Cape Naturaliste rock fishing
Hi,
I'm a bit new to fishing, so keen to get some advice about fishing at Cape Naturaliste. I am planning to be there bright and early tomorrow around 5:00am. I have the entire day free to go wherever around the Yallingup, Dunsborough, Busselton area.
I was planning on going to the largest rock formation at Sugarloaf Rock (i.e. where I can walk out and cast from one of the anchor points), but I've never been there and I'm not sure the conditions will be the best. I'm also trying to be as cautious as possible while I'm getting more experience. First light is 6:00am which is low tide. But the forecasted swell on Willy Weather is 2.5m by 6:00am and rough. Is it worth fishing there in those conditions? I've got a new rope and harness and PFD, so I feel I've taken the right precautions about safety. I am on my own, but I've let others know where I'll be and I have all of the recommended gear. I just don't want to get frustrated after getting set up, so if this looks like a bad choice, can someone pls explain why and make some suggestions?
By the way, I'm taking a Fin-Nor Fury 10ft rod and using a Saragosa spinning reel. I have mullet, squid, and pilchards as well as soft lures. I'm hoping to find a good spot to do some slide baiting.
Thanks in advance.
carnarvonite
Posts: 8627
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Don't Go
If you are concerned about the conditions then do not go.
Sugarloaf rock has claimed quite a few lives over the years and the worst part as far as that goes is the best place to fish. The waves wash up from behind you so you don't see the one that washes you in.
If the swell is up then try inside Geographe Bay, places like Bunker Bay, Rocky Point at the southern end of Bunkers can be tricky but if you stay off the main rock its ok, Eagle Bay, Point Piquet, Meelup and Castle Rock bay will all produce salmon and herring. Quarry rocks round towards Cape Naturaliste from Bunkers car park is another spot worth trying if the crowds are at the other places.
Just because you have all the gear doesn't mean anything, you have no one to watch your back and that means no one to raise the alarm if you go swimming. Call me a curmudgeon but I have fished that area over many years and will only fish it when there are near calm conditions after a few close shaves.
EL SYD
Posts: 599
Date Joined: 16/08/10
Great reply there
Great reply there carnarvonite.
He who hesitate is lost... if you have doubts definitely don't go especially solo
Mulie
Posts: 546
Date Joined: 20/02/11
Hi Chris, You're better off
Hi Chris,
You're better off fishing around Point Picquet or Castle Rock as even Rocky Point is pretty dodgy when the swell is up. If I was you, I'd go for a drive to Hamelin Bay and berley up for some hezzas and use them whole on 6/0 gangs. You'll pick up stragglers even without visible schools coming through.
Mulie
TerriblePaulzy
Posts: 85
Date Joined: 04/01/17
Spot on
spot on carnarvonite swell is gona be way too solid and fishing that joint alone is not the best of life choices mate. It's going to be a lot safer and more productive fishing the dunsborough side. Saying that there's still good options for decent fishing around the places mentioned and quite a few others close by. Looks like good winds for ballooning that side also. Good luck stay safe
chris1108
Posts: 55
Date Joined: 11/11/13
Great tips and advice, thanks
Great tips and advice, thanks to all.