abecedarian

My mistake (and apologies), thought they looked like duskies... Can't tell them apart, it's been that long since I've caught one

Seems like there a couple too many flathead on that table for two people fishing IMO... That said, there's some nice fish there

Well they've stopped that now, stopped pumping out of it a few months ago. It used to supply Mt Piper as well as some of the Blue Mountains but it got that low that it all had to stop. Fair enough because there's still Wallace, TCD and Llyel that can supply the power stations, and they're in better shape at the moment.

Not a bad idea, might have to look into it

And don't forget those bastards in boats that when you're fishing land based off the rocks or somewhere that troll straight past within half your casting distance from where you're fishing . If lures weren't so expensive I think more people would have a go at pulling one of them in, might be almost as much sport as the fish and I think they'd deserve the hook in the mouth more...

The big problem with Oberon dam is that it's catchment area is pretty small, and the majority of it is under pine. With the rainfall being so far below average there this last decade or so any rain that falls in the catchment is sucked up by the pines, and very little of it makes it to the dam. Basically it's not going to rise until we get several weeks of soaking rain unfortunately, or the bloody pine forests are all cut down... On another note, there' also quite a few redfin in the dam now days too. A bit of a shame, but might something for the big browns to eat

I saw a couple in a certain tackle store in drummoyne. Wasn't impressed with the service as is usual for that place, but did like the rod. Very nice feel with a fast and stiff action, and the price didn't seem that outrageous either. I'd seriously consider buying one, but I'd be after something just a little heavier than a 1-3kg stick. That said, I'd like to know how they perform because I hadn't heard of them before that either and can't find any info about them on the web...

Hi guys, This has been driving me mad for the past while. I'm looking to upgrade my old stradic (about 8 years old...) and looking at both the Twinpower 1000FC and the Sustain 1000FE. From what I can see, the only difference is the slower gear ration on the Twinpower and the Sustain costs about $50 less. Can anyone make heads or tails of this? I emailed Shimano, but had no luck there... Cheers.

I've often been struck with the same question, is it really worth spending that extra $100, $200 or more for a reel or rod. When I first started trying out a bit of fly fishing years ago I had this crappy jarvis walker beginners combo that was a pain to cast, heavy and generally felt like rubbish. But, I caught fish on it, and lots of them too. Thinking this was a great way to fish I upgraded to a loomis gl2 and it took me over a year before I managed to pull one in with it! Since then I've changed to a sage xp (which thankfully I have a little more luck with..), the thing cost a heap but the difference between it and the loomis in castability is amazing, and I'd never go back. I guess the moral of this long winded story is that while the top of the line gear is definitely better, and you can notice the difference between it and the cheaper stuff, it doesn't mean that you'll catch fish with it. Just remember, it's not the rod or the reel that catches the fish, but the fool hanging onto it

just out of curiosity, how do you get to mainbar?? I'm looking for a few good land based spots for flatties and the like. A.

I saw that Little Flatty, it looks pretty good. The only thing is, if I was buying new I may as well go for the Chronarch 100B. They're the same price as the 50mg, and by the time you tricked up a curado you'd probably end up spending the difference anyway. The great thing about the 50mg is their size. Physically they are heaps smaller than the 100B, and lighter, but only hold 5 yards less of 10lb line. Either way, I'm sold on a chronarch. Do you guys know of any good rods to team the chronarchs up with around the $100-150 mark. Was looking at the Dam Raider which looks pretty nice, but I'm wondering if there are other brands out there that might be more suitable. A

Thanks for that guys, Looking after a reel has never been a problem with me, I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to that. Wouldn't go another threadline, I'm a fan of the baitcaster too and looking to upgrade from my Bantum Chromica I got about a decade ago. Anyway, if the pixy seems to be lasting well, the chronarch should too I suppose, so long as it's looked after. They're a nice reel, and small too. That said though, the Curados look pretty good, and they're $100 cheaper.... Tough call. A.

Good point Bob, I do a fair bit of fly fishing when I get the chance. Was told by the local guru when I was starting that it's best to wind left handed if your a right handed person, so that's what I did. Feels funny at first, but once you're used to it you'll never change back. As for the cortisone mate, it's only a short term fix. Best to take it easy on the shoulder. A.

Hey everyone, Been watching the site for quite a while, finally signed up. It's a top site, best I've found so far! Anyway, just wondering if anybody had any experience with the shimano chronarch 50mg reels. I've heard they're rated for saltwater use, but being magnesium I wonder how they'd stand up after the outer gloss was a bit worn down. Cheers, A.