Februarry 2001 Top End Report

Darwin Harbour

Fishing at this time of year can be tough due to the seasonal storms that tear there way across the harbour. Given the conditions and breaks in the wether, the fish can really turn-on. The best of the fishing generally comes with the bigger tides of the New and Full moon periods, thus producing 'lower lows' and 'higher highs'.

Darwin Harbour queenfish on fly gear.

During the 'lower lows' most of the harbours gutters become exposed and the fish feed rapidly during the peak of the low. Stay 50 meters or so off the gutter and look for any activity before moving with-in casting range. Search the area of the shallows with Gold Bomber's or any shallow running lure. Also cast out from the gutters with deeper running lures. Had an unconfirmed report of a meter plus fish from the West Arm early in the new year, a great fish, and a sensational one to be caught with-in sight of the city of Darwin. There's no doubt there will another half-dozen or so 25lbers swimming around in the harbour, get out there and chase one!

Threadfin Salmon also work there way around the gutters during the warmer months. Feeding on jelly prawns, they can become a problem to get to bite a lure or Fly, but prove hours of fun and fight superbly once hooked. Try small lures in Fluoro green colours, and keep casting to the area even when not getting a reaction. Eventually one will bite and prove a great battle.
Threadies can reach a size of 8kg in Darwin harbour and are also great tucker.
Bake them whole stuffed with goodies, have a cold beer, and there you have it, a great night around the Barbeque.

Darwin and Surrounding Offshore/ Inshore.

Offshore fishing during the months of Jan, Feb and March can be an enjoyable experience due to the calm conditions inshore. In-Between the tropical storms the seas are usually flat and suitable for bottom bouncing.
Jewfish, Golden Snapper and Salmon make up majority of the bait-fishers catch that provide supreme table fare.

24 pound threadfin caught on the flats on a Mad mullet lure.

Target your fishing to the morning changes of tide, and try for 2 hours either side of the tide change. High seems to be as productive as the low change. If you can source fresh Tuna for bait, do it! Squid is also excellent and pilchards would come a close third. Use your sounder for finding bommies around Charles point and fish the 'mud slopes' for Jewies.

Dundee beach as also been producing some great bottom fishing, for the keen anglers willing to spend and hour or so in the car it's defiantly worth the drive. Have a look at N.T Fish finder Magazine for the best locations.

Look forward to some great fishing during the famous 'Top-End Run-Off' and telling you about it.

Don't put it off, Book your Top End fishing trip NOW!

See you for some great fishing.
Michael Winterton