[December Catch Of The Month 2010]

G'day Raiders

Congratulations to Dusky_Chaser for winning the December Catch Of The Month with his Croc

Well done

Cheers, Slinky

[Octa Jig & Lucanus Jigs]

G'day Fezza,

They catch almost everything for me... as long as it's an ooglie

Mind you, last time I put one down with Jewhunter on board, we'd no sooner commented on expecting to bring up some sort of Mother In Law fish when the rod buckled and I was comprehensively destroyed on 30lb.

Just drop them down and leave the rod in the rod holder... the slow action from waves seems to be the go.

Cheers, Slinky

[O/h Rod For Snapper]

2 quite different kinds of fishing but maybe a long, heavy baitcaster in the 6-10kg range like a Berkley Dropshot, a Berkley Venom Sidewinder or maybe a 6-10kg Wilson Live Fibre.

I have a 7'6" 8-15kg Daiwa Cielo that I used recently at Monduran that would be an awesome weapon... hard to find though.

Cheers, Slinky

[rod to go with saltist 4500 egg beater]

For what kind of fishing B?

[All Round Rod?]

G'day David,

I own both a Nitro Distance spin and the Lox 2-5kg Snapper. I think both have drawbacks... the Nitro is a bit too long (7'6") for working small lures up close around structure for bream and flatties and the Lox is a bit heavy for bream lures.

But that's the problem with wanting an 'all rounder' there has to be compromise somewhere. If you're not planning on chasing bream too often then both would be great but I'd probably think about a lighter rod for bream.

Cheers, Slinky

[Tilsan Minnows?]

G'day Jimmy,

Tilsan's are great lures for your part of the world. Are they Tilsan 'Barra' lures (their bigger model)?

They're well made and come with good hardware. Jacks love them... I caught plenty up on Cape York where they're one of my go-to lures... It'll take you a lifetime to go through that many (or one good Jack session in a really snaggy creek )

Great buy.

Cheers, Slinky

[Heaps of hits in the Cooks]

Sounds like a great day on the water. I know that the only reason you were Bear's target is that Jewhunter got dropped on his head as a baby so doesn't need any more treatment.

I love fishing but when it's combined with a whole lot of laughs and good mates, it's the sort of day you live for. Glad you had a good one to usher in the New Year boys

Cheers, Slinky

[Forster]

G'day flattie slayer,

Just got back from Forster too. Plenty of small Flatties around and I landed a couple around the 45-50 mark but didn't see any big girls.

Plenty of bream and whiting around too but you'll find it tough unless you get away from the boat traffic.

Cheers, Slinky

[Cracked The Metre Mark]

Congratulations on a fantastic PB, Poacher.

Sounds like you had a good day out. Don't feel bad about keeping a fish...I'm sure your family appreciate some delicious fish for the New Year BBQ

Happy New Year, Slinky

[Fly Fishing Advice]

G'day Grant,

If you want one outfit as an 'allrounder' to suit all of them, get a weight-forward, intermediate (slow sinking) line. It's the most versatile.

As for flies, start out with a few clousers in different sizes, weights and colours for the flatties... maybe a couple of Crazy Charlies and Baited Breaths for bream and as for whiting, I've never successfully targeted them on fly (caught a couple as by-catch when chasing bream but that's it). Maybe another member can help with them.

Cheers, Slinky

[Abu 6500C3]

ABU's classic C series reels are a dream to work on. Wherever possible the engineering is similar between models, parts are often interchangeable between models of the same size and spares are readily available for most... even quite old... models.

I can't imagine how many 6500C3's are out there but its a whole lot. These 2 reels I acquired recently from another Fishraider and even though they were already well looked after, I decided to give them the treatment. One is a 6500C3 Daintree - model #06 00, the other is a slightly earlier #99 10.

There are only minimal differences between them... mostly around the clicker. If you have a 6500C3 of any model, I hope this service tutorial will help. Just open up your specific schematic and otherwise the general approach should be similar.

Here's the reels... for the tutorial I've focused on the 'Daintree' model.

Back out the 2 right side plate assembly captive retaining screws and remove the side plate assembly... put it aside for later

Remove the spool (Ref #970387)

Now we can service the spool beginning by removing the spool shaft (Ref #802631) and the spool pinion gear (Ref #19373)

Remove the brake assembly (Ref #19372 & #'s20211) from the other end of the spool after first removing the c-clip (Ref #13084) that secures it.

Now the spool bearings (Ref #13472 - size 3x10x4mm) and bearing spring washer (Ref #13104) can be removed. For some reason, this reel had a second spring washer beneath the 2nd spool bearing that isn't shown on the schematic. With some testing, it became really obvious that this washer was badly impeding freespool so I left it out. (maybe someone thought it was missing in the past so put one in??)

The best tool for removing small bearings is simply a bent paperclip...

The bearing shields can be removed, the bearings cleaned (I use Carby Cleaner), oiled (I use Corrosion X) and replaced unshielded.

Reassemble the spool and give it a spin to make sure everything is running well... sweeeeet, sweeeeet spin!!

Moving on to the left side, back out the 3 side plate screws (Ref #13582) and remove the side plate (Ref #23049).

To clean the inside of the left side plate remove the level-wind idler gear (ref #21800)... it's secured to the shaft by clips molded as part of the gear itself. Slip out the spool clicker assembly (ref #'s 21805 & 21807)... then give the inside of the side plate a good clean with a lint-free cloth and cotton buds (to get into those hard to reach areas)

I like to brush on a fine coat of grease to the inside of side plates to protect against corrosion. Then the right side plate assembly can be put back together with a single drop of oil going on the idler gear shaft.

To service the level-wind begin by moving to the left side of the reel frame plate (Ref #803204) and removing the level-wind retaining clip plate (Ref #5178)

Unscrew the pawl cap (Ref #5177) and remove the level-wind pawl (Ref #5177)

Now the worm screw (Ref #5205), worm screw cover (Ref #2496) and line guide (Ref #5174) can be slipped out, cleaned, oiled and reassembled.

The left side plate can now be returned (with a tiny dob of grease on the thread of each screw) and the spool replaced in the frame.

Time to sort out the main mechanical workings of the reel. Begin by removing the handle nut cap screw (ref #15652) and handle nut cap (ref #20934)

Now remove the 'e-clip' (ref #4490) and handle nut (ref #15359) allowing the handle (ref #20931) to be lifted off.

Next remove the handle spring washer (ref #5115) and drag star (ref #20680)

Now... you're all lining up your parts in order as you remove them right?

To get at the internals of the reel, now back out the 2 right side plate screws (ref #13584)

Lift off the right side plate (ref #23052) and carefully put aside the 2 belleville washers (ref #5131) that sit atop the anti reverse bearing. (this is one area where you might find significant differences between ABU 'C' series reels... some have anti-reverse bearings, some have anti-reverse dogs)

Now gently remove the drive gear assembly consisting of the drive shaft (ref #22079), main drive gear (ref #212000), drag washers and the anti-reverse bearing collar (ref #22001)

Changing the drag to Carbontex is pretty much automatic for me... it's worth noting that these days, most ABU reels come new with carbon washers!!

The drag assembly is separated and the Carbontex washers are greased (with Cal's or Shimano drag grease) and used to replace the corresponding 4 originals (ref #'s 13169, 20907)

To disassemble the clutch first lift off the clutch position holder (ref #22808), then lift of the pinion yoke (ref #20664) and pinion gear (ref #20848)

Lift off the clutch slider (ref #22807), clutch lever (ref #20671) and clutch link arm (ref #20685)

Finally, lift off and put aside the main gear thrust washer clutch button (ref #5189).

Now all the components can get a thorough clean, the outside surface of the brake plate a coat of grease, a sparing smear of gear grease on the drive and pinion gears and it all goes back together.

Reattach the right side plate and reassemble the drag star and handle (adding a protective light brush of grease to all the 'hidden' metal surfaces as you go)

A drop of oil on each handle knob and we're done.

Just a quick final note... when I serviced the other C3 I discovered that the splines securing the spool pinion gear had been stripped, allowing it to turn and thus rendering the level wind inoperative. Most level winds use a 'sacrificial' nylon gear somewhere in the system so that should you get a finger stuck, the gear will break before bits of you!!

I also replaced one of the brake blocks (ref #20211) on the casting brake since it was sticking.

This is where good after-sales service is important for any reel. I don't think I've ever waited for more than 72 hours for any ABU part I've ever ordered to get to me on the Gold Coast from Pure Fishing in Sydney.

And there you have it. One of ABU's most popular and enduring reels... and for good reason. The 6500C3 is simple, well engineered, easy to maintain, easy to modify to suit particular tastes and performs beautifully.

See you on the water, Slinky

[Best Way To Go About Getting My 1St King]

G'day Camb,

You don't need a sounder... just good bait and fishing the visible structures around the harbour.

FIrst, catch yourself some fresh squid (shop bought is a very poor substitute). And if you have a live well, catch a couple of Yakkas too. The island at Balmoral is a good place to start for both.

Then travel around the harbour, drifting baits around each of the obvious harbour markers. Some hold kings more than others but if you try Dobroyd Head, Quarantine Head, the Wedding Cake and the markers around Shark Point and Shark Island, you're off to a good start.

Good luck... let us know how you go.

Cheers, Slinky

[O/h Rod For Snapper]

G'day Alberto,

What sort of reel and what sort of fishing (rock, boat, casting, bottom dropping, plastics?). I'm sure someone can help if we can get a bit more detail.

Cheers, Slinky

[Smoked In The Cooks]

You'll get that big Jewie next time, Swordy. Nice work boys.

CHeers, Slinky

[Lake Glenbawn Bass]

Welcome to Fishraider, D.

Congratulations on defeating your nemesis and getting your first Bass. Do a search on 'Glenbawn' using the search function and have a read of any topics you find there postes by Swordfisherman... he does a Glenbawn trip every year and usually poles the bass.

Cheers, Slinky

[How To Read The Weather]

G'day Prawn Star,

Conditions on the water are influenced by a lot of factors beside just the size of waves and amount of wind.

If you get wind blowing against the swell direction for example, the waves will be shorter and more choppy. Same with wind against tide. The 'period' of swell is important too... longer period is more comfortable.

Where you fish needs to be considered. The water close in around say North Head or South Head is often really choppy as waves 'bounce back' off the cliffs... it can be like a washing machine even on good days. Shallow areas can get choppier than deeper areas too.

You really need to look at the weather carefully but also get experience with different conditions in the areas you want to fish so you can see how a different forecast effects each of them.

Cheers, Slinky

[Great Day Out!]

Great day out Peter

Looks like Syd got suitably punished by the fishing gods for his late start... watching you land a couple of crackers while dealing with his Banjo

Cheers, Slinky

[Tasmania Trip]

Sounds like you had a great trip. Tassie is a beautiful place (I'm originally from Hobart)... nice to see a report from there.

Cheers, Slinky

[Sailfish]

The new mark to beat for Sailfish on lure is 240cm (estimated), taken by Chinook Hunter in Costa Rica. Report here

The 2nd mark to beat for Sailfish on lures is 190cm (estimated), taken by pure spirit in Phuket. Report here!

[Stella 20000 Which Rod To Buy?]

G'day PT,

Don't put it on a long spin rod if it'll be used for targetting yellowfin. Long rods and 'fin are a recipe for PAIN

Like the guys have said, for that style of fishing a jig rod is probably a better option.

Cheers, Slinky

[Not My Finest Moment]

Shimano Stradic - $200

Prescription Polaroids - $400

Sidecutters - $15

Damage to my pride losing them after going in the drink.... Priceless

Well, I've just come back from a flying visit to Magnetic Island. With a bunch of commitments I had, my only possible day to fish was Sunday.

True to form, the week up to and including Saturday, the weather was beautiful. And the forecast from Monday onwards was beautiful. While the forecast for Sunday was strong wind, rain and storms. I hate it when the Bureau of Meteorology gets it right

I hooked up with Josh Kraut... an island local who wanted to take his newly refitted boat out to spend time getting to know his new electronics package without customers on board. It's my first time getting to see a Lowrance HDS10 with the full kit of side scan, structure scan and all the options.... WOW

At times through the day, Josh would find an isolated rock on the side scan, mark it as a waypoint, then drive the boat right over the top of it. It would take some getting used to as some things that show up amazingly on the 800kHz structure scan don't appear on the 83kHz depth sounder while others are reversed. But all in all you can virtually identify the fish by their first names. I WANT ONE!

We headed out from Nelly Bay in about 10-15kt NW breeze and it didn't feel too bad... until we poked our nose around the SE tip of the island and started bouncing up and down on the short, backless waves that the shallow waters inside the reef are great at producing. So we turned south with the idea of tucking behind Cape Cleveland.

On the way across the bay we found a patch of fish working and one cast with a 30g metal was all it took to get a 3-4kg Mack Tuna on board. Fresh bait for Josh and a lot of fun for me!!

But as we headed south, the wind steadily increased and swung more Northerly until we finally had to tuck in behind a little rocky island in the only lee we could sensibly fish. It wasn't the offshore marks I'd hoped for with their hoards of monster fish that I've chased up here several times before, but a succession of small fingermark and cod kept us happy.

Now, I'd be remiss not to explain the opening of my post. Unfortunately, while looking for more schools of Tuna earlier in the day, I decided to step to the low sides of Josh's longboat to have a cast, just as Josh, turned the boat into the wind. Add a poorly timed wave and next news is I'm swimming and thinking about all the big sharks I've seen around Magnetic Island.

OH HECK... MY ROD. Having never lost one over the side before I was surprised by how slowly they sink... just at exactly the same speed that a fully clothed man in crocs can swim down after it. Watching helplessly as it stays exactly the same distance away from my fingertips. When thoughts of having enough air to get back to the surface finally overcame my love of my Stradic, I gave it up and came back up.

OH HECK... MY SUNNIES. The elegance of a 130kg man being hauled back aboard over the side of a longboat in sloppy seas is something that cannot be questioned (and should NEVER be photographed). Back aboard and Josh was really worried that I was ok. It really wasn't a problem and it's not like I don't have plenty of other reels.

OH HECK... MY SIDE CUTTERS. Well it was a memorable swim if nothing else.

Thankfully I had another outfit so it didn't put any dent in the day... I was much more disappointed when we finally headed back north and I lost my Fishraider cap punching into the now 25knots while trying to beat the worst of the thunder storm raging over Townsville.

For anyone looking for great sport fishing, Magnetic Island is a great, underfished option... just don't go swimming with the sharks.

Cheers, Slinky

[Floods, Bugs And Murray Cod]

Fantastic report, Hodgey. Sounds like the dodgy weather didn't dampen the spirit of the participants in your mini-tournament.

Some beaut looking greenfish there... one day...

Cheers, Slinky

[A Week To Remember]

Fantastic fishing trip with some very enviable big girls coming on-board.

You'll get that 1m+ fish eventually and I'll be very happy to get the pic in the records section... you sure put the hours in to deserve a truly huge Croc.

Cheers, Slinky

[Xd 100 Oil For E-Tecs ?]

Hi Alby,

Same question as JBS2...

Is it worth having your motor looked at? I have a 75 E-tec and I reckon I use more sunblock than the motor burns XD100. If you're burning a lot you might want to chat to someone like Huey.

Cheers, Slinky

[Broke My New Rod]

G'day Tip Tip.

Your only options are to talk to the tackle shop where you bought the rod. There's really no way to repair a rod with a break like that so that it's back to like-new.

When you say you were pulling line off, were you pulling the line back towards you while holding the rod or were you pulling the line away from the rod (in the same direction that a fish might take it)?

Cheers, Slinky