Boban

Looks very fishy to me mate, very fishy indeed. Well done on the posts mate, especially given the quality of most of the them.

Thanks for the compliments on the boat guys. It is everything I expected and a little bit more. Unfortunately, the conditions and luck were not with us yesterday, and to top it all off the mutton birds drove us crazy. But thats fishing I guess. At least I got to finally put the thing in the water and test her out. We cruised back at 3500 revs doing 25knots in less than ideal conditions. In that regard, I still have a smile on my dial. The enclosed cabin is heaven as far as I am concerned. Even my youngest son, who normally gets scared in those conditions was very laid back about the trip home. Isn't it funny how you run within a few metres of another boat, run the same lures and only pick up a couple of stripeys while they nail four decent fish on the troll. I've been on the other side of the equation a few times and I know the feelings are chalk and cheese. I guess it all makes the good trips stand out and I have no right to whinge given the trip earlier this year when we could have caught as many 40kg plus models we wanted. Now I've heard some people tell me I should of bought some instead of the boat. Bloody heathens..... Cheers Mitch

Great report Anthony and not too shabby on the fishing front as well. Good too see the Big Banana getting out.

Awesome day on the water bro. I trust you like eating fush....plenty of kingy cutlets from that catch.

Ah the memories of when I was negative 9 years old just come flooding back...............

They are a bulletproof motor, very reliable. If you can get it cheap then go for it. I had one on my boat and I never had one problem with it. Ring any long term Honda dealer and they will tell that the 130 was an excellent motor. The same cannot be said for the entire range but the 130 was good.

The fake injuries and diving is about getting an advantage for your team by trying to fool the referee. I can't stand it but don't for a minute think it is only in football that this occurs. On Friday night, when the league is on, watch how many times a player tries to milk a penalty. Jarryd Hayne is prime example (and that's coming from a Parra fan). How many times do you see a league player diving after trying to get up so he can get the penalty. Unfortunately its part of modern sport, but its still cheating to me.

Mate that is what football is all about. Kicking it to your teammate. In league if you can kick the ball you suddenly become the world's best player. Remember, the debate here is about skills not what game you like to watch or support. Just in case you hadn't noticed, more than one player per team can actually kick the ball accurately. I'll bet more football players can play league than vice versa. The funniest thing I think to watch is 95% of league players trying to kick a ball of any description.

Each to their own but I don't think it is any mystery which code I prefer. I've played league and while it is physically demanding, it is easy compared to football. As to this country not embracing the game, well I think you have your head in the sand. The A league has higher average attendances than league, and its only just started. If it ever gets free to air coverage then I think the rugby codes have something to worry about (even I won't get pay TV to watch sport). It already has the highest participation rates. I like to watch league (although the wrestling is getting a bit frustrating) and I could not handle watching union at all until recently but that's neither here nor there. Where these codes will suffer is in participation rates. My son (10) hounded me to play league for his school. He's not exactly small for his age and he's fast. Well the season is over and he now want's to play football next year. Why. Quite simply, he's been smashed on more than one occasion without the ball. Nothing's changed, from when I played. The thugs are still there and now you have the 6 foot Polynesian 13 year olds to deal with. Do you remember when Rugby Union was played by amateurs and only attracted interest when Australia played NZ. Wasn't that long ago.

Go to court mate and take your chances. You might be surprised. You refer to all magistrates as "Your Honour" now.

I was wondering whether you would get out in that weather. Good job on the snapper mate. I've got to back up there soon. Cheers Mitch

My condolences to Peter’s family and friends.

Most of them are a Mercury with a different cowl. I think you have to go back some time to find a Mariner that is different to a Mercury. Huey would know more, but if its a late model then its a Mercury.

Try Special Trailers in Rydalmere - North Parramatta, just off Victoria Road. I changed all my running gear on my trailer before taking it to my BIL and got all my parts from him. Good bloke and well priced.

You been taking those pussy pills again Stewy? Maryanne went with her friend a few ago, and she also loved it. Not for me though, not without the pills anyway.

For the money I think there are much better options and better riding boats as well. I've been out in the big Patriot and it comes a distant second to the 685 Cruisecraft. I must say I was not very impressed at all, neither was the guy at the boat dealership (who had it on consignment). But that is just my opinion.

At least you have your sense of humour mate. Love the photo of your fish.

Me too Donna, Thanks.

Ripper of a fish mate. Well done.

Interesting read, even without the fish.

I KNOW WHY I HAVE TO GO TO NZ. Massive fish mate.

Very nice boys. Gotta be happy with that.

Great thread Mike. I've had the pleasure of watching my old man fill up the rod holder. I was in the boat so it didn't quite get to 110 litres. Experienced a lot of the above plus I have been stung by the lovely Red Rock Cod. Left the top of my Loomis at Chatwood Rail Bridge along with 300m of braid when I forgot that I left it in the Rocket Laucher. Took the less expensive rods out though.

I wouldn't put too much faith in the rankings. Look at Greece for example. At least Turkey don't play that brand of football but they have a fair number of injuries for the QF. I actually would rather have played against a more fancied team as the Croats have trouble against teams where they are favourites. No so against the bigger nations. Ask an Italian how many times they have beaten Croatia. I just hope they keep playing like they did against the Germans, not like they did in the second half against Austria. The last time we played Turkey competitively was in Euro 96. I hope the result is the same this time around. Man I can't wait for this. Sorry Oz but I can't wish you well for this game.

If you were the Dutch coach would you be fielding your best 11? Think Portugal and Switzerland. I'm thinking you guys will have another draw and so will Romania. I hope not. The other thing is that the Dutch would have to play either France or Italy in the Semi Final eventually so it may well be Romania's day. We'll see. For us, bring on the Turks.