Ranger

I think any form of trip anchor has to be a wise move.I use a Trustwell, but unfortunately, since the death of the designer back in the mid 80's, these are no longer produced.There IS one sitting at the bottom of the Port River though, for anyone interested to have a dig around!

I'm gonna give away a bit of a secret here, so keep it to yaselves!DOWNRIGGING!It's something commonly used in freshwater, but something overlooked and neglected in the salt, and something which is almost unheard of here in SA.Slow troll (bout 1.5 knots for Mulloway) a livebait about 1m off the bottom of the channel. When a fish takes the bait, it disconnects from the downrigger bomb and you're free to fight the fish unhindered by extra weight.Virtually no-one is doing it here, yet it's a successful method of picking up many species.In the days before sounders/gps this is how the pro's used to find their snapper.Wait till winter and you'll see my little centre console out there going back and forth in the port river, while I sit there cold, miserable and probably wet, exposed to the elements, with no canopy or shelter, waiting endlessly and watching my sounder for that BIG fish to come along, as water drips off my nose and trickles down my back!Fishing, gotta love it! ;D

Five bucks! I'd expect a three course meal if I were paying that much!...........Oh yeah, that's right, soup and dessert is included in that price! ;DThen I get my own gate key so's I can let myself in any time day or night, I have my own private ramps and floating pontoons, all with no waiting! Wash bays, cleaning tables, toilets, showers, barbeque and barbeque area, fridge, free tea and cofffee, floodlights operated on a timer so's I can see to launch and retreive in the dark, and all monitored by 24 hour video surveillance, so's I know while I'm out that my car and trailer is safely tucked away!Then they organise tea nights, monthly fishing competitions, trips away, Bream & Mulloway nights, swap meets.If I launch at North Haven once per month, over the period of the year it'd cost the same as my yearly membership!Yep, ya'd have to be crazy to join a boat club!

I too lean towards a fast action rod! Having said that though, if you look towards a slower action, this will help you to really load the rod up on the cast, and you can then punch the lures out further.My 6'8" Rack Raider feels like a broomstick (so does the 7'2" Bream Finesse), and it's heavy!

statesquider wrote:I often use a rig with two floats. A berley float in front, and a pencil float behind, for when the fish are a bit touchy, as Gar can often be.You will see the two floats sit directly in line (indian file) when in the water, and you just watch the pencil float carefully. As soon as you see it starting to turn a little to the side so that the two floats are no longer in a straight line, it's time to strike.

A good berley should contain different densities of ingredients, so that it completely fills the water column.
 
-cockle or crab shells which sit in the bottom
-fish flesh which suspends mid water
-cereals which float near the surface
-oil to bind the berley and spread the scent
 
A berley trail must be ongoing and unbroken, which the fish can follow to your boat, so if berleying by hand, small amounts frequently.
 
A berley should be used to attract the fish, not feed them, although it can contain chunks of whatever bait you are using to help hide the fact that some pieces will contain hooks.
 
For my berley I always used whtever was at hand at the time. Old bait, out of date fish, cockle or crab shells, prawn heads and shells, then I'd raid the pantry to add cereals (bread, corn flakes, etc), cans of sardines, dog food, whatever I could find.
 
I'd shred my berley in the wifes food processor, add some tuna or fish oil, then freeze it in individual containers which were the right size to fit into my berley pot.....as the berley thaws in the water a constant trail is let out.

A good berley should contain different densities of ingredients, so that it completely fills the water column.
 
-cockle or crab shells which sit in the bottom
-fish flesh which suspends mid water
-cereals which float near the surface
-oil to bind the berley and spread the scent
 
A berley trail must be ongoing and unbroken, which the fish can follow to your boat, so if berleying by hand, small amounts frequently.
 
A berley should be used to attract the fish, not feed them, although it can contain chunks of whatever bait you are using to help hide the fact that some pieces will contain hooks.
 
For my berley I always used whtever was at hand at the time. Old bait, out of date fish, cockle or crab shells, prawn heads and shells, then I'd raid the pantry to add cereals (bread, corn flakes, etc), cans of sardines, dog food, whatever I could find.
 
I'd shred my berley in the wifes food processor, add some tuna or fish oil, then freeze it in individual containers which were the right size to fit into my berley pot.....as the berley thaws in the water a constant trail is let out.

Exactly mate!
 
I too could travel to West Lakes, see the tangled lines hanging from the power lines and say it entangles and endangers birds...............yet from my own observations, the birds aren't that stupid, so where is the included proof of these claims?
 
There is no methodology included in the report, no data, nor statistical surveys or methods of sampling that can be examined, no author or their qualifications provided....it hardly seems a valid or verifiable scientific report at all!
 
Yes, I've seen birds entangled in discarded line (also plastic bags, beer bottle holders, and other detrius, pollutants and rubbish), yet show me the proof this is happening within close proximity to recreational anglers as stated, and is not instead something the birds have been entangled in elsewhere, or anywhere, possibly even while swimming off shore, while visiting the McDonalds carpark for a chip, alighting on a boat, or even in a residents yard.
 
It seems to me, that a lot of conclusions are being drawn, with no evidence supplied to back up the claims....possibly with preconceived notions which NEED to be verified, resulting in conclusions being skewed to back these notions.
 
I've read a lot of scientific reports in my time, this one hardly seems worth the paper it's printed on. I'm glad that it's been published in a Veterinary magazine, so that it will be opened up to peer review...as all scientific papers should. I'd also be very interested to read some of the peer reviews!
 
It also seems to come at a very convenient time, just when Charles Sturt Council is proposing possible closures to West Lakes.....nothing like adding a bit of fuel to the fire, even if that fuel is not 100% legitimate!

It's under discussion here: http://www.strikehook.com/index.php/topic/24891-boating-and-fishing-at-westlakes-under-threat/
 
I think a little more information is relevant and pertinent before views are expressed.
 
When they say "at certain times" what times are they considering, and for what specific reason.
 
I'm sure some reasons and times would be quite legitimate and pertinent, kie: maintenance of drains, divers checking things such Caleurpa toxifolia, large organised on water events such as dragon boat racing, etc.
 
What I fear is that it instead simply provides unlimited power to the council, to close the lake off at will, for whatever reason they come up with, ie: complaints from residents, litter left behind, noise, dont want non-residents hanging around the area, or simply for no stated reason whatsoever.

A good berley should contain different densities of ingredients, so that it completely fills the water column.
 
-cockle or crab shells which sit in the bottom
-fish flesh which suspends mid water
-cereals which float near the surface
-oil to bind the berley and spread the scent
 
A berley trail must be ongoing and unbroken, which the fish can follow to your boat, so if berleying by hand, small amounts frequently.
 
A berley should be used to attract the fish, not feed them, although it can contain chunks of whatever bait you are using to help hide the fact that some pieces will contain hooks.
 
For my berley I always used whtever was at hand at the time. Old bait, out of date fish, cockle or crab shells, prawn heads and shells, then I'd raid the pantry to add cereals (bread, corn flakes, etc), cans of sardines, dog food, whatever I could find.
 
I'd shred my berley in the wifes food processor, add some tuna or fish oil, then freeze it in individual containers which were the right size to fit into my berley pot.....as the berley thaws in the water a constant trail is let out.

It's under discussion here: http://www.strikehook.com/index.php/topic/24891-boating-and-fishing-at-westlakes-under-threat/
 
I think a little more information is relevant and pertinent before views are expressed.
 
When they say "at certain times" what times are they considering, and for what specific reason.
 
I'm sure some reasons and times would be quite legitimate and pertinent, kie: maintenance of drains, divers checking things such Caleurpa toxifolia, large organised on water events such as dragon boat racing, etc.
 
What I fear is that it instead simply provides unlimited power to the council, to close the lake off at will, for whatever reason they come up with, ie: complaints from residents, litter left behind, noise, dont want non-residents hanging around the area, or simply for no stated reason whatsoever.

It's under discussion here: http://www.strikehook.com/index.php/topic/24891-boating-and-fishing-at-westlakes-under-threat/
 
I think a little more information is relevant and pertinent before views are expressed.
 
When they say "at certain times" what times are they considering, and for what specific reason.
 
I'm sure some reasons and times would be quite legitimate and pertinent, kie: maintenance of drains, divers checking things such Caleurpa toxifolia, large organised on water events such as dragon boat racing, etc.
 
What I fear is that it instead simply provides unlimited power to the council, to close the lake off at will, for whatever reason they come up with, ie: complaints from residents, litter left behind, noise, dont want non-residents hanging around the area, or simply for no stated reason whatsoever.

I don't see political posts to be advertising as such.This is a minor political party working for an interest which directly relates to fishermen.If it's relevant to us, I am certainly happy for it to be posted on our forums, where you can find information, ask questions, or converse with candidates and/or party members.We attempt to provide a broad spectrum of diversity here, hence the involvement of DENR, PIRSA, RECFISH SA (formerly SARFAC), DRFC, angling clubs, tackle stores, bait suppliers, manufacturers, workshops, and any other relevant group of interest to rec fishermen and boaters........SAFLP is no exception to that.All we request in return, is that they each make an attempt to be active participants, for the benefit of site members. SAFLP in my own view is another group working for your interests, so should you wish, it is also in your interest to enter discussions with them, seek information from them, and air your views and opinions with them.Should the political side of the sport not interest you, we make attempts to confine it to limited areas of the forum, so that you as a member may overlook the posts and simply move on to something of greater personal interest.No member is in any way obliged to support, fund, or join any group, club, business or party you may find contributing on these forums......yet they are all here for your interest should you wish to explore them further.

I'd like to remind everyone again that the moderators here are not censors.Anything that conforms to the site policy is allowed, giving negative feedback does not contravene site policy.In this instance I have removed and edited posts as requested by those who posted them.

A local lad with a background in sales, an active interest in local sporting clubs, and a stable marital status............goes a long way to understanding the person behind the name, especially for those of us who intend to vote BELOW the line.

I don't see political posts to be advertising as such.This is a minor political party working for an interest which directly relates to fishermen.If it's relevant to us, I am certainly happy for it to be posted on our forums, where you can find information, ask questions, or converse with candidates and/or party members.We attempt to provide a broad spectrum of diversity here, hence the involvement of DENR, PIRSA, RECFISH SA (formerly SARFAC), DRFC, angling clubs, tackle stores, bait suppliers, manufacturers, workshops, and any other relevant group of interest to rec fishermen and boaters........SAFLP is no exception to that.All we request in return, is that they each make an attempt to be active participants, for the benefit of site members. SAFLP in my own view is another group working for your interests, so should you wish, it is also in your interest to enter discussions with them, seek information from them, and air your views and opinions with them.Should the political side of the sport not interest you, we make attempts to confine it to limited areas of the forum, so that you as a member may overlook the posts and simply move on to something of greater personal interest.No member is in any way obliged to support, fund, or join any group, club, business or party you may find contributing on these forums......yet they are all here for your interest should you wish to explore them further.

My post was not intended as an attack on anyone, a question on self-interest, or to stir trouble.I simply see two small single platform parties, with similar aims and goals, both struggling to gain numbers.The SAFLP is seeking that we join them to provide numbers and support, while the SP is currently also facing a number crisis in attempting to be renamed to include fishers (from the Shooters Party to the Shooters & Fishers Party).I saw it as only logical that these two minor parties consider an amicable meet for discussion, as to mutual gain, especially given that the SP is currently in the process of organising a recruitment meeting here in Adelaide.............have the parties ever made an approach to discuss mutual benefit, similar goals, or even a combined voice at the polls?Wouldn't both parties benefit from shared co-operation? The shooters party has been around a lot longer, with the strength of interstate compatriots and political experience, the SAFLP may have a closer finger to the pulse in regards to local issues.As a fisher (and a shooter myself) the big question for me, is do I throw my own support to the Shooters & Fishers, or to the SA Fishing & Lifestyle?..........after all, I do have to make a decision come time to cast my vote, and I currently see two parties fighting for the same purpose, and both struggling with numbers.Which of the two will provide greater benefit, which of the two has a greater chance at gaining a seat, are they currently depriving each other of numbers, will this split path see failure for both, is there a better way? Geez, on that note would they also benefit from discussions with other "libertarian" groups/parties (Liberal Democratic Party, Australian Sex Party, Australian Libertarian Society, etc)?I'm just looking at the picture as an outsider, and an outsider with a vote to cast. Now I've never been a big fan of single platform parties. In the past I've always considered education, employment, infrastructure, healthcare, etc, to take presidence over any of the single issue parties, hence my vote has always gone towards a major party based on their current policies.Yet I currently have shooters telling me I MUST become a member of the Shooting Party to provide strength and support.I currently have the fishers telling me I MUST become a member of the Fishers Party to provide strength and support.I currently have big concerns over shooting related issues, government restrictions, overbearing legislation, and the way legal licensed shooters are being portrayed and condemned in this country. I currently also have big concerns about fishing related issues, the marine parks, and management of our resources.So what do I do?1) Decide my shooting is currently at greater threat and requires representation2) Decide the marine park fiasco needs to take presidence over my shooting concerns3) Toss a coin4) Vote for the one who will represent both shooters and fishers 5) Decide neither party have the numbers to make any difference, so again vote for one of the major parties insteadI gotta say, at the moment I'm preferring a party which will represent both fishing and shooting, but with numbers being so poor (for both parties), I recon I'll probably end up again voting for one of the big two instead.......I'd like to see that change, so that a preferred party at least stands a fighting chance where my vote would actually be worthwhile if thrown to them, rather than wasted.I currently see Labor too busy infighting to worry about governing.I currently see Abbott hiding behind a no policy policy, instead directing all his efforts to tell us how bad the other party is.I currently see the Greens living in fairyland.I currently see SAFLP & SP both asking for my membership money, vying for the same vote, but neither telling me exactly what they intend to do if given the chance.At the moment no party has won me over, yet I have excluded no party (well, except for the greens).Whatever your party, whatever your platform, I wanna see names, I wanna see numbers, I want you to explain EXACTLY what your policies are, EXACTLY what it is you intend to do, EXACTLY how you intend to go about it, and EXACTLY what is your vision for the future. I want this up front, and I want this without having to pay to join any party first.As a voter you get elected to represent ME.....I'm a voter, not a puppet, nor a charitable contributor/funder.I wanna vote with my head, not my heart, and I want my vote to make a difference..........convince me!

A local lad with a background in sales, an active interest in local sporting clubs, and a stable marital status............goes a long way to understanding the person behind the name, especially for those of us who intend to vote BELOW the line.

Hopefully the preceding post will give you a fair idea of who I am.

Bio for Neil Armstrong, Born Ashford Hospital Adelaide South Australia 1951Grew up in Clovelly Park, a southern suburb of AdelaideMoved to Papua New Guinea at 14 for just over one year. (Dad had a temporary transfer) Returned from PNG at 15, completed secondary education at Marion High School.Work historyStarted work at “Marion Hardware” store at 17Managed seven days a week hardware store “O’halloran Hill Paint & Hardware” at 19Sales rep/merchandiser for various companies for several yearsA two-year stint with the Australian Bureau of StatisticsVarious foodservice sales positions for Unilever Pty Ltd (from sales rep to account manager), for 13 years.Various other sales positions from sales rep to merchandiser for 11 years and currently part time sales representative selling South Australian olive oil to cafes, hotels, etc.Community involvementPlayed football (Aussie rules) from 8 till 24years old. Edwardstown f/c & Mitchell Park f/c.Also played competitive volleyball 5 yearsCoached primary school football 4 yearsInvolved in surf lifesaving with Port Noarlunga Surf Lifesaving Club, for 9 years. (Coaching, junior chairman, committee person junior and senior, house manager/licensee; won clubman of the year and best patrol awards.)InterestsShooting/hunting, till the gov’t made it almost impossible.Fishing, jetty, beach, boat and rock from age 7. I have fished most areas of the state and own a near new Stacer Northern Fisher 16-foot centre console aluminium boat. Obtaining a fair go for fishersGardening and the Outdoors Marital statusMarried 41 years, two sons, 41 & 37, two grandsons 11 & 18 months and one newborn granddaughter.OtherStood for Upper House (Legislative Council) in last two state elections 2005 & 2009. On behalf of Rec Fishers.Stood for Senate in Federal Election as lead candidate in SA for The Australian Fishing and Lifestyle Party 2007

My post was not intended as an attack on anyone, a question on self-interest, or to stir trouble.I simply see two small single platform parties, with similar aims and goals, both struggling to gain numbers.The SAFLP is seeking that we join them to provide numbers and support, while the SP is currently also facing a number crisis in attempting to be renamed to include fishers (from the Shooters Party to the Shooters & Fishers Party).I saw it as only logical that these two minor parties consider an amicable meet for discussion, as to mutual gain, especially given that the SP is currently in the process of organising a recruitment meeting here in Adelaide.............have the parties ever made an approach to discuss mutual benefit, similar goals, or even a combined voice at the polls?Wouldn't both parties benefit from shared co-operation? The shooters party has been around a lot longer, with the strength of interstate compatriots and political experience, the SAFLP may have a closer finger to the pulse in regards to local issues.As a fisher (and a shooter myself) the big question for me, is do I throw my own support to the Shooters & Fishers, or to the SA Fishing & Lifestyle?..........after all, I do have to make a decision come time to cast my vote, and I currently see two parties fighting for the same purpose, and both struggling with numbers.Which of the two will provide greater benefit, which of the two has a greater chance at gaining a seat, are they currently depriving each other of numbers, will this split path see failure for both, is there a better way? Geez, on that note would they also benefit from discussions with other "libertarian" groups/parties (Liberal Democratic Party, Australian Sex Party, Australian Libertarian Society, etc)?I'm just looking at the picture as an outsider, and an outsider with a vote to cast. Now I've never been a big fan of single platform parties. In the past I've always considered education, employment, infrastructure, healthcare, etc, to take presidence over any of the single issue parties, hence my vote has always gone towards a major party based on their current policies.Yet I currently have shooters telling me I MUST become a member of the Shooting Party to provide strength and support.I currently have the fishers telling me I MUST become a member of the Fishers Party to provide strength and support.I currently have big concerns over shooting related issues, government restrictions, overbearing legislation, and the way legal licensed shooters are being portrayed and condemned in this country. I currently also have big concerns about fishing related issues, the marine parks, and management of our resources.So what do I do?1) Decide my shooting is currently at greater threat and requires representation2) Decide the marine park fiasco needs to take presidence over my shooting concerns3) Toss a coin4) Vote for the one who will represent both shooters and fishers 5) Decide neither party have the numbers to make any difference, so again vote for one of the major parties insteadI gotta say, at the moment I'm preferring a party which will represent both fishing and shooting, but with numbers being so poor (for both parties), I recon I'll probably end up again voting for one of the big two instead.......I'd like to see that change, so that a preferred party at least stands a fighting chance where my vote would actually be worthwhile if thrown to them, rather than wasted.I currently see Labor too busy infighting to worry about governing.I currently see Abbott hiding behind a no policy policy, instead directing all his efforts to tell us how bad the other party is.I currently see the Greens living in fairyland.I currently see SAFLP & SP both asking for my membership money, vying for the same vote, but neither telling me exactly what they intend to do if given the chance.At the moment no party has won me over, yet I have excluded no party (well, except for the greens).Whatever your party, whatever your platform, I wanna see names, I wanna see numbers, I want you to explain EXACTLY what your policies are, EXACTLY what it is you intend to do, EXACTLY how you intend to go about it, and EXACTLY what is your vision for the future. I want this up front, and I want this without having to pay to join any party first.As a voter you get elected to represent ME.....I'm a voter, not a puppet, nor a charitable contributor/funder.I wanna vote with my head, not my heart, and I want my vote to make a difference..........convince me!

I don't see political posts to be advertising as such.This is a minor political party working for an interest which directly relates to fishermen.If it's relevant to us, I am certainly happy for it to be posted on our forums, where you can find information, ask questions, or converse with candidates and/or party members.We attempt to provide a broad spectrum of diversity here, hence the involvement of DENR, PIRSA, RECFISH SA (formerly SARFAC), DRFC, angling clubs, tackle stores, bait suppliers, manufacturers, workshops, and any other relevant group of interest to rec fishermen and boaters........SAFLP is no exception to that.All we request in return, is that they each make an attempt to be active participants, for the benefit of site members. SAFLP in my own view is another group working for your interests, so should you wish, it is also in your interest to enter discussions with them, seek information from them, and air your views and opinions with them.Should the political side of the sport not interest you, we make attempts to confine it to limited areas of the forum, so that you as a member may overlook the posts and simply move on to something of greater personal interest.No member is in any way obliged to support, fund, or join any group, club, business or party you may find contributing on these forums......yet they are all here for your interest should you wish to explore them further.