THERE are some very good recreational fishers in Port Stephens. Lemon Tree champ Wayne Coles is one of them.
I have been asked: “What makes a champion recreational fisher?”
To me it is all about the ability to find fish yourself and not rely on others to pass on information.
Catching fish is simple. Finding them is the hard part.
Remember, there are many places where fish are not found. Those spots need to be avoided.
Over the years, excellent fishers have gathered extensive knowledge that can only be gained by time on the water. Numerous variables come into consideration to catch fish consistently: tidal movement, the time of day, the moon, wind strength and direction, current strength and direction, water temperature, and seasonal changes must be calculated.
Which species is to be targeted and what is the best way to guarantee results – bait, lures or plastics?
When these factors have been taken into account, thoughts go to the correct tackle – hook size, line and a suitable boat.
Then it is time to go fishing!
That is exactly what Colesy did, returning with an interesting and varied bag of fish. A real believer in soft plastics, Colesy chose to fly fish over the weekend and had great success with luderick on a green weed fly.
Bream, flathead and a salmon were all taken on plastics.
Fishing west of Soldiers Point, he was surprised to discover schools of salmon deep inside the harbour.
There is no doubt that Port Stephens is a fishing wonderland.
You just need to know where to look.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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