Sport
16 October, 2025
Sharks grab many catches
The Cassowary Coast area continues to offer fantastic freshwater fishing, with local kids making the most of the school holidays.
Excellent catches of sooty grunter and jungle perch have been reported, along with several impressive red bream landed in freshwater systems – a prized and hard-fighting catch.
Barramundi are still being caught in good numbers across both freshwater and estuary systems.
As water temperatures rise, catch rates should improve further, with many anglers already finding success using surface lures such as the Chasebaits Drunken Mullet.
In the estuaries, good numbers of red bream and barra are being taken on both hard-bodied and soft plastic lures.
Lucky Craft Pointers and Panic Station Mullets have proven especially effective.
Around estuary mouths, trevally and queenfish are actively smashing surface lures, with reports of some big, unstoppable fish.
Flathead are also still being caught late in the season on small lures worked along the bottom.
Offshore, Spanish mackerel remain active around the islands.
Trolling garfish on the new Reaper Rig has been producing great results, while ganged pilchards under a float are another solid option. The sight of big mackerel schools this late in the season is a promising sign.
When weather conditions allow, reef trips have delivered good numbers of coral trout, red emperor and nannygai.
However, many anglers are struggling to beat the sharks to their catch.
A new Australian-developed product, the R-Pelx Shark Shield, is showing excellent results in reducing shark losses – it’s worth dropping into the store for a chat with the boys to learn more.
A reminder:
The first reef fin fish closure runs from 18-25 October.
The Spanish mackerel closure runs from 18 October-8 November.
Always check the latest weather report before heading out — and good luck on your next fishing adventure.
–Tony Mossop, Tackle World Tully
Read More: Cassowary Coast