28 August 1999 - Volume 3 Issue 10

You just wouldn't believe the Weather Gods could turn it on so suddenly.

Like the flick of a switch the persistent winds have dropped right away to a gentle zephyr, the temperature has jumped a few degrees to a very pleasant 29&#deg;C and things are looking about as close to perfect as you can get. What a wonderful time to be in Tropical North Queensland.

CARE - I wonder if I have put the mockers on it again ! Only time will tell, so what the heck.

The town is jumpin' and buzzin', with thousands of happy travellers partaking of all the wonderful natural attractions the Cairns region is famous for. The Great Barrier Reef, the World Heritage Rainforest, white water rafting, balloon flights, 4 WD tours, The Skyrail and Kuranda Train - all the tour operators are happily catering to your every need.

And some people are just lazing around the hotel pool soaking up the rays, catching a few Zeds and dreaming about BIG FISH

And yes, the big Black Marlin are on their way!

It won't be long now before the first reports come in of the return of these magnificent creatures. The Tournament season is now in full swing and as they operate up and down the coast the increased activity will help locate the feeding fish.

Small Blacks have been caught just off the shelf, and with the Townsville Fly Tournament getting under way on the 31st August, all are anticipating a good season. There has been several sightings of humpback whales in the warm waters. Their numbers are increasing every year as they come this far north from the Antarctic to give birth. A truly magical sight in the clear blue waters.

The Rivers

It's amazing what difference the right conditions can make. The last set of big tides on the full moon, 28th August, has pushed the warming ocean waters right upstream. Along with the clear sunny skies the rivers temperature has risen just enough to encourage more active feeding by our prime sportfish.

The Daintree has improved dramatically over the last four days. Only Thursday a report came in of several good sized barra coming off the upstream weed beds. The "gold" coloured lure being slam crashed several times as the hungry barra flashed from the cover of the swaying ribbon weed. Specimens of over 60cm are credible captures on light gear and their repeated jumps in the shallow water sure gets the adrenalin pumping.

The same trip produced 2 mangrove jacks, 7 trevally, a barracuda, and even a small mackerel down in the salt.

The sunshine has also brought out the crocs, its not uncommon to encounter up to ten of these magnificent animals sunning themselves on the mud banks. The sight of these "Last of the Dinosaurs" reminding us of how puny man's hold on our planet can be, hell they have been around for millions of years and are the perfect survivor machine for our tropical conditions.

The southern rivers have suffered more rainfall over the past few months however, and the Russell in particular is still flowing quite fresh right near the mouth at high tide. Plenty of trevally, small queenfish, sickle fish and grunter are coming off the sand bars though and it will still be a few weeks before conditions are perfect for the serious barra man down that way.

Cairns Estuary

This waterway has been very unpredictable of late. Obviously the windy weather has put down the fish. There have been stacks of big prawns available along the mangroves and mud banks at low tide, but the fish have not been playing ball.

This should turn around quickly following this spell of fine weather, only yesterday Justin Gibbins reported a fine capture of a 80cm barra and several others were also caught.Blue salmon to 80cm have also been landed, a sure sign that much improved fishing is just around the corner.

Reef

The usual, strong winds have kept most boats in their moorings, but I bet there are dozens of them out there right now. Its just PERFECT! Reports should be in over the next few days and I anticipate good captures of coral trout, Spaniards, reds etc.

September onwards heralds the return of Spring. The next few months are arguably the best time to fish our various environments. From those giant Black's and sailfish, to prime coral trout and marauding Spaniards, to silver sided barra up the creeks and rivers. All your winter blues will be blown away by just one good session on your favourite species.

GOOD FISHING,
Les Marsh