YOU may have noticed over the years that I get a real kick out of featuring kids catching fish.
This week is no different with little, two-year-old champion Joy Jenkins (pictured) who was given a 3'6" Ugly Stik and has been asking to go fishing ever since.
The big day arrived last weekend when the sun shone on the Marina at Lemon Tree Passage.
Dad Steve organised the little champ with a bread berley and a few cooked prawns for bait.
The result was 10 bream, with Joy catching three.
"Although all fish were undersize we had a brilliant day out fishing and catching up with the family on such a magical day. Is there any better pastime?" asked dad.
Old "Stinker" saying - "Kids don't need to catch big fish to have big fun". By the way Steve has been targeting drummer off the rocks with excellent results.
Pound for pound drummer are one of the best fighting fish off the rocks and this is the time when they are keen to bite.
Catching a drummer isn't rocket science. Choose a safe rock and berley the white water. Cast a cunjevoi baited 2/0 hook into the berley trail and when the drummer pulls on one end you pull harder on the other. Lesson over.
Best spots are Rocky Point, Boulder Bay and the Outer Light at Fingal. In the kitchen fillet, skin and bone the drummer before cubing the firm white flesh in half match box sizes.
The fish can be crumbed and deep fried or because of it's texture is suitable for fish soups or chowders. By the way does anyone have a favourite seafood chowder that they are willing to share? Email stinkerfishing@yahoo.com
The variable weather has slowed down fishing activity for a while with the Nelson Bay breakwall being the only hive of activity.
Those who have been able to target the outer islands are returning with snapper to 3kg just on the edges of the white water. The leatherjacket invasion is in full swing with great armies awaiting your arrival on the reefs.
The leatheries have been reported in "plague proportions" anywhere between 10 -100 fathom. I'm told that they will bite on anything with the best baits being squid, pilchards, prawns and fish bait set on a long shanked 2/0 hook on single strand wire.
The leatheries are ravenous - don't fall in.
Tune in every Friday morning to Port Stephens FM for all the latest on the fishing scene.
All questions will be answered - just send me an email.
STINKER
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