Moving to Onslow / First Boat

Hey guys! I'm moving to Onslow for the next couple of years for work and am strongly considering investing in a boat to make the most of the fishing while I am up there.

 

I have never owned a boat and am looking for some advice, particularly for the Onslow conditions. I don't have a huge budget so was considering something on the smaller side, even if that means I am only able to fish some of the creeks, rather than past the islands.

 

Any information and advice for Onslow or purchasing a first boat would be greatly appreciated.

 

 


Posts: 32

Date Joined: 13/09/16

Motor and Trailed first, hull second

Thu, 2018-09-27 10:32

Buy the best motor and trailer in your budget.

In my Opinion a nice tinny with a 4 stroke would be great, with top quality VHF radio and safety gear.

You dont need much up there to have fun. Im a spearo and would happily own a small rib if i lived up there full time. Had mates who were based in Karratha and brought the biggest (shittest) boat in their budget and never wanted to take the thing out in case it broke down.

big john's picture

Posts: 8725

Date Joined: 20/07/06

Water

Thu, 2018-09-27 12:34

Water can be quite dirty in close at Onslow. If you can get something that will allow you to travel a bit on the good days you'll appreciate it.

15-16 footer would be do-able.

____________________________________________________________________________

WA based manufacturer and supplier of premium leadhead jigs, fligs, bucktail jigs, 'bulletproof' soft plastic jig heads and XOS bullet jig heads.

Jigs available online in my web store!

bouttime's picture

Posts: 703

Date Joined: 27/07/06

Tinny

Thu, 2018-09-27 15:37

You would get away with a 4-4.5mtr tinny up that way. Fish in close on ordinary days and creep outside when its nice. In Exmouth I have fished the 100mtrs in a 4mtr tinny on good days. Nice and cheap and for that size boat a 2 stroke tiller steer would be fine. Plenty of room on the deck for an esky and a bit of fishing gear. Pick up a decent tinny set up for about $6-$10k no probs.

Little_Richo's picture

Posts: 35

Date Joined: 14/03/11

Thanks for the advice. I was

Fri, 2018-09-28 22:09

Thanks for the advice. I was definitely leaning towards a 15-16 footer for exactly those days that I might be able to sneak out a bit further.

How far do you think I would have to travel? I obviously want to make sure I have the correct safety gear and fuel etc.

Faulkner Family's picture

Posts: 17835

Date Joined: 11/03/08

 best getting all the gear

Fri, 2018-09-28 22:29

 best getting all the gear for offshore stuff, never know when you will go out further. offshore flare kit epirb etc. a good radio would be a must

____________________________________________________________________________

RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together

big john's picture

Posts: 8725

Date Joined: 20/07/06

Depends

Sat, 2018-09-29 22:14

Depends a bit on what you want to fish for Little_Richo.

The creeks can be okay for crabs, small trevs, queenies etc. You can get a few mack tuna etc in close. Direction island is about 6 mile out, water starts to clear up a bit around there.

The Ashburton River used to hold a few barra over summer, not sure what access etc is like now with Wheatstone.

____________________________________________________________________________

WA based manufacturer and supplier of premium leadhead jigs, fligs, bucktail jigs, 'bulletproof' soft plastic jig heads and XOS bullet jig heads.

Jigs available online in my web store!