Boban

Hi Rod, Most of the units rely on a gasket which is glued on both sides. You can easily substitute this with double sided tape. I know for fact that it is extremely strong. Cheers Mitch

And this is where we have a problem with pros. In the overfished fishery the human instinct is to make a living irrespective of what the system can sustain. A very tongue in cheek comment here. Lets say we progressively remove pros as the population increases and aquaculture develops then we have a period of time where there are sufficient numbers for the rec anglers. All this raises another conundrum whereby we are failing to control our populations. I know it is very popular amongst some theorists, especially greenies, to advocate the reduction of human populations. This is at odds with economists who believe in ever increasing growth to stimulate our western economies. Now this is starting to get depressing. As to the regulation of recreational fishing, I would have thought it would have to be tied to bag limits as most anglers want to take home some fish. We already have strict limits on some species and logic would seem to dictate that this is the method that would need to be modified as required. When we come to a point were any take it is not sustainable, then I assume it would have to be based on a purely recreational exercise. But I'm assuming that we won't get to that point if we manage our fisheries well. Whilst I appreciate my obvious bias, I would have thought that we are very well regulated at the moment. The implementation of the regulation seems to be somewhat lacking which I understand is a direct result of a lack of funding. The next time we hear of about the bloke with 20cm bream in it wont be the last time.

I cannot say that I am convinced about the accuracy of the reported numbers, however, I am not in a position to make an informed opinion on the methodology. Perhaps I will read the report sometime and change my mind. In my uninformed opinion, there does however seem to be too many variables for an accurate estimation. My biggest issue with pro's is not that they exist as they certainly have a place, but rather in the manner in which they conduct themselves. There is a perception, and with good reason, that they show no restraint, no consideration for the environment, nor indeed any consideration for future generations (I appreciate there is a degree of overlap there). I could list a number of grievances with their practices and indeed the Professor intimated as much in his report. If nothing else, it is evident that a lack of pro's equates to a better catch for the recreational angler. If there are competing interests here, should the next question be which group provides a better return from the resource to society and the economy? With their inefficient methods and amount expended per fish caught, I think the dollar return per kilo of fish caught by the rec angler would dwarf what the local pro's bring to the economy. The fresh seafood industry can rely on imports entirely by the looks of it, given that 90% of the seafood sold is imported. From everything I've read and heard, that is simply not the case. Do you honestly believe that all the pros are doing well. I'm sure there would be many inactive licence holders as there were in Botany Bay when they received a handsome payout. Would you give a commercial licence up? Not a chance.

Then tell me what they are. I would like to know their methods and how it is that in the financial environment that they work within, that a comprehensive survey can be completed. I also did statistics at Sydney Uni in Pure Maths, but that adds little to the debate. I would hope not and said as much in my earlier post. You see, this is where you and I differ. This is a purely faith based statement. I would love for you to expand on this methodology you speak of. You just don't get it do you. They kill as much as they possibly can so that they can make as much as they can. What they did to kingfish was just one example. The pros are getting out because they can't make a living in most cases, not because they were forced out like they were in the rec havens. How is it relevant? Their attitude is what is relevant.

Get well soon Dahlene. As I always say to myself when things are bad, it wont last. Things will be better soon enough.

I use AVG free. Its good.

Yes, didn't they halve the Hospital Surgery waiting list......

I was speaking to a well known guide who regularly does the trip up north. He was saying that the high end threadlines are more popular than ever for this type of fishing. Just a thought from left field. I have both Diawa millionaires and Shimano Calcutta's in various sizes. To be honest, I can't tell the difference between them. Both are good and none of them have corroded in the slightest. Enjoy your trip. Cheers Mitch

I have no problem believing that many people can make a significant impact. The figure I have a problem with is the number of anglers. Whether you like it or not, it is guesstimation, however confident they are. You can prove me wrong on the numbers if you like as I am more than willing to admit that I am no expert in the area. It is the methodology I have a problem with, unless you can show me otherwise. Most importantly, I think it would be safe to assume that these do not include fish taken from Commonwealth waters, that is 3nm out. Just the tuna count seems to make that obvious. I'd love to see the comparison to rec fisherman there. Ask Ross about the number of Snapper traps at Port Stephens that are in Commonwealth waters. Whilst I could go to the ramp on a sunday and start counting fish and get a reasonable sample of people using this method, where I will eventually fail is the multiplication against anglers. I cannot think of a reliable method that would give me the raw data required to conduct such a survey unless the survey was undertaken every day of a given year from a vast number of locations. It is no good just doing it during summer or conversely in winter, or a so called average day because there is no such thing. Have you got any evidence to suggest that the sample was as comprehensive as I have suggested. If there were unlimited funds then this may well occur, but that is a dreamland scenario. What about the anecdotal evidence I put forward. Is it so far fetched that there is an improvement in Botany Bay and an increase in the number of kingfish since the removal of the kingfish traps. There is no guesstimation there. Ask around and I think you will find some concencus on these two issues. And this is directly related to the pros. In any event the figures themselves show that the pros are far more efficient than the recreational anglers. Will you now also be saying that the rec anglers are responsible for the numbers of Southern Blue Fin Tuna. As Ross said, it's a case of kilos vs tonnes. Im not against having a commercial fishery, but on the same note, I'm not blind to their methods either. Cheers Mitch

It may surprise you that I have never met a fisheries inspector. Not once. Haven't even seen one and I consider myself to be a reasonably active fisherman. If that is the case when it comes to checking my licence and catch, then you can hardly expect an accurate survey to take place, especially given their financial constraints. Simply saying 1,000,000 fisherman catching 10kg's a year is a ridiculous method or suggestion. Of the 1 million how many actually fish more than once or twice a year, and how much do you think they catch? Compare that to a pro on the Hawkesbury who can net 500 bream in a session (and that's a fact). How long do you think it would take me to catch and keep that many bream. Take that another step and ask yourself, how many amatuers would it take to catch that many in a day. I understand your point about science, but this method is as flawed as anything put forward by the MPA. If you want anecdotal evidence of pro's v amatuers, look at kingfish or the difference in fishing in rec. only waterways after the removal of pro's. While thousands of kingies are caught in our local waterways here in Sydney, there seems to be no shortage of kings around. Can the same be said when the pro's were targeting them? Whilst it would be nice to be united in the battle against the MPA and their methods, I don't think our interests are the same. They simply cannot be where one relies on the fish to create an income and the other uses fishing as a recreational pastime.

That's exactly what I was thinking Ross. What gets me is how they calculate the Recreational catch. My daughter caught two fish that were kept for the table on the weekend before last in the harbour. Im wondering if they (DPI) know what they were. It has to be guesstimation at its best. The pro catch as I understand it is recorded and reported. If you read the Professor's report in full you will see that he is not a fan of Fisheries management in its present form, so your concerns are probably supported by the Professor albeit not specifically. You will see that he is not against prawn trawling in the Clarence, and he outlines why he holds that view. It makes sense to me. I very much doubt that he would support the practices of longliners and things such as kingfish traps. I very much like the statement he made about 'its not from a lack of effort on the part of the pros' when referring to the pro trawlers trying to exploit the resources. On the whole, I don't think the pros would take too much comfort in the views of the Professor. I wouldn't get too worked up Ross, I think a change will come soon enough.

Thanks for that Phillip. I read Professor Kearney's presentation paper and while it makes absolute sense, I get the feeling that despite his logic and reason, the MPA and their allies are winning the real war. That is the feeding of crap to the masses. The only thing that I think will have any impact on this situation is a change of government and a new way of thinking that does not rely on faith based statements. One might draw an analogy to religion here. There is no telling some people that the will not go to heaven with 72 virgins waiting for them... On the point of a legal opinion from Senior Counsel, I don't see the point. Like any misapplication of legislation, what will inevitably follow (even if you are successful) is amending or new legislation to ensure compliance and the desired outcome. I think resources would be better spent on lobbying the opposition and informing people on a local level as to what is happening to their local area, holiday destination and state in general. When you read Hansard, the views expressed by Firth and McDonald leave you with no doubt that their minds are made up. There are votes in Marine Parks as far as they are concerned. Remember that is all they are interested in, staying in power (and on a personal level, staying in Parliament) if they can. Cheers Mitch

Great fish mate. I wish my crap days ended like yours do...

Good one. You could always call Greeny and ask for further inspiration. "LeeTwoBig" "LeeTwoMuch" "LeeTwoFast" as in little too big..in a Chinese accent

You must be absolutely ecstatic with the arrival of your twins. So cute.... So are you the mother of them? If you are, then you must have one big cervix, so big that when people see you that would say look at the size of that ....... How quick is she over the flat stuff? Cheers Mitch

Sounds like the way to prepare for exams. Nice work mate.

I've got two Evinrudes on the back of my Sailfish and I must admit to wishing they were 4 strokes when I bought her recently. I had nothing but good experiences with my 2000 model 130Hp Honda. That boat is now with my BIL. I however cannot complain about the Evinrudes performance, especially when it comes to getting a move on. Granted the boat is a little overpowered but still I cannot tell the difference between a heavy load or a light load when I apply the power. I could with the Honda. The Honda was a lot quieter at low revs like when you are trolling but not so much when you are cruising. All in all, they seem to be OK so far.

Well done Mitch, Great day for you and the boss. Only mistake was that you didn't let her reel in the big Jewie mate. That'll come back to bite you one day Seriously good fish on light gear mate. Cheers Mitch

The pressing is designed to add strength to the material without increasing the gauge (thickness) of the material. A bent piece of metal is much stronger than a flat piece, think of corrugated roof sheets versus a flat piece of metal that is 0.42mm thick. That is generally why you will find plate boat builders use a thicker material than the pressed side boat builders. In the end it comes down to cost. With a pressed boat you get a lighter and cheaper (less expensive not lower quality) boat. There are many manufacturers out there and I can assure you that they are not all built the same even if they look the same.

You are better off putting that $700 into fuel mate, unless of course you are staying a long way from the ramp. Let me know when you are up there and we'll go out together if I'm at Hawks Nest at the time.

Great post Greg. It's always good to reminisce, especially when you have memories like that. I still remember the trip with no sunglasses and having my eyelids literally rattling uncontrollably. That last Skeeter was as fast as I've ever been in a boat.

I hate when people put the fish out the front of them (or bend their knees) to make the fish look bigger than it is.

Looks like a nice feed even if the sport would have been somewhat lacking with that gear. I reckon a little threadline would have been fun though. Like everyone else has said, those photos are pretty good mate.

I'm sure Mike will let you know where and how he caught the kings now that you have posted that reply. Honestly, what have you contributed to the forum for all us to learn from? Mike is neither stingy nor mean spirited when it comes to locations or techniques. You must be one of those blokes who thinks that the kingies only live in the one location. BTW - well done Mike.

Maori wrasse or "butcher's unsavoury characters" to some. My wife loves eating them more than snapper and bream. According to her it is not a dry flesh, doesn't have small bones and is sweeter tasting meat. I don't eat them, so I have no idea at all. Nice feed mate and sounds like you had a good day out.