Time to head upstream

HINCHINBROOK

Ian

Moody

info@ianmoodyfishing.com

Wintery weather is now upon us and we are in the cooler time of year. Those fishing in the barramundi, will become quite timid during the fall in water temps that occurred in May but once they start to plateau, they should become a bit more used to it and go about their normal business. They will start pushing their way back up release one hooked out of any water deeper than 9m you are better off keeping it for a feed as their survival rate is not that good. A release weight getting them back down to depth quickly is a good idea.

Spanish mackerel have

Hinchinbrook channel waters should start to take a different approach to get more bites.

When lure casting with hardbodies or soft imitation swim prawns/paddle-tails, slow that retrieve right down and even offer smaller sized lures as well. Quite often I have found this technique can produce even when live baits won’t entice them.

June can see the return of much higher barometer pressure associated with the trade winds. Often, I find above 1020HPA can make fishing become somewhat difficult. Unfortunately, there’s nothing anyone can do about them but it can explain why your day out might have been fruitless.

Most species, especially into river systems and start building in aggregations again before the end of year breeding cycle starts after October. A good plastic I love using is the 4” and 5” swim prawn made by Holt Productions. They have unique moulded legs that create a very life-like effect when slowly retrieved through the water. We have caught some really goodsized fish on them during charters so far this year.

June will have a lot more smaller neap tides that makes it a great time to look on the deep ledges and holes for fingermark. The Port Hinchinbrook marina is full of mud and greenback herring, which make a great live bait for them, but just remember if you intend to been coming in further close to inshore in greater numbers. Inner islands, like Eva and Pelorus, are great places to have fun with them over the coming months as the migratory schools arrive. It’s hard to believe we now have Spanish mackerel closures and tighter bag limits when most people I know said that last year’s effort was the best ever on them and have never seen so many. Metal slices are a great way to chase these pelagic species, faster the retrieve the better. emperor, large mouth nannygai and coral trout, are usually on fire this time of year, biggest problem is getting out during the short weather windows with the associated trade winds. Usually they start to populate better on spots closer to inshore during this time.

So keep this in mind when purchasing a reel for this type of application, high speed spinning reels are the best option. There are many different brands and styles of lures for this kind of fishing, they will all work as it’s more to do with the retrieve that gets the bite. Keep a watchout for birds divebombing bait schools as it usually indicates where the Spaniards will be.

Offshore for red species, such as red

Another species that makes a greater appearance this time of year is the golden trevally. There are some great foraging grounds around Garden and Gould islands, Cape Richards and Eva Island where they usually show up in good sized numbers. Jigging vibes or even live baits will get their attention but unfortunately in these areas they are plagued with now resident bull and tiger sharks and can make it impossible to get a hooked fish even close to the boat. If this happens after one or two hook-ups then it’s best to move on.

• We still have quite a few available spots for charters for this year and for next year. Gift vouchers can be purchased if you’re looking for birthday gifts. You can email us at info@ ianmoodysportfishing. com or phone us on 0402 339 459.