Cargo05

Anyone using the free NSW DPI phone App called SharkSmart? I have been surprised to see the number of alerts from the Lenox Head area.

Awesome. Nothing like being on the water early and watching the world awake.

I am not sure that I would have called it just a sunrise. Awesome sunrise might have been more appropriate. We simple Aussie fishing folk are very fortunate.

Carp on SP is an interesting concept. I haven't tried it. Had a go with SP targeting cod with no success because of snagging in the structure. Carp should be in easier water to fish. I must have a go when next in the Goulburn Valley. To my way of thinking hard body lures, SP, and spinner baits are about the challenge of fishing rather than trying to catch the biggest number of fish. Love it.

Being a retired dairyfarmer I have seen a few early mornings. It is a great time of the day.

I guess you will be using worms for bait? They fight well at least and they are plentiful.

Sometimes things change for the better Neil. it is great to be able to have good gear isn't it? Catching fish is part of the equasion, but having a great rod and reel makes fishing a pleasure.

I mainly target flatties and I am not sure it make that much difference. I have used Gulp, Squidgies and Zman in various shapes, sizes and colours, with and without sent. Mind you I am still to catch a big girl, so others here may have a better idea.

Nice fish. Good fighting, great eating.

If you have a mate with boating experience it would be a great help to have him go out with you, in your boat, a few times. Then it is practice, practice, practice. Each time you go out will see an improvement in reversing down the ramp, and launching and retrieving the boat. When I was new to boating I also spent time watching others at the ramp and tried to pick up better ways to do things. Something that also stood out was that there are many boaties who are either new or only occasional fishos. Another thing I did was try to avoid busy times so that I wasn’t holding anyone else up. I used to practice reversing in empty shopping centre car parks as well.

It is a great thing seeing young kids catch fish. I used to take ours and not fish so that I could do all the running around, baiting hooks etc so that the kids had a great time, thinking I would have fishing companions when they grew up. Sadly it didn’t turn out that way. Neither of our kids (both late twenties now) have any interest in fishing. The photo of the young bloke looking at his sister’s fish reminded me of a trip we did. Our daughter was young, so I thought she could share a rod with my wife, and the young bloke had his own rod. Our daughter came back with a small stick and asked if she could use it as a rod. So no reel, a short amount of line, one hook and a small sinker. Easy to guess who caught the only fish (both carp). To say the young bloke dropped the bundle would be an understatement. Good times, great memories. If the Bidgee gets any lower you will be able to walk from one bank to the next.

Bad luck herbo. Some people just can't help themselves. It is a sad indictment on society when anything that is left out is not safe. Unfortunately the chances of having it returned is almost non-existent. You had some nice gear stolen there. The worst part is that the mongrels who stole it probably will never know the quality of your gear, and if they bother to use it at all will not appreciate it.

LOL Grandad. Yeah, NaCIH20K9 is very catchy.

Photo 4 shows very low water, almost puddles. It would not want to be much lower or it would not be flowing at all. There must be very little irrigation happening. Pity about the fish being shut down.

I use Willy's Weather and check the BOM site, as well as have a look at the sky.

Great flattie mate, well done.

"So if I were to sum up in terms of when I was working, it's more work for less pay. Must be why I don't miss working. LOL" Yeah sure Neil. LOL. Another great report. The water level must rise soon. It is almost time to water sub country. Good to see that there are a lot of small cod in the system.

Good reports Scratchie. Fantastic photo of the sunset.

I agree with Neil regarding structure and trawling depths. Being a tackle junkie I have a lot of different colour lures in the tackle box, but my go to lures for both cod and yellows are fluro green (colour RG) Oar Gee Plow, followed by both the fluro pink and the dark green Oar Gee Plow. (Both of which seem to be discontinued colours, or are very popular and are sold out every time I am looking to restock). I also like the pink/purple Predatek Boomerang. I stick to the Aussie made lures. Sadly, lures catch me long before a fish even gets to see them in the water.

IMHO baitcasters are the way to go for flicking lures up to structure. I am right handed so I cast with my dominate arm and retrieve with my left. Obviously I am in the minority because a lot of stores only stock a limited number of LH baitcasters. I still get an occasional bird’s nest, but generally these happen after a big day on the water, when the concentration has drifted.

Good old Marine Rescue is great in any situation where we need a hand. Put the local MR phone number in your Contact list, know what channel to tune to on VHF/27MHz radio. Consider joining the MR Radio Club in your local area so that your details are on SeaHawk, Log on when you are on the water. None of this will prevent an accident on the water, but any/all could save your life.

We fish the Pirtek every year. I fish with a mate who is a survivor of prostate cancer. Generally fish the Murray.

Good report. 55 fish is a grreat trip in the fresh.

Yep, having the same problem with flatties myself. Plenty around, but mostly the smaller models. Good fun just the same.

Good report Anthony. We generally only hear the reports from the NT where heaps of fish are caught. I have fished at Kakadu, with a guide, and caught SFA. Great trip though, saw plenty of crocks and the birdlife was unreal. I would go again in a heartbeat.