Abrolhos!
Ok guys, heres the details.
I went off to the Abrolhos islands last year with Saltwater charters. Had an awesome time out there. Imagine waking up to a glassy ocean at the crack of dawn, jigging for literally less than 10 minutes and pulling up a nice coral trout. Within half an hour the first 5 fish on board were coral trout, pink snapper, dhufish, baldchin and a NW snapper (though it was only small). I had an awesome trip last year and caught quite a few good fish. Lots of trout, pinkies, baldies, etc, and of course, quite a few dhuies (a fair few over 10kg including some from <10m in crystal clear water). Unfortunately I didnt land any sized dhuies, but heaps were landed by other people (and theres always the next trip 
).
I had a great time, enough to make sure i'd be back twice in 2010 (....maybe three times, hehe).
The trips start late thursday night meeting on the boat up at Geralton, and leave before dawn Friday morning to get out to the islands shortly after dawn. Then theres all day friday, saturday, sunday fishing. On monday, half the day is spent fishing, then steam back to Geraldton early arvo.
If any of you have fished out of the Abrolhos before, you'll know how great the fishing is, and with a wide range of species available. If not, well, then why not find out for yourself 
If any of you have fished with Craig from Saltwater charters, you'll know he runs a great charter. Very nowledgeable with all the fishing spots, takes proper care of the fish (released to the ocean and to the esky) and is great laid back bloke. He has heaps of spots for various species up at the Abrolhos including quite a few shallow water spots. Going on a charter who knows the shallower spots just as well as the deep spots is important IMO, as if the weather blows up a bit, theres still somewhere to fish, plus it is awesome fun seeing the bottom clearly and working plastics (including one guy last trip who saw a dark blob take his huge soft plastic and it ended up being a 10kg+ dhuie from under 10m of water). Theres also spots to work lures over the reef for coral trout, jig for sambos/ambos, or cast to mackies and tuna.
The boat is a good one to fish out of with heaps of deck space, the cabin, a marlinboard, front deck, etc. Of course theres all the ammenities like shower/toilet/fridge/microwave/eskies/barbeque/etc. Any fish kept is bled, chilled in an ice slurry, filleted and then placed in a low freeze freezer and labeled.
All food and drink (except alcohol) is provided on board. The food was pretty awesome last year with cooked breakfast's each morning (plus other options like fruit, muffins, etc), for dinner we had steak, chops, lasagne (which i'm not normally that much of a fan of, but this one was awesome). Usually at lunch there'd be a few options, including burgers or cold salads, etc. Of course, we did have a few freshly caught trout and dhuie burgers, as well as cooking up fish for dinner some nights. What was most awesome was starting off more than half the meals with dhuie and coral trout wings, yum yum. I can usually eat average food for a day or two, but four days straight, I definately need some proper tasty food, and Craig definately provided it all days (what can I say, I like food, and I was impressed). Of course, heaps of soft drinks and water. Just need to bring some alcohol if you want.
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I'm organising 3 trips at the moment, on the following dates:
9th - 12th April *
16th - 20th April
2nd - 5th July
Cost is $1500 per person, 8 people per trip.
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(* The first trip may have an extra day on the thursday before (can join on the thu night before from Gero though). At this stage, if I've previously offered someone a spot on this trip, you already have a reserved spot unless you tell me otherwise. There might be one or two spots free, but is fairly booked atm unless people pull out. I'm aiming to keep this one quite sportsfishing orientated and no bait! All trips are about the fun though (and of course, a few fish go in the esky).)
You will need to be up in Geralton the thursday night before the trip (e.g. the 8th for the first trip) so just keep that in mind. If you cant get a ride, or have a spare seat, we'll be able to organise something. You can stay on the boat Thursday night, so you wont need to organise any accomodation for that night in Gero.
I'll be jumping on the first trip and the last trip, but will have to make up some days at work so wont be able to make the second trip (the 16th-20th). I'll be organising it at the beginning stages, and then pass it over to someone who can organise that trip closer to the day.
If you're interested in jumping on one of the trips, let me know which ones you can make and we'll see what we can organise. If there is a lot of interest, I'll see if I can organise some more trips. There are also some free spots available on partially filled charters if you want to call Craig directly. Otherwise if you want to organise a charter for you and your mates, then there still should be a few trips open if you give Craig a call and check. If not, why not jump on one of the 'FW trips above'
You can see the Saltwater Charters website for some more details or give Craig a call. Otherwise post up in this thread or send me a PM.
So, what are you waiting for?
(If anyone has any suggestions for the trip, let me know as well. Perhaps we could organise some Fishwrecked things. Perhaps a friendly comp, or something similar. Maybe even could get some cool prizes going?)
.thumbnail.jpg "First billie of 08")
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
List so far
Edit: first two previous trips not going ahead (didnt get many people a interested and Craig is now doing the first part of the prawning season in Carpenteria).
20/21 - ish
Possible Dongara or Turtle Dove Shoal trip. Idea is to leave Hillaries, steam up, fish during the day, and at night, then get into the Geraldton Wednesday night. Dont need many numbers and will be cheap. Further details to be defined if there is interest
2-5 July
1. Matt
2. Jeff
3. Helen
4. Helens mate
5. Helens mate 2
6. Helens mate 3
7. Oliver?
8.
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Hey Matt. What month will
Hey Matt. What month will the dongara trip be? I want in.
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till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Hmm looks the business there
Hmm looks the business there Matt. Pity they serve salad or I'd be a starter for sure ;)
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
Its an option (burgers arent
Its an option (burgers arent too bad with salad). Cant say I bothered with salad, way too much other awesome stuff. Oh, and I forgot all the cakes/desserty things/caramel slice/profiteroles!
Given advanced notice, i'm sure we could arrange specific items if there are any specifics people want.
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Sure thing Matt =)
Sure thing Matt =)
Adam Gallash
Posts: 15610
Date Joined: 29/11/05
Saltwater
You can expect Saltwater charters to become site sponsors soon as well and expect a few more posts from Craig outlining what the go is. (incase Matt missed anything)
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Goodz
Posts: 2332
Date Joined: 20/07/09
Sounds awesome Matt! If I
Sounds awesome Matt! If I wasn't goin already in March I'd be keen! I'm sure after going once I'll be wanting more tho so maybe sometime in the future I'll join you on another trip! Can't wait!
Simon C
Posts: 801
Date Joined: 01/05/07
if I don't do Gamex I might
if I don't do Gamex I might come up and keep you and SamC honest on the first one if there is still aspot free.
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Hey Matt, Can you get myself
Hey Matt,
Can you get myself and 3 others on the either the 3rd trip (2-5 July) or 2nd trip (16-20 April). We were hoping the July trip first even though I am meant to work on the night of the 5th. lol... Too bad for them. :)
Cheers
Helen
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kane
Posts: 1752
Date Joined: 07/12/08
Ill look into it if i can get time off ill be keen
:)
Gooooone Fishin!
HuggyB
Posts: 2515
Date Joined: 03/08/08
*sigh*
if only I could get time off.........I reckon it would be a killer trip and pretty well priced in the scheme of things.
This whole work caper is really starting to encroach upon my fishing!
The Terrorist - coming to a fishing spot near you.........
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
I dont know, around that
I dont know, around that time of year there are some nasty 4 day flu's going around *cough cough* hehe.
HuggyB
Posts: 2515
Date Joined: 03/08/08
obviously Matt
you've never owned a business, nor worked with your parents who have a 51% controlling interest. Given that I am 33% of the workforce (Mum just plays cards and answers phones so she doesn't count), its a difficult thing to just ping a 4 day holiday without a long amount of notice. And even then, its not a guarantee (like Exmouth in May, all booked and then bang a job comes up and I'm out).
I have to be dead for a day off. And even then I'm sure they'd want a doctors note.....LOL. I wish a cough would suffice.
The Terrorist - coming to a fishing spot near you.........
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
Tongue in cheek suggestion
Tongue in cheek suggestion ;). I know it rarely works like that (particularily on long weekends). You said 'get time off' instead of 'be able to take time' off so I made a guess that it was a bosses decision :p
Havent owned a business, but have worked with my parents with a greater than 51% controlling interest though.
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
YIPPIE!!! I'm so excited!
YIPPIE!!! I'm so excited!
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Goodz
Posts: 2332
Date Joined: 20/07/09
I work for my Mother in law
I work for my Mother in law and her partner.... and they actually paid for my charter to the Abrolhos for my birthday.. no need for sickies this time! hehe..
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
How much hardware did you
How much hardware did you lose in a trip Matt? You can't exactly pick up fresh jigs locally!
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
Barely a dent for me
Barely a dent for me
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Sure, but it may give the
Sure, but it may give the others an idea what to budget on!
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Hey Matt, When do you want
Hey Matt,
When do you want payment, and who do we caontact to pay?
I don't want anyone pinching my spot. Lol
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hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
I'll have to check with
I'll have to check with Craig, but I already have the whole trips reserved, so no spot pinching (as i'm not sorting out the spots). May have to open up the second trip to randoms though :p
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
As long as the 3rd trip has
As long as the 3rd trip has all the cool kids like us, then that's all that matters.
Only let the cool random's on ours. Get their details and I will do a background check. Lol.
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hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
Only a month to go now for
Only a month to go now for the first trip. Still one or two spots free. Need to know reasonably soon, as I need to make sure we get the numbers.
There is an option on the first trip to get an extra free day by leaving from Hillarys on the boat and fishing perhaps Dongara or Turtle Dove shoal on the way up. Some awesome fishing out that way i'm told.
It'll be a great trip, so dont miss out.
Heres some more pics (1)
[IMG=http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/7356/chrisx2dhuies.th.jpg][/IMG]
[IMG=http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5552/abrolhosamberjack.th.jpg][/IMG]
Theres more big dhuie pics, and dont forget the snapper, baldies, coral trout, mackies, sambos/ambos, etc.
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Looks pretty juicy Matt!
Looks pretty juicy Matt!
Sammut
Posts: 259
Date Joined: 07/01/10
im interested in the 2nd
im interested in the 2nd trip - 16 - 20 april. this week i'll be finding out about the fishing trip i'm going on if its still on and or dates in kalbarri. if i can squeeze it in i'll go.
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
Forgot to mention (seeing as
Forgot to mention (seeing as it turned out only three people were interested and none were on this site), but first and second trip arent going ahead now. Was a bit hard with the numbers, and due to a lucrative offer for the prawing season as well, Craig wont be in WA those two weekends.
However, the third trip IS still on. If there are enough numbers, I'll do another trip.
There may be an option for an overnight steam up, and fish a whole day and night, possibly at turtle dove shoals or around Dongara however (I think the date will be around the 21/22 April ish). Will be pretty cheap considering though. If theres interest I'll put up some more info though.
Sammut
Posts: 259
Date Joined: 07/01/10
damn, they were the last
damn, they were the last dates i had available :(
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Im keen on the overnighter.
Im keen on the overnighter. Keep me posted.
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Bluetonic
Posts: 1146
Date Joined: 09/01/08
I'm up for the 3rd trip Matt
I'm up for the 3rd trip Matt providing it is 2 - 5 July. Have sent you a PM.
Blue Sky, Blue Water, Bluetonic!
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Woohoo... 1 more person to
Woohoo... 1 more person to go.... We are gonna have an awesome time. I cant wait.
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Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
20/21 April I can probably
20/21 April I can probably do, but not 21/22 as I have an event to run on 22 April. When will you have more details on the confirmed dates and price. Cheers Matt. Still counting the sleeps till Abrolhos. lol
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Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Hey Matt, My mate Nick wants
Hey Matt,
My mate Nick wants to know if you still have one more place left? He has a mate asking.
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Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Can't Wait!!!
14 sleeps to go. I went to the Abrolhos Islands last weekend with Saltwater on a last minute trip, and had such an amazing time that I am now hanging for my original trip which is now only 14 sleeps away... I am so excited I have already started packing my gear and have made a list of everything i need to buy that would have been handy on the last trip. Nothing compares... I might throw Jeff overboard and hand in my application for the deckie position. I didnt want to go home. If you have never been on a trip like this before... right it on your list. It was amazing.
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Adam Gallash
Posts: 15610
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Pics
Make sure you take lots of pics Helen, would be great to see what you and the Saltwater crew get into. :)
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Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Are you sure you don't mean
Are you sure you don't mean what we get up to? Those photos will never be posted. Lol
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Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Matt has photos from the
Matt has photos from the trip on the weekend which I am sure he will post up when he gets back from Exmouth.
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Bluetonic
Posts: 1146
Date Joined: 09/01/08
Upset
I planned to go on this trip, but unfortunately I've had to withdraw. Not Happy!
I run my own business and spent a lot of money training someone up to free me up for this trip only to be let down at the last moment.
Cost me a lot of money for nothing!
Sorry to all booked on this trip if I've let you down, but this was totally left bound and out of the blue!
ARRRRRRRGHHHHH! Will take me some time to get over this!
I am old school, Honor your commitments!, Head down Bum up! with work and complaining doesn't make the day go quicker... so shut up!
Blue Sky, Blue Water, Bluetonic!
breno1985
Posts: 144
Date Joined: 02/01/10
i wish i saw this thread
i wish i saw this thread sooner ay!!, if any ones gonna do a night trip out like the one you were gonna go in april let me know, ill be in for sure, thanks
Helen
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 06/02/10
Hey Breno,Come on the trip
Hey Breno,
Come on the trip in 2 weeks. Its going to be awesome and I think there are still a few places left. You wont be sorry.
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hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
One spot left. I tried to
One spot left. I tried to edit the post with the list of names but the button is missing for the first few posts (maybe something to do with server change?)
Anyways, list is:
1. Matt
2. Jeff
3. Helen
4. Helens mate
5. Helens mate 2
6. Helens mate 3
7. Oliver?
8.
So one free spot. Grab it before it disappears
alfred
Posts: 3097
Date Joined: 12/01/07
If it's "$free" I'll take
If it's "$free" I'll take it. Thanks.