Fishing Charters & Wilderness Tours, Cape York

LATEST REPORT

P.O. Box 52
Bamaga QLD 4876
Phone 07 4069 3301
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Your Host:
Tim Freebody

Latest Report October – December 2008

Early October saw local teachers Chris and Kate Burrill with visiting Mum and sister join us for a day out in the Jacky Jacky. We had a very enjoyable day with lots of laughs and some nice fish as well, Barramundi to 68cm, good Fingermark, Grunter, Queenfish, Bream and GT’s. Mum and Sis were indeed wags, we all had a great time, look forward to doing it again.

Dave Smith and Dad Dennis arrive and we get into some great fun on the east coast with good catches of Barramundi, Fingermark, Mangrove Jack, Trevally, Queenfish, Archerfish, Nannigai, Cod and Tarpon. Dave in particular loves his lure fishing and both he and Dennis were rewarded with some good visual action along with fantastic blue water surface action on Tuna and Queenfish. Speaking of which Dennis will remember a large Queenfish slamming a lure right up the end of a narrow creek which gave us all stress attacks until he got it under control, good effort . Then there was his moment when using a prawn plastic which I thought looked very ‘sus’ until BOOF what do I know, thanks Den. We also had a session in the fresh with the Barramundi that were being very fussy until Dave found the right plastic and then YESSSSSSS, producing several fish including his best to date. Well done lads really enjoyed your company don’t be too long in coming back.

Geoff Pulford arrived to fish after a couple of years absence, with son-in-law Marcus, who was very new to fishing let alone casting lure into really tight spaces. Marcus picked up the casting quickly, however the first couple of days were a little quiet, although we did manage GT’s, Cod, Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Queenfish and Bream – enough to keep us occupied, but we had to work hard. Day three on the east coast provided us with some more action, although we all still worked hard. WE caught some nice Nannigai, Fingermark, Cod, Barramundi, Bream and GT’s. We had a memorable lunchtime moment as we anchored on a snag to soak some baits. While I was getting organised Geoff decided to cast his lure around the snag, only to be absolutely SMASHED as it hit the water. We were unsure what he had hooked, as it came out of the snag and moved him around to the other side of the boat, trying its hardest to get away. After a great fight, Geoff landed a nice 10lb estuary GT – well done. The last two days we spent on the west coast initially chasing Tuna, giving Marcus a whole new experience. We also landed a nice 12lb Golden Trevally, 9lb GT, Bludger Trevally, Tarpon, Queenfish and Mackerel. Marcus was keen to learn and enjoy the experience, and did and tried everything asked of him, as usual these sorts of things usually pay off, and for Marcus they certainly did. ‘Just cast a lure along that bank’ was the call, and BANG, the water exploded with the huge head shake as Marcus’ fish of a lifetime came jumping out the water trying to throw the lure. After playing the lovely platinum Barramundi under ‘one or two’ instructions, we landed this beautiful girl. Photos were aplenty and all on board couldn’t stop smiling. Thanks guys for a great week – I guess you won’t be short of a fishing buddy anymore Geoff!

Mark Halford’s group of Rob, George, Guy, Ken and Dave joined us again for a few days of enjoyment, which they do very well. A great few days were had, with George still having the wood on me. We spent the first couple of days on the west coast catching Barramundi, some nice Tuna, Cod, Grunter, GT’s, Queenfish, and some great fun with tonnes of small Mackerel and Trevally. The Sharks gave us a bit of a hurry up while chasing the Tuna however, we all managed to land at least one – amid some huffing and puffing, some spectacular sights, and some ‘GREAT’ lure extraction from the ‘Doctor’. Over on the East coast we had some good catches of Barramundi, Cod, GT, Sandbass, Grunter and two 52cm Mangrove Jack (1 on each boat at about the same time, although we were nowhere near each other) that put up a great show. The stay is always too short but is always looked forward too until next year lads behave yourselves.

Mid October saw Brian Davis arrive with mates, Ken, Jeff and Ron new to Seisia, but annual Tailor Fishermen at Fraser. The winds weren’t the most desirable to say the least - 30kts for most of the week which limited our time in the blue water. We did manage a couple of sessions, and managed to hook a few LARGE Spaniards, however the sharks thought it more important for them to have the Mackerel than us. We had some fun with some Lowley Trevally, Bluenose Salmon off the beach, Jeff landed a nice 11lb GT and Golden Trevally, along with some Cod, Barramundi and Queenfish. The rest of the week we spent over the east coast mixing up lure casting and bait fishing. We had some good sessions on Nannigai, Sweetlip, Grunter, Bream, Cod and Barramundi. Jeff will long remember his first Barramundi, after having a difficult day, late in the afternoon we anchored on a snag, and I brought him up the back to cast his lure into the back of the snag. After a few casts – YES success, I don’t think too many people would turn down an 81cm Barramundi as their first. Thanks gents for the week albeit a difficult one, we did manage a variety of species and some ‘FIRST’s.

Around the same time, Arthur Ford and Leroy Tirrant arrive back again. Both gents are not too bad on the casting and after having a couple of sad trips to the Territory, Leroy was keen to get back into some fish. Well we certainly did that and had a very enjoyable time with a fun day up the fresh in the jet boat to start with, Saratoga, Tarpon, Coal Grunter and Barramundi in crystal clear water – fantastic. We spent only 1 day on the west coast, where we caught Barramundi, Queenfish, GT, Salmon, Tarpon and a good Spaniard lost to those bloody sharks. The rest of the trip was spent on the east coast, with Arthur and Leroy in their element continually casting all day with some good accuracy and just rewards. We got among some good Barramundi, Fingermark, Mangrove Jack, Cod, GT, Queenfish and Nannigai. We were lucky to experience two days of fabulous fishing with great sessions on mainly good Barramundi and Fingermark. Some of the strikes and takes were very memorable with a couple of really big Barramundi too good on the day but great to see them anyway.

We ended up OK with 59 Barramundi, good size and numbers of Fingermark, some big Estuary Cod, and lovely Mangrove Jack and many other great memories. The boys went home very satisfied with their efforts. As always we enjoyed both your company and skills, until next time take care.

Mike and Ben Cybuski arrived to do a bit of estuary fishing, so off we went to the west coast first and had a very good day with several Barramundi to 78cm and a 1metre lady winning the battle on the day too strong and managed to get back into the snag. The next day, again on the west, produced Mangrove Jack, Cod, Bream, GT, Queenfish, Tarpon and then a Barramundi session to remember with a 91cm beauty being the pick, always great to see these beautiful fish swim away so gracefully to hopefully be seen again another day. The east coast then turned it on with great sessions of Barramundi in particular 30+ all between 58 –83cm also some very nice Fingermark and Mangrove Jack, Ben stating that was the best days fishing he has had. We then went up the fresh on the last day in the jet and again enjoyed the peace and tranquillity with Saratoga, Tarpon and Coal Grunter just beautiful. Thanks gents it was a good trip.

Early November saw the return of the “Guba Shield” team of Phil, Max, Rob, Adrian, Ian and David. Last year the boys fishing got interrupted by Cyclone Guba but not this time. We had a good trip with all losing their Barramundi virginity. Again the Barramundi were there to 80cm+, several excellent Fingermark also stood out along with oversize Cod, some very nice Mangrove Jack. The estuaries provided some terrific action at times, and we ended up with the normal 30 odd species for the trip. The blue water produced good Tuna with Phil getting a beauty, some nice Mackerel, GT, Gold Spot’s, Coral Trout, Queenfish and of course those bloody Sharks again. We spent the last day on the east coast and had a great session in the estuary, with Barramundi and Fingermark being the stand out. Thanks gent’s really had a great time, roll on June 2009.

December always brings John White to have his annual ‘hunt’ as he calls it. John loves his lure fishing and the challenge to get those fish out from deep in the snag. This year he brought along four work associates to share the experience with, Will, Nathan, Matt and Andy all first timers to the Cape. First day out to the East coast was supposed to be a quietish day due to early on the moon phase well so much for that theory. We head out to do some blue first as it was dead calm. The GT’s, Golden Trevally, Mackerel were all going silly. Nathan’s first fish of the trip was a nice Coral Trout followed up by a couple more. Then back into the estuary only to have the small Queenfish & Trevally going off on one side of the boat and good size Barramundi the other. We stayed here awhile, until cries of what about a cuppa - a very good day indeed.

We continued the next day to catch good Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Cod, Bream, Tarpon, Queenfish and Mackerel. Then off to the West to do battle with those Tuna, still a couple hanging around (late in the season for them) then in the afternoon we went up to the tip by 4wd a good fun day to break up the trip a bit. Back to the east and it’s on again with great fun being had on Barramundi and the usual estuary species. A quick trip out to the blue again produced some good fish with a Spaniard to 30lb. We had a strike and run but we didn’t see the fish but all thought ‘bloody hell what’s this’ only to have the hooks pull. Then we were playing with some Trevally on soft plastic when Matt says ‘what’s that behind my plastic - is it a shark’. NO, I say as a rather large Sailfish followed the plastic to the boat then stopped and seemed to hang vertically next to the boat looking at us, showing such beautiful colours. We had a light rod with a popper on it and just for fun dropped it over and moved it around and then to our amazement the Sailfish slowly moved up and grabbed the popper. We had weight on the line but it just stayed there, then someone said, ‘I thought they would fight a little more than that’ - yeah right. Then off it went we only got one full jump out of her but in full colour then good-bye but what a fantastic site. John finished strong with a good day on his beloved Barramundi even though he jumped some 10 good ones off as well, but it’s all about getting that strike and being able to bring that fish out of some amazing places, well done mate.

We had a great time and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly, thanks gents until next time.

We’re off to Cairns so poor old Lesley can have the dredded knee operations to try to fix up the problems, so she will be straight legged for about 6 – 8 weeks over Xmas and New Year ( both knee’s ) Speaking of which to all of you, have a great, happy and SAFE season take care and we look forward to seeing you all in 2009.

We kick o ff again at the end of March, Next report will be March – June 2009 .

Latest Report July - September 2008

Early July saw the spud farmers from Thorpedale, Alan Smith and Sean Maxwell arrive for their annual trip. Alan and Sean started on the west coast with some good size Queenfish, then moved to the east coast to start what was their best ever trip for Barramundi, with 14 the first day then days of 17, 23 to finish up with 92 for the trip. One very special session with Sean leading the way started with a nice little Barramundi, only to be followed by rolling bigger and bigger then hooking and land some very nice big girls - the word excitement comes to mind, I’d hate to think what he’s like at Xmas.

Alan was last years ‘long range release’ expert on Barramundi, and after catching a few he rolled a beauty then hooked up. As one would expected, she came out jumping Alan was all smiles FINALLY, until ‘OH NO’ as she turned and headed back into the snag through every log, stick and obstruction you can think of. Alan was devastated with the prospect of losing another fantastic fish, until the fish stopped, turned around (must have seen Alans look of despair) and came back out very slowly through the maze of the snag, then swam gently into the net. Alan had his photo with his new mate, then happily watched as she swam away (with her pectoral fin waving – that’s Alans version). She didn’t quite make the magic metre (91cm) but who cares it was a great moment never to be forgotten. We had a great week with Tuna, Mangrove Jack, Barramundi, Fingermark, Nannigai and another session on Bluenose Salmon which was memorable with 38 in a very short period great fun. Thanks again, as usual gents look forward to next year.

Greg O’Neill and Stewart Lawler also arrived for their first fishing trip with us. We got of to a great start with a nice 16lb Queenfish on the first cast, then a few more a little smaller, and an introduction to ‘George’. Most of the trip was spent in the Estuaries, as we experienced our worst winds of the year. We did manage to have some fun with Grunter, Fingermark, Cod, Bream, Trevally, a few Barramundi, some Nannigai, Parrot, Sweetlip and Queenfish. I am sure given a little more time casting at snags, and those dredded mangroves, we would have achieved more success. Trying a new type of fishing, in the windy conditions experienced can be very challenging. Thanks guys for an enjoyable few days. See you again soon.

Later in July saw Mark Todman with mates Dave and Mike and David Jennings with sons Troy and Ryan return. Off we go again both coastlines provide good entertainment with Barramundi, Queenfish, Tuna, Grunter, Salmon, Cod, Bream, GT’s, Nannigai, Coral Trout, and Tarpon. There were plenty of Tuna at times with the usual panic stations when these missiles take off and of course trying to get them in past the sharks. Had a good little session on Bludger Trevally as well, don’t these fellas pull. The weather came good and out we went to one of the Islands. What a great day with plenty of quality fish, perfect conditions and a magic lunch time swim over a beautiful coral lagoon. We also found some new born turtles making their way to the water, fantastic sight - (thanks to Dave and the boys). But it was the Blue water that went off, with both groups scoring some great catches of Tuna, Queenfish, Trevally (Giant, Gold Spot, Diamond and Bludger). It is sights like these that you don’t forget and of course you have to explain the bruises on your tummy and groin areas as well to those at home. We really enjoyed your company.

Early August saw Peter Best with mates Rod, Brendon, Phil, Gary, John, Rod and Shane enjoy some estuary fishing. The boys enjoyed some nice Barramundi, Cod, Salmon, Jew, GT’s, Queenfish, Grunter, Nannigai, Fingermark, a million Bream and even a Croc. We had limited Blue water opportunities due to the weather, although we did make the best of a small opportunity, and landed some nice Tuna and a couple of nice Queenfish. We had a lot of laughs and enjoyed some special moments, thanks gents.

Then the return of the Meichelsen group of Arty, Alby and Gary - the lads from Jindabyne. We again had a good trip but the wind just blew and blew! We still managed to get some nice Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Grunter, Salmon, Nannigai, and all the estuary species. The Blue water was limited but we scored some very nice Tuna and Queenfish. The boys enjoy their casting – with Alby using a rod that you could tie a knot in, it just bends and bends amazing. We had some good fun chasing Barramundi with quality fish and a couple of big girls that proved too good for us this time. The lads have a passion and we all enjoy their company and humour.

Next up was the Ford group, Rob and son Matt, Stewart Elsegood and son Cameron all first timers to this type of fishing made even more difficult with strong winds again. So much so that for the first time we did not get a shot at the blue water at all. However, we did still have some very good fun with the lads enjoying every opportunity that came their way, Barramundi, Bream, Cod, Tarpon, GT, Salmon, Queenfish, Fingermark (some nice ones), Jew, Nannigai’s, Mangrove Jack, Archer Fish and Grunter. Cam took a liking to a “little “ lure he named Phelps cause it ‘swam like hell’ he continued to use it until a couple of Barramundi showed their size and power and it was decided to retire it, for something bigger. He also was unlucky to miss a very large Queenfish which scared the hell out of him when retrieving a popper near the boat. The faces of all will be remembered when they landed their first Barramundi on lures, when you haven’t done this type of fishing before and finally get those casts to go where you want them too and “BANG” it’s not too bad at all is it Matt. Look forward to seeing you next year.

Then we had a couple of days with Darryl McKie’s group of 8 who flew in in three Choppers. We had a nice couple of days in the Jacky Jacky. Day one saw the Cominsky’s Family compete against each other – sorry Paul you weren’t the winner (although you did get the last fish). Some great fish were caught on Plastic by Dave, with little opportunities wasted. We landed some very nice Fingermark, Salmon, Bream, Cod and Trevally. While the guys all enjoyed the fish, we even more so enjoy the flight around in the Chopper for a couple of hours over the Jacky Jacky then down the west coast - just terrific. The boys were a pleasure to have on board unfortunately we only had the two days in the Jacky Jacky where we caught some 16 species and had a ball. What a way to travel and see the place. See you next year.

September saw the return of Ian and Robyn Hillman, Paul and Rosie Ashman and newcomer Peter Hancock. Off to the east coast saw Barramundi, Bream, GT, Queenfish, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Grunter, Cod and Nannigai, a good start. Then off to the stupidity of the Tuna, welcome back as line peels off the spools. Everyone had great fun and it wasn’t long before we were reminded that we’re not alone, with some large sharks coming in to say hello (no swimming here). Then, it’s boys verse the girls day (when are we lads ever going to win this challenge, you just have to delete all the photo’s etc so they can win - apparently)! It’s always a fun day we caught some nice Barramundi, Tarpon in the fresh then to go out and do battle with the Tuna, Queenfish and GT’s in the blue. We had some fantastic footage of sharks chasing a Tuna and hitting the boat broadside drenching everybody, then to have George do the same while we were feeding him. Peter’s first time up here and he did not miss too much when an opportunity arose, it was indeed a very exciting day but the girls took it out apparently! Then back to the east and a very good session on Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark and Salmon with everyone catching their best to date and on lures. Robyn was on fire for a while and a little tickled as she out-fished Ian. The casting was on the money and the rewards were coming our way with plenty of rolls, strikes and hook ups. As always enjoyed all your company, looking forward to next year already – and the snow trip!

Late September saw my mate Mitch O’Mara together with Col, Mick, Ken and Mike arrive. The couple of days were spent on the east coast with some excellent Barramundi, Fingermark and Mangrove Jack (with Lesley’s boat finding some new secret spots, which are still secret apparently). Mick caught his first Barramundi on a lure and then dropped a much bigger one which scared the hell out of him the very next cast. Over the next few days we continued to catch Barramundi, Fingermark, Salmon, Jew (with Mitch landing and releasing a very nice one) Cod, Grunter, Bream, and Nannigai. We then headed to the west to do battle with the Tuna, gone is the subtlety. It’s full on screaming reels, people running around the boat, under and over each other, nets being called for, shark alarm constant and somewhere in this you are supposed to be composed and relaxed yeah right, with us offering ‘calm hints’ on how to land the fish - Memories. We had three days of this with the occasional big Spanish Mackerel coming vertical out of the water we managed a few, one around the 38lb in the boat, some very good Tuna (both Northern Blue and Mac’s) with Col getting one in the high 25–30lb’s, which gave him curry. All did well in the end with Mitch starting slow as far as getting these ‘travelling torpedo’s’ in but finished well and poor Mike loosing 5 in a row to breakages, Mackerel hitting the snaps and then with braid cuts to the runners. Some days….

We had some very memorable moments like Mike’s miscast while casting for Tarpon in the middle of the creek, landing about 2 metres from the boat, then caught a Barramundi on a soft plastic. A few tree’s were caught, with some record high casts with bait (nice one Col), and extra LONG casts into the Mangrove’s – too far to even attempt to retrieve – you did get better though hey Mick. We did very much enjoy the laughter, good times and company look forward to seeing you all again.

Our next report will be October to December fishing, out in early January 2009. Until then - Tight Lines.

Lesley and Tim

Latest Report April – June 2008

Here we go again. Another good wet, many new sand banks and snags to hit (or get used too).

QUEENFISH MADNESS

Early April saw the Beasley family and the Ollerheads arrive. Chris and son Greg Ollerhead, South Africans now residing in Sydney with their first love being Fly fishing are ready to start battle with anything. We had a steady start in the Jacky Jacky with 9 species on lure and bait, including a couple of very nice Mangrove Jacks and good size Cod. Over to the west coast for the next few days, saw some excellent blue water action. With big Queenfish on lure and fly, some sessions were just silly with double hook ups becoming the norm! We had sessions with both Salmon and Tarpon on fly which were memorable. Then while working the flats with poppers for Queenfish , (which we got several of on both lure and fly) we see one get smashed near the boat, all three of us yelled out ‘GT’ and a big bugger at that. Power is the only word to describe the next few minutes, perhaps with the odd bit of panic and adrenalin rush. We did all the correct things and to finally get it into 300mm of water and have it 200mm from the net to see the line break, 30lb braid does not lift a 50lb+ GT bad luck but, it was great to watch this magnificent fish swim slowly away. Yes, we could have jumped over and had a go at netting it but it did not seem to matter too much surprisingly, it was indeed a magic moment.

The boys fished very well and we thoroughly enjoyed your company, looking forward to next time.

Jen and Graham Beasley with sons Mark and Daniel, also first timers to the Cape were set for a new adventure. Starting with a slow day in the Jacky Jacky, we did manage a couple of nice Fingermark. The west coast was where we found the action. Queenfish were just ‘boofing’ the water everywhere, with the odd Shark or two to keep us on our toes. We managed to get into some Bluenose Salmon also on some light gear which was enjoyed by the boys. Even the slimy Wolf Herring provided some fun. While every day provided us with big numbers of BIG Queenfish, we had one very silly afternoon with a ‘Queenfish a cast’. Things got so hectic that Graham put down his rod and helped me bring fish after fish into the boat for the boys. While the boys didn’t quite have the patience for bait fishing in the Estuaries, they did enjoy throwing the popper for Queenfish madness.

Thanks very much for an enjoyable week. Hope to see you again soon.

Late April saw the Tompson group arrive at the same time as the Rafin group.

Chris and Phil Tompson again first love Fly casting and Kiwi mate Dave again get amongst some Queenfish madness. The lads were keen to have a go at lure, fly and anything else to enjoy their trip. Estuary species including Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Cod and others provided some great fun with one session on the Jewfish in Jacky Jacky very memorable with only one actually being landed 21lb the others just kept going. The blue water again turned on some very challenging moments with Queenfish to 20lb+ and Tuna on both Fly and Poppers. The memory as line was scorching out through fingers, then reels screaming down to backing and almost beyond is still fresh in my mind. Dave just kept casting his poppers in between the Fly casters and produced some beauties as well to finish with some very good Barramundi in the freshwater (including one on fly). We managed to have some excellent fun with big fish in very shallow water. The surface action on poppers is hard to describe but NEVER forgotten. I think some great memories here, thanks fellas had a great time with you, until next year take care.

Walter, Pas and Mick, from Sydney, were set for a week of mixed fishing and happy to try anything. We spent the first 2 days on the East Coast, casting lures. The guys fished very well, casting lures wherever I asked, for some good results. After a day and a half of me urging them to throw in a soft plastic, they finally took up the offer. Pas had never fished with plastics before, and after seeing the results, we were unable to get it back off him. Mick’s big hope was for an elusive Pesce Regina “Queenfish” and I made the ‘BIG CALL’ that Monday would be the day – I guarantee. We headed down the west coast, and came across some boofing. The boys were all keen and started casting initially for no result. We headed further afield and then it all started – MAD MONDAY. The weather was perfect, and so was the fishing, we had a brief taste of some Queenfish before we managed to find some Northern Bluefin Tuna, and everyone landed multiple. We kept on the move until we decided it was time for lunch. My usual statement was made, ‘throw out a couple of baits, while I get the lunches’. Well, within 30 seconds the 3 rods went off, with Queenfish. We then decided we’d have lunch in peace, and then start fishing again (although Mick was concerned about giving himself indigestion from eating so quickly). We had a great afternoon, again almost a fish every cast – true madness. We had another day in the estuary, which provided some fun with Mangrove Jacks, Barramundi, Trevally and the usual Cod and Bream. Our last day we managed more Queenfish action, but only one Tuna (on the Shimano Fireblood). As the last hour started to wind down the boys pace became frantic to get as much out of the day as they could. We left the fish biting, and will look after them, until the guys return in 2010.

Thanks guys for a very enjoyable week. I had a great time as I know you did. See you in 2010.

Early May saw my best mate Mitch O’Mara and Brendon arrive along with Kiwi couple Mike and Mon.

Mitch and Brendon’s first day was tough with wind and dirty water but soon changed with the next day in Jacky Jacky saw us get some good Barramundi, Tarpon, Bream, Cod, Parrot, Stripeys, Mackerel, GT’s and a great fun session with Nannygai in the mangroves. Then the windy west coast which produced nice Barramundi, Tarpon, Salmon and some medium Queenfish. Then, Queenfish stupidity 15-20lb everywhere. Great strikes and surface action that Brendon had never seen before he reckons it’s better than Sex - not sure about that but each to their own. Sharks began to give us curry; it was arms and legs inside. Mitch loves his estuary fishing (as well as his poppers) we had some great moments initiating a feeding response from the Barramundi, then to see Barramundi and in particular some very nice Mangrove Jack’s on plastic’s, the smile on the face says it all. Thanks mate always good to see you, Brendon we had some laughs and some memorable moments, enjoyed your company.

After spending their first day doing some site seeing, Mike and Mon started their Jacky Jacky adventure. If I remember correctly Mon pulled in the first few fish, but Mike probably got the better fish of the day. Fingermark, Grunter, Queenfish, Bream and even a Mackerel, were amongst the fish caught. We then headed over to the west coast, where we had some great fun with Tarpon, Queenfish, Trevally – including a nice Golden Trevally, and a thumper of a Bluenose Salmon that hit the scales at 9lb. The fun continued with plenty more Queenfish madness, and while it was Mikes first time at throwing poppers he did make the comment he could stay until midnight, hauling in the Queenfish that were on offer to 18lb. Another day in the Estuary provided a whole lot of fun with Grunter, Cod, Bream, Tarpon, Mangrove Jack, Trevally and Queenfish, and even the elusive Barramundi on the last day of the trip. Mike and Mon had a great attitude towards fishing and were happy to try anything suggested and really enjoyed the experience we have on offer here.

Thanks very much. Will see you again soon.

Late May Bruce Abrahams arrives after a few years absence with new comer Paul Bisa, then a couple of days later Grainger and Brad Mayfield together with Luke Wallis arrive to have yet another great trip.

We spent the first two days in the Jacky Jacky system, and got off to a great start – well Paul did. After a couple of the usual encounters with Barracuda, Trevally and a nice Qld Groper, we headed to a secret spot, were we had some great fun on Coral Trout, Stripeys, Parrot fish, and Sweetlip. Then while casting lures as was the preferred fishing method, right at the boat Paul was ‘pounced’ upon by a lovely Barramundi. After a great fight we got her in the boat for some good photos, then returned the 83cm beauty back to her home. The Jacky Jacky also gave us some good entertainment with Bluenose Salmon, Tarpon, Cod, Grunter, and few lovely Fingermark and some smaller Barramundi. When we headed to the west coast the Queenfish were still providing us with some great fun, although they didn’t make it easy for us. We either had a Quiet morning and good afternoon or vice versa. Bruce managed to pull in a couple of nice Barramundi 75cm and 81cm, (not quite beating Paul’s – which was mentioned once or twice). We had some fun with Tarpon, Wolf Herring, Barracuda, Cod, Bream, Trevally, Grunter, and some Northern Bluefin Tuna – which the guys thought was great, (and tiring).

Thanks guys for an enjoyable week. Long live the Pheromones. See you again soon.

The Mayfield group don’t miss too many opportunities, weather made the blue water tough with windy days (5 out of 6) but who cares! Estuary sessions produced Barramundi numbers per day in the 20’s with the biggest at 80cm, sessions on Salmon to 75cm, Fingermark, Jewfish, Mangrove Jacks, Cod, Bream, Tarpon, and Grunter. Heaps of swarming Queenfish and GTs, then the usual sessions on BIG Queenfish to 20lb+ but, it was the sessions on large GTs that stole the show. We hooked and landed 2 @ 35lb, 2 @ 45lb, 2 @ 50lb and one over 60lb. This is where the gear is tested to the limit. You may or may not know at this stage that we have proudly received sponsorship from Shimano this year, thank god as the Stella’s and Twin power together with the 6000 Sustain and Stradics were simply great and did the job very well indeed. George the groper again gave us all thrills and heart tremors (ask Grainger who hand fed him, a memory he will not forget too quickly).

Last cast, last day thingy again, a school of about 15 large GTs arrive around the boat while retrieving the popper we see a strike....a miss, a second strike another miss then a third and a hole approximately 1m wide and deep appears and the call “I’m On” a second cast hits the water a split second later, another 1m hole appears the call “I’m on too”. It must have been hard for Luke not too get in there as well but he thought we were in enough trouble as it is with two big fish on and going in different directions, so he chose to stay out and help, THANKS mate. First runs were 250m long, the reels were actually warm with drags working beautifully, and the temptation to tighten up that drag is put to the test, but both angler and team need to keep their cool and don’t panic or lose your patience, we were close but got there. After about 30 minutes we had them both in but not before some heart stoppers, line cross-overs, Gropers, Motors, Anchor Ropes – you name it. But a fantastic way to finish a trip.

It’s hard to tell the feelings here but needless to say no one will forget that moment, fantastic. As was the call “these are fish of a lifetime”. Thanks again fellas but what do we do next year it’s getting harder now.

June saw Parrish McMahon and family (6) arrive to very strong winds - we’ve had some this year. But it just did not let up, so we spent the first few days hiding away in the Jacky Jacky system while it had its quieter times we still managed to get some nice fish namely Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Barramundi, plenty of Cod and Bream, Salmon, Nannygai, swarming Queenfish and Trevally and other Estuary species. Then the opportunity to have short periods in the blue and yes the big Queenfish did not let us down. Sharks were a bit active, they stopped us from getting many more fish in, some were nice Tuna. Not one of the party had used poppers before so they were amazed to see the visual surface action. One moment that will not be forgotten will be seeing Spaniards jumping vertically in the distance and steaming off to them to stop and cast and have a large Spanish Mackerel come out of the water heading straight for us with a popper hanging out of its mouth, unbelievable!!!!! Then also watching Mum “Maureen” bring in (first cast with a popper) a large Queenfish and see the smile on her face fantastic.

While it was a tough week at times we still caught some magic fish including plenty of large Queenfish to 20lb+, good Mangrove Jacks, Fingermark, Barramundi to 90cm, GT 40lb, and that Spaniard around 55lb. Plenty of Estuary species, a million Bream and Cod, a Croc, some silly moments with George. With none of the party ever having been fishing before in the tropics, I think they will take with them some fine memories. Our thoughts go out to Wayne who injured himself early in the trip and missed out on 3 days hope all is well soon mate.

Next in were Gary & Ian Young, Bob & Lynda Wells and first timer Wout. Again very windy conditions 30knots+, making things very difficult however, even with it we still managed to get some very nice fish indeed. We had early motor problems in one boat (crankshaft) so new motor now rather than the end of the season all good for 2008.

We started off with some excellent fishing in the river with good Barramundi, Mangrove Jacks, Grunter and Tarpon. Then while one boat sorted out it’s motor problems the group went over to the east coast with Salmon, nice Fingermark, Mangrove Jack, Cod and then a very memorable session on “BIG EYE COD” only they will appreciate this (nobody else would) many a laugh was had. The next two days were spent throughout the Jacky Jacky producing Barramundi to 87cm, Coral Trout to 70cm, Fingermark, Nannygai, heaps of Bream, GT’s and Cod. Then over to the west coast to brave the winds. Difficult conditions so we spent most of our time in the rivers again with good Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Saratoga, and Tarpon, with a session of 25+ Barramundi for one day being great fun. Then as conditions improved a little we managed to get some VERY FIT Tuna, with Bob landing a horse (Northern Blue Longtail) 14kg, also included several Queenfish to 10kg, small Spaniards and GTs to 6kg’s and of course the usual funny sessions with feeding our Gropers sometimes not intended. While the boys caught some very nice fish (Bob was tagged King of Cute, ie: little fish) it was wife Lynda who was Queen of Quality!!!!!!!!

It was indeed an eye opener for Wout who had not seen anything like this before. While this crew miss very few opportunities, Gary and Ian in the blue water, Bob in the Estuaries, Lynda anywhere on this trip, it was a pleasure to see them place and work their lures and to see the smile on Wout’s face when he landed the first of four Barramundi on lures. It was a tough trip wind wise aided by the fact that they all fish with barbless hooks (which we support) several good fish were lost during battle, particularly Tuna. We don’t have the luxury of time normally with plenty of sharks very keen to get to know you.

As always we both enjoyed your skills, company, laughter and on this occasion your understanding and patience with the motor etc.

Thanks again look forward to next year.

Until next time – TIGHT LINES
Lesley and Tim

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