SpeedyGiraffe49

Thanks Derek - likewise looking forward to the next one 😃

Hey Raiders, finally getting around to writing this report from an awesome day out with @DerekD last Sunday. Derek reached out in the days before, letting me know he had time to head out for a fish together. I knew it was going to be a massive week ahead and that I was going to be pretty exhausted from it, but to be honest it was too good of an opportunity to miss out for a reason like that 😆 As a side note, if any of the things I report on below are things that you’re interested in learning, you are welcome to reach out to me. I am not an expert, but I have definitely learned from Derek and achieved limited results. As noted in other posts/reports, we want to create a culture of both learning and generosity in passing on knowledge to others. Starting at 8am, we met at the south side of Drummoyne Bay with about 3-4hrs to fish the run in tide. The idea was to target fish as they came up on to the shallow sand flats and oyster beds with the tide. Being the end of the topwater season, the fishing was a bit tough going. Following our previous session together, Derek continued to refine my casting. Specifically he helped me make a distinction between what we were referring to as “punch” cast and “pendulum” cast. While the punch cast involved gently swinging the lure back before punching it forward in the cast, the pendulum cast involved generating additional centrifugal force on the lure to load up the rod even more on the back swing. Both casts were useful in different situations, achieved about 30-40m in the right conditions and were easier to control accuracy. We practised this with MMD Splash Prawns (“Popper” style topwater lure), and practised a subtle irregular popping retrieve with frequent pauses - No.1 out of 3 topwater lure types we’d learn today. I noticed that raising my rod tip relative to where I usually hold it for a walk-the-dog retrieve prevented the splash prawn from going subsurface, allowing it to disturb water on the surface in a way that looked natural and enticing. I managed to get some boils on the lure, but no takes here. We then moved on and practised a walking-the-dog with a Sugapen (“Walk-the-Dog” style topwater lure) - No. 2 out of 3. This was my comfort lure having practised targeting topwater whiting in the past. However in a previous session, Derek made my retrieve much tighter (flicking side to side faster and less wide), so we practised this. Also since we were targeting Bream, we still included frequent pauses. Again no takers, other than a mangrove tree that I managed to cast over and almost lost Derek’s lure - oops. I learned to be mindful of the direction the wind creates a bow in the line when casting cross wind. We continued to cover ground, and eventually started learning how to use a “Bent Minnow” style topwater lure. The action was imparted in a very similar way to the first two lure types, but it looked more like a dying bait fish splashing around on the surface. I had some success in timing gentle tugs on this lure to make it dive subsurface - something I still need to practise. Couple boils at this point but no takers. Derek also got me to have a go at jigging a 2.5inch grub above the weeds on a light jig head. Again a couple hits but no takes. Finally we moved over to Abbotsford, where I tied on a Daiwa Slippery Dog lures and began using the same walk-the-dog retrieve we’d used earlier. Casting while chatting and covering ground, we managed to find a school of whiting. Derek looked like he was about to hook up so I was watching the fish and the way he was working his lure while blindly working mine. Suddenly I heard a splash and my own rod loaded up! After a couple brief runs, Derek showed me how to angle the rod toward the fish to utilise the stronger backbone of the rod to lift the fish, without breaking the rod tip. As a side note, this was the first time I understood the clear distinction between those two sections of my rod. Here’s my fish! At around 20cm, my largest ever Bream on topwater: I forgot to tell Derek that I’d caught two before this in my own exploits, but they were both smaller and I was using subpar technique at that time. In one of the highest compliments I’ve received from Derek, he explained that he didn’t have much more to add to the way I’m casting and using all 3 topwater lure types. I still feel that I need plenty of practise, but it was a great confidence booster to know that if I apply these skills on my own and I’m not catching fish, then the fish probably aren’t there or just aren’t going for topwater at the time. After lunch, during which I found out Derek also has a passion for photography (a man of many talents), we went to Neutral Bay Ferry Wharf to begin learning how to use heavier gear. Over the course of the next few hours, we went through what felt like Derek’s entire tackle box ranging from practising working 3inch minnows for pelagics, to giant lures I’d never have imagined ever using. We spent a fair bit of time casting. For whatever reason I found it difficult to transfer the concepts I’d learned on light lure casting to heavier gear. Embarrassingly I also managed to hit the ferry wharf roof twice, lose one of Derek’s lures and almost get him with the loose lure in the process 😬 Will be replacing it next time we catch up. I was quite rigid and careful after that, keeping a careful eye on the rod tip and lure with every cast (Derek already told me to do that before). I was also feeling the cumulative effects of the day on my mind/body and I think Derek was as well, so we eventually called it a day. All in all, it was an incredible day and my mind is so full of the many things that Derek shared with me. Thank you again @DerekD for giving so much last Sunday - I am very much looking forward to practising the things you’ve shown me and sharing the things that I’ve begun to have success on.

While I’ve only been active here for a short amount of time, seems that stuff like this is what makes Fishraider an awesome long standing community. Thanks again @DerekD for your generosity and knowledge, and love the thoughtfulness @linewetter and @Robbo from Sydney!

That is rough bro, I feel I should say the same to you - good on you for persevering @telescopic_rodd. You’re welcome to tag along with me at some stage in the future? Otherwise happy to chat about my experiences if it helps you.

By the way @squidjigga, here’s @linewetter’s recent report where he experimented with the slow roll retrieve

Good job man! Let me know if you’re down to meet up for a fish at some stage? Would be cool to learn together

Ngl that title actually made me laugh 😆 Better luck next time

Thanks @Aussie_fisher, 33cm is an awesome fish to start on. Thanks @linewetter! Yeah the wriggler looked near identical to the bait fish that were on the shoreline. The bait fish even chased it as I dragged the lure through them, and even the cadence of the tail matched the baitfish. Pretty cool seeing how well we’ve refined a lure that you can buy 5 of for around $10. Thanks @Mike Sydney, I’ll have to try that when I’m out next 👍🏽

My first flathead on a soft plastic - I was frothing haha

I started fishing with lures about 9 months ago. Inspired by the late Sandflat Fishing Australia Youtube channel I began my learning fairly non-traditionally - on hardbodies. Specifically a Daiwa Double Clutch and Sugapen. While I’d tried to use soft plastic lures before, the only fish that I’d caught in that entire time were a couple chopper Tailor. Not for lack of trying either - I’ve had multiple donut sessions without really understanding why. Well today, inspired by recent learnings from @linewetter and @DerekD, I decided to head out to Silver Beach to fish the sandy patches between the rock groynes. I arrived mid-runout tide, and tied on a Squidgy wriggler with a 1/8oz jig head, not feeling particularly confident given my history. Since the water was shallow, I decided to copy @linewetter by simply slow rolling the plastic instead of the usual hop hop retrieve. I found this easier in this context because it helped me to stay in contact with the lure, and also cover more ground by moving a bit faster. Additionally, @DerekD’s recent casting lesson really started to pay dividends as I was able to punch out some fairly long accurate casts to place the plastic over the sand patches I wanted. Took me about 20mins before my rod loaded up…unsure whether it was another piece of weed I half heartedly set the hook, and suddenly the weight started moving! Definitely didn’t feel like a big fish. Turned out to be a 32cm flathead - my first ever flathead on a soft plastic lure! I managed to snag 1 more small flathead in a similar way as I continued to cover more ground with my new found confidence. Perhaps not the most incredible catches, but for me it was quite personally significant and a massive confidence boost in trusting that soft plastics actually work 😆 Here’s a photo of the smaller of my two catches:

Hey everyone, I’ve spied out some nice looking drop offs at Kurnell beach. I’m going to go fish the runout tide if anyone wants to join me. Unplanned trip, but figured I’d post here anyway. Should be there till dark.

Not the 2023 Arrowz rod 🥲 Good job regardless - you’re killing it with these paddletail soft plastics

Thanks @DerekD! As you say - I think it’s partially been a confidence issue since you’re the first person to give me any personal feedback on my techniques and methods. But as I mentioned in my private message, the changes you made are still significant and I suspect will go a long way. @linewetter will be tough to match - I haven’t even caught a whiting on live yabbies as big as his one yesterday! I’ll echo Derek’s shout out for fishing buddies - lemme know if you’re interested 👍🏽

Thanks for inviting me out yesterday!! That 40cm whiting is a beast 💪 Looking forward to the next one together

About a week ago I introduced myself to this forum with no expectations, except to contribute to an online resource that has benefited me over the last few years and hopefully meet one or two like minded people. Today my expectations were thoroughly exceeded, after meeting @linewetter and @DerekD in person! Can personally vouch for both of them being lovely people in person, and particularly for Derek’s knowledge and generosity. As he has done for many before me Derek walked me through a range of lure techniques, efficiency gains in my casting/rod handling and knowledge of where/when to fish. One major highlight for me was realising that allowing the lure to swing backwards before loading it up in my cast made my cast longer, smoother and more accurate. Another was learning how to work a jerkshad from side to side through the middle of the water column for targeting kingfish/pelagics. And another was making my walk-the-dog retrieve much tighter/faster - he showed me how to get the lure to flick from side to side much faster and more erratically. These are only a few of the lessons I learned from Derek today. To top it off, I managed to score a 37cm Tailor on my first cast with a Daiwa Slippery Dog! Beginners luck 😆 Thank you @DerekD for your time today - I’ll have to buy you lunch next time we’re out together. And likewise @linewetter - looking forward to doing a full session together. If anyone else is interested in going out for a session together, I’m pretty keen to apply the techniques and learnings Derek shared with me today. Let me know!

Yeah it tires me a bit haha. That’s a helpful point re: lure weight - I’ll try that. Thanks mate!

Hey @Steve0, bit of a side note but I’ve read a bunch of your other posts where you detailed your experience spinning metals for tailor and salmon. I just have a question - do you use a Saragossa 6000 for this?? I have one - it’s a solid reel in my experience, but I found it a bit cumbersome for constant casting?

Good job man!! That 41cm Bream is really impressive 😃

Thanks @Little_Flatty, I’ll post in there next time I’m planning to go out. Re: Epping/Eastwood - sounds great! Will try to remember to let you know if that ends up eventuating 👍🏽

Hey @DerekD, that’s a kind offer 🙂 Like I said earlier - I have no expectations of people mentoring/teaching me but if you’re offering I would greatly appreciate your time, experience and company. I’ll send you a private message 👍🏽 Hey @linewetter, I’ve seen a couple of your past reports on here - nice work. I’d love to meet up and have a session together. I’ll send you a private message 👍🏽

Hey @DerekD, I’m based in the Westmead area. When I get married in November highly likely I’ll be moving closer to the Eastwood Epping area. Regardless, I’m quite happy to travel anywhere in Sydney to meet up with fellow fishos for a session. To give you an idea of my level of flexibility, I fish both Pittwater and Port Hacking regularly 😆 Do you have something in mind?

Thanks @Little_Flatty - didn’t realise that the forum had been going for so long! That’s pretty cool. Do you know if there’s somewhere specific I should post to ask about meeting fishing buddies? I don’t know anyone that shares my level of interest at the moment, particularly heading into the cold and wind of winter beach fishing. While I’m always open to learning, I’m not necessarily looking for mentorship - just looking for like-minded people.

No worries. I’d also echo @Green Hornet’s advice below too. I haven’t used small soldier crabs before unfortunately - hopefully someone else can shed light on that one for you 🙂

Hello everyone! I’m a land-based estuary fisherman in Sydney, Australia that uses bait and lures. I’m always down for mutual knowledge sharing! My Dad introduced me to fishing as a little boy by taking me to the central coast to catch anything off bridges and other structures. He didn’t really know anything about it at the time, other than what the tackle store guy had told him. I just enjoyed being out with him and catching the occasional fish - they always looked massive to me at that age! Fast forward to 15 years later, I found my Dad’s old 8ft 5-8kg fibre glass rod, and broken 4000 Shimano spinning reel in the garage. I restored the reel with screw drivers and odd tools we had at home, and I started to go fishing with uni friends and by myself. I really enjoyed the thrill of having something pull on the line. It was rare for me to catch anything over 15cm in those days. I then lost interest for a few years after I graduated and started working full time. Ironically during this time, I came across a Youtube channel called Sandflats Fishing Australia - I attribute a very large portion of my learning, and my rekindled passion for fishing to Karl Attenborough from this channel. Sadly, he’s removed his videos and closed the channel since. 1 year ago, I decided to pick up fishing again - this time fueled and inspired by the learning I’d had from Karl and other online resources. I bought a yabbie pump, and this is when things really took off. I started to have the rare catch of a legal sized bream! I remember wading sand flats with that same 5-8kg rod, 4000 reel, a backpack and a tupperware full of yabbies HAHA. Everytime I wanted to rebait, I would take the box out of my bag and juggle the rest of my gear to get it on the hook, zip it all up again and then recast. Wildly inefficient and extremely cumbersome, but I learned a lot about where and when to fish from those experiences. Eventually the end guide on that poor old rod (2 decades old by this point) separated from the rod tip - it was finally time to buy my first ever rod and reel combo. A 3-6kg 7ft Atomic Arrowz rod carbon blank with a 2500 Shimano Stradic FL. In hindsight, I would have gone for a 2-4kg rod for the kinds of fish I was targeting but I did the best with what I knew at the time. Regardless, it still feels so easy to use and as light as a feather after using that old combo for so long. Nowadays (26 years old), I feel fairly confident going out with yabbies to catch a legal sized fish to take home about 80% of the time (not in winter though). I’ve also started using lures in the last 6 months. So far I’ve caught some small fish on topwater hard bodies, many tailor on metals, quite a few flathead on jerkbait hardbodies and ironically less fish than I can count on my hand on soft plastics! If you’ve made it this far - thanks for taking the time to get to know my fishing journey. I’m intending to post the occasional fishing report to give back to the community here since I’ve gained plenty from reading the forums. I can only really offer sound advice on sandflats and fishing with yabbies at the moment, but I’m happy to discuss my experiences and learning with other forms of fishing as well. Coming into winter, I am looking forward to trying my hand at spinning metals for tailor and salmon off our beaches. If anyone reading this enjoys that style of fishing and would be interested in having some sessions together, feel free to let me know. Best Regards, Speedy

Oh and another point - when I thread the yabbie on to the hook it will usually stay alive moving legs and stuff for ample time to catch a fish. I won’t put a number to it because it’s so variable and I haven’t got hard data from timing it. Again, this assumes that I have placed the yabbie in an area that the fish are already searching.