OVER the coming weeks, if my Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) site is accurate, we are in for some rough weather accompanied by a bumpy sea. As the sea continues to settle the local headlands and rocky outcrops along our coastline, between Birubi and Tomaree, become a focus for those who chase a tenacious scrapper we […]
Local champ Benny Doolan with an offshore monster snapper.
OFFSHORE fishing from Birubi north to Broughton Island is as good as it gets. Snapper is without doubt the most sought after fish because of its tenacious fighting qualities and outstanding performance in the kitchen. The offshore coastal stretch to Seal Rocks, including the islands, is dominated by reef – ideal habitat for snapper. Mulloway […]
A Greek hut on Broughton Island.
IT was early in the 1900s when two Greek merchant mariners were paid off on the docks in Melbourne and headed north searching for somewhere to start a new life, hopefully somewhere that reminded them of their homeland. Nick Catsicas and Spiro Spathos agreed that Nelson Bay and Broughton Island in particular was that special […]
Broughton Island, a fishing paradise.
ONCE a little-known NSW island, Broughton has become a ‘must visit’ destination for fishermen, boaties and day trippers. Over recent years the island has changed socially, for the better, with an influx of families rather than a domination of fishermen. Bird watching, hiking, photography, snorkelling and of course fishing are all part of the island […]
The crane, wharf and boathouse became of lesser importance after the light house became increasingly automated from 1960 when it converted to electricity and finally to solar.
ON the northern aspect of Fingal Island, facing Broughton Island, is a small cove known by fishermen and islanders as the “Crayfish Hole”. It was on the rocky shoreline of this natural harbour that a wharf and boathouse existed in 1918. Here the Government Department kept two boats, a whaler of 20 feet and a […]
“SILVERTAILS” were a fascinating species. They were made up of doctors, lawyers, school teachers and even wrestlers. Generally holidaymakers, “Silvertails” were those who, it seemed, always had an inner desire to be a fisherman, but fate had led them elsewhere in life. Their method of operation was to start talking to the fishermen and slowly […]
DID you hear what I heard? For the past 40 odd years I have been reporting fishing in and around Port Stephens. Something happened this week that, to my knowledge, has never happened before. Fishing around the deep water off Middle Island, Soldiers Point, John Latter hooked and landed a 58cm Mangrove Jack! So, what […]
The program includes four free workshops across Port Stephens.
YOUNG people under 18 are being encouraged to cast a line and learn new skills during the spring school holidays with free fishing workshops and a competition. Mayor Leah Anderson said the program is all about giving young people the chance to enjoy the outdoors while learning practical skills and sustainable fishing practices. “Fishing is […]
Men’s winner Clinton Harris. Ladies and junior winner Hayley Diaz. RESULTS from Hawks Nest Social Club fishing tournament 12th-14th September. Men’s and overall winner: Clinton Harris with a great catch of Tailor, Flathead, Whiting, Snapper and Bream. Men’s runner up: Mark Briton with some big Bream one weighing 1kg cleaned. Ladies and junior winner: Hayley […]
When conditions permitted supplies for the lighthouse were delivered to the island by off loading on the beach.
When conditions permitted supplies for the lighthouse were delivered to the island by off loading on the beach. The Gantry remains a safe place in wild seas. THE Gantry or Government Hole is a small natural cove on Fingal Island protected from the southerly wind and boiling sea. Facing north the waters inside the Gantry […]
