Cape York

Winning in the wet

CAPE YORK Tim O’Reilly

wildrivercompany@gmail.com

So many locals of Cape York proclaim that ‘The Wet’ is their favourite time. The beginning of levels are to be maintained. Generally, the good wet season corresponds with good fishing later.

Fishing options available for local residents in January consist mostly of offshore jaunts. Calm windless mornings on the

water with the constant threat of rain. On the Barrier Reef side of the Cape, the offshore reefs represent a sparkling jewel in an endless sea. Water quality this time of year can be spectacular. The water is warm and clear without the constants trade winds mid-year.

Some of the deeper patches, shoals and rocks will fish very well this time of year. Finding bait schools with predators stacked below down in around 25-45m is a great way to put a feed on the table. Using metal jigs which flutter down the water column, attracting fish both on the drop and the way back up again. A little strip bait or squid

tentacles on the assist hook can dramatically increase your success rate.

Some of the heavier vibes and soft plastics rigged with large jigheads can fish this deeper water and in the right hands are very affective. Working out sink rates and understanding the lures contact with the bottom is crucial in catching fish and preventing snags. Winding back in with a bit of speed will dramatically increase your hook ups on pelagic fish and speedsters.

Dropping down baits and live bait slowly through the water column can produce anything from nannygai to coral trout and red emperor. A host of other species can sit mid water including giant trevally, golden trevally, chinaman fish, red bass, diamond trevally and others. The sounder should reveal what depth predators are stationed and baits can be wound back up off the bottom to match.

Productive trolling can

be found on some of the wide ground, especially around high points, shoals, pinnacles, fringing reefs and bommies. It can be a lottery of different species that might hit lures trolled at a range of depths. From skirted lures through to stick baits and suspending minnows, bibbed divers and trolled baits round out the options for trolling.

Right out in the deeper sections off the reef edge, a few salty sea dogs will be out deep dropping depths from around 80m down to 200m. A range of staggeringly large fish can be pulled from the depths, usually not surviving the barotrauma. Luckily most of them taste great and fill an esky pretty quick. Only take what you need for a feed then give them a rest.

This queenie took a trolled popper.

GTs caught on a jig will fight hard!

Double chinaman fish trouble for these anglers.

the year is the beginning of new life along the vast coastline of Cape York. Thunder rolls and the lightning strikes. The next two months likely the wettest of the year barring cyclone activity.

The creeks are beginning their annual flow and the huge expanse of Cape York wetlands are starting to sponge up. January and February are crucial months if ground water and surface water A common sized trout taken off the surface.

Back in black

Anglers can soon fish for an old favourite after new research confirmed a healthy stock level of black jewfish.

Fishing for black jewfish in Queensland has been limited since 2019 after escalating catches and an increase in black marketing raised concerns over its sustainability.

While precautionary management measures were put in place, a research project commenced to understand the biology of the species and collect important data on the fishery. This information was used to inform a stock assessment on the species and shed light on future management options.

Researchers carried out genetic work to identify how many populations existed and used acoustic tagging to track the species’ movements. They also performed dissections to understand the spawning period and population structure of the black jewfish. Key findings of the research showed that spawning happens throughout Central Queensland waters from November to February each year, females produce on average around 4.5 million eggs each spawning season, and a large proportion of old fish are still present within the population.

The research also confirmed that black jewfish populations on the east coast were in a healthy state with an estimated average of 79% overall biomass.

Following this good news, Fisheries Queensland is increasing the total allowable catch for black jewfish from early 2023, and recreational fishers will now be able to fish throughout the year.

Keep an eye out for future consultation on additional management changes such as the implementation of a seasonal closure to align with the spawning season.

For more information – download the QLD Fishing 2.0 app

Have you got your SIPS guides?

Five new Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Trail Guides have been developed covering Central Queensland, North Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett, South East Queensland and the Murray Darling Basin.

Fisheries Queensland worked with Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland Inc. and local stocking groups to develop these new guides to help anglers traveling around Queensland.

Each guide contains maps, information about the SIPS impoundments and what makes each dam unique.

Queensland has more than 60 dams and weirs currently under the scheme — stocked with native fish specifically for recreational fishing. The scheme provides a sustainable fishing option that reduces the fishing pressure on wild fish stocks.

To get your copy contact your local stocking group.

How do you count the fish in the ocean?

Have you ever wondered where catch or size limits come from? Decisions like these are informed by stock assessments. Stock assessments are models of the fish population that combine our understanding of ecology, biology, environment, and fishing behaviours, to give an indication of the health of fish stocks. These assessments are done by fisheries scientists who have skills in mathematical modelling, biological research, statistical analysis and computer science. For more than 20 years stock assessment scientists at Fisheries Queensland have helped determine if a fish stock is sustainably fished, overfished or somewhere in between. Stock assessments are hungry for data, and the more data we can feed them, the better outcomes they produce. We look at catch rates — the most commonly used indication of fish numbers — and interpret these to understand changes in fish abundance. For example, over time, fishing boats and gear have improved. These might make the catch rates go up — but that doesn’t always mean there are more fish in the ocean! We also include data about harvest history, biological information and abundance patterns to ensure we are getting a full understanding of the fishery. Given we can’t dive down and count every single fish, stock assessments are a powerful tool to provide insight into the status of fish stocks and help us sustainably manage fisheries for future generations. More information go to daf.qld.gov.au and search for ‘stock assessment program’.

Women hooked on recreational fishing

Freshwater fishing is one of Ursula’s favourite types of recreational fishing. Impoundment Barramundi are the most frustrating yet most rewarding fish to catch. Many hours and many casts go into working these fish out — with water temperatures and wind directions all playing a vital role. Ursula is one of the 10 Leaders of Women in Recreational Fishing Network Queensland. The network encourages women to participate in recreational fishing. They share knowledge, stories, tips, and promote events to develop female role models within the recreational fishing community. Search Facebook for ‘Women in Recreational Fishing Network Qld’ to join the group.