TXL

This kind of attitude gives the greens ammo to lock up even more of our waters. They are a majestic, native fish living in its natural environment.

Hi Caine, I am also currently on the hunt for a new sounder for inshore use. Was wondering if you ended up getting the furuno, where you got it etc, and how it performed. I have only a single battery set up to crank a 40 hp motor does anybody know if this will be enough to power the furuno 620????? regards, TXL

Hi Chris, Thanks for the advice, They are both nice units although a bit outside the current budget, might wait till next pay day!!! cheers tim

Hi guys, I am thinking of upgrading an old humming bird fishfinder for a newer model. I am currently considering a lowrance x125 , eagle 500dcf? (US imports) or a hummingbird 717 series (oz model). I have read some good feed back on the lowrance but was interested if any one used the eagle or humming bird models. I am looking to spend $600 aus (and am happy to import). Are these the best sounders in this price range? Or are there others i should be considering? I fish sydney harbour and the bay, what sounder features are most important for fishing this type of water (under 40metres) any advice is appreciated TXL

Hi guys thanks for all the advice, just been to BCF with the intention of purchasing the spinfisher but noticed a they had a $200 deal for the shimano BR 6500 with a shimano snapper rod thrown in. I am a little concerned that the reel is a bit on the heavy side but i guess i will have to see how it goes on the water! I also picked up some 20lb fire line (probably to light for kingies?) with 30lb leader. regards, Tim

Hi Pj, love your attitude, large carp in the Uk are the holy grail of sport fishing i have friends in the uk who spend most of their income buying identical 4 rod set ups with all the latest gadgets spending solid weeks at a time renting a swim on a privately owned carp lake at $20 plus per day, in shocking pommie weather in the hope of catching a decent carp! There are no kingfish or YFT in the Uk i guess its all relative. Uk anglers can only dream of the sort of fishing available in Australia both fresh and salt, as you have previously suggested maybe its not the carps fault that earlier government policy towards irrigation and indusrtry have had such an impact on native freshwater species. carry on carping, tim

Thanks for the advice guys, very interesting. I think you have turned my head towards the penn reel. cheers, Tim

Great fish PJ

Hi Guys, I have been using a cheap shimano reel for kings in the harbour and as you might expect the drag system is not up to the job. I am looking for an up grade (preferably baitrunner style?) for under $200 The shimano BR 4500 is the obvious choice but was wondering if any one had experience with the Okuma epix or eclipse reels, or may be any other recommendations? It will be paired with an Ugly stick and mainly used for livebaiting and thowing the occasional lure/plastic. I am currently using low stretch mono which im also unhappy with, some guidance with braid type/strength for this type of reel would also be appreciated? Many thanks

Thanks for the advice guys, think i might try to find an experinced shipmate to show me the ropes.

Hi guys, i am new to this great site and was hoping to pick a few seasoned fishos brains. i have recently purchased a 4.3 metre forward steer runabout with 40 hp mercury which i am very happy with. however when i have ventured into rougher water any where past middle head in sydney harbour i have felt very uncomfortable would this area be considored safe in reasonable conditions or am i being a big pansy. i would be interested to know if fellow fishos use a similar sized boat and how they go fishing near the heads and also running the gauntlet under the harbour bridge. what sea conditions are to be avoided ?