June 1999 - Volume 3 Issue 5

Winter Is Here

Well, the weather Gods have finally decided that we should at least experience something like "winter" here in Tropical North Queensland. The last few days have seen temperatures drop to a chilly 23°C during the day and a bit lower than that at night.

When I see my wife going to bed in her full length PJ's, and the kids putting on two pairs of socks because their toes are cold, you know you are in for a few cool ones. Hell, its probably 12°C maximum in Melbourne and they are up here with the air conditioner on. Funny thing isn't it.

We are now in the most unpredictable period for fishing here in the Cairns region. The south east prevailing winds blow at their most consistent for the next four to six weeks and the strong winds can pick up moisture and give us scattered shower activity. Nothing like the wet season stuff mind you but just enough to put a damper on the days outing.

Luckily our tidal estuaries and rivers offer many sheltered coves and protected areas to fish and by scaling down your tackle and expectations you can have a ball on the winter species readily available. Our targets definitely shift at this time of year. Barra are very difficult to catch, they are very inactive once the water cools, as are mangrove jacks and fingermark.

GT's and Queenfish however are more than ample replacements. Specimens to over 15 lb are quite common captures and a metre long queenie dancing repeatedly along the water sure gets the adrenaline going.

We tend to fish more gutters, channels and sand bar edges at this time of year as it is along these zones that our prime target fish travel on the tides in search of food. Sardines and mud herring are the preferred baits here and if that does not produce the goods try a nice big slab of garfish fillet.

The more structured areas can produce big black and silver bream. Fish to around three pounds are common and these fish are great fighters on light tackle. These fish are on their annual spawning run and are very hungry and aggressive. Keep only what is required for a decent feed and allow the rest to reproduce. Peeled or live prawns are best for these fish. Other targets include estuary cod, grunter, flathead and sickle fish.

Out on the reef, the reds should be coming on the chew. Coral trout, red emperor and nannygai are more prevalent in the cooler water and it is also prime time for the big Spaniards.

GOOD FISHING,
Les Marsh