BARRA BITE DESPITE ALL THE FLOODS
FISHING has been greatly hampered by the floods with most of the action being barramundi in the flooding drains, causeways and feeder creeks running clean water into the main dirty river systems.
The local headlands including Cape Grafton, Yorkeys Knob, Suicide Bend and various locations along the northern beaches have also been producing barramundi on lures and will continue to do so during the flooded conditions and dirty water.
Further south the headlands around Mission Beach have also fished well on barra.
The Cairns Inlet has fished tough with the occasional fingermark, trevally and queenfish being caught on live mud herring.
Hinchinbrook Channel has probably been the pick of the estuary systems producing a few barramundi and mangrove jacks on lures and live baits along with some quality grunter on strip baits.
The marina rock wall at Cardwell has seen good schools of bait around the mouth and has attracted small barramundi and other species.
Reef fishing has been possible with large-mouth nannygai continuing to dominate catches along with a few middepth coral trout.
Tinaroo Dam is approaching 90 per cent capacity and will see plenty of Easter action for those looking to do water sports who’ve been starved due to low water levels.
With the full moon on Saturday the dam will be worth a fish targeting a monster barra at night after the skiers have finished for the day.
With the high water levels the Barron Arm should produce fish on the troll and cast.
Fishing opportunities over the Easter long weekend are going to be dependent on the movement of former Cyclone Iris.
At this stage it looks like a windy weekend and dropping off significantly for Monday which would see plenty of boats heading to the Reef.
Large-mouth nannygai have been on fire and will again be the main target.
If the rain holds off, estuary fishing should improve dramatically.
If the heavy rain does eventuate lure fishing the local drains and rocky headlands will be another option to hook a quality barra.
I wish everyone a very happy and safe Easter and please check the latest forecasts and observations before heading off fishing over the break.