21 March 2000 - Volume 4 Issue 3

It's too early to say with certain that the Big Wet of 2000 is over BUT as I write the sun is shining brightly for the first time in months. Today is just perfect, not a cloud in the sky and a gentle NE breeze about 5-10 knots. Whether you want to charge out to the reef or up the creek - now is the time to go for it.

All this rain is a pain in the B……. , but it does have a very positive effect on the fishing. Its natures way of renewing the cycle and vigour of life in the tropical seas and waterways. A big wet season usually heralds excellent fishing for the next few years, as our prime target species, including barramundi, find conditions ideal for a big spawning run.The backwaters and lagoons fill to capacity and provide excellent cover for the juveniles.

New Stuff

Just received the news that Fishing Cairns has claimed another high profile victim - not like you might think though! According to the Australian Top 100 report for the week ending March 19, we are now the third most popular fishing web site in Australia, ranking higher than some sites with national TV and press coverage which is no mean feat.

A very big thankyou to all you readers, newsletter and links clients for your continued support and of course credit must also go to our web master Greg Slapp of Port Douglas Internet Services (again!).

We are constantly striving to improve, regularly adding new content and updates in our efforts to give all you readers the best, most informative and complete coverage for our region. Check out our Books And Maps section for the latest additions. We now boast one of the most comprehensive presentations of Australian nautical charts. These wonderfully detailed charts by Seafarer are available in digital (CD ROM) and paper form and are a must for any navigator.

Trinity Inlet

The barras are on the move with reports of good quality fish to 85 cm being caught using live sardine and mullet baits. The preferred locations are along current lines where the barras are feeding on bait fish being flushed from the many creeks that flow into the harbour proper.

The last of the run out tides is best and along with the above prize comes fingermark, salmon and queenfish. Big grunter are about on the flats out from the esplanade and fishing in this location on the big tides is a must. Small sharks and cat fish can be a pest at times but persistence will be rewarded. As the fresh water clears we are in for some brilliant fishing over the next few weeks.

The Rivers

After another heavy dump last week we are still waiting for the rivers to clear and drop a little. One of my guides recently returned from the Daintree river, not even being able to put the boat in the water as the ramp was 20 feet under ! Boy, we've had some rain. Barras, jacks and G.T.'s should become very welcome and regular captures in a few days time.

Blue Water

The prime Pacific gamefish have been pushed fairly wide by the fresh water flushing from the land. They are still there however, but a bit more travelling time and some astute reading of water temperatures and effort to find cleaner water will pay dividends. Spanish mackerel are being caught with trolled garfish baits and that wonderful locally produced chrome lure, the Bumpa -bar. Fluttering enticingly down to attract these beauties as well as on a fast retrieve will both work. A report came in only this morning of an excellent day trip to the reef in absolutely flat calm, near perfect conditions and a haul of twenty two legal size coral trout to show for their efforts.

Game Fishing

Similar comments to above apply, the fish are out wide and an extended charter, if you can afford the time, is the way to go at present.

In response to the inquiry level we are currently working on some very exciting packaged options. Extended reef / game fishing charters, remote fishing options to Cape York and closer to home, two / three day trips to the Hinchinbrook area. Watch this space !

And speaking of Cape York, a remarkable report last week of a local Aboriginal man landing a 35 kg black marlin from the rocks. Big deal you might ask - well this 2.3 metre black marlin was actually speared from the rocks in 600 mm of water and dragged ashore by the amazed angler.

Maybe the first and only land based speared marlin in the world !

See you on the water,
Les Marsh