Oceania North West Island Trip 2007.

[Blackfish]

Greeting fron Australia.
Not long back from our family friendly fishing trip up the the Barrier Reef camping on a Coral fringing Island, which I have posted on before. This is not a full blown fishing trip but a relaxing time with the family, a bit of fishing and a bit of spearfishing (the spearfishing is mostly to supply fish for camp,35 people this year).
We load up the boat at Gladstone, including our boats, took 5 this year.


We leave about midnight ,then after about 7hours traveling arriving at the Island early.


This year we were plagued with strong winds, 20-35knots from the South East. As we camp on the Lee side on the Island the wind did not bother us, keeping the temperature down but stopping us traveling to our favourite fishing spots.
Spinning off the beach was hard as well because of the wind, but still nice to have a wander hooking a few small Trevally and Long Tom.


The boat fishing was hard for the girls but still they caught some fun fish
My Wife with a Fusalier


The kids caught a few smaller fish and had fun doing this


One of the ladies with a nice Emperor


Jenny with a nice catch of Tuskfish and Squid


Myself with a Coral Trout


Scotty with a small Wirenetting Cod


When we had to feed camp we would go for a spearfish. Sharks were a bit of a problem this year as they would come charging in and steal some fish off the spear. But we always ended up with a feed.


Plenty of Crays this year, we would always get a couple when we jumped in the water.


On one of the days my friend Laurie was taking his daughter out diving, they were trolling to the dive spot when the rod went off so she took the strike ,about 35minutes later.

Great fish on 10kg gear, which was a highlight of the trip for her.

Then after 2weeks we pack the boat and head home,


Then back to work and our busy lives, I'm very lucky to be able to share this trip with my wife and 7year old daughter, the life experience that my daughter gains is invaluable,she is a good diver(snorkeling) and also seeing and living with all the animals both in the water and on the Island. The Turtles and birds nest at this time of the year which make it like living in a Zoo.
Hope you enjoy reading this ,
Regards Gordon

[erezf]

In one word - AMAZING

[edylie]

Thank you for sharing Blackfish ... How i wish where i live have access to such paradise.

[edylie]

Gordon,

I would love to go there actually!

It is amazing

Any info on the nearest city to fly into and transportation/charges?

Cheers,
Edy

[Blackfish]

Would be great if you could make it one year. Great family trip as well.
It's about $1200- au ($1500 S$) for 17days ex Gladstone. You would need to fly to Brisbane then connect to Gladstone.
Being a share/help type of trip you get to do a few chores. Me .. well I have to catch and clean fish for meals. Tough job but someone has to do it.
I'll take you out, teach you to spear a few fish and show you how hungry sharks can be at times when you're up close and personal.