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September 29, 2011

The Local Scene
Keith Graham

October is a top month for fishing in the Cairns area ! The water temperature has risen and all forms of predators are on the chew including our number one sportfish the Barramundi.

As the close season approaches on November 1st, barra are getting ready to breed and will readily take well presented lures such as the F.1.11 and Stealth’s or the new Killalure 2 Deadly. Fish the last of the run out tides with good tidal movement. Live sardines or mullet will also grab their attention and should be fished in rivers like the Barron or the Daintree near timber snags , gutters or rock bars.

Mangrove Jacks are also on the prowl and expect to see fish over the kilo mark at this time. For those fishing the river mouths and local jetties trevally, bream, tarpon, wolf herring, barra and jacks will be around…..don’t forget to use the best frozen or live baits available. If you don’t have one or know how to use a cast net, just pop into your favourite local tackle store – Bransfords Tackle Shop, Clifton Beach, well worth the drive!

Out on the reef there will be hot bite sessions for Coral trout and reds (in between the reef closures) and the early arrival of Mahi Mahi , Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo will give those who prefer trolling the outer edges some unforgettable sport. Don’t forget to use your Bransfords Down n Dirty Wogheads rigged with fresh garfish……at 180 grams these heavier heads sit much deeper where many of our pelagic species hunt. Other favoured lures are Matt Grahams skirted trolling lures in all sizes from 15 cms. To 34 cms. And are fully rigged and ready to go from a low $19-95.

The heavy tackle Black Marlin season in now underway and fish over 900 lbs have been caught and released on the lower Ribbon Reefs. Several boats in the fleet including Saltaire have reported some frantic action as pods of black marlin attack their rigged baits and lures. Its interesting to remember what put Cairns on the International Map back in 1964….it was when George Bransford and his deckhand Richie Obach caught that 1064 lbs. Black Marlin out near Euston Reef on 80 lbs tackle to set a new world record. News of that momentous event was wired around the world heralding Cairns as the most exciting Big Game fishing destination ever ……..the rest is Angling History !

Courtesy of Keith Graham of Bransfords Tackle Shop, Clifton Beach