Twinfisher 4.9

My two cents worth (but you cant get them any more so my information is probably equally worthless). I would only ever use WD40 for a squeaky door hinge and never near my boat. Inox in my opinion is the better option. Someone also suggested rinsing their reels under the water outlets from the outboard whilst flushing it.......you are flushing the motor to eradicate saltwater so you are in fact washing your reels (though in diluted) salt water. Can I suggest, never use a hose or water under pressure on your valuable reels. A light wipe over with warm soapy water and the dry off and leave somewhere to air dry. And perhaps a very light spray with Inox!

I agree, but with too much down weight on the tow ball it can also lead to trouble when towing downhill. I think that tow-ball weight is significantly overlooked and whilst I am totally opposed to further legislation, I have seen so many caravans and boats get into trouble on freeways, especially going down hill when the towed trailer, van, boat trailer, starts to push the towing vehicle. People naturally apply brakes, which is the worst thing you can do.

How old is your boat? Is it still under warranty? If not I think it should be an insurance claim as I suspect the cost of a proper repair will exceed your excess. This is one bit of gear that you need to be able to rely on.

Having fished Broken Bay for many years, if you have the unfortunate combination of a run-out tide from the Hawkesbury with the afternoon Nor'Easter it can be very treacherous. But in general, if coming in from off-shore, try to get your vessel just on the back of a swell and with judicious use of the throttle, try to keep on the back of the swell. If fishing around Lion Island under these conditions, going across the swells is never going to be a pleasant experience. Go with the swell downstream, then when safe head towards the shore and go back into Pittwater that way.

I would never put my reel under the hose or running water. A wipe down with a slightly soapy cloth and then wipe dry. If you are using good quality braid, it does not need washing. Yes there will be salt crystals on the braid, but next time you use the reel, they will disappear, Line is relatively inexpensive, your reel isn't.

At times, I agree "match the hatch" but if you after that prize fish, then you need to have a bait that stands out. I used to fish the rocks for many years and lost count of the number of times that large kingies chased my bonito to the rock ledges. These were 3 or 4 kg horsies and they would have taken them in a moment but on 18lb line was not going to let that happen......it wasn't going to end well. Big baits for big fish.

Hi Billfisher, being on the ramp at say 25 degrees, despite both the boat and the vehicle being on the same slope, there is considerably less downward pressure on the tow-ball. Gravity sucks!

See, patience is a virtue........someone on Fishraider will always get back to you.....perhaps a bit late, but they will!

I agree, the heads at BB can be quite unpredictable and unpleasant at times. Especially if you are a first timer outside. Yes, Port Hacking is a better option for you.

Totally normal, my friend. Just have to deal with it!

Smoked, eels are delicious.

Have no idea how much anchor rope you carry, but a possible solution to this is to have a large float / buoy at the end of your anchor rope and just throw it all overboard (to be picked up later). When fighting a fish is not the time to be retrieving your anchor! Just a thought.

Oh, parmesan cheese......you caught the rare Italian Jewfish! Well done. to you. You should be proud,

The beach between Hat Head and SWR has heaps of beach worms, so cant see why Crescent Head wouldn't have them also. But can't say from personal experience. Good luck and have fun.

If using pillies, try using bait thread (or sold under another name). It is elastic, holds the bait on well and doesn't seem to affect bites. And again, for casting, practice and yes, don't try too hard.....it will come with experience.

Practice, Practice and then some practice, Not sure of the type of reel you are using but do not be embarrassed about practicing in the local park. Did it for a long time and it works.

If you think you have a good spot, burley and burley more and stick it out - I would give it 2 hours. Especially if you are there at a turn of tide, Fishing is about patience......

I don't think there is a hardline rule on this. I have caught many bream on 3 ganged pillies using 5/0s. I think that having the barb exposed will give you a better chance of a hookup.

I know, wise after the event! But my personal motto is ATD (Attention to Detail). The smallest thing can let you down - and particularly knots. Practice and then practice some more and then more until you can do it your sleep. It pays off, believe me. I once had the privilege of being on a plane with a very well known Australian golf professional and asked what "us mugs" can do to help with our game. "Easy" he said, "just pay attention to the small stuff - like keeping the grooves on your clubs clean, use a good golf ball and just keep it simple and practice". "It's unlikely at your age that your swing will change, so just control what you can". A tad cruel I thought, though true! Same applies to fishing I think.

Would not the heat to shrink the material have a detrimental effect on your line? Do you need to shrink it, if just to provide a buffer or shock absorber?

Well done woodch0p. Love it when some one takes a good reel and makes it into a great reel. Have to appreciate Swedish engineering.

Understand your point, but using split shot (which i stopped using quickly & using then strips of lead) it doesn't need to to crimped very hard, just needs to stay on the trace, as opposed to withstand the force of a 2oz sinker whilst casting. May not be an issue, but I would never do anything that weakens my line.

Surprisingly, even the humble yakka (yellowtail) isn't bad. I've had it in several Japanese restaurants and is actually quite good. The flesh of course is white and so doesnt have the depth of flavour of the blood-rich tunas but when combined with soy, ginger and wasabi it is good - and we can all catch yellowtail. Since sashimi is usually sliced quite thin anyway, you can get quite a bit off a yakka and you can keep them alive until you get home - that is fresh!

Yes, with an Alvey you do need to have a swivel above the sinker. So the paternoster is good as it only requires the one swivel. As was said, having two swivels is a pain and ball bearing swivels are definitely a better option. I'm not sure about using the split shot as with the weight of a surf sinker they would have to be crimped pretty tight so as to prevent them slipping with the force of casting and would be concerned about damage to the line if crimped with much pressure.

I think we could all provide enough tales of "The Fish That Wasn't" to write a book. Some years ago I took a mate, relatively new to the sport and we were flicking some plastics around and there were a couple of other boats anchored near us. As I was keeping an eye on what he was doing, saw his cast land about 20m just past the bow of an another boat........what was coming was inevitable! He announced he had hooked the biggest flattie ever as the other boat was moving about in the swell it was putting up a great tussle. I decided after 10 mins to put him out of his misery and said I would lift the anchor so we could chase his "fish". I motored over to the front of the other boat and gently lifted some of his anchor rope so he could see his Sqidgie firmly hooked into 10mm rope. It's embarrassing at the time but a good chuckle afterwards. Fishing is like sex, sometimes it doesn't quite go to plan, just have a sense of humour and don't give up! Never fear, we have all done it.