Gabm

Bays been quiet for me too, we’ll done. Great video. I love the rat strike on the ultra light rod.

Best of luck Frank. Always good to get time out on the water. I haven’t been able to raise a squid in the Bay last few trips but last week the slimeys, which had disappear for some time, were back, although very picky. Hopefully you’ll find some success.

A couple weeks ago, I lost most of two 4” shads which came back exactly like that., I was very careful with the 3rd & managed to hook an unlucky calamari on a jig head. Were you fishing the bottom? But, I’ve also been plagued by Jackets in Botany Bay last few weeks, Although they often take everything by snipping the braid.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like moving is the best option & just in case, spooling with green & red braid in future. They seem to be lots in Botany Bay ATM.

Hi Radiers, Recently, I’ve been losing leader sometimes but often braid. to what I assume is leather jackets (we sometime bring them up). Is there anything that can be done, other than moving to a new spot? Does anyone think there are any colours less likely to be bitten off? My green seemed to survive more often than white & colour change? Thanks

Excellent day out. Thanks for sharing. I didn’t realise you could get snapper that large in the bay!

Thanks for the replies. Good point on the guides, but it happened on 3 different rods at the same time within a short time so it’s prabably jackets or similar. If it happens again, maybe wire with a mono hand line will confirm.

In Botany Bay last weekend, fishing over sand in no more than 15 metres, we lost several rigs: some cut through leader, but eventually braid was cut on two rods. Light set-ups (6 & 8 lb), braid colours white & green. Bait, jig head, slug & a squid jig! All within an expensive half hours drift. Late last year we lost another in the same way. But has not happened prior, ever, in 3 years of fishing the bay. Any idea what fish could be causing this? I thought a plague of jackets but over sand?

John, thanks for the info. I don't see in the standards where it states only self servicing for the first year? it says that you follow manufacturers instructions. Many of these allow self servicing for up to 5 years (or more?)?

Makes sense. Will keep at it. Thanks guys.

Thanks. It's Kings that were targeted but agreed something toothy would have been the culprit both times. Botany Bay so probably tailor or similar. Can I ask, for kings, without a baitrunner, should I loosen the drag giving them time to turn & swallow? Or leave the drag set in the hope they hook themselves?

How about using baitrunners for live baiting? Been trying now for a half dozen sessions. Twice I've had hits, but each time only 1/3 of the yakka comes back (just where the hook sits). I wonder if it's because the fish feels some resistance?

Annual catch & release fishing comp with proceeds going to prostate cancer & neurological disease research. https://pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au/ ps: mods, hope link is ok to post?

What a great day out. I'm the same with my 8 year old (fishing guide) but it's definitely worth it when you see the smiles!

I was in the same boat as you 3 years ago. The wharf suggestion is on the money but understand crowded ones can be tough. Flats are a good alternative if he's happy to get his feet wet. Just wear appropriate footwear (stingrays). We tried: flats at San Souci (in front of the St George sailing club), there's even a wharf just near the bridge. Gunamatta flats in Cronulla is great at low tide as you can walk out near the channel: my son used to be keep interested by feeding the whiting (berley) & occasionally Bonnies would cut through the schools in front of us providing even more interest. Yarra bay from the beach is safe but might be a bit quite fish wise for your son. He can wade / swim there too. Make sure to berley lots to keep things interesting!

I have the 5" so can't do it. But quick read of the manual & it seems possible for the 4". Look up 'adding a custom layout to the home screen': - select customise home->add->add new layout - after adding, select 'split' to choose direction of the split I can't test it, hopefully it works. Good luck

All I can say is that for me, restricted to mostly to bay fishing ( & not very successful at that, yet), your reports offer a window into a world I can only aspire to & therefore are truly appreciated. And this has to one of your best! Thanks again for sharing.

Is the South, East or North side of Sydney more convenient? As North & East are covered, I'll add the south. There are great flats on Gunamatta Bay Cronulla or just in front of the St George sailing club at San Souci.

Agreed, definitely bait. I have the same sounder & am amazed at how clear these new ones are. Try dropping a squid jig or similar on your transducer side & you can accurately scrape the bottom!

Agreed. When fishing SPs, we would often get them following all the way to the boat, even in up to 15 metres of water! Have a rod rigged with a squid jig ready to drop within view. It's amazing to see how aggressive they are. Ps: They also drop an amazing amount of ink when hooked close to the boat.

Interesting thread! Hey Ledge, Were you also shown how to detect potential parasites? Or anyone else have experience with parasites?: signs, fish to avoid ect? Thanks. Gab

Changed to singles on all my lures after an unfortunate release with an angry bonito. Another advantage is you can use larger gauges than the trebles you replace - rough guide treble size + 2 to 3 - do a search on single lure size for guides. I havent noticed a significant decrease in hookups & they are much easier to handle.

Great advice Jon, thanks. I've not used any more than the top 10-20% of my braid & haven't even considered this! I'll give it a try when next I need to re-spool or top up.

I'd say most of the Wollongong ocean facing beaches would have them? Haven't done this in a while (maybe 3-4 years) but I've certainly caught them at Port Kembla (near break wall on South side), W'Gong South beach & have seen them at Fairy Meadow BW Corrimal & North. Next time you're at a beach at low tide, drag something along the water line @ a likely spot (non pebbly) & see if anything pops up. Maybe a current local can confirm? Ps: it's a frustrating job, unless you're experienced, which I'm not!

2nd this. In warmer months tho as you need to get ankles / knees wet. Started my 6 year old here. At low tide you can get close to the channel which is alive with fish. In summer, betley will bring on schools of whiting & mullet they can target. If lucky, occasionally you'll get a bust up of Bonito or other predators through your school which are exciting for the kids & great fun on light gear. When the tide rolls in, retreat to the beach area & they can feed the schools of fish with bread, swim, or play on the sand whilst you fish. Gets crowded though - so be early.