Jason Sunn

Boat Ramp just behind the spit bridge area, not sure I know of this one? Any more info? Cheers Sunnyboy1

Hey Steve, Great report. Great to see you are passing on your knowledge to a newbie as well. Keep up the good work. Oh, yeah. Stonkin good fish there. Cheers Sunnyboy

This is where it was resting up against the side of the ice block in the esky....

It all started with a post on Friday looking for a deckie to go out on Sunday Morning, Lucky for me fishythings (AKA Scott) answered the call and the plans were set. Leave from Roseville around 4am Sunday morning. As with all plans something has to go astray. To my surprise in the morning at a spritely 3am some one had parked a little too close to my boat in our under ground carpark and what was supposed to be a 10 min job to get the boat out became a 30 ming effort. Oh well. Made the ramp a little late and met up with Scott (what a top bloke). Headed off to the Spit for a little squid action which proved to be harder than you would think. 1 Dropped and no more to be seen so we decided to high tail it off to Clontarf for some Yakkas.. With a little patience we managed to put about 20 in the live bait tank (with quite a few small ones). Then off to hit South Head. Was a bit of a parking lot out there with between 20-25 boats all drifting the same small patch of reef (with a few anchored ones thrown in to create some obstacles). Sent down our first couple of livies and within 20 mins my brand new BTR 6500 had a bit of a nibble and then bang. On for a nice Kingie, At first it tried to trick us and started to come up really high in the water column but it was no match for the new reel. Just before the hit I realised a potential issue, No fish measure or ruler. Luck for us we were not going to need one today. Half way through the first fight and whilst trying to get my fish in the net, off goes Scott's rod with a fairly nice bump and bend. A bit of double action going on and with my fish going left to right and then back under and Scott's playing a little nicer we were luck to get both of them in the boat. Nice one for me and an even better one for Scott. Decision time, do another drift, no question really. We managed to boat another really good fish and over the course of a few hours lost another 5 decent fish to fight another day. Also manager to pull up the biggest Sgt baker I have ever seen. Ahh if only they weren't so full of bones... Well the wind started to pick up a bit and with there being so many boats out there we decided to hit the harbour but without much luck. Decision to leave and be home in time for lunch seemed to tbe the way go to. All in all a top day and a new friend made. Thanks to Scott for being a top bloke and coming along for the day. Here are a couple of the better fish from the day. Oh and as for the size well without a measure all I can say is my fish measured to fantastic fillets with burnt butter and lemon sauce... Cheers Sunnyboy1

Hi All, It looks like it might be good for a bash on Sunday morning. Am planning to be leave the Roseville ramp at about 4am and fish the spit for some bait and livies. Then hit the harbour and see what is on the chew. Plan to come back in when they stop biting. Prefer a non smoker and someone that can back a car and trailer but otherwise am open to offers. (Wife does not like me going out alone) Can offer a lift from Dee why or anywhere in between the boat ramp. Send me a PM or phone on 0402 290 467 if interested. First in best dressed. Cheers Sunnyboy Oh yeah, and share fuel costs but as it is a 4 stroke they are usually pretty small. Spot filled. Look out for the report on Sunday arvo.

Easiest way to avoid the fines is to get a national parks pass. Not too expensive especially if you go there a few times and allows you to avoid the fees and fines from parking past midnight. Of course it is a tax to enjoy the very parks our tax $$ go to create. Go figure... Sunnyboy1

Hey Dusti, I also find that some fish freeze better than others. Your soft fleshed fish will not really like the freezer (like salmon etc). Bream, Jackets, Flathead etc are ok but after the 3 month mark can become quite dry when thawed and eaten. As a rule I try to avoid freezing Jewfish. It is one of those fish I only eat fresh. Never seems to like being frozen in my opinion. Cheers Sunnyboy1

Congrats on the achievements to all. Hopefully the presents will deliver many fishing dreams. Cheers Sunnyboy1

I am with hoodlum92. I tie the squid jig straight to the main line. never seem to have a problem.

Can you add me to the list for those PM's please. Oi need to replace mine as well. Cheers Sunnyboy1

Lets talk batteries. Firstly there are 2 main types of lead acid batteries. Deep Cycle vs. Starter Batteries Batteries are typically built for specific purposes and they differ in construction accordingly. Broadly speaking, there are two applications that manufacturers build their batteries for: Starting and Deep Cycle. As the name implies, Starter Batteries are meant to get combustion engines going. They have many thin lead plates which allow them to discharge a lot of energy very quickly for a short amount of time. However, they do not tolerate being discharged deeply, as the thin lead plates needed for starter currents degrade quickly under deep discharge and re-charging cycles. Most starter batteries will only tolerate being completely discharged a few times before being irreversibly damaged. Deep Cycle batteries have thicker lead plates that make them tolerate deep discharges better. They cannot dispense charge as quickly as a starter battery but can also be used to start combustion engines. You would simply need a bigger deep-cycle battery than if you had used a dedicated starter type battery instead. The thicker the lead plates, the longer the life span, all things being equal. Battery weight is a simple indicator for the thickness of the lead plates used in a battery. The heavier a battery for a given group size, the thicker the plates, and the better the battery will tolerate deep discharges. For your purpose I would recommend a Deep Cycle battery. With regards to battery charging. Firstly as a principal, most battery manufacturers advocate not discharging their batteries more than 50% before re-charging them and the maximim discharge amount is 75% (leaving 25% of the charge inthe battery). The healthier the "living conditions" of the batteries, the longer they will serve you. Lead-Acid batteries like to be kept at a full charge in a cool place. As such it is advisable to recharge your battery when you retur from your trip. Depending on how often you intend to use the light will depend on what happens next. Lead Acid batteries typically use lead alloyed with Antimony to increase their mechanical strength. However, the Antimony also increases the self-discharge rate to 8-40% per month. This is why lead-acid batteries should be in use often or left on a trickle-charger. I hope this goes some way to help. Cheers Sunnyboy1

Well I must have been a good boy all year as my friends chipped in and got me a Shimano Bait Runner 6500 for my birthday. Great friends I know, but somehow I am sure there will be suggestions that I now take them all out on the boat fishing... So here is the dilemma, New reel means I must get a new rod to match. So, I plan on using it mostly from the boat for larger fish, Kings, Groper, Snapper and the like. Any suggestions on the rod I should match it with. Looking to spend up to $200 bucks... Cheers Sunnyboy1

Hi Steve, I think Optus is also offering a $100 bonus on your bill if you sign up online rather than go into a store. I also just signed up for the 3Gs 16 on the $79 plan (with a $10 discount each month). Add in the $100 bucks and I am laughing. Can't wait to get the phone now. (will take about a week for delivery) Cheers Sunnyboy1

Hi Baz, For a different option I would suggest the following. Set up you lights with new led lights and fluro's inside for a cabin light. These both draw bugger all current and as such you won't need a huge battery. Connect them all up to a couple of common terminals + to +ive and - to -ive) and put this all in a box with 2 lugs on the outside. (Can get a box from any electronics store). Then get one of those battery jump starter units (which you can pick up for a reasonable price at any auto store), take the jumper alligator clips and attach to the lugs on the box and there is your power. As an added advantage these units usually have a light and are easily portable with a handle in a fully sealed unit, you then just remove from the boat at the end of the day and plug into a wall to re-charge. Cheers Sunnyboy

Hi David, I tend to agree with the replies so far, have a go at it yourself first (with the help of any mechanicaly minded mates). Not only will you save a few bucks but you will also get to know your boat from the wiring up and when you are out on the water and somthing fails, knowing where to look and what goes where can be invaluable. I re-did the wiring on my boat last year and once I got into it it was fairly simple. Cheers Sunnyboy

Hey Dan, As the seat is acting as a spreader I would expect that the lateral force is greatest across the top of the seat. As such if you cut into tthe top of the seat you will render it liable to being crushed if a large knock or wave hits the side of the boat. I suggest that if you are going to cut into any section that you re-inforce the cuts with angle iron or some other style of re-inforcement. Maybe even drop a custom made box into the cut and then secure it tightly with rivets or screws. If you know anyone that can weld aluminium even better. Cheers Jason

Hi Hawksbury Bouy, My 2 cents worth is as follows, If you want a good small reel then look on xxxx for some second hand or cheap (but good) new reels (like stradic etc). My small reels are all excelent quality but have been purchased 2nd hand or chealpy on xxxx (Or Raider swap and sell now it is back up and running, Yay) Rods however are a diffent prospect and should be matched to your style of fishing and as such tha price will vary. I think all too often people ignore the most important part, which is the connection between the fish and the rod and reel. The line. I think I would rather have a cheap reel and rod and expensive line than expensive rod and reel and cheap line. Anyway as everyone suggest it is a personal choice and as such if it feels like you are paying too much then you probably are.... Cheers Sunnyboy1

Maybe have a chat with Steve (AKA Roosterman) he has a Pongrass and may be able to shed some light on their ability to handle the rough stuff. Cheers Sunnyboy

Hi Gary, The all important question is how much does a unit like this run?? Can you PM me a price. I have a 17foot half cab (glass) Cheers Sunnyboy

Hi All, Thanks for the advice, the only reason I was looking at a combo unit as the cost of the combo is generally about $400 cheaper than the seperate units. Agree though, would love a fishing mag to do a side by side comparasin. Cheers Sunnyboy

Hi All, I am looking for a bit of advice on my next intended purchase. I am looking at getting a combo unit (GPS+Sounder) and have been looking at 2 options. Option 1 is the Lowrance new HDS 5 unit Option 2 is the Garmin 550s unit. Has anyone had any dealings with these units? Both are the same price, but I have been told by 1 person that the Lowrance Sounders are better then the equiv Garmin units (as Lowrance has been doing them longer.) Any advice would be appreciated as they are both the same price. Cheers and Thanks Sunnyboy1

Hi All, Well as I was made redundant on Friday after 14 years I now find myself with a bit of time on my hands. The wife won't let me go out in the boat alone so am looking for a fishing partner. Happy to do overnighters at the spit for Squid and then the harbour (not very experienced on the harbour though) or day trips out through Pittwater or the harbour to wherever the day takes us. Based in Dee Why and launch at Roseville or Bayview. Boat is a 16' haines hunter with a 100hp yammy 4stroke (nice and quiet). Still fixing it up but is quite fishable at the moment (as long as you don't mind plastic garden seats.) I have plenty of gear if you need to borrow and if you supply the sandwiches I will supply the fuel and the boat (split the bait, unless we catch Squiddies at night). Send me a PM or call me on the the mobile (0402 290 467) Cheers Sunnyboy (Jason)

Hi All, I would also be up for the course. Was OS when the last one was run. Cheers Sunnyboy1

Hi David and Tobinator, I have a Bertram 25 for a while (sold when I went overseas) and she was probably the best boat I ever bought. I had a single merccruiser 230 with an Alpha leg and she had a top speed of approx 25knts. Look for the cruiser model (can be hard to find one) for more room and to sleep 4. This model only has a flybridge control (no lower steering and throttle etc) but the extra room you get is fantastic. Also has an enclosed toilet and shower in this model. (is a full lock up model and does not have an open back) I don't believe they make a shaft drive in the 25 series due to space etc. The engine box at the back does take up a bit of room but you can use this wisely as a table etc. I found her to be a great boat offshore and in almost any conditions. When you find one you like spend the time and money to have a marine mechanic check the engine out. This is very important as it is the major cost of the boat and repairing or re-powering can be very expensive, as with any boat. As for alternatives, from a cost perspective you could consider a Randall or a Huntsman 23 (looks a lot like a Bertie and quite a few have an outboard mounted on a pod for extra space) as options, but as neither are in my opinion as good as a Bertram. Hope this info helps a little and good luck with the search. Cheers Sunnyboy

Hi Raiders, I usually follow a rule of thumb to not eat any shark over about 1.5m long. Just to be safe. Cheers Sunnboy1