FISH & BOAT, February 2019- P45 Fishing From previous page back of my mind that crocs can cer- I am happy to admit that I wastainly venture far up river into fresh There are plenty of these brutes in the fresh if pushing my own capabilities this waters, so this needs to be in the you know where to look. They are more common time around and wouldn’t advise do- back of your mind at all times. in these reaches than you might think. ing this. It was all a little bit much. The fish Go with a mate. If you can’t get a The freshwater rivers and creeks mate to come, then put it off until around the Mackay / Whitsunday you find one to accompany you. region offer a diverse range of spe- A personal EPIRB is almost acies to target via kayak. Barramundi, “must” when doing these trips as sooty grunter, jungle perch, tarpon well and particularly when solo. and mangrove jack are just a few that I recommend taking plenty ofare on offer to fisho’s willing to put drinking water and small snacks in the hard yards. Throughout the such as trail mix and muesli bars. 10km of waterway I kayaked on this A mobile phone in a waterproof zip particular day, I came across some locked bag is imperative just in case excellent structure in the form of of an emergency. A mate of mine large lay down snags, undercut banks recently purchased a “LifeStraw” and turbulent deepwater pools at the which allows you to drink filtered base of waterfalls. I found that the water from the river, no matter how large lay down timber and under- ‘manky’ or algae-ridden it may be. cut banks were dominated by large It’s not such a big deal if you are sooty grunter and jacks, whereas the yakkin’ as there is storage space for deep water pools at the base of flow water, but if you happen to be hik- were areas where barramundi and ing, it negates the need to carry wa- sooty grunter were schooling in an ter with you. This couple of litres of attempt to move upstream against water you no longer have to carry the flow. Here these fish were thriv- ends up reducing your backpacking on highly oxygenated water and load by a few kilograms which is a having their meal swept straight to huge weight reduction over the tir- them. Tarpon, spangled perch and ing course of the day. barred grunter were absolutely eve- If you are in the north, it pays to be rywhere. croc smart. I do make every attempt The Gear one medium spin combo with me on try that can often be experienced but tion of freshwater stream, I strongly to kayak stretches of creek located Despite the fact I have a multitude these trips. Canoe/kayak capsize is a its mirroring qualities allows it to be recommend giving it a shot. Yes, it quite a long way from the saltwater of different rod and reel combos at very real possibility so Iimiting the virtually invisible in water. may be hard work at times, but good interface; however, it is always in the my disposal, I still choose to take just gear you take is certainly advanta- Early in the morning or late in the things never come easy. The scenery geous. I choose to use a 6-12lb Samu- afternoon, I opt to use small poppers can be spectacular, and when you rai Infinite matched with a Shimano and stickbaits across the surface. All stop for a moment to take it all in, Stradic 3000FK, 10lb braid and 14lb of these fish will willingly rise to a a fish is just a pleasant bonus. These leader. Sometimes leader of up to top-water offering and catching opportunities usually come around 30lb is necessary though, especially them this way is certainly very en- seldom few times a year as river when barramundi are present. This tertaining. By way of stickbaits, the height is critical. Too much flow and combo provides a happy medium for 70mm Bassday Sugapen is an abso- the journey becomes dangerous or the smaller and larger fish you will lute gun and is the first lure I tie on. impractical to fish and not enough come across on these fishin’ missions. Little diving hardbodies were also a flow will see you having to drag your Fluorocarbon leaders are essential in preferred option. yak/canoe too much which is never these gin clear, sweet water environ- Conclusion going to be fun. When the stars You only need a very basic kayak to get the job done. It’sments. Not only is it more abrasionWhen presented with the opportu-align, drop everything else and go. just a platform really so the smaller and lighter the better.resistant in the harsh boulder coun-nity to canoe or kayak a remote sec-You won’t regret it. A ONE STOP SHOPFOR ALL YOUR NAUTICAL NEEDS From a tinnie to a 30 metre vessel, no job is too big or too small for us at Norship Port Hinchinbrook We have Undercover refit sheds taking vessels up to 30 metres, outboard and marine mechanics, painters and sand blasters, hydraulic hose services, welding and machine shop along with a chandlery and Paint shop. Stay on-board and do it yourself crews are welcome and/or you can organize your own contractors to carry out your repairs. CHANDLERY SHOP THE WORKSHOP AT YOUR SERVICE Stocked with most popular brands including BLA, Can provide all your welding, fabrication, machining, hydraulic hose and Bait & Ice SamAllen, Johnson, Rule, Unipro, West Systems, pump repairs, outboard and inboard servicing repairs, engine, gearbox Cold Drinks Fleetguard, International, Jotan, Wattlyl, Ameron, repair and replacement, everything from the key to the propeller. Lanotec, Coxen, Century, Lion and we are agents for Outboard Servicing Muir, Vetus, Maxwell, Valvoline and Yanmar. LOCATION Boat & Trailer Repairs By Water Fishing Gear THE PAINT SHEDWe are located at the Port Hinchinbrook Marina. Matching draft to tide size willCrab Pots & Supplies allow easy access through to our facility. After entry through the leads at Port Boating Chandlery Hinchinbrook, you will see the Marina to your starboard. Do not turn into the Long or Short Storage Caters for all your painting needs from total Marina but keep travelling up the main channel towards the refuelling dock, re-sprays to paint repairs, fibreglass repairs, you will then see a canal to your port. We can be found at the end of this canal. Large Shed Hire Whether it’s gelcoat repairs, anti-foulings, wet and dry abrasive By Road Antifoul Application ‘Commercial’ or ’Just for Fun’ sandblasting, osmosis repairs and protective If you are travelling along the Bruce Highway we are found just south of the we can help. barrier coats. town of Cardwell. Enter Port Hinchinbrook and continue all the way to the end Aluminium & Fibreglass Call in and speak with one of of Foxtail Avenue. See us opposite the boat ramp. Repairs our ONSITE PROFESSIONALS Fabrication & Welding 2 Commercial Dve, Port Hinchinbrook, Cardwell Ph (07) 4066 8419 Email. info@norshipporthinchinbrook.com.auWeb. norshipporthinchinbrook.com.au BByy ORWRoaa tder