Alrighty, looks like I'm up!
Ranger is a self confessed lunatic, and some idiot let him in on the secret that this website exists, so now you lot have to put up wiv my ramblings! Not to worry though, coz I already see quite a few familiar names in here, so most of you already know me!
I'm 43, married and self employed. Been fishing the local waters since I was about 2' tall, but strictly as a bait fisher!
I target, Bream, Salmon, Whiting, Snapper, Gar, Tommies, Bronzies, Mulloway, Snook, and pretty much anything else decent that happens to commit itself to my hooks!
Ya mighta even seen me on a lil segment of a show called Fishnet TV that I was lucky enough to be invited onto.
Apart from this, I've reviewed tackle for a Victorian company, and I hope before too much longer to start doing a bit of writing! I have plans running through my head for a book on fishing and fishing stories, and I'll have to seriously start getting that down before much longer.
I'm currently on my third boat, a 1996 4.8m Quintrex centre console/60hp Yamaha/80lb Minn Kota.
I only discovered that fish will really eat little bits of plastic 2 or 3 years back, so I've still got a lot to learn, but I've plunged in hard, and I'm enjoying the ride as I practice C&R on the local Bream population.
Kitted out my boat as a Bream hunter (coz I wasn't allowed to buy a second boat), joined the ABT, spent sh*tloads on rods, reels and assorted shiny objects, and here I am today playing an active role in kicking off a lil group known as SABT (South Australian Bream Tournaments).
Yep, we're in the process of starting our own lil classic tournament series here in SA. We've got the backing and support of ABT, Angus Inlet Boat Club has graciously agree to open their doors and host the events, Shane Mensforth has donated advertising space in SA Angler, and a few big name sponsors have already come aboard, so I'm really hoping that SA is about to catch up with our interstate counterparts, and get itself onto the map at last!
I'm an administrator on another lil local website, that's really a networking group for local anglers, where they can organise fishing trips, social events, or just dribble fishing crap to each other.
Luckily my wife also enjoys having a fish from time to time. she's quite supportive of my lil habit, and she doesn't mind me commiting to my hobby, even though sometimes she thinks I shoud be committed!
I have a penchant for quality gear, and my preference is for mid-top end Daiwa reels, and I'm currently in the process of changing to Millerods (my latest discovery) for my fishinsticks.
You'll probably find that I'm outspoken, opinionated and passionate when it comes to my favourite passtime. I shoot from the hip, and I don't mind saying what I think, but I'll always listen and give due consideration to everyone's views, and if I think I'm right, I'll stand by what I say, and give you a good explanation as to why I hold that view.
I believe as responsible fisho's it's up to us to portray the correct image, to promote our sport, and to care for the environment and resource we utilise.
We're all no doubt bound to meet up at some stage, coz within the fishing fraternity it's a pretty small world, and I'll be damn hard to miss, coz I've got "Ranger" plastered all over my 4WD, boat and clothing.
I tend to travel a fair bit with either boat or caravan in tow, so I also tend to pop up in the most unexpected places with a lil fishin pole in my hand, anywhere from KI to Thailand (as a few anglers have found out). So if ya see me out there, make the time to come over and say gidday!
Now how about someone tell me a bit about the site? How long's it been going, how many members, where's it based, what are the plans for the future, how about organised events, fishing trips, social outings, etc, etc, etc!
YOUR TURN NOW, coz I think I've talked enough!
well some bright blue thread and a piece of dowel appered and the quick lesson began..TOO EASY...NOW...Ive been a commercial self emplyed custom rod builder since 1999..who'd a thunk it !
