queensland Brisbane River Session #29, #30, And #31!

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

Hey everyone

I have been a bit of a slacker posting up some of my reports, and in between school, feeling crook, fishing , and other assorted things I have not had the most time. I am doing it now though, so it is time for a three in one report. The first will be on Sunday the 7th, and the next last Saturday arvo and last Sunday morning. Here is the first trip (probably the most exciting) -

So, I arrived at the park at about ten to three and got the lines in (after getting the gear out). I initially baited them with dead prawns, and chucked them out. The tide was going out, which is my preferable tide in that area. I then got to cast netting, which resulted in about five prawns. Two of them were large enough to use for salmon, and the other two were a better size for the bream/cod lines. This took about fifteen minutes, but once I went back up onto the pier to take a break the rod casted towards the middle of the river went off. I sprung up and picked up the line, slowly lifting the rod tip and tightening the drag at the same time so I didn't pull the hooks. I was on, but to my disappointment, after a short fight, a small catty came up. Oh well, I thought. I took a quick pic, and then chucked it back in the drink. Here it is - 

I did a bit of brightening on that photo as well, because when I took it my lenses on the phone were fogged up. 

Just after he was released, the rod next to the pylons went off. I picked it up as quick as anything, but to my disappointment I had dropped it, or it had missed the hook up. There was a group of people speaking a different language (Mandarin or another Asian language) watching me pull up the catfish. When I dropped the other fish, and said, "Bugger!", they all laughed.  

I did some more cast netting, and I watched many small pickers take my baits. I think this is one big problem with dead baits, especially when fishing landbased. While I was cast netting, a couple more smaller prawns came up, which were good for livies on the two smaller lines. After I pinned them through the tail, they looked as good as any other prawn (except for the fact a big metal hook was a feature ). Between sitting down and bait checking lines, the time flew by. It was soon four thirty, and I gave one my re bait. Then, I looked down to the jetty. The salmon line was buckled over! I ran down, really hoping for it to be another salmon. 

At first, I was adamant it was. It had the right weight, and had taken a good livie. As it came closer and closer to the surface though, I doubted it more and more. After a two minute skull drag, to my utter disgust, a monsterous catfish came up. I asked the passers by to get the net (mainly so I could move the thing), and brang it up. The photo was just a crappy one, but you can still see the general size. (50 cm) Here it is - 

After that catfish, I only needed to wait about 15 minutes until the next rod went off. I picked it up and set the hook, and proceeded to drag in another catfish. I am actually quite surprised I've been catching some, as it is Winter. I guess that day they were just on the bite, because even if they aren't as active they still need to feed. Here it is - 

OK, so that is the first report out of this three parter done. Here are the stats - 

Statistics of the trip  -

Tide: 11:50AM, 1.8M, high, 5:50PM, .2M, Low

Bait used: Prawns, live and dead

Bait caught: Prawns

Weather: Slightly cloudy, light wind

Tackle Used: Ugly Stik 6'6" and 8' Rods, 2500 and 1000 Shimano Nasci and Sienna, 2M Rogue Firepoint boat rod, 650 Size Penn Reel, 14lb and 30lb braid mainlines, 15lb and 30lb fluorocarbon leaders, 80lb trace, 4/o circle and suicide hooks, size 2 and six ball and bean sinkers, large barrel swivel. 

Fish Caught: Catfish, Forktail, x 3

Time Fished: 2:50PM - 5:20PM

Overall Success Rate: 60% - At least I got a new PB (yucky catfish ) 

Now, to the next report. This one isn't going to be very long, as I didn't even manage any photos. I got down to the park at about the same time as last time, and chucked the lines out. The tide was rising this time, so after a couple snags on the line out in the channel, I moved it into the channel/eddy created by the pylons. While I was cast netting, I saw this line go off. I didn't think it was much, and I was right. Pickered. This happened numerous times, and I couldn't stop it. I just had to wait for a hook-up. 

While cast netting, I had some good live prawns. I chucked them into the bucket, with the aerator on. Since it had been so quiet, I didn't really expect anything... But as I was walking back up, I saw the rod going off. I jogged up, really hoping it would be hooked up. To my surprise/happiness, I could set the hook. The fight initially started with some soft but brutal head shakes, like whatever it was was trying to throw the hook. Then, as I began to bring it up, it went screaming off. It was only a short run, but it was a fast one. I was now very curious to see what this fish would be. I kept the line tight, and I kept pulling it up, but to my disappointment when I pulled it up it was nothing more exciting than a dirty, old, rotten pike. . It would've been about 1 metre, give or take. When I pulled it out of the water, it started having goes at me, so since I am me I was to chicken to lift it over the edge. This turned out to be the fatal decision... In about 20 seconds, my 15lb leader must've frayed, as it snapped. The pike was released, much to my irritation, as it would've been coming home for some baits. I didn't get a picture of this one, sorry. 

After that, I still had some fishing time left... So, obviously, I kept fishing!  Re-baiting the lines and cast netting was quite exhausting,  and I went through a good amount of dead prawns. "Oh well", I thought, "That's what they're for". I cannot remember to many fine details of the trip as it was about a week ago from now, and I am no elephant . That is this one done, even though it is shorter than usual. I've decided to not bore everyone with a long report with no fish. 

Here are the stats of the trip - 

Tide: .6M, 11:20AM, Low, 1.6M, 5:00PM, High - I fished the running out tide

Moon Phase: Third quarter

Bait used: Prawns, live and dead

Tackle Used: Ugly Stik rods, 6"6' and 8", Shimano Sienna and Nasci, Size 1000 and 2500, Size 650 Penn reel, 2M Rogue Firepoint boat rod, 14lb braid mainlines, 30lb braid mainline, 15lb and 30lb fluorocarbon leader, 80lb trace, size 2 and 6 ball sinker, large barrel swivel.

Bait caught: Prawns

Time fished: 3:00PM-5:20PM

Overall Success Rate: 50% - At least it wasn't a donut

Thanks for reading that one everyone, now you've only got one more to endure (). The last one was on Sunday Morning. It was also quite special, as i took some of the scouts in my troop to show them how to fish. I was required to do this for my Scout Individual Sportsmanship Badge, which goes towards the Pioneer Badge (sorry for nerding out about scouts). I arrived a little before seven, and got the lines out. 

I then got the cast net out, to try and get some live bait. Since my dad was with me though, he decided to have a go with the cast net. He didn't get many prawns, only a couple, in a short time, he had some herring. Two good ones to be exact. Between this time, all that had happened was a couple picker attacks, so, the day wasn't shaping up to be great. Ideally, we would just be pulling in perch/catfish, one after another, so everyone could have a chance at a fish. Of course, that wasn't going to happen today . The live herring was deployed, and then we waited... But the first fish was not what we expected. I eventually set the hook in one of those 'pickers', which turned out to be a small-eyed gudgeon (yes, it is the thing that we could not identify last time. With the help of Andrew P, we got it eventually) . Here it is - 

Sorry for the pretty-average photo in that, I just took it in my hand because I couldn't be bothered to do it all again on the ground. Now, I think I am in the process of seeing if they are a variety just washed down from some of the rain we've had lately, and if I should release them, because they ARE rare, or if they are like bay grinners, and I should use them for crab bait, bait, etc. 

After that fish, it didn't go quiet, but they just kept picking us. I've used a good amount of prawns on them ... The next hook up came about half an hour later. Nothing eventful really happened in that time, except for my dad cast netting a school of frog-mouth pillies, all of which were gilled straightaway (except for one or two). I picked up the line first, and then set the drag. He was just continuously reeling in the whole time, even though I told him to lift and wind as you brang it down, but it didn't really matter as he was keeping a taut line. The fish was taking out line, making me think it was something OK. Unfortunately, it dropped the hook, which was annoying. 

For the next hour or so, it was very quiet. A couple more herring in the net, and that was really it. But by then, 2 more people had came, and that was everyone who was coming for the day. I gave the net a couple throws (didn't get much) and overall, it was very quiet. Just pickers taking our baits. I could see everyone was tiring, and wanting to catch a fish. Unfortunately, it was not the best time of day to catch fish, as they only came at about 9:30AM. 

Since it was very quiet, and I had some spare livies, I decided to put one down in the cod spot. I noticed a tangled on the tip of my line though, but it was far, far worse than I thought. Just when I nearly had it done, I feel two big bangs. Immediately after, the line snaps. I was pretty sad, because I think whatever it is would've been a good fish! I dropped a live frog-mouth down after I'd re-rigged and within about 2 minutes the line is screaming. Unfortunately, it missed the hook up. This was the only luck I got on those lines, despite me putting another livie down. Looks like whatever it was got full from my baits. 

Eventually, they all got hungry. I suggested they get a McDelivery (Maccas) and they all liked that idea. I know it is rubbish food, but I was completely outvoted and at least if they knew they were going to get free fast food they were going to stay. here weren't any bites while we were waiting, but eventually (since we couldn't be bothered to download the app) my Dad came down with the delivery. Yummo! (Of course, I had some too ). We then ended it then, and everyone went home. I was quite satisfied as I showed everyone how to cast and how to bait lines.

Here are the statistics of the trip  -

Tide: 4:40AM , High, 1.8M, 12:00PM, Low, .5M

Moon Phase:Third Quarter

Bait used: Prawns, frog-mouth pilly, herring - live

Bait caught: Prawns, frogmouth, herring

Tackle Used: Ugly Stik rods, 6"6' and 8", Shimano Sienna and Nasci, Size 1000 and 2500, Size 650 Penn reel, 2M Rogue Firepoint boat rod, 14lb braid mainlines, 30lb braid mainline, 15lb and 30lb fluorocarbon leader, 80lb trace, size 2 and 6 ball sinker, large barrel swivel.

Weather: Slightly windy, light clouds

Time fished: 6:50AM-11:30AM

Overall Success Rate: 60% - Went good with scouts

OK, I hope you enjoyed reading this big report. My first ever 3 in 1. I have a little bit more study for Science to do now (well, last minute revision as I just want to revise ) and then I'm down all my exams. Sorry for any spelling errors, and that the report is so long. 

Cheers Hamish  

[kmcrosby78]

Bit of action each time Hamish, good fun . I'm assuming the one metre long, dirty pike was a pike eel, as opposed to a pike (which are a great bait ).

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

10 hours ago, kmcrosby78 said:

Bit of action each time Hamish, good fun . I'm assuming the one metre long, dirty pike was a pike eel, as opposed to a pike (which are a great bait ).

Hey kmcrosby78

Yes, you are correct. It was a pike eel. Sorry for not specifying. 

Cheers Hamish  

[Drop Bear]

Nice work mate. It's great to read your reports.

[ellicat]

Nice one, Hamish.

The line " I am no elephant" gave me a good laugh.

Good work on getting some other scouts down for an education. Nothing nerdy about Scouts imo. Good on you.

[Hweebe]

Good Read Hamish, I know the feeling sometimes it is catfish after catfish out of the river.

What i used to do was have your lighter rig setup (prone to catfish) but a chance of catching anything and then as the backup I would have a freshwater eel shark rig soaking out the back at all times.

Even if there are catfish around having this rig out the back always gave hope to catching something sizeable and fun during the session.

[Andrew_P]

G'day Hamish,

I would say the small-eyed gudgeons are uncommon (rather than rare). There are many better options for crab bait in my opinion, let the gudgeons go!

Thanks for your reports, keep up the great work

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

11 hours ago, Drop Bear said:

Nice work mate. It's great to read your reports.

Hi Drop Bear 

Thanks for that, I certainly like writing them - I'm glad you enjoyed. 

11 hours ago, ellicat said:

Nice one, Hamish.

The line " I am no elephant" gave me a good laugh.

Good work on getting some other scouts down for an education. Nothing nerdy about Scouts imo. Good on you.

Hiya ellicat

OK, maybe my jokes are getting a bit better  

Yep, I agree with you also - nothing nerdy with scouts. I think it is good some of the people know the basics as well, because I won't need to show them next time  

9 hours ago, Hweebe said:

Good Read Hamish, I know the feeling sometimes it is catfish after catfish out of the river.

What i used to do was have your lighter rig setup (prone to catfish) but a chance of catching anything and then as the backup I would have a freshwater eel shark rig soaking out the back at all times.

Even if there are catfish around having this rig out the back always gave hope to catching something sizeable and fun during the session.

Hey Hweebe

Ah, OK, that is a good technique. I prefer to soak a live bait (like mullet or a biddy) as I find catfish don't normally eat them. When it is Summer I fish for sharks but as of the colder weather it seems they have gone off the bite - did you ever catch anything other than shark on your eel rigs? I agree when you say it is much more fun to catch something with size (i.e. a little bullie) than to just pull in catties the whole time.  

8 hours ago, Andrew_P said:

G'day Hamish,

I would say the small-eyed gudgeons are uncommon (rather than rare). There are many better options for crab bait in my opinion, let the gudgeons go!

Thanks for your reports, keep up the great work

Evening Andrew P

Yes, OK - I will just release the gudgeons from now on. I just hope they are full of my prawns and stop pickering me (If they are). I will keep the reports up, and they will be a bit more consistent now, as today I finished all of my exams in school (woohoo! ). 

Cheers Hamish

 

[jred1]

Awesome reports, caught my first small eyed gudgeon a month or so back at kangaroo point on a large live prawn. Have seen them in native tanks before but a 1st for me, very cool fish. Similar to butis butis (crazy fish)which are often found on the underside of pontoons. They make great aquarium fish too.

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

Hey jred1

Thanks for that, the gudgeons seem to eat anything live and prawny . 

I might need to see if they work for the fish tank as well, but before we put one in we'll probably need a bigger tank. 

Cheers Hamish

[ellicat]

1 minute ago, AUS-BNE-FISHO said:

.... we'll probably need a bigger tank. 

Cheers Hamish

I know @Old Scaley has a 4 foot tank he is keen to get rid of.

[jred1]

Can keep a lot of fish from the river in a standard freshwater/brackish tank ( make sure legal size), just need to convert them ( keep in large bucket or esky with aerator and slowly introduce tank water and then put small amounts of river water back in tank every 45 minutes to hour) , my favourites i have had was a 42cm  Moses Perch i got in the cast net at breakfast creek which had the ring from a 2l juice bottle around its head, I cut it off and it came back to health, used to monster livies i threw in, also converted a legal size whiting i picked up from the pontoon at the mouth of Oxley creek and an angler fish from Coomera river.