Dirk hartog or Exmouth
Trying to organise a trip for next year.
2 places on the agenda at the moment is Dirk Hartog and Exmouth (With the possibility of going upto Karratha as well)
Interested to know peoples opinions on each.
If we went to Dirk hartog we would be camping on the Island and would have 3 boats, 23ft PMY centre console, 25ft Blackwatch centre console, and 26 ft fury centre console, so travelling isnt an issue.
If I go to Exmouth, would more than likely be just my boat (25ft fury) with the possibility of a 22ft Razorline coming (Further to travel towing a heavy boat).
I would have thought dirk hartog would have been less people visit it rather than Exmouth???? especially by boat???
Dirk hartog would be for 11 days, and Exmouth would be for 2 weeks.
Has anyone been to both and could compare???
Mainly want to chase northern spoecies, like Coral trout, Red emperor, mackies etc.
Any info on both would be greatly appreciated, IE is it expensive to stay in Exmouth on a bungalow at the caravan park? is it far fromt he Caravan park to the boat ramps?
Thanks guys
Bodie
damo6230
Posts: 2029
Date Joined: 07/06/08
Exi or dirk
I usually camp in town in exy and was only around $20 per night for a powered site so split between two of us it was cheap. easy walk to shops so save fuel money there.
the new ramp at Bung cuts plenty of km's off the trip from the town marina.
Dirt would be sweet and three boats would allow you to carry all the camping gear to the island as you will need to be self sufficent compared to exi.
have you thought about doing a extended trip out from exi heading north to onslow and beyond. plenty of ground out of k-town but accom may be an issue depending on time of year.
some good ground inside shark bay but the wind can be a killer and make things very uncomfortable but beatuiful part of the world.
dirk would be a good trip though and hard choice.......
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thebear
Posts: 246
Date Joined: 09/06/07
Geez Toss of the coin there.
Geez Toss of the coin there. Love both of those places. SB is especially good for me as you can always find shelter along the inside of the island if it whips up. SB for me.
Cheers
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Percula
Posts: 273
Date Joined: 23/09/08
dirk hartog all the way! It
dirk hartog all the way!
It is one of the best places I have been (3 times) and the fishing is amazing! But you do have to be prepared. If your staying at the homestead though they make it very easy an very comfortable!
The fishing at the top end of the island is just the best!
carnarvonite
Posts: 8669
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Timing
Would depend on what time of the year you intend on making the trip.The southerlies start from around September and blow untill the middle of March for the Shark bay area and I'm not too sure when they cop the easterlies up in Exmouth,someone up there will probably let you know.
For me it would be Dirk Hartog,there is a lot of good fishing both inside and outside the island.You can get all the species you mentioned plus some of the southern species as well including some monster tailor and baldies
bibs
Posts: 252
Date Joined: 20/07/06
shark bay
i would have to say shark bay also,have done both places many of times.have never stayed on dirk hartog so cant help with info there but i can tell ya the fishing off turtle bay and northwards is awesome.have only stayed in denham itself and think it was an 80 odd km round trip to turtle bay so town is also an option with all the amenities ie;fuel,pub,supermarket,pub,tackle,pub etc...
makai
Posts: 459
Date Joined: 28/10/08
Dirk Hartog for me too
Done both many times. With the size boats you have, Denham offers many options. You can head to Steep Point or the north of Dirk Hartog, or stay around Peron Peninsula if the winds are crap. I have fished inside and outside Dirk Hartog, and whilst outside and north of the island are my pick, there are good fish inside too. If you can sleep on the deck of the boat (swag) then inside Steep or in Turtle Bay (north end of Dirk Hartog) are good options for a sheltered overnighter. If you can't sleep on deck, then Withnell Bay (towards the north of Dirk Hartog, on the east side) is a good option to anchor close to shore and and sleep on shore. You can sleep onshore at Turtle Bay, but the swell sweeps around into the bay and makes getting ashore in anything but a dinghy difficult.
Winds can be a bitch at both locations, but Shark Bay gives you many options. I have even fished close in to the cliffs south of Steep Point sheltered from a raging easterly, but you need to be absolutely alert to the swell and the conditions, NEVER anchor, and have the motor running with someone at the wheel watching the sea, not the fish coming on board!
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
Cheers for the input
Cheers for the input guys
Finding somewhere to stay on Dirk hartog is no issue (We will be camping) guy im going with is good mates with the ranger there, so he will organise the place we are camping, and will also drop off some fuel for us.
Sounds like Dirk hartog could be a good option.
Time of eyar will be April / May
is there much travelling from the dirk hartog out to good fishing grounds? IE for mackies, sailys, and bottom species (Except pinkys as everyone ive spoken too said they are like blowies up there.