Wangi RSL reigned supreme in the time-honoured Lake Macquarie Combined Fishing comp held last weekend.
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Hosted this year by Gwandalan Bowlo Fishing Club, the LMCF is traditionally contested by warriors from Wangi RSL, Wangi Workers, Gwandalan, Rathmines and Bonnells Bay Hotel Fishing Clubs.
"The host changes from year to year and it's generally a chance to tell a few fishy stories," said Andrew Fryer, spokesperson from Rathmines.
"It's with some bitterness in my heart that I have to admit Wangi RSL dominated the weekend.
"Bob Toteric and crew led the way with a great catch of snapper to lead them to victory, but the good news was Rathmines cleaned up on the beach and rocks, taking first, second and third spots."
Indeed young Jy Fryer landed an impressive 710g whiting to show rival clubs just what they'll be up against in coming years.
"We fished Friday arvo to 2pm weigh-in Sunday in the lake, freshwater, beach and rock, any puddles you can find," Andrew said.
"Quite a few jewfish caught - no monsters but they're definitely about in the lake.
"Flathead and whiting stood out at the weigh-in for anyone who had anything half decent.
"The trick over last weekend was trying to tune out of the jet skis and cruisers hanging round the power boat races up the top end of the lake. It was a bit hectic from a fishing point of view but we got about 80 or 90 guys fishing.
"Grawdalan did well hosting with cheap beer and good food
"Rathmines are hosting it next year so the recruitment drive is on to get the act together in 12 months time and wreak revenge.
"Otherwise, it was a great weekend with plenty of lies told and listened to."
River runs
Fish of the Week winner Will Kleinschafer went fishing in the Hunter River this Tuesday in the trusty kayak, working the same spot towards Raymond Terrace that he got his prize winning jew last week, and picked up three little jew.
"Looking in their mouth, they were just chockers full of prawns," Will said, noting the prawn run which kicked off last week.
"We were throwing plastics, hopping down the rocky edges and getting it right on the bottom.
"We could see big fish on the sounder, quite a few of them too, in schools but they just wouldn't bite.
"We were hoping they would switchon come the tide change around 11am but they remained pretty quiet.
Will and Jake noticed a lot tailor munching on prawns on the top of the water.
"We were a bit surprised to see tailor that far up the river, and Jake was bouncing plastics on the bottom at the time when he got a really big take and thought for sure it was a jew," Will said.
"We he got it up and it was a 60cm tailor. Could not believe it - a horse. We did not think big ones like that got up that far in the river."
Will is hitting the river again on Monday to test his theory about jew fishing at day on the new moon.
"I reckon because it's so dark they don't eat as much at night, so bright skies during day they will be on the chew - that's the theory," he explained.
Stay tuned next week for an update.
Bay fires up
Been some nice jewies caught up around Karuah and Soldiers Point, Paul "Ringo" Lennon, from Fish Port Stephens Estuary Charters said.
"Terry Hunt and his mate John Taylforth have been getting them in the deeper water around the bridge," Ringo reported.
"Been some really nice flathead up that way too, which augers well for the Allworth Flathead Classic on this weekend.
"Plenty of whiting on the beach as the water starts to warm up. The warmer water has also sparked the surface bite for bream and whiting.
"Been the odd king offshore coming off places like Allmark Mountain and it shouldn't surprise to see those kings start moving into the bay as the baits starts pouring in with the warm water."
ABT victory
Hats off to Lake Macquarie angler Mark Healy who took out the ABT Bream Tournament at Port Stephens last weekend.
Approximately 60 anglers competed, with Andrew Stubbs the best of the local Port guys, finishing sixth.
Stones rockin'
Jack Hammond ventured out to his local drummer spot last weekend, targeting the the large swells on the high 1.6m tide out Boat Harbour suspecting it might produce some good fish, and he wasn't wrong.
Using 15lb Berkley fireline and 20lb Berkley vanish leader throwing cranka crabs in the wash, Jack was rewarded with a 5.5kg black drummer which measured 59cm.
"We caught over 30 mixed silver and black drummer and we only kept 4 for dinner and safely released the rest of the fish along with some big bream and a few small reds.