Fishing Charters & Wilderness Tours, Cape York

LATEST REPORT

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

Latest Report October - December 2007

Well here we go again. Early October we actually had a late cancellation and decided to take advantage of that and we went south to see family, very good.

Mid month saw Darius Petrauskas from Lithuania, come off another tour to fish with us. He cast very well and was rewarded with some nice Barramundi, Tarpon. Cod, GT’s, Fingermark - one being 70cm, Saratoga, and all the usual estuary species . A very interesting gentlemen, a pleasure to have on board albeit only for 2 days.

Then came the Taylor group 10 in number, Geoff, Andrew, Matt, Cain, Simon, Chris, James, Daniel, Matt and Mark. We started the trip with a mixture of GOOD fish and BAD motor trouble with one boat. Thankfully it held in for the trip – JUST, but it was a pain moving along slightly slower than normal - thanks fella’s for being good sports about it. Some nice Queenfish to 18lb, Grey and Spotted Mackerel, plus two Spanirds around 20lb. Geoff was very unlucky, sportingly releasing a couple before getting them to the boat. Geoff had also told stories to both Mark and James (from England and Amsterdam) that the Croc’s and sharks would jump into the boat etc etc the poor buggers were a little concerned, but were OK until Tuna day when they came face to face with some of our grey coated friends, you get that.

The Estuaries provided some nice Mangrove Jack, Cod, Tarpon, Grunter, Barramundi, GT, Queenfish, Nannygai’s, Fingermark, and Bream. We did however, have two quiet days mainly due to the winds, making the blue water unreachable as it just blew too hard. We did manage to get out over the last two days and had some fun with the Tuna they really do test everything both angler and gear, and everyone has great fun catching them. We also managed to beat the sharks on most occasions, but everyone did land one.

Our thanks to all the group for this was a difficult trip with high winds shutting down the action to a degree, but we still managed to have some very good entertainment.

Late October early November we saw the Kiwi invasion with Russel, Hamish, Vincent and Clive arriving. Very funny and nice fellows. Those blessed winds were still around though.

The Jacky Jacky still produced Barramundi, Fingermark, Cod, GT’s, Queenfish, Bream and Grunter. While the West Coast provided some entertainment with Barramundi, Fingermark, and the usual estuary species, as well as a few sessions with Mackerel to 14lb, Coral Trout, Stripeys and Parrot Fish. The Blue water provided us some nice Tuna on offer, in particular one by Vincent, a 30lb+ Northern Blue Tuna winning him the honour of the Sea Dredge Cup (something the boys compete in where ever they go). There were some very good fish on offer that day, with the sharks having their fair share as well. When the wind dropped off we took the opportunity to try one of the outer Islands. We were having some good fun with good Queenfish, Gold Spot and Giant Trevally and some reef fish when again the sharks arrived (small ones only about 1.5m), but only affecting Tim’s boat, while Lesley’s was 15m away and they continued to get fish with NO sharks Hmmmmmm!! The wind came back with a vengence so off we went.

The last couple of days were spent in the Jacky Jacky with fair catches of Barramundi, Fingermark, Cod, Queenfish, and GT’s. About mid way through the last day Hamish, was sure he was heading home without the elusive Barramundi. Not to be, Lesley took him to one of those ‘very secret spots’, and not only did he catch a Barra on his first cast, he caught another on his second cast and they were both legal – easy stuff this Barra fishing. It was indeed a pleasure to have them on board and we enjoyed their company very much, thanks guys, hope to see you again.

Mid November, Phil Newton’s group arrived, with Tony, Gentleman Jim, Gary, Max, Rob and of course Phil. The first couple of days we spent over the east coast, with Barramundi, Fingermark, Mackerel, Tarpon, GT’s, Queenfish, Mahgrove Jack, Bream, and Cod keeping us all busy and entertained. We found a creek where the Barramundi were obviously active producing some great excitement as Phil and Jim landed some 19 nice girls along with some good quality Mangrove Jack and Fingermark.

Down the west coast saw us get into the Mackerel with 30lb being the bencemark, the boys ate well. We however, only managed to land the one Tuna for the week, with the Tuna season finally ending and them proving elusive – well done Phil. Then came CYCLONE GUBA and a huge drop in the Barometre, causing the fish to shut down somewhat. We had a worrying time but all was well in the end and instead of passing straight over the top of us GUBA took a change in course and headed to PNG, thanks to whoever arranged that! Back over the east coast again saw some nice fish come in with Barramundi to 78cm, Fingermark, Trevally, Queenfish, and all the normal estuary species. At this stage Rob became bedridden with the flu for the last two days and then he decided it best to share. By the end of the trip about half of us started to feel the effects. As we waved goodbye to the group Tim started feeling not too well (and spent the next week in bed after that) as did some others. We throughly enjoyed all your company even your’s Rob, hope to see you all again in the not too distant future to compete in the Infamous “Guba Cup”.

December saw John White (sole charter) and Gerry and Malou Hillier arrive. John loves his Barramundi fishing (the hunting), and we managed to give him his best trip with us to date, and he has had some good ones. We saw several sessions with Barramundi to 80cm caught and released. John will not take a Barramundi to eat (even though the season is closed) too nice a fish he reckon’s. He managed to get several nice Fingermark, Golden Trevally and the usual estuary fun. We spent a morning in the Blue water, where John caught some nice GT’s, Barracuda’s and then got sharked on a good Spaniard only to out do himself while casting with a soft plastic to small GT’s we saw a large Mackerel come out of the water heading away at a great rate of knots. The call was ‘what’s chasing that!’, then all of a sudden we find out ‘we are’. After a long and careful fight we landed a good sized Mackerel around 25lb on a little plastic with mono leader, well done big fella. We then had some fun with some Stripeys, Parrot and Coral Trout on the plastic just to prove a point.

We had a final session on his beloved Barramundi on the final day with 13 coming in the boat - all good fish. We had some great strikes and jumps that together with the other species on offer made for a very good trip for John. We had a good week, thanks mate both Lesley and I enjoyed your company. Look forward to next year.

Gerry and Malou from the Phillipines, only had a couple of days with us this year but also enjoyed some good Barramundi excitement with 24 quality fish, also some good Mangrove Jack to 55cm, Fingermark, Cod, and Trevally. Gerry being an experienced fisherman with a good casting arm was rewarded for his efforts but it was wife Malou, who had not fished with a rod and reel before, did not take long to catch on to what’s what, she did very well with some memorable Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and a particular Queenfish making her run all round the boat, which brought some big smiles to both Gerry and Tim. Also looking forward to seeing you again in 2008

Mid December saw Don Park arrive with friends Peter and Kevin from Cairns. You had to be carefull what you said because the boys were very sharp, Tim copped a flogging all week. We did have lots of laughs.

Don and Peter were the casters of the group while Kev (the most improved as voted by Kev) provided the dinner each night, with a beautiful 60cm Fingermark, A large Cod, some nice Nannygai, and Mackerel. Well done Kevin. We had some good fun in the estuary again Barramundi each day (11 on the last day), Grunter, Sand Bass, Bream, GT’s and Queenfish. The weather allowed us a day out on one of the outer Islands, had some great fun with a big school of Queenfish, all around us with me getting very excited wanting to get as many lures and plastics in as possible only to see the boys just looking and saying isn’t that just fantasic, with me going off ‘get in there’.

Thanks fella’s really enjoyed your company, don’t ever ask two accountants and a superannuation expert for advice, talk about confusion and all they want to do is get their hands on your money, I’ll just take them fishing!!!!!

Last Job for 2007 saw Dan and Lindy Kiazim with us for a couple of days on the wrong moon phase but that’s the only time they had. We did not do too bad at all thanks very much.

We saw them both loose their Barramundi virginity with Lindy showing the way early only to be outdone by Dan in the afternoon with a nice Barra around the 80cm mark, also got amongst the Queenfish, Cod, Tarpon and Grunter. Then we had a very good (but highly unusual for moon) session on good Queenfish to 20lb, with Lindy stating they are too hard to pull in, she got no sympathy from Dan and I - cruel buggers aren’t we. We continued until the arrival of the Sharks, again providing some pretty impressive sights. We had some great fun on plastics with Trevally and Queenfish, Mackerel, Barracuuda and Cod, ending up with Coral Trout for dinner. We did manage to avoid a rather large storm (still got very wet though). Thanks you two have an enjoyable end to your holiday, hope to see you again.

Thanks to everyone for a very successful year. We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future. We are just starting our break – with the ‘WET SEASON’ upon us. With our 2008 season starting in early April our next report will be posted in June/July 2008.

Until then, take care and TIGHT LINES.
Tim and Lesley

Latest Report July - September 2007

Early July saw the Smith group arrive with both boats in action, Alan, Rex, Simon, Peter and Sean. We started with the Tuna still performing, some nice Queenies and a couple of Diamond Trevally. Then went to the East Coast for good Mackerel in the 18 -30lb range, both grey and spotted, some Coral Trout and very nice Barramundi. The East Coast provided some very good fun in the estuaries Barramundi, Fingermark, Mangrove Jack, an excellent session on Salmon and of course the usual Cod, Bream, Grunter and Tarpon. The West Coast provided Tuna madness, good Queenfish and different types of Trevally - there is no way one could be comfortable in the water here as 'THOSE' with the BIG teeth are still very plentiful. Some of the sights are just amazing. The boys did very well. Alan Smith has a story or two to tell - here's a man who hooked up on several large Barramundi only to continue with the long range release technique in every way possible, anyway Alan you did at least hook up!!!!! And we did see them. Fish of the trip was Sean's 35lb GT - after 50 casts for no result - BANG.

Late July saw Gary, Alby and Arty from Jindabyne and husband and wife Dave and Debbie Bezzina from Sydney arrive. The Jacky Jacky provided the action early with good sized Barramundi, Fingermark, Grunter, Queenfish, Cod, and some nice Mackerel to 30lb. The West Coast again turned on some very exciting sessions with Queenfish 20lb, Tuna 30lb, and one big Spaniard to 50lb mainly all on surface poppers and metals. There is no better fishing than that visual strike on the surface. For Dave and Deb this was a first time experience with tropical fishing and they were pleasantly surprised with their personal first on lures: Barramundi, Salmon and the amount of species caught, even on one snag at times. Dave's first encounter with 'GEORGE' while releasing a 20lb Queenfish was something to remember, can't remember the exact words Dave spoke well we can, but really can't repeat them. Gary and the boys managed to land 30+ species for their week, which for them was better than previous trips, EXCELLENT. Thanks guys, see you all next year.

Early August saw the Hillman and Ashman couples arrive, which also brought the start of a very enjoyable and silly week. Enjoyable because we got and saw some very nice fish including some good Barramundi, Fingermark, Mangrove Jack and Cod, while the swarming schools of small Trevally and Queenfish provide plenty of entertainment. The Tuna were not as prolific on this quarter (strange) last year they were just everywhere on this moon, but we still got a few - enough to get everyone grunting and groaning a bit anyway. Silly because I don't think we stopped laughing all trip Ian and Robyn, Paul and Rosie would be good people to go on holidays with, very funny. The girls' verse boys' day on the water was always going to be a no win situation for us mere males and it was. Loved your company can't wait till next year.

Mid August saw Mike Slatterey group arrive from Adelaide for a couple of days fishing at River One and the Jacky Jacky. Good fun days with some quality Barramundi, with Mike leaving his catch until the last cast of the last day. The trio managed 17 species for the two days; the only thing missing was more days fishing. Thanks guys, a good time was had by all.

Our next groups were both Father and son combo's with Glen and Jon Wright and Gerry and Matt Elkan both coincidentally from Sydney. The fish did the right thing and we had very enjoyable sessions on Tuna, Queenfish, Barramundi, Salmon, Fingermark, Trevally, and some reef species, however for 'Poppa' Jon he was chasing a particular Spaniard - a big one. He had his chance early while casting poppers when next to the boat exploded a missile 4 meters from the boat, and 4-5 meters in the air before landing 2 meters from us. Jon's wish a Spanish Mackerel approximately 50lb with the popper hanging out of its mouth - unfortunately things happened all too quick and we lost it, NOT HAPPY JAN. But all good things come to those who wait we managed to get a few on the last day allowing Jon to go home a happy guy. Gerry was happy to have that time with son Matt and really enjoyed relaxing and watching his son catch fish. Both Gerry and Matt were among the few people to 'SEE" a sailfish up here, near the mouth of Wallaby Creek, and chasing the metal spoon to the boat - Matt if you had hooked up I would be talking about you for ever!!!!! Some very nice Tuna and Queenfish were caught and everyone did well in the estuary with nice Fingermark and a large Salmon to remember. But it was the Barramundi that eluded Matt. We enjoyed a terrific session in the fresh with Gerry catching everything that went past, Saratoga, Tarpon and Barramundi while Matt … well!!!!. It was great to see the father and sons bonding and all enjoying themselves. We look forward to seeing you all again.

Early September saw Jim and Ruth Snow returned to do battle. We had a quiet couple of days, before we started to pick up some nice Barramundi. Ruth's comment 'there's a BIG girl living just here' (here being where she cast her lure) was spot on. BANG a beautiful 90cm Barra was great to see, as were several more in the 65-80cm range that were caught during the trip. Fingermark, Mangrove Jack, Grunter, Salmon and some Nannygai, (with Jim sharing the catching of them this year). We also caught some very nice Queenfish to 20lb and finished the trip with Jim's passion a day of Fly Fishing - all flies made by Ruth. Jim managed to hook up to several Tuna and finally got one past those sharks to the boat, then to get amongst some very large Queenfish on the flats in shallow water that tested the angler but he was very successful. The smile could not be wiped from his face, well done.

Late September had Martin Fellow's and five friends arrive. This week proved to be the return of Tuna Madness. Martin, John, Mick, Tran, Jason and Tai had the best time with some just stupid Tuna madness (just as many sharks, big buggers too). However let us set the tone of the week. On the flight up, Mick (an Irishman) got sick on the plane - TWO BAGS; Martin (of English decent) broke three Loomis Rods, - TWO PIECE; John (Dutchman) was 'high sticking' everything (he says rubbish but he did,) - TWO HIGH; Jason (a Kiwi and the most unluckiest angler ever) battled hard with a Tuna one morning, and in the end was shaking while trying to hold it for a photo TWO SHAKES; and Tran and Tai the Mekong Cowboys, the TWO STIRRERS; of course we can't forget the TWO GUIDES and TWO BOATS. We managed some fishing among the laughs, apart from the Tuna that had the water boiling; we caught some nice Barramundi, Cod, Mangrove Jack, Grunter, and big Barracuda, and had some great fun at the Wallis Islands with some Queenfish and Gold Spot Trevally. We ALL had a great time. Lots of laughs and fond memories. Plenty of quality fish, good number of species with memorable days out to the Wallis's with beautiful weather, refreshing cool swim and great fishing what a week. Thanks guys some good memories here, look forward to seeing you all again.

Again another good three months with quality fish, quality people and a HUGE amount of fun, thank you all.

Till next time
Tight Lines
Lesley and Tim

Latest Report April - June 2007

Our year kicked off in April a little later than usual, however Dr Nick Robson and Terry Dickens in one boat and Father and son Neville and Terry Ferguson in the other got things going with a bang.

With the wet season hanging around rather late, the season didn't start this year until April, with some showers still hanging around making things a little wet, but when the fish are biting WHO CARES. We had some great fun with good catches amounting to some 25 species including Barramundi to 78cm, Mangrove Jacks, Grunter, Cod, Salmon off the beach, then some Tarpon and Saratoga in the fresh.

We also had some very good sessions in the blue water with good Queenfish to 20lb, GT's to 25lb, Gold Spot, Golden and Lowley Trevally in the 10-20lb range with some great sessions on surface poppers. The last cast on the last day (get used to it, it happens again) hooked up to a large GT 50lb plus, after about 35 minutes (and getting a good look at it)……SHARKED. All the boys lost their Barra virginity and we had a terrific time. Thanks fellas.

Next quarter we had a very late cancellation bad luck for them we had a great time ourselves enjoying some great blue water fishing, Thank you.

May was the start of Tuna madness - and we are still enjoying it.

The Mayfield group arrive (Grainger, Brad & Luke); I must say this was one of the most exciting trips as things DID happen - A LOT!!!!!

Some good Barramundi - several 80cm to 1m seen and dropped, good fun in the estuary but it was the blue that went silly. Mackerel to 60lb, Cobia at 25lb, 45lb GT's, Queenfish up to 20lb, 30lb Tuna and plenty of them. We had some great action session total madness at times. It's about now that our friends with the grey coats start to make their presents felt. We also had some really good sessions on plastics with Salmon, Barramundi, Tarpon and Permit etc.

Well done gentlemen a trip to remember.

David Bevan and Julie McKinnon (Yellow Belly dam fisherpersons) were both enjoying their 50th Birthday present, and having never been in this environment before, just wanted to have a good time - a nice fish each night for dinner and both NEEDED to catch their first Barra. I can tell you it wasn't long before they were both enjoying themselves and having a ball. Julie lost her Barra virginity first (and she did it in style) with an 83cm healthy girl - (it's not fair, is it). David lost his the next day, while he got more in numbers Julie did get the prize fish. We also had some fun with good Queenfish, Salmon, Fingermark, Grunter and Mangrove Jack, until they were eased out into the blue and the Tuna which apparently pull a little harder than yellow belly - unfortunately the sharks decided to spoil our fun - sort of. We all had a very enjoyable week - HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Next was the arrival of Team Pufferfish, Peter Burke with friends Gavin (from the US), Steve, Andrew & David. These boys had decided that they were going to enjoy themselves and they did. Being off the moon the blue water was a little quiet but we still managed to have some fun with Barra, Grunter, Fingermark, Cod and Bream and some special fish, the Qld Groper, Sandbass and nice Golden Trevally. We also managed some Tuna's, Queenfish small Mackerel and Barracuda. Full marks to Team Pufferfish. Some tough times over the New Moon but their attitude and effort was terrific and we still managed to pick up some nice fish, Thanks fella's.

John Howes and David Aitchison fished the same time as Team Pufferfish. Both these gents enjoy casting lures and plastics in the estuaries. We had an enjoyable few days with good results including a 15lb Blue Salmon, some good sessions on Mangrove Jacks, Fingermark and Barra's. Both very good casters and made the most of the tough moon conditions.

Back on the quarter again and two set of Father and son. Mark and Matt Todman on their 3rd trip with us - really do enjoy their fishing and have a great attitude to make sure they have a good time as well, also, Les and Paul Howell, who were first timers after seeing the Ultimate Fishing DVD by Mark Berg on Queenfish. It did not take long before we were in to them, with good Queenfish to 20lb, Tuna 15-28lb, GT's and other Trevally. We had some great fun on Salmon; they really did go well on the light gear. We also caught some nice Barramundi, and on occasions saw and hooked some even bigger ones, but the boys were very sporting in their releasing - apparently! The estuary fished well as usual with plastic sessions being the go. The Tuna were still giving us plenty of fun, both Northern Blue and Mac's; however we always seemed to be doing battle with the Sharks - I think on this trip we managed to win the fight. Last session on the last day thingy and BOOF the GT's arrive and Mark's hanging on for dear life. What a fantastic strike on the popper it must have left a metre hole in the water - 30 minutes later disaster, we were SHARKED!! Back to the secret spot re-rig and BOOF - here we go again this time it heads up river - no we're talking, at least give us some sort of chance. Yes I say with a smile, round and round we go we're doing real well then YEP out to sea we head and SHARKSVILLE……bloody things, we were only minutes away from landing a 50-60lb fish.

You know the saddest thing about all this is losing and not being able to release such a great fish, some days you just hate Sharks.

Paul had decided that if the fishing was half as good he would be happy, he went home very happy Lesley assured he had got what he came for with lots of quality Queenfish and the bonus of the Tuna (no he doesn't need to buy Ultimate Fishing Volume 2 - he created his own).

I mentioned attitude at the beginning well how would you feel if when you got your rods tube off the plane with your 4 rods for the trip - there was evidence that it had been 'run over' and on inspection you found all rods broken. Not happy Jan!!!!! Well Mark and Matt just took it in their stride and got on with having a great time, well done. Thanks to all in May a very busy month indeed.

June saw the Young group arrive for their annual trip. This years' group was Gary, Ian, Bob, Linda, Mike and Simon. We headed off down the coast to a camp out at the McDonald River for the first 3 days, then back to Seisia for the remainder of the trip.

Well it was terrific we caught heaps and heaps of Tuna, Queenfish, nice Barra, Mangrove Jacks, Grunter and some resident Qld Groper's which proved too big for any of us. Day 1 was truly Tuna magic both boats totalling 50+ in the boat, with many more hooked and some sharked. One session out wide at secret spot 204 produced some of the best surface action I have seen on poppers and plastics, with all the Pelagic action you can imagine for about 3-4 hours and all big fish, amazing. We are talk 16-20lb Queenfish, 20-25lb Lowley and Gold Spot Trevally - 30-50lb GT's. This was Bob's birthday he said he could not have asked for a better present. We also had a rather funny feeding session with George at the end of the day which scared the ……. out of Tim - while everyone else thought it was most funny. Bob also succeeded in a great battle with a very nice 74cm Barramundi that he sight cast to - a great piece of fishing. A fantastic week, thanks guys we will both remember it for a long time to come.

Next Quarter, saw the O'Mara group (Mitch, Steve and Colin) arrive together with the Dearsley group (Matt, Leon and Paul) .

The trip started well with good catches of estuary species, Barra, Mangrove Jack, Cod Bream, Grunter, Salmon, and Tarpon. This was followed the next day with some added fun with some 20lb Lowley Trevally, then some nice Coral Trout, Parrot, Sweetlip, Stripeys, and some very nice Golden Trevally. Blue water took over again with excellent Tuna, Queenfish and Trevally species. The action was very visual in your face stuff. I can tell you we never get sick of seeing this type of action.

Some exciting moments were the strike of a big Mackerel leaving the water 3m from the boat entering back even closer with a lure hanging out of it's mouth, hearing the line cutting through the water with some Tuna runs, seeing big Queenfish jump, also seeing Matt's face after he managed to get his first big Tuna in on Plastic, then there was Colin's face when he took the rod attached to a good Tuna (wrong rod apparently it was the light 6kg plastic rod) good fun and he got it in. Mitch managed to get a very large Queenfish 20lb+, beating the interested jaws of both Sharks and Groper. It was scary to see some very big sharks in action definitely no swimming in these waters.

Another good trip with 30+ species, plenty of action periods and then a very enjoyable fresh water ending. Thanks guys we enjoyed your company as usual, well done.

So the first 3 months of season 2007 has come and gone with good results, good company and lots of memories, thanks to all.

Next report after September, keep smiling and tight lines

Tim and Lesley

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