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 […]
The mighty little craft, ‘Stinkpot’, after being swamped and battered on rocks.
BELOVED News Of The Area fishing writer John ‘Stinker’ Clarke faced every boatie’s worst nightmare and lived to tell the tale. How it began: “Dropping anchor around 2.30pm, I was excited at the prospect of great fishing. “The whales were jumping everywhere, breaching within 20 metres of my tinny, and a huge school of salmon […]
If you’re fishing off the rocks, wear a lifejacket and try to fish with a mate.
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 […]
The northern face of Broughton Island looking toward Seal Rocks. Photo: Supplied.
RECREATIONAL fishers are forever seeking the ultimate fishing experience. Fishing Utopia, the jewel in the crown. Well, I have found it! Two kilometres off the coast between Port Stephens and Forster sits an island wonderland where the fishing opportunities are endless. Three kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Broughton Island is the only island off […]
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 […]
Up until the mid-1980s oysters were grown right throughout the Port.
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 showing the kind of fish you can catch in Port Stephens if you know where to look. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
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 […]
The ‘Karingal Kids’ in action.
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 […]
EASTER is traditionally a time for the family to gather and to organize a seafood platter in the middle of the table. Fish are always a favourite; however, this year think about a tray of local crabs and oysters. The time is right as cracker muddies and blue swimmer crabs are tap dancing throughout the […]
