Hopetoun Report

Not as interesting as some recent reports. WOW some of you guys are nailing it.

I spent the week camping at Mason's Bay some 30kms east of Hopetoun. The camping facilities there are excellent if you can find a spot. The camp is in a bay surrounded by reef. Further down the beach to the east the reef gives way to open ocean and there are some fantastic gutters down there with 5-10kms of accessible beach. High tide however makes it tricky to return but there are tracks back out to the raod.

Unfortunatly the open beaches were unfishable the first 3 days due to roaring SE winds. I did manage a few sessions but only caught large Trumpeters and crabs. I woke yesterday early and a thunder storm was brewing. Headed down the coast and the water was like glass with hundreds of Dolphins playing and feeding. I managed 30mins of fishing before lightening started striking overhead and it pissed down with rain. I will abondon my graphite sticks in those conditions LOL.

A few more Trumpeter and crabs before I headed back west to try the reefs. Not a lot happening there either and the rain came in again so back for a cooked breckie and then home.

The water temp down there is about 21 degrees and I think that is about 3 degrees too warm so it needs to cool down. Regardless I was able to suss this place out so I know what to expect next time. For those who enjoy camping and a civilised way (no getto balsters or rowdy parties) I would highly recommend this spot. My gutt feel is that there are many chances of big sharks and Mulloway down there given the right conditions.

I have pics but no fishie ones. I'll put them up in Picaso later.

____________________________________________________________________________

Vince.
Work smart and fish often.
Member and die-hard supporter of the mighty West Coast Eagles.


ealzee's picture

Posts: 611

Date Joined: 14/11/11

better chances next time

Sat, 2011-12-31 09:28

yeah the weather really hasnt turned on has it!! Unlucky there matey at least you sussed the place out for next time!

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kill it??? eat it!!!!

Posts: 2925

Date Joined: 27/12/06

Good spot

Sat, 2011-12-31 14:05

Sounds like a good spot

UncutTriggerInWA's picture

Posts: 2692

Date Joined: 05/09/08

Word is that...

Sat, 2011-12-31 14:19

March/April when it all goes calm and the water temp drops the fishing can go off. The Salmon come in in large numbers chasing Herring and the rest follow. Any later in the year than that and i would want to be a long way from there LOL. The oceans get pretty nasty down that way and it gets pretty damn cold I am led to believe.

____________________________________________________________________________

Vince.
Work smart and fish often.
Member and die-hard supporter of the mighty West Coast Eagles.

grantarctic1's picture

Posts: 2546

Date Joined: 03/03/11

Great camp spot

Sat, 2011-12-31 20:08

Thats a great camp spot Vince, And i can say when the salmon come in there it is awsome. Lots of places to fish around that whole stretch of coast.

Cheers Grant.

Posts: 95

Date Joined: 27/12/11

Sounds good

Sat, 2011-12-31 15:42

Sounds like a good spot lucky you sussed it

out

UncutTriggerInWA's picture

Posts: 2692

Date Joined: 05/09/08

Pics available for those interested.

Sat, 2011-12-31 17:08

https://picasaweb.google.com/112129413021742293230/HopetounCampingAndFishing2011

 

____________________________________________________________________________

Vince.
Work smart and fish often.
Member and die-hard supporter of the mighty West Coast Eagles.