The thrill of the battle is only equalled by the snapper's outstanding performance in the kitchen. Merewether visitor Rory Potter knows exactly what I mean when he locked onto an 8.76kg ripper reddie just north of Broughton Island using a Lacarnus Jig.

Snapper can't help themselves, they are a ravenous bunch that will have a go at jigs, lures, plastics and numerous baits including squid, octopus tentacles, cuttlefish, pilchards, bonito, mackerel, tuna, tailor, mullet, prawns, rock crabs and live bait.

What other baits have you caught a snapper on? Email stinkerfishing@yahoo.com

This week I have had a response from the NSW government's Land and Property Management Authority relating to parking meters adjacent to the breakwall in Teramby Street, Nelson Bay.

"Port Stephens Council has installed meters on all land it controls in the vicinity of the fishing co-op," its media spokesman said.

"This resulted in people leaving cars on unmetered co-op land for long periods, denying parking to co-op members.

"The co-op received LMPA permission to install parking meters on the leased area to ease the parking problem for it's members.

It is a matter for the co-op to consider whether it wants to introduce permit parking."

It is disappointing that you now need to pay a parking fee to go fishing, however the co-op cannot be condemned for developing their own land.

Finally, action at Little Beach boat ramp.

I attended a meeting during the week which resulted in all agencies, including Port Stephens Council, Marine Parks, Maritime and the Lands Deptartment, working together to confront the major issues of sand build up, environmental concerns and westerly winds.

Pleasing to report that a positive approach has been taken to benefit the boating and fishing enthusiasts who rely on the facilities at Little Beach.

I will pass on further information when it becomes available. Break out the bubbly.

STINKER