First trip to Gnaraloo
Hi all - I know this has been done to death but I need some re-assurance haha. I've done plenty of research on this and other forums about what to take/expect at gnaraloo and I've done up a bit of a plan of action for when we head up. If anyone can scan over the below info and offer some advice about whether I've missed anything or am on the right path, I'd appreciate it.
Car and boat; Car's ready, replaced boat trailer bearings and checked the brakes and fixing bolts (all high tensile from the last owner). I have a spare wheel, hub and bearing kit for the trailer. I've made a shade cloth type rock deflector for the front of the boat and I'm going to wrap the motor leg up before hitting the tracks too. I've only got a 27mg radio so I'm thinking about putting a VHF in before we leave?
Fuel; stopping off a mates place in Leeman and grabbing 10x20L jerries. Will more than cover our fuel consumption (for a 140hp suzuki). 90L tank in boat filled when we get to Canarvon. Plus 20L for my car on my rear bar.
Accomodation; staying at the old cabins to keep everything simple. My understanding is we'll need sleeping gear and mousetraps?
Drive in and Launching; tyre down to 25psi when we get off road and nice and easy on the way in. I'm grabbing a set of maxtrak's off a mate for launching (will use the metal grids also if req'd) and probably drop the pressures further.
Fishing; Near the reef; spangoes and tev's, Trolling; zig-zag behind the reef for mack's and tuna, 50-60m; red's and cod. I fished Coral bay a few times so I'm somewhat familiar with the ground to fish on and finding my own spots.
Gear; PE2 casting and PE2 jigging setup, Heavier rod for deeper bb and jigging, heavier casting rod for bigger fish. Trolling gear and a lighter spin setup. All for the above fish.
Lures; Sticks baits and metals for casting and laser pro's for trolling. SP's wise I have a few 7 inch and 5 inch flick baits, 7inch grubs and some paddle tails.
I think that covers most of it. I'm giving myself 2.5hrs drive from canarvon to the station.
Cheers in advance
aka Nick
sea-kem
Posts: 15044
Date Joined: 30/11/09
Sounds like you have it
Sounds like you have it under control. Would worry about the mouse traps just take big plastic tubs like we do to store all your dry stuff and bread etc. Make sure you plot in the sanctuary as fisheries are always dropping through and checking. PM me if you want any other info.
Love the West!
groverwa
Posts: 286
Date Joined: 21/07/14
tyres
If the trailer tyres are close to or older than 5 yrs old the it may be prudent to get new ones
Have a look at- http://fishwrecked.com/forum/trailer-tyres-0
I have been told by a group going to Exmouth that had a tyre blow, replaced with the spare that also blew. Resulted in leaving the boat/ trailer until new tyres purchased. He admitted that the tyres were about 6 yrs old.
Hope this helps
carnarvonite
Posts: 8673
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Track in
Mate came out last Wednesday and said the track is in the best condition he has seen it in the 30 years since we first went in there. The shire are rebuilding and grading it so good news.
Paj man
Posts: 360
Date Joined: 16/09/12
Thanks lads
Grover; great point about tyre age. I gave the tyres a good inspeciton but didn't think to look at the date. Will check tonight.
sea-kem; I shot you a quick pm.
carnarvonite; That's great news - I forgot to ask about the track condition! I was chatting with a bloke at Leisurecat a few weeks back who went after Easter and said the track in was graded after the cylcone hit.
aka Nick
sea-kem
Posts: 15044
Date Joined: 30/11/09
Just replied Paj, hope
Just replied Paj, hope there's a good heads up for you there.
Love the West!
carnarvonite
Posts: 8673
Date Joined: 24/07/07
VHF
Strongly recommend getting a VHF radio, no one uses 27me up this way because of the lack of coverage.
And as reminder, Carnarvon sea rescue monitor channel 81 VHF , a repeater is situated on Rio Tinto's radio mast on Cape Cuvier, this gives us coverage up past Gnaraloo Bay so if you get in trouble there is someone listening out for you.
sea-kem
Posts: 15044
Date Joined: 30/11/09
Yeah I'll be running my VHF
Yeah I'll be running my VHF this year John and checking in for radio checks etc. I was amazed up there on recent trip that blokes don't even turn their radios on.
Love the West!
carnarvonite
Posts: 8673
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Quiet time
Very few users who haven't done a radio course know about quiet time.
It is from the hour till 5 past the hour, it is a time designated for emergency calls and listening for them so that they are not drowned out by normal chatter as happens during the other 55 minutes , eg, say from 1200 till 1205, same goes for 1500 till 1505, 24 hours a day.
We are even able to do log ins and outs for those that are safety conscious, just be sure to do it once outside of the bay and don't forget to log off as its a long way for us to drive up and check the carpark
Paj man
Posts: 360
Date Joined: 16/09/12
Good to hear
A VHF has been on the list since the boat was purchased and I was waiting on a sale to come up. I'll bite the bullet and get one this weekend, saves the worry.
aka Nick
Rob H
Posts: 5819
Date Joined: 18/01/12
as John said
UHF is really out the door now-while a fair few amateur boats still have them very few commercial do as they are not a survey item.
Its a bit like hanging onto the old analogue bagphone!
Even though the authorities dont seem to enforce the VHF requirement for a Radio ticket its in any operators best interest to learn the basics such as what each channel is used for, what the squelch knob does and basic technique like naming who your calling first then who you are, not (as we hear sometimes!) "this is Bazza calling the blue boat next to us, how the fuck are ya" on VHF16 then going on to describe how the deckie shagged a "local" behind the Roebourne pub for a packet of ciggies last night etc
Johns info on the VHF repeaters is gold as well, similar for Abrolhos etc-best to note this stuff BEFORE its really needed!
Make a test call to see if the coverage is reliable, radio ops dont usually mind unless they are grumpy
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
Paj man
Posts: 360
Date Joined: 16/09/12
cheers rob
I've used radio's a fair bit and have done plenty of trips on other boats so I'd like to think I'm fairly savvy with my radio chatter.... I'll brush up on my knowledge before heading up and get a VHF installed this weekend.
aka Nick