IT’S all happening on and off the water this week.
The weather has turned distinctly warmer, igniting dreams of an endless summer of fishing.
But lurking in the background is the political uncertainty over proposed marine parks.
At the same time there’s talk of shutting down Tin City in the Stockton sand dunes – an area dear to many Hunter anglers.
There’s been some handy fish caught around the traps this week as the weather warms up.
Ten-year-old Gwandalan gun Jack Barclay hooked a 73cm flathead off a local wharf on Sunday using soft plastics.
‘‘It was a huge thrill for him as he fishes the same spot every weekend,’’ his father said.‘‘Patience finally paid off with this beauty fish.’’
Another young fishing fiend, eight-year-old Luke Prosser, beached a big salmon off Stockton Beach last Friday afternoon.
‘‘Biggest fish he has caught so far,’’ his old man, Rick, reported. ‘‘To say he was stoked would be an understatement. He’s planning the next fish trip now!’’
Breaming with delight
CENTRAL Coast professional golfer Phil Arthur holed out on bream in the southern end of Lake Macquarie on Monday. Bream over 1kg were par for the course, and the highlight of his round was a 1.48kg thumper hooked in three foot of water.
There’s also been some sensational tailor popping up in the Lake, auguring well for the next couple of months.
Salmon anglers in Salts Bay have been finding tailor of comparable size.
Broughton Island has been working well for snapper, while kingfish have been active off Norah Head and out on the Shelf off the Port.
Charlestown champ
ROBERT Irons was crowned champion angler at Charlestown Anglers presentation night last week.
Pam Wyburn took out female honours while Rory Potter just pipped the ‘‘Marks Point Marksman’’ Patrick Nunn for the junior crown.
Club weighmaster Ray Stenhouse said it had been a successful year for the club with some notable catches.
‘‘Ben Woolmer got a 20kg cobia, Rob Irons nailed a 28kg jewie – that’s been some of the highlights,’’ Ray said.
‘‘Charlestown is looking very strong with a good crop of young anglers, keen kids with keen dads, coming through.
‘‘We’re always looking for members, so if you’re keen get along to Charlestown Golf Club on the first Tuesday of every month.’’
Lady Musgrave in mind
CHARLESTOWN Anglers are planning on relaunching their assault on Lady Musgrave Island in Queensland in November.
Their trip up north last month got blown out – they were up there the week before that boat got blown over at Swains Reef – and they had to re-jig the itinerary by camping on the northern tip of Fraser Island.
A good time was still had by all and some good fish were caught, but Lady Musgrave is on the list of things to do.
Park our boats?
THE political landscape remains no clearer at the federal level, but the announcement of a ‘coalition’ between the Greens and Labor has major implications for anglers.
If this new coalition eventually forms government the marine park will definitely go ahead.
Now good or bad, that’s debatable, but it affects how people spend their money, according to Ray Stenhouse.
‘‘I’ve got nearly $200,000 invested in fishing when you add the 4wd, the boat and the gear,’’ he said.
‘‘What am I supposed to do with that? As a group, fishing people, we’re talking millions of dollars of investment in Newcastle.
‘‘It’s been invested to do a pastime.
‘‘But who’s going to keep doing the pastime if it’s shut down?
‘‘I know of at least five blokes in Charlestown Anglers who are giving up on fishing and selling their boats. They’re frustrated because they’ve made a fairly hefty investment but now they’re being forced to fish in areas with no fish.
‘‘Ninety per cent of people buy boats to go fishing, but why go fishing if you’re gonna catch nothing.’’
Road to Tin City ruin
LOOKS like we could see the end of an era with the proposed closure of Tin City in the Stockton sand dunes.
Tin City is a small cluster of shacks at the northern end of the Stockton Bight which fishos have been using for decades.
It’s fair to say the guys who look after them over the years have done a great job.
The place is pretty much an icon in local fishing circles, a fact recognised by tourist operators who stop off on their boats to check it out. So whether they can actually shut it down will be interesting to see.
Hospital access closed
STOCKTON Beach anglers take note; access to the beach through Stockton Hospital has been closed after a risk assessment by the Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) department, which controls the area.
There is a council access point to the beach about 1km south of the site and numerous points north.
For more details contact the Stockton centre on 49280868.
Forster here we come
MARK it in your diary; the week-long Forster Fishing Carnival is on again from March 12-20 next year.
Organisers are putting out an APB so people can get in early to book accommodation. For more details visit forsterfishingcarnival.com.au.
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