Fishonn

Yes I agree. More Rangers would be great!! so would more Fisheries officers, so would more water police... unfortunately the state just wants to make money and not spend it.

Mammoth, just thought i would let you know that the boat parking areas at Brooklyn are now well marked and sign posted.

Greg another option is Apple Tree Bay boat ramp, this puts you in Cowan creek and a 15 min boat ride will have you at the front of the Hawkesbury. Alternatively contained within Apple Tree Bay are some nice spots and good fishing...with the added bonus of speed restrictions in some of these areas, so cowboys on Jet Skis and hoons in high powered ski boats are less likely to bother you (unless you are fishing in the main river section) The boat ramp itself is excellent and I would go as far as saying one of the best in the Upper North Shore Area, its wide, plenty of parking and a jetty that runs along its side for boat parking... and located within the National Park, so rangers are about and no campers are permitted. However like all ramps it does get busy on a summers Sunday/public holiday. Just be aware you do need a parks pass or pay for the day. Happy to provide more detail, just PM if you need more info.

Hi Mammoth, I hear your frustrations, I also use this ramp and have noticed a considerable increase in camping traffic since the new amenities were built. There really isn't anyone to blame other than the council as they have no signage up.... if there are no signs then people will always please themselves and its difficult to argue the point. The boat trailer loading bays should be signed as a boat and trailer only with a 10 minute restriction. The other longer trailer parking areas should also be well sign posted as trailers boat trailer only. I really don't mind campers and RV owners using the area are a lay over...I would rather see this than people driving long hauls becoming fatigued and adding to the road toll, I also see this as added security when our boats and trailers are sitting unattended all day. I think hot fingers are a bit cooler when eyes are about!! I just keep well away during silly season, besides with all the skis and boats it shuts the fishing down anyway making what should be an easy relaxing and productive day very frustrating. For what its worth write the council a letter, if enough people do it then they might do something about it. Cheers Fishonn

Hi YF, I have just joined this forum and happy to offer some suggestions.... to answer your question start with a paddle tail or a vibe. Paddle Tail - I like the 10x stretch material, this material is now used in a few different brands.... if you use the generic rubber compounds then you will find the pickers destroy them in no time, not to mention its probably not doing the fish much good either having chunks of plastic in their stomachs...so you will be forever re-rigging lures and watching $$$ disappear quickly replenishing your lure stocks. A 3-4inch plastic paddle tail is a good size, small enough for a big bream, large enough for a big jew and a good all round size for any size flattie. Lift and drop, touch the bottom and repeat - Its that easy. Make sure the lure is set straight on the hook, if the lure spirals as you drop it then re-rig - if your fishing in 10 meters of water use a 3/8 jig head, if your fishing in 5 meters of water use a 1/4. You want several seconds of suspension time after your flick before you touch the bottom.... Vibes - A single slow lift, you will feel the vibration of the vibe in the rod tip...find that point where you no longer feel the vibration, add a touch so you can just feel the vibration and that's the sweet spot. Again drop and hit the bottom. and repeat. A tight line should be kept with the vibe so when it sinks it doesn't spiral... by nature vibes will want to spiral if they are given too much slack... keep in contact with the vibe and it should sink nicely. I like to follow the vibe down with the rod tip... this way I keep in close contact at all times. Vibes are an excellent way to start plastics fishing, very productive and easy to use... these days you should pick vibes relatively cheap... forget the $30.00 trans-am price tag. Go online and you should be well under $10.00 each for decent vibes. Most cheap lures catch just as many fish, its how you use the lures that matters. Strike up hard if you feel the bite.. I find the smaller bites are often the bigger fish. Good Luck and I hope you make the call Fishonn.:)