Twinfisher 4.9

Oh, isn't it just so typical - the people charged with enforcing the law (and could prosecute us) do not understand the actual legislation. From my experience, of over 40 years of boating, flares do not become more dangerous or volatile or unstable with age, in fact it is the reverse. They deteriorate and may not be effective. So carry a set of in-date flares and your previous pack as a back-up. They will not suddenly explode and may be the ones that get you rescued.

My suggestion.......get a twin hull for bar crossings and yes they are aluminium but will give a ride that compares with 'glass.

If I may dip my oar in here, fish do shrink after death, even on ice, so what was legal once you landed it and maybe 6 hours after that, it may be below legal. Given that you are not permitted to clean your fish until ashore, how do you argue that you measured it and it was legal upon capture. As George from Seinfeld once said "Shrinkage does happen"!

I subscribe to Trailer Boat Fisherman - you can get an on-line version which is handy (and much cheaper).

I'm in San Francisco for the next few months so would love to catch up with him. Please post details.......I'll be there!

Oh, my goodness, a Capstan......I'm an avid collector of old reels. Yes I believe they were originally a fly reel and were very popular in Australia in the 60's for luderick, until the Avon Royal came along. Sorry I cannot help you with the parts you need, but I'm sure someone here can help you. Gotta love our fishing history. Steve

Yes, I get it. At what hospital do you work........I want you looking after me and my springs! Cheers, Steve

I agree when it come to rock fishing, join a club, you will learn so much, so quickly. I didn't do that - started rock-fishing in my early teens. Never really got into trouble other than the embarrassment of having my mother picking broken oyster shells out of my backside after I took a ride over the rocks on my rear end! Just take time to watch the ocean before you start fishing and always keep watching the swells and fish with other people.

Hi Foghorn, that sounds good for reef but you still have to swap anchors for sand. Just asking, because I like the one anchor for all locations (yes, I'm lazy!).

I agree with the spectators, does intimidate a bit. A few factors involved - wind blowing your boat and tidal movement - these can be overcome with practice (in a secluded, private location). The other big one is your trailer - some are not that helpful for driving onto. I have a twin hull and I can easily get onto the trailer at a 45 degree angle. Once partially on, just let it settle and then power slowly forward and it locks into place. Have had trailer boats for over 40 years and only got onto this with my last boat 3 years ago. Oh, the wasted effort over those years, especially when you are single handed.

I have to ask......why? I have a good collection of old reels that shall never be used again. Just wondering why you need that spring - rather than just enjoying a wonderful old piece of engineering? Steve

I can recommend the Shimamo T-Curve 200 but may be overkill for your target fish. There are so many good outfits on the market these days. Shop around, but as always, you only get what you pay for. If you invest in good equipment, it will last you for years (with good looking after). Steve

Electrical tape around the line every 10 m makes life a bit easier. And as I said previously, go with the Sarca - you will not regret it.

Sorry, but after 33 years......it is now called an anchor. Drain fuel before deploying.

Just from left field.....have you considered installing a "boat catch", drive straight onto the trailer and you will never need a winch again? Best thing I ever bought. Just needs a bit of practice but saves so much of fussing around, not to mention dollars. Steve

Hi and welcome Peter, agree with Scratchie, the Hawkesbury can be tough at the best of times. Not sure how far you can take your boat but if allowed you may have a good chance of salmon around Broken Bay / Lion Island and if into fly fishing they would be a good target, great sport. They tend not to venture too far down the river however. Wish you good luck and a great time with your son. Steve

I love this topic. I'm currently in California and have also travelled to Mexico. The vessels are say around 7.0m yet have 2 to 3 largish (90hp plus) on the stern. I do not know how they determine the max HP on a boat in Oz. In the US it seems that you can bolt on as much as you can fit? Steve

I would agree, check your line guides. Had a mate who kept losing fish through line breakage - he was not the best angler in the world but not that bad. Turns out he had the smallest crack in his tip guide and under pressure, that was enough. Never told him though, just kept saying he was useless.........that's what mates do!

I love graphite, but it has it's limitations and is not very forgiving, especially in the heat of the moment. Off the rocks, which is always a tough environment, I would stick with 'glass - especially when lifting from the water onto the rocks.

Those lures have worked for you so far, just keep using them. I think the colours are for our benefit, not for the fish. My best lures, that still work, have next to none paint on them. Steve

Over the last 50 years I have broken my fair number of rods. In the early days, being fibreglass, repairs were acceptable, though never the same. With modern rod technology, which we love, I think that you would not be happy with the result. However as Slinky said, you may be able to turn it into a different stick - 20 cm is not that much and I dont think you will ever get your original rod back, but you may get a new weapon!. Steve

I love the idea of bringing a "lost" reel back to life, but the reality is you don't know how long it had been underwater so I wouldn't spend too much time nor money on it. I think you have done your very best but at some point, accept that nature (salt water and sand) always wins. Just my thoughts, Steve

I agree about the drying process - they must be allowed to air dry and I wonder why the use of neoprene covers unless you are about to travel. If at home, leave them with air around them. Steve

Have found over many years that the "best knot" is the one you are most comfortable in tying - and not just in the lounge room but when the action is happening. Practice and then practice more! The uniknot is the most basic for many applications but when you get into more specialised areas - braid to mono or fluro leader, there are so many options. I guess it is what comes naturally to you. For me, the Bimini Twist for the loop in the braid and then the advanced Albright - fine if you are jigging but not so great for repeated casting. This is what I love about our sport, so much to learn always! Steve

Seisia - top end Qld - first light. Near the jetty and to the south - you cannot miss.