Moving to Onslow / First Boat
Submitted by Little_Richo on Thu, 2018-09-27 09:50
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.
Ant1derooster
Posts: 32
Date Joined: 13/09/16
Motor and Trailed first, hull second
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
Posts: 8749
Date Joined: 20/07/06
Water
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
Posts: 703
Date Joined: 27/07/06
Tinny
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
Posts: 35
Date Joined: 14/03/11
Thanks for the advice. I was
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
Posts: 18026
Date Joined: 11/03/08
best getting all the gear
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
Posts: 8749
Date Joined: 20/07/06
Depends
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!