General News
27 May, 2026
Sunny days helping no end
WEATHER conditions have finally improved, allowing fishers to enjoy the excellent local fisheries.
In freshwater, sooty bream and jungle perch are being caught in good numbers.
Surface lures are still producing plenty of fish, with the Drunken Mullet and Chasebaits Flexi Frog continuing to perform despite the cooler weather.
Barramundi are also still being caught in the cane drains, with small paddle-tail plastics that resemble tilapia consistently taking good-sized fish.
Unfortunately, this introduced species is spreading through our freshwater systems and competing with native fish.
In the estuaries, red bream are being caught in good numbers, both on lures and fresh bait, with 40cm fish being reported. A fish that size is a prize catch for most fisherman, not to mention the eating quality.
Red bream love to feed on small crab which in turn makes their flesh very white and soft, making them a very sought after species.
Barras along with a few salmon are also being caught in the estuaries.
The barra have slowed, however if you can find some water above 24 degrees generally you will get them to feed.
The sunny days we are having now will help to no end. Good grunter are being caught on the bigger tides, grunter love to forage on the bottom as the stronger currents expose small shellfish and crabs.
Mud crabs are also being caught in good numbers, mainly down towards the mouth of the rivers. Fresh bait and a good secure trap is key to your success with mud crabs.
On the exposed headlands bigger barra are being caught.
Those fortunate enough to have live scope are able to find the fish, then accurately cast their lures close enough to encourage the fish to feed. This technique is not easy, while those who master it will have spent countless hours learning this skill.
Out around the islands some good trout and grassy sweet lip are being caught along with some good finger-mark. A few grey mackerel are starting to show up as well. Spanish mackerel are out around the eight-mile spot with good fish being reported.
On the Reef, trout and red throat emperor are in good numbers. Plenty of Spanish have been caught as well, floating a ganged hooked pilchard out the back while bottom fishing. Those fishermen chasing red emperor and nannygai are reporting shark numbers not seen before, makes getting fish to the boat difficult.
– Tony Mossop, Tackle World Tully
Read More: Cassowary Coast