No Dollies Yet

[njsconst]

Started the morning launching from Sylvania at 5:30am. Went across the Bay to the break wall and got a tank full of yakkas for live bait. Once we had enough we set course for the Sydney East FAD, despite the Fisheries website stating that the FAD was "reported missing" the night before.

The seas were flat as a tack with the slightest breeze blowing. Was able to cruise out at 45kph so we were there in no time at all. When we were about 800m from the co-ordinates there we could see the FAD bobbing away. So the fisheries website is not always accurate. I know a couple of times I have been there when the current is ripping along the actual FAD is being held just under the water and hard to spot.

Anyway, rigged up a couple of yakkas and in they went. With baited breath we waited and waited......for not a touch. After about 30mins we started to flick some lures for nothing either. Then tried some salted pillies for no result. There was no activity at this FAD at all and water temp was 24.2'C the water was the most beautiful electric blue.

By this time it was about 8am, and we decided to troll around the close FAD with some skirts and then set course for the Botany Bay wide FAD. Didn't get a touch on the lures either.

Same deal at the wide FAD, water temp was the same. Tried livies, baits, lures for nothing. Saw no fish in the water and none were jumping. Persistered at the wide FAD for about 45mins then gave up. Obviously the dollies haven't arrived in the numbers that you would expect by this time of the year.

Headed back to the Plonk Hole and dropped down some baits. Got one good Tiger flathead. But in 135m of water it is alot of effort on your arms.

So still with only one fish in the boat we head back to our trusty spot right outside the mouth of Botany Bay in 40mts of water and picked up five 50cm flatties in about twenty mins.

By now the time was 11.30am and the southerly started to kick up so we called it a day.

Beatiful day out, the water was magic and was still able to get a feed.

Nathan.

Edited January 30, 2010 by njsconst

[Basil D]

Hi njsconst my mate went out from Botany bay wed 20, they caugh and released 15 dollies, all under size

[Secho]

Gday there... FAD might need a little more time to kick in, they only replaced it on Thursday 28th after it dissapeared...

We went out to the 16.5km FAD when we realised the East one was missing but had the same luck as you... tried yakka's, metal slices, poppers, pillies, trolling.. not a Dolly to be seen - you'd think they'd be around by now with the water temp being up as it is but who knows???

Cheers

Marty