Montague Island

[lennon_2101]

Hi guys, a mate and I are looking at taking our boats down to Narooma/Bermagui in the coming weeks to try something new. He has a Barcrusher 610c and I have a Seafarer V Sea so we are pretty confident on heading outside. We were just wondering if anyone had any hints or tips for us as to what we might be able to get this time of year and how far we would have to head out to get into the action. We are both keen to get hold of some good kingies but understand that it's not really kingie season. Any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks raiders!

[Canary05]

Most important tip I can give you about Narooma is to get advice from the locals on handling the bar. It's one of the most dangerous in Australia, but does give great access to Montague.

[PRED-ATOR]

As Canary has pointed out,

Safety comes first, the narooma bar is one of the most notorious in australia.

Make sure you have your life jackets on as there are coast guards and water police in the watch tower.

As for the fishing, around any of the headlands are pretty good for kingies, even this time of year.

You will find alot of them are swimming with the bait so burley as if you were catching baitand you will find kingies, not very big though but who knows maybe the bigger one is lurking!

All the best and be safe!

Predator

[Onajewagain]

Check the marine park limits too. I know 2 charter boats 4 sale now and 2 already gone down there because of it. They can't fish anywhere (profitably anyway). Not sure how it will affect rec fishing but check it out.

The bar is harsh too. Never ever ever head through the north side, and if you do need to go north, dont turn untill a good 300 meters or so out. Waves swoop up and break that far out and it will wipe you out. Seen a very long term charter go over doing it, and it was a pretty flat day. Stick to the south side and pick your times. If you go to the tackle shop on the flats and see Daryl. He runs the biggest charter down there and will give some pointers to the bar. Good bloke

Haven't fished it for 10 years, but it never failed down there.

[tentonner]

The fishing down there for kings seems to depend on the current, if its really pushing then they will come on. Jigging the north western corner of the island seems to the most popular method and spot for kings. While everyone's advice about the bar is correct, don't let it preclude you from going down there, you should be fine but always give it a good look first, you can easily drive up to it in your car before you put the boat in to have a look but we can get out in a 5.5m tinny more often than not. But definitely take the necessary precautions before taking it on because it is notorious

[MikeR]

Aside from the sensible advice on the bar, keep in mind that there is a seal colony on the island itself.

I've fished there for all your usual bottom bashing suspects, but you may lose a few to "the locals".

Great place at this time of year though as you will probably come across dolphins on the way out, and possibly some whales too.

Enjoy, and be safe!

Mike

[lennon_2101]

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

Cant wait to get down there and give it a go!