There were only two of us in it, Graham Knott and myself.

We had a great night celebrating the many times that we fished on King Tommy, a barren rock in front of the lighthouse on Fingal Island where very few fishermen go.

To fish the rock, at the best time, requires a 40 meter swim in the dark, which explains why it is rarely visited.

We recalled all our efforts to reach the rock, swimming, paddling surf boards, boogie boards,wet suits, flippers and tin boats.

One memorable effort was when Graham attempted to paddle a pump up plastic boat across the Spit at Fingal only to be blown up on to Box Beach.

We both agreed that, without doubt, King Tommy is the best snapper fishing spot off the rocks.

We recalled old boys, Basil "Snowy" Smith, Bob Tindall and "Squizzy" Taylor, to name a few.

The first snapper I saw Graham catch off that rock was a touch over 9kg.

We agreed to do it again - in February.

Later this month I will be meeting with our local commercial fishermen.

This will be the opportunity for me to pass on any concerns that you have relating to the future of professional fishing in Port Stephens.

Simply email your thoughts and questions to me stinkerfishing@yahoo.com over the next fortnight and I will print the answers, without names, in a following column. What has prompted me to take this step is the nonsense that I heard at the recently conducted "Inquiry into Recreational Fishing". It is obvious that very few, including recreational fishers, understand or appreciate what commercial fishing is all about. This is your chance to ask all the questions that you need answering in the hope that the stories, half truths and old wives tales relating to professional fishing can be cleared up once and for all. Don't complain if you don't take up my offer.

May I say how much I enjoyed speaking to the group of great Aussies, holders of Queen's Honours, who gathered at Salamander recently. Thanks to Bart Richardson and all those who attended. I really enjoyed your company.

STINKER