ant
09-05-2007, 02:05 PM
Allright, Allright. I can see that from a few of the postings that some people do not appreciate me keeping the good fishing spots to myself.
Please understand that a lot of these spots are on private or DOGIT land and the owners have given me permission to fish there on the premise that I do not make them public. As a Fishing magazine Editor, and journo, I do not even write articles on these spots or hint as to where they are.
However, I do understand some of the frustrations people have when going to a new area and the fact that they are only there for a short time and want to make the most of it so this is for you..........
Secret Spots/Spot worth a fish.
1: Pennefather: This area can be absolutely awesome and I (with the Weipa flyfishing club) have caught 16 different species of fish there in one weekend on fly. The area can also return good crabbing if you know where to look. Like all areas, you have to go on the good tides and know where to fish. Pennefather fishes well on the last of the run-in tide and the first of the run-out tide as a general rule. I always fish the area on the weeks of the moons (both full and new). The beaches south of the river mouth can turn on some spectacular fishing on the run-in tides. Fish lures and fly and look out for cruising fish. You will often see big fish and schools of fish in the water as you are driving along the sand. I have caught coral trout off the beach here with poppers!!
Word of warning here-don't get too close to the water with the vehicle-particularly if you are unfortunate enough to own a Nissan (just turning that handle a little more!)
At the mouth of the river, there is a lagoon that can turn on some fantastic fishing particularly on the last of the run-in and the first of the run-out tides. This area also fishes well at night on a good tide and you can be kept awake by boofing barra if you camp nearby. The apot where the water runs out from the lagoon can bring on some spectacular sessions as well. If you are fortunate enough to be there with the first of the run-out tide as daark approaches then you are in for a lot of fun. Tripple, and quadrouple hook-ups are regular.
There is also a deep hole just to the north of the mouth of the lagoon that is worth a look at night.
For crabs: Last of the run-out tide only at this spot! Drive past the lagoon and follow the track as far as you can go (it is tight and seems to vanish at times). Stop just before you go onto the beach for the second time and then walk further south for about ten minutes (if that). You will see a small creek on your right that is spilling out into the main river. The water is ankle to knee deep. Walk out into the water (carefully) with a net and simply scoop them up. Keep an eye out for crocs as they are there. It can be a little 'hairy' but is well worth the effort. This spot is not known to many people (even locals in Weipa).
Words of warning: if camping at Pennefather, you should first contact Napranum Aboriginal Council (07 40697855- ask to be put through to the Rangers office) for a permit as the rangers do not like people dropping in unexpectadely. Also, there are 'permanent' camps along the beaches and at the lagoon. These are privately owned and the owners will not appreciate you camping there uninvited.
2: Second bridge. This is a short drive north from Weipa. This spot is far better than the more popular "first bridge" for fishing but not a lot of people like driving that little bit further. Lazy like Batsey!!!
Fish the bridge on the first of the run-out tide at night for some fantastic barra action. I use the Prawnstar lures here and the barra eat them like lollies. You are not supposed to fish from the bridge. Read between the lines as I think you know where the best spot to fish from is. Prime spot is the second pylon out from the south side of the bridge. Cast in under the bridge and jig the lure back out with the tide/current.
Take a walk along the bridge and just look into the water-you will be amazed at what swims past you. (crocs, sharks, snakes, big barra, tarpon, queenfish and some of the biggest schools of king salmon that I have ever seen).
3: Gonbung: Situated just to the right (looking at the water) of the Evans landing boat ramp. this spot is in a 'sort of bay' and fishes well for all manner of fish such as big grunter, queenfish, barra, trevally, etc. Fishes well day and night but again on the right tides (as above). Popular bait here is prawns.
4: Evans Landing jetty: Take some big monster taming gear here if you want to tangle with sea monsters at night. This spot has probably accounted for more lost gear in one area than any other. I was speaking to a guy who actually dived the area a few years back and he was amazed at what was down there. Mind you he was very quick to get out of the water when a 'large shaddow' passed slowly over him when he was on the bottom. Didn't know what it was and didn't really look/care either. Never went back in again.
That will do for now.... I have more serious work to be doing like editing another fishing publication.
If this info has been helpful then let me know and I may post some more spots. Also feel free to ask particular/specific questions. I will gladly answer anthing that I can without giving away areas trusted to me.
By the way, I am fishing and camping the areas in late June/early July this year (2007) if you are around at that time, let me know.
Please understand that a lot of these spots are on private or DOGIT land and the owners have given me permission to fish there on the premise that I do not make them public. As a Fishing magazine Editor, and journo, I do not even write articles on these spots or hint as to where they are.
However, I do understand some of the frustrations people have when going to a new area and the fact that they are only there for a short time and want to make the most of it so this is for you..........
Secret Spots/Spot worth a fish.
1: Pennefather: This area can be absolutely awesome and I (with the Weipa flyfishing club) have caught 16 different species of fish there in one weekend on fly. The area can also return good crabbing if you know where to look. Like all areas, you have to go on the good tides and know where to fish. Pennefather fishes well on the last of the run-in tide and the first of the run-out tide as a general rule. I always fish the area on the weeks of the moons (both full and new). The beaches south of the river mouth can turn on some spectacular fishing on the run-in tides. Fish lures and fly and look out for cruising fish. You will often see big fish and schools of fish in the water as you are driving along the sand. I have caught coral trout off the beach here with poppers!!
Word of warning here-don't get too close to the water with the vehicle-particularly if you are unfortunate enough to own a Nissan (just turning that handle a little more!)
At the mouth of the river, there is a lagoon that can turn on some fantastic fishing particularly on the last of the run-in and the first of the run-out tides. This area also fishes well at night on a good tide and you can be kept awake by boofing barra if you camp nearby. The apot where the water runs out from the lagoon can bring on some spectacular sessions as well. If you are fortunate enough to be there with the first of the run-out tide as daark approaches then you are in for a lot of fun. Tripple, and quadrouple hook-ups are regular.
There is also a deep hole just to the north of the mouth of the lagoon that is worth a look at night.
For crabs: Last of the run-out tide only at this spot! Drive past the lagoon and follow the track as far as you can go (it is tight and seems to vanish at times). Stop just before you go onto the beach for the second time and then walk further south for about ten minutes (if that). You will see a small creek on your right that is spilling out into the main river. The water is ankle to knee deep. Walk out into the water (carefully) with a net and simply scoop them up. Keep an eye out for crocs as they are there. It can be a little 'hairy' but is well worth the effort. This spot is not known to many people (even locals in Weipa).
Words of warning: if camping at Pennefather, you should first contact Napranum Aboriginal Council (07 40697855- ask to be put through to the Rangers office) for a permit as the rangers do not like people dropping in unexpectadely. Also, there are 'permanent' camps along the beaches and at the lagoon. These are privately owned and the owners will not appreciate you camping there uninvited.
2: Second bridge. This is a short drive north from Weipa. This spot is far better than the more popular "first bridge" for fishing but not a lot of people like driving that little bit further. Lazy like Batsey!!!
Fish the bridge on the first of the run-out tide at night for some fantastic barra action. I use the Prawnstar lures here and the barra eat them like lollies. You are not supposed to fish from the bridge. Read between the lines as I think you know where the best spot to fish from is. Prime spot is the second pylon out from the south side of the bridge. Cast in under the bridge and jig the lure back out with the tide/current.
Take a walk along the bridge and just look into the water-you will be amazed at what swims past you. (crocs, sharks, snakes, big barra, tarpon, queenfish and some of the biggest schools of king salmon that I have ever seen).
3: Gonbung: Situated just to the right (looking at the water) of the Evans landing boat ramp. this spot is in a 'sort of bay' and fishes well for all manner of fish such as big grunter, queenfish, barra, trevally, etc. Fishes well day and night but again on the right tides (as above). Popular bait here is prawns.
4: Evans Landing jetty: Take some big monster taming gear here if you want to tangle with sea monsters at night. This spot has probably accounted for more lost gear in one area than any other. I was speaking to a guy who actually dived the area a few years back and he was amazed at what was down there. Mind you he was very quick to get out of the water when a 'large shaddow' passed slowly over him when he was on the bottom. Didn't know what it was and didn't really look/care either. Never went back in again.
That will do for now.... I have more serious work to be doing like editing another fishing publication.
If this info has been helpful then let me know and I may post some more spots. Also feel free to ask particular/specific questions. I will gladly answer anthing that I can without giving away areas trusted to me.
By the way, I am fishing and camping the areas in late June/early July this year (2007) if you are around at that time, let me know.