Twinfisher 4.9

I was not questioning the line capacity of the ABU 7000, line capacity is never an issue with kings, though maybe with Northern Bluefin. If you can land 18kg (or 31 kgs?) kings from the rocks, then you must be doing something right.......

I agree, with respect to ABU, that a 7000 would not be an ideal choice. Rod length is always a compromise off the rocks - longer means more leverage and not in your favour but at times, a longer rod, once you get your fish close to the rocks can be an advantage. I think around 10ft is a good compromise. Good luck.

Hi stevexfishoguru, Can I suggest you look at a website that has great value jigging rods. PM me for details (have no vested interest, by the way). Just know how good the gear is for the price.

Hi Harold, just confirming that in say 30m of water, you would have 90m of chain out? Or are you saying 90m of line plus a length of chain or you are using only chain for your complete anchor line? Us guys in smaller vessels use only a limited length of chain. Steve

Having carried both reef and sand anchors for years, with my new boat I opted for a Sarca, along with a power winch.....best decision I ever made. I have had it severely lodged in reef on occasions but have always been able to get it back out by going the opposite direction that it went in. And yes, the boat length of chain is imperative.

Salmon are a good bait and a far better use than eating them.

Hi Dan, I absolutely agree with the physics of the longer rod and larger arc. All true. But fishing isn't all about casting and as you rightly said, the leverage advantage you had in casting, then works against you with a decent fish on. As with most things in life.......it is a compromise!

Hi Daviesa, just wondering why you would go for a 14ft rod? Not sure that rod length equals casting better distance, rather technique. I remember the days when 16ft rods were the norm for beach fishing - if you do the trigs, an extra 2 or 4ft of rod length makes little difference at 100 mts of keeping the line above the swells. And with todays technology in rods, a 10 to 12 ft would I think probably more than suffice. Heaps of great overhead reels on the market and practice will make it work but wouldnt want to hold up a 14ft for very long. Yes, am getting old but love the latest technology. Steve

If the wind is favourable, try a partially inflated balloon attached with 4 or 6lb b/s line and the wind will carry the ballon and bait away from your structure and will break away when a fish takes your livie.

Hi Ryder, that's a good idea, I have such a collection of old reels. All used by me as I don't collect them for the sake of it but the Avon Royals are fantastic - little did they think back in England where they would end up and catching blackfish rather than trout? Love the history of angling.

Hi 4myson, just to clarify, we anchored parallel to the other vessel, not at his stern as assumed that his burley trail was heading away from his stern. So again, were the fish we sounded because of his burley trail or simply at that location anyway? It's getting a bit like "water rage" which is very sad.

Billfisher, that is very informative. Though I doubt that occy is brought in "fresh" from Asia. I would suggest that it has been frozen at some point during the supply chain. I would also question their website suggestion: Never dispose of seafood or seafood waste (e.g. prawn heads or oyster shells) in waterwaysWho of us have never used our left-over prawn heads and shells as burley? Having said, that I hope that we all purchase Aussie caught prawns. Professionally, I have dealt with AQIS and similar Govt authorities, I know they mean well but their relationship with reality is somewhat tenuous.

I think that the Carbonex washers and suitable lube is more important than the metal. If they are completely flat and smooth, s/s or brass does probably not make a lot of difference.

So many of us use imported squid, which does work ok (never as good as live or fresh, of course). Occy is great for snapper and if it is "food grade" I doubt it will introduce disease into our water but think there are better baits if you are prepared to make the effort.

Dear Pommie Bar Steward, I am a a pom as well though have been in Oz for 50 years, Thats besides the point.....forget the crab pot. You can catch beach- worms and you will find hints and advice on this website. There are better baits you can use off the beach than crabs! Use the links and you will receive so much good advice, Steve

Pics not attached LukyFil......and we need to see them to get even more jealous!

As another aspect, some years ago in my mates boat, we sounded fish on the sounder and anchored over the reef. There was another boat at least 60m away. As it turned out we ended up in being his burley trail - no way deliberate - but he made it quite clear he was not happy (and I don't blame him). But what is a respectable distance? We see fish on the sounder and decide to anchor. Never want to upset others but if we see the fish, are they his, because of his burley or were they there anyway? It's like being married......whatever you do or say next is wrong!

Oh, we use them that size for live bait.....but a bit tough on the downrigger though. Well done, that is a one in a life-time.

I guess it depends on your genes or some thing, but have been fishing, mainly during the day off the rocks at Avoca and then boats ever since, some 40 years ago and have never worn sunglasses, unless in shallow water to see the depth. So I'm not sure, but I may be just lucky? But I think us humans were supposed to be exposed to the sun.

I love Alvey's but how about the old centre pin for blackfish - Avon Royal, I have had one for over 45 years and is still as smooth as day one.

Trevs have quite large mouths and have caught many on 4 hook rigs with pillies. So a 2/0 hook is not an issue, but make sure the hook and barb is clear of the bait and yes, take it easy with them and no slack line. Then when you land yours, bleed it, have it raw as Sashimi with soy and wasabi ........nothing better!

Grated potato is the way to go and just a hand line with a small strip of squid, light weighed. You will do better if you can keep them alive so perhaps a foldable metal live bait cage that you can tow behind your kayak? The Terrigal Haven is full of yakkas, if you find a vacant mooring, tie up there and burley - you wont be there long!

I know this will sound really a bit weird but it does work.......if you use your thumb and apply some pressure to their anal opening it will totally immobilise the flathead and you can handle it with ease. Cheers, Steve

While I totally agree that smoking in the shop is not on. You want to make the shop enticing for potential customers to enter, linger and hopefully purchase. Tell the guy it's offensive. That said, where will we be in another 10 years when most of our local tackle stores have closed and our only option is buying online. If you tell him you are unhappy with his shop smelling like a 70's pub and he takes offence, then do not support him. He needs to acknowledge it is now 2014 and he should be aware of what he is competing against in the market. By the way, is it Oliver? Steve

Hi Timmy, Patonga is one of my favourite spots, it has so many opportunities. The creek can be great, just before and after the high tide. There are oyster leases further down the creek, or at least there used to be. Ideal spot for soft plastics. Many sandflats good for flathead with some deep holes. A fantastic creek, you just need to spend some time exploring. Have fun. Steve