Scratchie

G'day raiders, With the strong winds up in the bay the way they are, no chance to get the boat out. So it's off with the yak to try out another spot, the Williams river, clarencetown. Put in about 9 after picking up my mate and the water was still, well for about 10mins anyway. Managed 1 nice bass before we got blown to smithereens! Then the plan was to head upstream and use the wind on the way back! Seen some big crap, sorry carp up there but they weren't having the privilege of using my lure. Anyway, on the way back, with conditions against us I managed another nicish fish after many casts! Triumph! Then the wind died down to create a perfect drift and I got a big hit but didn't manage to land it. Next snag, bang on again! This time got it all on the gopro hence the photo! Now the tradgic part....... After releasing the fish, I was working my way out of the snags and into clearwater looking for my next snag. I reach behind me, and no rod???? It must have got caught on a branch and went in the water! Bummer.... It was a good rod but nothing I could do about it. Time for ungraded anyway me thinks! Anyway, all fish released in good condition, most were over 25cm but not real fat. It was still better fishing than working! Thanks for reading! Cheers scratchie!!!

Hey mike, I'm not sure about middle harbour but up here a sandy/muddy bottom is best. I usually drop my hats between 2-5m water. I use any fish frame that is left over and cable tie it to the base. I check them every 1 1/2 to 2 hours and fish whilst I wait. Make sure you do check dpi guidelines though. Good luck! Cheers scratchie!!!

Yeah Jason, I think your on the money! Could be mullet or small tailor. But then again if they were tailor you should have hooked up! IMO it was whiting or bream! Cheers scratchie!!!

Hey mick, At least your thinking about your trip! In a yak I would recommend staying around the moorings in pittwater as it would be a bit easier to manage any change in weather. Good idea to have two rods, but the idea of squid on a gang hook don't sit with me. I would prefer a 2 hook snelled rig. Makes the bait look more natural. And if you get a chance try catching a livie with the other rod and you can use the same rig for that. Good luck! Cheers scratchie!!! P.s welcome to fishraider!

First of all, welcome to fishraider William! This week has been a windy week in port stephens. The pick over the next 7 days is Saturday. Sunday and Monday are looking a little windy but the swell should be fine. Wednesday next week is looking a complete right off but as with all forecasts they can change at the drop of a hat. There are a few beaks being caught around the carpark and further south. Good luck and would like to see you place a report of your venture! Tight lines, Cheers scratchie!!!

Well done dean. Awesome getting out there with family and friends is what it's all about. And to capture it on video to is great! Thanks for sharing! Cheers scratchie!!!

If you move up here baz, there's every chance you'll see me out on the water! You'd love the move and there's a few fish to be caught up here too! Lol. Cheers scratchie!!!

Make sure there yours! Cos you know the saying....... If it's to good to be true, it usually is! Lol

Your a lucky man Harry!

I had mine stole a few weeks back. It cost me $800 for a locksmith to do a 5 minute job. It's a Toyota kluger and Toyota quoted $2500. Then to claim it on insurance was a $650 excess, so I get robbed either way. The keys I had cut didn't come with a remote either. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news! I hope you find them! Cheers scratchie!!!

Also depending on what type of boat you get will determine whether you can take it outside! Of it's a tinny, then I'd play around the moorings in pittwater! Good luck! Cheers scratchie!!!

Some nice pictures there grandad. I recognize a few spots there. The painted rocks are at port macquaire too! And your right nursie, they are for visitors postcards. Some of the ones at port are amazing and very creative. Thanks for sharing! Cheers scratchie!!!

Nice boat baz! And good to see you've had some success already. All you'll think about now is when you can take it out again! Well done Cheers scratchie!!!

Great work macca and awesome photos! The smile says it all. I bet that bream went hard! Well done Cheers scratchie!!!

Hey damo, I live in Anna bay, so I'm pretty handy to anywhere. Just love the place up here! Yeah, we seen a few boated around us and it was great being out there. Just wasn't our day. We'd mark a fish, drop liveys drift and the boat behind would hook up. Frustrating for captain and crew! I'm looking to get out as many times as I can this season so will try catch up with you! And if your looking for an unpaid greenhorn to help out, look no further! I've got 4 months off! Haha. Good luck on your season up here mate! Cheers scratchie!!!

No free jumpers but I spotted two on the surface. The second one we circled hit but didn't stick! Weather is pretty ordinary though!

Agree with macca! Bonito are gun king bait. Try bridle them but as said as fast as you can. Balloon floating is the preferred option when live baiting with Bonnie's! Good luck! Cheers scratchie!!!

Meg, that's a great story and congrats on catching your target. It is very rewarding to target a fish and capture your intended fish. And on top, to teach yourself. Sounds like that boat will get a real work out now! Well done Cheers Scratchie!!!

Mate, great report, great catch and great story! A trip I'm sure you will both talk about it for a long time and I would have loved to be there to see the wives faces for that one! Well done Cheers scratchie!!!

Yesterday the bait was spaced out and deep at 60phathoms. At times it come up to 30. The water looked good and good temp. Seems the tide changes were working for most but unfortunately not us!

Mate they are definitely there. It was just a quiet day for us! Pretty frustrating. We marked a few fish! Good luck and if your looking for a decky let me know!

Hey Dave, Caught a million of them and never used one. Never heard of them being good for anything. I think with live baiting, the usual bait will do the trick. It's more about time and effort and the rewards will come! Cheers scratchie!!!

Well done rocket! That's a great catch off the beach. I can picture you there by yourself & adrenalin going, thinking omg I've done it!!! Good to see it fed the masses as well. Cheers scratchie!!!

Cheers mate and well done. That's a great effort.

Not wrong mate. Heard one reel turn..... Gets the heart pumping!