Thinking about buying a boat for that Cape trip?

Beatit, I'd have thought your current tinnie would be fine. I'm currently planning on taking my 3.5M Stacer to the Cape next year.

When we were in NT and The Gulf earlier this year (without tinnie) I did some looking and asking around those using small boats.

The general consensus seemed to be avoid the very shallow sided punts. Set yourself up so you don't need to be reaching over the side into the water (long handled landing net etc). Have a reliable motor, preferably at least 15HP, so you can get moving quickly if you are not comfortable. Don't use a canoe as you are too close to the water and you are continually reaching out to the water when paddling. Keep an eye out when landing fish and get them in the boat as quickly as possible once they are close. Take care around boat ramps as there is regular activity there and occasional fools will clean fish and discard bait there, attracting the nasties. Size of boat didn't seem to be as much a concern as stability and set up. I think that sums up the key points that were raised.

I'm not claiming to be an expert. These are just views obtained from others (who I did not know). So I'm also interested in the views of people with experience fishing these areas.

caught in weipa on sunday haha

I cant make it post sorry it was a photo of me holding a mackrel.

I think the lesson to be learned has more to do with human behavior than thickness of metal or boat construction. Though I wouldn't suggest a canoe.

Gday Beatit

I think Norm C pretty well summed it up.....I think history tells us that no - one has been taken from a boat......canoe is a different story. funnily enough, about a year ago in the lower Ord, me and a mate were in my 12 fotter, and a couple of friends were in a 14 footer that was quite a substantial boat for its leangth.....anyway, on the way back to the boatramp (bank) we watched in amazement as a cow carcuss was virtually lifted from the water on several occasions by a massive salty tearing chunks the size of me off it as several others waited their turn. no need to guess what boat I wish I was in, and I haven't taken the 12 fotter out for a while!

I've seen lots of crocs, but this experience has shot my small boat confidence to pieces...happy to trawl, not to happy to turn the engine off..

Statistics say the 12 footer is perfectly safe, but I like the 17 footer much more now!

Cheers Andrew

Last time in Darwin a friend took me in his rig fishing, went to first ramp somewhere on the inside of Darwin and low and behold this croc was laying on the ramp and was happy to stay there.

Mind you it was ONE bloody big bugger, the friend said it was at least 4.5 + metres long. My freind (lives in Darwin) said he always launches here and has never seen a croc here before.

I'm in a the same spot as you I'm after a rig for that area and I'm looking at something in the 4.5 metre range

Although i'd be happy enough in my current 3.6 metre rig ......... mind you after seeing that big bugger a 6 metre rig is looking better LOL.

You just need to be aware of where you are fishing and what you are doing ...... be very croc smart and alert.

Brian