17 December 2000 - Volume 4 Issue 11

Merry Christmas

Can you believe it! - the year is almost over - remember all the hype about the Millennium Bug, the new Millennium, and the math problem of the century - er! Sorry - math problem of entire history. Does it start at 2000 or 2001 - hell I don't know nor care for that matter. Its been a wonderful year and our sincerest thanks to all you readers and clients who have helped Fishing Cairns achieve some wonderfully satisfying results.

With the heavy tackle game season almost over, and the impending rainy season upon us, it's a time to reflect a little, but more importantly to look forward to the future.

The Rivers

The rains have come early this year and if Mother Nature continues we may see another record wet. Although a bit uncomfortable if you are out in a tropical downpour, you can get 2 inches or rain fall in a few hours up here; there are many positives to getting a soaking apart from cooling you down. Its natures way, to refresh the land and river systems, flush out those sediments and pollutants and more importantly - provide ideal breading conditions for our prime tropical sportfish. Barra just love these conditions, as do mangrove jacks, tarpon and sootys if the river is clearing. If you time it right, a few days after a big soaking, the fishing at the draining gutters and channels can be superb. The fish queuing up for easy pickings. Don't forget however that any barra caught must be released unharmed, closed season until 1st Feb

Lake Tinaroo

No such problems for Lake Tinaroo however, this is the only place in Tropical North Queensland where barramundi can be targeted and captured legally - there is no closed season for this stocked waterway - but any fish taken must be tagged at an officially station. Conditions are prime for this fishery and capture reports are staggering. The annual Barra Bash held over the weekend of 10th to 12th November saw some monster fish weigh in.

Over 500 anglers registered for this event, and prized captures included monster barra from 14kg to 23kg gilled and gutted - very impressive indeed. Trolling deep diving lures proved the most successful with the Leighton family scoring big on their very own productions. Fish to 60lb + have also been caught in recent weeks.

Trinity Inlet

It looks like the banning of professional nets from this much maligned waterway situated right on the doorstep of Cairns is starting to pay some early dividends. Justin Gibbins of Fishing the Tropics reported captures of up to six barra a day using live baiting techniques. They lost another four barra that day, and when this sort of action is mixed in with a few mangrove jacks, G.T.'s, queenfish, fingermark and the occasional catfish and grunter - there is not much time to enjoy the scenery I can assure you.

Blue Water / Reef Fishing

Still plenty of action here for the reef fisherman but care must be taken to avoid the rain squalls which will become more frequent as summer arrives. The bigger charter vessels have no problems but it's not the place for the family tinny or small run-about. Fishing the deeper reefs will produce better quality fishing; the shallows are just too warm to hold too many fish.

Light Tackle sport fishing is coming into prime time, big schools of yellowfin and other tuna are marauding the bait schools as are the many other species Pacific Gamefish including sails, barracuda and dolphin fish. One recent report of a monster 45kg wahoo!

Game Fishing

Well the season is almost over and after such a promising start things just did not continue to fire as expected. Not that quality fish were not caught, it's just that they were very unpredictable this season. Showing up in one location one day but in another place the next - no consistency at all - it was a matter of good luck rather than good judgement. You had to be in the right place at the right time.

Kim Andersen of New Moon III reported a cracker of a last day however, landing two monster blacks of over 1,000 lb - you don't get that lucky too often. The same clients scored the magical triple - a grander black, a 30kg G.T., and a metre long barra from the rocks north of Lizard Island. The angling opportunities and diversity is just amazing on these extended live aboard charters. In three days fishing they scored 22 barra from 77 - 102 cm from the rocks.

Kim will now target blue marlin out wide and monster G.T. from the bommies.

The Cape

If you read my report last month you will have a good picture of the angling opportunities available in this pristine, remote area. Even when in the grip of the "wet" season angling opportunities abound in all but the severest conditions. I'm not just saying rush up there without due care, but with planning and the knowledge that if you are flexible, don't mind amending starting and finishing times on a daily basis, the angling rewards can be outstanding. It is definitely a Fly/Fly option only however but with modern jet aircraft, air conditioned accommodation options to suite all styles and budgets, and keen guides willing to share their intimate local knowledge under these changeable conditions, it can be some of the most rewarding angling you will experience.

And lets face it, an ice-cold beer or a swim in a motel pool after a hot day out on the water, isn't a bad way to end a summers day!

Summer school holidays are upon us here in Australia, it's a great time to take the family to the beach, camping and of course fishing. Take care on the water, remember the road and safety rules and if up this way note that out tropical waters are home to some nasties - don't swim in crocodile waters and avoid the stingers.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS, CATCH YOU NEXT YEAR!

See you on the water,
Les Marsh