Shadow11

The areas of concern in regard to being “hurt” or “stung” are the dorsal and pectoral fins. So there is 3 spines in total. These fins are located behind the head on each side and on the top of the fish behind the head (refer to the image above).The spines contained in the dorsal and pectoral fin contain a venom that causes edema (swelling) and a hemolytic (causes increased blood flow in the area of the injury) if these spines puncture the skin. Once you cut them all off, fillet the fish and bait up!

Funnily enough I had the same problem when I was fishing in the Clarence River. The trick is to use the Catfish as the bait. Firstly, bream love it and secondly Catfish don't like to eat themselves. I have no idea why it works, but I use it religously. When you catch the Catfish, kill it as quickly and safetly as possible. Then before you fillet the fish, grab a pair of pliars and rip out ALL the spines to reduce the possibility of any accidents. Then fillet the fish and cut the fillet into strips and get to work catching those Bream! Happy hunting!

Thanks for the correction Shakey55, and thanks for the welcome from boattart as well! I look forward to getting out on the water and having a good fish. Cheers, Phill

G'day Raiders, Recently moved to Sydney for work and live in Sydney's southern suburbs (Gymea) near the Hacking River. I have a 4.45m Quintrex Centre Console with a 50HP Honda on the back. I'm interested in learning the waterways and shown the ropes in regards to Bateman's Bay and possibly Botany Bay and all rivers/esturies inbetween. I normally bait fish as my soft plastic/hard body techniques could use some definate fine tuning and re-adjustment. Just looking for some keen fisherman who are full of wisdom and can impart some experience and knowledge my way. I work full time so weekends is the only time I can fish. If your interested feel free to PM me. Cheers, Phill