Advice On Somerset

[Sniper]

Howdy everyone. Heading out to Somerset in 2 weeks time for a few days. Never been there before and to be honest, only been dam fishing once before. Would like some advise on where abouts to go, techniques and tackle to use if possible. Aslo we are going to camp at Kirleagh. What ammenities are there and do you need to book. Already have SIP but understand that one needs permit for boat. Where do I get such a permit? Don't want to get a large fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Bill ??? ???

p.s. if someone tells me their secret spot I promise not to tell a soul. :-X

[GJ]

go to http://www.ausfish.com.au/fitzy/SomersetArticle.htm and http://www.ausfish.com.au/fitzy/Somerset.htm or book a guide.

[BOMBER]

Hi Bill,

Just got back from a fish at Somerset on Sunday 14/04/02 very hard dam when it comes to cast and retrieve although trolling does produce the goods. If you are a strict cast and retrieve fisho head up the dam turn right out of the kirkleigh boat ramp and head up tp Pelican point or Queen street locate the schools on the sounder and Jig useiing 2 or 3 inch Single Tail Grubs, Rahula jigs or the like or tailspinners. If into trolling same area but the fish in this dam tend to hang deep so lures with a minimum dive depth of 20+ feet are recommended and make sure you have some 30+ as well the best thing to do though is put up a posting for Gary Fitzgerald as he is an absolute genius on this dam or go to his web site as pointed out by GJ in a previous post, Gary's site contains a map with fishy spots shown, anyway hope that helps.

Regards,

THE BOMBER

[Sniper]

Thank Bomber and GJ. Just hope the trip is a go. Looks like I may have to work which is a bummer. But got to pay the bills somehow. Will let you know how I go anyway. Thanks to all and I nearly forgot harrya. Thanks for the email.
Have taken all advice on board.
Bill :)


P.S. Which lures dive to around the 30" mark?

[Fitzy]

Hi Sniper,
I just put up a report on Somerset in the "reports" section.

Trolling lures that dive to 30 feet? Not alot I'm afraid that are any good for Somerset anyway. Ones that are doing really well for me lately are the Stikezone Large Critter, available at http://www.ausfish.com.au/strikezone/
and Blitz Baga lures.
Dark colors are best generally but a few different colors is handy of they aren't onto any perticular one.

Cheers,

Fitzy..

[WHITTO]

#:DG'Day Bill, All your Permits are available at the Kiosk at Kirkleagh (Camping/Boating Permit) you already have a SIP,Everthing available at the kiosk except O/B Fuel you can get fuel at Kilcoy or Somerset, The Amenities at the camp grounds at Kirkleagh are excellent, you won't be disappointed, enjoy your stay I know you will. Cheers and good fishing Whitto :D :D

[Sniper]

Once again, Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm not going to get caught with the fuel problem again. Nearly ran out at Boondoomba a few months ago so taking plenty of spare. Now just got to catch my first Bass. Thanks again.
Bill ;D

[lordy]

Hi Sniper,
I just put up a report on Somerset in the "reports" section.

Trolling lures that dive to 30 feet? Not alot I'm afraid that are any good for Somerset anyway. Ones that are doing really well for me lately are the Stikezone Large Critter, available at http://www.ausfish.com.au/strikezone/
and Blitz Baga lures.
Dark colors are best generally but a few different colors is handy of they aren't onto any perticular one.

Cheers,

Fitzy..

Not a bad price $9.50-$9.90. Do you like the dark purple ones at all, or are you a black fan?

[Fitzy]

Lordy,
The olny 2 colors I've tried are number 11 which is the purple
http://www.ausfish.com.au/strikezone/images/crittercol_11.jpg

And number 12 which is the black with red head
http://www.ausfish.com.au/strikezone/images/crittercol_12.jpg

Both are catching fish. Last week the purple was better, today it was the black/red head that was best.

Who knows, I also like the look of numbers 19, 17 & 14 too, maybe they would work better?

Good price eh.

BTW- For the yellowbelly, SK lures have been working well up in the timbers.

Cheers,

Fitzy..

[lordy]

Lordy,
The olny 2 colors I've tried are number 11 which is the purple
http://www.ausfish.com.au/strikezone/images/crittercol_11.jpg

And number 12 which is the black with red head
http://www.ausfish.com.au/strikezone/images/crittercol_12.jpg

Both are catching fish. Last week the purple was better, today it was the black/red head that was best.

Who knows, I also like the look of numbers 19, 17 & 14 too, maybe they would work better?

Good price eh.

BTW- For the yellowbelly, SK lures have been working well up in the timbers.

Cheers,

Fitzy..

14 and 19 (green/yellow) would be close to my favourite colours, along probably purple/black.

Seems to me that downrigger would be perfect for sommerset.

[Fitzy]

Lordy,
Down riggers work well there. I don't really need to break one out at present, these lures are doing ok & for deeper stuff there's always ice jigs, plastics & tail spinners etc.

Cheers,

Fitz

[Sniper]

Fitzy, Thanks for the tips on the lures. Ordered a few on line last night in the colours that you suggested. Sould get them before I go away. Hate sucking up to the boss but the trip is back on. May see some of you guys and gals out there.
Bill :D

[Fitzy]

Hi Sniper,
Hope you get a few at Somerset. If you see the big Sea Jay on the water there, give us a wave & I'll see if I can point you in the right direction.
Don't forget to give Somerset the tick on the back of your SIP permit. :D

Cheers,

Fitzy..

[Sniper]

Fitzy, Already have ticked Somerset on the sip and if you see a few guys in a Hornet Trophy 435 and look lost, that'll be us. See Ya
Bill 8)

[Fitzy]

Funny enough I see alot of Hornets looking quite lost up there at times.
I don't know if I'll pick you out of the crowd. ;)
Have a goodun!!

Cheers,

Fitzy