we really don't want more legislation and enforcement would be near on impossible. Appealing to people's common sense would be good, except it isn't all that common. I fished the rocks for 20 or more years until I purchased a boat. I would fish several times a week and frequently on my own and had never found myself in any trouble. My golden rule, if in any doubt then don't, and if you do, never take your eyes off the ocean and have an escape plan. I feel very much for those who lose a loved one, but let's not impose restrictions on the vast majority who do it safely.

Has Lion Island now moved from Broken Bay into the Harbour? Going to have to update my charts now!!

Yes agree with J Hooked. Unlike most fish, a few days in the freezer does improve the taste, as it can have an ammonia taste. They are delicious though.