Sport
23 January, 2026
Lots of red bream are biting
HOT, humid conditions continue to dominate our region at the moment.
Creating plenty of opportunities to catch some good fish, from jungle perch to coral trout.
All tropical species enjoy the wet season. The extra nutrient in the water creates food for the smaller fish, which in turn feeds the larger fish. It's a wonderful cycle to observe.
Up in the freshwater systems, sooty bream and jungle perch are actively chasing surface lures such as the Mintoss and Chase Bait frogs. The Drunken Mullet fizzer is also working well.
Lots of barras are being seen in the cane drains chasing small bait fish, so when the season opens it will be good fishing.
Estuary fishermen have been enjoying some good red bream fishing. These fish will actively chase down a well presented lure. Once taking the lure they will quickly retreat back into the snag, sometimes making it impossible to get them out.
It’s important when luring for red bream to have a heavy enough rod and reel with around 30lb braid on it, so when you need to you can apply enough pressure to keep your fish out of the snags.
With all the fresh water in the creeks the crabbing has picked up noticeably.
Always use the freshest bait you can buy and try running your pots out around the river mouths this time of the year, they will be out looking for salty water.
Grunter have also been caught in good numbers over the last couple of weeks, out around the river mouths.
A light spin combo around 6-8kg is ideal for this type of work.
Grunter love to eat prawns and some fanatical fishermen even peel the prawns for them.
Reef fishermen have also been enjoying the good fishing, with coral trout, red emperor and nannygai all being caught in good numbers. Spanish mackerel are still being caught both on the Reef and around the islands.
Trolling hard bodied lures like the Halco laser pro work well. Some fishermen drift a ganged hooked pilchard out the back of the boat while bottom fishing.
The coming forecast looks like more hot and still conditions, heading out early and getting back before the afternoon storms arrive is a good option.
Remember to always get an up-to-date forecast before heading out and stay safe.
– Tony Mossop, Tackle World Tully
Read More: Cassowary Coast