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Fingermark local standout
  |  First Published: March 2012



The vast amount of rainfall over the last few months have made all of the local rivers run a rich shade of chocolate milk coloured water. The fishing in the creeks has been slow, however it is expected at this time of year with the influx of freshwater purging the systems.

The McIvor River has been producing some standout fingermark for the few locals that can actually get there to fish it with most fish falling to live sardines.

There have also been some great 20lb+ barra being caught by a few of the local indigenous anglers that have been targeting them in the freshwater creeks and flood water run-off. The tried and tested Gold Bomber 15A with the orange belly has accounted for most of the fish and will continue to do so for many more seasons. An oldie but a goodie!

There have been reports of some fantastic mud crab around the various headlands and creek mouths as they have all been pushed out by the freshwater. Places like the mouth of the Annan River and Walker Bay are as good of a place as any for a feed of muddies and queenfish. Mullet frames have been the best baits.

Prawns are slowly being seen in the Endeavour River and plagues of school-sized grunter are feeding on them. Peeled prawn bait on a simple running ball sinker rig fish around Leprosy Creek should see a few better sized fish come aboard.

There has been some great land-based pelagic action around the old Wharf at Archers Point with catches of 1ueenfish, trevally and school-sized Spanish keeping slug tossers busy.

For the bait fisho, this is a good place to spend a few hours, if you can pick the right weather, as floating out a live sardine will often account for big jack, fingermark, Spanish mac and even the odd trout. If you take the kids down here make sure you throw a squid jig in as there are often plenty to keep the kids busy while you wait for a good table fish to inhale your live sardine.

The water has slowly begun to cool down a bit so the reef fishing has improved and the sharks are thinning out a tad. There have been some awesome fingermark caught of late around the headlands and 7’’ Jerk Shads have been claiming their fair share of victims. All plastics will work on a given day, however the Z-Man range is proving to be an irresistible offering for many of the better sized fingermark. Just remember when targeting these fish; only take what you need for a feed as they are very long lived and even slower growing!

Before planning a trip to Cooktown, give Russell at The Lure Shop a call on (07) 4069 5396 for all of the info and gear that you could need for the local area as the Lure Shop is Cape York’s largest range of fishing, hunting and boating equipment.

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