flea

Congrats, that's a great looking flatty.

Frankp, I am also looking at fitting out with a downrigger. This is what my initial enquiries have found. Scotty downriggers appear to be widely used and available. They have a variety of different mounting systems such as a base plate or side mounted which can have a srew on mechanism making it portable. There is no need to have a handrail although I think there is a mounting base for these as well. Lastly they appear very expensive (>$500) which surprises me for they are relatively simple in construction. If you find any cheaper alternatives that have the quality that Scotty have let me know. Cheers Flea

Kilp, the rope on the stern trick works well, remember to keep tension until the boat is out of the water enough for the trailer to hold it. The beauty of the tinny is that you don't have to be as precious with it as fibreglass. I regularly launch my 4.5m tinnie on my own and find that practice is best. Don't be shy to ask someone at the ramp to help if needed. Generally they will comply especially if they are waiting for you to load up so they can go home themselves. Flea

Thanks Coollamon but I should be putting the 'Little Prince' in the water for its last session in Townsville then as the tides are good for an early morning sesh. I don't get into Sydney until about a week before Christmas however will certainly make it to a Jan social if there is one.

G'day all. Thought I'd introduce myself and to say that I'm returning to Sydney soon (Dec) and am really looking forward to tangling with some of those kings that everyone seems to be catching (well Netic and Namesay anyway). Good to hear that the harbour is coming good since the pros have gone however the downside is that my local waters namely Pittwater and its surrounds don't seem to be benefitting. Although I'll miss the multitude of species that can be caught here up north, I am hoping to get into some serious pelagic action in Sydney in Dec/Jan/Feb. Any thoughts as to best lures etc for taylor, kings and salmon? I'm hoping that my northern arsenal will suffice, but then we can always do with more fishng gear can't we? I have been slowly rerigging my 4.5m tinne and have only to put on a bow mounted electric and you all have convinced me that a downrigger is almost a necessity for the bigger kings. You all seem a very friendly bunch and I hope to meet and fish with some of you in the New Year. Tight Lines Flea