I just jot back to the island before Cyclone Debbie, and went for a fish with a mate. Landed this mack. 25.03kgs or 55lbs. at Cordellia rocks. it had 5 ft long fillets! Gave most of it to friends , and kept half a fillet for myself. Nice eating. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Saturday 1st of April 2017 11:04:05 AM
We catch up to a little Larger here.
Biggest Cobie (Myself) is just on 32kg.
Around 60\70 when they running outside.
Up to, inside the islands. with the baby Marlin.
Yrs ago (20\30) I used to go up to Cairns in off Marlin season.
Some of them have fin Pro licences. and go out for Spanno's\Spotties\cobes.
I used to pay one bloke, for about 7 yrs straight.
to take me out on one of his trips, 4 to 5 days, with him.
Guaranteed to put at least ONE 80lber on my hooks PER DAY.
Very rarely failed. I think 4 days overall I was under the 80.
Biggest ever was near 87. he got some monsters on hit trolling flashers.
But I only took 50lb for the fun of it.
ALL we caught went in bin and I took a frozen pack home with me on plane.
NOT the 80lbers. they went to chippie and markets. I took it in 35\40lber
Fillets.
Much sweeter meat.
Specially if you use hacksaw and cutlet them.
Wrap in foil with lemon and peppers. on stove\Barbie.
THE BEST fish in the sea. Along with Cobe.
Just peel back the skin. knife and fork and eat like a big steak.
About an inch thick Yummmm. 4 big roundels.
Just me and him. and his bloody old,Heeler.
Best 1 grand fish trips I ever had.
Bill B said
03:01 PM Apr 1, 2017
Surprise, surprise Macka has caught a bigger one
aussie_paul said
03:19 PM Apr 1, 2017
Bill B wrote:
Surprise, surprise Macka has caught a bigger one
lol
Aussie Paul.
macka17 said
03:33 PM Apr 1, 2017
Nah. Just talking about areas and different generations.
We, MOST fishers, used to catch. Regularly. 40\43lb Snapper just offshore at the Fence
and Outer grounds Off Christies, Aldinga, Sellicks, 40 yrs ago too.
and 70 plus Kingies up the top of channel in breeding season above Port Agudda.
above the Northern wall past the cave at Rapid Bay.
was a good spot to watch 'em and drop squid in for a bit of fun.
You couldn't "catch" them.
But to feel your game reel strip to knot of woolies 50lb was a turn on.
Went out in boats for fishing them.
And I've seen actual photo's in the old shacks on the Coorong side.
(40\50 yrs ago)
of mountains (tons) of Butterfish when they running (Pro's)
Nothing much there under 60 to over 100lb.
I was towed by a super biggie 40ish yrs ago, Sth of the mouth.
2 of us in boat. Bow wave. Over 100lb. Till it's tail hit a sand bar.
Bummer.
Dave got coupla photo's as we towed past his boat.
They were on club wall for yrs.
And the next 1.3+ mtr Barra in the Fitzroy here.
Won't be the first.
Actually.
The smaller. UP to around 30 lb, of any larger species,
Is preferred to biggies for the eating side.
Even Marlin and shark.
And Croc is almost translucent meat. cooks up white and tastes (really)
just like chicken. Which I hate. Some love it.
There is a croc farm here.For any that want to try.
But I've only had the wild stuff when skinning.
Just saying.
OH. And lots of other people have caught MUCH larger and more of than I.
I've watched a lot of them.
I just reminisce nowadays. Lost depth of field in eyes.
Flat ground only now. And can't use my boats either.
Got embarrassing falling over every time I got out of boat on pontoon.
Another bummer. I even trip going up\down uneven steps.
One day I'll sell them. Maybe.
sandsmere said
03:58 PM Apr 1, 2017
Bill B wrote:
Surprise, surprise Macka has caught a bigger one
Yeah!
No photo though Bill.
Damn good fish that one. I bet it had a bit of fight in it too.
Ron-D said
04:33 PM Apr 1, 2017
Great fish Bill there real speed machines especially on light gear...
the rocket said
05:10 PM Apr 1, 2017
Hi bill. now thats a fish
kiwijims said
05:27 PM Apr 1, 2017
A good catch Bill, did you name it Debbie, seeing as it went so fast on the line, and probably a Breeze to fillet ? LOL
K.J.
Dougwe said
05:33 PM Apr 1, 2017
Geez, KJ, bloody strong "Breeze" mate.
jules47 said
09:11 PM Apr 1, 2017
Are you sure that is not an Atlantic Salmon??
Kiwi-as said
10:42 PM Apr 1, 2017
That is a nice fish Bill, well done mate. You have earned the right to have that big smile on your face.
kiwijims said
01:16 AM Apr 2, 2017
Dougwe wrote:
Geez, KJ, bloody strong "Breeze" mate.
Sorry Chief, never felt a thing here, under the Blue Western skies.
K.J.
macka17 said
08:36 AM Apr 2, 2017
Pic's.
I don't normally bother been fishing for over 60 yrs.
These just a couple Scotty and Rog took coupla yrs ago when we went out in my 4.2 tinny to jewie hole.
Second was next day just after dawn trolling outside Harbour, for a feed for Barbie.
Some like Black Jew. Me and others prefer Spanno's and spotties.
Plus that little "lipper" just for missus.
She looooves them.
We don't normally photo, just go out and fish.
Plus I'm normally by myself too.
PS.
Those Jews. There was a big one too. separate photo. Around 80lb.
Look at my size 13 ft above them.
Launched at 7pm. Back on ramp by just after 9.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 2nd of April 2017 08:39:25 AM
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 2nd of April 2017 08:40:50 AM
Actually I got one 32kg last year. I will try to dig up some pics. Had great summer down at Tathra, where I have a cabin. Landed jewies up to 13.5kg, flathead to 80cm, estuary perch to 52cm.Great fishing, and a lovely place.I have a house at magnetic island, so if you are in my neck of woods, give me a tickle.
Yes Bill they all get bigger than what we normally catch.
Some the pro's get are ridiculous sizes.
But that's not what it's all about.
SO we all got the same fish hey.
Probably passed each other out there.
I lived in T'ville. Garbutt and South.
For around 20yrs on and off.
Remember the lakes project in early mid '90's.
That one by Target, at Garbutt.
I was operating that 160 ton Kobelco Excavator for Mick Curtain on day shift.
His S.I.L did night.
Dug all the Mangrove mud out
to make room for backfilling sand to give base for Water.
I contoured all those contours by eye Scraper smoothed off
behind me.
My son was the contractor who Laid the paving in the Mall.
He Was one of the first Australian Tradie Paver, with papers.
Had my yacht up Ross River for a few yrs too.
Used to string a set line with half a doz hooks and livies on them between the moorings.
Got some crackers there for Barbie's too.
We get a heck of large Cobe's when they running.
30\33 is average round the Pinacles and Manifold.
Mixed with the big Spanno's. and some jew.
up to SHoalwater ain't far normally an overnighter there.
is where NOMAD take the foreigners for massive GT's.
But if you like travelling.
I go over Canada to see brother every second yr normally.
Usuallyally jump on local flight to Alaska. Kodiac Mainly. for the barn doors.
(Halibut") A Base to see where they are.
Biggest I ever got to boat was a tad over 45lb and that killed me.
Was fit in those days too (Ha Ha)
Bloke in same boat had full 130lb rig, harness on.
His went 320lb's. 4 1\2 hrs later. and 2 shots with the Winchester.
5 of us taking turns.
It'd kill you.
I stuck to my 80lb rig thank you.
How the hell they bring in those 4\500lbers god only knows.
Those blokes start off around 300lb and go up.
end up on knees Whole body shaking.
Never more than one fish thank you.
My tiddler fixed me.
If interested.Probably go next yr. Tied up this.
Operation and recovery.
Lancelot Link said
12:51 AM Apr 3, 2017
bill12 wrote:
I just jot back to the island before Cyclone Debbie, and went for a fish with a mate. Landed this mack. 25.03kgs or 55lbs. at Cordellia rocks. it had 5 ft long fillets! Gave most of it to friends , and kept half a fillet for myself. Nice eating. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Saturday 1st of April 2017 11:04:05 AM
Okay, serious fisho here, what gear did you catch it on, did you use wire? Lure? Anything else or was it just luck? Come on and spill the secret.
I reckon they eat best on an open fire, second brined and hot smoked! My best is half that size! Land based! There are names not allowed to be used on forums like this, but is the highest form of respect and praise!
bill12 said
06:38 AM Apr 3, 2017
Got the mack on a laser pro lure , with about 18inches of mono wire, on 15kg spin outfit, trolling . Laser pros in the pilchard patern are dynamite big mack lures. We get big headland fish here, early in the season. The winter bite starts at easter, and the big queenfish also turn up. Landed queenfish to 11kgs on homemade poppers last year. If you want great sport, try casting poppers to Queenfish. Will be going out this arvo. Will post pics. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Monday 3rd of April 2017 06:39:28 AM
macka17 said
01:55 PM Apr 3, 2017
Bill.
We use short Mono, around 10in.
Troll well back on a Small Vane.
Gets it down to where the bigger ones tend to be. (Around 20\25ft)
As fast as you can get without Vane spilling, they vary.
Shallow divers with paravane for the depth, have much faster towing speeds.
Than Deep divers with humungous bib when Spanno trolling I find.
Also I've gone back to the old Pro's spoons, differing sizes with Mullet\Whatever
fillet on hook.
The Pro's here troll back and forth past islands
and get a serious number of them on that rig.
also the big Cobes run deep round here.
Spoon down deep on centre.2 Lasers etc shallow\surface on outsides.
bill12 said
05:27 PM Apr 3, 2017
Here's a pic of a nice queenfish, about 7kg, I landed this arvo on one my homemade poppers. Got two others which I released.I find queenfish on par with trevally, a bit dry, but good inmornays and chilli fish dishes.
Beautiful fish Bill, thanks for the great photos. They make my mouth water.
My father was a pro at Townsville but I have never been there myself, it sounds like you have a great life doing what you love.
bill12 said
06:44 PM Apr 3, 2017
I used to be a pro mackerel fisherman many years ago, even built my own boat, then I had a charter boat on Magnetic island for 25 years, now I'm sort of semi retired, so what do I do in my spare time, I go fishin........
Bryan said
06:45 PM Apr 3, 2017
Lovely fighting fish Bill. Like you I make my own poppers. Always nice to catch something on a lure you made.
Fine Elsewhere said
10:56 PM Apr 3, 2017
Sorry Bill, I should have said prawn fisherman, he built his boat too, clever buggers.
I just jot back to the island before Cyclone Debbie, and went for a fish with a mate. Landed this mack. 25.03kgs or 55lbs. at Cordellia rocks. it had 5 ft long fillets! Gave most of it to friends , and kept half a fillet for myself. Nice eating. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Saturday 1st of April 2017 11:04:05 AM
Did you speak to him/her in Spanish, mate
Jeff
Noice, very noice
That's a nice catch Bill
We catch up to a little Larger here.
Biggest Cobie (Myself) is just on 32kg.
Around 60\70 when they running outside.
Up to, inside the islands. with the baby Marlin.
Yrs ago (20\30) I used to go up to Cairns in off Marlin season.
Some of them have fin Pro licences. and go out for Spanno's\Spotties\cobes.
I used to pay one bloke, for about 7 yrs straight.
to take me out on one of his trips, 4 to 5 days, with him.
Guaranteed to put at least ONE 80lber on my hooks PER DAY.
Very rarely failed. I think 4 days overall I was under the 80.
Biggest ever was near 87. he got some monsters on hit trolling flashers.
But I only took 50lb for the fun of it.
ALL we caught went in bin and I took a frozen pack home with me on plane.
NOT the 80lbers. they went to chippie and markets. I took it in 35\40lber
Fillets.
Much sweeter meat.
Specially if you use hacksaw and cutlet them.
Wrap in foil with lemon and peppers. on stove\Barbie.
THE BEST fish in the sea. Along with Cobe.
Just peel back the skin. knife and fork and eat like a big steak.
About an inch thick Yummmm. 4 big roundels.
Just me and him. and his bloody old,Heeler.
Best 1 grand fish trips I ever had.
lol
Aussie Paul.
We, MOST fishers, used to catch. Regularly. 40\43lb Snapper just offshore at the Fence
and Outer grounds Off Christies, Aldinga, Sellicks, 40 yrs ago too.
and 70 plus Kingies up the top of channel in breeding season above Port Agudda.
above the Northern wall past the cave at Rapid Bay.
was a good spot to watch 'em and drop squid in for a bit of fun.
You couldn't "catch" them.
But to feel your game reel strip to knot of woolies 50lb was a turn on.
Went out in boats for fishing them.
And I've seen actual photo's in the old shacks on the Coorong side.
(40\50 yrs ago)
of mountains (tons) of Butterfish when they running (Pro's)
Nothing much there under 60 to over 100lb.
I was towed by a super biggie 40ish yrs ago, Sth of the mouth.
2 of us in boat. Bow wave. Over 100lb. Till it's tail hit a sand bar.
Bummer.
Dave got coupla photo's as we towed past his boat.
They were on club wall for yrs.
And the next 1.3+ mtr Barra in the Fitzroy here.
Won't be the first.
Actually.
The smaller. UP to around 30 lb, of any larger species,
Is preferred to biggies for the eating side.
Even Marlin and shark.
And Croc is almost translucent meat. cooks up white and tastes (really)
just like chicken. Which I hate. Some love it.
There is a croc farm here.For any that want to try.
But I've only had the wild stuff when skinning.
Just saying.
OH. And lots of other people have caught MUCH larger and more of than I.
I've watched a lot of them.
I just reminisce nowadays. Lost depth of field in eyes.
Flat ground only now. And can't use my boats either.
Got embarrassing falling over every time I got out of boat on pontoon.
Another bummer. I even trip going up\down uneven steps.
One day I'll sell them. Maybe.
Yeah!
No photo though Bill.
Damn good fish that one. I bet it had a bit of fight in it too.
Great fish Bill there real speed machines especially on light gear...
Hi bill. now thats a fish
A good catch Bill, did you name it Debbie, seeing as it went so fast on the line, and probably a Breeze to fillet ? LOL
K.J.
Sorry Chief,
never felt a thing here, under the Blue Western skies. 
K.J.
Pic's.
I don't normally bother been fishing for over 60 yrs.
These just a couple Scotty and Rog took coupla yrs ago when we went out in my 4.2 tinny to jewie hole.
Second was next day just after dawn trolling outside Harbour, for a feed for Barbie.
Some like Black Jew. Me and others prefer Spanno's and spotties.
Plus that little "lipper" just for missus.
She looooves them.
We don't normally photo, just go out and fish.
Plus I'm normally by myself too.
PS.
Those Jews. There was a big one too. separate photo. Around 80lb.
Look at my size 13 ft above them.
Launched at 7pm. Back on ramp by just after 9.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 2nd of April 2017 08:39:25 AM
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 2nd of April 2017 08:40:50 AM
Actually I got one 32kg last year. I will try to dig up some pics. Had great summer down at Tathra, where I have a cabin. Landed jewies up to 13.5kg, flathead to 80cm, estuary perch to 52cm.Great fishing, and a lovely place.I have a house at magnetic island, so if you are in my neck of woods, give me a tickle.
Some the pro's get are ridiculous sizes.
But that's not what it's all about.
SO we all got the same fish hey.
Probably passed each other out there.
I lived in T'ville. Garbutt and South.
For around 20yrs on and off.
Remember the lakes project in early mid '90's.
That one by Target, at Garbutt.
I was operating that 160 ton Kobelco Excavator for Mick Curtain on day shift.
His S.I.L did night.
Dug all the Mangrove mud out
to make room for backfilling sand to give base for Water.
I contoured all those contours by eye Scraper smoothed off
behind me.
My son was the contractor who Laid the paving in the Mall.
He Was one of the first Australian Tradie Paver, with papers.
Had my yacht up Ross River for a few yrs too.
Used to string a set line with half a doz hooks and livies on them between the moorings.
Got some crackers there for Barbie's too.
We get a heck of large Cobe's when they running.
30\33 is average round the Pinacles and Manifold.
Mixed with the big Spanno's. and some jew.
up to SHoalwater ain't far normally an overnighter there.
is where NOMAD take the foreigners for massive GT's.
But if you like travelling.
I go over Canada to see brother every second yr normally.
Usuallyally jump on local flight to Alaska. Kodiac Mainly. for the barn doors.
(Halibut") A Base to see where they are.
Biggest I ever got to boat was a tad over 45lb and that killed me.
Was fit in those days too (Ha Ha)
Bloke in same boat had full 130lb rig, harness on.
His went 320lb's. 4 1\2 hrs later. and 2 shots with the Winchester.
5 of us taking turns.
It'd kill you.
I stuck to my 80lb rig thank you.
How the hell they bring in those 4\500lbers god only knows.
Those blokes start off around 300lb and go up.
end up on knees Whole body shaking.
Never more than one fish thank you.
My tiddler fixed me.
If interested.Probably go next yr. Tied up this.
Operation and recovery.
Okay, serious fisho here, what gear did you catch it on, did you use wire? Lure? Anything else or was it just luck? Come on and spill the secret.
I reckon they eat best on an open fire, second brined and hot smoked! My best is half that size! Land based! There are names not allowed to be used on forums like this, but is the highest form of respect and praise!
Got the mack on a laser pro lure , with about 18inches of mono wire, on 15kg spin outfit, trolling . Laser pros in the pilchard patern are dynamite big mack lures. We get big headland fish here, early in the season. The winter bite starts at easter, and the big queenfish also turn up. Landed queenfish to 11kgs on homemade poppers last year. If you want great sport, try casting poppers to Queenfish. Will be going out this arvo. Will post pics. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Monday 3rd of April 2017 06:39:28 AM
We use short Mono, around 10in.
Troll well back on a Small Vane.
Gets it down to where the bigger ones tend to be. (Around 20\25ft)
As fast as you can get without Vane spilling, they vary.
Shallow divers with paravane for the depth, have much faster towing speeds.
Than Deep divers with humungous bib when Spanno trolling I find.
Also I've gone back to the old Pro's spoons, differing sizes with Mullet\Whatever
fillet on hook.
The Pro's here troll back and forth past islands
and get a serious number of them on that rig.
also the big Cobes run deep round here.
Spoon down deep on centre.2 Lasers etc shallow\surface on outsides.
My father was a pro at Townsville but I have never been there myself, it sounds like you have a great life doing what you love.
Lovely fighting fish Bill. Like you I make my own poppers. Always nice to catch something on a lure you made.