Kindergaten Kings

[namesay]

Hi raiders- I have not posted my last couple fishing trips as I thought you guys would be sick of hearing about more kingfish but today my son WANTED me to post this report ...so he can show his friends!

Last week my number 1 son missed out on his ususal sunday fishing trip as he was alittle crook. I took son number 2 and we caught kingsfish upon kingfish. Of course this made son number 1 really jealous.... he was really keen to get even with his brother.

Anyway we had a bit of a late start as my trailer was playing up. I had lost one of the bearing protectors and when I checked, the wheel was slightly wobbly....time for new bearings. But these bearings can go for one more trip!

Launched at Bayview and went outside to look for any surface action. Trolled some lure on our way to Newport reef- nothing to be seen but a schools of flying fish. Thought it was a bird at first. The conditions were so good we just went for a blast on the boat.

On the way back we found some salmon schools and they were willing takers of soft plastics.

We must have caught and released about a dozen or so before calling it quits.

By now time was getting on and I decided to try for some kings in pittwater. The squid were easy to get today and we caught a good supply and couple of good sized ones for calamari rings....YUM!

I tried around the moorings but there was very little action apart from some tailer. All this time my son was asking me that the next kingfish he wanted to land..on his own.

The time was now about midday and the boats were out in force in pittwater. It should have been renamed pitt STREET. Anyhow I decided to try one of the spots where the kings cruise around looking for unwary squid. The water is very shallow here but there are no snags or reef so the fish really have nothing to break you off. There is some good squidding to be had here at times but often you have to beat the kingies off to land your squid!!!! Barryrocker knows what I mean...hey Danny?

We set about downrigging for kings in water less than 6 meters often less than 4 meters deep. Now this spot was pretty crowded with anchored boats. As I slow trolled this spot we waved and said our greetings and asked if they were having any luck. All the boat were not catching anything!

Within a couple of minutes of setting out our downrigger, the reel a ShimanoTyrnos absolutely screams and the rod buckles. Our 50lb braid is running out real fast in water 3 meters deep and there is a rooster tail..LOVE catching kings in shallow water I get the rod out of the holder and hand it over to my son. He is pretty good with a rod and lands the fish solo. There is applause from the gathered crowd. The fish is about 83cm.

Son number 1 was on cloud nine and he gave me permission to catch the next fish. SO I set out to troll the same area again. Sure enough another fish strikes and was landed. Another fish around the 85cm mark. I set the baits out again and sure enough we get a third fish...also about the same size.

The guys in the boats anchored around us now think it is no longer a fluke!! They started to ask questions.... I think I have become a sales rep for scotty downriggers. I had a chat about that "thing"stuck to the side of my boat, the various methods and baits.

I kinda felt sorry for the guys sitting there catching nothing and started handing out somelive squid from my bait tank. There were lots of kids in these boats as well and we all want them to catch a fish don't we. They were eager to get these baits on their lines. Time was getting on and it was about 1pm. I had rang boaters world that I needed my bearings fixed so I had to leave the water ASAP. I hope those guys had some luck with the squid!

Another good day on the kings!!Cheers Kelvin

[Flattieman]

Yes... I've really gotta hurry up and start catching some kings... I've got the reel put aside, the rod in planning and the squid-catching technique under control... Don't take em all before I can get there, Kelvin! Another top session... I don't expect anything less now.

Flattieman.

[namesay]

Yes... I've really gotta hurry up and start catching some kings... I've got the reel put aside, the rod in planning and the squid-catching technique under control... Don't take em all before I can get there, Kelvin! Another top session... I don't expect anything less now.

Flattieman.

Hey Flattieman just let me know when and I'll get you attached to one of these yellowtailed submarines! Cheers Kelvin

[Guest claudia]

Well done again!!!!!!

You sure are a lucky man to catch kingfish after kingfish.

[namesay]

Good report as usual, nice snaps too!

That's one tough young man on the rod he's going to be a champ' fisho - great to see.

Is it sashimi or steamed/ginger/shallots fish for dinner (again ) ?

Keep the good news flowing.

Have you posted a pic of your boat ?

Yeah He is pretty good on a rod. I have to back the drag off from my ususal setting of 10-12KG otherwise he will join the fish in the water!!!. Hence the rooster tail in this shallow water but he sure can land them.

I think I have eaten enough kingfish to become a member of the seriola clan. These 3 fish were promised to a few of my friends. The Italian ones eat them braised with tomatos and the asians eat them ALIVE.

I have posted a picture of my new boat which is still being built in the boating section. SHould be ready in 3 weeks....but who is counting! Cheers Kelvin

[namesay]

Nothing like an Italian cook- they are amazing.

What is "Alive" - you mean "drunk live prawn style" or RAW?

( Raw - good)

The chinese ones want them kicking if they can like in the chinese resaturants. The japanese and the koreans just eat them raw... the fresher the better.

I like them sashimi but only in little portions. The best is steamed..usually can't ruin a fish that way. They are good BBQ but gota be careful not to over cook and always good baked in foil with various ingredients. I'm off to my italian friends tonight to eat yet another kingie! CHeers Kelvin

[netic]

Well done Kelvin, sounds like your kids have some good fun........nice kings

[Thunder]

I never get sick of your reports and they are great encouragement.

You are one of the lucky ones that are anle to fish during the week and post reports, so it keeps us going mid week.

Hopefully my boat will be ready in a couple of weeks and we can join in on the action.

Nice Kings by the way.

Cheers

Greg

[gaz]

Kelvin - like many i have enjoyed reading your reports and dont ever stop i guess if were not catching or getting on the water its good to hear the success of those that have.

Just a quick question on your down rigger what model scotty's is it and are there much difference between brands ie what to stay away from?

[evan rude]

There is nothing to say but

you are the man!

[namesay]

Kelvin - like many i have enjoyed reading your reports and dont ever stop i guess if were not catching or getting on the water its good to hear the success of those that have.

Just a quick question on your down rigger what model scotty's is it and are there much difference between brands ie what to stay away from?

I use a scotty 1050. I think it is called a depthmaster. I have 2 of these and they are very simple to use...just pull a lever and you wind and unwind. I also have 2 Scotty lake troller downriggers. These are very cheap and do the job but can't handle the heavier bombs...harder to wind as well. Netic also uses scottys as he also find their release mechanism the easiest to use.

I have thought about electric models but I am not too keen on them as salt water and electrics don't mix and it adds a complexity to the whole system.

When I first started downrigging there was a lot of ignorance about this technique but now the situation has improved. There are also a lot of manufacturers...cannon,walker, penn..etc. I like the scotty best due to its simple release mechanism. My 6 year old can use it. All the above manufacturers have good systems but for me the scotty wins.Cheers kelvin

Edited November 19, 2006 by namesay

[Brian]

Mate,

You're one lucky guy to get out and doit so often. I got a lump in my throat reading about your young bloke cathcing them like that, I love it when my kids get out with me and they get onto fish to keep them keen. It's such a treat to watch them bringing them in and getting into something that is so good for them.

Great report. Can't wait for the next one.

Cheers,

Brian P.

[namesay]

I get more enjoyment from watching my kids land the fish than catching them my self . Fishing is such a FANTASIC activity. It makes the whole parent/child relationship so much closer. If you have any kids...just take them out fishing! I just hope they take me out when I am old and frail. Cheers Kelvin

[Markwi]

Hey Kelvin

Fantastic to see the kids really involved, great pictures.

[namesay]

My 6 year old took the picture of me...pretty good isn't he? Catches fish, winds the downriggers, Steers the boat, catches bait..got him well trained! CHeers Kelvin

[domza]

more great kings, well done

[netic]

My 6 year old took the picture of me...pretty good isn't he? Catches fish, winds the downriggers, Steers the boat, catches bait..got him well trained! CHeers Kelvin

Mate its great how your kids are your fishing buddies, that day i saw your son bringing up that rigger was great, strong little boy and great to see Father and son working well on the water. Real team effort from what i observed.

When I first started downrigging there was a lot of ignorance about this technique but now the situation has improved.

I found the same issues when i first started, it was like "whats this guy doing", Pete Le blang who introduced both Kelvin and myself to downrigging has been doing it for years in pittwater and outfishing everyone in the process, Its a great technique that gets great results.

But like all types of fishing there are techniques to use when downrigging, the best thing anyone can do is go on a trip with Pete and you will learn alot.

Well done again Kelvin

[namesay]

CHeers Kelvin

[ophet]

Yes, great report again Kelvin, and your number 1 son can now hold his head up high.

Keep the reports coming, people do not have to read them, if they are getting sick of your reports.

Great that you gave the squid to the people on the boat, I hope they caught something too.

My guess is that the squid got picked off by little fish, they hooked it up wrong, and if they did get a hook up they would be in for a fight of their lives.

I think it is awesome for you to take your kids out, and the bonding time is priceless. I reckon your wife is greatful for the peace and quiet at home as well.

[Martin]

Well done as always and top marks to the little one. Great post and I never get tired of you posting

Cheers

[CR@ZY OS@M@]

a big cheers to son number 1 mate haha

well done on his first solo catch on the king, nice size to

good to see you having fun out on the water with the young ones

[namesay]

Thanks everyone! I didn't write up my last couple of outings as I thought it monotonous.....kings and more kings. They are now fairly easy to catch so there are lots of people into them. I guess a different voice in the reports was something that I was looking forward to.

Those guys in the anchored boats were so surprised to see good sized kingfish caught from under their noses. You should have seen their jaws drop as I landed the fish!!! I really didn't like their chances of landing one of these kingies as their tackle was to say the least "basic". Even with specialist tackle, these fish give you a hard time.

Kingies can turn up anywhere and downrigging is a great way to explore. If you fish at anchor then you have to wait for the fish to come to you . Ok if they are there but not if they are somewhere else.

Like Netic I learned a lot from Peter Le Blang. He really has introduced downrigging here in sydney.Call him the father of downriggers!!! But what you learn, you also advance and put your personal touch. I guess that is how fishing evolves. Cheers Kelvin

[sycmate2]

went out to middle harbour sunday got nothing man!!! squid for about an hour for nothing. got some nice yeloow tail and trolled them around the moorings , nothing!

was catching squid easily last couple of weeks last two trips zip!

whats goin on what am i doin wrong here!

[namesay]

As have been noted by ALL the consistent kingie fishers here , catching squid is the single BIGGEST skill you have to learn when chasing kings. These buggers can either make or ruin your day. Typcially when the kingies are on...the squid are not! Makes you frustrated just thinking about it.

WHen fishing inside the harbour, you got to have squid. Trying for 1 hour isn't enough. I often spend 2-4 hours chasing squid and don't bother about kingfish until I have enough squid.

Yakkas are far easier to source. Normally you can get them real quick but they are not effective inside the harbour. Sometimes they will work but not consistently. Offshore a different story but inside squid is the ONLY bait that you need. But even then, I have outfished guys off shore by having a few squid.

Believe it or not I spent over 6 months JUST fishing for squid so that I can catch kings!!!!

My advice to you is to move around if you get nothing in 15 minutes. A small move of only a few meters can make a HUGE difference to squid. I always try to drift as it covers more water but windy conditions can make it tough.

Buy the best squid jigs you can get. The more expensive jigs out fish the cheaper ones by a mile. That single squid that you get can make a HUGE difference to your day. I can't count the number of times when I have jigged only a single squid especially in winter when squidding is tough and got out and caught that 10kg+ hoodlum!!!

Smaller jigs work better at getting more squid than the bigger jigs. Try to get ones in the 2 inch size for bait sized squid. I NEVER use anything bigger than a 3. Try different colours. Orange is good in summer as well as pink. Don't like greens or blues. White/ silver is excellent whole year.

The best squidder I have seen is no no no. Go out on with him sometime and look at how he works the jigs. His WHOLE livelihood depends on catching enough squid.

If the sun is high the squid normally get deep. You may have to add a sinker or use a heavier jig and always fish as light as you can. By the way that ultrabite spray scent or tuna oil is great. Never squid without it. I hope it helps . Have a look at some of my previous posts as there are lots of threads on squidding. Cheers Kelvin

[Robbielites]

Kelvin, Do you have a preffered part of the tide to fish?

Cheers.

Robbie.