Boban

Not too bad, even if the weather didn't play it's part. You got to be happy with that bag.

Anthony it was a real pleasure to fish with you guys as well, even though it was only a day. Thanks for the opportunity. It was a pity about the weather last week, but persistence has certainly paid off for her. She got a fish that kept her so busy it was not funny, at least not for her arms. Couldn't have written the script any better for her first marlin.

This is funny. My kids keep on saying the last line. I saw it about 6 months ago and it still makes me laugh.

Thanks Byron. The picture of Ross is actually him watching the line as he is backing down on the fish. He is a picture of concentration when doing his work. What amazes me is the length of time he spends up there without falling into a heap from exhaustion. No doubt, Glenn is the same as I've got a long distance picture of him in the same position.

You don't rely on the gauges mate. As soon as you finish your boating, you go to the petrol station and fill her up. That way you know exactly how much you have used. The fuel computer is a separate system comprising of a sensor that can be connected to either a fuel computer (which is a simple gauge with two buttons) or to a Navman sounder or GPS. They give you a reading of fuel flow, fuel used for the trip and total fuel used. But like I said, with a bit of patience and note taking you will get a pretty good idea of what you can do. Another option is to take one of those plastic fuel containers with a pourer just in case you run out of fuel. A 10L container should do the job. Just make sure you use the fuel in the container regularly.

Its not that difficult to work out your fuel consumption if you are prepare to take some notes. Before you go out, fill up the tank completely. Then travel everywhere you possibly can at 4000 rpm. Do some set runs where you know the distances. Then so some basic maths. You will get a rough idea of how much your boat motor will consume. There are however many variables to consider, especially when traveling outside the heads. You will obviously consume more in rough conditions and winds that are against you. The other option is to buy a fuel computer from Navman. Not that expensive especially when you already own a sounder or GPS from Navman.

Now I don't want to bore anybody with my long winded descriptions of what happened during our Port Stephens sojourn, so I will leave it to the pictures to tell most of the tale. Between the two boats we got 9 marlin. Not too shabby. Both Donna and Maryanne both got new species, Strippies, Bonito and Mahi Mahi with Maryanne also catching her first Marlin that kept her busy for 50 minutes. The weather is a fickle thing and the forecast for the three days certainly looked promising. As it turned out the Monday was the pick of the days with Wednesday being the worst with a strong southerly coming through a little earlier than expected. I would like to thank Rossco and 'Emu' for all their efforts and company. Two pros at work. Truly a memorable experience. As for the other Raiders we spent our time with, well, what can I say. You certainly expanded Mrs Boban's vocabulary. Seriously though, we had a fantastic time with you guys and would love to do it all again. To the Raiders reading this, look at the pictures and ask yourself whether it was all worth it. Then save some pennies and book early for next year.... Enjoy. Check out the video footage HERE

I should have said "little girl" So you did it like a real man I hear you even know how to catch stripeys, not like some .... See ya Sunday afternoon.

Well what can I say Robbie. Two words come to mind but I'll save them for Monday. That Wednesday was meant to be our third day but it was not be as I was into the eighth day of a hearing. You got the weather and the fish you lucky ...... Did you sit down like a girl or stand up mate Well done mate. C'mon Monday.

Magic. The best part of our day was when I watched those fish follow your lure before one of them smashed it. I can only imagine the size of the others when that is the smallest one. Like I said then, worth the price of admission on its own. Awesome mate. Awesome. I get my boat back this week and I will hit the water ASAP. I'm itchin' for another topwater session. See ya soon.

My understanding of that is that it addressing the practice of jagging fish. That is using an unbaited treble under a baited main hook to jag (or foul hook) the fish when you feel a bite.

On a boat that size I wouldn't be too worried about the weight, at least not the differences between the motors you are talking about. 20 kg is sweet f.a. Do you weigh your passengers and tell the fat one "not today". I have the Honda on my Explorer 600 and it can be best described as smooth, reliable and efficient. I don't look at top end speed for a boat that heads outside the heads regularly. My motor keeps me on the plane at low revs which is perfect outside. I've been on other boats with other motors and I like the way the Honda does its business. That said, you wont find a bad motor amongst the new generation of motors. Upgrading your old two stroke with any of them will leave you with a smile on your dial. On top of that you have one of the best hulls around. You'll be happy. Noise is a big factor for me. Nothing worse than traveling for a couple of hours and not being able to talk to anyone without screaming. Of the Direct Injection 2 strokes, the Evinrude is the best noise wise. Of the 4 strokes, I can't say I noticed too much difference between them. Hope that helps.

See you on Monday Rosco and then the following Monday again. Can't wait.

When I forget my camera I can catch hundreds of fish I think I might leave the cameras at home for the marlin trip. Seriously now, did you try any top water stuff up there, or were you more on a guiding mission and sticking to what was producing the goods. Im hanging to get back on the poppers as soon as I make some time. If only I owned a unit, I would have all the time in the world. See ya soon. Bring it on....

Top effort that Byron. Hows the new boat compare to the old one?

Only once more with Stewy, which you saw. I'm waiting to get my boat back so that I can go at will. What about you? Have your been since? I have a similar addition, only watered down somewhat

Are you kidding mate. Used one. Most (if not all) of us wouldn't have known they existed before your post. I thought my Torsa was expensive. It certainly does the job easily though. IMHO its a fantastic reel. A different version of the Tiagra but certainly not a unique reel like your are eyeing. You want to borrow it for a while, its all yours. Cheers Mitch

Well done mate. A good day indeed.

I can't believe I spend so much time catching squid. Much easier to peel a big prawn and let it float down me thinks. Too good fellas.

Can you believe I couldn't remember most the places you took me as it was hard to keep my eyes open at 120 kph. I did however remember the techniques and lures. I'm itching to get back out again, that top water stuff has got the mind wandering.

Quintrex and Stacer (Telwater) are pretty reasonable with their spare part pricing in my experience. I bought one of their side consoles at a very reasonable price from Huey at Huett Marine. Good luck

Good luck Jorg, He's a good bloke that Greg. So where are you going to fit that Plasma on your boat? Cheers Mitch

We were supposed to be fishing for Marlin out of Port Stephens this week but the weather was not kind to us so we substituted a day on the Hawkesbury in Stewy's Polycraft. We got 4 over 30cm+ models and a number of smaller models caught mostly on the top of the water. All in all a good day on the water especially early on. Later the fish went somewhat off the chew and we decided to call it a day. Thanks to Stewy for his gracious offer to come aboard his boat for the day. The way I've been going lately, I can sell the boats and just become a professional non-boater. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.......... How's the serenity.

I've got three Okuma Celilo Rods which I am willing to sell cheaply ($70 for the used one-used twice) and $80 for the unused ones. PM me if you are interested.

Just got back from Port Macquarie and the weather is definitely crap right now, which was perfect for what I wanted to do. Greg, I would hate to see how bad you would make me have looked if you got all the strikes. Good to see you are human after all with your lone herring. Funny eh, I live minutes away and fished there for the first time in my life with you. BTW - you are a fantastic photographer, you even made my fish look smaller than either of yours. Competitive to the end you are.