GreyNurse

Country, blues ( traditional), Rock and originals. Covered bands like Dire Straits, Taj Mahal, JJ Cale, Stones, Beatles. A bit of an eclectic mix.

I did as few years professionally in a duo at a little pub in the Rocks called the Fortune of War between '85 and '87. We played on Friday and Saturday nights. I played acoustic guitar and bass, my partner, Pete, played guitar and banjo and did the vocals. I mixed sound for a few bands as well. Sadly, my playing partner passed away the year before last, but we recorded a few of our gigs on a reel to reel and years later I managed to salvage enough tracks for a double CD that'll never be published. I never considered music as a career, but those years were the best paid piss-up a bloke could wish for.

Bloody drop bears!

My pleasure Ambrose. This is what the site is all about. Sharing information. And I don't mind being corrected if I get something wrong. As accurate as I try to be, I'm still just a broken down old alter boy.

Hi Teddybear, I stayed at Redbox in April last year. I know the results won't be the same, but the water off the back of the house is one big eddy. I was hauling in flathead after flathead, 8 out of 10 were keepers, but the biggest went 45cms. It rained hard for the first two days, but I picked up trevally, tailor and bream in the rain. I was using salted pillies, and lures with the pillies being more successful, of course. When the rain stopped and the lake level and debris dropped a bit, I took the kayak out, but scored donuts, probably due to my unfamiliarity of the lake system. Still, you should return home with a reasonable report. Hope the weather stays good for you.

There are three likely spots at Narrabeen Lake. Middle Creek Reserve, at the back of the lake, Billarong Reserve, on the north side of the like about mid distance between the entrance and Middle Creek. Both are off the Wakehurst Parkway. Or Lakeside Park, off Pittwater Road, near the lake entrance.

I don't know. How about "Minnie"?

I don't know about this particular species, but hermaphrodites often change sex when there is not enough of one gender to propagate the species in a school. The wonders of nature, eh?

I can see the next toy coming on to the market. The all new, UV resistent, glow in the dark, fish tale crimper. One size fits all! Never be caught out by fisheries again. Ha ha.

"Thrust Dart Dive", it sounds like it should be on a jet ski. But, if it catches you squid, then, regardless of the blurb, it works. I must admit, the best squid jig I had was a nude lumo type. I forget how much I paid for it, but after 20 years or so, the plastic became brittle at the anchor point. I cast out one day and saw the "plop", but was left with only a swivel on the end of the line. Farewell, old friend. you served me well.

If you're using brass swivels, replace them with ball bearing ones. Brass swivels are hopeless in the surf. They often jam up with sand. Even then, you could be using swivels that are too small. Try going up a size or two. I wouldn't use a ball sinker in strong current either. It's probably rolling and twisting the line. Try a channel sinker or a running star sinker between the swivels. Better yet, use a paternoster rig.

What swims like a fish and sings? Tina Tuna!

All done. I'll be interested to see the results.

Rod, As far as I'm concerned, Port Hacking and Georges River, although both good water ways, offer parking problems for large groups. However, Narrabeen Lake or Appletree Bay have plenty of good parking areas (you do get stuck with a $7 fee at Appletree, but it's probably worth it). Sydney Harbour would possibly be OK west of the bridge parking-wise. I'm not talking 100% from experience, but Google Maps gives one a good idea of parking spaces. Personally, I reckon Narrabeen Lake, as it's next door to Narrabeen itself, so last minute purchases of supplies is easy, it's not too bad to access from most places in Sydney, and it offers a good variety of fish and locations. But then again, the Georges, upstream of the Liverpool weir could also be good. I'd welcome other Raiders' inputs as my recommendation is by no means going to be welcomed by at least some would be participants.

Mate, when you work it out, tell the Australian cricket team. It's about time they were told how to get the lead out!

Got your SMS mate, She's a good first fish. Well done on the release. As I've said elsewhere here, they are probably a better fish to view in their natural environment. Imagine keeping one of those in an aquarium!

Can grow to be big buggers all right. When I started fishing t-years ago I had a bamboo rod......until I hooked a 1meter + Port Jackson. We kept it and ate it for dinner that night, but there was not a lot to go around for it's size.(I think back then they may have been protected, not sure about the mid 70's) I've since thrown back subsequent catches or cut the line, as they tend to get gut hooked. A much better fish to observe diving then to catch IMO.

Sinkers I get, but how do you do the float stops?

Sook Schmook! I'm not as young as some of you heroes and my joints hurt in the cold. Come summer, however, and this Clark Kent dons his Superman outfit and is a different person. (Yeah, Ok the Watersnake helps), but nonetheless, I'm all for a yak gathering. Let's see if the Swordies want in to consider making this a sanctioned social. BigRod, good thinking!

Either way Scratchie, It's worth having a go and see what happens. I think a flotilla of yaks would look awesome on any waterway! I hope we get a few who are interested.

Now that's an idea. Can we wait till the weather warms up a bit first, though? I know there's more than the odd few Raiders out there who have yaks and might like the idea. Any particular venue in mind?

You're going to have to wait until you get a bit older, mate. I work in aged care.

Check out this story on Fishing World magazine, ladies and gents. Makes you want to weep. http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/giant-spanish-mackerel-caught-off-fraser-island

Yeah, but their kids are cute.

Thanks Swordie. In the poor light, I made an assumption. Oops! Still, it's always fascinating how these little creatures find a way to pin themselves to any sized hook. You'd think they'd be grateful to be released, instead of trying to take a piece out of your hand. BTW, are you back home? I hope your holiday went well.