Ranger

As it was a nice day today, we decided to head down to Goolwa and grab ourselves a feed.The beach was busy as buggery and getting hit hard. That included the guy who thought his AWD was a 4WD, and got himself bogged at the entrance to the beach, holding up a lengthy string of traffic until a recovery vehicle pulled him out.We only travelled down the beach about 500m, before pulling in, coz we didn't need a great deal, as we only wanted a feed not bait, and expected to get what we wanted in about half an hour.It was a little harder than usual, no doubt due to the sheer numbers working the beach.We stopped at 367, as that's all we needed for a good feed, yet even between me and the missus digging, it still took us near on 2 hours to get this many.Good sizes, with very few small ones amongst them which required measuring.They're purging in seawater overnight, and tomorrow is cook-up time! Bl**dy long way to go, a lot of fuel, and a fair bit of work for a feed though....beats watching cricket though!No pics this time, as you've all seen a cockle before.

If you're only a coupla hundred metres out, all you would need do is wave your arms to attract attention.You can purchase flares from any marine chandlery, about $60 for a set of four (two red, two smoke).I don't know of any kayakers who carry flares. If you do, just be careful not to set ya kayak on fire with them, and pack them well to keep them dry.

If you're only a coupla hundred metres out, all you would need do is wave your arms to attract attention.You can purchase flares from any marine chandlery, about $60 for a set of four (two red, two smoke).I don't know of any kayakers who carry flares. If you do, just be careful not to set ya kayak on fire with them, and pack them well to keep them dry.

Just bring a coupla knives around and try mine out before ya go spending money!

I use baskets, others use onion bags, but you will need something to put the cockles into while doing runs back and forth to your esky.Put enough saltwater into the esky to cover the cockles, and keep them cool.I no longer bother since the new limits were introduced. Like yourself, I live out the northern side of town, and it's a bl**dy long drive from where we are.....we'd eat that many and still have none for bait.My suggestion, if'n you're gonna do it, borrow all the neighbours kids for the day, to gain extra collecting hands (300p/p).Dont forget, 35mm minimum size!And if you're splashing around in the shallows there........that water gets bl**dy cold, hence the wetsuits! Another tip, always face towards the waves, coz turn your back and you're gonna get swamped.If you purge them properly first, they aint just bait either. Chopped fresh garlic, chopped fresh chili, a coupla spoons of chili/garlic sauce,put the lid on until they open, discard any which dont open:

I use baskets, others use onion bags, but you will need something to put the cockles into while doing runs back and forth to your esky.Put enough saltwater into the esky to cover the cockles, and keep them cool.I no longer bother since the new limits were introduced. Like yourself, I live out the northern side of town, and it's a bl**dy long drive from where we are.....we'd eat that many and still have none for bait.My suggestion, if'n you're gonna do it, borrow all the neighbours kids for the day, to gain extra collecting hands (300p/p).Dont forget, 35mm minimum size!And if you're splashing around in the shallows there........that water gets bl**dy cold, hence the wetsuits! Another tip, always face towards the waves, coz turn your back and you're gonna get swamped.If you purge them properly first, they aint just bait either. Chopped fresh garlic, chopped fresh chili, a coupla spoons of chili/garlic sauce,put the lid on until they open, discard any which dont open:

I use baskets, others use onion bags, but you will need something to put the cockles into while doing runs back and forth to your esky.Put enough saltwater into the esky to cover the cockles, and keep them cool.I no longer bother since the new limits were introduced. Like yourself, I live out the northern side of town, and it's a bl**dy long drive from where we are.....we'd eat that many and still have none for bait.My suggestion, if'n you're gonna do it, borrow all the neighbours kids for the day, to gain extra collecting hands (300p/p).Dont forget, 35mm minimum size!And if you're splashing around in the shallows there........that water gets bl**dy cold, hence the wetsuits! Another tip, always face towards the waves, coz turn your back and you're gonna get swamped.If you purge them properly first, they aint just bait either. Chopped fresh garlic, chopped fresh chili, a coupla spoons of chili/garlic sauce,put the lid on until they open, discard any which dont open:

I use baskets, others use onion bags, but you will need something to put the cockles into while doing runs back and forth to your esky.Put enough saltwater into the esky to cover the cockles, and keep them cool.I no longer bother since the new limits were introduced. Like yourself, I live out the northern side of town, and it's a bl**dy long drive from where we are.....we'd eat that many and still have none for bait.My suggestion, if'n you're gonna do it, borrow all the neighbours kids for the day, to gain extra collecting hands (300p/p).Dont forget, 35mm minimum size!And if you're splashing around in the shallows there........that water gets bl**dy cold, hence the wetsuits! Another tip, always face towards the waves, coz turn your back and you're gonna get swamped.If you purge them properly first, they aint just bait either. Chopped fresh garlic, chopped fresh chili, a coupla spoons of chili/garlic sauce,put the lid on until they open, discard any which dont open:

Sounds to me as if you're making the same mistake most of us did when first starting out. ie: trying to use too heavy gear to catch the big fish!Always fish as "light" as possible, and keep it as simple as possible!Use the lightest line which will enable you to catch the desired species. You dont need 20lb line to catch a whiting, and if you choose to use it, your catch rate will decline.....Whiting weigh 2lb, and they will not be fooled by that heavy tackle presented to them.Use the lightest weight which will hold your bait down in the position you cast it.Use the least amount of knots and joins in your rig.Use the smallest hook size suitable for the species.Choose fresh bait which is local to the area, and take a little care placing it on the hook, so that it looks natural and sways in the current.Keep your line tight so that you can feel those small nibbles as the fish test the offering prior to swallowing.Get some berley in to the water to create a smell, to attract the fish to the area, and to get them feeding, as your little piece of bait is gonna be difficult for them to find by itself.Following this, it's a game of quiet and patience.You do not need state of the art gear, as plenty of fish have been caught on handlines, and you dont need deep water to catch fish.From there the learning curve starts, where it's up to you to do your research, finding out what fish inhabit the area, what time of year they are around, what are the best times of day, tides, moon phases and weather conditions to fish....we're all working on that one, and we all have our own ideas!A little tip! Every local jetty has a resident "jetty rat!" He's a little old guy who doesn't walk to the very end of the jetty, but will plonk himself down closer to the shoreline in the shallows. He'll have his hat pulled down over his ears, and he'll keep to himself, but if you watch him, you'll see him quietly adding fish after fish to his bucket, creating little fuss or attention to himself.He's the guy who's been fishing the area for donkey's years, and he's the one to go to for advice! Whatever he's doing, copy it, and when you see him pack up to go home, peak time will be over, and you may as well pack up and leave yourself!If that guy on the footbridge is catching fish and you're not, then he's doing something different to you! Be polite, let him know that you're new to the game, and ask his advice.....if there's one thing fishermen love, it's the chance to brag, and show others how good they are! ;)If you're using gents, stick about half a dozen on a very light gauge hook, and pin them at the thin tail end not the thick head end (they'll stay alive longer and wiggle around in the water).If you're using worms, get a nice length to fill the hook.Always keep the barb of the hook exposed with bait fishing, and ensure your hooks are sharp. If it's old or blunt, sharpen it or replace it, coz that point has to get through a hard and bony mouth, or you'll have no chance.If you dont catch a fish, you've still had a day out, you've done some fatherly bonding with the boys, and they'll still appreciate fish and chips on the way home! Try again next week!

Sounds to me as if you're making the same mistake most of us did when first starting out. ie: trying to use too heavy gear to catch the big fish!Always fish as "light" as possible, and keep it as simple as possible!Use the lightest line which will enable you to catch the desired species. You dont need 20lb line to catch a whiting, and if you choose to use it, your catch rate will decline.....Whiting weigh 2lb, and they will not be fooled by that heavy tackle presented to them.Use the lightest weight which will hold your bait down in the position you cast it.Use the least amount of knots and joins in your rig.Use the smallest hook size suitable for the species.Choose fresh bait which is local to the area, and take a little care placing it on the hook, so that it looks natural and sways in the current.Keep your line tight so that you can feel those small nibbles as the fish test the offering prior to swallowing.Get some berley in to the water to create a smell, to attract the fish to the area, and to get them feeding, as your little piece of bait is gonna be difficult for them to find by itself.Following this, it's a game of quiet and patience.You do not need state of the art gear, as plenty of fish have been caught on handlines, and you dont need deep water to catch fish.From there the learning curve starts, where it's up to you to do your research, finding out what fish inhabit the area, what time of year they are around, what are the best times of day, tides, moon phases and weather conditions to fish....we're all working on that one, and we all have our own ideas!A little tip! Every local jetty has a resident "jetty rat!" He's a little old guy who doesn't walk to the very end of the jetty, but will plonk himself down closer to the shoreline in the shallows. He'll have his hat pulled down over his ears, and he'll keep to himself, but if you watch him, you'll see him quietly adding fish after fish to his bucket, creating little fuss or attention to himself.He's the guy who's been fishing the area for donkey's years, and he's the one to go to for advice! Whatever he's doing, copy it, and when you see him pack up to go home, peak time will be over, and you may as well pack up and leave yourself!If that guy on the footbridge is catching fish and you're not, then he's doing something different to you! Be polite, let him know that you're new to the game, and ask his advice.....if there's one thing fishermen love, it's the chance to brag, and show others how good they are! ;)If you're using gents, stick about half a dozen on a very light gauge hook, and pin them at the thin tail end not the thick head end (they'll stay alive longer and wiggle around in the water).If you're using worms, get a nice length to fill the hook.Always keep the barb of the hook exposed with bait fishing, and ensure your hooks are sharp. If it's old or blunt, sharpen it or replace it, coz that point has to get through a hard and bony mouth, or you'll have no chance.If you dont catch a fish, you've still had a day out, you've done some fatherly bonding with the boys, and they'll still appreciate fish and chips on the way home! Try again next week!

Sounds to me as if you're making the same mistake most of us did when first starting out. ie: trying to use too heavy gear to catch the big fish!Always fish as "light" as possible, and keep it as simple as possible!Use the lightest line which will enable you to catch the desired species. You dont need 20lb line to catch a whiting, and if you choose to use it, your catch rate will decline.....Whiting weigh 2lb, and they will not be fooled by that heavy tackle presented to them.Use the lightest weight which will hold your bait down in the position you cast it.Use the least amount of knots and joins in your rig.Use the smallest hook size suitable for the species.Choose fresh bait which is local to the area, and take a little care placing it on the hook, so that it looks natural and sways in the current.Keep your line tight so that you can feel those small nibbles as the fish test the offering prior to swallowing.Get some berley in to the water to create a smell, to attract the fish to the area, and to get them feeding, as your little piece of bait is gonna be difficult for them to find by itself.Following this, it's a game of quiet and patience.You do not need state of the art gear, as plenty of fish have been caught on handlines, and you dont need deep water to catch fish.From there the learning curve starts, where it's up to you to do your research, finding out what fish inhabit the area, what time of year they are around, what are the best times of day, tides, moon phases and weather conditions to fish....we're all working on that one, and we all have our own ideas!A little tip! Every local jetty has a resident "jetty rat!" He's a little old guy who doesn't walk to the very end of the jetty, but will plonk himself down closer to the shoreline in the shallows. He'll have his hat pulled down over his ears, and he'll keep to himself, but if you watch him, you'll see him quietly adding fish after fish to his bucket, creating little fuss or attention to himself.He's the guy who's been fishing the area for donkey's years, and he's the one to go to for advice! Whatever he's doing, copy it, and when you see him pack up to go home, peak time will be over, and you may as well pack up and leave yourself!If that guy on the footbridge is catching fish and you're not, then he's doing something different to you! Be polite, let him know that you're new to the game, and ask his advice.....if there's one thing fishermen love, it's the chance to brag, and show others how good they are! ;)If you're using gents, stick about half a dozen on a very light gauge hook, and pin them at the thin tail end not the thick head end (they'll stay alive longer and wiggle around in the water).If you're using worms, get a nice length to fill the hook.Always keep the barb of the hook exposed with bait fishing, and ensure your hooks are sharp. If it's old or blunt, sharpen it or replace it, coz that point has to get through a hard and bony mouth, or you'll have no chance.If you dont catch a fish, you've still had a day out, you've done some fatherly bonding with the boys, and they'll still appreciate fish and chips on the way home! Try again next week!

I'm fine with the "essence" of the idea! It's designed to suck in sand to keep the beaches up to scratch, and naturally I'm all for saving the beaches from erosion.It was pretty poorly thought out and planned though! The local council is up in arms, they didn't consider the pipes would stand out as they do, and it's considered quite an eyesore for what is probably our our most attended metro beach close to the city.

I had owned the Fin-Nor OFS7500 and was thinking getting a OFS9500 for the large spool cap @20LB 600m.Then came across this in my search...I’m impressed with this little guy.Have a watch..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Ula6s8kNA&feature=fvwp

Here's a couple of batters I quite like:Tempura Batter1 egg1 cup ice cold water¾ cup flourPinch bicarb sodaBeat egg and water, add flour and bicarb. Do not overbeat.Beer Batterin a bowl combine plain flour and 1 stubbie COLD pale ale. (must be cold) make a cream-like consistency, add salt and pepper to taste, and Vegeta seasoning. (for those of you who havent heard of it, its available from most supermarkets near the chicken salt) Beat together and add 3-4 ice cubes and put in fridge for about ten minutes (this ensures when the batter hits the hot oil it will stay crispy and golden) Pat the fish dry and flour lightly. Dip in Cold batter and straight into VERY hot oil. Fry for 1-2 mins turning about half way through cooking.There are many different types of batter, all of them quite simple. Carbonated water is an alternative to beer, but the secret to any batter is to throw in a few ice cubes to get it really cold, and dont make it too thick.I also dust my fish in rice flour (lighter than normal wheat flour) prior to dunking in the batter. Rice flour is also an alternative to plain flour in the batter if you want something a little lighter.If you like spices, try a mix of sea salt, white pepper, chili flakes and chinese 5 spice. It's also suitable for items such as salt and pepper squid which is floured prior to cooking. It is also good to mix in with anything crumbed.For very delicate flavoured fish such as KG Whiting or Garfish, I wouldn't use a batter at all, but instead just a light dusting with flour, lightly fried, pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon. Save the batter for hardier flavoured fish.

When the sea lice come out to play, I just pack up and go home, as I've found the fishing is generally pretty crappy when the lice are around.

Good on ya for making the effort, and getting off ya backside for something you believe in!

Just as "constructive" criticism, I'm wondering as to the worth of a rolling convoy blocking traffic, when a few tens of thousand of locals are attempting to get their screaming kids to the royal show?People are generally happy to support a cause........until it actually inconveniences them, then the whole thing can backfire by way of public opinion.In having said that, good on those who get off their bums for something they believe in.

Hi GuysJust letting those that fish the Pt Gawler area in a boat that when I went there yesterday for a fish with the kids that some mongrels have dumped a stolen car upside down and torched slap in the middle of the ramp.When the tide is low it makes it impossible to launch, there was also a BF falcon wagon torched in the carpark as well. Talk about stuffing up our day after spending time collecting bait with the kids we arrive at the ramp to our disappointment not able to have a fish. A quick trip back to the Port and some ST's on the troll saved the day but I had really talked up catching a few bream.After the week before effort where I ventured to a different creek and had just started catching a few bream and YF whiting to have a bloody big seal show up and then proceed to follow us wherever we went forcing us to give up and head home. This thing was persistent it followed us for several k's both up and down the creek. In all my many years of fishing mangrove creeks this is the first time Ive ever seen a seal in one.Hopefully next trip wont be ruined. cheerssnapps

Lemme see:

Lemme see: