With the onset of our winter pattern the fishing has taken a bizzare twist in our neck of the woods and it is all positive. 

We'll start with the outer reef fishing and I'm kidding you, it has had some action packed days like no other. We normally see this type of transition in the early stages of winter but it has gone to a new level. Sure we've had our traditional target species really kicking into which have included coral trout, emperor and small and large mouth nannygai. They have rolled out nicely on most days. But what we've seen recently is some of our more exotic species play a big role and a few oddball surprises. The exotic category has included regular barramundi cod (released), baldy bream, reef mangrove jack, speckle scaled seaperch and a good rounding up of cattle dog cod which are normally elusive. Now for the odd balls we've seen some coastal fish venture way outside of their parameters some 20 plus miles to the outer reef including big fingermark and dusky flathead. What inspired them to make such a journey has us all guessing. 

On the pelagic scene the spanish mackerel have turned it on in a big, big way. Whether trolling lures or floating a pilchard they have been sensational to speak the honest truth. Whether it's been our reef bottom fishing charter or game charter they have been a regular feature. In more recent times they have grown from the average 7-8kg range to 12-20kg in a short period. In my opinion they are right up there when it comes to pure sportfishing, adrenalin fuelling for the angler and a whole heap of fun. Taking home a slab of fillets to feed a family of 12 plus people is the cream on top. 

Now closer to home we have had some very interesting fishing in our calmer waters for this time of year. The Daintree River has remained very strong for the likes of big queenfish, trevally, fingermark, grunter along with some interesting species including sickle fish and feather bream. Now locally in the Dickson Inlet it has fished really well for this time of year for mangrove jack and some barra have also shown interest. The surprises to turn up have included legitimate sized slatey bream and spangled emperor of all things. These are offshore fish without question.  As like the reef, the inshore fishing has experienced surprises and it is a like a cross pollination scenario. Again something must be in the water to encourage this type of behaviour between completely two vastly different environments. 

So in the Far North there is always something to raise an eyebrow and the fishing will settle in beautifully for the next few months. Outside of dealing with frustrating Covid spanners in the works we sincerely hope as many of you can get here to see what we are talking about.