REEF ACTION APLENTY IN BIG SWELLS

DESPITE wind and rough seas, bigger charter boats have managed to fish the Reef and catch a variety of bottom fish.

Coral trout have been the main catch on the bommies in the shelter of the wind in behind the Reef. Out from Michaelmas Cay, along with Oyster and Sudbury reefs, have all fished well on trout along with spangled emperor, cobia and smaller reef fish.

Both large and small-mouth nannygai are still being caught but the open water has been very difficult to fish in with the swell and chop.

Sharks have been a major problem with plenty of hooked fish lost to the grey suits.

North off Port Douglas a great run of Spanish mackerel has continued, with fish being taken on floated pilchards and live baits. Large-mouth nannygai are also coming off the inshore rubble patches.

The Cairns Inlet has fished OK with a few fingermark and barramundi being caught on live sardines and mud herring fishing the bottom structure.

Big barramundi have been hooked on soft plastics and vibes around the jetties that are holding bait schools.

The Daintree River is seeing small barramundi caught lure casting the weed beds, while the Johnstone River Lake Tinaroo *Limit one redemption per eligible member. Offer open until 6 May, 2018 or while stocks last. Discount code valid until 7 May, 2018. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Valid for online orders only. Australian residents only. Full terms and conditions available at plusrewards.com.au

(Innisfail) is producing barramundi to 85cm along with some nice mangrove jacks. Maria Creek, Hull River, Tully River and the Murray River have all seen barra and mangrove jacks caught on lures, while Hinchinbrook Channel has really fired up. The channe BIG PRIZE: This 88cm barramundi was caught in the Cairns Inlet this week on a live mud herring with All Tackle Sport Fishing.