Shark Fin

Theres a great fshing spot we know named Shark Fin Rock not too far from
where I live. Its not called shark fn because of any nasty bities spotted there but
because of the smooth curved rock out front that from a distance resembles a
sharks dorsal fn. I would say this is the most reliable location I know around the
area for catching a feed of the humble yet ever!present luderick.
" prime luderick and the food it loves.
Shark Fin is not that hard to get to but it is not for the la#y or casual fsherman.
The $% minute combined bicycle ride and walk tend to make this location a little
bit more e&clusive but what the heck a little ftness training never hurt anyone
and the thought of those fsh 'ust waiting to be caught is a pretty good incentive
to get the old treadly out dust o( the cobwebs and pump up the tyres.
)ake sure you only carry the gear you need* a few ready made up traces + or ,
home made -oats the luderick special ./lackfsh reel0 and fnally dont forget to
throw in some lead to balance those -oats. 1se your velcro straps to somehow
tie your treasured rod to the bike and you should be on your way.
2ont forget to admire the eye!catching heath )ountain devils or sky!blue
3atersonias that may 'ust be -owering along the bush track. 4hatever the time
of year some plants amongst the native vegetation will be putting on a da##ling
display. 2id you know there was a creamy yellow -owering shrub called .drum
and drumsticks05 "t the half way mark stop for a drink and perhaps be
entertained by the chorus of eastern coach ! whip birds or the melodious notes of
the grey shrike!thrush.
6pacris spp. 7heath8
"fter you leave your bike well concealed in the scrub at the top of the cli( wend
your way down to the sand beachcombing as you make your way for any stray
-oats or other useful -otsam and 'etsam washed in by the high tide. 9ou may be
surprised at what youll fnd especially after a big swell has pounded the beach.
4hen you arrive at Shark Fin watch the sea for a few minutes to check the swell.
:enerally best and safest fshing is when the tide is on the way down. Theres
plenty of cabbage or green weed right under your feet to bait up with. )ake sure
you scu( a bit into the water now and then with your ;aydee sandals. This will
ring the dinner gong for those hungry luderick.
Shark Fin is a low -at rock but safe enough with plenty of room to retreat if any
larger waves are imminent. /ut make sure you keep an eye on the water
especially when you are washing out that plump beautifully marked fsh you
have 'ust hooked. 2ont bag your limit* limit your bag. That way therell be plenty
more waiting to be caught ne&t time you visit.
The eating <uality of luderick is superb provided you abide by a few basic
principles. )ake sure you fllet skin and debone each fsh and fnally remove the
bloodline and the smaller bones it contains. This will give you $ lovely bone!free
fllets from each fsh. For cooking dip in whisked egg yolk and then crumb the
fllets. Some people I know prefer beer batter. 6ither way you will be back for
more very soon. /est eating si#e fsh are ,=!,%cm. >ver this they are not <uite
so sweet and delectable to the palate. Smaller fsh should be returned anyway
as should the larger breeding stock.
?ey were right out of fsh again. 4here did I leave that bicycle pump5 Time to
hit the track.
Shark Fin on a 2> @>T day.