Itchin'faFishin'

Sorry, my mistake. The holding battery charge is 12.7V, not 12.4. The 12.7V is the holding voltage about 3 hours after the daily top-up charge has been completed. One battery is a lead acid deep cycle (for the auxiliary items and lighting) Century 12V 102Ah Deep Cycle Flooded Battery(N70T)and the other is a SuperCharge SeaMaster Gold Marine MF(MFM70) lead acid cranking battery used for nothing other than motor cranking. The deep cycle is charged from the cranking battery through a Voltage Sensitive relay. I plug on a Repco 12V 4.3 A battery charger, which has a full charge cut-out, to the cranking battery.

I've been putting my batteries on a low amperage charger and connected to a simple power plug timer (pin type) I charge them for 30 minutes every 24 hours. 30 minutes is the shortest time I can set. Battery voltage when not charging seems to be maintained at 12.4V. Any views on this approach?

Nice catch Gordo. What bait were you using for the flathead? Was it the Sergeant Baker strips?

I don't see why there would be any change in the definition this time around. I plan to go fishing until I'm told I can't. The NSW government web site doesn't exclude fishing from being passive exercise. I worked in the city for one day last week.

You've made me rethink my safety gear location. Zoran. I'll definitely be rigging up something like yours now.

That's a great result Zoran. The investment in time and effort really is paying off!

Great video Zoran. Terrific seeing how your boat works so well for this type of fishing. Thanks for posting your half of the story too Dieter.

Seems to work perfectly Zoran. I'll definately be adapting my old winch to be a multiplier too. Let me know if Dieter can't make it and you need a deckie.

Popped around and looked at Zoran's set up this morning. It's a very clever idea and one I'll kindly borrow. Thanks Zoran. You're a proper gentleman! Peter

That looks like a great idea Zoran. I have the same problem myself and changed to a 15:1 ratio winch but I still find it difficult to wind up my Stejcraft 1/2 cabin on steep ramps. I have a torn bicep muscle that doesn't help! I still have the original 10:1 ratio winch (on which the strap tore) and would love to try something like your invention too. I live nearby at Baulkham Hills. Would you mind PM'ing me you phone number or address so I could come around and have a closer look at how you linked the two winches? Peter

The site has a nice fresh look Mike. Welcome to the Fishraider family.

Besides washing down outside and inside of the frame tube sections when I get back home after an outing I regularly brush cold gal paint on anything that is starting to get a hint of a rusty tinge to it. You'll be nipping future trouble in the bud. The cold gal paint will provide anodic protection to the underlying hot gal coating and should make it last much longer.

Single axle will give you greatly improved maneuverability, especially on the jockey wheel. I'd use a single axle if it can safely carry your weight.

Great result and terrific for the kids. Did you get a measure on the flattie?

Great work guys! Big smiles all around. Very exciting and don't they put up a good fight.

I would always have thought that the practical experience needed to get a boating license would have given a potential boat owner a bit of insight as to the basics of boat safety. You have to wonder how this guy got a license and did he have any boating experience???

Nice one! Do you mind me asking how much beach worm did you use for bait and what size hook would you have been using?

Just rewards for helping the other guy! Well done

I keep the chain shackled in addition to keeping the strap hook in the bow D-ring. Double insurance . I used to just keep the strap hook on but I've been told that this isn't good enough. It really doesn't take long to release the chain shackle and the hook once ready to roll off the trailer.

Great first report. Sounds like there was lots of fun and the day would have gone quickly.

Great video Zoran. Congratulations on what looks like a very strong and neat installation!

Did two overnighters in Waratah Bay in the last month with donuts each time. Just rays.

Thanks GTM. I didn't realise they would be any good to eat. Doing some research I found this post from 2008 that seems to suggest it can be good tucker! Seems I should give it a try next time.

I forgot to mention that while at the old rail bridge pylons I also caught a 600mm jewfish on a half pilchard on a paternoster snapper teaser rig. My first of any size. Plenty of variety! Returned safely of course to grow to legal size next time. The live yakka I had out with a hook through its nose wasn't so lucky. It came back in without a body behind its head. Tailor I presume.

Made the plan to launch at Brooklyn ramp and fish Cowan overnight hoping to catch hairtail. Launched at about 4:00pm and headed to Waratah Bay. Sunset was at 5:00pm. High tide at about 6:00pm. I used a public mooring in the bay and set up two rods with pilchard and chicken thigh, using flashing underwater attractors and my new yellow/green 12V 360 degree LED underwater light. Caught a 545mm Australian salmon, an 750mm shovel nosed ray and a 415mm flathead. No hair tail! The bite went quite by 10:00pm and by midnight I decided to bunk down for some sleep. Awoke at about 5:30am and moved under first light to Flint & Steel but it was too lumpy and windy there. Tried over at Juno Pt but again with an occasional passing shower it was uncomfortable in the SW wind. Moved to the old rail bridge pylons back towards Brooklyn and there caught a 400mm tailor, 420mm flathead around an hour before the 10:30am high tide and my PB yellowfin bream at 395mm. Very happy with that. Best bait was pilchard cubes by far.