Broughton Island first timer

[Samgodd]

Hey guys,

Got a boys trip planned this weekend up to Port Stephens. Hopefully the weather stays nice for us (swell and wind forecast looks ok so far). First real run in the new boat and we are hoping to get out to Broughton. I’ve never been out to Broughton before so was wondering if anyone had any pointers for a noobie - safety tips to look out for etc. Boat is a 5.4m Stacer with a 115 on the back. Launching from Shoal Bay. Hoping to get onto a few snapper if we can find them. 
 

Thanks in advance legends! 

[james Cutler]

Watch the Bar it is dangerous.

Sunrise for snapper. 7'' plastics or fresh squid.

Good luck.

[XD351]

35 minutes ago, james Cutler said:

Watch the Bar it is dangerous.

Sunrise for snapper. 7'' plastics or fresh squid.

Good luck.

What bar ? 

[Samgodd]

1 hour ago, james Cutler said:

Watch the Bar it is dangerous.

Sunrise for snapper. 7'' plastics or fresh squid.

Good luck.

Do you mean coming out of the heads? Will try for some fresh squid at Shoal before we head out. 

[XD351]

25 minutes ago, james Cutler said:

@XD351 Have a look on Facebook.

🤷‍♂️

[Hoods]

Shoal Bay ramp is usually very shallow so beware. So are parts of the harbour.

There should be some discussions on here re areas fished for snapper on SP's if you have a look.

Similar to up here the snapper are being found from 30 to 60m and should be moving in on the shallower reefs. Plenty of reef south and south east of Broughton.

Good luck.

 

[james Cutler]

@Samgodd I should have told you before. Have a look at Scratchies posts. He is the Pt. Stephens guru when it comes to catching snapper. I read up on his posts. Awesome.

Good luck.

[Berleyguts]

Shoal Bay ramp can be a little tricky. Shallow and you can get some surge sometimes but it is the closest to the heads. Little Beach ramp is more popular. I mostly fish solo, so often launch at Soldiers Point as there are pontoons to tie off to.

Keep to the southern side of the entrance heading out, once out of the heads, you can turn north towards Broughton. Be careful coming back in if there’s a runout tide. Don’t forget to log in with Marine Rescue.

You can catch live bait near the crack just south of the heads but I usually go to the bait grounds at Cabbage Tree Island. No fishing, other than for yellowtail, slimies and garfish is allowed in this part of the marine park. Be sure to check the marine park map.

Search the many posts by @Scratchie about fishing Broughton Island. Areas to try include The Sisters, Cod Rock, North Rock. Watch for bommies, especially around The Sisters and Cod Rock. Again, study the marine park map and don’t fish in the sanctuary zones.

Brent at Tackle World Port Stephens can you give you more up to date advice.

ZMan jerk shadz in 7” or 5” seem to be quite successful (for Scratchie at least, I struggle 😂). Try pearl, coconut ice, or pilchard colours. When you approach a spot, sit and study the direction of your drift and cast ahead of the boat. Never drive over the area you’re going to drift. Find the bait, find the fish. If you have livies, always have one out the back of the boat.

If no luck at Broughton, you can try the deeper reefs like The V or 21.

Good luck and tight lines!

 

 

[mrsswordfisherman]

Thank @Berleyguts

Here is a search on Scratchie's posts. There is a great podcast to listen too there too. 

https://community.deckee.com/search/?&q=Scratchie&type=forums_topic&page=2&quick=1&nodes=27&search_and_or=or&sortby=relevancy

 

[rickmarlin62]

The shallower reef areas around the sisters are good starting point for reds  north side of north rock is also good spot   if you waste time chasing squid and bait you miss the best time at island   first hour of dayligjt or just on dark is best