The Stanage Bay Road is looking good to drive, but it’s gravel so it changes daily. The Council have graded to A1 form, from The Plumtree Boat Ramp to the cattle property, Torilla Plains. From Torilla to Lyndon is good and sealed. The part to slow down for is Glenisla, Banksia and Fernlee. The cattle are looking prime with lush pastures from the winter rainfall. Kangaroos, emus, tortoises, snakes and echidnas cross the road periodically, so keep your camera handy.

The estuary, Thirsty Sound, with its 35 odd creeks, has been fishing well for huge bream on small prawn. The salmon are still taking large prawn and herring and mulloway love large squid. Grunter has been caught in abundance on the southwest side of Long Island on the shoals. Large blue and threadfin salmon are around on the southeastern side.

Monster Stanage Bay muddies have buried or gone to sea. There is the odd one or two potting, and they are huge and full. As usual in the winter and spring months, expect them near any rocks, deep water and the northwestern side of Long Island.

If you just want adventure, keep a day aside to explore the southern end of Thirsty Sound. If you have the fuel and time, you can quite easily travel to the Herbert, Charon Point, Styx River, Waverley Creek towards Broad Sound and St Lawrence. One can never be bored at Stanage Bay or surrounding areas.

The reef, islands and shoals have been fishing well when the wind allows. For the smaller vessels, 5m and upwards, your fishing escapes can be around rock, shoals and reefs of the Dukes, North Point islands, down south to the Northwest Channel, which includes the Skull, Osborn and Lingham islands. Stay well away from the green zones.

For bigger boats, with competent skippers, start at the Hexham Group, which takes in seven isles. Further abroad, you have the Percys. Also try southwards toward Ripple and Harrison.

Use Stanage Bay for your first and last port of call, lighten your load on your boat trailer and tyres and buy local. Everything from bait, ice and tackle to beer, fuel, beautiful meals, takeaways and convenience food. Self-contained accommodation is in every suburb, at budget prices for quality. Heaps of bait and lures in all shapes, colours and sizes are available.

1

Taryn hooked her huge Spanish mackerel, struggled and won the battle alone – what a champion.

2

The author’s partner Tony on The Black Diamond, with one of his cracker Spanish mackerel.

3

The author scored this awesome nannygai in Stanage Bay.