GET HOOKED WITH HEFF: Large coral trout, quality nannygai and red emperor biting on the Reef

FISHING COLUMN

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Large coral trout, quality nannygai and red emperor have been biting on the Reef. Picture: Supplied

There’s no question the Far North has been recently put through the washing machine with Cyclone Jasper in mid December and the record breaking rain that followed.

However, the fishing in the area has been a highlight in recent times and part of the healing process in the recovery for many a local -  river, reef and game fishing has all delivered for Douglas Shire fishers at some point.

In the river and creeks, conditions are back to some normality as the rainfall has eased and there are some real positives.

It's no secret that the barra post new year have been ballistic around the river entrances and along the beaches. Live mullet or four inch white paddle tail soft plastics have been the choice of weapon. I personally think it is going to be very productive for barra over the next couple of months. 

Offshore the reef fishing has been very good, especially for large coral trout, quality nannygai and red emperor. Fishing deep water is currently the key whether it be isolated bommies, rubble patches or wonky holes.

The best depth of range has been in excess of 35m. Explore different ground and be on the initiative and keep moving around at this time of year.

On the game fishing scene it has been all light tackle with some excellent results. 

Probably the most interesting thing we've learnt has been the amount of bait that had been pushed out towards the continental shelf but still inside the reef.

The pelagic fishing is red hot for the likes of spanish mackerel, mack tuna and more interestingly yellowfin tuna.

Typically you’d expect to see yellowfin outside of the reef on the shelf, but obviously they realised something was happening inside and they came in their droves. It hasn't really mattered what lures you troll as they seem to be in a super frenzy mood. We are anticipating this trend will continue.

We are well and truly open for business in FNQ and hope we see you out there for some great angling. 

*Heff has spent 28 years in the fishing industry and is the owner of Fishing Port Douglas.

www.fishingportdouglas.com.au