Stanage Bay V Harvey Bay

[Kleyny]

In October/ November a mate and I are doing a week fishing trip.

We are looking at either Hervey or Stanage.
looking at fishing close reefs if weather allows and creeks if windy.

How close are the good reefs in both bays?

My boat is a quintrex dory 4.6 with a 60 2 stoke on the back.

Out of these 2 which would go for and why?

What will be the expected fish in the reefs in either bay at that time of year?


thanks

Neil

[robersl]

Never fished stanage but a mate has got some big crabs and red throat ect there big tides and 100 klm of dirt road in there and again out . Have fished the sandy straights a fair bit not the off shore reefs in the area but if it is windy you can travel to the burrum or mary rivers for flatties ,barra jacks ect

[Snodger]

Stanage is on my bucket list thats all i can say Neil. Closeish reefs, creeks to hide out of the wind

[Apollo]

Fished them both this year - two completely different areas and fishing. Stanage is a much further and more challenging trip. The road in is interesting, as is the town, locals and tides. Crabbing is very good there (we were getting 8-12 muddies a day to 2.5kg), but it does blow at times and the current can make fishing difficult at times. When the moon do align though, the fishing is very good. Islands are close and plentiful, however it is a funny place to fish and not an easy code to crack at times. Hervey bay is probably better for variety of fishing if it blows and an easier code to crack initially. Also if something goes wrong, it is easier to get it sorted in there.

[mangajack]

I agree with Apollo, Stanage can be fantastic or a bitch of a place........definitely worth finding out if it is going to fire though.
Have caught two reds and three trout from the entrance headland to Thirsty Sound where the ramp is. Somtimes you dont even have to leave the sound for pelagics.
Be sure you have at least one spare for the trailer, including hub and bearings just in case.
Replace any U-bolts that do not look 100% before the trip too.
Hervey Bay is much more wind protected than Stanage / Shoalwater Bays.

[Kleyny]

Thanks guys.

After a complete failure of a trip last time we are hoping that this one will produce.
So if Harvey is more hit than miss I try a steer him in this direction.

I dont have a eperb at the moment so do the reefs in Stanage require an eperb or are they inside the 2nm?

This could be an excuse to buy one but.

Thanks

Neil

[Snodger]

Would get one anyhow Neil.

[nipsta]

I agree stanage is a spirit breaker and a reward place as we'll. but one thing if you go make sure ya trailer is up to it .i lost a trailer on that road and it's not fun when ya stuck in the middle of no where .

[Kleyny]

Trailer shouldnt be an issue. It's still as new built for a heavier boat than mine.

I think I'm with you snodger on the eperb.