Stalker, start off by anchoring and burleying in the flat sand off Scarborough and City Beach (approx. 10-15m). You will catch small gummy, hammerheads and flathead, maybe snapper. from there use your own nouse.

I would say try the three mile reef the back edge ,you will get dhuies,snapper and most other fish,on the day.if you are new to the boating fishing then stay in close and work you way out as you become more confident.sand patches for whiting, skippy anchor and burly for your herring,gardies ,realy does depend on what you are chasing as to where you are going to fish good luck,keep safe.

yep, stick to the areas your confortable with (distance from shore, depths, and conditions).

Do you have a sounder and GPS? and safety gear all right to roll?

Wouldnt take long for you to get to the 3 mile reef with a 50 on that size boat, well worth a look in good conditions.

Thanks, Paul G and Bodie for your recommendations on three mile reef.  I have sounder and GPS (still trying to learn how to use it properly) and all the safety gear.  Can any of you guys please tell me where this 3-mile reef is?  (I know I sound so bloody naive and green.) Is it opposite Ocean Reef, Hillarys or which landmark?  How many kms out from shore?  How deep is the water there?  What are the dangers around there that I should look out for. I am sick of catching whitings, herrings and other small stuff closed to shore and would like to try my hands at some decent size catch this time.   

As above,if you are new to the area and live in Iluka,go and have a look at the Ocean Reef it is at the northern end of the car park and has a strong fishing section and also a lot of local knowledge on water conditions and spots you can try,the fishing section meets the first Wednesday of each month,but if you go down on a Friday evening have a beer and ask a few questions jersey

As the name suggests its about 3mile offshore. Runs the length of Hillarys / Ocean Reef / Mindarie, Though by the time it gets to Mindarie its called Staggies reef.

I would get myself a few nautical maps of the area (which is what I did when I first started out) Get the laminated ones so you can get them wet. Look for sandy patches near reef and also little lumps and bumps. Sound around and try a few spots each day.

There is some reefy /broken ground about 4 mile out from Ocen Reef, where you can get all sorts of good fish but you will be plagued by wrasse most of the time.

Good luck and remember to stay safe around shallow reef areas.