Advice for planned trip to Exmouth
Hi all,
I've just bought a 3.8m roll-up type inflatable (with aluminium deck) and a second hand Tohatsu 25hp 2st outboard and I am thinking of a trip up to Exmouth in 2 weeks time to pop it's cherry (but hopefully not pop the boat
). I've been to Exmouth before in April/May but that was just camping and LB fishing in Cape Range NP.So i'm looking for a bit of advice on what I could expect in terms of weather and fishing at this time of year.
I'd be looking to camp in the NP again (hopefully Pilgrammuna so we can throw the inflatable in) and then just probably heading to inside or just outside the reef, as the outboard is 2nd hand and don't want to take it too wide until I've assessed it properly.
Probably easier if I just sum up what I'm asking in a few points:-
1. What is the weather (esp. wind) like in Exmouth at the end of Sept?
2. What is the fishing like and any advice on some fairly easy stuff close in. Was thinking i'd prob just be doing some trolling and bottom bashing.
3. How likely am I to get a decent spot at Cape Range NP, especially given that I will be there over the school holidays (although will be leaving on Friday and hopefully arriving early Sat. - 25th)
4. How easy will it be to launch and retrieve the inflatable at Pilgramunna given that I haven't yet invested in a folding trailer or dolly wheels?
I realise this is a bit of a broad question - I guess i'm just looking for anything, even just some general advice esp. from some Exxy locals so I can decide if this trip is a good idea.
Cheers in advance for any advice
MattMiller
Posts: 4171
Date Joined: 15/06/09
Sorry
mate but windy is all i can say. Take some gear to keep yourself busy if it blows, or just more beer
The fish are always there if you look around. Be pretty busy being holidays i'd say, may want to have a backup plan. Ningaloo or Waroora homestead?
out wide
Posts: 1535
Date Joined: 30/12/08
Wind wind
and more wind. Stuff Exxy
Lucky Tim
Posts: 2536
Date Joined: 28/11/07
there's a fair few campsites
there's a fair few campsites at Osprey Bay which is the mext one south on Pilgramunna. You can launch here, but it is harder than Pilgs, but you can anchor your boat out the front where you can easily see it, unlike Pilgs where it can be out of site. Just be careful as this is inside a sanctuary so you will have to head out before fshing.
I would imagine getting a site in Sept will be ok, I guess the worst case you may have to camp at another campground and take the boat to the ramp each day.
Kingfisher549
Posts: 328
Date Joined: 15/09/09
Exmouth
Im heading up to Exmouth on the second week of the school holidays, staying at Yardie Creek, going to fish from the shore, taking sailing gear with me so I hope I get the best of both worlds, calm in the morning, windy in the arvo
Baron Sportsman Custom
Faulkner Family
Posts: 18116
Date Joined: 11/03/08
one piece of advice , with
one piece of advice , with the inflatable , if you do get out fishing and hook one of them toothy critters or a billie, cut it free well away from the boat as you dont want to tempt fate
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
tigerfish
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 20/08/10
For sure!
For sure! Have got a telescoping landing net so will hopefully be netting them at a distance - although still have to bring them into the boat to unhook and despatch (if size) and there is not all that much distance between the pontoons. Before I bought it, I was wondering why more fishos didn't use inflatables - great stability, safety etc...... but NOW I see some of the downsides
....
tigerfish
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 20/08/10
Cheers for all the advice
Cheers for all the advice guys. I've decided to definitely give Exxy a go - will be leaving middayish on Friday 24th and hopefully get there Sat morning sometime. I'll try for a spot at Osprey or Pilgs in the NP and hope there is some space at the Lighthouse CP as a backup.
The main thing I need to do before I go is top up the tackle box. Can anyone with good knowledge of Exxy tell me what I need? I've got a fair few lures for trolling and casting - Halco Laser Pros, RMG Scorpions, Metals, Roosta Poppers, also got some 5" and 7" plastics.......any other killer lures, SPs or special colours for Exmouth that I should get?
Also, what is the best set up for bottom bashing around the inner and near outer reef (thinking trout, spanglos etc) - I've mainly done land based till now so not very sure in this area. 5/0, 6/0 hooks in a paternoster rig with squid? Gang hooks and mulies? Do I need to berley up?
Cheers again in advance. I feel bad just asking for advice but fairly new to this type of fishing. If anyone wants some advice on losing tackle and flogging water fruitlessly....i'm your man, so fire away.