CAST A LINE

FISHING is one of the main reasons people visit the Cape, and it’s as easy as sitting on one of the many jetties or beaches at Cooktown, Seisia, Elim Beach at Hopevale, Cape Flattery, Melville Bay, Bathurst Bay, Lloyd Bay, Chili Beach, Captain Billy Landing, Pormpuraaw, Weipa, and the NPA.

The jetties, beaches and estuaries offer barramundi, trevally, queenfish, Spanish mackerel, cod and more. The only problem on the east coast beaches and some estuaries is that when the southeast trade wind blows, the froth off the waves makes fishing often impossible. But on the west coast the trade winds blow over the coast and touch down about two kilometres from shore, leaving a calm in-shore corridor that has amazing fishing. There are also many streams and estuaries where a boat or tinnie is a must.

Barramundi is what makes the Cape tick. If you are a barra virgin, hire a guide when in Cooktown, Weipa or Seisia and find out how it’s done. Take a selection of hooks ranging from 3/0 to 5/0, sinkers and a good, reliable rod and reel. Both mono and braid lines needs to be 20lb or better. If you don’t have any barramundi lures buy them in Atherton, Cairns, Cooktown or Weipa. Their prices are comparable or better to those in the south and they only stock the lures and colours that the fish bite on. Plus, you get updated information where the fish are biting and on what.

Port Douglas and Cooktown are the closest towns to the Great Barrier Reef, and regular day charters operate to the reef for sightseeing, diving and fishing.