WITHOUT doubt January is the craziest month of the year in Port Stephens.
We are a tourist town and we survive on tourism so for all the local business houses this is the time to pay the rent.
For we fishers problems do arise including access to boat ramps and cleaning tables.
There is an answer.
Arrive at the ramp as day breaks, first light, which is around half an hour before the sun pokes its nose up.
Starting early will give you three hours of the best fishing opportunity while everyone else is still in bed.
Sunrise and sunset are the peak periods for fishing success so forget about the rest of the day and go shopping or have a swim.
When I fish for snapper, which is most of the time, I get really excited as colour fills the sky.
Not a moment to be wasted with your rods correctly rigged with a 6/0 – 8/0 hook baited with a fillet of yellowtail or slimy mackerel or a king prawn.
If catching your own bait is a problem, a block of pilchards will do the trick.
You do not want to waste this valuable time catching bait.
Outside the heads, anchor off Boondelbah Island and toss your unweighted bait, with the wind at your back, into the wash that surrounds the island.
East of the Outer Lighthouse on Fingal Island is another hot spot well worth a try.
Take care as the area is dotted with shallow reefs that break at low tide and rocky outcrops that must be avoided.
This is “tiger country”, a bit risky but great snapper ground.
After three hours on the water you will have caught all the snapper you need to satisfy the family.
Time to return to the boat ramp – just as the others are arriving!
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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