WEATHER’S NOT FAZING THE FISHOS
DESPITE rough conditions, the last few days have continued to see some excellent fish caught on the Reef, around the islands and in the creeks and estuaries.
Reef fishing has been dominated by catches of coral trout as they continue to feed up in readiness to spawn. August and September are always the prime months on trout.
Nannygai are still being caught but a little slower with limited fishing opportunities due to the weather.
A few spanish mackerel have been caught on floated pilchards while chasing the trout and with building tides and moon from Saturday, they should really fire up.
Some bigger spaniards to 20kg have been caught around the southern islands with 40 Foot and Cathedral Rock producing well on trolled ribbon fish and live baits.
The shipping channels are seeing a variety of mackerel species also caught on floated pilchards and metal lures.
The first light tackle billfish tournament kicks off next week out of Fitzroy Island. Anglers fishing the Bluewater Light Tackle Billfish Tournament will be looking to tag and release both small black marlin and sailfish over the three days of fishing on 10kg IGFA breaking strain line.
Winning teams and anglers will be rewarded with some fantastic prizes and trophies in male, female and junior divisions along with boat size categories.
As usual during the winter months there are good numbers of giant trevally and queenfish in the mouths of the major rivers with the Russell River firing. While they will readily take live sardines they are also smashing surface poppers and stick-baits which displays adrenaline pumping visual strikes and aerobic jumps from the queenfish.
Barra and mangrove jacks have continued to be caught in the Cairns Inlet on live prawns and with excellent tides this weekend they should fire up again in numbers.
The southern rivers and Hinchinbrook Channel have seen some excellent sessions on quality barramundi (soft plastics) with multiple fish in the 70-85cm caught.
The weekend fishing conditions are looking good at this stage with the forecast for SE winds of 10-15 knots for Saturday which will see plenty of boats fishing the blue water chasing all the usual species like trout, nannygai and spanish mackerel. The tides and moon phase are ideal for both the reef and estuary/river fishing where barra, mangrove jacks and fingermark will be targeted.