Fishing Charters & Wilderness Tours, Cape York

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P.O. Box 52
Bamaga QLD 4876
Phone 07 4069 3301
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Your Hosts:
Lesley and Tim

Latest Report September - December 2006

The last few months of the year again proved to be very entertaining times however it also brought with it some strong S/E winds to 35kts which seemed to last forever.

Early September saw Gary, Glen and Lee Lontis (Father and sons) arrive. We proceeded to do the usual and caught some nice fish, approximately 25 species, with some very memorable Mangrove Jacks and Barramundi in the fresh (including some big ones dropped on the last day). The target fish of the trip was 'THAT' Queenfish; well you must have been the only group all year not to get onto a nice school. Bad luck Lee, you'll just have to come back. We had a lot of fun and laughs and really enjoyed ourselves.

Mid September saw Chris, Mike and Peter arrive from WA (still that bloody wind was there) but we had some very good days and a tough one. The blue water was a little rough cutting down that option. Despite the wind, we managed to hide in the estuaries and get onto some very nice Barramundi, with one session of 26 being very memorable. The Mangrove Jacks went off at times with the usual good Queenfish around. Also we had a good variety of estuary species with notable Blue Salmon (can't they go Chris) followed up by Grunter and Tarpon. The plastics continued to give many a grunt and groan, good fun with all the species caught on light tackle. Given the conditions, we had an excellent time. Thanks fella's - look forward to seeing you again.

Late September saw the Boneham group arrive - 3 sets of Father and son, and the other two guys being cousins. The wind was still causing a nightmare for the blue water, but again we still managed our 25+ species. Good Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Grunter, Cod, Salmon, Fingermark, Queenfish, GT, Mackerel and Tuna to name a few. River 1 and Middle river were definitely the days to remember but it is hard not to get excited when you have a session on Tuna as we did, sheer madness with everything happening at 100 kph, instructions being given by everybody on how best to deal with the situation and all eyes on shark patrol. It is a wonder we got any in at all. Whoever was on shark patrol should have been sacked! Thanks boys we enjoyed the experience.

October was the start of 'silly season' - on the water 34 days straight. We started off with Mike & Gillian Hoskins. The wind was still here; however, we had two days with Mike for 9 species, and ended up with some very nice Queenfish 18-20 lb. As you can imagine Mike was happy and smiling when he left us.

David Marinsik arrived next from the USA on one charter and Ray and Emma Jewry on another. Blue water again was hard but we managed a few Tuna, Mackerel and Queenfish. David's trip up the freshwater in the Jet boat saw him catch the much sought after Saratoga; unfortunately the day was cut short due to an ongoing back complaint. Hope that back is better soon and we see you again.

Then saw Jim and Ruth Snow arrive and Geoff Taylor and the boys for a week where we saw some very nice Barramundi come in, quality Mangrove Jacks and the usual estuary species. The Tuna were still causing havoc and Queenfish to 20lb still making that magical photo. The Snow's, who are regulars, had their best Barramundi trip with Jim's 95cm being that catch of the trip, mind you Ruth had a few at 85cm, that made us all ooh and ah. The boys from Victoria also had a ball with well over 30 species caught.

Late October saw Mark Todman and Tom Sheehan arrive. This was an experience none of us will forget in a hurry. A very enjoyable time, with some good fish caught, again the soft plastics proved their worth. We had a couple of sessions with the Barramundi particularly in the fresh water, enjoyed the usual estuary fish, however we did manage to catch a nice 30lb Spaniard. Knowing what we know now, Mark probably wouldn't have gone back for seconds that night, as the Mackerel contained Ciguatera and the last day was spent in bed rather ill. At least you make history with being the first known case of Ciguatera poisoning at Cape York. Keep up that Kayak trolling around Sydney Harbour until we see you next year.

Next our second gent from the USA Jeff Robinson arrived, fly fisherman extraordinaire on one charter and Larry and Royce on another. Again the wind proved to be difficult for the blue water. Jeff had a good time but it was tough for the Fly in those conditions. He is however, very good at it and managed some nice fish none the less. This was Larry and Royce's first trip with us, both great guys, and set to enjoy their trip. Apparently, Larry was looking at jumping boats at one stage as the fish seemed to bypass his line and hook onto Royce's.

George (as he does throughout the year) provided Jeff with a special memory. At the mouth of Wallaby Creek, once the BIG fella had arrived, I asked if he would like to feed him. Alright was the reply, so I proceeded to dangle a fish over the side to entice him, and up he came. Right Jeff this is where you come in - hang on to the rope - TIGHT. For those of you who have met George you know what happens. On his next rise to the top he just ambled along and then in an instant there is a great splash and an almighty noise and the fish is gone. Well we laughed for hours, Jeff's face told it all. We got it all on video including Jeff checking his fingers about twenty times, yep all there. Terrific stuff! It was also pleasing to see Larry's luck change, with him landing some lovely fish. See you again next time.

Gerry and son Mike Hillier, with friend Ivan arrived from the Philippines. They fished very well, we had some fun with small Barramundi, nice Mangrove Jack, Grunter, all the estuary species, and managed to get amongst some Mackerel and Queenfish, and a couple of Saratoga up the fresh. We had a good time considering we were coming off the full moon. What a Busy Month

Mid November saw regulars Steve Hopper and Jeff Pulford arrive, with 4 first timers. We had a chance to get out on the east coast to Brewers Is. where the GT's were silly, with Mackerel, Queenfish and Golden Trevally the go - very entertaining. While Steve was a little worried at first (being the organizer) he soon knew there was no need. All the boys had a great time with plenty of good fish and company. Some 35+ species, Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and general estuary were good, blue water provided some great entertainment with GT to 50lb+, Queenfish 18lb, Tuna, Mackerel, Bludger Trevally and the odd Shark giving the back and arms a good workout. It was just a great trip with a lot of fun thanks to the boys.

Late November Doug Murphy and boys arrive for a short stay. We caught some nice Queenfish, Mackerel, Trevally, Barramundi, Fingermark, Grunter, and Cod. Just off the moon but good fun too short a time Doug need to come back and do it again. Look forward to seeing you next year.

Next the Phil Martin group of eight arrived. Split into group A and B the rivalry was on, all in good fun we had a great time with some excellent fish coming in. Again, some standout fish were Barramundi, 25lbTuna, 65lb Spanish Mackerel, 17lb Queenfish, some good Mangrove Jacks and many more. Having only seen the B team fish, the A's must have been sensational because the B's were terrific. The boys certainly knew how to enjoy themselves with the joking and laughing never at a stop. We had a sensational last day out at the Wallis' it was just one of those days (except when we were coming home - but you get that). Look forward to seeing you all again.

December saw Steve Bull from the UK arrive. He was telling me about his love for fishing and his every weekend 'adventures', with a somewhat different style to us. Steve fished very well in both lure and fly

casting and he did not stop all day. Well done Steve. We had a very enjoyable time with the usual 17+ species for the three days. Like Jeff from the USA Steve is a quiet fellow and I got the same reaction when he was introduced to George the Groper as well. Steve was very disappointed when I said well mate we've got to go in (last day last cast thing you know) just because we were getting into some great Queenfish on poppers, I didn't understand, it was dark after all!

Peter Harvord was also doing battle in the other boat during this time. Unfortunately his back dictated his capabilities and length of his days fishing however; as always we still managed a few grunts and groans, and definitely put a smile on his face.

Last job for the year saw Wendy, Tim and Mal come for three days. We managed to get some Barramundi (dropped a beauty, my fault sorry Mal), Queenfish to 18lb, Tuna 19lb, Fingermark, Mackerel, Cod, Trevally the list goes on. Good fun was had by all. Then like many before them, on the last sessions of the last day, those Wallaby Creek wonders - the Queenfish arrived. They were big fish 20-25lb, about 4 foot long in the old scale or just big buggers in the new scale - great fun.

Thank you all for what was a very big year. We have enjoyed everyone's company and never grow tired of taking THAT photo, with THAT fish, and THAT smile. Best Wishes to all for 2007. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Tight Lines
Tim and Lesley

Latest Report June - August 2006

June, July and August & early September have been very good to us,

At the beginning of June the Smith group arrived, and headed straight out for a half day to blow out any cob webs. Some good fun was had with Salmon and Queenfish, however we had to do battle with a few Sharks off the mouth of Wallaby Creek.

The ensuing week produced some great fishing, photos and memories. On the east coast the usual Bream, Cod and Grunter kept us entertained along with Queenies, GT's, Parrot, Sweetlip, Fingermark some Coral Trout, and a couple of lovely tasting Mud Crabs. The West coast excited us all with the continued battle with the Sharks (I am sure you can all guess who won). We managed to catch the early run of Tuna and a couple of Mackerel. While the Queenfish and the 'swarm' of Lowley and small GT continue to please.

Mid June saw the arrival of the Dearsley and Ford groups. Matt, Leon and Paul together with Arty, Gary gave battle to some very big GT's to 70lb (a school of some 100 odd fish between 50 and 70 lb was needed to be seen to be believed) with early wins to both fish and sharks but the good people won out in the end with some memorable fish, Leon will remember a stupid call by Captain Tim while we were already on to a good fish and going past the school I said quick get something into that huge school….. Good one Leon NOT the baitcaster and a plastic we almost got it in ) This time of year again provided some spectacular action on Queenfish, Trevally, Grey Mackerel, some nice Barra and estuary species Mangrove Jack, Grunter and Cod (especially on plastics). An excellent trip!

Late June saw Alan McNeil with sons Matt and Ryan arrive. We had a great trip, lots of fun as well as some good fishing. They managed to get a beautiful GT along with some nice Barra, Mangrove Jacks, quality Queenfish, Grunter, Tarpon, Golden Trevally, Cod and a lovely Qld Groper. Dad and the boys had a great time. Hope to see you again.

The July arrival of the Dr Neville and Estelle Hacker, together with friends Aleco and Mary-Jane saw some winds early which made the blue water difficult but we ended up having a very enjoyable time with the usual species doing the right thing. The Tuna gave us some exciting moments, also one large Blue Salmon roaring off with Neville's live bait through snags one after another only to take another live bait of Mary-Jane's some 40 metres away where it was eventually netted only to start a who's fish was it syndrome (both hooks still in him). To stop the arguments we just had him for dinner, very nice thank you.

In mid July Ken and Fiona Melville, an English couple living in Sydney, who have done some travel around the world fishing arrived for their first trip with us. They left us with many good stories to tell after a very memorable trip. The Tuna, Barra, Mangrove Jack, Grunter, Golden Trevally, Tarpon and all the estuary species truly turned it on for them. One very large cod was subdued out of a snag with great patience (both Ken and I had given up, but not Fiona) I thought Ken was in trouble a couple of times while playing a Tuna with heavy breathing, grunting and groaning (there was never going to be any mouth to mouth Ken, thank god you got them in). The usual 30+ odd species caught over five days fishing.

Early August Ian and Robyn Hillman arrived and so did the Tuna madness. Both Ian and Robyn had new rods to test out and that they did with Mac Tuna and Northern Blues going silly. The usual grey coats had some wins, BUT we managed to get more than our share, about time!! Although there was a moment when two big Tigers hit a Tuna directly under the stern and lifted us 200mm, my face said it all. We had a good selection of species with a couple of big Barra's to boot. A very enjoyable day in the fresh water produced Barra, Saratoga and Tarpon as well as some beaming smiles. We also had an interesting session on the beach with the Turtle's where Ian thought he could hide behind his camera, he still believes the Turtle couldn't see him - yeh right. And Tim managed to scare the hell out of Robyn when he introduced her to George. A lot of fun had.

In mid August Garrick and father John Morgan also made their maiden trip with us. With former ARU Wallaby rep of 30 tests Garrick standing 6' 8" and about 130kg and John not much smaller Tim took them where ever they wanted to go. They were nice gentlemen and had a ball. We managed to have some sessions on both Mangrove Jacks and a couple on Barra that were very memorable, again we would have got our 30+ species for the week. It's been a Dad and son year with several groups and day trippers falling into this category, something I wish I had done more of, well done gentlemen.

Late August early September Charlie Zarb brought up 5 gents. This was Charlie's third trip with us but the first time for Mario, Joe, Bruno, John and Andrew. The Tuna went silly again, with some nice Mac's and Northern Blue. The usual estuary species and also the Salmon provided some excitement along with good Queenfish and the odd Croc! On the last day only Charlie and Mario went fishing while the rest of the group did the touristy thing to Thursday Island. Unfortunately for the TI squad we had a fantastic day on Mangrove Jacks, Tarpon and 25 Barra (not 28, there appears to be some question on my ability to estimate the weight of a fish so everything then became 28lb etc. you just can't tell some blokes can ya!!!) up to 85cm with some bigger girls lost to the snags. The boys certainly new how to prepare a meal and enjoyed some tasty dishes. A great mixture of personalities provided us with a very good trip.

Until next time, tight lines.
'Captain' Lesley & Deckhand 28

Neville's elusive Bluenose

Ryan's Grunter and - more coming

Robyn's nice Jack

2006 Report, July

WET, WET, WET, that's how the year started with what was our biggest wet season for a number of years. Clients in March, April and early May certainly got their share of tropical showers.

In April despite the rain we still managed to put smiles on the faces of the Tran, Brimble, Yahl and White groups, with the variety of fish available. Queenfish to 16lb along with Barramundi 75cm - 80cm (and a couple of big girls lost), Mangrove Jack, GT's, Golden Trevally, Coral Trout, Salmon, Cod -one 18lb monster and Tarpon. The heavy rains saw the Jardine River very quite due to the amount of fresh water that was flowing out of it, and made it almost unfishable.

Towards the end of April and the arrival of Mark and Matt Todman signs of normality began to return with some nice size Queenfish, GT's 20lb+ (one of 50lb lost on last cast of the trip to a shark - "not happy Jan"), Tuna to 30lb, Barramundi, Tarpon, Mackerel to 18lb, Coral Trout, Cod and Mangrove Jack. We had some memorable moments on soft plastics and some crazy times with GT's and Queenfish.

Even with the weather making things difficult we still managed to enjoy ourselves and have some good memories to take home.

May saw the Wells group arrive and set about getting into some nice Queenfish to 20lb, Mackerel to 30lb, GT's to 20lb, some nice Grunter, Barramundi, Tarpon, Salmon, Bream and Cod. Late in the trip Ian and Gary Young arrived to some excellent fishing with big Queenfish, GT's and Mackerel. We had several sessions in the estuary with Tarpon, Queenfish, Trevally, Grunter, Golden Trevally and heaps of others that just kept coming on everything. Bait, Lures, Fly, Metals, Plastics and the infamous BUG, it was really enjoyable albeit a little silly a times.

Late May saw Reg and the boys arrive, set for a good weeks fishing, lots of fun and an enjoyable time all round. Also the Rapala Reps teamed up to test some new products. The next six days produced some memorable catches of 50 - 70 fish per day including, nice Barramundi to 1m and another one who decided to spit the lure mid air, large Queenfish, Mackerel, some amazing Salmon, heaps of fun with GT's and Queenfish. The estuaries produced some very entertaining moments and finally on the last day, the last couple of casts hooked up 5 very big GT's (50 - 70 lbs). The excitement and adrenalin was pumping, only to be shattered by the grey coats of the deep blue winning the battle, allowing us to land only one and a half of the prize fish.

While our weather is still a bit cool, the fishing has still been very entertaining. The Tuna and Mackerel are a bit late in arriving this year, which is good news for the groups arriving in July and August, hopefully by then they will be plentiful and giving us many happy days fishing.

Until next time, tight lines.

Toddies Tuna

Anthony's Fingermark

Gill's Grunter

2006 Report, Feburary

With the warmer weather approaching, late September brought good catches of Barramundi and Mangrove Jacks. The Trevally, Queenfish, Northern Blue Tuna and some good Salmon all kept our anglers - brothers' Dan and Dave Smith, and father and son Laurie and Dan Bevan - both busy and smiling. A fantastic 1 metre Barramundi - on lure - which tried very hard to stay in the snag, causing Ray an anxious few minutes was also brought on board for that special photo.

October brought with it our much awaited Spaniard Mackerel, with several weighing in around the 50lb mark. Unfortunately, their usual 'grey guardians' also arrived, just adding to the excitement, but sending the Tuna a bit shy. The Jacky Jacky performed for the Yahl group again producing more 1m Barramundi, some nice Fingermark, Mangrove Jack and Grunters.

Later in October we found ourselves with some unusually windy days for this time of the year, however, that didn't seem to deter the anglers - or the fish. We took to some Reef fishing catching some very good specimens of Grunter, Fingermark and Nannygai from the deep holes. The Estuaries continued to produce with the usual suspects of Barramundi, Cod, Mangrove Jack and our best King Salmon sessions with an 18lb beauty topping the scales. As expected the Queenfish 15-18lb, GT's 25-40lb, Golden and Bludger Trevally and Fingermark were keeping the clients busy and happy.

Tim has been telling a tale of an afternoon spent at one of his very best secret spots late in October. He and The Park's watched in awe (and caught a few) as literally 'hundreds' of small Barra 50 - 65cm worked their way down the creek, feeding on the surface. This has never been seen before in this area nor as many juveniles at one time, SENSATIONAL.

September and October is also the time of the year we get to witness the annual spectacular down the west coast of the flat back turtles laying thousands of eggs. This is a truly wonderful site to witness, nature at its best. However, a month or so later, for those really lucky they get to the great stampede for the water when the babies hatch.

November started a little slow but quickly gathered momentum, with the Jacky Jacky again producing some nice Barramundi and excellent Grunter. The Mackerel run -Spaniards - slowed early this year however, we did manage to have a late run of Greys and Spotties to 20lb, (just ask Tony Killalea). A lot of entertainment and great fishing was still around with the never fail Queenfish, Trevally, Grunter and Mangrove Jacks. There were some excellent popper sessions at Wallaby Creek. Nothing really beats the sight of the Queenfish and Trevally, smashing the poppers out of the water in their effort to beat the retrieval. And I think it's fair to say NO-ONE will ever tire of watching their sensational aerial acrobatics as they attempt to 'spit the lure', I know I wont.

December brought the big tides and the start of the rain, which often cuts out the west coast option - when does that deter fishermen! The Jennings family enjoyed some great fishing with the usual species being the case, but also had a great session on Cobia -losing out the sharks in the end.

The seasonal rains are upon is now - literally, we are all hoping for a good wet season to prelude the 2006 fishing.

2005 in review:

most Groups fishing with us over a 5-6 days period caught between 30-40 species
best months, April, May and June
best day, June 14th, 55 Tuna in the boat before lunch. The boys asked to go into the estuary for the afternoon, only to have huge sessions on Queenfish, medium GT's, Mangrove Jacks and Barramundi. A VERY BIG DAY.
best catches, Barramundi 30lb, GT 55lb, Queenfish 15-22lb, Blue Salmon 4-8lb, King Salmon 6-18lb, Tuna northern blue 12-30 lb, Mackerel 50lb+, Cobia 45lb, Golden Trevally 8-14 lb, Grunter to 55cm, and some beautiful Mangrove Jacks and Fingermark.

Until the 2006 season kicks off - tight lines and see you soon Lesley and Tim.

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