2008 Season

2008 has been quite a fishy year. Starting with a new boat in April. I've been fishing quite regularly since I have the new boat. The boat is decked out for lure fishing, with high casting platforms. I mainly fish the harbour and Parramatta river since it's very convenient for me.

Before my old haines was sold in one of the last few sessions I had with her, I landed a 79cm Dusky Flathead from the Parra. That's my PB on lure, PB on bait is 85cm. Let her go to fight another day, although she hardly fought when I caught her.

In Summer the harbour was fillled with a large number of rat kingfish, although they are quite small ~60cm they still can pack quite a punch on light gear. My choice of tackle is the Daiwa Branzino matched to a majorcraft Offblow. Surface lures such as the Halco Roostas, River2sea pencil baits, Tango Dancers works well in the early morning when they are actively feeding in the surface. when the sun is up I switched to plastics. 4" power minnow is the to go lure. matched with 1/4oz jighead depending on the current. Early morning sessions will get my mate and myself an average of 5-8 kingfish, the numbers can double for a whole day session.

Here's the approach on how to catch the kings in the habour. The smaller rats like to hang around structures, channel markers are a favourite hangout place for them. Stop the boat about 10-15m away from the markers, cast the lures as close as possible to it and work it back to the boat. Often you'll see 10 kings under the one lure funny buggers they are. It only takes one idiot to spoil it all for you. If another boat comes too close or if they point the engine to the marker the fish will be put off and the bite usually dies after that.

If anyone knows where the big kings hang around let me know because I'm still hunting for them :-)

Rig for kingfish fishing is double bimini twist on 23lbs braid, tied to a 20lbs Nitlon FC leader with an improved albright knot. I use the Decoy egg clips so lure change can be done in a matter of seconds.

I also caught my first Australian Bass this year from the Nepean River. They fight pretty hard compared to breams. Other highlight is my wife's 38cm PB bream from Parra river in winter. Marinco caught the first fish on the new boat ! that was very rude of him :-)

Stay tuned for the 2009 update....