It's been a privilege for over 22yrs to write for Australia's biggest angling magazine, Fishing Monthly representing our wonderful piece of paradise in Port Douglas. It's been a big part of what we do in our industry. Let's see if we can whet the appetite one more time to entice you to come and angle the best overall fishery in the world. We are sad to see it end. 

It's that time of year when the big Black Marlin fishery has kicked well and truly into gear. The run started at the top of the Ribbon Reefs with solid numbers of fish making their annual congregation to breed on the continental shelf in early October and has extended right to the end of the month moving down to the middle Ribbon systems. The biggest I've heard of is a Jurrasic 1300lb model which is right up there in history along with many others reaching the magical 1000lb mark. There's been everything in between ranging from 200lb stallions right up to the big girls. The bite as it typically does, moves down the line to our local grounds being Opal Ridge and the famous Linden Bank. The strike rate has been impressive thus far and will continue till around mid December. A typical day has seen hook up rates ranging between 3-6 per vessel. What sized fish jumps on the end of the line is all in the mystery of these grand masters of the ocean. There's been a good schooling of bait on the shelf and yellowfin tuna and wahoo are a great side line on the lighter gear to add to the excitement. It is the pinnacle of angling and a must do in your life time. My most favourite photos for writing for this magazine are pictured below depicting this Formula 1 style of fishing.

On the Great Barrier Reef itself the water temperatures have spiked up to around 29 degrees so fishing deeper water is now integral. Following the fish spawn when they do congregate up into the shallows most targeted species have retreated to the depths and feeding patterns. Rubble ground and deep pinnacles in the 35m plus range is where you need to concentrate. South east and easterly winds will fish better with the northerlies shutting down the fishery. The turn of the tides are creating a better bite so be on your best marks over this period. For a little while to come with stable conditions, fishing at night definitely has its place but always keep an eye out for land or coastal storms which can be nothing short of scary. The likes of red emperor and large mouth nannygai are more active at night with coral trout species a day time prospect. 

The rivers and creeks are getting tougher during the day as the sun temperature is now peaking. Low light periods either at dawn or dusk are your peak times and if it coincides with a tide change even better. We've still been cracking incidental barra catches (released during their closure), fingermark, mangrove jack, golden treavlly, javelin fish, tarpon and cod. So there's a lot of variety there with live baiting and soft plastics lure casting producing the results. 

Not too much is going to change in the near future until the wet season decides to kick in. We're all hoping there's not a repeat of last year which did cause a lot of grief in the region. 

Thanks to all that have followed this magazine report over the years and always remember you have a friend at www.fishingportdouglas.com.au if you are visiting the area.

Cheers to all and Take Care !

Heff