Big boats rule offshore action
OFFSHORE fishing has been restricted to the bigger boats this week due to unsettled and changing weather associated with the influence of the monsoon trough which is hovering over the top of Far North Queensland.
The boats that have fished the blue water have seen largemouth nannygai and some big bar-cheeked coral trout dominate catches.
A few spanish mackerel have also continued to be caught on the troll and on floated pilchards around the islands and reef edges.
To the south, surprisingly several doggy mackerel have been caught around Etty Bay and are still carrying roe which points to an extremely late spawning season.
The occasional black marlin has also been caught offshore along with a continuing run of dolphin fish (mahi mahi).
Locally inshore the Cairns Inlet has continued to fish reasonably well with a good supply of prawns present.
Grunter, trevally, queenfish, fingermark, blue salmon and moses perch have all been caught on live prawns and sardines.
Blue salmon have also been in good numbers off the northern beaches and the Palm Cove jetty where some big fish are being caught.
The Russell River has produced quality blue salmon and several small trevally.
The foreshore flats outside the southern rivers such as the Tully River are producing some nice grunter between the 65-70cm mark with fresh large prawns the top bait.
Hinchinbrook Channel has fished very well on grunter also along with good numbers of mangrove jacks on live baits around the heavy timber and on lures among the mangrove roots. Freshwater fishing has remained strong with the upper reaches of the Russell, Johnstone and Tully River seeing good numbers of sooty grunter caught along with tarpon and a few jungle perch.
The main river systems have fished best as the smaller feeder creeks are very warm due to the hot conditions.
The recent rain will rapidly charge conditions over the coming days.
With an ideal moon phase this week leading to Christmas Day’s full moon, big barras have continued to be caught in Tinaroo Dam and will be the main target for many anglers over the festive break.
Our weather over Christmas and into the weekend and beyond is going to be dependent on the low-pressure systems in the monsoon trough.
The current weather pattern will see the forecasts and condition continually change.
The heavy rain combined with the big tides should see mud crabs on the move in most of the estuary systems.
The rain and arrival of the monsoon trough is a blessing for the barramundi population.
Good follow up rain will improve the chances of a bumper barra season from February 1 when the barra season reopens at noon.
I would like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.