Hey all, I am interested in peoples opinions here who fish the Harbour. I really, really do not want this post to denegrate into a free for all but hope it will be constructive. After working on Sydney Harbour for a number of years and after consulting some very well known fellow guides and anglers we are all of the opinion that the etiquette of many anglers this year has been very poor. With the number of internet fishing reports either showing photos of exact locations or posting exact fishing locations, its getting tight in many good fishing spots. With Pittwater being very heavily hit by the pro anglers many guys are heading South to the Harbour as well which adds to the crowds. The number of boats "dropping in" on other anglers and anchoring next to them with no consultation or consideration is disappointing. Add to that the almost farcical number of boats downrigging by doing circle work around other boats and it is getting out of hand. I understand that things can get awkward if there are crowds but the place is riddled with fish, so why do we need to fish in each others pockets? There are plenty more spots to try if someone is on a marker or structure. Sure, there's room for one or two on a marker or structure if you work together to avoid interference. ie if one is anchored or one is drifting at opposite sides.
If the harbour is not crowded and 20 markers are empty of boats why do people have to come and fish next to the only marker we are fishing????? Why do people anchor within a short cast of a boat drifting and casting flies and lures . If they hook a big king then the anchor rope presents a real target for the fish to bust them on.
Two days ago whilst casting a soft plastic a guy rocked up and downrigged over the very top of where it landed. After asking for some consideration the guy said "but your lures on the bottom isn't it?" Sure, it was and it was about to be worked in the very area his downrigger was. He then went on to downrigg and hang up on our anchor rope not once, but twice! I have one of his hooks as a souvenir.
I understand if people are new to the game and ignorant of the etiquette but maybe its time for us all to consider some etiquette guidelines such as those adopted in other countries for river fishing etc
I have had the pleasure of fishing a lot of this country and I know that the type of behaviour exhibited of late would be met by "shotguns" in many parts of the country. I understand its a populated city but it's a massive waterway. Shouldn't we start by trying to anchor no closer than 50 metres from others or at least asking the first anglers at a spot if they mind if you join them/fish beside them.
What do you guys think? Any similar experiences? Not interested in sledging individual boats/people, just generic info and suggestions so maybe we can help compile some guidelines to make the waterway a really friendly environment to fish.
JD