joel.pringle

Mate, I don't know where you're getting your info. It's 8.9%, which equals around $2 a week. If you earn under $150,000 you've just been given more than that back as a tax cut. If you earn more than $150,000, I'm sure you won't notice the $2. Here's the statement from the energy regulator: http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Electricity/Reviews/Retail_Pricing/Changes_in_regulated_electricity_retail_prices_from_1_July_2012/13_Jun_2012_-_Fact_Sheet_-_Consumer_summary_of_final_decision/Fact_Sheet_-_Consumer_summary_of_final_decision_-_June_2012 Hrgh

Sounds like a fun trip, even if the fish were hiding. I'd imagine the fish in the river would have been mullet? Hrgh

Just looked out the window. Sydney's still standing. Any word from Whyalla? Hrgh

Freezing your fish before sashimi is definately not a good idea. But, surprisingly, straight out of the water fresh is not best either. If you leave the fish for a day or so (refridgerated) the flesh firms up a bit, which is what you are after with sashimi. GregL is right about the fatty belly meat. A kingfish makes a lot of sashimi though and the other thing you can do with the belly meat is fry a small fillet in a hot pan drizzled with either mirin and soy or balsamic vinegar for a minute or so each side. The mirin / vinegar caramelises to sweet, sticky goodness and is awesome with the fatty belly meat. Hrgh

It's not entirely clear, but looks like they chucked it over the fence (including spray from the landing). Not how I'd treat flesh I was going to eat! Hrgh

Mate, I clearly stated that I agreed with you regarding recreational fishing. I said "I 100% agree with your comments on recreational fishing vs commercial, and don't see recreational fishing as a risk to fish populations except in spawning seasons,". I also said "I'd love to see a stronger recreational fishing peak develop and keep working to overturn the decisions, I'd like to join the campaign if there is an opportunity." I don't know that I can agree with you more clearly than that. This stuff "as opposed to what the greenies like to look at when they dive" "Greenies be ashamed of yourselves" is actually what will stop recreational fishers from achieving good outcomes; getting political wins is about building alliances between different groups in society. Look at the success that the anti-coal seam gas movement is starting to have, from an unlikely alliance of the Greens and farmers. And not just Greens of course, but all parties. Recreational fishers need to build alliances with conservationists and the Greens, not deride them. As a Green who enjoys fishing, I see the possibility of that happening look less every time I see rec fishos have a go at greenies. I believe it's to the detriment to the future of recreational fishing. Hrgh

Federal Fisheries Minister Joe Ludwig http://www.maff.gov.au/contact Any Queensland fishraiders should visit his office to let him know your views. Hrgh

G'day fishmaniac I wasn't taking the piss, I was quoting someone who represents those with a big stake in the fishery (manager of a fisherman's co-op, his livelihood) who was happy with the process. He felt well consulted and appeared happy with the outcome. It was in response to a comment about idiot intellectuals coming up with the plan, demonstrating that there had been an inclusive consultation. I have seen other supportive comments about the standard of the consultation from fisherman, people who have been involved in the policy development, even if they don't agree with the outcome. Apologies for no links, I can't find them right now, but it was someone from WA. Anyone who is critical of the process should give examples of how the process came up short, rather than abstractly blaming idiot intellectuals. I 100% agree with your comments on recreational fishing vs commercial, and don't see recreational fishing as a risk to fish populations except in spawning seasons, and that this could be better managed. I'd love to see a stronger recreational fishing peak develop and keep working to overturn the decisions, I'd like to join the campaign if there is an opportunity. I also agree about the supertrawler, absolutely outrageous decision. I get upset with comments such as 'There is no credible science attached to this,', when people do not back up their claim. The role of science in the creation of the parks is laid out here http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/about/science.html. I didn't go into the data, because I am not a scientist and would find it hard work. I take from Trapper Tom's criticism of the credibility of the data that he is a marine biologist, it would be great to hear his rebuttal to the documents that the government relied on. Hrgh

East coast fisherman don't seem to think it was dreamed up by idiot intellectuals: However, the NSW fishing sector welcomes the Federal Government's proposed eastern marine reserve, running from north of Brisbane to Bermagui on the NSW south coast. Tony Lagana, manager of Bermagui fishing co-op, says it took two years of negotiations with government to develop conservation plans that will not hurt fishing-dependent towns like Ulladulla, Bermagui and Eden. "It is a good outcome for the far south coast (of NSW). We have had a lot of discussion with the government and Tony Burke has done a great job for Bermagui," he said. "He has listened to our concerns and our fishers are very happy with the outcome we have achieved." http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201206/s3524936.htm

Thanks for the feedback, this is good info. As I'll be looking at a travel rod (necessary for my scooter, and handy for hiking), I'm a bit limited in rod weight. I think I've landed on a Shakespeare Agility 5pce, 2-4kg 6'6"; maybe a bit heavier than ideal but as close as I can find. Now to trawl through the archives for tactics, and following the move should have some reports to share! Hrgh

http://www.theadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/super-trawler-could-go-elsewhere/2584030.aspx http://mps.tas.greens.org.au/2012/05/concerns-over-bass-strait-super-trawler-what-are-the-impacts-on-fishery-ecosystem/

Later this year, I will be leaving my beloved Sydney for the chillier waters of Melbourne. Given the apparent abundance of accessible trout streams down that way, I figure that I should give freshwater a go. After a little research, I have in mind what I think would be a good spinning outfit, but was hoping to get some feedback here before purchasing any additional items. I should point out, I've only ever fished salt water before. Here's what I have in mind for both stream and lake fishing: 6"6' carbon rod, rated up to 6kg 1000 size spinning reel loaded with 6lb braid 4 or 5lb leader Does this seem reasonable? If so, it will likely double up as a bream / whiting / squid combo. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Any other tips on freshwater fishing, or fishing in Victoria, also appreciated. Hrgh

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-news/pipi-ban-overturned-for-nsw-beaches/story-e6freuzi-1226377272827 Could impact on recreational fish stocks. Hrgh

It's a bit cheeky, considering the dollar has been relatively lower over the last few months. Lower than the last couple of years. Hrgh

Agriculture is exempt from the carbon tax. Hrgh

I guess she would have consulted the scientists and biologists who are trained to measure population levels. As a Minister, her job is to make decisions affecting people outside her electorate. Hrgh

First, catch a fish. Preferably Drummer. Or whatever floats your boat. (or downs your float. Or something) Second, smoke the fish. 1. Fillet 2. Soak in a brine of about 1ltr water, 1/3 cup of salt and whatever amount of sugar you feel comfortable with (no more than will dissolve in the water). 3. Allow to soak for an hour or two. 4. Rinse off the brine, pat dry. 5. Smoke in whatever smoking contraption you have at hand. I use one of those camping-store bought tin boxes. It's awesome. I smoked the fish ahead, allowed to cool, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge until the next day. Finally, the salad. Could be any leafy green salad, but this worked wonders for me (disclaimer, my gorgeous other actually threw the salad together this time so credit where it's due). No hard and fast rules in this kitchen. 1. Boil an egg. Soft boiled would work, but hard boiled is less messy. If hard boiled, slice and set aside. If soft boiled, put aside for the last step, peel and place on top of the finished salad and pierce for gooey goodness. Of poach for similar effect. 2. Boil / blanch some green beans or asparagus or both. 3. Boil a couple of potatoes, slice. Kipflers are the absolute best potatoes in the world bar none, but you may disagree. Your loss. 4. Flake the smoked fish, toss it all together with some mixed salad leaves (egg on top if soft boiled or poached). 5. Attack with intention, and enjoy every moment of it. It might end up looking like this. Prior to being hungrily attacked of course. Hrgh

I headed down to my favourite spot near La Perouse on Saturday, incoming tide and geez it was great weather for autumn. Another notch in the rod handle, I managed my first luderick! How did I catch him? Size 10 hook, cabbage under a float? Nuh. This fella was by-catch chasing drummer, I pulled him in on a size 1 circle hook and half a peeled prawn weighted with a small splitshot, fishing the wash near the ledge. Came in at a touch over 34cm. I'm planning to have a go targeting luderick over winter, so this was a pleasant head start. I was after drummer though. Luckily, as I neared the end of my prawns, got onto one. After the luderick, this fish dove much harder and at one stage seemed to be under my feet, half a metre in from the edge, gunning for the crevasses. I dragged him out. Gonna be HUGE I thought. Of course, being a drummer he had more bicep than the luderick, touching in just over 30cm. I didn't get a picture of this one on the rocks because the swell was getting a bit dangerous by this stage so I was keen to move on. I smoked the drummer this afternoon, he's about to go into a salad. I'll put more details in the kitchen forum. Hrgh

Yarra Bay has no surf, and you don't need a beach rod for long casts. If the swell is low you can fish from Bare Island in safety. Malabar near the boat ramp is calm too, and a few fish around. Hrgh

Awesome effort, well done. Hearing this will keep me motivated to keep trying for landbased Kingfish. Hrgh

Is that spot in Farm Cove or on the Wollomoolloo side? Hrgh

Howdy I recently caught my first drummer, I hadn't eaten them before but had heard they went down well if bled and chilled, as I did. I was very lucky to recieve a second fish from the gentleman fishing next to me, meaning a good feed for my partner as well. Which left me thinking, how to cook the fish? Bbqing fish the same way is getting boring, so time for something new. Drummer has nice, moist white flesh... what to do... Easy. Fillet and skin the fish, and cut the fillets into about three chunks. One teaspoon coriander seeds, one of cumin, a teaspoon and a half tumeric, half a teaspoon ground ginger, a teaspoon of chilli flakes dry roasted breifly in a frypan. Scoop it into a morter are pestle, grind it all down. Add enough olive oil to coat the fish, place fish in a bowl, cover with the marinade and mix through. Leave in the fridge for at least half an hour, longer if desired (and patience allows). Simply fry the fish quickly in a pan, serve with fresh, crunchy greens. Could also be prepared in smaller chunks and served on top of a garden salad. A couple of notes; nothing was really measured, above is a general guide for two fish. Spices are interchangeable, mustard seeds also work well in the mix. Fresh garlic is great to add, just slice and add to the pounding mixture (don't roast first). Similarly, fresh ginger instead of ground. Replace the spices with a mix of herbs like rosemany and thyme, just make sure it gets a good bashing in the morter and pestle to form a mush. No dry roasting required for herbs. This mix worked great with the white flesh of the drummer. Sorry, no photos. I was too busy eating by that stage. Hrgh

Having only taken up fishing six months ago, I'm finally getting to the stage where I can expect to bring something home for the pot most times I go out. Headed out to Bare Island, off La Parouse, today, half-way through the run-out tide I think. Walking over the bridge I got worried, the water was brown and there was a lot of refuse floating around from the rains during the week. The water on the east side of the island was clean, and I headed over there. It was a bit crowded, and not much action going on. I got bored with the occasional nibbles but no takers after about an hour, and headed across to the west side for some squiding. Caught lots of weed, and eventually a snag caught my $20 jig. I still haven't had any luck with squid, and have more luck feeding the snags than myself. A bit disheartened but I'll soldier on. After this I was ready to head home empty handed, but the spot around the corner furthest to the west of the island was calling me... So I headed around to throw my last few baits in, and I'm glad I did. Throwing half a peeled prawn on a size 1 circle hook, I normally add a pea size split shot but made it two because the spot was washy. Second cast, Rock Cod. Back he goes. Next cast, something takes, pulls harder than I'm used to. Up he comes, a 32cm Drummer. My first, and I suspect I'll be back for more. But today, a couple more casts and I was out of bait. The guy fishing next to me was tops, he had six in the bucket already and pulled in another, so offered it to me. Much appreciated, easier to cook for two if you have two fish. I'll put my Drummer spice marinade in the 'kitchen' forum. Hrgh

It's great when a bit of improvisation pays off. Good catch. Hrgh

Well done. I was at Yarra Bay for a few hours on Sunday for zip. Hrgh