foolforjesus

Cheers PaddyT.

http://www.fishingtacklelures.com.au/fishing-priests-best-method-of-killing-fish.php The RSPCA favour using a priest or spike. http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-the-most-humane-way-to-kill-a-fish-intended-for-eating_451.html Whilst I'm sure the spike works well, I can see there could be issues such as, not hitting the right spot, getting spiked by gill rakers/fins if the fish is thrashing about...With practice, I'm sure you'd get more accurate. Rarely when I've taken a Trout for the plate, I've always used a priest, which has been very effective. I guess for larger fish, maybe not so effective. I think I'll try the priest and see how that goes. Cheers for the info.

Hi FlatheadLuke, Its a tough call either way I guess. Do you think a priest would be effective?

Would a priest (what I would use to dispatch a Trout) be effective on Flathead or Bream, if used in the same area you would use a spike?

Hi Dave, Thanks for the info. How long would you say an ice slurry would take to kill a Flathead or Bream?

Ok great, Thank's for the info.

Hi Everyone, Looking to target some Flathead/bream for a feed over the coming months. What would be the most humane way to dispatch them? I 99.9% catch and release, so never had to dispatch either a Flathead or Bream before. For a Flathead, I've read that a sharp pick behind the eyes kills them quickly, then cut the neck to bleed. I've also read that a cold ice slurry is better, prevents adrenaline entering the flesh. Not sure what is best for Bream. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers, Chris

I'm gonna say learn to tie your knots well, and before you know it you'll be able to tie them quickly in the dark with a little light of course. You'll become a better fisherman for it. The knot I prefer to use, which is predominately for SP fishing, is a lefty's loop knot. Never had one fail. Plus, once you master it, takes less than a minute to change a lure. I would advise a loop knot 100% when SP fishing. It might not be so critical when fast retrieving metal lures/poppers etc. I think once you master your knots, you won't use snaps/swivels anymore.

Hi Adam, When I make up my own tapered leaders, I always use a blood knot. Main reason being, it goes through the guides smoother due to it's sleek profile. I've not had one fail, although I've not tested them on any serious sized fish. The triple surgeon's knot would be my second choice, it is a good knot, but not as sleek as the blood knot in it's profile. What size leader / tippet were you thinking of using and what fish / size were you targeting? I'd say the main benefits for using a tapered leader, aside from the line turning over better, would be a more stealthy approach, if using a longer rather than shorter leader. Cheers, Chris

Mate, I can sense the passion, frustration and annoyance in your post! From what little I have seen, I agree, there is unfortunately more than just a few who are adding to the issue. I do think however, like it is now becoming more widely accepted to put the larger "breeder" Flathead back, I think there needs to be more education/understanding with Kingfish. If a female will generally breed for the first time at over 80cms, if they're getting taken before this size, surely this means less are getting a chance at breeding, which in turn is affecting the whole Kingfish tree?

Very interesting read! http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/638530/YF_Fielder_Heasman-Hatchery-Manual-for-the-production-of-Australian-Bass,-Mulloway-and-Yellowtail-Kingfish.pdf

No way!!! Ahhh, if only we had a fishery like that here in Sydney!

Hey Lee, If the science is correct, then it would seem Kingfish under 75cms haven't had a chance to reproduce. If caught and taken for the table under this size, the level of impact it has on the fishery to me is uncertain, but you'd think it would have to have a negative impact? Maybe if the size limit were increased it would take a few years for the average fish size to increase, but long term we might have a fishery similar to NZ. In the meantime that could mean catching a legal fish would be tougher, but only for a 2-3 seasons? I think in the long run, if the average size were to increase and there were more fish around, that's gotta be better right?

Hi Mate, Your retrieve sounds good, however you can vary the hop/twitches up a bit if you like. Don't be afraid to be more/less erratic. I would drop your braid line to 4lb, which will be more than enough for Bream, and possibly bigger by-catch species. If you go say a Fireline braid, 4lb will break much higher, more likely around 10/12lb. The main advantage to dropping to 4lb braid, you'll be able to cast further. No need at all to burley when SP fishing. I would probably have a good dozen casts in any one spot before moving. If you have success in a particular area, you could stick around for longer in the hope of fish coming through. Or as a spot regularly gives out fish, you can give those areas more attention in future visits. Any time is a good time to be fishing, and the best tip I can give you...be patient and KEEP casting! Cheers, Chris

Daiwa Luvias 2004, very light and a pleasure to fish with.

Hey tef1on,I'm from the UK too, and I kinda feel the same as what you said. Being brought up in the UK, carp are considered as prized a fish there as a marlin, kingfish or Trout lol, here!

I personally don't want to kill anything that I don't have to. Many years ago when I discovered a Sydney creek full of big carp, keen to catch them but not kill them, I contacted fisheries to get the info on what is legal and not legal. I was told it is legal to put them back (he did say we prefer you dispatch them and dispose of them at your home), and it is illegal to move them to any other body of water than where you caught it. So me personally, if I catch a carp, I'll be putting it back. The few times I would target carp, really wouldn't make a difference to their numbers.

Happy birthday Stewy! I hope you have an awesome, blessed day!

Thank you for the replies Roylo & Slinkymalinky. To be honest, I really don't feel confident, considering I'd have to get into the guts of the reel. With that in mind, who & where would you recommend I take the reel for a service. What kind of costs should I anticipate? I appreciate your advice. Cheers, Chris

Hey Raiders, My trusty Daiwa Luvias 2000 DA Custom is starting to play up. Under fairly average drag, mid fight, the anti reverse slips intermittently, then locks back. After reading an old post, it looks like the cause is most likely over lubrication. I haven't serviced the reel, so not sure how it would have got over lubricated. For someone that's never serviced a spin reel, would you have a go, or take it somewhere to be serviced? If it's take it somewhere, where would you recommend? Cheers, Chris

Good job Mate, and great read!

Hi flyfisher63, unfortunately that trip hasn't eventuated yet...Sorry I can't help. There would be others for sure who would have some advice for you. Cheers, Chris

Nice footage Mate!

Hey Stormy, Looks like your Mate was fishing the canals at Twizel...I hope to get there one day!

Hey Raiders, Ok, firstly I better lay some background to who I am, and my solution to this very challenging real issue! My name is Chris, I Loooooooooove fishing, and have done for the best part of 30 years. I seriously go fishing as much as I can, which with a 9-5, 5 days a week job, Church on Sunday, really only leaves one day a week to go...Saturdays! I am married, with a young one on the way, so things could possibly become even more challenging for me! As I've said, Saturdays are my "fishing window", and if there is something else on, its a no go for me. My wife is very good, she understands these constraints, and doesn't put too much pressure on me to be around on Saturdays. The current understanding we have (which I'm sure you'll see is very generous on her part) is: I fish 2 Saturdays out of every month unhindered by time constraints. Another Saturday I fish, but am home in time for dinner and a night in or out. Another Saturday I don't fish, and have the weekend at home, with my Wife. That is a pretty good arrangement, for me, however... The thing is as a Christian, a married man, someone who looooooooves fishing, who only gets limited time to go fishing, its all about being a man, a man of integrity, as Donna so rightly pointed out. Our job as men is simple...Love our Woman! As much as us men cannot fathom, the Women in our lives NEED our Love, which most likely equals time spent with us. Whether that is to simply sit around at home, walk around the shops, maybe even get to go fishing together (which does happen!), the simple solution to this real issue which can shake the foundations of our relationships, is to simply to give her what she needs, love, her desire to spend time with you. Love & Respect is the key! I'll say it again, Love & Respect is the key! If we as men love our wives unconditionally, she will respect us unconditionally, and will want to fulfil our needs, which as fisho's, time on the water will be high up on the list! This is not a "I'll give this to get back scenario". This is a give out of unconditional love, to which the natural response, is unconditional respect and ultimately it is a win win! The thing we all need to understand is, Women are designed to receive love, and Men are designed to receive respect. Women need love, and Men need respect. Ask yourself, Man or Woman, and I think you'll find its true. So the moral of all this is simple... Men love your Woman, and she will give you the respect you deserve, without you even asking. Women respect your Man, and he will keep giving you the Love you deserve, without you even asking. Not because we feel obligated too, but because Loving our Women & Respecting our Men is how we have been created to be! I can honestly say, myself, who couldn't bear the thought of a week without being on the water, has actually overcome those issues, and can say that I now happily spend time at home, with my Wife. Happy in the knowledge that I am loving her, and giving her what she needs. Whilst these principals will come naturally the more we practice them, it can be very challenging at first. Trust me when I say, we've had our fair share of teething problems. The good news is, the more you give this way of life a chance, you'll be amazed at how much it pours into your relationship. You both will have your needs fulfilled, and ultimately, you reach a place where fishing, happiness in life through all things will come everyday. Needless to say, your needs to be fishing will be met, among others, and you will have a richer relationship which can only be good! Also, learning to tie your own flies or even making your own soft plastic/hard body lures is a great way to fill in "those times" when your not on the water! I hope these insights help, and ultimately make life for the "fishing family" a happy place for all to be! Whilst we will still strive for those trophy captures, don't forget, we already have caught the greatest...The women (and men) in our lives! (I know this might sound cliché, but when you really think about it, its so very true!)