Taylor

Kingy Kid I have just been to Lord Howe 1/11 - 8/11. A great time. While there I went out with Green back charters and had a great afternoon fishing. We were about 10 kms out - catching livies, watching the dolphins and preparing to catch kingfish. 6 on the boat fishing was fairly crowded and would suggest you try to have only 4 otherwise everyone is along one side of the boat. Between the 6 of us - we all hooked into kingfish that hit the bait like a runaway train and are chased by sharks. I have 2 bitten off by sharks and ended up pulling in a 6' shark. All up 4 kingfish boarded with one have two bites out of it (sharks), 6 sharks pulled along side and released, 3 black cod pulled in and very quickly returned to the water. It turned out very rough on the way back and we bounced our way back into the lagoon where David (I thnk that was the skippers name) cleaned the fish giving the scraps to small sharks, after which he took the fish home and filleted them dropping off a nice supply to all those on boatd. A great afternoon. I did notice that some rock fishermen were taken out by the small glass bottom boats and deposited on ledges, I believe just at the edge of the lagoon or maybe outside it. They report great fishing and had brought all their own gear, where on the charter it was all supplied. I had hoped to fish off the pier that was unfortunately in the process of being refurbished but it had big fish hanging around and available to catch if you were lucky. It will probably be finished when you go. I hope you have a great trip. If you want to ask anything please feel free to contact me - PM is OK or reply to this and I should get it. Cheers Claire

David, Geoff & Aron I just have to add my comment that I am VERY IMPRESSED with the organisation of your fishing gear. I continually try different setups but have never succeeded in getting it to your standards. How marvelous to have everything labeled and easily accessable. I think my problem probably partly stems from having collected far to much gear. My husband has suggested that I have enough to start my own tackle shop, which I must agree is probably true. I did at one time sort hooks, swivels, sinkers etc into fresh and saltwater containers, then found I needed to use some out of each box. Anyway the suggestions given by those replying to the topic and the photos that have been posted have inspired me once again to ATTEMPT to get it all organised properly. A great topic. Claire

David Lucky you. I have never caught a Bass as it is on my wish list. Big or small doesnt matter. You caught one. Well done. Claire

David Great report. I am glad to see you are enjoying your boat and having fun with your son. Good for him for letting the big flathead go free. I like the photo and the smile. I hope to hear of lots more tales of you and your son. Pick the photos coming. Regards Claire T

David Once again a great report. Well done to you and Geoff. So nice to see fish being caught but some being returned eg the large female flathead, to keep up the supply of fish. Regards Claire

David Congratulations to you and Andy on a successful day out. It looks like Andy is going to turn into a great fisherman like his dad. Claire

David The new additions are looking just great. With all the new mod cons you will be able to go out and have lots of fun knowing that the boat is well set up. By the sound of it you and Geoff had a great time doing the alterations. It looks just the right size for you and your 6 1/2 and 8 year old to get out on the water. Three in a boat no matter what size they or the boat is are about all I like, otherwise you run out of space. This looks like it will be great up rivers as well. I am sure you going to get many years of fun out of it, making all the hard work well worth it. This is the size and set up I would have liked if I hadnt spotted my boat first. Your size of boat is so versatile. Have a great time. Regards Claire

David Sorry to hear you and Geoff did not have the expected "great day on the water". Down here in Melbourne I was envying the fishing experience you were expecting to have. The parasites you describe sound very nasty. If you come across one another time, and I hope you dont, can you post a photo of it as I am sure others would also be interested to see what is attacking the fish. By the sound of it you both had fun catching lots of flatties, some two at a time and brought some fish for a nice feed. I hope the next trip is in better conditions when you head outside. Say Hi to Geoff for me. Regards Claire

fishn No you havent babbled on too much. All the info is very useful. Regards C Taylor

David Thanks for introducing yourself. Geoff has spoken of you many times and your adventures together. Yes the trip to Darwin was just great, and something I would love to repeat next year, but I wait to see if thats possible. Unfortunately the $s come into it and as you would appreciate we are involved in a sport that is not inexpensive, but well worth it. I must say the 2 main highlights for me were being at Corroboree Billabong before daylight, and racing across the water to get to a set spot for "lines in" at 6.30AM. The other top one was fishing at night from the bank at Shady Camp and catching my first Barra. Ah, so sweet were those times. I must admit I am jealous of some of the places that you and Geoff go to, especially around Pt Stephens and Port Hacking. Going out to the islands with an experienced skipper at the helm must make you feel that you can tackle any spot you so desire. Lucky things. Anyway thanks for the posting. PS I have enjoyed the reports I have read that you have posted on fishing websites. Say Hi to Geoff for me. Regards Claire

Thanks to those that have replied. I have replied directly to FISHN with these comments: There are two adults travelling, thanks, and if necessary we can sleep on the floor of the boat (I have done this on land only so far). We have a porta potti on board if required, and have all necessary lights for being on the water at night. We have an overnight, quick to erect tent if on land. I have the website for the NSW Waterways which have some great maps. Any camping spots you can recommend would be appreciated. And if there is any other info you can pass on, I am happy to hear. Thanks C Taylor

Hi I am from Melbourne and hoping to fish and camp along the Hawksbury in late March 05. I am hoping this will take about a week with 4 days up and and 3 back. Another option is to camp part way along and use it as a base, Are there any camping grounds, boat ramps, or sections of the river that are good OR are there any poor sections and places to ignore? I will be in a Webster 4.6 Runabout with a 60HP 4 stroke which holds 60 Litres so a fuel pick up point would be useful also. All camping equipment will be transported in the boat so my car and trailer will need to be left somewhere secure. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks in anticipation. Regards C Taylor