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Magic March marvels LUCINDA
Jeff Wilton jeffwilton83@hotmail.com
It’s March already and you can bet it will be pretty damp here in North Qld. The fishing can prove slightly difficult with potentially plenty
channel will be dictated by the amount of freshwater pushing out of the Herbert and Seymour rivers. Both these rivers have the ability to pump out loads of dirty freshwater making the channel resemble a brown un-fishy looking area. If this is the case then it is a great idea to head north towards
Vinnie locked up in the deep. of freshwater pumping through the channel as the mighty Herbert River does its thing. It is still worth throwing some rods in the boat and getting out there though, as the unstable weather can do wonderful things in terms of fish wanting to feed. HINCHINBROOK CHANNEL The fishing in the From page 46
actually hold plenty of food for foraging fish. Some piece of structure in the vicinity, regardless of how small it is, will often concentrate schools of fish. Getting them to bite is sometimes a different story. On the east coast as you head out towards the outer reef, contours, depressions, deep gutters and shoals will concentrate a lot of fish, usually in that 20-40m zone. This is prime area for coral trout, red emperor, Chinaman fish, red bass and a range of trevally and cod species. Fishing areas of concentrated fish then moving around from spot to spot will help keep fish feeding actively when they are in the mood. A switch up to bait might be needed if you are staying put. Some of the shallower reef country might be a little challenging throughout March. Warm water temperatures up on top and in the shallows often drives fish a little
the Cardwell end in search of clearer waters. Normally you can find okay looking areas in the middle of Benjamin flats so pack some extra fuel and explore a little. Be on the look out for areas that have distinct colour lines, where clear water meets dirty water pushing off mud banks and drains. This is the type of water fish feel comfortable in as it gives them cover from deeper off the edges. Some of the inshore pelagic fishing might also be a little quiet. But as things settle down into dry season patterns, expect this activity to really pick up. The barra fishing throughout March is usually excellent, but a lot will depend on the status of the wet season. Late heavy rains can often spoil the party this time of year and a cyclone is also very much on the cards. Generally, however, the creeks and rivers along the west coast of the Cape will be charged with freshwater and typically the barra fishing will be very good. Pay particular attention to drains and colour changes in the rivers where side branches enter main systems. Make use of March to reach and fish some of the places that will become more challenging throughout the dry season. Quite soon, you will be lamenting missed opportunities when those sou’easters and southerly winds start their inevitable engines for the next six months.
predators and the perfect spot to ambush baitfish. Small creek mouths are perfect examples of this and also double as fish highways where they will move around with the tides. The hot humid days are perfect for chasing barra and jacks, and Hinchinbrook is re-known for dishing up some great action on both. The jack fishing here can be first class with plenty of fish sitting up the creeks waiting for a well-presented lure or soft plastic. Jacks are also easy to target with baits, and tying up or anchoring whilst drifting some baits into the snags can be a very enjoyable way to land a few fish. It has been many years since I chased jacks on bait as I am now 100% into soft plastic fishing but drifting unweighted half pilchards into big snags was really good fun and also a deadly technique. The summer run means warm water and also the chance to tangle with some big grunter as they are one species that does not mind the influx of fresh water. Fishing the smaller tide changes on dark with fresh baits should see rods getting bent. Grunter can be found up the creeks and in the channel itself, look for bottom that is rubbly and if your anchor is bringing up shell grit then you’re in a good area. Also, if you are catching catfish, which although annoying, also means there should be grunter around as well. Fresh squid, prawns or sardine baits are deadly and use smaller hooks as grunter have smaller mouths. Also,
Toni always seems to find solid jacks. when they are biting they tend to pick the bait up and move away with it whilst swallowing so giving them a little slack line before setting the hook should see better hook-up rates. JETTY, ISLANDS AND REEF The jetty will have plenty of boats anchored up, especially over night as anglers chase the run of
grunter that will move with the tide. Getting comfortable setting a few baits and waiting for a rod to buckle is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours and bring home some tasty fish for dinner. The odd fingermark bream will also make its way into the esky, especially if you’re using live sardines or squid for bait. For the fishos that enjoy chasing
Molly-Rose with a classic Hinchy barra, only small but lots of fun. fish on lures then targeting the resident trevally and queenfish is hard to beat. Use your sounder to locate bait schools and put some
popular for escaping the heat and going for a swim, keep in mind it is well into stinger season and these guys can be found out there. Stinger suits are a must and every boat should have a few litres of vinegar on board at all times. Summer months can mean the longtail tuna or northern blues can show up and if you’re lucky enough to get a small lure in front of feeding fish then hold on. These fish rip plenty of drag and will do circle work around the boat for hours if you don’t have gear that can turn their heads towards the boat. They also make great sashimi if dealt with properly, bled well and put straight onto ice they are a real treat. Hitting the reef shouldn’t be problem as normally the winds are pretty good. No matter the forecast the northerly sea breeze will blow up around lunchtime everyday and can be pretty uncomfortable. The chance of very nasty storms building up overnight and charging out towards the reef can turn a perfect night into chaos very quickly. It is always a good idea to have a safe anchorage planned inside a reef or in the lee of a reef in case something nasty
Nannygai are suckers for a well-presented plastic.
Saratoga will be fired up and feeding.
time into working that area as the predators won’t be far away. Make sure you’re prepared as big fast fish and hundreds of pylons is a recipe for plenty of bust-offs. The islands will be most
decides to rear up. The reef fishing is always good up here obviously some days are better then others but in most cases it’s not too hard to find a few fish willing to eat a bait. MARCH 2022
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