Brian Clinton (Australian, B. 1942) "Surf and Rock Fishing" Original Water Color on Hot Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Australia 55c Surf Fishing stamp issued October 25, 1979. Surf fishing at the edge of a sparkling sea, with the shrill cries of seabirds and the pounding waves, refreshes a fisherman's soul. Such sights and sensations are common all along the shoreline. But a beautiful coast doesn't always produced an exciting tug at the end of a fishing line, for successful surf fishing requires more than fisherman's luck. Experts say the fisherman has to know when to fish along a coastline. And, they claim the best times are the hours just before dawn or just after sundown. In addition, knowing which spots provide good fish habitat also rates higher than luck with expert surf fishermen. Rock, sandbars, and drop-offs -- which provide food, safety and comfort to large game fish -- are excellent sites. Even better are areas that are devoid of bottom vegetation and have no adjoining streams with floating tidbits for hungry fish. It is best to use one of these prime fishing spots just before or after a coastal storm when the strong on-shore winds bring game fish in with the surf. At this time, brave fishermen cast their lines into the raging waters. The strong winds buffet the lines until a fish is hooked. Fishermen let their catch swim out into the sea, pulling yards of line in their wake. Suddenly, the groan of fishing line against the rod stops, and the surf fisherman reels in his catch. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 16 x 20 in. Unframed. (B05576)