Impressive angling in FNQ

PORT DOUGLAS

Lynton

Heffer www.fishingportdouglas.com.au

This is excellent news for lure fishers as clean water makes it easier for the fish to see their lures. The other good news is that water temps also start to fall, and they have certainly been scorching hot this year. When the water gets over 30ºC the fishing can be tough, and I really prefer that mid to high 20s when As we see the light at the end of the tunnel to what has been a substantial wet season, it has been all ‘beer and skittles’ on the fishing front in recent times. There may be a tad more inclement weather to withstand in the very near future but anglers have already enjoyed the spoils as to how good the fishing can be at this time of year.

Right offshore on the light game fishing scene we are still seeing some amazing fish being caught, including wahoo, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna. These have been achieved on the calmest of days but still what we consider ‘out the box’ for this time of year. The raging current from the north has obviously kept some of these prime species to hang around well beyond their normal time frame. This has been the icing on the cake at the moment.

Back on the outer reef, the fishing during the day seems to gather in momentum. Large mouth nannygai, small mouth nannygai and coral trout have been quite formidable at times. In regards to these species, they will be even better days ahead for those targeting them.

Add to this, you have a bit of a smorgasbord to expect including gold spot and tea-leaf trevally, a smattering of red emperor, sweetlip and a few more Spanish mackerel have been getting around. There’s always other species that pop up and raise an eyebrow.

Now the reef fishing will go to a new level when the current starts to run from the south. The million dollar question is when will this occur? Mother Nature does dictate but traditionally it can occur late April or more likely in May. That’s when you want to have your skates on if the outer reef is your preference.

Closer to home we are ecstatic to report the river and estuary fishing has hit its straps following the wet season. There’s lots of fresh bait around and all the targeted species have come out to play. Barramundi, mangrove jack, fingermark and javelin fish have been all active and true in size. This scene is expected to deliver for quite a few weeks to come so there’s still a good window to play out. We’ve just started to see some big queenfish and giant trevally enter on the incoming tides with a bit of run in the current leading up to the moons. Also, it’s almost time to start planting some mud crab pots on your small paddle-tails, like the Molix RT Shads in 3.5 and 4.5”, are working well for these fish. Retrieving them on a slow roll is best and try not to twitch the lure too much as this can put the fish off.

Flathead will be feeding hard on the flats.

The other fish, which will be slowly starting to hunt around in better numbers is the humble flathead. With the cleaner water around, working over the flats with small poppers or plastics is worth the effort. Big long casts over the sand is the best method with a slow retrieve.

Finally the mud crabs will be moving as well so it will definitely pay to be setting a pot or two even if you are only fishing for a small time. The big bucks will be moving so getting a feed this time of year shouldn’t be that hard. our piece of paradise.

In closing, as the Governor of the Cairns Area Fish Stocking Group I would like to thank all those who helped out with the stocking of 4000 barramundi across the Net Free Zone. These stocked fish do help to support our fishery and it’s great to see so many people coming to support the group.