[Beach Fishing Newbie ...... Thinking of trying out Wanda Beach. Your opinion would really help.]

Yeh I think your right. I have my jew rod set and ready to go and I was thinking of taking my 8ft for some lighter work maybe on pillies or prawns but not to sure on what rigs to use on the lighter gear.

What do you think on rigs for the light rod?

[Beach Fishing Newbie ...... Thinking of trying out Wanda Beach. Your opinion would really help.]

Hey Raiders,

After putting plenty of research into it I decided to set myself up with some beach gear .... Now I am ready to hit the town!

Im finding it pretty hard getting info about decent beach spots or rock spots that arent too dangerous. I have a few places in mind with jewfish at the top of the list.

If there are any tips that some seasoned beacho's could pass down to me would be awesome aswell as tell me your opinion on the following beaches:

Narrabeen .... What is caught from here?

Stanwell Park .... What is caught from here?

Wanda Beach .... What is caught from here?

If these places are not really the right spots to be than if you could point me in the right direction or offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated ..... Ill keep you posted with any future sessions I have too. Sorry if I ask to many questions, but I wont know unless I ask.

I hope for some feedback.

Cheers

Kev

[What is your beach/rock setup?]

Hey Raiders,

After some good rockwall action I have decided to invest a beach rod to target mulloway using mostly live baits.

The rod I have decided on is the SHimano AerWave graphite composite 12ft 6-12kg. I am bit unsure on what reel to use. I havent got a massive budget to blow.

The FinNor Rampage 8000 is on sale atm for $69 but I dont know what Spinning reel would suit this rod. I definately dont want an Alvey and I would look to spend around $150-$180 at the tops.

What is your set up, how does it perform and what is your opinion on my suggested set up???

Any input would be great.

Cheers!

Kev

[locating squid in the port(help)]

Hey Mick,

Caught these boys last night with a mate in a couple hours down at Yowie Bay .... Just drifting over the weed beds. We found the best time there is about an hour after the wharf light turns on until it turns off again.

Goodluck

Kev

[Experienced Opinions Needed Please]

G'day Kevy,

IN your original post you mentioned you had a 2500 Sienna matched to the 4-6kg rod. Did you mean to say 4000? Both reels would probably balance ok with the rod although the 4000 is probably a bigger reel than I would use on it. Its also way to big for light soft plastics work. I use 2500 size reels for everything from bream to Jacks to spanish mackerel.

A 2-4kg rod is plenty to handle most of what you'll come across but if you wanted to up the ante a bit you could look at getting something special... but it will cost. A few manufacturers have ultra fast taper rods in the 3-5kg range that have super light tips but enormous reserve power in the butt. I have a Berkley Venom Copperhead (and before that I had a Lox 2-5 7'2") that are built like this. My Copperhead can cast 1/16oz heads comfortably and then still manage 1/2oz heads for snapper offshore. It's a bit like fishing with a rod that has the tip of a 2kg stick and the butt of 6kg stick.

You can't pick up any old 3-5kg rod though and get this configuration. I have a 2-5kg T-curve for example and its a totally different rod, really only at home at the lighter end.

You'll be able to handle most fish you'll come across with a light rod. It's all just a matter of a good drag setting and patience. You won't have the stopping power to prevent a king from bricking you but you shouldn't have too many problems with most other fish. Most of the people I fish with up here are surprised how light I go. A lot of fish that freak out when hooked on heavier gear won't panic so much on light stuff and so become easier to catch. My standard jack outfit is 10lb braid when a lot of guys fish with 50.

As for the glass 2-4kg, sad to say that won't work for you either. One thing that's really a must for soft plastic fishing is you need the sensitivity of a carbon fibre rod. With the glass rod not only will you struggle with casting light weights but you won't really be able to feel what your plastic is doing... something that as you learn you'll realise is very important to consistent success.

As I said earlier though, all is not lost. The 2500 size is a good reel that would suit the rod you have or a lighter one. Maybe keep an eye out for a lighter rod 2nd hand and if you have one spool up a spare spool for the Sienna and suddenly you have 2 outfits that would cover almost anything you could want to chase around estuaries.

Cheers, Slinky

Hey Slinky,

Thank you for the in depth info mate. Much appreciated. Yesterday after work I went down and purchased the sienna 4000 to match up with my pflueger trion 3-6kg. I than purchased a 2-4kg shimano ummmmmmmm I think its called a platinum I will double check this morning. Its a 2-4kg graphite rod which I matched up with the sienna 2500. I took it for a squid yesterday and between me and my mate we managed a dozen or so squid in the hour down at yowie bay.

I think I am set with rods for a while to come now ...... Just have to start catching some fish haha.

Any good lures you can recommend for a beginner on the light rod and heavier rod?

Cheers

Kev

[Experienced Opinions Needed Please]

Hey kev your rod may be to heavy for what you're targeting. I have a Siena 2500 on a 2-4 kg berkely drop shot. Also your braid and leader might be a bit heavy, maybe consider 4pound braid with 2 pound leader for targeting bream etc? These are just my two cents then again I'm no expert and I'm sure other people will help you out on this forum.

Cheers Joseph.

Hey Joseph,

I was thinking about going as light as you mentioned. My thought was though I wanted something that I could balance having light options and a bit heavier all in the one rod. But I was very close to getting the 4lb braid and 2lb leader. I havent touched any of it yet and havent decided if I will go swap it or not. I just wanted as many opinions as I could get.

[Experienced Opinions Needed Please]

G'day Kev,

To get into soft plastics and give yourself the best chance of success and to really enjoy it, you should think about getting a lighter rod. The reel is a good versatile size so if you get a 2-4kg 7' spin rod, the reel should still balance it nicely. Fishing soft plastics for bream and flatties is a finesse game so make everything as light as possible. If your Sienna came with a spare spool, think about loading it up with 6lb braid for your plastics fishing.

The Pflueger Trion is a great choice... great rod and great value so if you can, another lighter model will give you 2 great outfits. The 3-6kg outfit is the sort of outfit I take plastics fishing for Mangrove Jacks or Snapper... unfortunately it's really a bit heavy for throwing around small, light jig heads and lures. It will do it but you'll be limiting your chances of success and more importantly, making your transition to plastics a lot less enjoyable than it should be.

All is not lost though... keep the 3-6kg rod for throwing bigger plastics at Jewies, snapper or rat kings.

Maybe before you rush out and spend any more hard earned, see if you can spend a session plastics fishing with someone with a lighter outfit and try it out side by side with the outfit you currently have. You'll notice the difference and get a better idea of whether you want that sort of rig.

Cheers, Slinky

Hi Slinky,

Thanks for your feedback mate. I was hoping to have this rod as an all rounder soft plastics. Some ok sized fish and some bigger sized fish. The trion seems to be quite whippy so I thought it might be ok in regards to the lighter stuff but I dont know all my stuff obviously .... Do you think a 2-4kg rod would still be able to handle itself with fish a little bit bigger. Also they matched up the 4000 reel to the rod but it felt a bit too heavy. It hasnt been spooled yet so I wanted some raiders opinions wether to change it over or not.

I have a 2-4kg outfit already but its just a glass blank. Its a shimano aquatic 6'6 which has done me well but I have never tried SPs on it.

[Experienced Opinions Needed Please]

Hi Raiders

I would like to start of by saying that even though I love fishing and try to get out as much as I can. I have always found myself on the end of an empty session. I do all my fishing landbased with bait. I have recently decided to give a go on SPs.

I purchased the Pflueger Trion 7ft 3-6kg and matched it up with a Shimano Sienna 2500. Its spooled with 11lb braid with 8lb leader.

Opinions from all people would be greatly appreciated. Do you think this is all suitably matched up or is there something that should be changed???

The gear is mostly going to be used for SPs targeting breams, flatties, whiting but I wanted it to be able to handle itself if something with a bit more grunt came along.

All opinions will be welcomed. Were heading up north for a new years holiday so Im looking forward to testing it all out.

Cheers

Kev

[Bought my first boat from USA]

Hi Kevy, nice looking rig indeed!

Make sure you do all your homework in regards to pricing. I can guarantee you that this boat will cost you a lot more than 16K landed in Australia. Also, Craigs comments are very valid points. Check the trailer.

Good luck with the import, if I can provide any assistance please let me know.

B

Hi B

Thank you mate, If we have any hassles Ill be sure to be in contact.

I think it may costs us more than what I first said too LOL .... Ill definately keep you all posted on here out of interest

Thanks again.

Kev

[Bought my first boat from USA]

I posted it on here a week ago... It's a robalo 19 ft ... I used the sight sponsor he has been great and I had a lot of checks done although they are cheap... I have heard many many horror story's even boats turning up with different motors... Just a thought u know aluminum trailers are dirt cheap over there and also look at trading up the motor... I'm lucky I got a 4 stroke Yamaha 150 that has done no hours at all ...the other consideration is it under 2.5m wide otherwise u have major restrictions with towing...thats why i kept it under 20 ft as most American boats are 2.59m ...Oversize signs and flags lights... No towing at night .. No towing in the tunnel... It amazes me so many people are happy to tow oversize boats around but if they have an accident they void there insurance!!! I spoke to both the RTA about it and they said a blitz is coming and many boats will end up parked on the side of the road... Especially now so many are coming from the US... Club Marine says that if ur in an accident they will contact the RTA and be guided by their rules... So how the hell do u get an oversize boat in the water before sun up ... Or out of the water if ur late back... Just food for don't want to spoil anything and hope its under 2.5m wide...It's just better to be informed!!!

Wow, I never thought about the restrictions. I'll have to look into the width when ingot into work tomorrow.

Yeh I did some research and most of these boats came with a 150hp. Mine has a Suzuki fuel injected 225 hp. It's a 2003 and has been in repo for a long while. The prep on it and all the leads even just the actual motor looks brand new.

Fingers crossed about the width I'll keep you posted

Thanks for the heads up mate

[Bought my first boat from USA]

WOW !! Thats an amazing amount of boat for the the money... the boat looks fantastic!

Your post has me thinking of importing a boat too.. keep us posted with updates and pics

Cheers

Trung

Hey trung, I'll definitely keep you posted on how it's all going. Cheers

Great looking boat!!! the prices really are ridiculous ....Now the worst part is waiting..... Trust me mines in transit too ....

Awesome congrats mate!

What kind of boat you have coming? From US too? Mines still waiting for me, I paid half yesterday and the remainder next Monday. Who's doing your shipping??

I'm getting mine shipped from an American shipper and just getting a local freight company to customs clear it. I was getting quoted ridiculous amounts from companies here so I'm going with a guy in US.

Do you have any photos of yours coming in, send some thru if you do I'd love to check it out

Cinciti@tpg.com.au

OH MY!!! Mate that is a ripper. I'm thinking of selling mine and importing one myself.

Congrats and ENJOY!

Thanks mate, even if you end up selling it for another one with the prices in the US compared to here you can't really lose.

[Bought my first boat from USA]

Hey guys & girls

I haven't posted on here in a long time ... Unfortunately I haven't had the time to go fishing in a long time.

So without holding it back I thought the only way to force my self to get away from work and in the fish again is to buy a boat lol

I just wanted your much more experienced thoughts on it.

Im buying out of the USA. Its a fish master 21ft centre console 2002. 225hp Suzuki Motor 2003. It was a repo from someone who couldn't make his repayments.

It comes with the trailer pictured. I have many more photos but thoughts for now Ill just upload the one and get your initial opinions.

Beautiful condition. I picked it up for $9,500 USD but by the time I pay for shipping, customs etc etc Im looking at around $16,000.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I hope to get out on the water as soon as it arrives and gets to my place smoothly!!!

Take care

Kevy

[My Secret Trip Away ...... Port Macquarie]

Hi Kev

I've fished at port on my hols I fished near the car ferry closest to the hi way against the bank near the caravan park picked up some nice flattys using live Taylor that I caught at the warf of the caravan park it's worth a try good luck have a nice weekend

Hi Clemo ... So I managed to get it out of her, and I was off completely. Were going to Port Stephans .... Have you been there by any chance lol

[My Secret Trip Away ...... Port Macquarie]

Hi Raiders,

So the missus is planning a surprise weekend away for us as a late birthday pressie .... She has dropped a few clues and I am thinking we are heading to Port Macquarie though I have never been a good detective.

I have been doing a bit of research but nothing is better than self experience so I am asking my fellow raiders for some knowledge.

Have you ever dropped a line @ Port Macquarie and if so would you mind helping me out on a few places, Ill be going after the usual bream, flatties and if I can get out of the romantic get away Ill be going for jewies.

Any help would be great guys and I hope that I am right about our destination or I might have to go to a pet store, buy a gold fish and throw a line in the bowl hahaha.

Thanks.

Kev.

[Fishing at its hardest]

Go Chris .... Thats a awesome Bream mate.

[Daiwa sportfish 205TMC Fishing Rod]

Hello Raiders,

I was cleaning out our garage storage room and I found a old fishing rod which I have no clue about so I thought I'd ask some season veterans of their opinions.

Its a old Daiwa Sportsfish 205TMC and is 3.97m in length.

I'd love to know if any of your guys know about this rod and also what you think about it ...... Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated and it could possibly save me plenty of money.

I have added a photo I took on my camera of the model.

Thanks everyone.

Ps: how's the fishing been lately?, I just got back from overseas and am very keen to get back out and go for a fish!

Cheers

Jason

[Beach Fishing Gear .... I need your advice]

Hey Guys

Thanks for all the help and info that youse have been ..... Im still currently on the lookout but as soon as I get some beach gear together I will let you all know what I get to get your feedback.

All I know is that as soon as I get it its off to garie beach.

Thanks again.

[Beach Fishing Gear .... I need your advice]

Hi Kevy,

As a start, it may be worth trying some of the Shimano Beach combo's etc (usually 12ft rods). Fishing off the sand can be a little punishing on the gear, salt + sand mixture etc. So you may want to start off with a basic set up to see if you really like beach fishing before you spend money on a quality beach outfit. If you are keen to spend up straight away, I agree that Alvey reels are at home on the beach where they excel and fit into the environment. You will then need to match up with a low mounted reel seat rod catered for Alvey reels (good Alvey rods - Wilson / Snyder Glas / Gary Howard / or Alvey brand rods themselves, cheaper). An Alvey 650 reel loaded up with 9-10kg line, paired up with a MT7144 as mentioned above is a great balanced outfit for the species you mentioned)

If you have a big wallet, there's some amazing graphite graphite composite rods like the Daiwa Sensor Surf out there...+ others & long casting distance spinning reels by the likes of Okuma etc.

A couple of tips off the beach with whatever gear you purchase:

1. Take the gear into the shower with you or hose down ASAP after a beach session to preserve the life of your gear. Don't let them sit in the corner of the garage after an outing covered in sand .

2. Some of the ready made Salmon/Tailor gang rigs available in most shops these days are great for people who are first getting into the beach stuff. After a while you will figure out the rigs and make them yourself, but your life is already made easier with rigs already made by the likes of Geof Wilson.

cheers,

Spizza.

Hey Spizza .... I think your right about the Shimano combo to get used to beach fishing first. Alot of people are telling me to go a Alvey, it looks interesting but I dont think id want to spend money on something I dont know just yet

Have you heard of the lazertips?

[Beach Fishing Gear .... I need your advice]

well how long is a peice of string... Theres so much gear to choose from. your best to go into a store and see what feels good to you

to start you off - a few questions:

- whats your budget?

- type of reel do you like? - spin (eggbeater), overhead, alvey

- type of fish you'l be targeting ?

- using bait, lures, soft plastics or a mix ?

Hi Bennoz,

Im really only looking to spend no more than $200 for a combo ... I been looking around and found a shakespeare lazertip?, do you know anything about those. I basically am interested in just eggbeating and targeting anything from bream to whiting but ideally I want to try with salmon on bait.

[go the chooks!]

You mean your heading up to gosford to watch the roosters kick the broncos a**es lol

Up the might chooks!!!

[Beach Fishing Gear .... I need your advice]

Hello fellow fishraiders,

I have recently started looking around at purchasing a beach fishing set up to do a bit of beach fishing but to be honest dont have alot of knowledge on them. All I know is that it should be 10ft +

Any info or advice from experienced folks would be very very much appreciated. I am looking to do a bit of beaching fishing for some salmon and maybe even some jewies if I am lucky.

Any advice on rod brands, reel brands or even decent combos going around at the moment. Any info would be more than what I currently know.

Cheers

Kevy.

[Jew fish reco]

Hey Black Label

I have been fishing for jewies for the past 6 months and have only been on once so maybe I am not the best person to be giving you advice hahaha but there are a few spots not too far away from where I live that are known to hit jewies. On the Georges River either lugarno side or Illawong side there are known to be some deep holes around those areas. And Whilst we havent came up trumps yet I have noticed some activity going on out Drummoyne way. I was there on the W.E and turned my back and reeled in 1/4 of a live yakka.

Let me know how you go anyway mate and where you end up at. I hope I was some sort of help lol

[Jewfish Tactics]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to fish raider and I got to say thank you to all the threads posted, I'm taking notes and trying to put them to practie from all I read whilst going for my first jewie ....... I'm heading out this saturday night for another crack and thanks to all the advice here I'm feeling a tad more confident than usual hahaha.

I'll keep you all posted and thanks again.

Kev.