Page 80 - Port Douglas Magazine 43

Tackling

Australia

Nicko - the FNQ “Reel Deal”

WORDS by Maura Mancini

or fishing enthusiasts and lovers of Australia’s stunning coastline, Nicko
Fewtrell is a name that resonates. As one of the charismatic hosts of
Tackling Australia, Channel Seven’s popular fishing and adventure series,
FNicko captivates viewers with his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for
sport angling. But for Far North Queensland locals, Nicko is more than a
television personality, he’s a dedicated local fisho — a term for an avid angler
in Aussie slang — who has made the waters of this region his life’s playground.
FROM THE FISHING SHOW TO TACKLING AUSTRALIA
Nicko’s TV journey began with The Fishing Show, a project with whom he jumped on
board with his friend and co-host Nigel Webster, to share their love for the sport.
Together, they make a unique duo: Journalists, tournament anglers, fishing guides and
experts in all things “fishy.” Their chemistry and combined expertise have made them
favourites among anglers, both on and off-screen. Their hands-on approach, humour,
and genuine excitement quickly gained a loyal following, ultimately leading to Tackling
Australia on Channel Seven. This series blends Nicko’s adventurous spirit with Nigel’s
light-hearted charm, taking viewers across Australia’s fishing hotspots to uncover
techniques, tips, and the incredible diversity of marine life Down Under.
With the upcoming launch of Tackling Australia on YouTube in 2025, Nicko and Nigel
will bring their love of fishing, skillful techniques, and adventurous spirit to an even
larger audience. This expansion is thrilling for sportfishing fans across Australia and
for Port Douglas locals, who can take pride in seeing their region showcased on both a
national and global stage.

FISHING IN PARADISE: THE DAINTREE & GREAT BARRIER REEF
With the lush Daintree Rainforest as his backyard and the Great Barrier Reef just a Largemouth Nannygai
boat ride away, Nicko has created a lifestyle about which many fishos can only dream.
His adventures highlight a wealth of expertise in both fishing technique and local
knowledge, showcasing the unique conditions and diverse marine life that make this
region one of the world’s top fishing destinations.
The Daintree River, with its dense mangroves, swirling currents, and clear upper
reaches, is one of his favourite spots, offering challenging fishing grounds for species
like barramundi, mangrove jack, and jungle perch. “Barramundi fishing here is as good
as it gets,” he says, underscoring the thrill of the catch. Techniques such as casting
weedless soft plastics and paddle tails into submerged snags are ideal for reaching
these feisty species hidden in the dense cover of the river. The jungle perch, often
found in the clearer, calmer sections, presents an exciting challenge for anglers.
Just off the coast of Port Douglas, Nicko’s passion for fishing extends beyond the river
to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef — a dream destination for any angler. These
vibrant waters teem with marine life, from trevally and queenfish in the estuaries to
sought-after reef dwellers like giant trevally (GT), coral trout, red emperor, and even
the rare passionfruit coral trout. The region is also famous for its massive black marlin,
some weighing over 400 kilograms, offering the ultimate thrill of battling an underwater
giant.
To bring in these remarkable catches, Nicko uses a variety of techniques like deepwater
jigging, stick baiting, and trolling, targeting sport fish such as yellowfin tuna, mackerel,
and saddletail snapper aka largemouth nannygai, along with the legendary black marlin.

80 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner
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