Offshore fishing - need some help

[bully_bob]

Hi all,
I have just recently decided that i would like to try some offshore fishing. I have bought a 20ft Half Cab but have no idea where to start when it comes to offshore. I have heard that Mooloolaba has a sheltered entrance to the offshore frounds so am thinking that i might give that a try first. Firstly, can someone tell me what sort of gear i'm going to need?? I'm talking for fish like snapper and common reef fish. Also, how do i find the reefs and the fish?? With a sounder or GPS? plus what sounder would be a good option?? Previously i have been a bream and bass fisherman so am a huge fan of plastics and would like to give them a go so can someone tell me thei thoughts on that? Generally i need to know everyhting to do with the subject.
Regards,
Lachy

THANKS FOR THE HELP EVERYONE, CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT SOUNDER THEY USE OR RECOMMEND A GOOD ONE?

[Apollo]

Find a charter operator that works from a similar boat and invest in a day or two charter with them. Explain what you are wanting to do and ask lots of questions. Check out their gear, the techniques used and get the to explain why. There are also some offshore and bar crossing courses, you can do. Might be a few extra bucks, but will save you in the long term. When you do go out, start out on a the quietest day possible and build up from there.

[death_ship]

snapper love plastics

[SunnyCoastMark]

Lachy,
Where are you located? If we can hook up - You can follow me out one day - off Mooloolaba. I only have a 15' C/Console so you will be able to go anywhere I can go quite safely.

Definitely need a sounder and preferably one that is GPS capable.

Mark

[TimiBoy]

You will need a lot of patience, too. It's a process, and over time you will get better, but don't be expecting to bag out on big reds right away!

Welcome to the big blue!

[bustastu]

If you're looking at getting started on the Sunny Coast, grab a copy of Sunshine Coast 'River to Reef' by Bill JOHNSTON. It is well worth the money and has various techniques, knots, rigs, info and generic GPS marks for some of the reefs up here.

Good luck

BS

[bully_bob]

Hi Mark,
I'm located in Toowoomba which is a couple hours drive from Mooloolaba but i holiday there frequently. If you could send me your email address i'll let you know next time i go up and if convenient you could show me the ropes.
Thanks for that,
Lachy

[bully_bob]

Thanks for that,
I wasn't aware that there are bar crossing courses but i'll be sure to take one, any idea of who actually runs them?

[lethal098]

lachy, bar crossing courses held by bill corten, you can get his number from courier mail on fridays fishing report, another option for you if you dont want to cross a bar is to go from bribie and head to either caloundra area or around cape moreton, as everyone has said patience is the key and you will learn over time. you prob want to invest in a decent sounder and gps, fishing gear wise some reasonably cheap options can be sought from places like bcf or anaconda for around 100 to 200 for a combo. ensure you invest in some braid or fireline as fishing the deeper reefs you may find hard with monofilament. basic takle needed is a range of hooks around the 4-0 range, snapper leads to 8 ounce and decent leader material. if oy are interested in pursuaing this or want to follow us around the cape some time pm me and we can talk some more. cheers lee

[Dignity]

lachy, bill corten also used to do offshore fishing courses, dont know if he still does them

[liltuffy]

Hey BB, my best advice would be join a fishing club. Toowoomba might be a bit more freshwater based but I'm sure there would be some keen offshore fishos about as well. Ausfish member IRMC000 gets in the salt a fair bit, send him a pm, you never know your luck.

Craig

[TimiBoy]

I did Bill Corten's Bar course, and the fishing course, late last year, and yes, he still does them. He runs an ad in Bush and Beach magazine, with a photo of his 625 Outsider jumping.

It was just about the best money I ever spent, and well worth the trouble to drive down for you. I only live 'round the corner from him, lucky me!

I did the bar course 1 on 1 - if you can do that, I reckon you almost double your learning, but it can cost! And the guy puts you in some scary spots, then teaches you how to get out. Even if you never use the South Passage Bar, I reckon it's relevant wherever you go.

The fishing course was 2 on 1, and brilliant. You do an evening of theory, he teaches you about the weather, best knots, hooks, a discussion about rods and reels, and gives you a "pack" which I keep on the boat, and is packed with info.

Get this, he asked each of us what our sounders were, then told us how to use them - he knew the menu systems and functions of each one, and there we were sitting in his living room... The guy knows his stuff.


TimiBoy

[Reel Nauti]

Hi bully_bob

Have you owned a boat before mate? Do you have handling ability and experience before you even move in that 20 footer?

Not trying to be a smart a$se here, just curious to know. If you have not skippered before or have not owned a boat before then you are going to have to learn how to use it properly long before going outside chasing fish!

Cheers

Dave

[SunnyCoastMark]

Hi Mark,
I'm located in Toowoomba which is a couple hours drive from Mooloolaba but i holiday there frequently. If you could send me your email address i'll let you know next time i go up and if convenient you could show me the ropes.
Thanks for that,
Lachy

Lachy,
Check your PM's

Mark

And as Bustastu said - Get hold of a copy of Sunshine Coast River to Reef - BCF sells it. - Worth it's weight in Gold

[finding_time]

Lachy

Give Rob Smithy ago ( Smithy on Ausfish) You'll find a day with him very informative and he'll go over everything you need to know( gps and sounder reading,rigs and techniques) to catch a feed in the mooloolabah area. Bill corten whilst good tends to work off Moreton island so having robs local knowledge will help you alot. He's also an Ausfish Advertiser!

http://www.sqcs.com.au/