frankS

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

Last time I was there, couple of months ago looked like lots of council work going on around the lead up to the ramp and surrounding area but as far as I know the ramp and pontoon etc are all up and running. And it's 5 times the ramp it used to be 10 years ago. Frank

Wish you blokes wouldn't keep putting those scrumptious looking plates in front of me, I haven't eaten since 6pm last night and I just about devoured the computer screen. Gummy are one of the best. Small tip, next one you get bleed it by cutting through the top of the head as the neck joins the head and put in ice slurry , I'm sure you know how to look after your catch but just in case. Frank

I am not the greatest cook around but my mate in Bermagui is a great fish cook, he makes the best tasting batter I have ever had, asked him several times how he makes it but I just can't seem to get it right. I know he adds some vanilla essence somewhere along the process. Jim what's your secret to a good batter, and I know the old saying Beer batter, but apart from beer what do you do ?. BTW Drop in any time you are in the area I have some quick release clips I made I want you to try out for me, I think they would be excellent on Kingies. Frank

Hey Welster, I have a 351 Windsor motor sitting here IF you want it, just come and pick it up. Was in one of my boats and I replaced it. Would need a rebuild as it's been sitting here for about 8 years under canvas. Frank

Very well done, that's a great haul of fish, Personally I would have kept the gummy and thrown back some Flathead. In my opinion Gummy is right up there with the best of tasty fish, Dory, Blue Grenadier, longfin Perch, Tassie trumpeter , Whiting, and Flathead. Frank

Call it whatever you prefer Fenwick, Sportex or whatever, nobody is going to argue over it, whatever it is ( and Fenwick as far as I'm concerned ) one thing for sure is you have yourself one beautiful rod there, and it deserves to be looked after from now on. I think it's in the right hands. Frank

Good luck old mate , hope it all goes well for you this time around. Frank

Ricardo. One of your best mate, you certainly know how to play a big fish and I know you enjoyed that one the smiles cant hide the feelings. Frank

Ricardo. I always enjoy watching your videos, this one was no exception, perhaps a little repetitive but enjoyable none the less, I watched the first 6 minutes and fast forwarded the last, Thanks once again for sharing we us. Frank

Not too pleased with the photos, think I will use the camera in future and not the phone. The butt turned out OK. Frank

Don't know where you live but if Berala is not to far for you to travel I have a enviro net here that I could lend you for a month or so, you could try it out and IF you like them enough to warrant the cost of buying one, have also other nets here you could try. It would be a bugger if you bought one and didn't like it. If interested PM me for address. Frank

Repairing a rod and needed to remove the end cap, unfortunately I damaged it beyond reasonable repair in the process of removing it ( lack of care ) I searched through my stock and everything was either too big or too small. It's 30 minutes drive each way to my rod supply spares so I decided to make my own. First I made one from aluminium but then I noticed a chunk of machining plastic just sitting there wanting to be used for something, 25 minutes later and here is the result. It needs some light sanding to finish it off but less time than it would have taken to drive to buy the part and it's basically done, it's on a length of Brass at the moment but that's just to hold it while I work on it. Normally I wouldn't bother but this is a Ian miller rod so it's worth repairing. Frank

Sorry mate, no reference just memory from when I used to issue blue and white slips. It was some time back so quiet possible for the rules to have changed, but seems as how it was a safety factor I can't see the rule being changed. Frank

The trailer need to be easily disconnected incase of an accident. hence illegal to tow with locking device in place, you can't even have a lock on the safety chain. Frank

Good one Rick and you're right it's more about the company and surroundings than the fish. Thanks for sharing and have a good one next time round. Frank

Well done guys A good haul of keepers and thanks for sharing with us. Who would have thought that a little Morwong would win fish of the day!!!. Frank

Rick Even better idea I can weld stainless washers on the shafts before welding the alloy brackets onto the trailer. And IF I ever need to get them off I could grind the washers off. Frank

Thanks guys. Fab1 Good point, I actually have them with 2 x R clips, one each end of the shaft, might have to change them to stainless split pins at least that way they would at least need a pair if pliers to get them off, could paint them black so they look like rubber. Frank