Fishing Charters on Cape York

[yetti]

Gday all,

Normally I am not one to say too much unless it is relevant. Unfortunately in this case I thought I'd speak up on behalf of all charter operators on the Cape, including myself.

At the moment there are some unscrupulous persons running dodgy charters on the Cape. ie, no commercial rego, no insurance, no permits, no licences and more than likely no idea!!

The point is, for all you good people hoping to spend some hard earned on the chance to catch your fish of a lifetime, buyer beware. A charter operator generally shells approx. $5000 - $7000 a year to make their boat legal for a season of fishing, before they put a bum on a seat. This sum does not include maintenance, fuel, or any fishing gear.

Hopefully if an operator is willing to spend this sort of money, he is fairly serious about his intentions...ie for you to catch fish!

So in your travels be sure to suss out the operator prior to teeing up your trip. A good operator will have no problem answering your questions if he/she is legit.

Cheers...I'll now get of my horse!!
Bat

[ant]

Yetti,
Good points!
Not only is it illegal to charge to take people out unless you have all the relevant tickets (including a boat in correct survey), but it is also a very silly move on both the 'operator' and the customer. Think about the consequences in regards to safety and insurance.

[geoffjy]

I wasnt aware there were any dodgy people operating these fishing charters up here atm. Have to keep an eye open.

I totally agree with Bat on this as well. A lot of hard works goes into setting up a business, especially a charter one. They last thing they need is someone operating illegally.

[Nedly]

I'm a great believer in supporting local businesses when visiting any area.
You could only assume that an illegal operator would have to be an out-of-towner.

I was told there was a bloke offering charters out of the camping ground last year, he was in fact staying at the camp ground.
I can't remember his name, I would expect that if he's staying at the campground he would not be a local.
What I do remember is that he drove through the park like he owned the place, apparently the speed limit didn't apply to him.

Obviously, didn't go fishing with him.

Support the locals.

[ljboons]

When I was living up there I remember a guy turning up and tried to set himself up but was soon sent packing by the likes of Pricey,Greg and yourself.

Leo

[Geoffsa]

I empathise with the licensed operators who are doing the right thing and trying to support themselves and families when these illicit tossers come along to make a quick quid illegally.

While on this topic, will it be worth a charter while up the tip during August, and what would you expect to catch?

Geoff.

[ant]

I empathise with the licensed operators who are doing the right thing and trying to support themselves and families when these illicit tossers come along to make a quick quid illegally.

While on this topic, will it be worth a charter while up the tip during August, and what would you expect to catch?

Geoff.

Geoff,
Check out this website: www.ifishalot.com
I think you will find that it is worth fishing up there at any time of the year.

[Scorcher]

Yetti,

Where are these "unscrupulous" operators working out of?? Mainly Bamaga..or is this more wide spread?

I would have thought that there would be Fishery Dept people in the Cape looking out for this type of activity :confused:

Scorcher

[Geoffsa]

Thanks for the website Ant, good info.

[yetti]

gday all,

Firstly, On behalf of all charter operators, thanks for your support.

Secondly, I hope i didn't come across like a whingin' ba****d, because I'm lucky enough to genuinely love my job...the Torres Strait is a damn fine office, even in a 30 kn SE'ly...well mostly...lol.

Scorcher...I've heard of some of this type of thing last week out of Seisia, and Weipa. I should say I havn't witnessed anything, although the several people that have mentioned it to me, I would say are very reliable. Fisheries are based on TI and probably have no idea...yet, but i won't be making a complaint...as not much can be done after the fact, if you know what i mean. The persons involved are known to us and probably should watch their step however.

Geoffsa...]The fishing in the bluewater starts to really get going in August, as the water temps start rising. That said, other than early May, the fishing this year has been excellent, particularly on the Spanish and GTs. August catches include...Mackerel (Spanish, Grey, Shark and Spotties), Trevally (GTs, Bludger, Golden, Brassy), Cobia, Queenfish, and across the top the Longtail (Nth Bluefin) Tuna start to regularly show up. Depending on the moon phase and the currents, the usual suspects of reef fish are always about.

Hope that answers your questions, and thanks again,

Cheers,
Bat

[Geoffsa]

Bat,

I think what you have done is make people like myself aware that there are these unscrupulous mongrels around that will rip our money from us tourists, and if anything were to go wrong (insurance wise) we would be in the poo.

And thanks for the good info on the fishing in August, it certainly has answered my questions, along with the website from Ant.

Well done guys. And I hope you catch up with those poachers soon.

Geoff.

[rompa]

Bat,

we will be up around the second week of sept, how busy are you around that time and how much notice do you need to book a charter, not sure how many will be coming fishing maybe 5,
thanks in advance
Pete

[yetti]

Gday Rompa,

Mate I do have bookings in Sept, but not in huge blocks, so your timing shouldn't be a drama.

Unfortunately I only take four pasengers, unless the weather is spectacular (Legally I can take 5, but normally only 4 depending on water conditions.)

The fishing I do is bluewater only, but if your looking to chase Barra etc, I can put you onto an excellent bloke. If you need to, send me a PM via this site.

Enjoy your trip,

cheers mate,
Bat

[kingchevy]

I haven't heard of anyone working out of the van park except for one of the local fishing charter guys who had one of his employees and there boat at the caravan park in weipa??

I would love to know so I can steer the locals clear neways there is only 2 companies I recomend in weipa..

[ant]

I haven't heard of anyone working out of the van park except for one of the local fishing charter guys who had one of his employees and there boat at the caravan park in weipa??

I would love to know so I can steer the locals clear neways there is only 2 companies I recomend in weipa..

Not sure about Seisia and Bamaga, but I do know that Dave Donald is based at the Caravan Park in Weipa and I know for sure he has all his tickets and has a boat in survey. I would highly recommend Dave as he is not only a top bloke but knows the area very well. He also works out of Mapoon/Janie Creek.

[kingchevy]

Not sure about Seisia and Bamaga, but I do know that Dave Donald is based at the Caravan Park in Weipa and I know for sure he has all his tickets and has a boat in survey. I would highly recommend Dave as he is not only a top bloke but knows the area very well. He also works out of Mapoon/Janie Creek.

I was going to say dave donald I fix his car he has been aroiund here a long time I think the list for local charter guides goes something like this

Dave Donald sportfishing (was owned by the dave ant is talking about but has been sold to a guy called trevor and is managed by dan they have a few boats probably one of the bigger guys he has some good guides that have been in weipa for a lot of years)

Fish's fly and sportsfishing (owned by alan filiskirk he is a top bloke and runs a very proffesional outfit he is passionate about what he does the guides he has are of a very good standard and nice guys to boot he has about 3-4 boats I think defiently the pick of the bunch from my experience?? could be wrong though)

BarraDave sportsfishing (Same guy that owned dave donalds sportfishing and he works out of the van park good bloke he would have to have the best experience in town and is a very good fishing charter guide)

Pugwash fishing charter (Really don't know who runs his boat or if he is up to the standard but I know he doesn't run it as a full time thing so you can make a decision someone may have more info on them?

All fed up.....Gone fishing (I know jim borthwick well his father drives my tow truck for me his old man is a top bloke... he is a one man band but he may or may not have all his licensing don't quote me though because he has a very proffesional website his boat is neat and seems to run a proffesional show)

Aurukun Fisihing charters (I know its not weipa but I thought it was worth a mention as aurukun has some very good fishing)

Weipa Fishing Adventures (Run by Dave newman I have the other guys talking about him I don't know if he is liked thats about all I know about him)

Inshore Sport Fishing Weipa (Have no idea who he is but He came up in a google search)

I just googled fishing charters in weipa and come up with strikezone fishing charters they must be a very small outfit because I don't know of him I seem to remember seeing his boat around though it is run by craig jenkins I think he worked at rio at some point...

And I thought I would mention Weipa Houseboats it is owned by steve ren if you want to get away what better option than renting a house boat and cruising the rivers....

Also the caravan park rents boats if someone wants to run them selves around.

[ant]

Wow! Well done Sam. Great roundup of the operators. I will fill in a few blanks for you.....

Inshore Sportsfishing is owned by Russell Rouse (last I heard). Russell is a nice bloke and knows his stuff. He is a pretty quiet person and works on a part time basis.

StrikeZone: Owned by Craig Jenkins. I have known Craig for years and he certainly loves his fishing and knows some good spots.

All Fed Up: Jim Borthwick has all his tickets and runs a top operation. I have fished with Jim many times and will continue to do so. Jim is one of the few guides that works his backside off to find fish for his clients. Top bloke.

Weipa Fishing Adventures: Dave Newman would be the longest serving guide in the area. Dave is very quiet about what he does but believe me when I say that he knows his stuff.

Aurukun Fishing Charters: Probably one of the best locations on Cape York that offers guided fishing. This area is unbelievable and offers some top shelf fishing and scenery. New guides there this year so not sure what they are like. I know that Tim (who used to work there) was a top guide.

Weipa Houseboats: Great adventure. I am spending a week on one of the houseboats later this year and can't wait.

The other operators don't need any further info as Sam has done all that.

One thing worth mentioning here is that for a small area (Weipa) there are a lot of guides working and a lot of options for the tourist or local so choose the operator or business that suits your specific needs.

[geoffjy]

When i was at the Weipa Fishing Classic lasyt month, they had a pontoon style boat there on display. Cant remember the business. It between 6-7mt, had a bbq on board and fridge i think with a 60hp yammy on the back. Doesnt get much past 12 knots but it was a great little boat to be getting about the rivers for the day with the family relaxing.

Do you know the name of the business Sam?

[kingchevy]

Wow! Well done Sam. Great roundup of the operators. I will fill in a few blanks for you.....

Inshore Sportsfishing is owned by Russell Rouse (last I heard). Russell is a nice bloke and knows his stuff. He is a pretty quiet person and works on a part time basis.

StrikeZone: Owned by Craig Jenkins. I have known Craig for years and he certainly loves his fishing and knows some good spots.

All Fed Up: Jim Borthwick has all his tickets and runs a top operation. I have fished with Jim many times and will continue to do so. Jim is one of the few guides that works his backside off to find fish for his clients. Top bloke.

Weipa Fishing Adventures: Dave Newman would be the longest serving guide in the area. Dave is very quiet about what he does but believe me when I say that he knows his stuff.

Aurukun Fishing Charters: Probably one of the best locations on Cape York that offers guided fishing. This area is unbelievable and offers some top shelf fishing and scenery. New guides there this year so not sure what they are like. I know that Tim (who used to work there) was a top guide.

Weipa Houseboats: Great adventure. I am spending a week on one of the houseboats later this year and can't wait.

The other operators don't need any further info as Sam has done all that.

One thing worth mentioning here is that for a small area (Weipa) there are a lot of guides working and a lot of options for the tourist or local so choose the operator or business that suits your specific needs.

Thats right russel owns inshore sportfishing he is a real nice guy they have been in weipa for a lot of years...

[kingchevy]

When i was at the Weipa Fishing Classic lasyt month, they had a pontoon style boat there on display. Cant remember the business. It between 6-7mt, had a bbq on board and fridge i think with a 60hp yammy on the back. Doesnt get much past 12 knots but it was a great little boat to be getting about the rivers for the day with the family relaxing.

Do you know the name of the business Sam?

Yeah it will come to me I saw it on the round o bout the other day....

[geoffjy]

Its a new business from what he was saying and he had another couple of boats being made to compliment the ones he had allready.

[Scorcher]

Wow! Well done Sam. Great roundup of the operators. I will fill in a few blanks for you.....

StrikeZone: Owned by Craig Jenkins. I have known Craig for years and he certainly loves his fishing and knows some good spots.

One thing worth mentioning here is that for a small area (Weipa) there are a lot of guides working and a lot of options for the tourist or local so choose the operator or business that suits your specific needs.


Re: Strikezone- here is a link to his website. There doesn't seem to be too much going on of late.....probably because Cape Yorker is the place to be !!
However, it is another outlet for us Cape York tragics to have a chat, and do some research.

http://forums.strikezonesportsfish.com.au/

Scorcher

[peter]

The pontoon style boat is owned by Scott and Tania Williams, phone 40697181 or 0429 944 264. I got a card from the notice board at the shop the other day.
Not sure what "StrikeZone" is doing but Craig has moved to Gladstone.

[geoffjy]

I tried becoming a memeber of the forum there but am still waiting for the confrimation email. This was at the start of last year.

[the tractor]

yetti, i'm a tour operator and i've been stung by that bee myself. i'll be talking to you via pm shortly about some customers for you!