chokpa

similar types of reels are used all over the world. dunno if imports would really be copies... love the brand and its heritage in fishing but to be honest we surely all saw this coming... they sell something indestructible and havent really updated their designs in a long time... sad to see them go but it does seem like its partially their fault

is protecting the cork necessary?

I was out in the hawkesbury yesterday for zilch also. Quiet up there at the moment I think

Surprised to see people say it keeps the bait where they want. I find the exact opposite. The current takes the bait exactly where I don't want it to go - usually parallel to the ledge I'm fishing!

I've read good stuff about the kast king braid. I've got some coming in the mail. Will update you guys when it arrives

hmm interesting rig... anyone know whats its called?

Yeah thats the one Haven't really put it through its paces yet. Fishing has been poor for me the past few trips..

Hm this slide bait trick might work actually. The rigs arent cheap though.. Maybe i can DIY something with rings and elastic bands. Thanks guys, good to know im not missing anything obvious.

Thanks guys. Bit disappointing but i ended up getting a Ugly Stik Gold Surf. It was the only rod i could buy easily online that was the right length and specs. I wouldve preferred to Aerowave 3 pce but that can be my next purchase. I am considering getting something for more portable, lighter fishing. For now i've done a like for like replacement except unlike the new rod it's actually made in this millenium I'll try to give it a crack this weekend if it arrives, and report back.

I rarely get the wind coming from behind me it seems. WIthout the wind blowing in the right direction are there any other solutions?

Wondering if anyone has any idea how to fix this issue When i send my livies out its hard to cast them far. There's kelp in front of me, and the livies like to hide there. On a few occassions a octopus will also take the livies I've tried putting them under a float but the current generally takes it parallel to the shoreline, which means i am forced to reel it back in and recast it. Obviously not good for the livies health. Is there any way around this or is it just how it is? I feel like i'm missing a trick here... Cheers

Ive got a 12' Penn as well. Was just hoping this next rod would be a hybrid between a bait and lure rod. I'll be going for 10' anyway, just deciding between the options available Bit out of my price range on the LF but will look at the starlo classix. After doing research the past few days its become clear how annoying it is to buy a rod online. Very few places with a wide enough selection. nearly ever rod thats been listed has required me to go to a different site!

Thanks for this. I will look at those rods in store. Do you think there is much difference in a $200 prevail vs a $100 catana vs a $150 aerowave? the aerowave has the distinct advantage of being 3 piece. that might sway me actually... does your mate have the 10' catana thats rated 4-7kg? Looks a good shout for a beater rod. Would it have any chance at tackling a large tailor, aus salmon or king though? what do you fish with it? assuming you have the 8-12kg rod, do you find itd be overkill for average sized trevallies, flathead etc? I guess there is technically no hard in matching a light line with a heavy rod, except it may be easier to cast the same weights with a medium action rod than a medium heavy?

Hi Guys I'm looking for a rod that I can use for the usual Sydney Harbour and surrounds species (anywhere from bream to kings) for under $200. I've had my current rod for over 10 years so i think its due for a replacement. I assume the main improvement in technology is lighter rods? I think my requirements are: 10' & 2+ pieces Can handle rock and surf conditions Composite rod for a balance of durability and weight Can cast close to 90-100g (i assume a ganged pillie plus a lead gets close to this - i should measure it probably) Will let me cast lures on the odd occasion (appropriately weighted/sized ones) Will have a decent chance of handling a king (assuming using appropriate line) whilst not being impractical for bread and butter species. Compatible with a threadline reel. I'm using 4000s-7000s What would you guys recommend? I've looked at everything from a $60 shimano beastmaster to a $200 Penn Prevail or Daiwa Sandstorm. It's hard to find reviews, and even when i do its not clear what the difference is between a $100 and $200 rod. In some ways i'm not sure if we're just paying for marketing or what. I used my 15 year old penn power stick on the weekend to pull in a 20kg+ shovelnose shark... Thanks! Looking forward to reading the insights

Even then, no way I could throw remotely far enough to where i'm casting. Better then at my feet I guess. I have bought the berley cages and will try them. I hope it doesnt attract a fat bunch of pickers though!

Cool cheers. I got some of these: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Sale-5-Pcs-Fishing-Trap-Cage-Basket-Bait-Feeder-HOLDER-Cage-Basket-/251494845907?pt=AU_Accessories_Tackle&hash=item3a8e42cdd3 Do you still berley at your feet or do you mostly just rely on these things?

Is that to use it like a berley sinker like this <link removed>

So you reckon its effective even at the ranges im talking about? Hmm.. My theory is that the currents when fishing from shore take the smell out at 45 degree angles (to the shore) so its effectiveness when your bait is 50m out at a 90 degree angle is pretty stunted. I guess to cover a greater distance you want something oilier

I always read about the importance of berley, but i've never quite understood who you're able to berley when your bait is 50m away. The berley bucket (minced fish, pellets etc) is at my feet, I cast the bait 50m away because there is a drop off around there. Do i just trust that the berley will canvas the whole general area? Or does the berley act as 'structure' and it should be productive to fish closer? Or is it the idea that the berley attracts fish from 200m away and they will get a bit closer to my 50m bait? Would love to get to the bottom of this.. Cheers

There is room for both.. If I could place an online order with a local tackle shop at decent prices then I gladly would. Nothing stopping them from listing their goods on eBay. But I wont go out of my way to drive to a tackleshop to buy a packet of hooks. I've frequented the *********** in sydney cbd a few times but sometimes its just easier to put an order through on the train home and collect an envelope.

They can be a pain to get to if you want to get something mid week and dont drive to/from work. I got some gangs from ebay, seem alright so far. Too bad the fish wont cooperate..

Just wondering if anyone here gets hooks (or any terminal tackle) off ebay? The prices are pretty good, and much more convenient for me. Yes they're not the same quality as Black Magic, Owners etc but I dont get into massive fish anyway. Plus fishing from the rocks you tend to some gear each trip. Any recommendations on good sellers? And a cheeky question: what is the best size gang hook for pillies? The type you get from the tackle store. #4/0?

nah all taken. I think the only option is to roll the dice and go have a squiz. It may be less crowded on the south coast vs the north so might try and do that

Wow massive. Nice guys

I'll give them a ring but I think they'll probably be packed too. Just from the overflow of treachery Beach What are the chances we won't be able to find a site on the coast if we head up after Xmas?