Port Stephens

[rockyred]

Have been spending a bit of time up the coast. I have two reports

Saturday 13/04/2013

Started off trying for squid but the dolphins were clearly visible. Didn't have much luck on the squid only getting 2 little arrows. Saw some yellowtail hanging underneath the boat so dropped some berley and the bait jigs and quickly got 10.

The decided to hit the bottom to get some rock cod and anything else. Turned out to be a good decision. Ended up with 10 rock cod, 2 octopus, 1 maori cod, 1 snapper at 32cm (with another 2 at 29cm which were released), 2 flounder and a flathead.

All the fish were eaten by Sunday and Monday nights.

Sunday 21/04/2013

Launched at Shoal Bay thinking that the southerly would make it ok. Was completely wrong! The swell was coming making it very difficult (I was on my own this time). Thankfully a pro fisho held the boat for me while I parked the car.

The plan was to get live bait and then head to salamander bay for longtails and jewfish. Saw the longtails busting up for literally seconds only to have them disapear for 20 min. At one point they were only 10m from the boat. Had a livie on the top under a float and one on the bottom. Feeling frustration with the tuna I put both rods on the bottom one livie and a butterflied yakka. The butterflied yakka went first. As I was netting it (70cm Jewfish), the fish tangled the other line and I could feel the weight of another fish.

Unfortunately, but luckily the other fished went away. When I brought up the livie it was destroyed but still kicking. Called it quits shortly after that as I had to get back to Sydney.

Here is a pick of the jewfish. The first one I have caught for about 15 years. Looking to give it another go this weekend (hopefully).

Putting the boat back on was a disaster. I was the person at the ramp that everyone looks at and wonders how long they have been doing for. Another pro fisho waiting for them to pull the nets in held the boat again while I reversed the car. The swell pushed the boat up onto the shore, I was soaked up to my waist. It would have been quite a show for everyone.

Other than that, it was an awesome day and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cheers

Michael

[sleepy]

Well done on ur fish , wouldn't it been easier to launch from little beach ? Closer to salamander bay and definitely safer.