FISHING NEWS with Tony Mossop

WEATHER conditions continued to frustrate most fishermen last week, with rainfall of up to 200 ml in some places on the Cassowary Coast. Along with the rain came strong windy squalls. With milder conditions behind these storms, small windows of opportunity did exist for the more accomplished anglers who were rewarded around the islands with good Spanish mackerel plentiful in the usual spots.

Spottie, grey mackerel, and doggy mackerel were also present. Tuna queenfish and trevally were in good numbers. Large bait schools around the islands continue to hold predatory fish.

Let's hope all the fresh coming out of the coastal rivers and streams does not push the bait out further offshore, chasing their preferred comfort zone.

Last week fishing out around river mouths and in systems with freshwater catchments produced better

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info@wettropictimes.com.au PO Box 1100, TULLY, 4854 70 Butler Street, TULLY results; good flathead, big bream, trevally and whiting were caught in good numbers.

All species eagerly chased small hard bodies, plastic paddle tail lures, and fresh, well-presented baits. Peeled prawns, freshly pumped yabbies and strips of squid worked the best.

Because of the excess freshwater, Jacks and Barras were nearly all caught up higher in the river systems last week. The prime locations were where more transparent water came from drains running into the main river.

Even in the cooler conditions, small hard bodies such as the Jackson Comet and the new duo deep feet worked well.

As expected, the crabbing has been better than usual. Crabs generally dislike fresh water, so they come out of their holes and move downstream. Sometimes if there is enough fresh, they will come out of the rivers and gather along the beaches.

For the weekend river fishermen, a midday high tide should push plenty of saltier water into the river systems, hopefully bringing the predatory fish with it. The crabs should also be active, so remember to take your crab pot.

This week's weather forecast resembles the same old story: ongoing showers with a strong south-easterly wind. That is different from what fishermen want to hear. Generally, in past years, the weather dramatically improved once the Tully show was over. Let's all hope so.

Tony Mossop Tackleworld Tully