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Central Coast Fishing The magnificent Hawkesbury River system is less than an hour from Sydney… and it's still one of the hottest spots for a smorgasbord of fishing. From estuary to inshore sportfish action. We're hitting Brisbane Waters in the late afternoon…with a little help from a few live mullet and pike. Today we're after big flathead, big females. The gear we're using, is a Tiagra 30 and an incredible amount of line, with big pike, big mullet. Greg's also feeding out heavy duty 30 pound line on the outriggers - just in case the giant jewies are on the chew ! We're employing the good old sea anchor, which is making sure we go in straight line.. these guys keep the boat dead straight no matter the wind. First fella to the boat is a healthy looking bream. A wet rag is often best way to look after a fish. It can be difficult when you've captured a big fish to know what to do . It's best not to bring it out of the water where possible, but for this little fella I had to get the hook out. What a magical time of day. Before long, a big momma flathead has answered our call. She's taken my live jewie bait and she must be nudging 6 kilos. It's exciting catching these big flathead, but one thing better is putting the big female back so there can be thousands of little flatties to catch for years to come. Later this afternoon we're just north of Sydney chasing school jew from 2 kilo up to 10 kilo so this 8 kilo line and Shimano rig should make it pretty difficult to pull one of these bigger guys in. We're fishing an area called Flint and Steel, named by Captain Cook two centuries ago. Terry's already onto a school, though I reckon it might be kindergarten! Greg reckons you need a bit of run to have a bit of fun. As the tide runs in, the current's picking up. And so is the action. These school jewies are great fun to catch… but look out - we've spotted some serious fishing on the horizon. We head out from the surf break, just off Palm Beach.. where a school of fish is in a feeding frenzy.Talk about being in amongst it! - the perfect spot for saltwater fly. There's a massive school of fish here. Tailor, salmon, kingies deeper. I'm doing fly fishing, with a 7 weight rod, the others have slugs and rapala lures on offer. I try a slower retrieve through the school… and the fly is nailed! A nice little benito on fly ! Benito have fantastic markings… and they certainly earn these stripes - they're the speedsters of the sea! Before the school disappears, Terry casts right in their midst, and hooks into a healthy looking kingfish. What a ripper ! Let's get him out of this tangle…and back into the system, so he can join his mates to finish their frantic feed. Fish in the estuaries or inshore on the Central Coast with Greg Joyes from Calmwater Fishing Charters. You'll pay
$460 for the day, or $560 for an evening charter, with all your
bait, tackle and refreshments thrown in. |
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Central Coast Fishing Calm Water
Fishing Charters Cost |
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