Port Stephens and Jarvis Bay

[bondy99]

Yep, I know this place too well. I use to work on a few trawlers in Port Stephens, when we seen white water we headed close towards the Red sector then swerved heavily and quickly into the lead, there is some safe water in the red sector but would not advise it to anyone who has no experience.

It was pitch black too.

The bar needs to be deepen and or dredged to make it safer. We all pay taxes and out of boating fees these should be maintained by Maritime Services. A petition should be made and get signatures and send it to the local member of state parliament. If everyone does it then surely someone will look into rather than the slack attitude (She'll be right mate, someone else will do it). Actions speak louder than words. That's my view and opinion only.

Peter

[Blackjenny]

It was pitch black too.

The bar needs to be deepen and or dredged to make it safer.

I would not fancy heading out under those conditions bondy. And definitely never in the dark at any time. That is a brave thing to do and only for you Pro's/highly experienced fisho's.

I agree with you about the dredging. Funny thing is though, that at the moment, there is some dredging going on at Jimmy's Beach. Sand is being pumped to Winda Woppa (further along the same beach a kilometre or so for those who don't know the area) in another attempt to stabilise the shoreline there.

I'm not happy because they've exposed some rocks where you used to be able to bring your boat into a dear little sandy bay. It has changed the dynamics of the fishing too is my bet. I hope my favourite spot (flathead, whiting, bream) from the rocks further along the wall hasn't been wiped out - or else! Not happy Jan.

Many of the locals say it is a complete waste of money (about $1million) and won't solve the problem (waves eroding the sand and shoreline) that occurs with monotonous regularity. Fact is that the residents opposite that shoreline all have homes in the million dollar and over bracket. Maybe it's a case of the local council having to appease some very disgruntled homeowners.

This problem has been in the headlines here since I was a girl. It seems everything they try....well they are still trying.

[bondy99]

Hi Blackjenny,

I have not been down to Port Stephens for a few years now and do miss the place, I like a few isolated spots along the northern side of headland. Too bad that marine parks had went overboard with a blanket approach to the area. Local Councils? Sometimes I wonder if there are conflicts of interest at times. I know where Winda Woppa is, some people with million dollar views as you say.

One day the sea level will rise and swamp those clowns and no amount of shore stablisation will help, they should never been allowed to be built close the shoreline to begin with.

I use to live in Karuah and drove to Tea Gardens to catch a few blue-swimmers at low tide in the shallows and weed areas. I don't know if its still possible to do that, I normally go down when there's not much of a crowd. The vis needs to be good for me (snorkle). Just wondering whether it might be possible to come out fishing one day when I'm down that way. Not sure when as yet, might be later this year (Summer). I'll give you a pm soon. Peter