Holls

We are witnessing an environmental disaster. Yes, report sightings or catches of barramundi to the Dept of Primary Industries. Releasing this species in our waters is just plain ignorant. Hopefully the DPI will set these people straight (or fine them), believed to be Buddhists practising 'Tsethar'.

Nice squid - great report!!

Thanks very much Derek! That's a comprehensive report and gives me a good idea what to expect. On the 4th August we take possession of our new Kings Point house (near Ulladulla) and really looking forward to learning the ways of south coast fish. No doubt Sydney Harbour reaps a slightly different take but looking forward to reporting my progress down around Burrill Lake. Thanks again!

I'm taking notes! Although it seems there are as many ideas about seasons as there are fish in the ocean! In Vic some species have peak seasons - snapper start around november in Port Phillip Bay, other fish like garfish are running at particular times.

Thanks thefisherman, yes I have already seen your video! That Tackleworld season chart for Wollongong is all up the creek. Luderick in Autumn and Summer, Jewfish in Spring and Summer, Tailor in Summer, Salmon in Spring, summer and autumn....

I'm new to the region and looking for a guide as to what saltwater species can be caught at different times of the year in NSW. Online I found Tackleworld's list of 'best times', but it seems wrong in places. eg it says Salmon (at Wollongong) best time is Spring Summer and Autumn? But here in fishraider most people say the opposite - Winter?? Need a good guide to fish times. Any ideas?

Pardon the ignorance of a boy from the south, but what sort of fish are pigs?

Reasonable to say that a VERY big shark or manta ray passed very close to your SP!

Yes! The Transport Roads and Maritime Services Report of Feb 2014 reads as follows: Proposal to replace the existing Burrill Lake crossing on the Princes Highway... The proposed works would include:  A 290 metre long bridge spanning the lake on a new alignment to the east of the existing bridge.  A roundabout on either side of the crossing to connect the A1 Princes Highway to local roads.  A pedestrian and cycle path on the new bridge, connecting to new paths on both sides and linking to the Ulladulla cycle path.  Pedestrian paths underneath both ends of the new bridge. There would be a total of five locations where pedestrians can safely cross the highway.  The new bridge and highway would be higher than the 1 in 100 year flood level, taking into account climate change, and reduce the impact of flooding.  Complete removal of the existing causeway and bridge. (NOTE THE LAST OBJECTIVE) Let's hope they stick to it.

Half a kilo of minced garlic? If it doesn't catch them it'll kill em.

Good eating if fresh and bled on the spot. Fillet and take our red flesh line. Also great smoked! (No need to say anything about 'hard to light')

Found this online mag which lists their top ten lures of all time. Wobbler on page 10 with all the history. And a great magazine as well! http://issuu.com/hookedupmagazine/docs/issue_6_flipbook

Gillies make the S.H. Wobbler which is identical to the original Wonder Wobbler so maybe they bought the patent. They are available in most tackle shops. I have a 7g and a 20g both terrific little standbuys when the need arises! Tailor will snatch them, but then tailor seem to hit just about anything! Robert

I've heard talk on this forum of spinners, slicers, blades and slugs, but rarely is the old Wonder Wobbler mentioned. Originally manufactured in Melbourne in the 1950s (I think), I still reckon its one of the best staple lures and copied by others. A pretty unique action that is irresistible to many species of fish, both salt and freshwater. Does anyone still use them?

Thanks for the replies. Found this article which i think makes good sense. http://www.fishingmonthly.com.au/Articles/Display/12641-The-snapper-rigging-conundrum

Searched, but can't find much on this topic in Fishraider. I've always used traditional hooks, long shanks for for some species or particular baits, suicide hooks for bream etc. But I note there are several online sites that suggest circle hooks catch more fish. They seem to be used primarily with live bait rigs. Are they just as good with standard bait ups? Like to know what people have learned about this from their own experience. Robbie

Nice fish, great report, well done!

Great advice Derek, thanks. I'm taking notes! Robbie

Name a sport that doesn't cost us! You could spend quite a few grand on a set of golf clubs and more each week with playing fees etc and spend all your days tracking down that little white ball before whacking into the distance again. Rather be out fishin! Snapper size: you can only go up from there! :-)

Can anyone explain this: I was fishing off the rocks at Culburra in April (on holiday) and catching blackfish on the bottom with squid. Not big and all went back but they wouldn't stop biting. Had a local with me and he was surprised.

Waders keep you warm and dry on cold/wet nights, but definitely NOT for wading far out into the surf!

Hi Steve, never surf fished Port Phillip. I lived down the wild and windy West Coast, Anglesea to Apollo Bay, where you heave big lead into the Southern Ocean. My dad was a professional couta fisherman at Lorne in the old days, and the wooden boats were winched up onto the pier because it was too rough to leave them in the water. I wrote a book about it ten years ago. So I'm still learning about the NSW coast.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the bottom line seems to be: Braid means further casting, less drag if off the beach but tangles easier than mono. Braid good from a boat, perhaps with flouro leader?

Maybe 'most of the fish you catch are within 50m' because you don't fish further out? It's obviously different to my experience in Victoria: deeper water = better fish (get a boat and catch even more). Unless it's night time, then they get cheeky nearer the shore, chasing baitfish.

Thanks for everyone's advice. The reason I joined fishraider is to learn stuff. I agree with supporting your local. But also that ANY retail store is going out of business if they don't look at online selling - seems to be the way of the future. But you can't beat checking all the gear out in the flesh and getting good experienced advice. That said, fishraider has given me a very clear idea about what SPs etc I should get for my area and targetted species. Jeez life is complicated.