With breaks in between rain showers, most anglers hit the water for some hot sessions chasing reef fish, and the opening of the barramundi season saw plenty of action across the board for anglers trying their luck to land their first fish for 2026.
Reef Fishing
Heading offshore to fish some local wonky holes off the front of Cairns and Port Douglas showed lots of potential, with good fish showing on the sounder and plenty of solid catches coming aboard. Species included largemouth nannygai, coral trout, red emperor and spangled emperor. Fresh squid and cut baits did the damage, with a few fish also caught on jigs.
Huge smiles aboard Exceed Sportfishing landing this masive coral trout got to be happy with that
Making the most of the beautiful weather out of Port Douglas aboard Exceed Sportfishing nannygai were on the chew
The young lad could barely hold this thumping red emperor up after it pulled his arms off aboard Cairns Reef Fishing Charters
Game Fishing
With bait balls everywhere and birds hitting the water, Spanish mackerel have been thick across most paddocks and patches between reefs. If you are heading out to target mackerel, always keep an eye on the horizon for birds bombing the water, as this is a great indicator of bait balls being actively worked by mackerel or other predatory species.
Another chrome Spanish mackerel coming aboard on Cairns Reef Fishing
Rivers, Estuaries and Beaches
Heading up Trinity Inlet and fishing the flats out the front has been very productive, with local anglers landing quality fingermark, grunter and barramundi on live baits such as prawns, sardines and mullet caught by throwing a cast net. Those casting lures along the snags have also done very well, seeing plenty of barra and mangrove jacks landed to kick off this year’s barramundi season opening.
Daniel opening the barra season with a cracker landing a solid barra on lures at night.
This young champion fished the Palm Cove Jetty landing this impressive Queen fish casting a 10gram jig off the jetty late afternoon
Fishing aboard Gone Fishing Charters this keen angler reeled in a nice finger mark off the edge of the flats in the Trinity Inlet
Also aboard Gone Fishing Charters it was all smiles landing this tasty grunter
Creeks and Dams
Lake Tinaroo has put on a show for locals, with incredible weather for the opening of the barra season. This has seen many watergoers make the most of the perfect conditions, landing great numbers of quality barramundi. Strong daytime bites allowed for some quality photos and safe releases, with big soft plastic paddle tails and vibe lures getting the bites.
Casting big plastics Clay Edward landed this thick barra in Tinaroo showing Dad how its done
They call him Harry Smiles.... but only when he's holding a big barra from Tinaroo fishing with Lance and Clay to kick off the barra season
Tackle World staff Lance Edward was not letting the boys have all the fun landing this cracker barra
Sneaking out with Lance Harrys Dad showed them how its really done banging a metre plus with ease
Weekend Outlook
With possible afternoon showers over the weekend and mostly fine mornings, plenty of anglers should be able to get out on the water, with winds dropping under 10 knots all weekend. This should make for great conditions for bottom bashers and river warriors. As always, stay safe and lend a hand at the boat ramps, as car parks are expected to be full. Most of all, enjoy your time on the water.
Not to be out done by the boys on Gone Fishing Charters it was a good start to the barra season with live baits getting the job done
Need gear, bait or just a bit of local advice?
Swing by Cairns Tackle World at 172 Aumuller Street, Bungalow to chat with your local independent fishing experts.