I suppose putting myself out there sharing my knowledge at times comes at a cost.
I have never said I’m an expert or know the ins and outs of fishing; I do it for the sheer enjoyment and pleasure, making memories, making new friends and seeing the enjoyment that fishing gives to the young and upcoming generations.
I’ll do my best to answer any questions and offer any advice that I can, that’s what we as fishermen do, and I’m sure that any other fisho would do the same.
But in recent weeks myself and Pat have been criticised and abused by both keyboard warriors and those who know us well.
This is a direct result of using the latest in technology to catch fish, totally legal and growing by the day.
It’s not for everyone and extremely expensive, but each to their own.
If you haven’t used it or can’t afford it, that’s fine.
But it doesn’t give you the right to criticise, belittle and shame people for using what’s now available for use all over the country.
Yes there’s pros and cons with the use of this technology, like anything we do as humans, but we are trying to get an advantage.
It’s just like using the best lures possible, the best rods, the best reels, the best boats ... and the list goes on - anything to make life easier.
Anyway, life goes on and I’ll try to ignore these people.
But maybe these people should be more concerned about their own life choices and focus on the positive things in life.
Looking back over the past month there’s been a few nice catches of cod and yellowbelly.
Michael Clarke caught what he believes is his first yellowbelly in about eight years - a 39cm on worms casting a line off the bank down at Willoughbys Beach.
Mitch Thackeray camped out at Benarca Bend recently and managed to catch a couple of nice cod going 65cm and 67cm.
Nathan Kelly was shown up by his young bloke who caught a few nice cod on chicken, the biggest going 63cm.
Mark Lightning and Pete Youngman caught six nice cod out on the Billabong recently, with the biggest being caught by Pete (80cm) and all caught using grubs for bait.
Mick Barnett and Sam Young camped out on the Billabong over the weekend and had a great session.
The pair caught some cracking cod, a few in the 60cm range and one in the 80cm range, but Sam had a 113cm Billabong giant.
All fish were caught in the space of a couple of hours and using chicken for bait.
Brodie McQuie has landed himself some nice cod up to 90cm in the past few weeks, and Patrick Westcott’s catches over the past month are nothing short of mind blowing.
He landed five cod over the 1m market, the biggest being 120cm and earning him a new personal best - embrace the technology!
If you’re looking for something different to watch, check out my YouTube channel Ranga with a Rod. There you’ll see a few of Pat and myself catching a few nice cod from around town.
For all your fishing, tackle and camping needs, remember to call in to see Pete at Deniliquin Outdoors and Camping - Deniliquin’s number one fishing and outdoor supplier.
It is now located at 67 Davidson St, Deniliquin, next to the bakery.
And for any of your boating needs, call in and see the guys at Deniliquin Yamaha.
Both locally owned businesses are also supporters of the Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge, held annually in February.
• If you see or suspect illegal fishing, please call 1800 043 536. Make the call and make the difference.
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