Bream Fishing the Moorings

7 Nov 2011: –On my home waters of the Parramatta River in Sydney there are myriad options for the avid lure fisherman.

We are spoilt in our choices, with natural rock walls, manmade walls, rock bars, wharves, pontoons, bridges, flats, deep holes and my personal favourite, moored boats, of which there are literally thousands to choose from.

The depth of water around these structures varies from around 50cm to 15 meters and all hold good concentrations of BREAM, WHITING, FLATHEAD and JEWFISH in particular. It should also be kept in mind that other species such as KINGFISH, SALMON and TAILER can be encountered around these structures, so you should be prepared for when that unknown monster pays you a visit.

In this article I will look specifically at fishing for BREAM around moored boats.

Let’s start with the gear required for this style of fishing.

First off a suitable boat is essential.

There is little point in attempting this type of fishing from a 20’ half cabin, as stealth and manoeuvrability are the keys to successfully catching fish around moored boats. You need a smaller type “tournament style” boat and it is essential your boat has an electric motor, preferably bow mounted, as this makes for quiet and easier manoeuvring in tight spaces. Purpose designed boats like the Attacks, Skeeters and Hornets are the ideal vehicle for this or any other style of stealth fishing. This picture of my own Attack shows what I consider the ideal set up but it’s not essential to have a tricked up boat to be successful at this style of fishing. There are many anglers fishing from tinnies who are very successful so don’t be put off if your boat isn’t a fancy, you beaut, “Tournament” unit:

Rods and reels are a matter of personal choice but a rod length of 6’6”-7’ is ideal and reels in the 1000-2500 size are perfect.

Your outfit needs to be light and be capable of throwing ultra light jigs in weights that range from around 1/40oz to 1/8oz. The reel should preferably be spooled with braided line. Braided lines are preferred as the non stretch factor allows for greater sensitivity and the fine diameters allows for much longer casts. Line of around 4lb-6lb is ideal.

Personally I prefer 4lb braid as this makes for much easier and longer casting and there aren’t too many bream capable of breaking this line. Attached to the end of your braided line should be about a rod length of either monofilament or fluorocarbon (my preference) leader. Again, I find that 5lb is ideal but you may find you need to scale down to 3lb or 4lb if the water is very clear or the fish are being fickle. These days lot of anglers are also leaning toward fishing only very light fluorocarbon lines.....................Read More

"Illegal fishing near power stations sparks action:"

22 Sep 2011 –A four-month fisheries compliance operationin the Hunter and Central Coast regions has resulted in the detection of57 offences relating to illegal fishing at the hot water outlet canalsof NSW power stations.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI) fisheries officers targeted the Eraring and Vales Point power stationson Lake Macquarie and Munmorah power station on Budgewoi Lake, on the CentralCoast.

The operation involved 11 fisheries officersfrom the Hunter, Central Coast and Port Stephens Districts and the State-wideOperations and Investigations Group. Police officers from the NSW MarineArea Command also provided valuable assistance during the operation.

NSW DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, GlennTritton, said fisheries officers detected a range of offences including;taking fish from waters protected from recreational fishing, possessingfish illegally taken and possessing prohibited sized fish.

Mr Tritton said closures were in place toprotect the large numbers of juvenile fish which aggregate in and aroundthe warm waters of the outlet canals.

“The canals and adjacent waters are closedto all methods of fishing from 1 May to 31 August each year between thehours of 6pm and 6am,” Mr Tritton said.

“On the spot fines of $500 apply to thosefound to be fishing or in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacentto the closed waters.”

Mr Tritton said the closures were designedto protect the long term viability of fish stocks in these waterways...............Read More

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