Issue 220 OUT NOW. Get all your community news and information. Bribie Islands only community gloss magazine NOW EVERY TWO WEEKS! – Articles on boating, camping, fishing, life, drama, travel destinations, sports, and what to see and do on Bribie Island. Covering charities, organizations, places, children’s activities, arts and crafts, tourist destinations, heritage parks, technology, science, music, gardening, and much more.
The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine July 12, 2024 Issue 219
Issue 219 OUT NOW. Get all your community news and information. Bribie Islands only community gloss magazine NOW EVERY TWO WEEKS! – Articles on boating, camping, fishing, life, drama, travel destinations, sports, and what to see and do on Bribie Island. Covering charities, organizations, places, children’s activities, arts and crafts, tourist destinations, heritage parks, technology, science, music, gardening, and much more.
Fishing Report – June 28, 2024
June Fishing Report – Bribie Islander Three weeks of almost perfect winter weather has ushered in great Pumicestone Passage fishing. As the weather has cooled, the bigger flathead has settled in at the mouths of the creeks all the way up the Passage and plenty are being caught. Flathead are lazy but aggressive and usually go for anything that comes close enough. Casting and retrieving soft plastics and hard-bodied lures will all successfully catch flathead. Kaelan cast around the Avon shipwreck, where two big flathead fell for his metal slug lure. If you’re shore-based, then casting out lures over the shallow flats on the incoming tidal flow should find the fish. Brendan’s three flathead (the biggest was 72cm) were all caught on lures at Whitepatch. Going after flathead, it’s always a good idea to add some strong leader to your line – they’re pretty good at biting through a regular line.
Make sure you use the tidal flow if you’re using bait – if you’re in a boat, drift along the sandbanks. Also, look for a weed bed or the edge of the mangrove. Jerone and Daniel were sitting over the weed bed near the second green marker south of the bridge on a recent afternoon rising tide, where “there was lots of company” – they used motor oil grub lures, as well as prawns and pillies, to get four keeper flathead and a flounder. Darren and Brianna’s biggest flathead was 67cm; they also used pillies.
A pilchard also caught a flathead for John (62cm), but mullet was probably the best bait overall. Jason’s was too big to keep, at 80cm – it was taken on mullet strip at about 10 pm on a VERY cold night, just near the first stairs at Whitepatch. The bream is pretty quiet right now – lots of littlies, but the big ones are interested in other things… but snapper are coming in more regularly. Just in time for the snapper “closed season”, of course. From July 15th to August 15th, you must throw any snapper back, no matter the size.
Tailor will continue to be fun for a while yet, over winter. There have been loads of baitfish throughout the Passage; Kim told me he followed a big school of herring from the second green marker south of the bridge all the way up past the Avon wreck. Sprays of herring leaping out of the water and birds swinging above them – that’s the best way to locate tailor. Adam and his mum just sat south of the bridge and used garfish to bring in tailor. West saw lots of tailor cruising past the ripples at Pacific Harbour and got lucky with a lure; Tayab caught tailor off Kalmakuta Park.
It’s been a bit lumpy to be comfortable further out in the bay, but tailor and whiting have been consistent catches at Cook’s Rocks and on the drift across towards Red Beach. Fishing off the beach at Skirmish Point and Red Beach has also been worth trying. The middle week of July, with the smaller tides, should be a good time; it might be chilly, but early mornings are best, and the second and fourth weekends in July have the outgoing tide just about right for dawn fishing at the beach. It’s hard to find a gutter there but look for an eddy and cast so the line swings over to the edge of it. Pilchards have been working well for bait, but garfish hold better on the hooks and are usually just as tasty to the tailor.
Winter whiting is another popular cool weather target. Both in the Passage and on the ocean-side, winter whiting is a reliable catch at this time of year and is good fun for the kids. Banksia Beach foreshore and the south end of Whitepatch have been good spots to try. The whiting comes over the yabby banks there on the rising tide, looking for one of their favourite meals. Of course, if you get the chance at low tide, pumping some yabbies yourself will be a surefire way to hook a few whiting if you cast out when the tide starts to run back in. Other baits that have been doing almost as well in the past couple of weeks are worms, prawns and squid. You know, at a carnival side show, where “everyone gets a prize”? I reckon it’s been like that this winter with slimy grinners. They are everywhere, and no one wants them. One fellow over from Straddy said there was a plague of grinners right through Moreton Bay and “somebody ought to find out why!”
I told him that I think I know why – for the same reason we sometimes have plagues of blue blubbers or toadies – it’s nature! The other reason is that we keep throwing them back. Maybe we need to find some good recipes for grinners.
Winelander – June 28, 2024
AN ANCIENT ANECDOTE CHANGED TO A MORE MODERN VERSION. A prominent wine judge suffered a serious injury in a car accident on his way to a wine show and carried unconscious to a nearby house. A doctor who was called began to clean the wound with some old wine he found, some of which trickled down and touched the wine judge’s lips. He suddenly blinked and opened his mouth; everyone leaned forward to hear his last words, which he whispered: Grange 1974…
Let’s consider having a wine and cheese tasting and how to make it a successful event. Wine is the perfect match with food, and over the years, I have been fortunate to have been involved with some outstanding events, but with the extensive varieties of wines and cheese styles from around the world, let’s concentrate just on cheese. Having a dinner party, the cheese becomes the final course, following the entrée, main course and dessert, and it can be made all the more interesting with a matching of fine wine. The French serve cheese before dessert, and the English finish the meal with a cheese platter after the dessert. In Italy, a piece of hard cheese with good bread is considered a meal on its own; here in Australia, we tend to follow the English tradition, although when having friends around, we tend to offer cheese and crackers before dinner, and I think that also works well.
Firstly, temperature plays an important part and cheese should be served at room temperature and be balanced by the ‘weight’ of the wine; a big, bold wine and a light, delicate cheese or vice versa would destroy the effect you are trying to achieve for example the whiter and fresher the cheese you are serving will suit a young fresh, crisp white wine. The stronger and more mature cheese will suit a darker, heavier wine, not necessarily a red wine, though; remember, acid likes acid and sweetness in wine counterbalances the salt in cheese. Finally, keep accompaniments simple to avoid flavour clashes. After all, we are trying to complement the two and finish a successful dinner.
When serving cheese, it is important to be in prime condition, especially with softer white mould and washed rind cheese. These have an optimum eating time, after which the aroma will affect the matching of the wine. Use a separate knife for each style of cheese, try to present the cheese cut finely and not in chunks, and, of course, ensure each style of cheese has a different glass.
With the cheese taken out of the fridge half an hour to an hour before serving to come to room temperature, sparkling wine should be served very chilled straight from the fridge at around 3.5 to 5 degrees C, although with an expensive Champagne, perhaps a couple of degrees higher to allow the aroma of the wine to come out. Young white wines are 7 degrees to 12 degrees, with more mature white wines at the higher end, red wines and fortified wines around 17 degrees C; here in Australia, on a warm evening, half an hour in the fridge before serving in sensible as there is nothing worse than warm red wine. Fresh unripened cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and feta matured in brine will match well with sparkling wine such as Champagne or Prosecco, aromatic wine such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Gris, medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir, Merlot (both can be served slightly chilled), and Grenache, and dessert wines such as late-picked or lateharvested styles.
White mould cheeses such as Brie and Camembert will match well with a buttery Chardonnay, a style that develops well from California, sparkling wines, or even fortified wine.
One of my faves for matching with wine is blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Stilton, and Gorgonzola, which really stand out when matched with dessert wines, especially botrytis styles of Riesling or Semillon. I remember tasting a Victorian cheese that had a very distinctive aroma, something approaching the smell of a marathon runner’s shoes after the run, but strangely, the flavour was amazing, and the match with the wine was fabulous.
Cheeses such as Edam, Menthal, Gouda, Gruyere, and Havarti match well with full-bodied white wines such as aged Chardonnay or Semillon, medium-bodied reds, dessert wines, or fortified wines.
Mild Cheddar, Mature Cheddar, Vintage Cheddar, Colby, Red Leceister, Cheshire, or Lancashire cheeses match well with fullbodied white wines and reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Rioja, Chianti, Malbec, and Mataro (Mourvedre).
Parmesan, Pecorino, and Romano are mainly grated sharp cheeses with sharp, robust flavours, and they need intense, full-bodied red or white wines, fortified wines, and sparkling wines.
Cheers Philip Arlidge
Antique Buyers in the Area
In today’s trend of downsizing and decluttering our homes, it’s the perfect time to go through those drawers and cupboards, turn those unwanted items into cash. Antique Buyers, and father-son duo, Mike and Nate, will be in the Bribie Island area for one day only on July 9th.
“We are enthusiastic buyers, particularly interested in gold jewellery, whether broken or intact, antique jewellery, gold and silver coins, collectibles including military medals, and banknotes, as well as mechanical watches.”
“Everyone has something we want to buy, and nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy to buy one item, as we are buying 10,000!” says Mike Cornish, the company’s chief buyer. If you are in doubt about any items you wish to sell, take them in for an instant appraisal. See page 14 for full details.
Gold and Silver still at high prices
With the gold price still at higher than traditional levels, right now is an opportune time to explore your jewellery box and dig out those old gold chains, rings, and brooches, to turn them into cash. Mike emphasizes, “This is an ideal time to sell. We will buy anything made of gold – old jewellery, coins, virtually anything, even gold teeth! We also need silver in any form, including coins, and bars of any size.”
Old coins can toss up a rarity
Check those drawers and cupboards, you may have a rarity lurking amongst your coins. “We want to see any old foreign coin accumulations. Bags, tins, boxes, folders, however they come, we will be quite happy to go through your coins on the spot and give you an idea of what we can pay. You just never know what can turn up!”
Rolex and mechanical watches wanted
Mechanical watches are needed urgently by the buyers. “Collectors at this stage want brands such as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Seiko, just to mention some. These brands can command good prices depending on the model and condition.” Mike explains. “If you are unsure, bring your watches in for an appraisal.”
We also offer home visits for those unable to visit us, or those with too much to carry. Refer to our advertisement for home visit times and call Nate on 0426 820 646 to book your appointment.
5 Great Ways Men Can Improve Full Body Blood Flow
As men strive to maintain optimal health and well-being, ensuring adequate blood flow throughout the body is crucial. From reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease to enhancing athletic performance, good circulation plays a vital role in overall health. If you’re looking to boost blood flow, here are five effective strategies to consider:
1. Stay Active
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to promote healthy blood circulation. Cardiovascular activities like running, swimming, or cycling get your heart pumping and encourage blood flow throughout your body. Additionally, strength training exercises help improve muscle tone and flexibility, which can further enhance circulation. To maximise the benefits, consider incorporating compression socks into your workout attire. Compression socks for men provide graduated pressure to the legs, aiding venous return and preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities. For those with desk jobs or sedentary lifestyles, incorporating simple changes into your daily routine can be a game-changer in your health journey. Taking regular breaks to stand, stretch, or walk around can significantly improve your daily circulation. Activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from your destination are easy to do and can also have a positive impact on your blood flow, making it a manageable and effective strategy that you can easily incorporate into your life.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet, a key pillar of good health, is not just a choice; it’s a commitment to your well-being. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support cardiovascular health and improve blood flow. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress, which can impair circulation. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are also beneficial for heart health and blood vessel function. Avoiding excessive consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary beverages can further support optimal blood flow, giving you the power to take control of your health.
In addition to focusing on nutrient-dense foods, paying attention to portion sizes and practising mindful eating can help prevent overeating and support weight management, which is essential for cardiovascular health. But it’s not just about what you avoid; it’s also about what you include. Incorporating heart-healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts into your diet can also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and improve circulation.
3. Practice Stress Management
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on circulation by constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressure. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or tai chi into your daily routine can help promote relaxation and improve blood flow. Making time for hobbies, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities you enjoy can also help alleviate stress and support overall well-being. In addition to formal stress management techniques, finding healthy outlets for stress, such as spending time with loved ones, listening to music, or pursuing creative hobbies, can also promote relaxation and improve circulation. Prioritising self-care and setting boundaries to manage work-related stress can help prevent burnout and support cardiovascular health in the long term.
4. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy blood volume and circulation. Dehydration can cause blood to become thicker and more viscous, making it harder for the heart to pump it throughout the body. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during and after exercise, to ensure optimal hydration. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake can dehydrate the body and help support healthy blood flow. Along with drinking water, consuming hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables can contribute to your overall fluid intake and support hydration. Foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, help keep you hydrated and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
5. Consider Compression Therapy
In addition to wearing compression socks during physical activity, you may benefit from other forms of compression therapy to improve blood flow. Compression garments, such as sleeves, shirts, or shorts, apply gentle pressure to specific body areas, promoting circulation and reducing swelling. Compression therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with circulatory issues or those who spend long periods sitting or standing. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if compression therapy suits you. Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can help optimise blood flow and support overall health and well-being. By staying active, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, staying hydrated, and considering compression therapy, men can take proactive steps to enhance circulation and enjoy the benefits of improved blood flow.
The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine June 28, 2024 Issue 218
Issue 218 OUT NOW. Get all your community news and information. Bribie Islands only community gloss magazine NOW EVERY TWO WEEKS! – Articles on boating, camping, fishing, life, drama, travel destinations, sports, and what to see and do on Bribie Island. Covering charities, organizations, places, children’s activities, arts and crafts, tourist destinations, heritage parks, technology, science, music, gardening, and much more.
Fishing Report – June 14, 2024
This week, I would like to discuss Fishing Zones that have been declared in the Moreton Bay Marine Park (see the Moreton Bay Marine Park User Guide). But what does this all mean for us? With a small snapshot around the southern end, let’s look at Yellow Zones first.
Pumicestone Passage is predominantly a Yellow Zone (Conservation Park Zone).
This allows anglers to fish with two rods, and each rod is allowed one hook. Hook definition is a set of gangs with up to 6 hooks in the set, bait jigs with up to 6 hooks, and the largest hook size, a number 1, down to a size 12. One lure with three hooks (can be single or trebles) or a squid jig. Have a look at Page 6 of the User Guide. Two rods per person are allowed if trolling lures, with up to three trebles on each lure. Cast and bait netting is allowed, with commercial netting for bait allowed south of the bridge only.
The Marine Park has two types of blue zones: light blue for General Use and darker blue for Habit Protection Zone. It is important to understand this boundary as it is a fishing corridor 100m from the shore from the high tide mark. This allows anglers to fish within normal fishing regulations, which are 3 rods and up to 6 hooks. This area starts at Col Fischer Park and terminates at Buckleys Hole. Not all inspectors are aware of the Blue Line. Green zones are no fish zones. You may pass through these zones if you’re fishing and crabbing gear is stowed or secured. $500 on-the-spot fines will be handed out by Fisheries Officers if you do the wrong thing.
I recently noticed some anglers trolling in this Green Zone area (see the maps). There is only a buoy at the southern corner to denote the Green Zone, but no marker at the northern end to notify boaties of the boundary. There used to be large marker signs there, but these signs have been missing for at least two years, making it hard for boaties to know the boundary. Some of the latest sounder/GPS maps have yellow and green dots to let you know which area you are in. If you have the Qld Fishing 2.0 app on your phone, you can confirm your legality to fish where you are by going to the “Can I fish here?) menu item.
Mackerel have arrived in large numbers, with a mix of undersize and legal fish invading the bay. With very nice, firm flesh, it is a favourite among anglers. Fast initial first runs with the ability to pull drag, super sharp teeth that easily cut through lines with only 50% of hooked fish making it to the esky sure gets the adrenalin going. A well-balanced outfit is a 4 to 6-kilo rod with a 2500 to 4000-size reel spooled with a 15lb main and 20 lb leader. Metal lures like the Halco 30-gram are a good lure to start with for casting. Also, trolling with hard body lures and spoons works well. A very happy Sarkis is managing a few on metal lures casting and retrieving.
Sharks have been a nuisance for snapper anglers as lots of gear and fish have been lost. Sharks are allowed to be kept if under 1.5 meters in length, excluding any protected species. The flesh is quite firm and is usually sold in shops as flake with your fish and chips. It is nice crumb or battered. Give it a try to help balance the system. Snapper has been plentiful, with early morning being the prime time – pilchard and squid working well. The offshore scene has been great this week with low winds and calm seas. Angus managed this beautiful black marlin on the troll off Cape Moreton.
Air Fryer Recipes – Pavlova
Ingredients
4 egg whites
215g (1 cup) caster sugar
1 tsp cornflour
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream to serve, Raspberries, to serve Cadbury Caramilk chocolate, peeled into curls, to serve
Step 1
Use electric beaters to whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until firm peaks form. Add the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture is thick and glossy. Add the cornflour, vinegar and vanilla and beat until just combined. How to separate the egg white and the egg yolk
Step 2
Tear two 38cm sheets of baking paper. Spoon the mixture onto one sheet of baking paper. Use the back of a spoon to shape the meringue into an 18cm disc. Make an indent in the centre. Place the remaining piece of baking paper into the air fryer basket. Carefully lift the baking paper with the meringue into the basket, placing the paper at right angles to the first piece.
Step 3
Air fry at 120°C for 30 minutes. Remove the air fryer drawer. Set the pavlova aside in the basket for 20 minutes to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack (with the baking paper) to cool completely. Step 4 Use a large palette knife to carefully transfer the pavlova to a serving plate. Top with whipped cream, raspberries and Caramilk. Dust with icing sugar to serve.
Fashion Classics
Every woman has several trusted pieces in her closet that she turns to again and again to complete a pulledtogether look. A cropped jacket, a nice sweater, a good purse—these classic styles can often trace their roots to icons of vintage fashion. Many of these wardrobe basics recall fashions of the twenties when Coco Chanel introduced flattering, comfortable, practical clothing for women. Most of these pieces are still as fashionable now as they were when they made their debut
A Classic Cropped Jacket is a great basic item rooted in haute couture that lends a sophisticated, feminine touch to any outfit. Make it tweed, boucle, collarless, or with contrast trim, and channel your inner fashionista. Originally made famous by Coco Chanel, who paired it with a matching skirt, today’s bestdressed ladies often don a cropped tweed jacket to add polish to a simple T-shirt and jeans. The jacket also works for the office with a dressy blouse, sweater, pants, or skirt. Add several long necklaces, and you’ve got a chic yet timeless corporate look.
A Little Black Dress is one of fashion’s most iconic pieces, and every woman should have a couple of flattering, versatile styles in her closet. The dress has a long history as a wardrobe essential: it was identified as the shape of the future in a 1926 issue of “Vogue,” when the fashion bible featured a drawing of a sheath by Coco Chanel and predicted it would become a uniform. Who can forget the image of Audrey Hepburn in an LBD designed by Hubert de Givenchy in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”? Many fashionable women, including Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Penelope Cruz and Michelle Obama, have made the LBD their go-to staple.
Today, the little black dress goes from the office to dinner in styles suited for every season and climate. Look for a great fit, quality fabric, and timeless design for a dress that will earn its keep, season after season.
A Cardigan Sweater is a go-everywhere, do-anything essential for your closet that traces its fashion roots to the sweater girls of the 1940s and 1950s. The cardigan was named for James Thomas Brudenell, the Earl of Cardigan, in the 17th century and was designed to keep fishermen warm on gloomy days. Still, it became a trend when movie star Jayne Mansfield showed off her famous figure by wearing a buttoned-up cardigan sweater. In the 1960s, Jackie Kennedy Onassis seemed to throw a cardigan over everything from her famous sheath dresses to capris
Practical and pretty, a cardigan is handy when you don’t know what the weather will be like or what kind of chill the air conditioning will bring. It adds instant versatility and respectability to a tank or sleeveless top.
A Great Handbag Every woman needs a handbag to carry everyday essentials — wallet, lipstick, cell phone –. Still, a great handbag has the potential to elevate any look and become your personal signature. Some vintage looks are tried-and-true classics, including the Hermès’ top-handled Birkin bag, Chanel’s quilted leather, chain-handled shoulder bag, and most any handbag with a Louis Vuitton monogram. Investing in a quality designer bag is worthwhile — if your budget can take the hit — because you’ll carry it season after season.
No matter your budget, a beautiful handbag inspired by great vintage designs can be found at your favourite department store or boutique. Whether you choose a shoulder bag or a hand-held tote, ensure the bag holds your essentials and suits your style, and you’ll enjoy seasons of great looks Did you know that until the late 18th century, women carried their personal essentials in their pockets just like men? As fashions became more streamlined, there was no room for hidden pouches and pockets previously sewn into voluminous skirts, and the handbag was born!
A Trench Coat There’s something mysterious and so very chic about a trench coat — which makes sense because they were originally made for soldiers during World War I. A buttoned, belted, and collared topper helps pull together any look and is practical in almost any climate. A khaki Burberry coat is the crème de la crème, but if you’d like to give a look a personal twist, try a cropped version or one in basic black or a brighter colour. You’ll love the finishing touch it adds to any outfit, whether worn over a little black dress for a holiday cocktail party or tossed over jeans and a T-shirt to dash out to the coffee shop. Now you know how it should look, but how should it fit? A trench coat should fit in the shoulders and flatter your natural waistline, or you’ll look like you’re starring in a spy movie.
What About Denim Jackets? While many essential vintage pieces are rooted in haute couture, the denim jacket has more rugged roots. (Like blue jeans, denim jackets were made for workingclass folks who needed sturdy clothing to do their jobs.) Yet, it’s a must-have for today’s closet. Wear your jacket whenever you want to add a bit of edge or casual cool to an outfit — over a sweater dress with boots in winter or over a floral sun dress or frilly skirt and blouse with sandals in summer.
The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine June 14, 2024 Issue 217
Issue 217 OUT NOW. Get all your community news and information. Bribie Islands only community gloss magazine NOW EVERY TWO WEEKS! – Articles on boating, camping, fishing, life, drama, travel destinations, sports, and what to see and do on Bribie Island. Covering charities, organizations, places, children’s activities, arts and crafts, tourist destinations, heritage parks, technology, science, music, gardening, and much more.
Fishing Report – May 31, 2024
Fishing has been up and down lately and often badly affected by the weather. Like the little girl with a curl in the middle of her forehead, when the weather has been good, it has been really good. When it’s bad, it’s been horrid!
An example was last weekend when Bribie really needed fair weather sailing for the Bribie Island Classic Boats Regatta. Saturday morning began miserably – cold, damp and windy. Just as we were giving up hope that the boaties could possibly enjoy their excursion up the Passage, out came the sun, and a glorious Saturday afternoon led to an equally lovely Sunday. Fishing, too, was lousy on Saturday morning and improved when the sun came out.
The water temperature has dropped by half a degree in the past few days, enough to slow some fish down. Bream, particularly, is less keen if there is a quick drop in water temperature – there haven’t been many good ones around. Ben did get a nice one off the sandbank near MR.
Ronny had better luck when he was christening his new boat. He anchored between the first red and green markers up Ningi Creek on the morning rising tide and caught two bream, all more than 28cm. Then, not long after the top of the tide, he landed three flathead – 41, 55 and 57cm, as well as a flounder. It must have been his new boat!
Talking of Ningi Creek, it has really silted up over the last few months, maybe due to the constant rainy weather? There are sandbanks across the entrance to Little Ningi, where there used to be drains, and the old oyster leases are hummocked with mud.
Whiting and tailor are abundant all through the Passage, so fishing over winter looks promising. Chris got eight whiting and two bream up at Poverty Creek – all while waiting for a VMR rescue! He was north of the campground and says there were whiting sitting all along the water’s edge – big fat ones. It was the same the week before – he had half a bucket of them before pulling up anchor because his son’s girlfriend was seasick with the swell.
Jo and Rob went out to one of their favourite spots for a good feed – a little sandbank between Redcliffe and Beachmere, where the “whiting were biting!”
We had to go out a couple of nights ago to bring in a stranded hire boat, so we decided to do some fishing while we waited. After a couple of big snap-offs and wishing we’d remembered to pop a landing net on the rescue boat, we wandered up to our stranded vessel and chatted with a Whitepatch local on the shore, who said he could see whiting all along the edge of the water. They would have been after all the goodies that the rising tide stirs up and would be easy pickings if you want to try fishing from the shore.
Peter and Heather were nearby earlier that day, fishing off the sandbank close to Wright’s Creek and caught a 54cm flathead, using prawns for bait. On their way home, they caught flathead getting around but sizes have generally not been huge.
Fishability Queensland has been getting some reasonable flathead from north of the Ningi Creek yellow marker. But they’ve also been getting lots of slimy grinners! If there is a catch-of-the-week, it’s probably grinners – they are everywhere at the moment, “plague proportions”, as one fisher said! Some people like to mince them for fishcakes, but they’re too ugly for most to keep. The Alvey Women’s Fishing Classic is on again for a month, so there’ll be more news about that in the next report.
Lemon Cake
INGREDIENTS
150g butter, at room temperature
140g (two thirds cup) caster sugar
225g one and a half cups) self-raising flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 tbsp finely grated lemon rind
80ml (one third cup) lemon juice
METHOD
Grease a 20cm round cake pan. Line base with baking paper.
Use electric beaters to beat the butter, sugar, flour, eggs, lemon rind and juice for 3-4 minutes or until pale and creamy. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Smooth surface.
Place the pan in the basket of the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 160C. Bake for 25 mins or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean (see tip). Set aside for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature.