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February 22, 2007

Hinchinbrook

There’s no doubt that the inshore fishing around Hinchinbrook Island is spectacular. Often published articles praising the abundance of barra, jacks, trevally etc. are a fair testament to this pristine fishery. But what can be overlooked is the awesome reef fishing this area has on offer with just about every bluewater species on offer roaming the offshore waters. A first time trip to these parts has left a lasting impression on this scribe and beckons further investigation in the not too distant future.

Good friends of ours, Paul & Barbie, live at Port Hinchinbrook. This Keith Williams development has over the years caused some controvercy due to the felling of mangrove forests but the end result sees a splendid marina complex surrounded by beautiful homes and a new playground that locals can also enjoy. I was impressed by quality of the construction and the ‘lay back’ lifestyle it offers, also the easy access it allows to nearby waters.

It was Paul's 60th birthday bash and his wife Barbie wanted to organise something he and his family & friends would long remember. Knowing how much he loves his fishing she chartered the game boat 'Joe Joe' captained by the ever entertaining Barry Cross for three days. The plan was to take out Paul and his guests fishing and with there being quite a workload for the crew my wife Vicky and I offered to live on board and help. We had a great time, as anyone who’s fished on Joe Joe will tell you, enjoying the company of old and new friends plus the added bonus of catching some memorable fish.

Allen Hammacott tells us he gets sea sick so doesn’t do much
fishing, but on this trip he was fine and managed his P.B. - a
fine gold spot trevally (I think he’s bluffing).

The weather was hot and sultry with 5 to 10 knot northerly breezes. Just about perfect boating weather but as any fisho knows the fishing can be a bit patchy on the reef during the wet. We had three days to explore some spine tingling reefs such as ‘Otter’ and ‘Brittomart’ plus some wrecks marked on the chart.

With eight guests on board each day we were limited to trolling and bottom bouncing and this was further limited to bait fishing as trolling proved less than productive. The bait schools were there but few predators were on the chew. We had some memorable drops latching onto some better than average gold spot treavally, that fight like hell and are usually found marauding in mobs. Coral trout were occasionally hooked as were red throat emperor, bludger trevally and several cods. Arms were well and truly stretched as some of the new chums on board caught their first decent sized reef hoodlums.

The highlight of the trip was experienced whilst fishing over a wreck. The first drops produced the usual mixed bag of reef fish then as the berley started to take effect cobia moved in - a spectacular fighting fish that kept the group entertained for some time.

Paul managed a fish of around 15 kilos after a spirited fight, a fish we kept for the BBQ that evening. Then in quick succession another two cobia about 10 to 12 kilos came on board. As these fish mate for life we handled them gently and released them to fight another day.

Captain Barry holds up Barbies big cobia estimated at around 50 lbs. on the old scale - it was released to fight another day.

'Gabs' loves her fishing and here she holds her biggest capture to date - a gold spot trevally.

As the berley continued to do it’s job a huge cobia began feeding near the surface. We all watched it sucking in bits of pillie drifting around in the cobalt blue water and Captain Barry encouraged Barbie to throw an unweighted pillie in front of it. She was a little hesitant but the Saltiga spin combo loaded with 50 lbs. braid was more than up to the task, and as we were to witness so was Barbie!

The fish took the offering with some aggression and made it’s first speeding run. The hook was well set and Barbie held the rod high and let the drag do it’s work. Run after run this XOS cobia did it’s best to find freedom but the angler wasn’t having any of it and stuck to her task. I managed to capture most of the fight on video which shows the angler, tackle and fish all doing the right things but as with any big cobia fight patience pays off and Barbie eventually tired him out as he came alongside.

Not wanting to harm the fish Barry asked the deckhand to grab the 'Tailer'. This is a coated wire loop device that latches onto the tail of a fish so it can be carefully handled with minimum stress. It took a couple of attempts but our deckie, ‘Ads’ got there in the end and after the marlin door was opened the fish was slid on board to a round of applause from the other anglers and crew.

We estimated it’s weight close to 50 lbs., in the old scale, as the hook was quickly removed. A couple of quick pics. and he was gently swum away. A fitting end to a memorable 3 day charter.

Keith Graham
E: keith@bransfords.com.au
W: Bransford Tackle