Wollongong Weekend Fishing

[Rayman440]

Hello Fish-Raiders,

I am new to this forum so I will try to fit in as best as possible and contribute when I can. My father (raysenior) and I recently purchased a Trophy Walk-Around and although we are not new to fishing, we are new boat owners and have been testing our wares on the NSW South-Coast waters in recent months. In the past we have had reasonably good results from the Wollongong area, so yesterday we left Bellambi ramp early with My son Brodie, a first time fisherman.

The morning was very still, serene even. We fished for live baits right outside the harbour with baitjigs, it took a while however we did end up with 6 yakkas and senior caught the smallest Flathead I have ever seen. Brodie also caught his first fish, a Squire.

The morning fished slowly, bottom bouncing yielded a couple of snapper & flathead but we did 'alot' of moving to find a ground that gave us fish. Around midday, the wind picked up a little, increasing our drift speed. I had my suspicions that Brodie's bottom rig was not keeping bottom with the quicker drift. This was reinforced by the screams of my 13 year-old son, phrases like ..."....I can't do it, it's too big" & "oh, my eyes feel like they're gonna pop out !" come to my mind. After much anticipation, Brodie landed his first Bonito... I am sure the rest of Wollongong district heard about it.

In closing, it was not a very productive day on the water with only a few keepers (Snapper & Flathead) and a few fish for the cats but it was a great day to be on the water and I think I can make a fisherman out of Brodie yet ! To Seniors disgust, he didn't catch much more than his trophy flathead and two Pike,. Check the look of disgust on his face when Brodie landed a Flathead, it was barley legal but he was catching fish !

Next trip to this area we have decided that we will drop the anchor on a reef patch and commit some time to berlying and give that a go. Until next time.....

Ray (Jr)

Edited August 2, 2009 by Rayman440

[james7]

Ray. Great first report and terrific photos.

I was out yesterday and the tiny flathead were in plague proportions.

And aren't those bonnies pocket rockets! They're always great fun to catch.

Cheers

Peter

[johnv]

excellent report there Ray, its great to the smile on your young felles face with his bonito. its always good to see when your kids r havin fun fishin .well done there

john