With a more settled weather pattern and a steady flow of tourists we are on the verge for great overall fishing. However there are a few pieces of the puzzle to overcome as you'll read.

We'll start with the reef fishing which is probably the most popular choice for punters at Fishing Port Douglas. It took till late September to offer this at a full day level due to the wind intensity. To be truthfully honest the fishing has been red hot and no problem hooking into nannygai, spangled emperor, red emperor and coral trout. At times though the ‘men in grey suits’ stole the show around the moons and made it difficult. We've experienced days where some cracking fish were hooked up to one after another but the worst day recorded us to re-rig 40 terminal outfits. Some of the heads of the fish we did manage to boat showed they were thumping fish and there's certain sections of the reef to avoid in the current state whilst water temperatures increase the shark activity. It's a fact but two sets of Reef Closures in October and November normally coincide with great weather and you can't go fishing on the reef. Double this with 3 weeks of Spanish Mackerel Closures in both months only compounds the opportunity to go fishing as soon as you leave the harbour leads. The Mackerel Closure in particular is an extremely controversial topic introduced by the current state government. 

Back to the calm water inshore scene and Fingermark have enjoyed the spike in water temperature. They’ve been around the 50cm mark for the most and using live sardines don't miss the mark. Mixed in whilst targeting them have been a few cod on the side. There's been other species in different sections of the river and creeks including queenfish, golden trevally and javelin fish which seem to be around in reasonable numbers. However the brilliant run on the barramundi is still the highlight up in our neck of the woods. It is the Number 1 request by far and it’s not as easy as that. Yet as I’m writing this, it is with a smile as our strike rate on charter has been right up there, maybe 70-80% of trips. They’ve been good thumping sized ones up to 85cm, probably averaging 70-75cm overall. From memory most have been caught utilising live bait with the odd one caught on lures but only with good anglers. The turns of the tide are critical for an hour or so with low tide probably producing the strongest bite. In saying this we've been able to pluck them at random which shows they are fattening themselves up before the wet season. Unfortunately though their 3 month closure is basically upon us and any accidental catches must be released. It will go on record however as the best barra season in over 20yrs.

The game fishing endeavours have gotten off to a slower start which can happen year by year. The top of the Ribbon Reefs have picked up gradually recording marlin and other light tackle pelagics. The Port Douglas grounds have been awaiting some decent current to kick into gear on the shelf and then this will fire up. It's likely this is already taking place as I write. Reminder the Port Douglas Marlin Challenge 4 day tournament is from the 20th - 23rd November and all based on good tides. This is a Blue Ribbon Event and you can reach out to me via our contact form if you are interested in competing.