The high tides of the recent Black Moon did not disappoint once again! As usual,the live bait was the key factor. It took a few extra throws of the net,but the patience was rewarded. Not as many Barras were hooked as the previous set of big tides,but the Queen Fish and Gt’s were plentiful. While the fast flowing morning current pushed on to the pressure points,we were anchoring very close to the mangroves. Some casting skill was required to land the live baits as close as possible to the shore in the strike zone. Queenfish are a most acrobatic species and are consistent jumpers,leaping high into the air in their desperate bid to shake the hook. While some anglers regard ‘’Queenies ‘’ as poor table fish I disagree. Fresh Queen Fish have firm white flesh and are excellent barbequed,pan fried or breaded. Gt’s never jump,but pull the drag hard and steady to the bitter end. The deep runs in the inlet also had consistent action between tides when the current was slow enough. Once again the small reef sharks kept us busy baiting up and re-tying leadrs. The full moon is one week away! Fishing Cairns Inlet is by far the best on the three days after the full moon. Once again big incoming morning tides. Cheers and Tight Lines John H

We hoped there would be at least one more decent rainfall coming, we have arrived at April and it looks like the wet just did not happen this year. \The small tides before the upcoming black moon have been favorable. We have been able to fish the deep 20 meter channels and there have been consistent catches of Threadfin Salmon, good Fingermark (Golden Snapper), Tarpon, Queenies and GT’S. And there have also been plenty of reef sharks to keep both the anglers and the guide busy! The definite Highlight of the past week was a massive, approximate 1.2 metre Monster Barramundi. The reason I say approximate is because a large Bull Shark helped himself to the tail end right by the boat as the landing net was on standby! Check the photo and you can see the damage a shark can do to a trophy Barra. The black moon is only 5 days away! That means the big incoming morning tides are building and will soon be pushing on to the pressure points! Cairns Trinity Inlet will be firing. The big predators prefer these tides over any other! Tight Lines, John H

The incoming morning tides following the full moon have been productive. The live bait has been challenging to get,but well worth the effort. Jacks,GT'S and Threadfin Salmon were taken on sardines. Two Barras over a meter were hooked in the last three days! The three month Barra release season ends this coming Monday Feb 1st!