Burger

As a fisherman with a science background having worked as an analyst at CSIRO as part of a heavy metals in fresh water study, the studies of the Dioxin contamination were of interest to me.

Many years ago I found and had a look at the papers on which recommendations were based and to me the numbers of samples and the range of results were only borderline statistically valid. The sample sizes of fishes tested were small and the result range varied greatly for each type of fish.

Further, their only survey seemed to be a one off event in that year (I think 2004?) rather than a regular sample program over the course of a year or years which may have better included fishes movements.

I think I recall another study in maybe 2017 that was done that gave similar results to 2004 for 20 fish of 20 species….. again think it was a single event study.

Do I eat fish from West of the bridge, yes I do. However I’m primarily a Luderick fisherman and they’re mainly vego’s as well as being a species that migrate in and out of estuaries for spawning.

Would I eat bream or flatties from further upstream, possibly not.

In my mind the ‘Harbour Bridge’ demarcation point was used cos it’s a bloody obvious spot, rather than for any science based reason.

Anyway, that’s just my 2c worth everyone needs to make their own decisions on whether they eat fish from Sydney Harbour.

Excellent work sharing your experience @Steve0! 👍👍

I've put my 2c worth in also.

15 hours ago, Koalaboi said:

if you use the technique of releasing the spool a little earlier when you cast, you will find the momentum of the heavier outfit leads to long accurate casts. It needs practice. I don't think  that stripping line before you cast is needed.

This was how I was taught for my Luds rockfishing!

It's almost like letting the float 'drop' a bit at the start of the cast and works with the heavier rockfishing float and sinkers.

I do use various line stripping casts in the harbour dependant on how long a cast is needed.

15 hours ago, Koalaboi said:

we all need to find a technique that works for us so try all the suggestions you get and if it works then you're in business.

 

The dark art is such a wonderful source for discussion about techniques and gear.

You gotta love chasing luds!

What he said!

Think using the front loader here for spinning my weed would NOT go down well…. I’m nowhere near brave enough to try that 🤣

@Green Hornet Does this work on both string and cabbage?

2 hours ago, NewToFishing said:

definitely will wear shorts next time

An old pair of board shorts are a good choice . .. . nice and light when wet. 

2 hours ago, noelm said:

The first picture looks like the perfect Blackfish spot, good water, lots of Green Weed growing there, seems to be made of them (in my opinion) 

Have to agree with Noel,  my pulse jumped looking at that spot!

2nd photo too in the right swell…. Lots of good washes and cabbage there too by the looks.

Good to see DerekD also taught you the most important part of Luderick fishing…..

Dont give away your fishing or weed spots in your photos! 😂🤣😉

Congratulations Larkin! Awesome effort and thanks for sharing with us!

15 minutes ago, XD351 said:

Also a by election coming up down there -pandering for votes ?

She IS a politician . . . . . 

7 minutes ago, XD351 said:

The feeling of contributing to rec fishing by paying my fishing fee is now well and truly gone for this fisho . 

I'm in this boat too.

Minister Moriarty has had a knee jerk POLITICAL reaction to pressure from the Animal Justice League nutters.

No science, no research, no knowledge.

Both Yowie and Nolem offer good advice!

Swell wraps around headlands depending on the direction its coming from and will break on any ledge on an angle. The intensity drops as it wraps, but it will still impact the ledge.

So your Easterly ledge will still get swell from ALL directions.

I am in agreement with nolem, in that I am not a believer in 'freak waves'.  Swell sets may/do join each other especially when swells are coming from multiple directions resulting in a larger set.

There may also be a wind swell on top of a base swell directions.

When rockfishing you need to be watching the swell way out to sea . . eg 200, 300, 400m not just at the waves about to hit your ledge. That way you can see larger waves in time to make a move.

If I was you I'd be starting off with a guide such as Alex B, he will give you a good starting point. Most importantly, it will happen safely!

12 hours ago, faker said:

Slow jigs get tossed around alot in surf

Not sure what you expect to happen . . . I would think this would be normal in the surf?

I know I get tossed around and I weigh PLENTY more than a jig 😂

That's some fine looking snow Zoran!

Canada?

Sounds like you had a good trip Big N!  
Coopernook has a great little pub, bloody good spot for a feed and a beer.

We used to use skirt steak on the Hawkesbury many (many) years ago ... I think maybe it resembles a bit of guts or maybe a worm? and for a while the scent of blood adds to the allure ?

Used to get flatties and bream on it, was one of dad's favourite baits. 

37 minutes ago, Derny Driver said:

I docked my boat every morning at the Waterline Boathouse cafe and wine bar and just watched the world go by.

That sounds very nice! We do the same at Yamba Shores when up there on holidays . .  . but without the boat part 😆 

I work nearby to this and the wharf she had a dip off was only built in the last month or so, the netted is likely off another property they probably don't have access to.

Why anyone would have a dip in the harbour at that time is beyond me.

Bush Tick, that was the other one! Thanks Blackfish!

1 hour ago, Blackfish said:

Im a bit like @noelm we got plenty of ticks because we lived opposite bush and kids being kids would romp around and getting tick was pretty common

Yep. same over my way too . . . small bit of bush beside us and a big gully down the back meant regular tick checks.

We too lost a dog to a tick as well.

I seem to recall different types of ticks . . . .  small ones that got called grass ticks and you got more than one of them at a time, then the bigger ones that you usually only got one of.

That's a while ago now 😆

Pretty sure no-one here will be bored with fishing history! Please do share if you have time  amongst you move Noel!

Most excellent offer on your part @XD351!

Hiya Birdy,

The magbream is apparently extended about 6”, it’s not superlight and has the reel seat very towards the butt like old school Alvey set up.

No way I could hold it all day, but I’m also an unfit old bastard.

I think moving the reel seat forward would balance the rod better and have it feel lighter as a result.

Cheers, stu.