We have had an up and down sort of year as far as wind goes with more wind than normal for the last 12 months, so my resolution for the next year will be calm winds.

Three years of big floods have meant that our fishing has been awesome with most people going home with a barramundi as well as the usual salmon and grunter. Sweers Island has absolutely been firing all year with hardly any quiet times. There were record catches of reds to go with the sweetlip in plague proportions.

Early rain in December has everybody speculating on another big wet, which will be good news if it eventuates. January is traditionally the start to our wet season, which can cut the road between Normanton and Karumba for 4-6 weeks. Once we are cut off then Skytrans will start flying in and this is a good way to see the area and enjoy the great fishing on offer.

Finding calm winds and heading out to the rubble patches can be rewarding, as now is good time to catch those big GT. Make sure you use quality fishing gear as GT will wreck anything not up to scratch. I like to move the boat around so that you fight the fish from the side and this stops them for doing circle work under the boat. This technique can save 20 minutes off the fight time on a horse.

Golden snapper will also be in attendance, so a great day can be had with some fresh fish fillets for dinner.

Accommodation is readily available at Ashes (07 47459132), Gee-Dees family units (07 47459433) and Gone fishing units (07 47459502). You can organise a fishing charter with Kerry D fishing charters on 07 47459275 and there is also cars for hire through Matildas End on 07 47476500.

The bird life is amazing at this time of year and well worth a look. Australia Day is also an awesome event to be part of in Karumba with all sorts of games and entertainment for those lucky enough to be here.

I had a good friend from Broome called me recently to give me the run down on the annual Derby-Broome fishing competition. Congratulations go to Derby and poor Gary will have to try harder next year.