Drifting over the white rock around The Sisters, between Broughton Island and the Little Gibber, it was expected that a sizeable snapper had joined the party.

The crew was somewhat surprised when a thumping drummer was hauled to the surface. Although not unheard of, catching drummer on plastics is not all that common.

With a solid sea thumping the coastline the conditions are perfect for targeting drummer anywhere from Fingal Head south to Boat Harbour. Best baits are prawns, cunjevoi and fresh bread. I prefer salted cunjevoi as it is tough and withstands the battering given to softer baits by all the unwanted "pickers" that live in the wash. Don't play around with drummer, when they pull on one end you pull harder on your end using nothing less than 10kg line and a 2/0 hook. Berleying is essential for successful drummer fishing and there is nothing better than stale bread mixed into a muddy consistency and ladled into the drink every time that you cast out. Always keep one eye on the sea as I am sure that you are aware of the dangers of rock fishing. On capture it is essential to bleed the fish. Filleted and boned the white flesh is best cut into match box pieces before crumbing or using in a chowder.

Down on the breakwall in Nelson Bay, Soldiers Point champ Tommy Stokes is hammering the bream. Small snapper around 2kg have joined the bream along the breakwall and in the deep hole off Little Beach jetty. Luderick are arriving in town in increasing numbers which should make for a great season. Has anyone caught a luderick on a plastic? Get in touch stinkerfishing@yahoo.com

My new book "Old Salt" set between 1850 - 1970 is rolling along and will be completed within 12 months. It should be a cracker.If you have any old fishing information, stories or photographs that you are willing to share contact me through email.

STINKER