Stealthmission

I don't have a copy but did see one back when it was done in about 2005... they compared it to South Head and Barrenjoey as they presented similar habitat types... Barrenjoey being a marine reserve which allows fishing. Species which grew in abundance were bream and luderick.. IN saying that, the rangers are very conscious of the illegal fishing activity (as are the locals) and are vigilant in catching offernders!.

As I said, you can contact either Manly Council or DECCW for a copy of the report. The authors were The Ecology Lab who are based in Brookvale and are a highly regarded research group. The title was something along the lines of Assessing the abundance and distribution of fish and fish habitat in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Basically, sruveys were undertaken over two years and this is intended to happen on year 5 as well. As such it has been supporrted by the recently released draft CTB Aquatic Reserve Management Plan.

Contact Manly Council or NSW Department of Environment, Climate CHange & Water who will be able to source a copy for you. There would likely be one in the Manly Environment Centre too. Basically the survey was undertaken by the state govt to ascertain the benefits of the sanctuary zone, by independent marine ecologists. Council has elected to monitor the Bay's recovery over time due to the little information available on the effectiveness of Aquatic Reserves in protecting aquatic ecosystems, habitats and species. The surveys and analysis will also contribute to broader scientific discussions regarding the effectiveness of such reserves. The general aim of the surveys is to assess the effectiveness of the Aquatic Reserve's designation. This can not be achieved through one year of sampling, it is recommended that the surveys of both the Aquatic Reserve and selected control sites be extended. Results from the initial years of surveying are highly encouraging and suggest that CabbageTreeBay: · has a diversity of habitat · contains relatively high numbers of fish that would otherwise be subjected to harvesting; and · has a good larval supply of fishes. These are all important attributes for the selection and maintenance of an Aquatic Reserve. The benefits of sanctuaries are well known. Protection of the environment means trades offs for society. Deal with it.

All for the benefit of the recretional fisher! I know that at Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly, after only 3 years the No-Take Aquatic Reserve showed a similar number of species but up to 3 times the number of fish than the control sites of South Head and Barrenjoey. This was calculated over numerous seasons and years using robust science. Fishing is areas adjacent to suck restricted zones will ceratinly improve as a result of the no-fishing zone itself! Stealth

My understanding is that the only Aquatic Reserve (i.e. Marine Parks are different) which has fishing restrictions is Cabbage Tree Bay at Manly.

The info provided above is excellent.. but I am never sure what size hook is best for bream. I tend to go for a Size 1... anyone got any tips? Stealth

Beginner, I got the Hummingbird from BCF about a month ago and am perfectly happy with the unit (which cost $220). Stealth

Had Wednesday off work and wasn't it a cracker to be on the water! Weather was spot on, little wind and next to no boats out. We took out our new little runabout for the first fishin expedition and familiarisation with the waterway. ONly had servo prawns so ended up with lots of small brean, squire until we got a nice flounder, bream and leather jackets. All up a good day out, with big plans for next outing now I know the area better. When I got back to the ramp cleaning table this guy had a horse of a 1.2 kg bream taken on a live poddy mullet. Suire pumped me up for another expedition. Cheers Stealth

Storm should be booted and replaced with the Central Coast Bears!

Thanks mate... I am new to the area and am keen to familiarise myself with the fishing opportunities here. Cheers Stealth

After replacing the prop which they thought was slipping I took the boat out again for a spin... only to find no change. Got the prop at cst price... But have taken it back yesterday to the dealer who assured me they will not give it back unless they have rectified the problem. Obviously testing an engine in a tanlk at a workshop is not going to id all problems... so they are taking it out for a run and fingers crossed can fix it for the weekend!

Bewing new to the area, I was wondering how the squidding is within Brisbae Water? Anyone feeling generous enough to let me know a few suitable locations for squidding? Cheers Stealth

Headin out in recently purchased tinny, new prop attached and taking the rods and tackle this time. If all goes to plan there will be amazing images of huge catches here soon.

I work in the enviro field myself and was glad a mate sent the info through to me... have to now see if work will pay for accommodation! Will be sure to keep an eye out for you Laurie! Stealth (Tim)

The colours on that jewie are beautiful... if I can ever get my boat working I will be on the hunt!

Normally I am a bit uss on the accuracy of the Manly Daily, however in this case the report and varifications are spot on. The amount number of hours I have spent out there hunting flatties... if only t'was me! Ripper of a fish that one (no wonder the prawns were slow this year!)

Anywhere on the Central Coast is nice... lots of fishing opportunities, nice waterways, beaches, beer is cold and presents perfect father son bonding opportunities!

From what I know you just troll them behind at a similar doistance to hard bodied lures... so I guess between 30-40 metres would suffice. Stealth

Gazza.. it does sound a bit dodgy so fingers crossed it is something easily fixed. I have been so pumped to get out and have a fish and am very frustrated at the delay! Riverkid... mate that is good information I will keep up my sleeve! I will be heading in this week sometime so hopefully be on the water this weekend. I appreciate your feedback. Stealth

HI guys... I was sent this through work and thought people may be interested in attending. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/habitat/rehabilitating/fishers Hope to be there myself... Stealth

Thanks guys... your advices has been heeded and I will head to see the guy in the coming days. He reckons it is somewthing in the prop which has worn away and slips rather than engages to transfer power to the prop. Will also raise the feedback from people here in person. Fingers crossed I can get out there again soon and drop a line!

Hoping for some advice from fellow members.. Last weekend I bought my first boat after years of wanting one... a little 4 Savage Snipe runabout with forward steering, windscreen, swivel seats and a 20 hp Mercury engine (1989 model I think). Engine looked very well kept when I checked it out. The dealer said they would service it before pick up. Glad to have no worries launching boat for first time.. and engine started fine and then cruised in the 4 knot zone no worries. Cranked it up to about 3/4 throttle and she ran nice... then had to slow down for about 800m before I cranked it out of the no wash zone. The engine then sort of lost power and would not get any speed up again.. I stopped and restarted the engine, checked fuel connection and again the boat only went about 4 knots. We ended up limping about 2 kms back to the ramp most upset and disappointed from our maiden voyage. I had checked the prop for debris, opened the fuel tank air valve, and filed with new unleaded at 400 ml oil to 20 ltrs. Anyone have any ideas what the problem could be? I got it from a dealer second hand who said it ran fine, obviously no warranty but he said they had a "good will" policy. Not sure what I should do... other than take it back and highlight my concern at the problem. Is the engine gone or could it be something simple... fingers crossed as I don't have the cash to buy a new engine! I would appreciate any advice!

Knowing your mate... I was (as per usual) a bit suss on his record of the catch... although this time the background and the fact he was in a boat made it likely! So Bretto... when are you next coming up for a session off the beach/rocks?