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We're you there yesterday HenryR? 8/9/16

Hi Raiders, I decided to check out TCD the other day.I've never targeted trout before and my knowledge of trout fishing is almost non existent, but why not give it a shot. Even before I left my house, I checked conditions, and the only thing that may have been favourable, was the overcast conditions. So I went anyway just for the curiosity. I arrive, and walked up the hill that takes you on to the dam wall and headed to the eastern side. I'm in awe of this place! Spotted a trout cruising past the wall, and thought how cool is this. Walked the eastern bank, flicked lures around ( no bait allowed),and nothing, I kept moving, trying to locate the fish, but it took ages. Eventually, I spotted one screaming toward my lure, then it turned away at the last moment! ? Tried a few more times, and nothing. I thought, I've found a fish, I'll stay and switch lures. A few casts later, I had at least 5 fish slowly follow the lure, but not one was curious enough to find out how it tasted. I had only one more follow a lure about half an hour later, and after 3 more hours of trying to entice them, I packed up. There is no doubt that I'll be going back. I can't wait to crack the code. Just one final word. It wouldn't be a bad idea to carry a first aid kit with you, and if you do( like I do), make sure it's up to date ( which I'll be doing). Someone walked past me, after a quick chat, continued on his way, I heard him swear,and he almost stood on a snake. It was within 10 metres from where I was standing! Apparently and not surprising, they are all around TCD. Thanks for reading.

I went to a section of the nepean river last year and learned to catch Bass there. I went back there the other day , and found that the river is up, & where I fished from is under water, and flowing quite quickly.? so I thought is now time to learn about trout

Thanks everyone. I just thought I'd put the question out there since the reef anchor was in topic. It makes sense to me to use a chain on a reef anchor as well. I was curious as to why you wouldn't after hearing of people that don't, but that appears to be a minority.

On that note about the reef anchor, I don't have one, and also thinking about buying one. When you attach the reef anchor, do you attach it to the chain or the rope? I've heard of people going about it both ways, and I have no idea which is correct.

I've no idea what I'm going to learn there next weekend, but I'll try and come away with something different and new to try.

Hi savit, I think the best thing to do is to jump on their website, and view the retailers that will be there. I haven't seen anything in regards to landbased fishing as such, but they do have people conducting information sessions on fish etc. that you could employ landbased.The shooters and fishing party had a stand there last year, and they were doing bait rigging demonstrations; which I learned a couple of different techniques. They do also have fishing tackle retailers, but the whole show has been a little on the lean side over the last few years, and that is due to the redevelopment of Darling Harbour. I personally enjoy the show anyway. I hope this helps.

As usual, most of my fishing trips aren't planned, just spur of the moment decisions. I arrive at one of my favourite spots, and it was packed! I've never seen it this busy before. So,I ask if there is much going on, and the usual reply of "Nah, not really. " sounded out. As I rig up a rod, and decided bait was the way to go. Too many people around to cast lures. I got a few nibbles, then it went quiet,so I wound the line in to check the bait, worth a squid following it. I quickly changed to a squid jig, & tried to coax it, but it wasn't interested. I changed jig colours, & nothing. I switched back to bait, & exactly the same pattern was occuring. So I thought, let's try something else. I skewered a pilchard onto a squid spike,turned off my torch, and waited. It didn't take too long, and a squid was hooked onto the barbs. I haven't caught many squid, as I don't seem to quite have the knack for it, but I'll take them as the come. I have no idea how to measure them, but here's a shot of it anyway.

Fishing is such a fickle sport. I think moon phase can play a part, but tidal flow,atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature, water temperature, sunrise, sunset,and whatever a specific species may be feeding on, a combination these things can all play a part in fish biting, or even shutting them down. It's part of the fun.

Simply awesome

I guess that even the simplest things can and will get overlooked at times.

You're not wrong Neil. Best part of the day.

Very true

Great idea! Does any of the fee go towards the marine rescue?

I was waiting to be picked up for a fishing charter yesterday. While I was waiting, I was watching how powwow were launching their boats, and to see if I could learn something new and different w when I launch my boat. There was one particular boat and crew that caught my attention. There was alot of chatter in what appeared to be a middle eastern language, & I could see that their vessel was being a little difficult to launch, and wasn't rolling off the trailer. There was one man on board, and 2 rocking and pushing the boat, & it rolled into the water. One of the men at the front grabs the bow rope and starts to lead the boat to the beach, then what I witnessed will stay with me for a very long time! As the man on the rope started to walk towards the beach, he was in knee high water, then he went into shoulder height water! Yep, he misjudged where the edge of ramp was, and I found it hilarious! I was picked up, and taken to the charter vessel, and our skipper noticed them having engine trouble. He offered assistance, but they didn't respond. You could smell the fuel coming from their engine, and it appeared to be flooded. ( I think they didn't disengage the kill switch). I have no idea of how the rest m of their day went, but I learned a couple of lessons observing others.

I caught the biggest snapper I've caught in a very long time on the weekend in middle harbour.It measured 35cm, and I elected to release it.There is nothing wrong with taking home a feed mate. That's what bag limits are for. Good to see you've had a successful days fishing, and

Very close stevefish. 112km from Dangar island to windsor. I think they are doing that in under 40 minutes now.

I bought a mini jump starter from a boat show a few years ago. At the time,a 400cca pack was the strongest available, but there are stronger units available now. I think I paid around $130 at the time. I've only ever used it to help others out so far on a 25hp and 40hp outboards and a 3.0l diesel triton. Charged phones, ipads etc aswell. Definitely a handy to have, & takes up next to no room on the boat or car. Sounds obvious, but I make sure that it is fully charged before I hook the boat up.

I have enjoyed fishing for as long as I can remember,and I can't see myself ever getting sick of it. There aren't too many sports where you can be relaxed, then to be suddenly thrown into adrenalin pumping action. I enjoy the fact that we can choose from different styles of fishing, & the preparation leading up to a trip.

Thanks Mark, I've caught plenty of kingies, but never on light gear. You can't do much when they drag you onto the shells. It's still encouraging though, that everything else was done right.

Hi Raiders. I stayed yesterday chasing some Bass for a few hours, and only managed 1 around 20cm, which I'm content with being my first shot at Bass for the year. I did the school pick up, then went out to middle harbour. I set a baited line up, then started casting a silver slice around, to see if I could stir the Tailor up. After a few casts, I felt some unusual hits, & found it to be a squid, which had jagged a tenticle on the treble. So I went about setting my first live squid, knowing that I might be under gunned if I hooked up to something decent. After missing a strike, I brought it in, & re-pinned a headless squid, and sent it back out. There were a few nibbles, then I thought that I'll bring it back in, and I'll cut it into strips. As I cranked the handle, I got the biggest whack, and we're on! I asked a guy fishing next to me if he'd mind winding my other line in, and he went on to wind in his own and partners lines. ( If you're reading this I thank you again). After some big runs, I got the line back, & it surfaced. Yep a nice yellowtail kingfish. Unfortunately, it went for another run, as they do, and although I tried in vain to stop it from dragging the braid against oysters and barnacles under the pontoon by putting that rod as deep into the water as I could, I failed. It didn't look as though it was a legal size fish, but gee it was fun. Consolation prizes were a few snapper and tailor. Met a bloke new to fishing, & introduced him to Fishraider. I posted a fish he caught into the Aquarium section, and I believe it to be a red big-eye,( along those lines) . I've never seen one caught before, & again, middle harbour surprises me.

Thanks guys! Your help is appreciated. I didn't catch it. A guy fishing along side of me did. He asked me, and I didn't know, so I introduced him to fishraider.I asked if he'd mind if I took a photo & posted on here. I said someone will know. He's quite new to Australia and new to fishing, so I suggested that he checks out all the good advice fishraider has.

It was caught in middle harbour, Sydney.

Would someone like to id this guy please? I'm guessing some kind of perch, but I'm probably wrong.