Cargo05

Choice of rod really depends what you are fishing for, and what weight lures you are using. Baitcasters are fantastic in freshwater for natives such as cod and Yellowbelly because of the increased casting accuracy. As savit said accurate casting around snags and other structure will produce fish. As Neil mentioned baitcasters require a different skill than using a spinning reel. It requires more eye-hand (thumb) coordination, but is a very satisfying method of fishing. Do not give up on baitcasters if you have trouble with bird nests. Practice, practice, practice. Even when the fishing is slow, there is an art to casting right in tight to structure, and it makes a day on the water very enjoyable when you master it. Good luck with you purchase.

That’s better. It validates what you are doing is correct, and gives you some confidence that SP will do the job for you. Well done.

Like the others have said I believe that the life jackets can be serviced without returning to an approved service centre. I have been checked by a very pleasant bloke from Maritime on Wallis Lake, and he even offered to check the weight of the canister for me. He had a scale on the boat.

The breakwalls are good, but you need to get the tides right. Go 1.5-2 hours after the high or low tide time so that the water has slowed or stopped. Otherwise the current will be very strong, and you will be helping the tackle shops bottom line, rather than catch fish. There are a number of piers in both Forster and Tuncurry, reasonably near the bridge, but again you need to get the timing right so that the water is stationary. There is also a fisherman’s cooperative at Tuncurry with a small wharf. The boat harbour at Forster, near the caravan park, is another place to try. I haven’t used bait, but small bard body lures and soft plastics work. It is a great part of the world. Good luck.

Yes, FishSmart is a useful App, with good information, and being a free download is in the right price range (LOL). Although fish sizes and bag limits has been available for some time using the DPI stickers, the App adds additional information as well. Fair dinkum fishermen are already on the ball, but there is now no excuse for those who plead ignorance.

LOL, but let the better half know. LOL

A bit quiet at present due in part with the amount of wind we have been experiencing. Last time out the only lizard of size was 45, but the remainder were in the high 20s low 30s. With the warmer weather they should be around in better numbers. Bring it on.

Flatheadluke x 2

Informative post of the new boat. A few teething problems, but it looks like a great fishing platform. You should have many enjoyable trips in the future.

Fishing is often hit and miss isn’t it? It is always great to be on the water and having a crack. Always nice to meet new fishing mates, and to swop ideas and techniques, and to try new locations.

Or lift the leg at a post...

Being called dog breath is bad enough, just dont start barking. LOL

Great photos Jon, nice fish as well.

Your post is a real reality check for us all. It puts life’s trials and tribulations into perspective. Considering your age, non-smoker, non-drinking status, and family history you are most unlucky. It is really difficult to comprehend what you and your family must be going through. I am sure many on the forum will be thinking of you, even if we haven’t met you personally. Thank you for the courage it must have taken to inform us of your sad situation. I hope you have happier time to look back on with fondness. Regards and best wishes.

My previous boat was a 430 Escape, I now have a 450 Top Ender with a side console. The Top Ender is a much better boat for flicking lures and SP and general estuary/river fishing, BUT with the wrong wind/tide combination can be a bit damp and cold, even with the Blade hull. The Escape was a much nicer boat under those conditions, and far better inshore. (Being only 4.3meters I never ventured out very far, even on a good day). On a cold or windy day a windscreen makes for a warmer and more pleasant day on the water. Flatheadluke’s idea would be worth considering. FWIW, considering most of your fishing is inshore, rather than estuary, I would be leaning towards a windscreen. It really depends on your fishing style and preferred fishing locations. Good luck whatever you decide.

Sorry to hear your news Xsite.

Anthman your post is very comprehensive and it sounds like you are doing lots of things right. Like Foolforjesus pointed out you could look at dropping your braid, or at least the leader size down a bit. If you have fished the same areas, at the same times, as you did with bait, I would be surprised if you do not have some success in the near future. Have you considered targeting another species to give your confidence a bit of a boost? Flatties take to SP well.

Seems good value. The quality isn't far from that of the GoPro.

It could well be the fuel, but it wouldn't hurt to contact the business who undertook the service and explain the problem.

I don’t think it will be a problem. If the prop isn’t impeded your boat will still travel where you intend it to go. Give it a run. If necessary you can pack it up at a later time if you aren’t happy with either the performance or the appearance.

This article is interesting. http://kayakcritic.net/best-trolling-motor-battery-reviews/

FWIW I have Sustain and Ci4+. Both are good reels, but I prefer the Ci4+.

Not sure that it matters. Mine is on the port side, on a Top Ender.

Love the Stradic Ci4+, but they may be a bit pricey. You can fish with them all day.

To give SP fishing a fair go it is best to leave the bait at home and concentrate fully on using SP (or hard body lures). Otherwise it is tempting to go back to bait if the fishing is slow. Stick with it, I find this method very rewarding.