Brian

That's a great site. Seems to have some consistancy with how the fish were biting on Fri Sat and Sunday for us and then slowed down through the week. I'm actually hitting the Hawkesbury on Fri 28th, Sat 1st and Sun 2nd and according to that site the bite should be on. I'll take careful note and see what happens. Cheers, Brian.

Hi Raiders, It's been too long since my last post. Just got back from a soild week on Sydney Harbour. Arrived last Thursday with 7 others from a social club from Tamworth. We based ourselves out of Narrabeen caravan park, and as I have/had the local knowledge (grew up on the Harbour) I got the job as tour guide. We launched out of Roseville Fri, Sat and Sunday and hit all the regualr squid spots and then ran around the markers and fished Sow and Pigs as well as North Head. The Sow produced for me as usual but, the going was a bit slow. A falling barometre might have had something to do with it. We picked up some rats and mostly small reddies along with a few nice blue lip bream. Out to North Head on Saturday and the gang got what they were after with a nice 85 and 77cm king. Surprisingly the best fish came off yakkas. Matching the hatch i guess, they are thick everywhere. Sunday very slow and wetttttttttttttttt. Chips and hot chocolate at Watsons Bay was most welcome. The Tamorth crew left for home on Monday but all get a tatse of the Kingy sensation and also boated some consolation fish. I stayed on for four more days based out of Forestville so easy access to Rosy boat ramp. Weather improved but not the fishing. Monday got out late and flicked some sp's for bream and flattys around rosy bridge and flats for zipp. Thought a bit of colour would have helped. The wind dropped off so ran to the Harbour proper and got up two quick squid and hit the markers again. 3 x 63cm rats for a bit of fun. One fish off each. Tuesday I had the privlidge of a junior crew with my nephews aged 7 & 9. They had a great day catching lots of reddies and one 37cm trevally. I landed another 63cm rat which was chased by two much larger brothers up to the boat. Pulled the hooks on what was certainly another solid king. Again on the Yakka. Had both squid and yakka side by side and the yakka got hit first every time. We got a visit from a large shark and a seal at North Head, and saw a ferry penguin swiming past. Had a small flying fish scoot across the surface too when we were at Old Mans Hat. So school news was full of interesting tales of their big day out wagging school and going fishing with their Uncle from the bush. Wednesday and Thursday, easy squiding so with gun bait the odds were on for good kings but, every time pick pick pick. Such a shame to lose good bait to the pickers. Anyawy I got a thrill from a nice 68cm Aust Salmon on my squid bait at Old Mans Hat. Thought it was a kingy but he came out of the water like a missile right beside the boat twice. I reckon he'd put a dent in the bottom of the boat if he'd hit it. Made up for a lack luster day. Got the Sow going with 7 nice 33+cm silver bream which was also a bit of fun waiting for a big run. A mate good spooled on his bream gear by a king most likely a rat though. Copule of interesting points. falling barometre, slowing down the bite. Squid got easier to catch as the fish were harder to find. Usually when the yakkas are at the back of the boat in the burley they scatter in a flash when king runs through. Tuesday I saw three Kings over a metre come past the boat in formation and through the burley. The Yakkas didn't even flinch, like they knew they were not going to get eaten today! Same with the squid, got easier to catch but, we couldn't even find a rat. I've been told it's the moon phase. They come on hard leading up to the full moon and as the monn passes they quiten down for a while. Anyone got similar records of this happeneing. Might be worth taking note of the moon phase, even though they are daytime feeders! Anyway a quick pic of the 85cm king off the Hat. Cheers, Brian.

Hi, Can anyone give me an idea about the ratio of power by running twin outboards v one. Obviously running twin 100's doesn't give you 200hp, but what is the % loss? I am looking at re-power twin 50's to twin 70's but am considering if a 130hp would be a better option. Cost, fuel and having a 2nd motor for safety have been taken into account. Cheers, Brian.

Good to see you getting onto them as well. Nice experience for you brother. When I was out on the Harbour on Thursday at the West wedding cake the Fisheries boys came up. There were 3 boats there inculding me. They checked a Ma & Pa couple set up in their little Qunnie Fishraider. Gave me and another bloke who was solo in a 4.75 hainse sports, a wave and took off. I chased them down as I actually wanted a new measuring sticker for my boat. Don't know why they'd just go right past us when we were only 10m away. Must have looked like we knew what we were doing Cheers, Brian

Thanks, The fish was absolutely bang on the 100cm mark. I was a bit worried at first as I really did n't want 99.9cm lol. But he just got to the mark, 100.5cm to be exact. Not a gun squid fisho just when I found them they were plentiful. I reckon the only time to fish Sydney is mid week. I grew up on Middle and North Harbour but now live 100km nw of Tamowrth so I only get down once or twice a year. After fishing saltwater all my life I just don't get too excited about freshwater fishing. Brian.

Hi Raiders, Just got back from a 4 days pre-Easter fish on the Harbour and finally cracked the 1 metre kingy mark. After reading that Roseville boat ramp would close on the 10th of April I adjusted my trip and came down on Monday, to fish Tues, Wed, Thurs and Friday. 1000km round trip but, worth the effort to fish this great Harbour. I hit the ramp early on Tuesday and met up with my good mate Chappo. We got out to our fav spot, Sow and Pigs and got onto some small reddies and lots of trevs, which was not what we expected. Also picked a 7 nice squid on the way out so we were armed and ready to tackle a kingy or two. After a short time and one squid being taken we moved onto the Wedding Cake and enticed a few rats sized kings into the boat. They were on and off, then on and off. Nothing over the legal mark so we headed to North Head, which was where we were assured the kings had been lurking. Soaked some big squid baits there for several hours and again no action. All up day one was proving very tough. Wed, met the father-in-law at the ramp and headed out again. Picked several squid again and hit the usual spots, again with limited success. Couldn’t even entice some of the rats off the Wedding Cake. North Head did not produce and went back to S&P and there we got smashed by what I am sure was a nice Kingy, straight over the top of the reef. Shortly after that I had a great tussle with an Eagle Ray of all things. This bloke went ballistic and gave as good account of himself as any king. Another somewhat tough day out. Conditions were great with light wind but, the water is much dirtier than usual, which is to be expected with the rain you guys have had and a bit colder than I expected. Thursday I did a solo trip and decided to work the areas I knew. Picked up some squid early and hit North Head but, again no action there. Moved about a little and picked up some rats again off the Cake, just to get the reels warmed up. After some indecision I decided to have a go at the Clontarf Bommie. Probably should have hit there each day. I got smashed twice in a hurry and then went quiet. On the run in tide moved back to S&P and set up some more squid baits. 3 solid runs in an hour with a 1 metre kingy in the boat. Finally got my target size and now I am sure there will be more to come. Hit the ramp again on Friday morning and could not believ the number of boat trailers in the carpark. Must have been 200 boats out. We were so lucky we got out and back in with no problems. I had my brother and his two little blokes with me and we went out for a bit of fun. They had a ball catching small reds and little stuff. Nothing of note that day but, it was all about the kids having fun. After getting the boat home we contemplated going back to the ramp with a few beers and a deck chair. We were going to set up next to the ramp with score cards for best/worst retrieval/dummy spit. I would have been a circus there about 4.00pm All up the fishing was pretty tough in between kingy hits. There are plenty of big fish lurking about. I am only fishing 15kg gear so the fish really do have a chance. Probably a bit ambitious really with the size of some of them but, hey it is meant to be sport. No doubt squid will give you the best results every time. I had that many, I was giving them to other blokes who were coming past. Should have actually put them on ice for dinner. Saved some for that purpose on Thursday. Lots of small reds and trevs about and not much in the way of nice silver bream, which are a great bycatch when waiting for a decent fish. Maybe it is simply the amount of fresh water through the system this year has changed things a bit. Squid locations, Balmoral, Middle Head, North Harbour and just about anywhere there was kelp. Kingy locations. Anywhere there was a structure. Cheers, Brian. I'll be back in a year

"If they consider the boating people needs like they consider the upgrade timing, they might build the pontoon on the other side of the water." You're right but, I guess we should be glad they are making an effort. Like you said, a toilet or two wouldn't hurt. Just a shame they are doing ti then. Can't really see the sense in that, it's only another week and a bit and school will be back. There's no way Tunks park will handle the extra boats in the holidays. I might come next week instead.

Well I was wrong, they are that silly. It's great that they are going to do a major upgrade but, you'd think the blokes who plan these things might have at least some idea LOL. Easter and school hols would have to be the most popular time of year to get your boat on the water. Anyawy I'll still be out there. Anyone who sees a big grey tinnie with "The Hool'lum"on the side give us a wave. Will be down from 8th to the 13th. Thanks for the info. Cheers, Brian.

Thanks Mate, I'm really hoping they aren't that silly. Will wait for your pic. Cheers, Brian

Gents, That action is exactly what I am looking for but now you've got me upset. I am dragging my boat 500km to Forestville in the 1st week of the holidays to spend some special time with the kids, hopefully getting smoked on kings and any surface action still running. It's only 5 mins to Roseville ramp. Can anyone tell me the dates they intend to close it for? I am sure they wouldn't be that dumb to close it in the holidays Cheers, Brian.

Mate, Welcome to Sydney. Sounds like you've got the boat to get you to the fish. Don't worry, you'll hit the fishy grounds running in no time. Looking forward to reports with plenty of fish and photos. Brian

We were dropping pillie cubes out the back in the current and they were just racing up and grabbing them. Put a hook into one and fed it out with a sprinkling of others. Just on light gear with about No2 hook no weight.

Blue WHAT?? Wow never heard of them. I'd be interested to know if they are edibile too! Thanks.

My thoughts, Transom mount, adjustable if possible. At least then it is there, you can see it, move it, adjust it and fix it if you need to. Mine can be raised and lowered so it can be moved up high to keep it safe if you pull up on the sand etc. Also, when you are launching and retrieving it is up and out of the way. My boat is not glass and I have a humminbird transducer. Brian.

Hi Raiders, We caught this fish around Fish Rock last week. They were pretty thick around a large pinical and coming up almost to the surface. Can anyone identify it? Cheers, Brian

It's an awesome thing boys. Well done. You've now got the feeling.

Thanks all for your replies. It certainly was a week to remember, especially for us land locked lubbers out in the bush. Salt water is a rareity now. Worth doing the mile for though. Cheers, Brian

Thanks Ray, Chappo and I are getting warmed up for some sydney king action. Maybe one day we can get you and Hutch out at the same time. Cheers, Brian.

That's a lovely juvi red. Taste good at that size. Well done in poor water conditions. Cheers, Brian.

52cm Silver perch taken on shrimp, Splitrock dam. By my 8yo Daughter, Gabrielle

Well raiders, I write this with a sense of euphoria and achievement having reached, for me, the pinnacle of saltwater fishing having spent 5 days fishing at SWR with the two best fishing buddies a bloke could have, my close and long time mates Sean and Chappo. I wrote a post this time last year and never thought Id ever beat the results of that trip let alone better it. The coast has suffered severely this year from rain and river flooding and SWR is no exception and probably one of the hardest hit. We were however very lucky and probably jagged the best week of weather they have had this season. I arrived last Sunday and as usual did the thing until some ridiculous hour of the morning making grand plans to be up early and out on the water. We all know that sand in the eyes and pounding of the surf in the head feeling but we powered on. Day 1: Out over the bar, which was good to us all week. We headed out into the bay to look for livies. Big problem . The water is like Milo it is so brown and the river is spewing it out making all the Bay a putrid brown colour We head south to Fish Rock and mark some nice fish on the sounder. Drop a couple of jigs and on the second drop bag a nice 80cm king. Maybe this is not going to be so bad after all. Sean bags a much smaller one that goes back and we cant get another hit. We head out to a mark Sean has and drop a couple of jigs into 270 feet water. No result. Out to the FAD and let a floating pillie past it. Straight onto a nice 74cm Dollie. Maybe this day wont be too bad. But, that ended up being the best for the day. A bit windy and lumpy but at least the sun was out. Day 2: Out again and down to fish rock. We get onto some livies and start to soak a few of them around the reef there. Wind was up a bit but, still very fishable. We tried hard with still no result. The water is green and not very clear making any prospects quite hard. We get info that a boat close to us has dropped a considerably large Cobia next to the boat. The fish are about but, just hard to get onto. After several hours and no action we pull the pin. Sean is worried and Im on the phone to Chappo talking it up. Chappo arrives late Tuesday arvo and we do the thing again LOL. We make a plan and armed with some new info agree to head to Hat Head. Day 3: Out again and straight down to Hat Head. The wind is getting up as we go and when we get to Hat Head we manage to get a tank full of slimies and some yakkas. Now this is what we wanted. We make the run out around the corner and straight into a southerly breeze. What is going on here the forecast was for light e/ne 10-15 knots later in the day. We run some hard bodied lures and skirts up and down but, it is too lumpy to get in close to the wash. We come back to the point and soak some of our live baits into the current. Nothing, zipp, zilch. One other boat has managed a Spanish mackerel and that about it. Somewhat frustrated we make the run for home. It is a lonely look at the boat ramp when we are cleaning a nice big boat and not any fish. Another boat nearby was at a cleaning table giving a few reef species a bit of a tidy up. They noticed as standing around the table with our hands in our pockets staring and kicking at the ground. We muster back at Seans place for a quiet and a bit of a think tank session. What are our options? Chappo makes the call and a good one it is. We decide to take the plunge to Bottom Bouncing. A big pill to swallow for a trio of pelagic hunters but, we needed that tap, tap, tap ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ feeling and fish in the boat. Day 4: Out we go and head north to the reef grounds. We are blessed with a light breeze and little wave action. We run at 32 knots across the top and get to some of Seans many marks. With only a mild run in the current we make the bottom pretty easily and do a few drifts. Fish almost straight away. This is what we came for. After marking and trying several spots for a few fish each time we finally cracked a good reef and load up on Pearl Perch (11), 2 Trag, a Flatty, 5 juvi Snapper, 2 Venus Tusk Fish and a variety of other throw backs. We are As we head for home later in the day we find that the Charter boys did it tough. Sounds like working and sticking to our guns paid off. On the way in we are rewarded with some fun on light gear with Frigate Macks busting around the bay. Back at the ramp we certainly looked the goods at the cleaning table. Our banter over a few more beers that night lead us to the grand plan, MARLIN. Day 5: Straight out to a special mark. Jig in 270 feet for one nice little Jew. Make several passes but no other enquiries. Move onto the FAD. First pass and nice 78cm Dollie. Great fun on the light gear but, only the one to the boat. The other dont want to come out and play. Righto lets get started. The weather Gods answered our prayers and we have a glass off. The water out wide is that type of blue that you cant replicate on a colour chart. Looking into it you feel you can see the abyss. After Sean has set a nice 4 pattern spread he gives me a few instructions on where to head, speed and what to look for on the sounder. He then gets into a comfy chair and promptly has a snooze. Im in charge. I can do this. We make way at a good pace but, when I look at surface speed to speed over ground we are fighting a 5-6 knot current. Anyway we keep steaming along and pass over the waypoints. As we are going Im looking at this big cargo ship moving along. Im wondering why it seems to be going into the shore. Then I realise we are east of the shipping lane. A look at the chart and were past the point of Territorial Waters. Man we are out a long way. Depth 3812 feet. I stick to the course and the water is like glass. After a couple of hours with each of us having a 30 minute run on strike, Im up. Suddenly to my right there is a smattering of bait fish across the surface. I make a lap around the area and back onto course. Are we being teased or is something going to happen? Sean makes the call on the road and lure that is going to get hit. The lures are popping so beautifully with a jet trail each time even I would eat them. Suddenly Chappo is doing the back of the boat, back of the boat, back of the boat call. We look back and right at the teaser is big blue marlin. Sean goes to retrieve the teaser and the bloody thing grabs it. They are having a tug-o-war with it. Sean gets it in and the big fish is really MAD after losing his toy. He lights up an iridescent blue colour like a neon light and smacks the first lure he sees. Battle Stations, Clear the lines. I grab the rod and got a good set on the hook. For the next few minutes I experience the most awesome series of runs and leaps one can only imagine. This fish takes 37kg line like cotton and suddenly things get serious as Im getting spooled. Up the drag to full weight and we run after him. We are all CHEERing and hooting. Once we all settle it is up to me to pump and wind and Sean on the helm to keep me in the right position. Guys a great team effort and the result was simply amazing. Mid way through the fight Chappo does the, we going to need a bigger boat statement. We look to the stern and cruising in is a fair size shark, Mako Id say and hes very interested in us. Maybe 10-12 feet. Im thinking hes going to kill my fish but, he moved off and left it alone. After 65 minutes of standup fight on the 37kg rig. No harness and only a gimble belt to help and Chappo hanging onto the seat of my shorts we finally get colour. A few last leaps over the surface and hes up. Leader in, Sean takes the bill and got slammed a few times but, held tight. We get the hooks out and give him a big pat on the head for playing fair and swim him for several minutes. He gets his colour back and starts to tail wag nicely. I let him go and watch with a sense of awe as he slips into the blue. I dont mind saying, I was somewhat emotional about what we had just achieved. I have fished all my life and taken fish that some Anglers will maybe never see but, this was beyond anything I had dreamed of. Details, 3 metres from tip to tail and an estimate 140kg. To Sean and Chappo I cant tell you how much it means to have shared that experience with you blokes. Anyway enough of that! Big breath and we are back to action stations. Lines in, re-set the course and start again. It is not long and Sean the Master calls it again. Not just the area but the rod and lure he thinks will go off. Not 5 minutes later and BANG ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Battle Station, Clear the lines. Chappo is on and his fish is substantially bigger than the first. This time we are on 24kg gear. In no time flat this fish has about 300 metres of line and still going. We start to steam after him and down, down, down he went. This is going to be a long fight. Now after the first hour we have barley mad any ground on him. 90 minutes and Chappo is slowly getting line back. The spectators are showing up. A pod of passing Dolphins take a very good look around us and the fish. Quite amazing how they all came and looked about. They are so much bigger than the ones you see in the river or surf. After several minutes they move on. Next thing is the mutton birds. It was like a scene out of Nemo. All these birds landing and peering into the water, watching and squawking at each other. Maybe they were hopeful of a pick or two LOL . Later another Neon sign is at the back of the boat. Another big beautiful blue marlin all lit up. He hovers around for several minutes before disappearing . We feel quite insignificant in this vast sea and have a sense of not belonging out here. Now we are 2 hours into the fight and Chappo is done. He keeps apologising and we keep calling him names like girls blowse and @#$%& and others but, are quite concerned about the situation. We have had the fish to boat 5 times and really dont have the gear on him to actually lift his body mass any higher. The leader is agonisingly close to be touched. Finally Chappo relents and Sean gets on the rod. We try several different approaches to plane him up higher but he just holds his head and take a few more metres. The decision is made. We are running out of day time, are now 14nm south of where we started and about 16nm to get home. Sean puts in 40 minutes and gives the rod to me. We decide to max the drag and skull drag him to the boat or lose him. In our mind he is a caught fish. None of us, including the fish has anything left. The last thing we want to do is kill it and that is now a real prospect. So, I crank and wind, crank and wind PING. Hes off. We watch as he slips away and turns and kicks. Gone. Hes alive and we are happy to have had the privilege of fighting this beast. Estimate 180kg + A solid 3 hour battle. Well call it a draw. The run home is somewhat mute. I am reflecting on my first ever marlin and the fact I will probably never need to do that again. Chappo is reflecting on what could have been and Sean is watching the fuel gauge. YIKES. All good. The wind has piped up and it was a lumpy ride but we get back to the ramp and get home on dark. There is little else to say. South West Rocks and Sean have done it again. You are a gracious man Sean, the way you share your home, your knowledge and your passion to fish. I can't thank you guys enough for the experience of the last week. A sight every Angler loves to see. Hooked up. Fish. At the boat Chapoo is On This is fun LOL Yep. This is really fun! I see what you mean. Some other fish.

Hi Raiders, It's been a while since I last posted. Being out in the north west with all the recent rain, getting to the water has been a bit hazardous. I've been lucky enough to wet a line between floods. During a recent rip to Lake Glenbawn for a social comp we were blessed with fine weather and plenty of fish. About 70 signed up for the comp but, after the social greet on the first night I think the actual fishing numbers were about half that I took the family along and my young bloke was the winner of the lucky door prize, which was a day in a Pro Bass boat with a local guy, BIll. Well, didn't that get his heart up. Flying about the dam at mack 2+ and in the very short time he had with Bill he really got hooked. All up we landed and released 15 bass, with the best going 43cm. Young Sam won the junior CHamp with highest point score and biggest fish (Bass). A prize of a new rod for his efforts and I now have a very keen fishing buddy. With new rod in tow and a new reel for his birthday I took him along to a special spot I have access to. I can't divulge it's location as it is on private property. What I can say is it is on a river and there is water in it Unfortunatley many people don't respect the fact that these rivers run through private property and the custodian of this piece of Gods Country is constantly chasing off trespassers who reap all the fish and leave behind a ton or rubbish. He loves to see people enjoy it but simply asks that you seek permission and release the fish and take your rubbish. I think it would be same with many land holders. So yesterday we hit the bank. I have had success before here and black and purple spinner baits always work well. Just about every cast had a swirl and follow. All up we caught 9 very fat healthy Cod. They were all in the 50-55cm range, which is just undersize but, they give a better account of themselves in the shallows that the bigger fish. It's great to see so many strong young fish in the water. We tunred two very big fish too, with one estimate about 80cm. He'll be there for another day. Plenty of smile and the new rod is christened. These are all differnt fish. You can see how one is darker than the rest. He was taken from a hole where there is minimal light due to tree cover. It's great to get the kids onto fish and these guys hit hard. At one point Sam said to me, Ï don't want to fish this spot, lets move'."I convinced him to keep hitting a pool with a large rock just under the surface. Well, first cast bang he was onto a his best fish. Here is a pic of my daughters 52cm Silver perch. Taken at Split Rock Dam on shrimp. Looking forward to a Sydney run soon to chase some kings. After watching Wacko's video of his 132cm King I can't wait. Cheers All, Merry Christmas and a safe New Year on the water, Brian.

Thanks everyone for your great tips. Can't wait to get back down again and have another crack a good hoodlum. Cheers, Brian

Hi Jewgaffer, Cheers very much for that info. I will sit down when I have some time and decifer all of that into practice. Yep sure am still in Barraba. Kids are really settled here and we do like the country quiet atmosphere. I can't think of a better way for kids to grow up. We have a 100 acre place out of town and spend plenty of quality time out there doing bush stuff. We get to the coast and Sydney plenty enough, that they are not missing out on anything and having been to Sydney last week in the traffic etc there's something we can all do with out. Just miss that easy access to the Harbour Cheers, Brian

LOL, Did the Google thing for the knot. Just got out of the boat after tying a few. Dead easy. Wish I'd used that a few weeks ago. Lost plenty of whole squid on good size kingys because of a poor rig. Learn something everyday. Thanks everyone.