Hooked at first catch
spawning biology and size-at-maturity for populations on the east coast of Queensland.
Black jewfish in Queensland waters are a no-take species for all recreational and commercial fishers after the commercial TAC (Total Allowable Catch) was reached within the first weeks of the 2020 season opening.
Fisheries Queensland say Animal Science Queensland researchers are hoping to work closely with commercial, recreational and charter fishers who have existing knowledge on the species.
Offshore largely out
Weekend marine weather forecasts are hardly inspiring for most offshore anglers, with 15-20 knot wind predictions of a south-easterly influence remaining consistent and seas likely to a bone-jarring 1.5m.
Anglers doing their thing within local creeks and rivers will find tidal influence friendlier throughout the morning sub 3m-high tide periods through to the midafternoon low tides, however, those low periods will restrict much creek access when they fall to below 0.5m.
From then on, the tide will belt back in rather quickly to achieve evening highs falling only centimetres shy of 3.7m on both days this weekend – the peaks in line with Sunday evening’s full moon.
Those tidal equations, combined with the full moon period, might excite avid barra anglers who derive excitement from savage and, at times, unexpected surface strikes when they use topwater lures within favourite creeks or from land-based spots during the evening hours.
Harbour breakwalls also give up fish during these times. Both trolling and casting techniques will be effective, however, sloppy conditions on the seaward side of these walls are sure to make things difficult this weekend.
Anglers hellbent on testing the winds this weekend might poke their nose around the cape early to find spanish mackerel, queenfish and golden trevally while those content to set baits within the bay could expect grunter or javelin fish wide of Long Beach, and doggie or school mackerel when trolling small minnow style lures.
Try freshwater
Anglers could do worse though than ignore the freshwater opportunities of the rivers and streams lying north and west of Townsville this weekend.
Keelbottom Creek, the Haughton River and the Burdekin River all entertain large populations of sooty grunter or black bream – a species well worth your attention should you enjoy a light line challenge.
Trekking below the Burdekin Falls Dam might reward adventurous anglers with spectacular action when sooties eat lures that are manipulated within shallow boulderstrewn waters, while the same lures cast in nearby deeper waters are likely to fool barra, yellowbelly and big forktail catfish.
The hike down the gorge – a 2.5hour drive from Townsville via Mingela and the mining town Ravenswood – is not one for the faint of heart and a reasonable level of fitness is necessary for anglers to find their way to the best spots.
Mountain streams north of
Townsville – Crystal Creek a favourite with many anglers – will also give up fish, with jungle perch dominating mixed bags of perch, small mangrove jacks and barras – the latter prevalent in the lower brackish reaches of the creek.
Miniature lures and flies will attract savage strikes from perch and anglers can add tarpon, spangled perch and snakehead gudgeon to the species count when fishing streams both north and south of Crystal.
The best fish might be taken immediately below any falls and rapids that might have swelled slightly with recent unseasonal midweek winter rains.
A cautious or stealthy approach to such places will be necessary to draw strikes from shy and highly instinctive fish.
Jungle perch are mostly a catch and release option, such is the fragile nature of their habitat and dwindling populations.
Nonetheless, jungle perch are protected by a maximum size of 35cm (no minimum) and an in-possession bag limit of just one fish – perhaps just for those with ideas of keeping one in a fish tank.