Whilst the majority of Australia are battling with the elements of a chilly and challenging winter, up in the tropics we are revelling in more mild conditions. In fact in a lot of cases the fishing has gone to a complete whole new level. There is never a dull moment on the calendar when fishing in the tropics. 

All the buzz at the moment is having a good day fishing out on the Great Barrier Reef. All manners of species are on the chew and it can be a lottery draw as to what you'll pull up over the side of the boat.  In the deeper waters, 30m plus, you can expect to hook up to a variety of fish including impressive red emperor, large and small mouth nannygai of sizable proportions, cobia, green jobfish plus good sized spanish mackerel which tend to patrol moreso around deep bommies and pinnacles.  As you move into the shallower water of 15 - 25m the lucky dip continues with numerous species possible.  These include numerous coral trout up to 5kg and considered a jewel of the sea, there are also healthy numbers of moses perch, stripies and sweetlip.  Although not considered as common species there are some extra suprises of high quality fish entailing cattle dog cod, maroi bream and a recent influx of Robinson sea bream which only frequent our waters at this time of year.  So as you can see depending on weather conditions there are a huge range of fish to be caught in all levels of the water column. On our charters our fish bags which the clients take home represent all the colours of the rainbow.  It is by far the most popular choice of angling by those who visit the region.  

Not to be dismissed our estuary and river systems have settled into a winter programme providing equally some exciting moments on the calm water.  The species which are providing the most entertainment have been a consistent run of 1m queenfish which are in my opinion in the top 5 sportfish to be caught up here. They enjoy a good run in tide and fish well to the top of the tide and the first part of the run out tide.  Their theatrics on the surface as they can contort and twist their bodies in the air provide an adrenalin rush like so few others. Surface poppers or live sardines 2m under a float are accounting for most of these fish. Other species which have shown true form have included a steady flow of mangrove jack and bream hard up against the mangrove banks. There are handy numbers of fingermark lurking around deeper sunken structures and there is always a number of river trevally scooting in and around the system.  If you try your hand around the river mouths and associated sandy flats you will also encounter some ripping golden trevally and grunter on a rising tide.  This makes for some very visually exciting fishing in skinny water.  At the moment it is also worth setting a few mud crab pots at the start of your trip and checking them on the way home to pick up a major bonus at the end of the day.

As you can see there are a multitude of options at your disposal in our fishing world despite it being winter and that's why it is considered by many as a must visit angling destination.  As the days go by a few new species will reveal themselves as the season changes making for an even better angling experience.