[Is there such thing as too much baitfish in the water?]

I've had moments like that in the hacking before. The baitfish were mostly whitebait and were schooling around my feet on the flats. I used 10 gram metals and 4 inch plastics to catch a 40cm tailor 2 60cm flatties a 40 cm bream and 45 cm trevally. But it really depends on what lures you are using and what baitfish are around you. 

[Light tackle rod recomendations]

1 hour ago, slothparade said:

what penn reel do you use for a light setup? 

To be honest i reckon the penn clash 2's are a good choice for light reels. They aren't built as heavily as the penn battle 3's but have the same strength and salt water protection. they are also on sale at certain shops at the moment

[where to go tmr sydney (landbased)]

5 hours ago, bkk said:

might go fishing tmr but not sure where to go, preferably wanna catch kings, bonito, drummer, blackfish, bream

Bonito haven't come down in schools at this time of the year...

[Show us your lure collection]

14 minutes ago, motiondave said:

Impressive stuff DeFranco, I'd be interested in some of those Tassie devils, I'm after a few for bass fishing as I've heard bass will hit them as well. 

I know I have to get over to your place soon, probably Thursday mid morning might be good as I've got day off but have appointment after lunch. 

Any idea what other saltwater fish will take these lures? I have a few lying around and I haven't had the time to travel inland to target some trout.

Thanks

[Raiders hit the Hawkesbury and hit paydirt😁]

7 minutes ago, Pickles said:

The pic of Yowie - with the smallest fish of the day😁

I see you are trying to undermine Yowie's reputation

[What species of leather jacket is this? (Velvet Leatherjacket)]

It looks a bit like a smooth leatherjacket (also called velvet leatherjacket)

[Port Hacking]

No flatties today?  A flounders still a bonus tho

[Bate Bay]

Nice haul of flatties. Enough for a few meals at least

[Port Stephens]

12 hours ago, mrsswordfisherman said:

That’s good. It’s only been up a few days!

How did you find fishraider? You are a new member 👏

This is a very helpful website for learning how to target specific species. I've leant a lot from this website already.

[Port Stephens]

28 minutes ago, mrsswordfisherman said:

Here is some info from one of our raiders Shroom

 

Thanks Donna but I've already watched it.

[Port Stephens]

2 hours ago, Berleyguts said:

If you don’t want to duck outside to Mrs Murphy’s (“The Crack”) for yellowtail, you can sometimes catch small ones near Bannisters (formerly Salamander Shores) wharf. Also sometimes near Soldiers Point boat ramp. Try working soft plastics for flathead. 😉

Thanks, I've never caught anything on plastics even though I've spent over $50 on them. Maybe I can get a first?

[Do Tides Matter?]

Tides are important for most species as it controls what direction the baitfish travel in and then where the predators would be located. For example, people normally pump nippers at low tide so when it's high tide, the water covers the sand banks and the predators come looking for an easy feed.

[Port Stephens]

15 minutes ago, Scratchie said:

Happy to help out with any questions. Just fire away? 
 

cheers scratchie!!! 

Thanks  I might message you soon

[Port Stephens]

Any suggestions of how to make a live bait rig for Jewies. I'll probably be using live whiting, yakkas or slimies

[Port Stephens]

11 hours ago, Berleyguts said:

Are you planning to fish inside the Bay or offshore? If in the Bay, you can pump nippers at Corlette. Access from Roy Wood Reserve (Foreshore Drive and Sandy Point Road). Try for squid in Shoal Bay, or garfish if they’re about. Bream, flathead, whiting. Get the Navionics app on your phone and seek out the deep holes for mulloway. Read Scratchie’s post, linked earlier, especially for tips on snapper. Talk to any of the local tackle shop owners. They’ll steer you right. Enjoy our little part of paradise and make sure you’re familiar with the marine park and the sanctuary zones.

Thanks for the advice. I was planning to fish in the bay because I don't think I have the correct gear for offshore and I don't know how to fish offshore. I'll definitely try pumping some nippers for flathead and whiting. I might try catching some garfish but I normally target yellowtail for live bait.  Thanks again for the information.

[Port Stephens]

3 hours ago, big Neil said:

Hi Turtleeater. There's stacks of info for "novice" anglers on here and there are serious experts to ask questions of. I would be asking Scratchie first up. He fishes offshore mostly but knows the potential of his backyard (Pt Stevens)very well.

Start off by targetting the species which are easiest to catch (Flathead, Bream, Tailor, Salmon). Plenty of info on here to learn the how to and when...just use the search bar if you need specific help.

Relatively new anglers often get deterred by poor results but look on every trip as a learning experience.

You and your mate are very fortunate to have a boat which you can use. Check out areas where you CAN fish. Local bait/tackle shops will have maps of the areas. These often include the types of fish you are likely to encounter in those areas. 

The 2-4kg set up will be ideal for Bream and Flathead. Load it up with 6lb mono line, size 1 sinker(s) and a 2/0 hook. You may need some swivels too. Ideal baits are prawns, mullet, chicken guts, squid. Fish areas where there are drop offs. You will probably need a landing net too.

Good luck, I'm sure you will catch some.

bn

Thanks, I've got all my gear I need and my reels are both fully spooled (one with 10lb braid and the other with 40lb braid). I've fished in Sydney for over 4 years so I think I understand the basics. I've caught plenty of  Whiting, Flathead and Tailor around my area.

[Port Stephens]

On 9/26/2021 at 6:32 PM, jeffb5.8 said:

Beware of the no fish zones as the fines are a holiday destroyer

Thanks for the warning. Don't want my holiday ruined like last time.

[Port Stephens]

3 hours ago, BigHorse said:

If your buddy knows fishing ask him a few questions if not look on youtube there are heap of good and informative videos but also try and ask other fishraiders like and check the search tab. 

Beach fishing can be quite successful in the summer for bream and whiting. Around the nelson bay breakwall solid catches of ludrick and bream are caught. Try local fishing reports on spots and gear to use. the stuff you have seem fine for small bream and heaver rod will handle some snapper and other bigger fish.

Good luck

 

Thanks, My buddy knows nothing about fishing. He asked me to buy all the gear and bait for him and is waiting for someone to teach him (hopefully not me)

 

9 hours ago, Rebel said:

Check with @Scratchie he is the Guru of Pt. Stephens.

Cheers.

Cheers mate

[Port Stephens]

Just now, kingie chaser said:

Just a suggestion, try using the search tab 😉

 

Good luck.

 

 

Thanks mate

[Port Stephens]

Since lockdown is probably ending in soon, I thought I might go up to Port Stephens for a break with my friend in his holiday house during December and January. He has a private jetty and a boat but does anyone know what fish species are up there and what gear do I need. Also can anyone recommend me some bait for up there?

BTW I have a 2-4kg rod and a 8-15kg rod

Thanks in Advance

[My first kingfish - 88cm - Middle harbour]

Great work!!! Amazing fish

[After the pandemic restrictions are lifted - where will you fish first?]

Can't wait to try Sydney Harbour. I might go for some sportfish such as Bonito or Mack Tuna during summer. Never caught any pelagics before. 😥

[Allow Me To Introduce Myself]

Hello Raiders,

I'm a beginner in fishing and I decided to give it a try I soon became addicted and I am always willing to learn. This site seems to have a lot of info. I love filleting fish and even more, eating them. I am only 14 and I am based in Botany bay. I'm hoping to learn more about catching big fish in my area.

Thanks in advance, TE