sportfish

The Navy charts can be searched on line at the following link http://www.hydro.gov.au/prodserv/charts/charts.htm There is a list with all the charts and you have to find your region in it oe use the "advanced" download and you can zoom in and pan around to find the area of coast you want and the map relting to it will be listed. It will then show you asmall version of the chart. Map centre shops have them once you know the map number The webiste will also list all the distributors (need to be in Navy to buy direct) so you can find one near you and ring them to make sure they have it in stock. Laminated versions cost more but better if bringing it on the boat. Tony

Good luck with the new reel Hope the weather clears for you to get out to Broughton, looks preety ordinary this weekend. Do you go on your own boat or on a charter?? Tony

Excellent fishing !!! I only dream of catching reds that big.

If it is not too late to get in for this course count me in please. I went to a coastal patrol boating course a few years ago with Bob and Harry - they are great blokes. Tony

Thanks for the great ideas guys. it has helped me have a better plan of what to do to have a proper go with plastics. cheers

Help for those even greener at the soft plastic scene (ie me ) If with bait you usually go to spot x on gps and usually anchor up, start a berley trail, pilchards etc on hook, throw it into berley trail and with luck catch a snapper if around. 1. Now if you get to spot x and want to use plastics do you just start casting around as you drift towards spot x ??? or is it more calculated?? 2. Does it make a difference if spot x is a reef 10 - 20 mtres down OR if y is at the edge of on island/cliff face or bommie etc??? I see from slinky and others that there is a lot of technique to it but at the moment I still need to sort out where to position the boat to start casting when I get to spot x?? The berley trail hopefully brings the fish closer to you but with plastics and drifting how far around the spot do you travel if you dont get any bights?? Do you use the sounder to look for fish or bait fish etc when you are going to use plastics in an area or just hope that they will be there on the day because the structure you are at is usually productive with bait fishing??

I have been using treated pine sleepers to level out the boat when leaving it on a slope out the front (makes it easier to clean). Same idea as gone_wishin as a ramp A thick sleeper cut into a foot and a half length behind each car tyre when the boat is in position and just drive car on. hopefully the thick sleeper allows enough clearance for the jockey wheel. quick and cheap way out