DarkHorse

After being shown the ropes and techniques on targeting bream in the oyster racks ( http://fishraider.com.au/Invision/index.php?showtopic=46442 ), the very next day I decided to head straight to the same spot before the wind picked up. I tied on a Ecogear PX45F in white and flicked over the other side of the rack. Started a slow retrieve and a small flick, the lure stops in the middle of the rack and ................. BANG! The hit was explosive! A monster bream came out of the depths, absolutely smashed the lure, grabbed it, turned and cut me straight off. I was left standing there, mouth wide open, in shock. I have NEVER seen or felt anything like it before EVER. It was awesome. What an experience. I quickly tied on another, but I was struggling with the lure snagging, trying to steer the electric and keeping the boat off the racks, to prevent damage to the rack and my boat. Very quickly the wind started blowing, so I decided to head back and pick up my wife and kids and do some bait fishing. My wife wanted to know why I had such a huge smile on my face! I described my exciting but brief tussle with a Tuross bream and the need to head into town to replace my lost lure. Again with Hodgey's instruction we anchored off a favoured spot, burlied up and the they got into some small bream, whiting and angle fish on peeled prawns. Unfortunately the wind was really blowing so we went looking for smoother waters and a general look see. The sun came out with a vengeance and the children were getting tired so we called it a day. I drove into Moruya for some food shopping and importantly to replace my lost lures. Got back and remembered that I still had some gear to tidy up. A few lures and bits and pieces that needed rinsing in fresh water. I should have been a little more careful: After trying to remove it myself ( couldn't as there were two prongs, so pushing it through was not an option) we all got into the car, drove the 20 minutes to the Moruya Hospital emergency department to have it removed. Luckily it was very quiet and it was all over in minutes, thankfully. Surprisingly it did not really hurt! Regards, Rob

Sorry it has taken so long but finally my report! With the end of the school holiday's and some days off up my sleeve my wife, kids and I launched ourselves down to Tuross Heads for some well deserved R&R and fishing. Our own Lizard Guru and allround top bloke Hodgey offered to come out with me one morning to show the how's and why's of flathead fishing. We met at the ramp just after 6.00am. Being so excited and nervous at the same time, I got there early, launched the boat and had her idling away near the small jetty awaiting the master. Out of the corner of my eye, a man surrounded by a bright halo of white light walked down the ramp towards the jetty. I immediately and started chanting "I am not worthy"............ Although this was not the first time we had met, it was the first time I had the opportunity of taking Hodgey out on my boat. Motoring away from the jetty and along the "channel" I was too busy looking at the sounder for a depth reading when Hodgey pointed out a large school of Taylor busting up the surface. It did not take much convincing for me to tie on a Starlo and Bushy popper (FRV - White) and cast into the melee. First cast and I was giggling like a school boy as I watched taylor hitting and chasing the lure on the surface. Within seconds I here Hodgey say "I'm on" and not long after so was I! The taylor were only of average size, but they put up a fantastic fight on light gear. We followed the marauding school around with a number being landed in the boat Unfortunately the school went deep and I lost my lure. The most fantastic part was that it was the VERY FIRST TIME I had caught any fish on a popper! From there we motored no too far away to a shallow area of weed and patches of sand. Said a good morning and hello to Dene and started to flick plastics into the water. Unfortunately the overcast and sun were playing havoc with sighting and alot of weed was being caught We decided to have a quick coffee and for me brekky at the boatshed cafe, then motor towards the none existant mouth of the river where fairer conditions and less weed was the go. I handed command of the electric to the master and he then started to explain the do's and dont's of catching flathead, where to cast, what to look for and retrieve styles and techniques. It wasn't long before I was on, with my soft plastic getting smashed by a big girl. Unfortunately in my eagerness I pulled the hooks . The master though hooked and landed quite a few, excellent table size, to which I put two in the live well for the nights dinner It was quite busy, with another boat in the area and 3 people wading the same spot. As time was getting on, Hodgey asked if I would like to have a quick flick in the oyster racks, although he was worried about removing bark off my almost brand new boat I didnt take long to get to the oyster racks, but the wind had already started to pick up, which made it dificult to position the boat and cast at the same time. Hodgey again took over the electric and allowed me to cast a retrieve a small pencil popper along and near the racks. It was awesome to see large bream munching away on the posts. Hodgey suggested I change to a sammy 65 and try walking the dog style retrieves. What a laugh! I was never any good a rubbing my stomach and patting my head at the same time and it showed. Instead of walk the dog, it was more like skull drag the pooch After explaining the technique and breaking the retrieve into parts, I was soon "getting there". Unfortunately the wind was really starting to pick up and it was getting late so we decided to call it a day. It was a great experience, fantastic instruction, many laughs and many many firsts for me as a fisherman. I will always be in debt to Hodgey for giving up his personal time and showing me the way to enlightenment. THANKYOU MATE! I really appreciate it. Unfortunately I didn't carry or bring a camera so no pictures, sorry. I look forward to putting my instruction and techniques into practice and catching more fish! Regards, Rob

K12, I doubt wether it would tear the arse out of it, yes you could fit it BUT I wouldnt because: It is against NSW maritime law, The insurer would not insure you, or void your insurance. You could approach the boat manufacturer and ask them for an updated HP rating for your hull. They may already have one, probably have to pay for it. You would then have them supply you with a new rating sticker and supply NSW maritime and insurer with copies of letter/sticker. Are the extra 10 horses REALLY worth it???? Let us know how you go. Regards, Rob

G'Day Johnno, Thanks for the chat, really enjoyed meeting you today and discussing the pros and cons of new models etc. Look forward to organising a fishing trip! The paddle handle looks like it came off a baitcaster, looks weird. Dont mind if they upgrade the whole unit, not just a fresh colour scheme. Surely it is hard to keep bringing out new models, I mean the technology in them is not finite, with little changes in spec over various models, that goes for Daiwa too. It may mean that "current" model reels will be discounted to make way for the new range, if you dont mind having the "latest" could well mean saving some $$$$. I recently purchased a Aspire, very nice reel and not even half the cost of a stella, but with most of the offerings! Regards, Rob

Hodgy you are the man! Another productive session or two................ Hopefully I will be heading down this saturday for 3 or 4 days can't wait. Glad you are putting the big girls back for me to catch and release as well (I hope lol). I have been extremely busy at work, havent used the gear for weeks, so am looking forwards to some good weather and fishing (hopefully). Take care mate, hopefully get to say G'Day! Regards, Rob

G'Day Crew, Was reading about an issue someone had with there outboard having internal corrosion, as the cause could not be exactly pinpointed, it was mentioned that a stray electrical current to the engine/boat can cause corrosion eventualy. How can I test my boat/motor to see if there is a potential for stray electrical current/corrosion? Need to keep the answer simple, just like me! Regards, Rob

Alex, Check your private messages! Regards, Rob

Another fantastic report again Hodgey! Christie's smile says it all. Nice to see a young lady happy to go and have a fish with her dad and uncle, very rare now days. All that boat traffic etc. and you can still put them on to big fish, you truly are the master Pitty about budgies loss, always the next time. Hopefully see you soon. Rob

Another awesome and very descriptive report Hodgey! You certainly know how to catch them. Stayed in a few huts like that, lot of character and nice to sit back and enjoy the surroundings. I was absolutely positive (actually lost money on a bet) that even though you were fresh water fishing you would still pull a 80cm+ flatty out of there! I am glad you had a great trip, safe and had quality family time. All the best for 2010, may it be as productive as 2009. Happy New Year! I have 9 days off coming up, and will be heading down just before the tin lids head back to school. Hopefully the area has quietened down and the fishing has had a chance to recover. Regards, Rob

Dale Personaly I think it was designed with the 8" and 10" screens in mind as they have a higher resolution in saying that the picture on my HDS 7 is still very good and surprising how much detail it shows. I could clearly see rocks, trees etc. Baitfish schools are more defined. I paid $875 for it and it took a couple of hours to install as I had to drill through the transom! Is it worth it? Still need to use it to find more fish! A lot of money for something that MAY helpto find fish. It is a lot better picture than the normal sonar image and easier to "read" mine maintains bottom lock at max speed!

Got up VERY early! Met mate at Mooney Mooney ramp at 5.30am and launched soon after. Went up to pumpkin point creek to play with new structure scan and it is awesome. Finally had a good look at the bloody great big stump that has been stealing my lures.............. Spent the time trolling on the electric for one small flatty. Decided to up gear and head down to mooney mooney creek. Again trolled on electric for a few baby flatty's and bream, the smallest being 5cm! Mate decides to break out morning tea, cake and bannana's! I almost dropped my rod when he pulled them out of the bag. I said what the hell are you doing bringing bannana's on board??? His was reply was that he was going to be hungry............... oh well there go's the rest of the day! Not long after he hooked up on a nice 25cm bream which went back into the briny. I then hooked up a 34cm flatty. Hen then hooked a 36cm bream, what a monster!, Awesome fight and took a while to land on light gear. I hooked up a 49cm flatty which was dinner, and mate then landed a 52cm flatty! As I placed the net under my flatty, the lure seperated from the leader! VERY LUCKY! We then had to head back to the ramp about 10.30 as we both had things to do this afternoon, just as the fish were coming on the bite There you go the bannana didnt cause any problems! All fish were caught on small hard body's. Unfortunately no pictures as I didnt take the camera, sorry. Hope you all had a great day, next time search your offsider for contraband bannana's, I could only picture how great the fishing would have been if he hadn't brought them onboard. Regards, Rob. P.S. The Lowrance structure scan is awesome, even on a 7" screen. Can see holes or depressions, trees including individual branches, rocks and fish/bait schools. As the 7" only has a single card slot, which was being used by my navionics card, I was not able to get any screen shots

BillyD, Very Very nice boat, looks in perfect condition, obviusly the previous owner looked after her. Your boy (first mate) looks so small in the back! Before you know it he will be loading up the boat and dragging you out for a fish! My son is 10, he loves fishing and absolutely loves driving the boat, he is very good at it to, in fact he helps launch and retrieve! It makes it all worth while being able to enjoy family time and hobby at the same time. Polycraft - Haines - Proline.............. Aircraft Carrier??????? Tight lines and safe boating. Take care. Regards, Rob

Rizzo, AWESOME!! What a stunner! Very nice build and finish, looks like she has been well looked after. Pity our Australian boat builders could not build and finish to that standard, that is sweet. Would be nice to fish out of her................ Do you want to swap her for a 4.4m stacer barra elite????????? That lowrance on the console is MASSIVE! Congrats on the purchase, 1 in a million and sounds like an awesome buy. Good luck with her, I hope she helps you catch heaps of fish! Regards, Rob

Selous, Sorry to hear about your loss! Thank you for your post, a timely reminder to me that I hadnt told club marine that I had a new minn kota. Just called them and listed it on my policy. I only ever use the small pin to hold it on my plastic quick mount bracket, might have to rethink that as well! Regards, Rob

Gary, Consider a bottle of JD yours! Now all I have to do is get it too you............... Here is my transducer post: http://fishraider.com.au/Invision/index.php?showtopic=45505 As I said that console was supposed to be on the boat when I took delivery, but stacer didnt have any in stock at the time. Dealer ordered one anyway and it arrived not long after my original post, and was fitted on first service! I fitted the lexcen screen and stickers myself, as the cost from stacer for their version was a bit too steep Regards, Rob

Gary, Sorry I didnt get back to you regarding console. Not long after posting the dealer called and said that they had ordered the console in from stacer. It was fitted at the first 20 hour service. THANK YOU for your replies and help! Might need your expertise in making a spray cover over the transducers so that salt spray does not go everywhere! Here are some pictures:

Well I went and installed the new lowrance structure scan. I simply moved the 2D transducer over slightly and installed the structure scan next too it. Only had a quick test and it seemed ok, may have to move them up as they are putting out a big rooster tail during cruise. Here is a picture:

G'Day Crew, How many of you use low profile baitcasters?? I have the more traditional baitcasters, calcutta 50 and 400 for bigger fish......... At one stage all I used were bait casters, I find my casting to be a lot more accurate with them. What do you think of them chasing flatties, bream, whiting etc? Regards, Rob

dick, fitted it the other day to a HDS-7. Had a quick go in windang, LOL not the best place to test it as it is flat! I dont think the hds5 or 7 really have the resolution to run it. I think it was really designed for the 8 or 10. It works, just need to use it a bit more first before I give it the big thumbs up. Was easy to install and operate. I will try and get some pictures on the weekend and post them up. Regards, Rob

Shayne, Now you have me thinking. I have been looking everywhere for my stacer owners manual, I am sure it states wash boat with water a soap after use............. Is there anything to use other than just fresh water obviously? I use soap on the external part of the painted hull only................. I wouldnt think that soap/detergent could cause aluminium to corrode! Will have to look at other options then. Regards, Rob

Hi raiders, Well I couldn't help myself! As I mentioned in my other post (Gear does not make the Fisherman), I love to buy things for my boat. I purchased the new Lowrance Structure Scan unit, unfortunately it uses a second/separate transducer for the new images. My tinny has a transom mount plate on the back, but not alot of room. I assume putting both transducers side by side one or both transducers will pick up noise from the hull. I DO NOT want to drill directly into the hull! Any other thoughts or idea's? Thanks again. Rob

Hi Raiders, As you would know from my other post's that I look after my gear including washing/drying all lures used during the days fishing. I have a few ecogear sx40's that are falling apart. The best way to describe it is like a sausage on a bbq, where they split open! About 5 of my lures have split with the paint coming away or the lure distorting. I will try and take some pictures later. The lures are always cleaned in fresh water with some mild detergent and dried after use. They are kept in the the tackle box until needed and thus out of the sun/heat............. Not too sure what to make of it. Not happy considering the $$$ Any ideas? Is it worth talking to ecogear? Regards, Rob

G'Day Crew, Thanks for all of the replies. Ron.C was correct Shimano dont make a 1500 size reel, either 2500 or 1000 size. The new Stradic is a nice looking reel, very light but I found it quite "rough". No where near as smooth as my 12 month old Luvias's..................... Took the reel back and tried another of the same size as well as the 1000 size, again not very smooth. Maybe I have been spoilt by the daiwa's (not wanting to turn this into a Daiwa vs Shimano debate). They had a Shimano Aspire in stock. Had a play and very nice. Up the with the Luvias. VERY smooth although not a light as the stradic (alloy frame compared to carbon). The Aspire sits under the shimano stella quality wise, although not listed on the shimano web site is a custom order. Balances very nicely with T-Curve Tournament 7 foot. Now all I have to do is actually catch some fish.......................

Blacky I have a navman 4430 sitting here doing nothing, dont know if they are the same cable?? maybe look up online manuals and see if they are the same or I could take some pictures of the back of the unit/cables. Let me know what you would like to do. Regards, Rob P.S. What happened to the last lot of cables??

2.00am wake up............ come on slinky harden up! You can either go to bed early or just simply dont go to bed at all and away you go Ski boats and jet ski's dont get me started about those waste of oxygen. I could think of nothing more boring than going backwards and forwards along the same stretch of water and achieving nothing, at least with fishing we sometimes get a result (catch a fish) Nice catch. Seems as though the new squidgy flick bait in princess might become your go to lure. What happened to your Anthrax lure and baby mullet??? It seems as though your new electric is getting a real workout, do you think it has made a difference to your catch rate or too early to tell? Your electric setup, does your engine charge the electric batteries on the run as well or do you simply plug in a charger at night? Awesome post and very funny I might have to hop on my and come and say hello with rod in hand lol Stay safe and good health. Rob