Swaines

[shortie]

Ok guy im investigating the posibility of a 7 day trip out to swaines reef.

Below is a copy of a leeter that was sent to me.

Dear ,

Thank you for your enquiry.

F.V. Norval is owned and operated by Scott and Soozi Wilson. We have over 15 years combined experience commercial fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and as your Skipper, Scott is committed to ensuring you have the trip of a lifetime.

We aim to provide you with the ultimate fishing experience. We can cater to your needs or plan the trip for you. Our wide back deck offers plenty of space for drift fishing, whilst our 4 dories allow passengers to spread out and catch a variety of reef fish around smaller reefs, shoals and in the shallows. 5 Deck winches allow for exciting deep water fishing on reef drop offs and weather faces. During the week, the skipper will ensure you visit a variety of fishing grounds to optimise the diversity of your catch. On board, passengers can enjoy individual bait/filleting table and rod holders, a spacious lounge room with video, stereo and DVD facilities, comfortable cabins, 2 showers/toilets and delicious home cooked meals onboard a reliable, well maintained vessel.

We mainly offer 7 – 10 day charters to the Swains Reef or Capricorn Bunkers for group bookings of up to 10 passengers. The daily charter rate is $2200.00 (inc GST) plus an Environmental Management Fee of $15.00 per person per trip. We can cater for smaller groups, shorter trips and visit alternative locations to personalise your trip if required. We require a 20% deposit to secure your booking.

All meals, including morning and afternoon tea, are included in the charter fee along with linen, towels and basic toiletries. We have ample fridge space to keep beverages cold and have keg facilities for those parties that prefer icy cold beer on tap. Parties can bring their own beverages, or arrange for us to have them delivered to the boat prior to departure.

We depart from Gladstone Marina at approximately 4.30pm. The marina offers lock up facilities for passenger’s cars, or the local taxi service can shuttle you from the airport. Passengers are welcome to drop off their baggage and gear at anytime during the day, and then enjoy Gladstone for a few hours prior to boarding Norval ready for departure late afternoon.

Groups need to supply their own fishing gear. The local chandlery shop, Pats Tackle World, can supply all your fishing gear on a “pay for what you use†arrangement. This is particularly useful for parties arriving via airplane. Dive, spear fishing or island cruising parties can liaise with us regarding their individual needs for the trip.

We keep bait supplies of Pilchards and Squid on board, and groups pay for quantities used at the end of the trip. Alternative bait can be arranged prior to your trip. All catch is filleted or left whole, as you desire, and frozen to -30C. Airport foam eskies, ice, dry ice and freight can all be organised for transportation of your catch home.

COSTS 07/08 (Subject to change)

Pilchards $11.00/block

Squid $17.00/block

Foam Eskies $12 each

Dry Ice $8.00/kg

More information is available on our Website www.norvalcharters.com.au or please contact us by email, mail or phone for more information.

Look forward to hearing from you,

Yours sincerely,

Scott and Soozi Wilson

So a 7 day trip for 10 people would be approx $1655.00 plus bait plus booze.

Just wondering if anyone is interested.

Richard.

[AZZA]

Hey Shortie sounds great but dont think could swing it as we are going up to the gulf next yearB) .Did you see the one on Marion reef on creek to coast ,filthy action about $700 they said for 4 day trip. Nomad charters I think it was.

[shortie]

I have also sent emails to Kamimbla charters and Nomad Charters.

[faulked]

mate the best i can do for the swaines is lend you an antique video on the swains and the magnificent fish there way ooout of my league:(

[dhess]

Hey Shortie,

I would be interested depending on when.

[shortie]

any ideas on when. im thinking end of June next year.

[buzzid]

hey shortie,

another operator to consider is capricorn star. i've done a number of 7 day charters with them and found them to be skilled and experienced. the boat is a comfortable 75footer if memory serves me correctly, air con, 4 dories and priced comparatively to your figures. they operate out of gladstone and do trips to swaines, saumarez and the bunker group. something to consider mate.

buzz.

[shortie]

Normad sport fisshing seems to offer the best experience but it comes with a price.

A little to much for me.

6 Days to Marion Reef.

$8950 per person.

80 ft mothership

2 x 36 foot game boats

lots 18 ft centre consoles.

[Fisher_90]

9K Per Person, Shit 10 Ppl put 9k in and u get a 90k boat to own

[buzzid]

just on that subject fisher, sorry about the hijack shortie, have you read the article the the current qfm mag about the timeshare type partnership in a boat. i'm thinking it might be worth a look if you could get say 4 mates to chip in for 1 share at $5500 per share. www.pleasureboating.com.au

buzz

[Fisher_90]

Yeh i know 5.5k for like 20-30 days a year for a cruisecraft 680 with a 225 etec. Still have to pay for fuel tho:P

[shortie]

Fuel is the killer for price.

[obone]

My dad did that trip to Marion Reef last year and the amount and sized fish he caught was just outrageous. Best fishing he's had he reckons.

Joel

[dhess]

shortie wrote:

any ideas on when. im thinking end of June next year.

June would be a pretty good time of year to do it. Nice mild nights and pleasant warm days.

I guess the hardest part is getting a good crew of ten like minded people together. There would be nothing worse than being stuck with some random deadsh!ts for a week. On the other hand they could be really cool people.

Do you have any more people lined up Shortie? I could start asking around seeing if any mates are keen.

[shortie]

I think i have possible 3 others lined up ready to go.

[dhess]

Cool. I will ask around and see if I can a get a few more keen people.

[Fishing Freddy]

I to have been looing at going to swains and they have booked out except for two weeks next year on the MV Norval. So if you want to go you need to book as early as possible.

Ken

[Gazza]

Check out rowley shoals ok you have to fly do broome I think it is but heaps cheaper

Gaz