General News
5 February, 2026
Prawns promise excitement
WITH the rain easing and creeks being able to be fished again, most fishermen are taking advantage of the good weather up in the freshwater.
Good jungle perch and sooty bream continue to be caught in good numbers at this time of year. Both these species will chase anything that swims on the surface. Small poppers and walk-the-dog lures work a treat for this style of fishing. The new Malosi Atom 60 Papa has been catching more than its fair share of fish in the last couple of weeks.
In the estuary systems, prawns are having the usual effect on all our tropical species. In general, if you can find prawns in the estuary, there will be three or four different species taking their turn feeding on them at any one time – even the smaller ones a centimetre long will be chased. It’s no coincidence that our tropical fish species all spawn in the wet season, which coincides with the abundance of food created by the flooding rain.
Down towards the river mouths and along the open beaches, good numbers of grunter and blue salmon are being caught. First thing in the morning, when it’s nice and calm, the prawns will come right in close to the shore, bringing the predators in with them. Casting lures or live bait around these areas can result in some exciting action, especially during the dawn run when the fish are most active.
Inside the river mouths, Queenfish and trevally will be up to their usual tactics, rounding up bait schools as they come off the flats. Watching these fish chase bait can be just as enjoyable as catching them sometimes.
Reports of good-sized crabs are coming in. With the extra fresh water in the systems, crabs generally move towards the saltier water, making them a little easier to catch. Fresh bait and a good quality crab pot are important – most crabs can easily get in and out of a poorly set up crab pot.
Good numbers of red bream are also being caught in the estuaries. Both bait and lure fishermen have been enjoying catching some good quality fish.
Out around the islands and on the Reef, fishermen are catching some quality fish, with coral trout boated in good numbers along with some nice nannygai out in the deeper water.
Surprisingly, Spanish mackerel are still being caught in good numbers. Usually, the school size Spanish mackerel move south following the cooler water this time of the year. Trolling hard bodied lure like the Rapala X-rap along the reef edges has been coming up with good results.
Unfortunately, with the warmer water, the shark numbers have also increased, making it impossible to get a whole fish to the boat at times. Hopefully, with all the fresh water making its way into the ocean, water temperatures will begin to ease, making the sharks a little less active and improving your chances of landing a decent catch.
The weather over the weekend was spectacular for divers and snorkellers. The big run in the tides make it a bit difficult but water clarity was great up on the reef.
Barra season is now open, so seek the best advise on how to land a big one.
– Tony Mossop, Tackle World Tully
Read More: Cassowary Coast