Monday, Feb 22, 2010 at 20:31
WAT, we've been regular visitors to 'croc country' in NT for between 6 weeks and 6 months per year for the past five years. We have used three different boats, each a bit bigger than the previous, but all small enough to be used as
roof toppers. Smallest - 3.5 m with 15 HP outboard. Biggest (and current) is 3.95 m with 30 HP outboard.
Without any scientific basis, I regard as important:
-Respect for the reptiles. They own the territory, you are a visitor. If in doubt, move on.
-If out of the boat and near the water, be vary alert. Don't go near the edge at all where there is deep water. I am happy to throw a cast net from the bank, but only where there is no deep water nearby and I have a partner keeping watch.
- When entering or leaving the boat, keep it between you and open water
-If fishing and a croc is seen hanging around and watching you - move on.
As for the boat, I regard depth, stability and reliability of the motor as important - more important than length.
Some dont's:
Don't clean fish and throw scraps over the side
Don't hang body parts over the side, particularly if staying in the same spot for a while
Don't use a keeper net with live fish tethered to the boat
Don't regularly go to the river bank at the same spot
Some do's:
Do get out there and enjoy yourself. With common sense and reasonable precautions, the fishing and boating is great.
My wife (and fishing buddy) was very nervous when we first fished this area. She is no longer nervous, but remains very vigilant and respectful, as do I.
This Blog gives some details of our boats and our experiences at our favourite fishing and camping spot in NT.
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Follow Up By: The Boss - Monday, Feb 22, 2010 at 20:42
Monday, Feb 22, 2010 at 20:42
Spot on, very sound advice.
I also consider the motor to be a large factor, Yamaha being the best. But thats just my personal favourite.
I regularly fished as a
young fella from a 12 foot punt, with an 8hp motor, but never in open waters only rivers and creeks. Never had a problem with crocs. But if i did that motor would not have helped when pushing against the tide or current. Sometimes i got a very eerie feeling when fishing alone on the
Ord river. Some big monster lizards along there, and there not shy either. But never had a problem at all.
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Follow Up By: Member - Serendipity(WA) - Monday, Feb 22, 2010 at 22:32
Monday, Feb 22, 2010 at 22:32
I have to agree with Norm.
I lived and fished in the territory for over 6 years. Fishing is my biggest passion.
I did find when rivers are flowing anything less than a 25 hp and you are struggling to make headway against the current. Saying that there are lots of quiet billabongs that have no current. Just the biggest crocs you will ever see.
David
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Follow Up By: Member - Barnesy - Monday, Feb 22, 2010 at 22:46
Monday, Feb 22, 2010 at 22:46
The Boss
I worked up at
Wyndham for a while and considering taking my 3.5m tinnie in the lower Ord to try and get some Barra. I saw a 5m monster sitting on the other bank, needless to say the tinnie didn't get off the roof!
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