Where to go on dead neaps?

jasonmcc · Post by **jasonmcc** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:04 am

Just looking at the tides for this weekend, there is hardly anymovement. Where does everyone go when the tides are like this. I have never done very well anywhere on these sort of tides.

Cheers

Jason

Brent Matthews · Post by **Brent Matthews** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:22 am

I have found the best place to go on the dead neap tides is probably Bunnings, Mitre 10 or Supercheap. That way you can get all those things done, ie. Renovations, service the cars etc, All that stuff you were supposed to do all year but couldn't because it was runoff/good tides/build up etc.

This will ensure that when the next set of good tides come around you are in the good books.

That said a couple of spots fish okay on the dead neaps, The deep channel between the Vernons and the Mainland, the Deep holes in the two harbours ie Bynoe and Darwin Harbour.

If you work the creeks, work the rock bars and gravel beds.

Or just go to Corroboree, should be warming up out there.

Feeling Lucky · Post by **Feeling Lucky** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:36 am

I agree with you Brent. But if I was heading out maybe try a couple of wrecks off nightcliff(bottlewasher,rickmills etc). At least you won't have too much trouble anchoring up unless it is blowing a gale. I have some co ord's for rick mills if you won't them.

Cheers

F.L.

Post by **Matt Flynn** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:50 am

You can still catch barra on neap tides - fish livebait in creek holes, or get up before dawn and have a cast around the rocks at the mouth of Woods Inlet, the Shoal Bay rock, or the rocks between West Arm and Middle Arm. Fish just before sunup and make long casts as the water will be clear and shallow.

Or fish the billabongs.

Night barra fishing can be good on neaps, especially out at The Rock in Shoal Bay.

North and South Gutter are worth a look for reef fish on neaps, and it's a good time to troll for sailfish and marlin. The Vernon Islands are good on neaps, mainly because it isn't really fishable or safe there on spring tides, although you can lock yourself into the Blue Holes on a spring low and catch fish.

Next set of spring tides should be good - I was out on Wednesday and caught a 71cm in Sadgroves Creek but the water was still 2C too cool and the fish were mostly just tapping lures. That will change on the next springs unless we have unusually cold weather.

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:01 am

I've never given the Vernons a good go on the neaps. I'm sure it would be great. But I like getting out that way on the spring tides. Especially when there is a low in the late afternoon.

We would sit at the eastern tip of Van Warick. The water screaming over the reef would creat big boils on the surface. Cast big poppers into those boils and wind fast. Big GTs peel off the reef and climb over each other to get at the lure. Exciting stuff.

Had a few days doing that where it was more of a challenge to get your popper back to the boat before it was smashed.

Post by **Matt Flynn** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:28 am

Yes, there is some great GT and skinny action at the Vernons on big tides - I have seen some monster trevally caught around Smith Reef.

I don't recommend the area on springs though because of the safety factor. Bottom fishing is almost impossible in the deep water on springs, although there are a couple of large eddies that can be fished, but there are better places/ways/times to catch reefies.

Fishhead · Post by **Fishhead** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:09 pm

ahhhh neap tides, love 'em. perfect for a weekend of trollin up skinnies and playin beach footy with the kids at bare sandy... coupla quiet g & t's and much contemplation about the nature of the universe!!!
but back to the topic, usually head for deeper water during the neaps. the deep area of bynoe, out past lorna, or north gutter.
well gotta finish packin the boat, have a great weekend...
tight lines!

Andy Grey · Post by **Andy Grey** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 12:50 am

Spear fishing off East Point is good.

Gold Can · Post by **Gold Can** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 1:38 pm

Strippers at Winnellie

BarraBeast · Post by **BarraBeast** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 1:56 am

Go on a Bat Fish frenzy at the lee point reefs!! you'll fill up the esky in 10minutes!! just kidding.

why not try trolling deep divers over the shallows at Charles Point for jewies. been meaning to try it. could be cr.p though.

even the main shipping channel on the harbour near 6 mile will get you small reefies, see FF book.

local guru Chris Errity trolls the mouth of Leaders for Barra and jews, seen photo's, awsome.

But I'd go to tapa bay and target Jacks amoungs the rocks. small red/orange coloured lures.

North Australian FISH FINDER TM forums

Where to go on dead neaps?

Where to go on dead neaps?

Neaps

Vernons