Page 94 - Port Douglas Magazine 46

explore.
explore.
DRAGON LADY FISHING CHARTERS

Fish in one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, with the iconic
Dragon Lady Fishing Charters!
One of the few charters to take you out 50kms offshore to the expansive outer reef
for a true reef fishing experience. Our comfortable 50ft New Westcoaster will get you
to the reef fast for maximum fishing time.
Professional skipper with decades of experience putting people on the spot so you’ll
catch a mix of Coral Trout, Spanish Mackerel, GT’s, Nannygai, Red Emperor and much
more!
All rods, reels, tackle, and bait provided, take home what you catch!
Fully catered lunch and refreshments.
Full Day Shared Outer Reef Fishing Charter: 8.30am to 4.30pm $299
SUMMERTIME dragonlady.com.au

0429 372 466

IN FNQ HOOK-A-BARRA

Hook-A-Barra Fishing Experience takes you on a fun, hands on adventure, where you
can learn all about this native iconic species that has all anglers obsessed.
But wait… you don’t have to know how to fish to be part of the action! The friendly
crew on hand will help you battle it out against your friends and family to create
unforgettable memories for even the first time fisho.
Our Local fishing guides will have you ‘Hooked on Fishing’ and you never know, you
might catch the big one!
We have an onsite Barra Kitchen where you can experience the freshest fish in FNQ.
Delicious, award-winning, sustainable, and only 50 food metres from paddock to plate.
Catch you soon!

hookabarra.com
07 4098 7117

Words by Nicko Fewtrell

HEAT, HUMiDiTY AND RAiNFOREST STREAMS
With the south-easterlies finally backing off and the mercury climbing,

summertime in Port Douglas makes its entrance with all the subtlety of a

crocodile sliding off a sandbank. The humidity hangs thick in the air, and
for many of us that’s the cue to head inland and wander the cool rainforest

streams in search of one of Australia’s prettiest native freshwater fish: the
Jungle Perch.
They’re not a large species, but they carry themselves like they own the

postcode. Jungle Perch hit lures with reckless aggression, ruling their deep

pools like tiny FNQ warlords — but only on the first cast. Miss that shot
and they transform from fearless to famously elusive, melting away into the CREEK CONDiTiONS: UNPREDiCTABLE BUT REWARDiNG

shadows. Shy? Maybe. Smart? Definitely. Summer creek fishing can be hit-and-miss thanks to rapidly changing water

There’s something special about chasing these fish in the crystal-clear levels. As floodwaters rise and fall, the fish often shift toward the headlands

creeks. With the rainforest canopy stretched above you, each bend offers seeking more stable conditions.
a fresh pocket of water, a new perch or two, and the perfect excuse for a That said, the creeks can still fire. Mangrove jack are particularly active

quick dip between spots. A light spin rod, 4–10 lb braid, 15 lb mono leader in the warmer months, and the better-quality fish often hold around the

and a handful of lures is all you need. They’ll take soft plastics, hardbodies, river mouths. Barramundi, however, are off-limits from 1 November to 31

or bait — but watching a perch smash a topwater lure is pure FNQ magic. January while they spawn in the brackish summer water — a vital closure NORSEMAN & ODIN - REEF FISHING REDEFINED

CHASiNG A FEED: FiNGERMARK SEASON that keeps the fishery thriving.
If you’re looking to put something on the dinner table, this time of year If you’re keen to chase a Barra legally during the closure, Lake Tinaroo on ALL DAY NORSEMAN: A full day fishing to the Great Barrier Reef.

belongs to the fingermark. Early wet-season rains push nutrient-rich the Atherton Tablelands is only an hour from Port Douglas and home to 60ft custom built vessel.

freshwater through systems like the Daintree, spilling into the Coral Sea some genuine trophy fish or simply visit the crew at Hook-a-Barra just HALF DAY

and sparking a massive baitfish bloom. down the road. PRIVATE ODIN: Your ultimate sports fishing adventure.

This creates a unique food chain that switched-on anglers can take full FiSHiNG PORT DOUGLAS SHARED 7.5m custom built sports fishing boat

advantage of. For many locals, it’s prime time to load the bait tank with live For visitors or newcomers to the region, Port Douglas is spoiled for

squid — a temptation fingermark finds nearly impossible to refuse. Bring choice when it comes to local fishing charters. Operators here cater to all

one aboard and you’ll quickly understand why they’re such a prized table experience levels and budgets, and the collective knowledge among the

fish. And the leftover squid? That cooks up nicely too. guides is second to none. T 0419 015 262

Squid are generally easy to pick up around rocky or weedy headlands. Keep Whether you’re after rainforest creek species, reef fish, fingermark, or

a few for bait and a few for dinner, and if you’ve got kids with you, don’t be simply a day exploring FNQ waters, there’s a charter in town ready to get mvnorseman.com.au
surprised if catching the bait ends up being the highlight of their day. you on the fish.

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PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 95