GET HOOKED: Perfect conditions means excellent fishing across the Douglas Shire
COLUMN
Magnificent weather has been a feature in recent times as a palatable winter pattern dominates proceedings across the Douglas Shire.
It has allowed a lot more opportunity for anglers to explore the region and the fruits of that labour have been brilliant.
Having been forced dormant for many months due to inclement conditions, heading out to the reef especially for smaller craft is now common practice.
All varieties of reef species are on the chew with a southern current and wind direction providing the idyllic ingredients for this time of year.
You name it, locals and charters are catching them including large mouth nannygai, red emperor, coral trout, golden trevally, spanish mackerel, spotted mackerel, gold spot trevally, cattle dog cod, cobia and spangled emperor to name just a few of the prominent species.
It depends who you talk to but there's been various success on most moon phases and tides on the day. It depicts that the fish are generally in a very generous mood.
Within our rivers and creeks the warm days still will offer up a barra with low tide being prime time.
Our bigger systems such as the Daintree River have some ripping one metre Queenfish active on the incoming tides in the main channels with fingermark fishing well right on the top of the tide.
Golden trevally and javelin fish are also busy around the entrances on an incoming tide.
As an industry we have our fingers crossed this wonderful stretch of weather can extend right through the school holidays making up for a slow start to the year.
Our local charter lads are primed to showcase what many consider to be the best fishery in the world.
*Heff has spent 28 years in the fishing industry and is the owner of Fishing Port Douglas.
www.fishingportdouglas.com.au
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