Mantaray Cape York Fishing - Weipa

The mining town of Weipa, the "Oasis in the wilderness" is known as the Barramundi capital of Queensland.

This small but vibrant town, situated on the west-coast of the Cape, some 160kms from the tip and only one and a half hours flight time from Cairns, offers all the conveniences of modern living and is considered the jump off point to explore the remote wilderness of the western Cape York.

The Weipa region also boasts some of the most pristine eco systems on the entire Cape. Having banned commercial fisherman from this area for many years has ensured the diversity of this very special place and makes it a recreational / sport fisherman's paradise.

Fishing options are not limited to just barra, and many of Australia's premier tropical sportfish call these pristine waters home. A well-presented lure or fly will entice mangrove jacks, fingermark, trevally, queenfish, salmon (king & blue) and cod from the snags and trevally, queenfish, mackerel and tuna off shore.

The near shore reefs, sand flats and rocky headlands produce brilliant sight fishing for tuna, giant herring, queenfish, golden trevally and permit - all world renowned light tackle sport fish. It's a truly amazing fishery!

Fishing the Cape just got better

Well known Cairns skipper, Kim Andersen, has just commenced operating out of Weipa onboard the super new Cat Mantaray “C”. She is very impressive indeed - all the comforts of home, fully air-conditioned, spacious lounge bar in main cabin with TV/Video/DVD player to watch the antics of the fishing in comfort. A full size galley and covered upper deck dining and entertainment area with bar fridge and bar-b-que complete the social areas.

There are 2 triple cabins with ensuites, 2 double and 2 single crew cabins. There is a full size bathroom on the main deck with a SPA bath and both toilets are conventional household types for that little bit of extra comfort.

And the quality does not stop there – Fishing will be from 3 x Goodwin 5 metre fibreglass skiffs powered by 40hp 4 stroke Yamaha outboards with electric/pull start. Each boat is individually surveyed to 2c Standard (50nm) with a full complement of safety gear including EPIRP.

In addition each vessel will be equipped with a VHF radio for communication between guides and mothership. There will be no running out of fuel with 90 litre underfloor tanks. The Goodwin boats are stable, shallow draft and have an excellent soft dry ride.

The open plan boat has a poling platform and large front casting platform and lots of dry storage and rod racks. In addition we will take guiding in the Cape to a new level as they will be fitted with Minn Kota electric outboard’s for inshore flats fishing.

Our emphasis will be on providing a fully guided professional service utilising an extremely comfortable “floating fishing lodge”. In fact you would have no problem in bringing along the most discerning fisher of the fairer sex.

Wilderness Lure and Flyfishing charters, north and south of Weipa, our emphasis will be on catch and release, however fresh fish will obviously form a large part of the diet onboard as will succulent mud-crabs.

This is a fully catered, live aboard operation and includes all quality tackle, light refreshments, all meals and transfers to / from Weipa airport. Daily flights are available to / from cairns. Alcohol can be ordered prior to the trip and will be provided at cost and payable upon departure. Charters are available year round but the best months are April / May and September / November – refer species list and seasonal guide under Localities - Weipa.

Itinerary

Charters are tailor made for five or seven days duration and after arriving at Weipa and transferring to the vessel, the skipper cruises out of the harbour and heads to some remote wilderness river to commence your exciting adventure (tides and prevailing weather considered).

Rivers like the Delhunty, Scardon & Dulcie to the north are reached overnight and upon awaking and partaking of a superb breakfast transfer to the dory's to fish these fabulous rivers.

The tidal estuaries, white sandy beaches, nearshore reefs, rocky headlands and even fresh water rainforest reaches are accessible on good tides and this variety and diversity sure has your head in a spin with quality angling on offer for the lure or fly caster.

The species list mounts as you sample the fine light tackle sport fishing on offer - from archer fish, saratoga and sooty grunter way upstream amongst the palm trees, to prime salt water barra, jacks and salmon in the tidal zones to monster queenies in the shore gutters. Hordes of longtail tuna offshore (we drove away from the schools after landing over fifty), two metre long barracuda & spanish mackerel near the reefs, to all sorts of trevally in between - now that's quality fishing!

7 day fully guided fishing safari from $4500 per person

Partially guided safaris also available from $3500 per person

Valid until 31st December 2008 Min 4 persons, Max. 6 anglers, personalised service guaranteed Includes 6 days fishing, all pick up and transfers ex Weipa. Return airfares ex Cairns additional cost (conditions apply) Fishing conducted on twin share charter basis with experienced guide All quality tackle provided on a replace if lost broken basis (however clients are encouraged to bring along their favourite spinning / baitcaster / fly fishing outfits). Light refreshments, all meals and transfers provided Twin share accommodation, single supplement available (price on application) Tour departs Saturday ex Weipa (subject to availability, seasonal conditions apply) Alcohol can be purchased after arriving into Weipa, during the transfer to the vessel Rates include 10% GST Partially guided safaris also available (price on application) Other charter options on request

Terms And Conditions

• General Terms & Conditions apply
• Tour subject to availability, minimum numbers and seasonal conditions.
• All rates quoted are in Australian Dollars and valid until dates shown
• Number of fishing days can be varied, price on application.

Please contact us if you would like to book this charter, or need some help in arranging an 'Up North' fishing holiday.