I WAS reading through some old articles I wrote years ago when I came across this story of squid. I can clearly recall when catching squid did not offer a challenge. Anywhere from Kiddies Corner in Fingal, south to Big Rocky, squid could be found in every protected bay. Simply by tossing out a squid […]

ALL the local fishing gossip is about the monster tailor swimming in big schools along Stockton Beach and around Fingal. Thumping great fish averaging over 3.5 kg. In all the years I have been reporting fishing in and around Port Stephens I have rarely mentioned tailor over 2kg. I do wonder how these fish managed […]

FROM recent reports black drummer, also known as rock blackfish, are keen to rumble off the rocks anywhere between Fingal and Rocky Point. Best baits include fresh or salted cunjevoi, or bread and prawns tossed into a bread berley trail. A 2/0 hook and just enough lead to get you into the strike zone, which […]

ROCKY Point is one of the best kept fishing secrets in Port Stephens. Accessible by both 4×4 and boat, this rocky outcrop and the surrounding beaches and bays have a fascinating history of fishing, lobstering and the mining of shell grit. Big Rocky, as the name suggests, is a big rocky outcrop just far enough […]

CONTINUED expansion of the Australian colonies placed increased pressure on the building industry, which relied heavily on lime for mortar for stone buildings. It was well known that oyster shells could be burned to produce the lime – cheap and in ample supply. At first only the empty shells of eaten oysters were used but […]

JOHN “Stinker” Clarke has lived in Port Stephens for more than 50 years and can hardly remember a time when he wasn’t fishing. To him, it’s not just a hobby, but an entire way of life. Equipped with a lifetime of knowledge and local expertise, Stinker shared all his best tips in a talk at […]

KAYAK fishing is becoming increasingly popular and in the current fuel crisis it all makes good sense. I’m finding kayak fishers heading further to sea in the quest for snapper and kingfish. It is surprising for me in “Stinkpot” when I’m out bobbing around in front of the Fingal lighthouse to hear someone say “G’day […]

AS the world continues to spin faster, it is becoming increasingly important that we find something that will slow it down. Something outdoors, surrounded by nature with no pressures. A recreation that exposes us to the beauty that surrounds us plus offers family engagement. We may even be rewarded with a contribution to the evening […]