frankS

Unfortunately this topic has somehow got a bit OFF topic to the original question. Let me try and explain the reason behind your question. Many years ago when braid was first introduced into the fishing tackle world, the experts found that braid resinates/vibrates ( don't know which word properly explains it ) . When viewed from under water a braided line will send out a type of looking through smoky glass effect on the down side of the current or drift troll whatever, this the experts say would put the fish off the bite, so they came up with what we now know as fluro carbon line OR leader, fancy name for monofilament with some extras added. Anyway this in turn is the reason ( in the first place ) that fisho's first started using leaders, and developed fancy knots to suit it, weather they be thinner OR thicker than the original line/braid. Over the years both mono and braid have been refined to a point where it has become fashionable to have the ultimate set up on your rod/reel set up and fisho's unfortunately in my opinion have lost the plot some what. Back in my day well over a 1/2 century when I was in my prime I used straight mono ( usually Maxima green ) straight to the hook with sliding sinker that went all the way to the hook, OR a paternoster with snapper lead and 2/3 dropper loops , I caught fish and plenty of them without all the fancy gear that is used today. I have become modern in a lot of ways and do use braid on many of my reels for different applications but still basically an old fashioned fisherman with old views. And a lot of old gear. Hope you read and understand this answer to your question. Frank

Personally I would be going VIA Trunkey Creek , Mulgunnia Creek, and the Abercrombie caves are spectacular. I used to know the head guide at the caves and stayed at his place while in the area, he took me to caves that are off limits to the public and after hours ,what spectacular sights. Don't know if there is any water in the creeks these days but the caves are worth the trip on their own. Also Duckmaloi River is worth a shot if there is water in the creeks. Frank

That's a lovely bass Donna, I never had a lot of success at Glenbawn always prefer StClair . Frank

I like fishing when it's overcast even a light drizzle is fine but I don't like that wind. I think the outfit you are using is suitable, I would perhaps change the location rather than the outfit, try further down towards the mouth of the river, some cracker Whiting in the system. Frank

Mate that's a cracker bass, what about 45cm ? and on a popper that's sensational for StClair, one of my favorite places to be, congratulations to your better half and thanks for sharing with us. The Flat is not a badun either. Frank

Well done , fine catch . Think I would have kept at least a couple for the table. Gotta get out there amongst them. Frank

Mate. That's a shame, no water, all the rivers are suffering from the drought, the state needs rain and plenty of it. Lake Lyell probably your best bet, good luck and keep us informed how you go. Even a dry spell is still worth a report and better than staying at home or work. Frank

Hi Raiders, just wondering if any of you guys/gals us a vehicle dashcam to do your fishing videos. I have just got a combination dashcam/gps and I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to place it on a tripod in the boat . It has 3 minute cycle and you can save a lot of action footage in 3 minutes. I have never used it so a bit to learn. Frank

How did the week end go ?. Frank

Hi Do you know Blacktrout Braz ? If so next time you see him say " Nimrod " Frank said Hello. Frank

Donna. I have spent the last 2 days looking for the article " Blackfish Basics " and I'm dammed if I can find it. Any help ?. Frank

Here is a couple of examples of Neil's fine craft. Frank

3 generations in a boat and a fish to boot, well done and thanks for sharing. I'm sure we will see many more reports from you now that you have the boat up and going. Frank

That is a very nice fish, not far off your PB and will be in your memory banks for a long while. Thanks for sharing with us. Frank

Here's my version, the cats love it, spend most of their time in it. Attached to the house with sliding window as their entrance to it. Frank

Original plan was to fish the salt for GT's and Queens etc. If old mate had of said come up for a Barra bash I probably wouldn't have gone as I think impoundment Barra are pretty ordinary . However a few days fishing is better than staying home twiddling my thumbs and thinking of things to make. Frank

This is the rod Broke the Magnetic drag on the reel a few years ago but still hauls in the large fish. Great reel and would love to get another one so I could retire this old girl I have several other baitcasters but this is the one I always seem to use. Frank

Old mate rang me and said " get yourself up here and we'll get among some fish. He picked me up from Brisbane airport and we headed for Harvey bay. The original plan was to fish outside the town of 1770 but by the time we got there the wind was blowing so prevented us from launching. Plan B Awoonga so we headed there and put the boat in, was hard going and we covered a lot of water, mate picked up a small 55cm job which was better than nothing and was quickly released before I even had a chance to get the camera. Wasn't looking too good around the small bays so headed for the sticks Got a couple of hits but no hook ups. I do enjoy casting in and around these structures, but still no fish. Moved on to open water again and I picked up a 88cm specimen that performed like a much larger fish, finally boated it and it was in pretty poor condition due to the extended fight, took a while to revive it Fished into the dark and decided about 9.30 pm that it was time to retire for the night. Next day an early start as my flight home only allowed 3-4 hours fishing time, Headed to a spot which had produced in days past and was rewarded with another 65cm specimen which was released without photo. Decided to stay another day as another mate showed up with another boat so old mate headed home and I jumped into boat #2 . This guy was a gun fisho and he took me to THE spot, I managed a 75cm and he pulled in this monster 112cm and by far the largest of the trip. That was it for Awoonga. My mate said he was going to spotX to try for some monster Bass so that's where we ended up next. Could be fish under that stuff if only we could get to them. Unfortunately had to come home but an enjoyable 3 days and good to catch up with some old mates again. Gear used was mainly Viva Barra Master 5'6" rod with A B U Revo baitcaster reel and several plastics, hard bodies and Spinner baits. Thanks to Joel and Con for the experience. Frank

Turn right at Kelso ( Gilmore st ) follow through and turn left onto Eleven Mile dr which turns into Freemantle rd, follow Freemantle rd for approx. 15 k's till a bridge over river, just north of the bridge there are a set of rapids where you have a better than even chance of picking up a rainbow or two. Frank

For a small launching fee you can launch and park at Dolphins ramp It's right up the end of long island close to the bridge. Not lock up but it's pretty well the safest place to leave the cars and trailer, ramp is not the best but OK for up to about a 20 footer with due care. I have used it for many years when I hire houseboat for Hairtail week ends and never had an issue, also can buy bait and tackle there in business hours. Frank

Look similar to 100 other lures on the market to me, personally I wouldn't pay anywhere near that money for lures these days. Must be other choices that work for far less money. Frank

Tan. Welcome to the site, hope you have a long and enjoyable time here and learn lots. I can't help you with taking you on the beach but can offer some advise , most important part of beach fishing is being able to READ the beach find the gutters etc, do some study and look on Utube to learn how to do it and then go and have a look, best if possible from a high position and don't bother even taking a rod just watch the way the surf rolls in and the water rolling back out etc, watch where others are fishing, spend some time studying the different formations of the beach, all beaches act differently, some face slightly different directions etc so act slightly different, a high rod is important so the wave formations don't keep dragging your line down and about, but in saying that sometimes the fish are in real close, it's a try and see thing, don't be impatient learn to cast well and try and have no twist in your line. Many more on here will probably add some helpful hints for you so good luck and let us know when you go, even if you don't catch fish, enjoy the time near the water. Frank

Yes definitely hold back some money, how much is up to you and the dealer to work out, also make sure the extras are 100% suitable to the boat, Trailer suitable, and I don't mean just sits on I mean suitable, make sure anchor chain and rope is large enough to hold boat at rest, life jackets don't settle for the cheap square $15 jobs that they usually want to throw in with the package. I would water test and test all equipment including bilge pump and live tank if fitted, make sure nothing leaks. But most of all enjoy your new toy and use it lots. And I do like your NEW user name. Frank

KB about the only sure spot I know that produces every time ( or at least every time I have fished it for Squid ) is upshore about 300 yards from Murrays boat ramp in Jervis Bay but a long way to go from Sydney for a feed of Squid. Other than that the mouth of Port hacking around the southern beach areas produce quiet often. Welcome to the site and hope you find success. Frank

Yes they also come in the Black Banded SeaPearch , they differ from other SeaPearch by having only four stripes . Only grow to about 30cm so your one would be a large specimen worthy of a record, and not real good on the plate. Slight adjustment to the Scientific name "nigrorubrum" Frank