Reef Fishing
While blustery conditions and strong wind warnings kept many boats at bay, those who managed an early-week dash offshore late last week were handsomely rewarded. Coral trout were the standout across the reefs, joined by solid hauls of spangled emperor, cobia, and both large and small mouth nannygai. Trevally, grassy sweetlip, and doggy mackerel made a showing around the Family Group Islands before the weather took a turn.
Spanish mackerel and school mackerel have kept rods bending across both inshore and offshore grounds, smashing trolled lures and floated pilchards with gusto. Unfortunately, with the winds persisting at 20–30 knots, offshore options will be limited heading into the weekend.
This junior angler was all smiles with this large mouth nannygai he caught with Dragon Lady Charters recently off Port Douglas.
Coral trout have been the main catch on the shelter reefs during the rough weather.
River & Estuary Fishing: Barra, Jacks, Grunter, and More
The estuaries have truly come alive! Barramundi remain front and centre, with consistent captures stretching from Cooktown Wharf down to Hinchinbrook Channel. Live pike off the wharf, along with herring and mullet, have been key baits around bait schools. Soft plastic prawns and deep diving hardbodies are working wonders in the Barron, Russell, Johnstone, and Daintree Rivers. The new Jackal Super Squirrel Flat 79s are already chalking up some meritorious captures.
Mangrove jacks are active in the Cairns Inlet and southern creeks, though slower through Hinchinbrook. Trevally are chasing bait alongside barra. Grunter are keen on strip baits of mullet and garfish, while fingermark are firing around deeper holes in Mourilyan Harbour and Cairns Inlet.
Flathead numbers are rising, and pikey bream are beginning to school with cooler water temps. Look to the drains and sandy flats for flatties, and target snags and rocky bottoms for bream. Both species will take hard-bodied and soft plastic lures.
The Cairns Inlet is producing a mixed bag of estuary species including jacks, for those fishing with All Tackle Sport Fishing.
Local Cairns angler Dave Taylor with a quality Giant Trevally he caught targeting barra on the Cairns Harbour Flats
Freshwater Fishing: Sooties, Jungle Perch & Tarpon.
Upper freshwater reaches have been productive with surface lures delivering barra, mangrove jacks, sooty grunter, tarpon, and jungle perch. These under-fished FNQ freshwater spots are proving a solid alternative when saltwater conditions are too rough.
Jungle Perch are a popular target in the upper freshwater sections of our major tropical river systems.
Crabbing & Weekend Fishing Outlook
The full moon and recent big night tides have stirred the mud crabs into action! The Annan River, Cairns Inlet, and Hinchinbrook Channel are all producing well in pots baited with fresh fish frames or chicken.
Looking ahead to the weekend, offshore trips may be limited due to wind, but inshore and estuary fishing should remain productive. Early morning high tides are ideal for casting lures along mangrove flats, while low tide exposes gutters and structure—prime spots for barra and jacks.
Target grunter on the high tide run-off at flats and creek mouths using strip baits like mullet, garfish or local prawns. Impoundment fishing at Tinaroo Dam should be on fire this week, with big barra biting well in areas where wind has pushed warmer water.
Gear Up for the Week Ahead
Need the right tackle for this weekend? Drop in and see the team at Tackle World Cairns! We’ve got the lures, live bait and estuary combos you need!
Share Your Catches
Caught a ripper this week? Tag us @tackleworldcairns and use #FNQFishing #CairnsFishingReport #TackleWorldCairns
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