Fishing News

THERE were two days last week where it was possible for the larger boats to head out and fish the main reef. Conditions were uncomfortable with a 10 to 15 knot south westerly winds blowing, however the fish were willing and there were some very good catches of Coral Trout and mixed reef species.

The various shoals and wrecks in the deeper water were covered in Nannygai however the sharks were a real problem with huge Bull sharks taking almost every fish forcing boats to move on. I found the going very tough, after the first fish or two it became impossible to land a decent fish. We moved four times with the sharks taking virtually every decent fish. We eventually headed home early with only a handful of reasonable fish. What is the use of bag limits when the sharks are taking more fish than you put in the ice box.

Releasing undersize Nannygai is teaching these sharks bad habits as I am sure they are taking the released fish as they make their descent back to the bottom. I feel the only answer is to lower the size limit on Nannygai to 38 cm. These smaller fish can be wound straight up to the boat and beat the sharks, what’s the use of releasing them when you are only encouraging the sharks. Is this upsetting the natural balance in the food chain.

Closer in, the various shoals in the shipping channel fished reasonably well both for Spanish Mackerel in the 4 to 8 kilo size range, and some early season spotted and school Mackerel. Most of the Macks were caught by floating pilchards or by high speed spinning with lures such as the Arma Matalik. There were some Nannygai caught by bottom fishing however they were mostly undersize fish.

Closer in around the islands spots such as Forty Foot and the Deep hole were plagued by sharks and boats were forced to fish

less popular areas. Some very nice Island Trout and Grass Sweet Lip were caught. The Grunter were scarce around the Family Group of Islands however there was several reports of good Fingermark catches. There has been plenty of Herring and Squid around which are their favourite food .

The Barra and Mangrove Jacks have been scarce in the coastal creeks. Those that have been raised have been very half hearted about taking lures or live baits. Despite this there have been some good fish caught mostly in the Hinchinbrook area. Reports are also coming in of catches of Grunter, Whiting, Bream and Flathead from most of the coastal creeks but in particular the Murray river. The mud crabs are still plentiful however it seems the average size is dropping, with lots of just undersize crabs for every legal. This is especially the case in the Hull, I set out 6 pots for the night and managed two good bucks.

The Hinchinbrook area is definitely fishing better than the northern creeks with reports of good numbers of Grunter and some great catches of Fingermark. The Threadfin Salmon catches seemed to have dropped off, I don`t know enough about this species to speculate on whether they congregate through Autumn and disappear through winter, (if anyone knows please fill me in.) I am writing this report on Monday so I am not too positive about the weather forecast. This time of year it seems to be changing daily, however at this stage they are predicting 20 to 25 knots of wind for this coming weekend. This will force most boats into the estuaries, so my best advice would be to try the Hinchinbrook area. Either side of the morning high tide are ideal for fishing for grunter both in the coastal creeks and along the flats of Hinchinbrook. Either side of the afternoon low tide will suite fishing for Barra and Jacks in the estuaries. It would also allow a opportunity to fish the late afternoon incoming tide for whiting, bream and flathead. This is a very low tide and will cause access problems to many ramp so you may not be able to get the boat out until on dark.

Good Fishing Roly Newton Tackle World Tully

Bowls NEWS

Innisfail Ladies Bowls

LAST Wednesday saw 16 ladies have a roll up in two sessions at 1.30pm and then at 3.30pm with all thrilled to be back on the green.

On Saturday, 30 bowlers put their names down for social play so three sessions (10 in each) were organised with the first at 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.30pm.

This week 20 bowlers are allowed on the green at the same time which means ladies will need to phone in before 1.00pm and play will commence at 1.30pm.

The ladies will be able to play all afternoon still with just four bowlers on each rink and a spare rink in between.

Please bring your own refreshments as the bar will not be open and hand sanitiser is provided.

GOLF NEWS

Cardwell Golf

LADIES' Thursday competition saw 11 players enjoy the wonderful condition of the course and the beautiful weather. The winner, finally the bride, was Tracey Cousemacker (33), second Sneza Lazarus (30) and third on a countback Christine Taylor (29).

Thursday's 9 hole Sporters saw a huge field take to the course taking advantage of a lovely afternoon. The winner was Brent Petersen (20), second Kevin Brown (19), third Ian Ingram (18) on a countback from fourth Bert Pajonk (18) and the rundown of Geoff Reading (18), Graham Gardiner (18), Tracey Cousemacker (17), Warren Stahel (17), and Mandy Carucci (17).

Saturday’s stableford was won by Wayne Sheahan (37), second Dave Hoare (36), third Keith Hoare (35) on a C/B from the rundown of Brian Wishart (35), Geoff Reading (33), Frank Grimes (33), Greg Dearlove (33) after C/Bs.

Thursday, Ladies play a Stableford, followed by Sporters. Saturday is the Craig Moore Memorial Monthly Medal sponsored by the Mission Beach players. As always, we thank the sponsors for their support. Men will play off the blue tees and the ladies the white tees.

PLEASE NOTE: competitions will be played in groups of four at 10 minute intervals, registration is still via timesheet. Register by email to enquire@cardwellgolfclub.com or jackieolditch@bigpond.com or by phone or text to 0414 359 314. The timesheet can be viewed on the Cardwell Golf Club website, cardwellgolfclub.com.

El Arish Golf

WITH every blade of grass washed clean and every creek full of the 'dreaded water' we finally got in a full round of comp games last week.Last TUESDAY'S comp saw Lloyd Brazier winner on 35 with Gavin Camilleri r/up on 34. Saturday's perfect playing conditions saw a great field teeing off in the early restriction times with Paul Marland coming in winner on 39 Stableford, then r/up was a calculating count back with Peter Carter 2nd on 36 from Col Bidgood and Fran Lomas [ great to see Fran back hitting the ball well after knee surgery]

This weekend is the start of our Club Championships, playing 18 holes each Saturday and Sunday over the next 2 weekends - let's hope for the cold clear weather predicted - enjoy the games and play well.

info@ccin.com.au

EVAKOOL ESKY’S – NOW IN STOCK!

THU 4

FRI 5

SAT 6

SUN 7

MON 8

TUE 9

WED 10

JUNE 1:58 am 0.88m 7:51 am 2:05 pm 0.27m 8:42 pm 2:44 am 0.91m 8:34 am 2:44 pm 0.29m 9:28 pm 3:33 am 1.01m 9:19 am 3:25 pm 0.4m 10:15 pm 4:25 am 1.16m 10:07 am 4:10 pm 0.59m 11:03 pm 5:26 am 1.33m 10:58 am 4:57 pm 0.83m 11:55 pm 6:43 am 1.46m 11:55 am 5:49 pm 1.09m

12:53 am3.01m 8:32 am 1:01 pm 1.95m 6:48 pm

3.14m

3.57m

2.98m

3.62m

2.78m

3.57m

2.54m

3.43m

2.3m

3.22m

2.09m

1.47m

1.32m

Local Hopes Dashed

SPORT

Senior rugby league will not be played in Innisfail and Tully this year after all clubs in CDRL competition voted to cancel the 2020 season due to the implications of COVID-19

MARIA GIRGENTI

AT a joint board meeting held on Monday with QRL and CDRL, this year's Cairns District Rugby League (CDRL) senior competition has been cancelled after all teams voted unanimously to cancel the season.

This is the first time in over 70 years since the competition has been cancelled which was back during World War II years.

Due to COVID-19, the season was going to be postponed until later in the year, however even with restrictions being eased several clubs voiced their concerns regarding the limit of 100 people allowed at each venue inclusive of players and staff.

Without a certain number of spectators to attend the games, clubs were not in a position to pay their players or officials or cover the running costs of their facilities.

While there is much disappointment among players and fans in the passionate rugby league towns of Innisfail and Tully, although the general feeling among the whole rugby league community is that the right decision has been made in the current circumstances.

Despite restrictions being eased and players able to return to training as of June 2 and games due to start on July 10, most of the clubs in the competition rely on spectators to keep their doors open.

With the cancellation of the 2020 season, clubs can now focus on moving forward, while fans and supporters will be anticipating the 2021 rugby league season which is expected to return bigger and better.

Cairns District Junior Rugby League club presidents have been provided with some options for the rest of the 2020 season and will make a decision next Monday.