[Phar Cue Stolen!]

'Maybe if you find the culprit , you could take em out for days fishing, and enjoy it as the bug bites, they buy their own boat, and then have to find a place to park it."

Take them out fishing!?!?!?!?

Yeah i know it sounds strange...I didn't say you had to bring them back. But converting them to our sport might be easier than enduring a long war against it.

Dhutchy

[Phar Cue Stolen!]

Thommo, it might be a good idea to look at one of those storage operations, or a yard somewhere to prevent further damage or relocations. These type of wars can go on for years. On principle I wouldn't want to give into the bastards, but I wouldn't want to be constantly worrying about it either.

Maybe if you find the culprit , you could take em out for days fishing, and enjoy it as the bug bites, they buy their own boat, and then have to find a place to park it.

Good luck with it.

Also another great result from the fish raider community.

Maybe the fish raiders and the cops could do more work together to prevent theft of vessels and gear

Dhutchy

Its not just about catching fish but it helps.

[Jewfish Tactics]

Hey everyone, I am yet to crack the Jewfish combo but with valuable threads like this I know its only a matter of time before I too can be jewfish .

I just wanted to thank the guys n gals who contribute to the fishraider community brains chest. Taking the time and effort to share expertise makes the forums so valuable whatever the topic.

Well done to the contributors, mods, admins many thanks

Dhutchy

[Engine Service]

++votes for Huett Marine

Rgds

Dhutchy

Its not just about catching fish but it helps

[Hands On Plastics Workshop]

G'day All ,

Admin and MODS have been busy working out the details for a proposed Plastics Workshop / practical day in the near future.

Here is what we propose :

Target Hen and Chicken Bay for a Social S.P. event.

Plenty of room for boat and landbased options and there are flathead and bream present.

Perhaps some of the Raiders who have boats could take out two Raiders at a time for a 30 minute session on casting and retreiving and see if what they have learned turns into fish.

So in essence,theory for a few hours and then practical for a few hours.

What we would like is , expressions of interest from those who (A) Would like to learn to fish SP's effectively , and ( Members who would be prepared to take 2 members out at a time in their boats.

Once we have some idea of numbers , we will set a date.

Ross

Depending on when and other concurrent events I could be in, may bring which would mean I could take one-two on my boat.

Rgds

Dhutchy

its not just about catching fish, but it helps

[Bega Tragedy]

This terrible tragedy is a graphic reminder to us all. To those of us who have kids and those of us that don't that we just can't take safety for granted. We've all been careless at times, but perhaps the one good thing that might come from the Bega tragedy, is that maybe everyone will take more care.

Its hard to say it, but how powerful is the 20/20 hindsight that says, one bloke taking a 4 year old and a 15 month old onto a jetty, 4-5 metres above the water, at 8pm in windy choppy conditions, might be hazardous? The answers are soul rattling.

My condolences to all the families and folk touched by this terrible event, but I urge all fishers and boaties to exercise appropriate care, particuarly when there's little kids involved

Dhutchy

[Day Of Many Firsts]

The plans were made for a day on the harbour, 4 boats most of the guys from my shift at work. But one by one they droped out till their was 1 boat. So Paul and I set out at 4am got to rose bay and set up the boat, then hit the wharf to catch some bait First bait in the water 1 yakka in the bucket in less then 30 seconds what a start. After half an hour had plenty of yakkas.This being the First time I have put my boat in the harbour I took it slow heading over to middle head to try our luck at sqiud. Again First jig in the water up comes my very First squid How good is this? But it was the first and last , no my squid to be seen.While we were enjoying the sun rise we were lucky to watch two whales near middle head in the middle of the Ferry lanes. But we were hear to catch fish so we headed to the channel markers put down our super fresh bait and waited and waited not a king to be seen. Then on que my phone rings and my rod goes off. Up comes a Bango shark and its my First. Answered the phone then put the shark back.

Just starting to make a cup of coffee and my rod goes off again, This time it was something big but I knew it was not a king.Both of us looking over the side to get a look at what I had and up comes the Biggest Port Jackson Shark I have ever seen I handed Paul my rod and i reached over the side and grabed it by the tail oh my god it was heavy Got a couple of photos and put this Wonderfull fish back into the water it was like a giant puppy, And again my First PJ.The wind started to pick up so we called it a day no table fish but had a wonderfull time better than being at work.

Hey Reggie, what a day! Your smile is only going to get bigger when you top this day's luck. Good work.

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Around Tea Gardens]

Solid Lizard there Dhutchy. Rubbers or bait?

Hey Ceph, it was old fashioned prawn that got this bugger

Cheers

Dhutchy

[Tea Gardens Boat Ramp]

Hiya Raiders, just thought that I'd let everyone know that the Tea Gardens Boat Ramp, nearest the police station, is awash with killer sand flies. So if you don't want your legs looking like sunburnt armadillo skin apply repellant or go else where.

Also, there are signs posted barring boat wash and engine flush, allegedly for concerns of what might flow back into the river system, which is a bit of a problem if your accomodation doesn't have a accessible taps .

I am all for protecting the envrionment, but maybe the council could post signs of alternative sites if it wants to keep the town fisher friendly.

Cheers

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Around Tea Gardens]

Hiya Raiders, as some may remember I was at Tea Gardens last week with wife and kids and inlaws. Sorry this report is late, but stuff happened so here it is.

For those who don't know the quaintly named Tea Gardens, rests at the mouth of the Myall River, aside the little town of Hawksnest, 2.5 hours north from Sydney.

Took the boat out on Thursday fished numerous likely looking spots for Flatties south east of Tea Gardens resulting in a few bites and boating nothing much, much, much weed. Progressed down the channel more of the same.

Anchored off Jimmy's Beach, fished a channel marker and boated a personal best flattie 67cm. Friday took wife, kids, and inlaws northwest of tea gardens, up Myall River. Kids noisy and unhappy fish scared off, return to jetty, drop wife, kids and mother in law.

Go with father in law to spot of Jimmy's with the tide racing so hard that it pulled us 100 yards off our anchor point by a channel marker in about 5 minutes.

Hook up good fighting fish we think, only to find damn sting rays

All in all though good fun, beautiful scenery, great exploring.

Cheers

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Colour Or Black And White Fish Finders]

For value for money its very hard to go past the Furuno 620

Hiya Raiders, Geez you guys (and gals) have blood that's worth bottlin. Thanks for all the info and perseverence with this thread...

Thanks, Netic, Big Banana, Macka17, Quinnie480, Chocofallon, I hope I got everyone. I think its down to the Humminbird or the Furuno - but its on the backburner at the moment, because the liquid cash has dried up for the moment. I have a slight preference for the Humminbird, because its got many good raps and I know the upgrade will fit where the old one was.

Rgds

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[I'm One Happy Camper!]

wow, i think the boat says it all mate dont overcompensate for a cheesy name. Keep it clean and simple, she is a lovely RIG! Congrats!

Congratulations on the new rig mate. Looks Gorgeous.

As for names:

I called my last motorbike, Mae West, because it had ALOT of grunt...

you could try

2 Cool

or

All the pretty horses (but its way too long)

or

2B IS 2B

Rgds

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[I'm One Happy Camper!]

wow, i think the boat says it all mate dont overcompensate for a cheesy name. Keep it clean and simple, she is a lovely RIG! Congrats!

Congratulations on the new rig mate. Looks Gorgeous.

As for names:

I called my last motorbike, Mae West, because it had ALOT of grunt...

you could try

2 Cool

or

All the pretty horses (buts its way too long)

or

2B IS 2B

Rgds

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Colour Or Black And White Fish Finders]

For mine, it's all about bottom recognition.

Differing colours highlight the structure of the bottom - sand, rock, mud, etc.

Cheers

Mariner

Thanks Mariner.

Dhutchy

[Colour Or Black And White Fish Finders]

Hey mate,

I have a 5m freedom sport and have just installed a Humminbird 787c2i, its a colour combo and I'd have to say its probably the best thing I could have done. I have always been a fan of the humminbird product and I think it is a quality product. I paid just over $1000 but in my opinion it was well worth the cash.

An alternative to this is the Lowrance 527CiDF which sell for around the $900 mark and is also a colour combo. I have owned a couple of Lowrance products and have not really had a problem with them I just prefer the humminbird but each to their own I guess.

Anyways mate I hope this helps,

Bill.

Bill thanks for your reply mate. The Humminbird you have installed sounds good. Could I impose upon you to nominate what sets it apart, and why you reckon its worlds above a mono outfit.

Thanks for your time.

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps.

[Colour Or Black And White Fish Finders]

G'day Dhutchy,

I would say that you could spend between $500 up to $3,500 for a good Colour Plotter / Sounder.

Perhaps you could provide the following details to enable other Raiders to give some advice.

What sort of boat will it be going on? (Size / Construction)

Where do you mostly fish? (Estuary / Bay / Outside)

What is you anticipated budget?

Do you also want Chartplotter facilities?

Cheers

Mariner

Thanks Mariner, good idea...

Boat: 5yo 5M Quintrex Freedom Sport

Where Fish: Cowan/Hawkesbury/Pittwater/Broken Bay

Budget: Under 1,000

Chartplotter: Yes Current system is GPS/Finder/Sounder

Thanks everyone

Dhutchy

[Colour Or Black And White Fish Finders]

Hi Raiders,

I am thinking of upgrading my Humminbird 65x GPS/Sounder for a latest greatest color version. Huckstep in his book suggests mono sounders are dinosaurs. I am hoping someone can tell me, what color version would be a worthy upgrade to and for what price.

Thanks Guys

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Hawksnest And Tea Gardens]

Thanks Heaps Ray R, all the info and the pic is very helpful. Hopefully, if I'll be able to post a good report on my return.

Cheers

DHutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps.

[Hawksnest And Tea Gardens]

Hi Raiders

I am going with wife and kids and boat to tea gardens and was wondering if anyone knew what fishing are running up there and approximate locations, with no secret spots, would be good.

Thanks

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Hawkesbury Night]

Hiya Raiders, this is my first report so I don't mind if you chuckle a bit.

Dropped my 2nd hand Quinnie off to Huey to ensure adequate nav lights and spot light for first night fishing off boat. Job finished, but then extended to include install of cigarette socket power source. No dramas, all done without fuss. Good to go. (fishing partner) very excited about fishing that very night. Lets go, Lets Go.

Drop kids at grandma’s in tumultuous revolt . Launch boat at dusk at Appletree Bay - ramp EMPTY Move off as sun sets (beautiful). Go to a favoured spot, no bites. All lights working, lovely. Move to next spot, near Cottage Point, and anchor. Wife sits at helm, plays with spotlight. I return from anchoring to no GPS/Sounder, as inky darkness fully encloses and no spotlight. Not a real problem as long we stay deep and away from land. Nav lights fine. Better to be safe than sorry, I say, lets motor back and if worse comes to worse return home and make repairs.

Engine won’t start.

Reassure , tell her its probably just flooded, wait for it and it will be fine... meanwhile I get under the dash with torch, check fuses are secure, resecure them (thinking that wife must have knocked them a bit) , emerge with full GPS/Sounder and spotlight, and engine turnsover immediately.

Return to original intention of fishing , catch a single flattie and a slimey, both thrown back, and we are wowed with lots lots of phosphorescence making the glassy water give its own inky blue light show.

Quite an adventure for first night out.

Rgds

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[What's Good At Tea Gardens]

Hiya Raiders, I am going to Tea Gardens next week with wife, kids and boat. Any suggestions or local knowledge about getting decent fish from around there?

Thanks everyone

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Holy Great Bait Batman]

Hiya Raiders, I was in a fishing store the other day, chatting with the helpful assistant, about catching live bait. Despite selling things marked Bait Nets he said to get live bait you need to use a rod and bait jigs. My look suggested that this seemed to contradict selling bait nets - but I didn't have the time, and he didn't have the willingess to discuss.

So what is the consensus from the legendary Fishraider braintrust on bait.

He also said that to really get squid you should use a squid jig and a pillie. Whaddaya reckon?

Thanks and regards

Dhutchy

Its not about catching fish, but it helps

[Spotlights?]

I have one of the lightforce 170 spotlights and battery packs which I have used for last 10 yrs, mainly camping, shooting and prawning etc. Rugged, reliable & lightweight. With the battery pack with dimmer switch its portable and light output can be varied form 0-100w. Different clip on protective lenses are also avail eg clear/amber/red. I use the battery pack for prawning too, beats car battery and doesnt spill. I also have a 12volt fluro which I can run off the battery pack. Initially costs a bit but is good gear. They have various kits and marine spots now. Look at http://www.lightforce.net.au/index1.html

Problem with the big portable spotlights is charge is quickly depleted, so look for one with spotlight and torch, grrrrrrrr had some a while back. I dont rely on one light, carry a backup so when the big one runs out, batterys gone etc you still have light. With spot you can run off boat and pull out battery when required.

I was thinking of buying one of the jump starter battery packs which had torch, output for spotlight etc a while back. Handy for spare boat starter, spotlight etc

If you are after better stuff, one of the current fishing mags has an article on modern hitech lights which draw much less power so dont drain batterys.

Cheers

Thanks Copa, the lightforce gear sounds good. I have checked the site.

Thanks for taking the time to contribute.

Dhutchy

[Spotlights?]

The best spotlight for a trailerboat is a rechargeable job.

These units can also be recharged from the cigarette lighter socket in your car.

Check this link - 10 million candle power rechargeable for around 50 bucks.

http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/10-million...le-spotlight-1/

Cheers

Mariner

Thanks Guys, Mariner 31, Tan the Fisherman, and Mike Doyle. I will review all the info you have supplied. I have a suitable onbord lamp, what I am after is something to see into, and across, water...

Cheers Guys and thanks

Dhutchy

[Spotlights?]

Hiya Raiders, I am gearing up my Quinnie to go night fishing and was wondering what are the recommended spot lights that people are using. There a blue eyes, and halogens, rated between 400,000 to 10,000,000 candle power. Ideally I want something I can attach or detach as a handheld.

Any suggestions

Rgds and Thanks

Dhutchy