A stretch of calm weather has provided excellent fishing conditions across the region, particularly offshore, where both pelagic and reef bottom species have been in top form. With the weekend forecast predicting more light winds and big tidal movement, anglers can expect continued productive fishing, whether offshore, on the estuary flats, or along the headlands and beaches.
Reef Fishing
Offshore fishing has been highly productive, with Spanish mackerel feeding aggressively around inshore reef systems pressure points, and wrecks. Some standout areas include the wrecks off Double Island, and further south near Dunk Island. Anglers using floated pilchards, live baits, and trolled lures have had great success, with fish reaching up to 20kg. Grey mackerel have also been present in the same areas, providing exciting light tackle action on small metal jigs and trolled spoons.
Bottom fishing has been equally rewarding, with coral trout being caught in excellent numbers along with several cobia over shallow to mid-depth bommies. The best results have come from reefs in the 15 to 40-metre depth range, where schools of bait are congregating. Sudbury and Michaelmas Reefs have been particularly productive. Deep-water structures have been holding solid numbers of large-mouth nannygai, especially during tide changes. Some of the best catches have come from rubble patches adjacent to Saxon, Batt, and Michaelmas Reefs.
A mixed bag of reef species, including spangled emperor, red emperor, gold-band snapper, and trevally, have also been filling eskies from the deep. However, sharks have been a persistent issue, particularly when targeting nannygai in deeper water. Anglers have reported losing numerous fish to sharks and have had to frequently change locations to escape their presence.
Headland & Beach Foreshore Fishing!
Rocky headlands and foreshore areas have been standout locations for barramundi, particularly with the estuary systems still heavily affected by rain and runoff. Some of the best fishing has come from areas like Tam O’Shanter Point at South Mission Beach and along the Cardwell Beach foreshore, particularly during high tide. Anglers using live baits and soft plastics have been picking up quality fish in these locations and others like Bessie Point (Cairns Harbour) and Yorkey’s Knob Groin.
Hinchinbrook Channel has also fished well for lure anglers targeting barra around structure. In addition to barramundi, trevally have been present in good numbers, providing additional action.
Rivers & Estuaries
Ongoing rainfall has left many of the estuary systems with dirty water, making fishing challenging in some areas. However, those targeting the pockets of cleaner water and back-eddies have still been finding quality barra. Barramundi have been active. The Daintree River has produced some nice barra in the brackish/fresh sections, with lure casters having success around submerged snags.
The Barron River is still dealing with the effects of significant floodwater but has produced some solid barramundi on soft plastics, particularly around Kamerunga Bridge. With the water levels now dropping just below the crossing, local anglers have been making the most of the improved conditions and a platform to fish off. It will depend on follow-up rain on the tablelands if the bridge floods again especially on the 3m plus high tides.
Mud crabs have been moving well, with good numbers being caught on the estuary creek flats. The big tides should see continued movement of crabs, providing an excellent opportunity for those looking to secure a quality feed.
Weekend Outlook!
With flat, calm conditions expected to continue, the boat ramps will be busy as anglers take advantage of the excellent offshore fishing. Big tides should make for prime coral trout fishing on the shallow to mid-depth bommies with Sudbury and Michaelmas Reefs worth a fish. These reefs have been showing good bait schools in the 15 to 40-metre depths, which should hold plenty of hungry trout.
Spanish mackerel should be fired up with the strong tidal movement. The most effective methods will be floated pilchards, garfish, or live baits fished while bottom fishing. Trolling deep diving lures like the Strada Pro Trackka or wog-rigged garfish along the pressure points of the Wide Grounds, Thetford, and Sudbury Reefs should also yield quick bag limits. Grey mackerel have been schooled around many inshore islands, and jigging metal vibes on the bait schools should prove to be a productive technique.
For river anglers, the big tides will likely stir up the already dirty water, meaning the best barramundi fishing will be along rocky headlands and beach foreshores rather than in the main river systems. Some anglers may find success heading upstream into the freshwater sections of the major rivers on the big high tides, targeting barra, sooty grunter, and jungle perch in the flow-in drains. The Barron River should continue to produce a few fish in the back-eddies for those casting soft plastics. On the big 3m tides the Cairns Esplanade often produces several barramundis on live and strip baits along with grunter.
Mud crabs should remain in good numbers, making them a worthwhile target for those looking to set a few pots over the weekend on the flats.
With plenty of fishing opportunities available across all areas, it looks set to be another fantastic weekend on the water especially for reef enthusiasts. Be prepared for busy boat ramps requiring early starts to avoid long launching delays. Also, keep an eye on saltwater inundated trailer parks on the king tides.
Tip of the Week
When targeting barramundi, fingermark and other species with soft plastic vibes or imitation prawns in deep water always position the boat down current of the structure & retrieve your lure with the current to ensure it maintains contact with the bottom and the structure holding fish. Retrieving lures against the current will simply plan then to the surface and not in the strike zone. Heavy structure may require weedless rigging.