slinkymalinky

Gday Qwyjibo, It wasn't me mate but I picked up some great maps from a map store in North Parramatta on Church Street. From memory its on a corner opposite the BP Service Station. The maps I got were marine bottom surveys (or something like that) of Port Jackson and Broken Bay. They have a detailed contour map or the sea bottom as well as detail of the bottom structure (sand, rock, etc). You can see every reef, rise, hole and ledge.... I've found a few of my favourite spots with them. Cheers, Slinky

Roseville in the wee small hours to round up some squid before heading to Clifton Gardens to register. Cheers, Slinky

I think you'd find a fair bit of that around the inside of my gut cavity if you gutted me too Slinky

I'd agree with Black Rockcod too except that Sea Fishes of Souther Australia lists the maximum size as 1.55m. This one must be a new-born!! Cheers, Slinky

LITTLE FISHING BUDDIES These days there are a never ending list of activities for kids that mostly involve them sitting on their backsides, staring at rectangular screens. I’ve got 2 young daughters and time we spend together is the time I most value. Instead of shooting aliens or watching mind-numbing cartoons, you’re as likely as not to find my girls sitting on Sydney Harbour at first light with fishing rods in hand. One little girl in particular... Little Slinky... is a member of this site and a regular fixture on the water to the extent that people who know me usually identify my boat from a distance by the little head sticking out of the yellow life jacket. I know I’d much rather see them enjoying the much healthier outdoors. I certainly appreciate the extra freedom to pursue my obsession that comes from being able to share it with my family. Making sure you have the best chance of turning your kids into fishing nuts is pretty easy if you follow a couple of simple steps. As is turning them off fishing for life if you don’t go about it the right way. If you’d rather hear your kids saying, “when can we go fishing?” instead of “I’m bored, can we go home yet?” then this is what I’d suggest: Firstly think like a kid… no seriously, I mean it. It’s tempting to approach fishing with kids like fishing with your mates but kids are different critters with a different perspective. While we might think nothing of sitting in freezing drizzle in the dark waiting for a Jewie, kids won’t. If you try it, don’t expect to get to many smiling photos…or a second go at it. think about their comfort When starting out, kids need to feel comfortable and safe so they can focus on the fun of catching the fish. Take them fishing in places with easy access. If you fish from shore, find a nice jetty, quiet beach corner or breakwall. If you’re in a boat, stick to sheltered enclosed waters. Nothing says, “fishing ain’t fun” to a kid faster than sea-sickness. Rough beach breaks, long walks over slippery rocks or 2m swells all seem pretty scary to a five year old. As they get more used to it and their enthusiasm for fishing grows, you can ease them into more challenging environments but take it easy. My girls are now happy to troll places like North Head in a bit of chop, but only for short periods. You also need to make sure they have food to eat, something to drink and somewhere to go to the toilet. These little things can turn a happy kid grumpy very quickly if overlooked. The next important rule is at first to focus on quantity of fish rather than quality. Let me tell you, the smile on Little Slinky's face is still just as wide catching Yakka’s under a jetty as spinning up Bonito. What kids don’t do well at first is wait patiently for something to happen. As they become more experienced, you’ll find your kids will want to start tackling tougher opponents. Little Slinky, my youngest, started with a baby Snapper as her first fish. Her first keeper was a just-legal Bream. Then she set her sights on flathead. At the moment as a lot of you probably know, she is obsessed with catching Kingfish. With each challenge met her patience grows and she is more prepared to work harder for better fish. After her first Kingy this summer, she announced she wanted to catch a Queenfish.... time for a trip to the Grandparents place on Magnetic Island start small then the challenges can increase as they want them to The gear kids use is the next important consideration, and one that’s importance is often overlooked. Most kids I see are fishing with the cheapest possible rod and reel combo. Now ask yourself, would you enjoy fishing with a reel that has a drag like a corrugated road, a handle that comes off when you wind or a rod that constantly separates at the ferrule? I didn’t think so… neither do kids. Fishing is most enjoyable when everything works as it’s meant to and again your children can just focus on catching fish. You don’t need a Stella on a Loomis (although Little Slinky is getting a custom rod from Tony Fishfinder... but that's my extravagance as much as hers) but for about $50-$100 you can get a combo of reasonable quality that will last for years if well looked after.... And don’t turn your nose up at gear you wouldn’t be seen dead with yourself. The lairy pink combos my girls loved for a while came from Nana and Gramps at Christmas time. With some replacement drag washers of oil-soaked chamois, they’re sweet to use and the kids loved them. Lastly on gear, don’t overgun your kids either. When they’re little, 2kg is fine. My eldest girl is fishing 4kg comfortably now and Little Slinky has upgraded to 6kg on the kings. Any heavier and fighting a decent fish is beyond their strength (when Little Slinky is hooked up on a king we have to keep a hand on the back of her life jacket in case she looks like going over). If you’re chasing fish they need 10kg outfits to catch, you’re not doing kid fishing (at least until they get a bit bigger). Once you get out on the water, the best advice is to keep it simple. Simple rigs that are easy to use and less likely to need work from the angler are best. For bait fishing, simple paternosters or running sinker rigs are best. Kids can lower them to the bottom and wait for the fish to bite. Don’t expect young kids to gently feed lightly weighted baits back down a burley trail. With lures, small metals are good for kids because they cast easily and work effectively with a straight retrieve. Bouncing weighted soft plastics on the bottom from a drifting boat also works well. Twitching micro plastics for bream is a bit too much to expect. It’s also really important to get your kids involved in all aspects of fishing to maximise their fun. Bait gathering (or even bait buying) is a lot of fun for kids. Pumping nippers, catching squid, hand-lining Yakkas and Slimeys are all part of fishing and can be heaps of fun (just watch those nippers or it will be tears on the sand flats). kids love catching bait Let your kids help choose terminals and tie rigs too. A tackle box is like an Alladin’s cave to a 5-10 year old (come to think of it, I’m 42 and it’s still much the same). When they’re fishing, let them practice casting even if they're not good at it. They may not get far or be particularly accurate but it’s all part of ‘fishing like mummy and daddy’. As far as keeping the catch versus catch and release… balance is important. If your kids like to eat fish, having one they caught themselves can be a real triumph for them, particularly if they feed the whole family. It’s an achievement very worthy of ‘school news’. Make sure they learn though, not to take more than you need, and obey size and bag limits religiously. Seeing you throwing back undersized fish will teach them the importance of conserving our resource. Bad habits die hard. teach good ethics from the start And finally one really, REALLY important bit of advice that is sometimes the hardest to adhere to. When you take your kids fishing, let them do the fishing. It’s all too easy when the action is hot or your kids are fumbling to get excited and become the ‘dad who takes over the train set’. Surprisingly, most kids aren’t too impressed when dad grabs their rod and takes over as soon as a school of fish blows up. Finally you have to accept that all kids are different. While Little Slinky thinks nothing of getting up at 4am and fishing for 10 hours, her elder sister has a much shorter attention span. Little Slinky like to play in the bait while her sister hates getting dirty and smelly. They both enjoy fishing but in different ways. Cater to your kids, not to yourself and they will always enjoy themselves. Don't push them beyond their limits, be prepared to go home if they start getting bored, and do everything you can to let them get involved in all aspects of the fishing trip. They have to learn somewhere too that making mistakes is all part of the journey. Don’t yell, don’t get dictatorial, just coach gently and enjoy all their little successes with them. Your kids will have a heap of fun doing something healthy outside, you’ll have fun, and you’ll end up with some regular little fishing buddies. You'll both have a treasure trove of lasting happy memories See you on the water, Slinky PS... Thanks Swordie

Hi Mrsswordie, Any tips for me on the video or camera front. I'll take mine along to try to get a record of the trip for my mates and me but it didn't look all that easy. Where was the best spot to perch with the camera?? up high or on the deck?? And with the releases it looks like its all done in a heartbeat at the boatside by locking up the leader... is there likely to be a chance at some photos of the fish beside the boat?? Cheers, Slinky

Yeah... I use that one too or a variation I only know as the Duck Nose knot (and sometimes a similar name that rhymes but is less polite). Cheers, Slinky

Hey Black CC... let me just check something with the mods.... I wrote a little article on fishing with kids for the chat site I used to hang around in about 12 months ago. I'm not sure whether there are any issues with reposting here... it wasn't paid for and was just a post, and I know lots of charter operators publish the same reports all over the place so I think it would be fine but I don't want to create any problems for admin. Cheers, Slinky

Little Slinky is a fishing dad's dream kid Yesterday Mrs Slinky and I had a parent teacher interview and when asked how Little Slinky is doing in class, her new teacher told us in a very curious tone that "all Gemma seems to talk about is fishing.... Kingfish". After Mrs S and I had finished rolling around laughing we were able to reassure Little Slinky's teacher that LS is not having delusions or suffering from an overactive imagination.... she's just got the same disease as her dad. I shall call her... Mini Me Cheers, Slinky

I agree with Huntman.... there are no "rights" on the water, there sould just be common courtesy and common sense. Everyone has to share the water and we all have our own way we like to fish. Sometimes I anchor and sometimes I downrig and sometimes I drift. The 2 things that p$^**& me off really fast are people who decide to thoughtlessly obstruct other people's fishing who were clearly working a spot (no matter how they were doing it); and people who decide to get p*(&^*&( off at anyone who wants to fish in a way other than them. Exactly the same issues exist with every form of fishing... common courtesy says you don't anchor in someones berley trail, you don't cross the stern of a boat trolling, you don't wade through part of a lake right in front of where someone is polaroiding, etc. Courtesy should dictate who has right of way. And when we're all sharing the water there's no point jumping up and down like an idiot. I've witnessed anchored boats abusing downriggers just because they were in the same area even though nowhere near anchor lines... and I've witnessed downriggers abuse boats anchoring even though they drop their pick 200m away because the downrigger felt they had the 'rights' to about an acre of water. Both reactions are stupid and selfish. Both forms of fishing can happily coexist... they did last weekend out at Spot X where we were fishing... there were boats anchored, drifting and downrigging. The only thing I saw that made me a bit grumpy was a guy trolling through the middle of everyone... but even then it was a simple matter of adjusting my direction. No one got fouled up, no one got grumpy, boats came and went, anchored and downrigged around each other, all day with never a problem or raised voice... because everyone did it courteously and carefully. Every now and then someone anchored in an inconvenient spot... often I think because they didn't see someone downrigging or didn't recognise it as such... sometimes downriggers (me included) realised they were getting a bit close to some boats after making a turn, so they adjusted. Everyone shared the water with a smile and we all caught fish and you can tell from the posts that everyone had a great day out. And remember that not everyone is as experienced as everyone else and mistakes get made... that's life... it happens... and it's no big deal. If I ever had someone foul my anchor rope with a bomb or vice versa, all I'd expect is a bit of cooperation to solve the problem and for whoever caused the foul up to sort out a new anchor if by any chance it cost one. I don't know about you but I don't rant every time Little Slinky loses some gear or makes my fishing a little more complicated and it's exactly the same principle. Personally I think a lot of the "heat" in this issue is because some people like to have something to get angry about but mostly I think sadly it's a symptom of one of my earlier posts... the lack these days of the ability of people to be courteous, tolerant, , thoughtful, friendly and not selfish. There's no "i" in team but apparently there is in "downrigging" and also in "anchoring". If ever I get in someones way let me say in advance I didn't mean to do it, I'm sorry but hey... I'm just fishing. See you on the water with a smile, Slinky

Hope I get one just like it in a couple of weeks time!!

Hey Mrsswordie... nice fishing. Since we saw your fish but not Swordie's I reckon he was really playing one of those big Port Stephens Sergeant Baker but hamming it up for the camera so we can't tell that you really out fished him. Looks like an awesome trip with some fantastic fish... I'm due out in a couple of weeks so I hope we get the same sort of luck from the fish gods!! Well done on some great vids. Slinky

Hey Dodge, I know where you got your log in name... you'll have to do a bit of dodging to avoid the thrown vases when you head out fishing on your honeymoon I went to Fiji in May about 10 years ago for our 10th anniversary and fished nearly every day but I'm still happily married 10 years further on so it can be done successfully. Take some light gear with you as there are heaps of options 'close to home' to keep you amused for hours while you're not chasing big GTs. Have fun, Slinky

Thanks Jewgaffer... funny thing is this fiction is based on fact. I saw the wise old man of the lake one morning near the inflow canal of Bronte Lagoon in Tassie. I didn't go and chat to him or anything but he looked like the sort of guy who is a "fish whisperer"... until his wife actually did appear with a roll of toilet paper. It kind of spoiled the moment but I've never stopped chuckling to myself... never judge a book by its cover. Cheers, Slinky

I used to write a few short stories including little fishing fiction stories... this is one that didn't get published so thought you may enjoy I once met an old man by the side of one of my favourite lakes. He was very old. As old as the hills surrounding us it seemed. With a face like worn leather, tough and resilient but comfortable and well fitted to the man. He sat quietly on a boulder, its surface pitted and scarred by time, painted by a mosaic of lichens. The old man looked as solid and deep and craggy as the rock, almost as if he had grown there. Like an old tree with bark lined and scarred, looking out upon the lake as the ages passed. A sentinel guarding the rhythms of the water and the inexorable pulse of seasons passing. I stood at a respectful distance as the old man filled and lit an old pipe. Ultimately, a brooding cloud of blue smoke bloomed in the still morning air. I took this as a signal that I could now approach without fear of disturbing the old man’s contemplation. “Good morning” I hailed casually, making en effort to keep the awe with which I viewed him, contained and hidden. He just nodded in return. “Beautiful start to the day” I tried. A grunted acknowledgment. I was desperate to engage him in conversation, perhaps then to uncover some of the wealth of knowledge he so obviously carried. I wanted to unearth what I knew were his closely guarded secrets of this lake and its beautifully marked trout. I tried changing the direction of our one way conversation. “I’ve taken some good fish here on Duns this season. “Ayup” he replied in polite agreement that what I said was probably true. I felt though, that it carried a hint of condescension as if it was what he might expect from a young, inexperienced fisherman like me. I took a risk and sat beside the old man on his rock. I too gazed out upon his view of the lake hoping by proximity to perhaps absorb some of his lake lore. Would he think this impetuous and invasive? He thoughtfully drew deeply on his pipe, its embers glowing faintly in the half light. He cleared his throat. He was going to speak. To dispense some of his knowledge of the lake and its fish. Knowledge a lifetime in the learning. I hung on his words fearful that the slightest disturbance would see him change his mind and remain silent. How many extra fish would this mean in each session? What deeper insight into the water’s natural cadence would I earn? Incredible that I should be so lucky as to happen upon this grandfather of fishing and even more so that he should trust me with his intimate understanding. He looked me straight in the eye and said in a slow country drawl, “Never taken much to fishin’. Aint got the patience for it.” at which point his previously unnoticed elderly wife emerged from behind nearby bushes carrying a roll of toilet paper. The two of them walked up to the carpark, hopped in a campervan then drove away. Me, I just went fishing. Feeling not just a little foolish. Slinky Malinky

great post and awesome fishing. Slinky

g'day Youngy... doesn't sound like you need any clues for technique mate. Live baiting is probably the most consistent way to catch them, then fishing with squid so fresh you'd eat it yourself, but throwing soft plastics is an easy 3rd in line and by far the most fun and adrenalin pumping. Do just what you did but upgrade your gear a bit. Most kingy spinners take a 4-6 or 6-8kg spin rod armed with braid in the 10-20lb area depending on preference. Like with your light softie work a good graphite stick in the 6'6' - 7'6' range, then add a 2500 or 4000 size reel. The number 1 lure is the humble stick bait either fished weightless on a work hook or with a jig head. Brands are personal preference but I use 6" Mojos or 9" Sluggos for weightless fishing and 4 or 5" Gulps on jig heads. The next most popular choice for casting is probably poppers. Don't know about the lake but whenever I find schools of any pelagics working in the harbour, there are usually Kings hanging underneath them even if they're not on the surface. You can tell the species often by the way they're working on top... kings tend to boil rather than turn the water to foam, but I'll usually start with surface lures then if I'm catching tailor or bonnies or something, I put a jig head on and let it sink under them before retrieving. If you can get yourself onto a boat in the harbour with another Raider, you'll learn everything you need to know about Kingies in short order. Cheers, Slinky

You all know how bad this condition is. When the kings are in the harbour it's really hard to concentrate on less important things like work, lawn mowing, breathing, etc. Well I think I'm finally tipping over the edge into madness. Just picked up a 2nd live bait tank for my battle wagon (only a 4.8m Quinnie). Since BrettP, Little Slinky and I have been braining the bait gathering of late we've been having the problem of what to do with the squid and yakkas to stop them killing each other but having enough to last the day. I found some 25L screw-top barrels at a boat store so got one with some plumbing components so we can have squid in one tank and yakkas in the other.... that's getting really obsessed don't you think? If the kings don't fire we could always run around all the Raider boats and sell livies I'd like to be the first Yakka tycoon. We'll have to work out a little flag that we could fly when we need bait. See you on the water, Slinky

G'day Josh, Nice looking rig... Spot X was on fire wasn't it!! Congrats on nailing a king first time in Sydney Harbour. I know a lot of guys and girls still looking. I don't think you were the only one to hear Little Slinky. BrettP's ears are probably still bleeding after she showed just how much she can talk when excited... she didn't stop all day. Hope to see you out there again soon. Now that I know you're a Raider I'll swing over and say hi. Cheers, Slinky

Awesome fish Little Magoo.... well done on outfishing dad!! Cheers, Slinky

Nice going Ceph. You should have put the 81cm fish in your live well for the Social. Cheers, Slinky

Yeah... it's my eyes and brain Dave. Too much glare from the water and too many early starts chasing the squid. Thanks mate. Slinky

What spot Delta?? I didn't see any spot... Did anyone else see a spot... Nah, must be your imagination! Slinky

Following some of the posts about knots & rigs thought I'd suggest maybe Admin could add a resource library to the list of ideas for the site. Somewhere that rigs, knots, maps, gps marks and other reference material could go. I know there must be a million things on the list already so just a thought. Cheers, Slinky

Just thought I'd try to deny my 42yo tecnophobia and try to work my poor old brain around Youtube. I'm not the best at making it work well but here's a vid of Little Slinky getting pulled around the boat yesterday by a king. Good thing she wasn't using Tony Fishfinder's custom rod (due this week) as her rod hit the gunwhale a couple of times.... I think 3-4kg of drag is a little too much for her still!! You can see the chaos in the boat from my Cecil B De Mille impersonation as the camera gets completely forgotten in the effort to: clear the downrigger land the fish stop Little Slinky from going overboard She's a little legend and I'm very proud of her though (in case none of you had noticed!!). Look out Junior prize at the Social. Cheers, Slinky http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e2UWkF_KVM