South End -Curtis Island

[Bear001]

Currently laid up in bed for 6weeks and I seem to have the job of planning the next away fishing session for the gang.

I have been reading up/searching info on South End for a trip next year.

Looking at bringing the hornets up (4m & 4.4m) for a spin - base ourselves in a shack at South End so we can pack more fishing gear (& drinkies) than camping gear

Any help gratefully appreciated - ie, what time of year we would max our chances on reefies/mackeral. Locations, bad times for wind/weather, boat ramp condition, & tips in general etc.

I have sussed out the barge & waiting for accom to ring back - so feel free to make any suggestions?

Cind

[mangomick]

I like late Nov to march around Curtis island mainly dragging lures for the estuary cod over the shallow country as soon as there is enough water to not dent the prop.
The mates son went out last week with a few mates and they picked up about 30 spotty mackeral out the front of Curtis but nothing this week.
Usually nice grassies out along the front in the gutters and a few nice reefies in the area off from the point of facing island.Theres a couple of wrecks about 5 mile out that can fish ok if you can get on them.
Theres also patches of reefy country about 12 mile out that run the entire length of curtis island and facing but the better patch is down the far end of facing. It fishes ok for grassies and even the odd red emporer at times
Mackeral Spot

151:20:747

23:44:420

Melissa (wreck)

151:25:440

23:29:679

Moreton Star(wreck)

151:26:468

23:45:371

Bindaree (wreck)

151:23:599

23:41:332

Bass Shoal

151:15:670

23:33:720

[Bear001]

Thanks very much mangomick for taking the time to reply.

I have also compiled a word doc of other info I have found doing searches on Ausfish from others asking the same questions in the past - I notice you are always very forthcoming in your help to all!

Saving the $$ - now I have to start buying some lures/plastics/lead etc.
Totally new to saltwater hardbodies - any suggestions?

[mangomick]

I had a couple of nice hits on a gold bomber the other day but on previous outings the nilsmaster in a bronze colour produced the goods.
On one occasion I was dragging a blue nilsy and my young bloke was dragging a bronze nilsy and he was getting all the hits.
The main thing is to get one that only shallow dives and be prepared to swim down to retrieve it when it snags or be prepared to lose a couple.
i'm yet to try soft plastic but i'm thinking they should go better with the hookabove the body they shouldnt snag so easy.
On the wrecks jig for a few livies and send them back down
The mates son was using gols bomber or B52 for the mackies as well as chromies
Cheers

[NEWBY]

Cind, if you can get a hold of VOLVO he will also point you in the right direction. He has been in Gladstone a long time and seems to know every rock and grain of sand. He never comes home without a feed of fish...