Shoalwater bay

[flyer912]

Does anyone know anything about the shoalwater bay military area being opened to the public at certain times of the year.
I heard there was a fishing show on TV where people were towing boats into shoalwater bay.

Baz.

[grahams]

Baz,
All the land area of Shoalwater Bay training area is permanently closed to the public. Any access is with a permit and generally accompanied by Military staff. There are a number of contractors that work inside the area. Captag has been granted access at certain times to undertake tag and release fishing. This is limited, controllled and no fish are kept.
The waters inside the training area are generally open most of the time, but you need to keep an eye on published closures associated with military exercises.

[Flex]

I've fished in shoal water quite a few times.

But you cannot walk on the land above high water mark. Also the whole area is green zone now. WHich means you can fish the creeks and high tide areas along the mangroves, but not in the bay itself.

Alot of people run down from stanage into the creeks in the bay. just check that the army isn't doing exercises before you go. as thats when they close it off.

Fishing is awesome, but dangerous due to 6 knot tides at 8m and more rock bars than you imagine.

But if you make the effort you'll get some nice fish.

Generally speaking you do better fishing the islands off stanage anyhow, or if you have a big boat try strong tide passage. its sensational fishing