TheCount

NOW you tell me???? Geez - I thought it was a right of passage to forget the little buggers. . . . Went out from Brooklyn on Sat afternoon and did a reccy of the spots boats were hanging out so that we can look at going back in a few weeks time. After the soccer yesterday morning I took the boat out on a solo trip from Woy Woy and had a good couple of hours just relaxing to music and trying to attract the aquatic protein without any luck. Had a few good enquiries and twice (just off Blackwall) had the drag too tight so the bait was ripped off rather than swallowed. . . Not too worry, I feel I am learning by experience and will keep it going throughout winter. . . TC.

See you at 6am - rail bridge over Brooklyn... TC

First trip to Woy Woy ramp without incident... Appreciate the tips guys. The ramp was only me, the boy and the birds (upon setting out) but on my return there was some sort of fun run event and kids and spectators bloody everywhere. I reckon they forgot it was a boat ramp and just did whatever they wanted to... I waited patiently for the first few to cross behind the trailer but not wanting to be taken advantage of, backed down the ramp to make them wait their turn. . . . All good for the first trip. Next time we'll get a few lines going and see what happens down near Brooklyn. . . . . TC.

Have just finished the license - this is how I did it. Attended a 2 hour lecture with certified training company. (they don't advertise here so I won't give them free press. PM me for it) Central Coast based. Sat the test on the spot - passed and got the paper part of the test. Option 1 was to get the log book done - not for me. Option 2 was to get one of their instructors (plus another student) to use their boat to tour for 2 hours going over "real life" examples of what could happen. Like, going along and he threw out a jacket and we had to work as a team to go and get it back.... I chose this and felt it was a good investment. You do not need the log book if you choose this option. I did this last Thursday and I was on the boat all Saturday as soccer was cancelled... MSB in Gosford was empty - walked in and out inside of 4 minutes. TC.

Did the tests through a training and certification place in Woy Woy as I wanted to do it, what I would call, properly.. Simply opening a book and doing a test is one way of doing it, but I wanted to know more!! $90 and 8 of us in a classroom style for a couple of hours going over real life scenarios - a few yarns from the lecturer (40yrs+ commercial experience) and I was surprised how easy the test was. . Practical training with same company instead of the "3 trips" with mates.. Again, instructor had years of experience and talked more about practical experiences and not text book stuff.. Another $90 and a few hours of my time and it's complete.. If you have the spare cash then I definitely recommend the way I did the licensing. TC.

Raiders, Fully licensed (today) and ready to go out this weekend and give the toy a run with the kids aboard... Next purchase is custom lettering "The Count" - might even get a graphic done too... TC.

Let's not worry about too many doomsday events happening to me... The Toyota Kluger can handle a boat ramp with ease. . . . . Appreciate the advice - especially the checklist idea, thanks. TC.

Another "quality" piece of journalism from the Left Wing Lobby. TC.

Extra thanks for the tips. Have driven trailers around for many years so the ramps don't phase me that much. Mainly just wanted to test the water with regards leaving my little mate around whilst I park... Can't wait to get amongst it and start bragging!! TC

Thanks guys. All good tips and make perfect sense to all us educated folks I have been to the Woy Woy ramp near the bowls and will try there first.. Appreciate the tip on Pretty beach too... TC.

Raiders, Will be taking possession of my first boat next weekend - Quintrex 475 Freedom Sport c/- my father in law who no longer uses it.. 6 years old, 47 hours on the 75hp Merc 2-stroke, been in his garage the whole time.. He even is paying for a full service before I pick it up next week. As it will be mainly my son (11yo) and I that will use it for fishing, I need some tips for first timers like. . . . Do I back down - launch the boat and have my son hold it till I come back form parking? Reverse the process for coming back in? My son and I spent some time at the gosford ramp just watching the antics for about half an hour and I was suprised at how many grumpy boaters were there.. Maybe they didn't catch anything?? I certainly don't want to get on the wrong side of the regulars but I guess they also have to realise that newcomers might take a little more time... I'll mainly fish the Central Coast, so if anyone has a suggestion of an infrequently used ramp to start with that would be great. TC.

Try to keep pointing towards Gosford and Newcastle. Repeaters follow the F3 and TV reception definitely follows the old rule that "size matters". TC

I am about to revisit the area and as always, catfish are an issue. What do you do with them? Release or "smack and release" like we did in the 90's?? TC.

I'll be first to buy a boat dock for the iPad. . .