Croydon

Thanks mate probably the way to go......

Hi Nick, Good luck with your choice, I hope you really enjoy it. As far as size, it's not just the length of the boat to consider. Generally going up to that next size means it's longer, wider, more internal space, made of heavier material, weighs more can carry greater horse power on the back. The extra size will improve ride and comfort and if your going off shore with a couple of people and dive gear all of the above really matters. On the down side, larger is more to tow, cost a bit more to run, harder to store etc but If it was me and the larger boat was within budget I would definitely go bigger...Cheers......... Dave

Hi mate, It all depends on the brand of trailer you opt for. But a rough guesstimate would be $3 - $5,000 dearer for aluminium over gal................... Cheers Dave

Hi Folks, Whilst not specifically related to boats, but i'm sure will cross over, I was wondering if anyone has experience with wireless electronic brake controllers. As I've recently upgraded the boat trailer, the wife has decided that she now requires a new horse float! Yes I know, the two most expensive hobbies in the world; boats and horses........... The new float when loaded will weigh in at a bit over 2 tonnes, so I'll need to fit an electronic brake controller to the Triton ute. I've heard there are now RF (wireless) units which allow them to be transferred from tow vehicle to tow vehicle, but I know nothing about them. I was hoping someone here might have some experience/knowledge regarding this type of brake controller and what is required. Thanks for you help............ Dave

Some reports of Bluefin off Bunga Canyons (Bermi) and JB along the 1000 fathom line, last night. Not sure about Sydney though. Good luck guys............ Dave

Hi mate, Nice report. That brings back some memories, haven't fished the break wall since I was a teenager in the early 80's. Is there anything left of the wreck? Used to love crawling around that thing, caught some good fish too. Best of luck....... Dave

Hi guys, A few consistent reports of bluefin 75k's south east of Bermi, and yellowfin in 1000 fathoms off Tuross over the last few days, so they are not far away from hitting Sydney. Good luck......... Dave

Hi Curly, I have a 6m ali half cab boat and use 6m off 8mm short link chain and 12mm rope. For the past 9 years I have owned 3 sarca anchors and they hold REALLY well, hence owning 3! Fantastic in the sand and up the river at night. I fish a lot in rocky/reef areas and have had two occasions where the sarca just wouldn't let go. Ended up having to cut the rope to get home and that gets a bit expensive. Recently I have changed over to a 4 prong reef anchor and this has been working great in the reef. But if I'm going up the river for a jew session, I'll change back to the sarca. I think this is the best compromise. I don't think you will have a drama with 5m off 6mm chain. The sarca's are great but a bit expensive over time as they will eventually get stuck. It's just murphy's law. Hope this helps.......... Dave

Yep just discovered the same problem. I went from Fishtrack to Ripcharts because I found ripcharts better/easier to use. But I don't think I'll be paying more for much the same service, they can stick it. And yes it is bloody annoying.............. Dave

Hi Dave, I have tried it and it's a waste of time. Go the real thing......... Dave

We went out in 35knt winds for a bit of a snapper session behind some islands, but it was pretty tough. Had a lot of fun regardless.............. Dave

G'day Arron, I think you did pretty well. I was with a group of mates in Whitianga just over two weeks ago. The day we arrived it blew 30 to 50 knts, and continued to do so for the next ten days, until the morning we left. Had four days booked to chase the kings and didn't get out to them once! Beautiful place with some good pubs and restaurants. I think we tried them all twice in the 10 days we were there. I'm glad you got out and had a good time, things could have been worse............. Cheers Dave

You can have a look at the ripcharts site, they have a free introduction and tutorial which is very useful. Cheers........... Dave

That's just awesome...............

Hi Ray, Sorry to hear your trip has fallen through. I sort of know how you feel. I have just came back from Whitianga NZ where we had 10 days planned to chase those big kingies with a well known charter. However the recent weather followed us and it blew 25 to 50 knots up until the morning we left!! I am thinking of organising a group trip to Weipa for our fishing club. If you had any tips on houseboats, charters, time of year etc it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and good luck when you do get there. Cheers......... Dave

Hi paikea, The only noisy part of the operating is the chain travelling over the bowsprit. If you have a look at the website of the winch manufacturer I'm sure you are using they make a mesh type chain guard which substantially reduces the chain rattle. I have used a sarchor anchor since I installed the anchor winch a couple of years ago and have had no problems deploying it. They hold extremely well and are easily retrieved from within the cabin using the up/down switch. The drum winch is one of the best things I have ever installed in the boat. Good luck with your new purchase. Cheers. ..... dave

Hi paikea, I have a micks winch made in south australia fitted to my 560c bar crusher. It is very well made and easy to install. It does not have free fall but I anchor in 60m of water without a drama. Very happy with it. He has introduced a smaller version recently which should fit your anchor well. Cheers dave.

Ocean Perch and fantastic to eat....................

Hi daniel, The snapper are moving in close and there have been good catches from the rocks recently. Try some soft plastics from the yak and you should be in with a chance. The sea has been very rough lately but should settle tomorrow with some luck. The clyde river can be a mystery at times. With the rain we've had recently try the lower reaches from the bridge to the oyster leases. There have been some good bream around but lots of small tailor which may give your lures a hard time. Good luck.... dave

Hi Paikea, I have used pretty much all the brands but for me I keep coming back to Furuno for quality and ease of use. They just seem more intuitive than the other brands. I would have a look at the Furuno GP1870F. It has a 7" screen which is big enough to run gps and sounder side by side. You can pick up a package including head unit, cables and 600w transducer for around $1700. It also has the ability to run a 1kw transducer if you want to get into the real deepwater bottom bashing off Ulladulla! It may not be the most up to date combo going around (technology wise), but it is a quality unit and very easy to use. Good luck with your search. Cheers.......... Dave

Hi Reese, Went for a fish today with a couple of mates. Was very windy up until 1pm or so. No kingfish around today. Tried a spot south east of the toll gates in about 45 - 50m and got our 30 flathead, so a good feed for the day. Had the crab pots out in the river but didn't get a thing. Looking a bit blowy tomorrow, but who knows at the moment, the weather is all over the place. Good luck........... Dave

You guys are on fire, well done. If you put in the time and effort you get the rewards. Champion effort........... Dave

HI Paikea, I have had a 560C barcrusher for 7 or 8 years and I am very happy with it. I fish alone quite often and it is not a drama. A mate has the equivalent model Surtees to the 490C and I've been out in it quite often. He mainly targets snapper and fishes alone a fair bit. It is a well made boat, great handling and easy to use alone. I would say the 490C would be pretty much the same. Good luck with the search......... Dave

Well done David, it is a very special experience in deed. A great read and great photo's. Congrats to you and your mate who took you out, Cheers............ Dave

I've fished quite often out of a mates Savage and it rides quite well. We have done plenty of trips to the shelf on good days and it goes really well. There may be better riding boats out there and I know there are worse, but for $15G it looks a good thing...........