Maitland fishers champion Nick Nancarrow visited Broughton Island through the week and returned with a couple of monsters in the bag.

Tossing large plastics wide of the island, Nick came face to face with a thumping 25kg cobia which refused to leave the water. Following a mighty battle, the fish which was initially thought to be a shark, was finally lifted into the boat. 

Cobia are a fascinating pelargic fish in that they have many names including Crabeater, Black Kingfish and Sergeant Fish. Generally considered a tropical fish, Cobia, which can grow to an impressive two metres and weigh over 60kg, have been reported north of Jervis Bay, particularly around this time of the year. Locally I have received reports of Cobia attacking baits and lures from Broughton south to Fingal Beach. 

Considered a tenacious fighting fish, the Cobia also performs excellently in the kitchen or on the barbie.

I visited Tanilba Bay Public School through the week to address the students on the joys of reading and writing books. What a great school with a wonderful caring and committed staff! The kids were respectful, well-mannered and enthusiastic and made my visit a treat. 

(What’s the secret for weaning kids off screens and back to books ? ed.)

Fishing writer, author and radio presenter John “Stinker” Clarke can be heard weekly, throughout NSW, on popular ABC Regional Radio fishing program “The Big Fish”. Check him out on www.stinker.com.au or send an email to editor@manningcommunitynews.com with your information and questions.