MikeR

thanks guys. I've seen some tropicals in the middle of winter scuba diving in Botany Bay - but with all the reports of marlin and such was curious to see people's thoughts on what happens when the music stops!

Hi guys - For any marine scientists on the board... a bit of a question I've pondered this time of year for a few seasons now... with all the marlin, mahi, and other tropical species that come down the coast with the EAC, what happens to them when they get too far south and the current starts to thin out? And where do they go at the end of the season? Thanks guys!

awesome experience! and a great result

this is a great initiative! The tracking function will surely save lives. Thanks for sharing

then you should go to Newport Beach.. there's one waiting to be caught in the ocean pool right now http://www.smh.com.au/environment/whale-watch/humpback-whale-washes-up-in-sydney-ocean-pool-20120801-23dy8.html

Could be a sunfish- they like to sit on the surface and sun to get rid of skin parasites... but I thought they usually show up in our waters around summertime. You never know what you'll see around BB. Last year a scuba boat came across a whale shark in the bay! As for turtles- I have seen them at several spots in the East including Maroubra, Malabar, and most recently La Pa... so they're more common than people think! Gotta love living in a big city like this and being able to see such amazing wildlife- not many places in the world you can do that! Mike

1) Hawkfish of some type- never eaten 2-4) agree on ID's. "Eatability" of 2,3 no good but 4 is not too bad

I know them as bullseyes too. Find one and you'll find a million. Any of the raiders out there who scuba dive or snorkel will tell you that they live in massive clouds of hundreds to even thousands sometimes. You'll find them in areas of boulders that has kelp nearby and the school will generally be in the same area all the time (territorial...?). If you get a few, you can burley them up and put a piece on with some weight, or even send one down as a livey as there are sometimes predators that hang out below the schools. I've got no personal experience, but I've heard that jewies chase them from below. Hope it helps. Good luck! Mike

was good, thanks. Got into a couple of suggested spots up there and everyone got some keepers. Auntie even caught an octopus, so she was quite stoked! Thanks for the great suggestions guys! Happy New Year!! Mike

Hi KTS Any of the beaches in Botany Bay will be safe and productive spots for all of your usual suspects. The area around La Perouse and Bumborah Point has nice little beaches where the whole family can relax, have a BBQ, some beers (for the adults) , and a swim to wind down after a hard day's fishing! Good luck! Mike

Thanks for the great suggestions guys... got a bit of ground to cover there- so hopefully we'll be in luck! Merry Christmas Enjoy the fishing, and stay safe! Mike

Hi Raiders, Taking my uncle down to the Gong during the x-mas break. Unfortunately he gets desperately seasick, so charter is not an option. Can anyone recommend any landbased options that are easy(ish) access as he's not the youngest fella. Thanks in advance. Tight lines and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Mike

Thanks Mui Mui I'll give it a crack one of these days - and if successful, I'll let you know! Mike

awesome pics! well done it really adds a nice dimension to a day out when some whales show up

Hi Mui Mui, How did you catch those tasty morsels? I know a spot in Sydney that has got heaps of scallop shells on the beach, but I've got no clue how to find the patch, and once I do, how to grab the suckers - other than going for a dive! Care to share? Thanks Mike