Happy anglers also landing some solid small mouth nannys aboard cairns reef fishing
After weeks of weather disruptions and reef fin fish closures over the weekend, the Far North is finally enjoying a welcome spell of calm, clear conditions and local anglers couldn’t be happier. The return of light winds and gentle seas is set to get most local boats back onto the water this weekend, marking the long-awaited reopening of coral reef bottom fishing.
With small raises and drops of wind this week and into the weekend from 5 to 10 knots should see anglers heading out to the inshore reefs to chase some quality reef fish. Ensure to check out below for any fishing closures in effect this weekend.
Reef Fishing
Offshore, attention is turning once again to the coral reefs, with the fin-fish closure now lifted and a run of calm weather opening the door for reef trips. Many boats are expected to head wide this weekend chasing coral trout, large-mouth nannygai, red emperor, spangled emperor, and cobia. While the Spanish mackerel ban remains until November 8, that won’t stop crews from filling the iceboxes with quality reef fish and enjoying some long-awaited bluewater time.
Fishing out wide off the shelf in some deep water anglers have had great catches of pearl perch, ruby and iron jaw snapper as well as gold spot cod and barred cod. These fish are best targeted with electric fishing set ups with heavy leads and big hooks and fresh squid baits. Beating sharks and landing some great catches from the deep is becoming more popular and electric reels are a great option for those looking to improve their offshore bag.
Large mouth nannygai caught offshore on the local grounds around Cairns aboard Cairns Reef Fishing.
Ben Gregory fishing the drop off landing some ripper iron jaw and ruby snapper using the electric combos & fresh squid bait
Local angler Ben Gregory fished deep off the shelf finding some allusive peal perch.
Top Water Fishing & Trolling
Fishing the northern reefs around Lizard Island and down through the ribbon reefs back to Cooktown and Cairns black marlin in all sizes have been on fire this season for those fishing the game comps have been successful tagging and releasing good numbers or black marlin. Trolling large skirted pusher lures and rigged scad and mackerel are always the go to for targeting marlin.
Fishing the ribbons and outer reef with Sublime Sportsfishing Charters tagging black marlin
Action shots on giant black marlin with Sublime Sportfishing
Rivers & Estuaries
Across the region, barramundi and mangrove jacks have dominated catches from Cooktown through to Hinchinbrook, with most systems producing well on both lures and live baits. The Endeavour River has been particularly productive, turning up barra and jacks for anglers targeting snags and structures with soft plastics. Down at the Cooktown Wharf, those soaking live baits have found a good mix of barra, jacks, queenfish and trevally. The town is also gearing up for the lively Sovereign Hotel Barra Competition this weekend, an event expected to draw plenty of entrants competing for major prizes, including new boat and motor packages.
Further south, the Cairns Inlet and Barron River have delivered consistent estuary action, with grunter, mangrove jacks, and the occasional barra making up most of the catches. Grunter have been feeding well across the Cairns Harbour Flats on fresh strip baits of mullet and gar, while live-baiters working pylons and mangrove edges have been rewarded with jacks and some solid barra. From Mission Beach to Hinchinbrook, the creeks and channels continue to fish strongly, with barra and jacks smashing hard-bodied minnows and soft plastics. The Hinchinbrook Channel has been especially productive, with barra to 90cm reported.
Young angler Hayley fished with dad over the weekend casting soft plastics landing some nice barra
Dad Peter also landing some solid barramundi casting lure with Hayley
Anlgers aboard Fish Hunter landing some nice barra casting top water and plastics
Spawning & Closures
Spanish mackerel spawning closure commenced on the 18th of October and continues until the 8th of November so for this period, Spanish mackerel are off limits. The reef fin fish closure has been lifted this week, with the next one to occur from the 17th to 21st of November.
Casting soft plastic and live prawns around the snags is ideal for barra
Although the mackerel are off limits the rivers are a good option for barra
Weekend Outlook
The weekend forecast is looking good for both inshore and offshore fishing as the wind will be around 5 to 10 knots with sunshine predicted. Bottom fishing will be very productive with fresh squid and pillies targeting coral trout in the shallows and around the reef edges. Fishing the openings and paddocks between reefs are best for red emperor and nannygais.
Inshore creeks and estuaries will experience neap tides, allowing lure fisherman to spend more time working lures over snags with small run. Clean water will allow those casting surface lures more time to cast the edges with soft plastic paddle tails and floating hard bodies your best bet.
Dropping fresh squid and pillies inshore produced some solid red emperor
Black spot cod caught around wonky holes and inshore wrecks
Need gear, bait or just a bit of local advice?
Swing by Cairns Tackle World at 172 Aumuller Street, Bungalow for local advice and the right gear.