Live Baiting in Northern NSW?

[Gigantor]

I'm heading to Northern NSW soon to do some fishing around the Tweed River and am wondering what the best method is for catching live bait - particularly as I can't use my cast net in NSW.

I would be interested in knowing what "legal" method works well, as I have only ever used the cast net??????

I'd also be keen to hear what's been on the chew from anyone that has recently been fishhing the Tweed River???

Your esteemed advice would be greatly appreciated folks. I'll report back on my return via this web site to let you know my results.

Thanks,

Gigantor

[Mick]

I forget what they are called, but you can probably use a pre made rig (at most bait shops), that has about 6 tiny hooks set up to look like flies. Jigging up and down usualy lands a few small fish.

I'm kicking myself for not knowing the name of it. I will get back to you if no one else mentions the name first.

[Heath]

Would that be a bait jig Mick?? ;D

Drive the 10 mins into Qld to Currumbin creek & grab all your bait there. Better than mucking around with bait traps etc

[Leo_N.]

Bait jigs seem to be the way to go - find a bait school on the sounder and most baitfish can't resist.

[ba229]

And if the jig isn't working I find putting small pieces of pilly or prawn on the hooks always gets the yakkas biting.

Plus i find 6 hooks too much to deal with and a recipe for tangles. They are also cheaply made and the hooks don't like salt water and rust. So i cut them in half and only use 3 hooks at a time. That way i get 2 jigs out of 1 packet

[Sergio_kutz]

nooooo!!!! don't steal all the bait from currumbin!!! people who fish there need that! like me! Well i guess a few mullet would be ok... just... :P

[Hagar]

Gigantor
We have had a lot of rain and the Tweed has had a real good flush so I am thinking the fish will be in the lower to middle reaches of the river now . I only fish outside so can't give you any tips but check out the 'reports' menu at http://www.thefisherman.com.au/ It's one of the most comprehensive local reports available in print .

Chris

[devocean]

Herring Jig mick. Also cant use any type of bait net in NSW last time I looked. Herring jig is a good bet or catch some little whiting thats always a goer.

[jimbob]

G day Gigantor
If ya gunna do what heath said make sure you leave the cast net at the border. I leave my net in the boat all the time & got sprung down ther not using it just having it I didnt get a fine or anything but if you had a bucket of livies & a net I think you would get done Cheers Jamie

[Gigantor]

Well the houseboating trip to the Upper Tweed River is now just a memory (eventhough it was only last week).

The wind was strong for most of the week, which made us anchor-up in places we wouldn't normally. There was also plenty of rain, albeit light. But all in all it was a most relaxing week just the same. It beat's working!!!

We ended up trying live bait, but no real success. The dead bait worked much better, particularly the strips of pillies and the prawns.

Caught heaps of small to medium Bream, and a lonely eel of all things. Pic are following.

Thanks to all that provided tips and advice. Much appreciated indeed.

Am now planning the next houseboat trip to the Tweed.

Cheers,

Gigantor

[Gigantor]

And the Eel in question, which put up a great fight too...

[Gigantor]

and the magnificent views...