Alex2505

These guys got caught out up at Bribie a couple of years ago

So I was having a sleep in today. Luckily not a long one as when I awoke there were two messages and a missed call from 'Darren Allnighter AFO' on my phone. I rang back and Darren asked if I could be at the ramp in 45 minutes. Yep.
Got there eventually after catching every red light and the Stop sign at the roadworks. Darren had already launched, so picked me up from the pontoon. We motored out and tried to catch some livies with not much luck at first. Eventually we were onto a patch of pike. I managed to hook 4 but lost three - one slipped out of my hands and the other two dropped off the hook before I swung them aboard. Perhaps my hands were a little shaky with the anticipation.
We had gathered enough bait to start the session. Darren had declared that he was the decky for the day and his rods were mine to grab. So I deployed one and sat it in the holder and Darren deployed the other one. My bait wasn't in the water for a minute when that blistering run I've been waiting for happened. The reel screamed off and I held the rod waiting for it to slow. The line was getting low when finally the run paused and I began getting some line back. Eventually the net was slipped under my first bay brute ! 77cm on the brag mat. Much joyous expression followed with handshakes and I think even a man hug. I think @Allnighter got some footage on his GoPro too. Many photos were snapped, but I didn't share any with mates as there was no service where we were.
Redployed the lines and managed two more in the mid 50's, one of which Darren kept for a feed and the other we let go as I kept my first one. I've had the boat for just on 2 years and have clocked 270 hours searching for this sucker without success. I've been out with @Another Wazza a few times and he has taught me the method with soft plastics and shared his ways too.- hooking and losing one snapper the first time and then hooking and losing a jew another time. @Junkyhas organised a session with me and has been generous with tips also, but we haven't made it out yet (come on next Monday). @Cobiaaddicthas also wisened me up with tips/methods also, but I just haven't been good enough. @Old Scaley and @benno573 have shared quite a few hours coaching me too, amongst those 270 hours. Finally, now with one hour on Darren's rig and it's a done deal. I am so stoked and thankful to all those that have egged me on. Cheers fellas.
I think I have learnt heaps and so a new quest begins - to catch one aboard Ellicatch to prove it wasn't a fluke !
Thanks again @Allnighter, you certainly gave me the happy ending I was hoping for !  Now I need the massage.
We had plenty of hits throughout the rest of the day, but no hookups until last cast. Darren said he'd like to get a 90+ as he hasn't got one yet. About a minute later his drag screamed off. It kept going, with him saying this is big and heavy. It slowed just short of spooling him and then it just sort of sat there. It started to come in but somewhere along the way it spat the hook and was declared the one that got away. We packed up and scooted home in excellent conditions, not that I would have noticed if we were pounding as I was floating on air.

 

 

 

 

Better late than never. We're getting plenty down here too, however the wind is so strong the rain isn't making it to the ground mostly.

At last we're getting some wet season.
Been overcast for the last 4 days and today we
are getting some lovely rain. Got about 20mm last couple days and
today it hasn't stopped.
Will measure in the morning, be around 3 to 4 inches.😆😍

Hi AFO's ,
 
 
Time has come to sell the beloved Polycraft 4.5.
 
Please find the link below.
 
 
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bongaree/motorboats-powerboats/polycraft-drifter-centre-console-2018-60hp-evinrude-etec/1294867784

its a 150HP. goes pretty good so far
 

its a 150HP. goes pretty good so far
 

its a 150HP. goes pretty good so far
 

Yep she has been replaced with a bigger Polycraft 5.3.
 
bit more comfort and opens up more options outside the bay.

Yep she has been replaced with a bigger Polycraft 5.3.
 
bit more comfort and opens up more options outside the bay.

Yep she has been replaced with a bigger Polycraft 5.3.
 
bit more comfort and opens up more options outside the bay.

Yep she has been replaced with a bigger Polycraft 5.3.
 
bit more comfort and opens up more options outside the bay.

Hi AFO's ,
 
 
Time has come to sell the beloved Polycraft 4.5.
 
Please find the link below.
 
 
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bongaree/motorboats-powerboats/polycraft-drifter-centre-console-2018-60hp-evinrude-etec/1294867784

Hi AFO's ,
 
 
Time has come to sell the beloved Polycraft 4.5.
 
Please find the link below.
 
 
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bongaree/motorboats-powerboats/polycraft-drifter-centre-console-2018-60hp-evinrude-etec/1294867784

I used exclusively a bait caster for chasing jacks and trevally what i used to fish gold coast canals at night. Bait casters definitely take practise, but pretty rewarding once you get the hang of it and being able to land a lure on a dime.
For me the ability to thumb the spool allows to to finesse exactly where the lure lands. Or if you have been over eager you can quickly thumb the spool to stop an over throw.
In saying there my setup for canal fishing was always one spin and one baitcaster.
You will want a decent rod to skull drag a jack or trev though.

Hi Barry
Is it a centre console or side console?
 
Were is the live bait tank in the rear under the hatch?
 
my Drifter had a slight list to port the reason being the electric motor is mounted on that side.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hi Barry the rectifier as you say converts AC to DC . As I understand it you need a regulator to control the voltage range ( Between say12- 14.4 volt. I had a Suzuki 30 HP electric  start (2008 model) years ago with a rectifier. at WOT I was seeing up to 16 volt charging the battery. as the dealer said not ideal for electronics or the battery. I'm no Auto elec but this is how it was explained to me. 
 
the screen shot below shows the new 60 HP yammy has a rectifier regulator @ 16 amp I'm not sure why you can't charge as it will already be charging your start battery.
 
ngine Type4-Stroke, SOHC In-line 4 Bore x Stroke (mm)65 x 75 Fuel Tank Capacity (l) Displacement (cc)996.0 Recommended Maximum RPM5000-6000 Fuel ManagementEFI IgnitionTCI Lubrication SystemWet-sump Alternator Output12V - 16A with Rectifier Regulator Gear Ratio1.85 : 1 Starter SystemElectric Operation MethodMechanical Control (Optional Tiller Handle Available)

Had a day out planned with one of AFO’s luminaries today, but unfortunately more compelling issues meant he needed to cancel yesterday arvo so I decided I would have a solo fish today. Had a bit of a sleep in and hit the water about 9am. Nice and quiet at the boat ramp and on the water. I fished the bottom of the tide and a bit of the incoming at the wall in front of the Port of Brisbane. I had the whole wall to myself for the entire session, about 3 hours.
Was a bit quiet to start with. I had a bait line out and flicking placcies at the wall. I started to get a few touches on the plastic, with the first fish landed on the plastic being a just under snap. Then I had a run of small tailor in that 25 to 30cm range, before I finally got a legal chopper at 35cm. I wasn’t sure if I was going to do any better so I kept that one for dinner.
Not long after that the bait (squid and pillies) started to work and the little snaps came on the chew. After about a dozen just unders I finally got a keeper, followed by 2 more. They weren’t huge (38, 41 and 51) but given the time of day and the number of fish coming over the side I thought it was worth letting you all know that the snaps are on the increase, so get out there if you can. The island fringes in the Bay should be starting to work. Good luck everyone.

The forecast for mid-week was too good to miss, so @ellicat and I made a plan to hit spot R1a on the eastern Bay to chase macs and squid. We launched from Manly at dawn into a bit of westerly chop which was not too uncomfortable. The sunrise was beautiful as usual. Here is photo for those who never see a sunrise ( @GregOug, I am talking about you).

We got to spot R1a and Brian deployed a pilchard under a float. I decided to fish the bottom with local squid chunks while I waited to see if there was any mackerel action. Brian soon followed suite. Pretty soon we were pickerel severely and the only fish coming over the side were stripies and undersize snaps and grassies. The float line was not getting any love either. I called a fellow AFOer who I knew was close by chasing squid to see if he was having more luck, but alas he was quiet as well. 
The conditions just got better and better as the day went on, but unfortunately the fishing was still quiet. Brian called @GregOug who was out and about surprisingly early. He reported that things were quiet as well. We had a couple of moves and did a bit of drifting before settling in at spot R1b for the run out tide. The nursery was still active but I did manage one grassy in the mid thirties. Soon after, there was our favourite sound of zzzzzzzzz coming from my reel. After a very brief fight the line went tight but no movement.  Was it a ray, or a big cod headed for home? I left the line with tension on for about ten minutes hoping to annoy the fish out of hiding, but no joy. So I gave it heaps of slack, again no joy. I tightened the drag and broke the line. Looked like the braid was cut on something sharp so the fish must have headed for a bit of reef.
A bit later after landing a smaller legal grassie and a legal tuskie, the old zzzzzzz happened again. This time there was no heading for the reef and we settled into a good battle that went for several minutes. When I first saw the fish on its side down deep, I thought it was a big snapper, but when I got it closer We could see it was a big fat morwong. By this stage I was wondering how good that hastily tied FG knot would hold, but in no time Brian had slipped the net under it and 75cm of morwong hit the deck. I weighed it on my boga grips this morning and it was just over 12lbs in the old lingo. My best fish so far this year so I was pretty happy.
   
So while we didn’t manage either of our target species, it was another great day on the water with good company, a few laughs and a few fish. Thanks again Brian.

Watch my 2020 fishing rewind video below (mostly freshwater fishing in ACT). It was a good fishing year despite the pandemic and despite the bushfires. How was your fishing year?
 
 
 

Brief report from Murray he left Viccy Point yesterday morning and is staying in a cabin at Monduran.
"
Four Barra so far. Three fish this morning and pulled the hooks on a monster. Biggest so far is 93cm. They all released ok.
Murray sent Today at 11:52 AM
They are going for the red claw or three shrimp on a big wide gape hook.

Hi all
Well this morning I woke up earlier than anticipated so I got the gear ready, and took the cart down to the jetty. It had three rods, the net, some bait consisting of frogmouth pillies, prawns, and Bony Bream, and an esky. I arrived about 5:45AM to a medium tide and a flat water, not a ripple to be seen in sight. The temperature of the misty air was very nice for fishing, and the odd 'hello' from walkers was the only thing that broke the silence. The smell of the Brisbane River and wet forest was making a weak aroma which I liked (good memories of course!). The sun was still rising, and I was ready for a fish.
The salmon line was deployed with the head part of a Bony Bream, and casted out as far as it would go. One line had a little Motor Oil placcy, and the other line still needed rigging. I didn't even have that done after about 20 minutes of being on the jetty, and nothing had happened then. I did see a large school of baitfish 'boil' when I casted my line in, meaning that they may be around. While I was tying on a hook though, the salmon line buckled over and off screamed line like no tomorrow.
I picked up the rod, tightened the drag, and the fight was on. I lifted up the rod, then cranked the reel handle as hard as I could. Unfortunately, I then felt something that ruined that experience.
"Foosh!"
That was the fish spitting the hook on me. I left the bait out for a bit longer but soon enough realised what happened. I reeled the line in slowly, and up came nothing. I made an educated guess that it might be a Thready, as the leader wasn't very frayed and the speed of the run taken was far faster than any shark I had ever come close to catching. I switched everything over to a new rig just to be safe, and then deployed the next bit of biddy.
My dad was down by now, and he did a bit of cast netting. On the first throw, he got a juvenile Yellowfin Bream, and some little prawns. We kept them (the prawns) for bream bait, seeing as though the only thing I'd be using if I didn't catch anything would be herring (dead). We did some more throwing, and got together a small amount of herring and prawns (as well as one lone mullet). 
I started flicking the SP around as well. I flicked it under it mangroves, around the mudflats, and under the pier numerous times for no love. I was using a 'hop-hop' technique, which I figured would've made the lure very enticing for a flathead or cod. Just as I was walking towards the jetty, the salmon line went off. This time the fish did not take that much line, so I tightened the drag and struck straight away. It felt good- heavy weight and shakes. Then, just like the last one, it spat the hook! This time also had me coming back empty handed, so once again I replaced my trace as there was a little bit of fraying and put out the final bit of Bony Bream, the tail bit.
Everything went slightly quiet now; nothing on the plastics still, and no hits on the rod which had a little live prawn out. I then decided to do a bit of cast netting. My dad and I use the same technique, except he has a variation of it which requires you to give it a larger whip. I tried this - one throw was OK, with about 60% opening (he gets 90%,99% of the time) and then the next was a doozy as the net was pretty well closed and banana-ed. (Funnily enough, we got a prawn in this throw 😉). 
I saw the salmon line get some action then - a bit of line went off. I picked it up, held it out there for a minute, then reeled it in. There was still an intact bait, so I threw it back out waiting for another fish. My dad had to head off now, and in his last throw he got the mullet then. It was about 15 minutes until I saw a peck-peck-peck on the salmon line. I assumed the bait would've stayed on but after checking it I realised that it was gone. I reeled in, disappointed, and chucked out a half frog mouth pilly.
It was about 15 minutes of nothing, at around 7:30AM, when the line buckled over completely. Line was screaming off, and I eventually got there, tightened the drag, and prepared myself. After a bit of cranking, he went for the pylons. I managed to coax him out though, and then he took the fastest run a fish has ever taken for me out into the middle of the river. He was near the surface but wasn't coming up now. I gained line on him but as he was about to surface, he took an even faster and stronger run straight back down. This happened about three times now, and by this time I had a serious case of the shakes. After many tense moments I finally gained enough line to get an ID on him.
"HOLY MOLY! THAT'S MASSIVE"
Or at least that's what everyone thought (and I bellowed) when I saw it. Some passers by luckily came down to give me a hand netting it up, and in no time it was on the jetty. I got some quick photos, seeing as though the hook was a goner cut that off, and then I measured him. 115CM long. Jeez, Louis! 
I picked up the fish and lowered him back into the drink, ready for the release. He gave a massive kick off, and that was probably the best feeling I had in a while! Here are some photos of the fella (pic heavy) - 

Landing Him

Up you come

115CM of Threadfin Salmon

I could hardly lift him!

IMG_2475 (1).MOV Up ya come!

Trying not to dislocate a shoulder

IMG_2479 (1).MOV Back ya go!
Well, after that exciting series of events... Quite frankly... Disaster Struck! The Thready resurfaced floating in the river. We tried desperately to get him in the net before he got too far out, but it was too late. We couldn't get him. "Please go down, Please go down, Please Swim away, Please swim away" was all I could say. It wasn't looking good, and I was about to dive in (the people stopped me), so I tried the next best thing - hooking him again. This was a complete no go, and I failed miserably each time. 
There was only one option - I called dad, quickly explained to him what had happened and why the kayak needed to come down. Fifteen minutes later, my faithful fishing mate was there and my dad and I were paddling down the river, as fast as our arms could carry us, to the threadfin salmon. We got to him about 500 Metres down. I grabbed him, and the first thing we did with a sharpened screwdriver was to vent him. He stabbed it into the very inflated part, and heard the hiss of air come out.
That confirmed my suspicions- bloody barotrauma had got to the poor bugger. 
We paddled to the bank, allowing air to go through his gills the whole time. I prayed he would give a massive kick and go straight back down. He didn't... YET. We found some rocks under someone's jetty walkway, and stopped there. My dad did a kamikaze jump straight out of the kayak into chest deep mud and water. LOL. I waited with him for a long time, with not much progress except the fish getting a tiny bit stronger. I paddled the double kayak back to the jetty up the river, to say hi to my mate.
I told him the situation, and I was still praying the fish would be gone by the time I got back there. It didn't end up swimming off though, so there was more trying to do. I was back with my dad for another ten minutes, and after watching the fish kick I had hopes. I went back to tell my mate, who said, "Well, it's either a happy released fish or BBQ salmon dinner, Hamish!".
The whole time, my dad was in waist deep water standing on a dodgy rock bar. He said he could feel the odd thing brushing past his leg when he was down there, like an eel. Yuck! 😕 
Since he paddles too, I decided to ask him if he wanted a go. He replied yes, so I quickly paddled back to dad to tell him. The fish was not progressing, not even in the slightest. We swapped life jackets and sunnies, and now my mate was going to give the fish a check out. In this ten minute period, I frantically messaged everyone who I could that might know about what the hell to do with a fish that's been vented in the swim bladder and swimming for an hour, as well as make the URGENT thread in AFO.
Lets just say it's not URGENT anymore!
After that, my mate was back, so we swapped over. The fish was swum for around an hour and a half-two hours by this point, and we still needed to try and released him. My mate informed me my dad said I had a choice - to release him and waste him or keep him. I got there and I saw that the fish had pretty well died on Dad. I was very sad at this moment, and I felt really bad about keeping him. I knew this was always a possibility though so I have only myself to blame for catching these fish.
We loaded him up on the yak... Got him back and had a brief admiration session of the fish. It was absolutely huge. Dad loaded the fish in the yak, and got going straight away. He needed to get the ice on the fish as soon as possible so it tasted as best as it could. By the time I was home with my mate, we had ice on the fish and we were ready to fillet him up. We decided that I would do it, and that we would let him ice down a bit longer.

In the Esky
It was then my Mum and Dad had the silliest idea ever- to take the fish to a fish shop to get it filleted. "What kind of BS is that", I thought... After some convincing, we piled into the car and got there. Even though they then refused to fillet it (my dad literally said, "Hello, I have a large fish here, will you fillet it for payment?". That was responded to with, "Yes, $15!") they had some good Bony Bream, Mullet, and other baitfish in there so that may be a cheap seller for me if I run low.
Once we got back home, I started the filleting job. I was doing well until I hit the backbone, and then... I forfeited and handed the knife over to Dad 😉. After lots of struggle though, we ended up with 3.2KG of meat, and probably about an extra 500g of fish crap. We threw the frame away, as it was to big to freeze, and now the meat is sitting in the fridge waiting for a BBQ dinner with me and my mates families tomorrow. 

Dad Filleting

3.2KG of meat

About 10KG (it seemed WAY more than that... I can lift a 12KG barbell and could hardly lift that so either dodgy scales or I've gotten weaker, LOL)

Quick photo
That was the salmon done. The biggest fish of my life, that I've ever seen and caught. I felt very bad about it, but what happened has happened. Next time though, I do not think I will be putting out the salmon line. It also seems the ones that are smaller are far more hardy than big ones, so a few of them would be nice. 
Thanks for reading this report, and I hope you enjoyed. It sure was an epic day. Here are the stats of the trip. 
Stats of Trip - 
Tide: 2:40AM, 1.6M, High, 8:20AM, .5M, Low
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent - not too much run
Air Pressure: 1010.7
Humidity: 68%
Temp: High was 33oC
Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Time Fished: About 5:45AM - 7:45AM
Fish Caught: Threadfin Salmon x 1
Bait caught: Mullet, herring, prawns
Bait used: Bony Bream, Half Frogmouth Pilly, Prawns, Herring
Tackle Used: 12lb, 14lb, 30lb braid mainlines, 20lb and 80lb mono leaders and traces, size 2 and 5 ball sinkers, 4/o and 6/o suicide and circle hooks, large barrel swivel, size 2500 Diawa Shinobi 2500 on Abu Garcia Veritas, SHimano Nasci 2500 and Ugly Stik, Penn SSM 650 on Rogue Firepoint Boat rod 
Overall Success Rate: I can't give it 100% (as much as you wanted to read that @Another Wazza) as it didn't swim off. Settle for 50%.
Cheers Hamish

P.S. No one has made an attempt to guess why I changed my profile pic on December 19th and only then, 😉. 

Hi Andrew ,
 
i got the 4.5 Drifter Centre Console.

Hi Drop Bear,
 
its 5.45 metres. Etec’s are my preferred motor never had a drama with them . Drove to Bundy to get the new boat only dealer in the south east that doe a poly with a etec